Server, vehicle, power supply system, and control method of power supply system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a server, a vehicle, a power supply system, and a control method for the power supply system. The server is configured to communicate with a first vehicle and a second vehicle, each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle being equipped with a power storage device configured to be charged by receiving power from a power transmission device disposed on a road in a non-contact manner during vehicle travel. The server includes a storage device and a processor. The storage device stores information on power shortage areas. The processor is configured to obtain destinations of the first vehicle and the second vehicle; and when the destination of the first vehicle is included in the power shortage area stored in the storage device, the destination of the second vehicle is not included in the power shortage area, and the first vehicle is charging on the road, restrict the charging operation of the second vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server, a vehicle, a power supply system, and a control method for the power supply system, and more particularly to power supply control for a vehicle that can be charged with power received in a non-contact manner during travel. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-095983 discloses a charge / discharge management system that reduces the cost of electricity purchased from a commercial power supply by charging and discharging a power storage device (a storage battery) mounted on an electric vehicle through connecting the electric vehicle to an electrical system of a household via a charging / discharging stand. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-095983, as one scheme for power transfer between the electrical system of a household and a vehicle, a method of receiving and discharging power in a non-contact manner is disclosed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In recent years, as a method of supplying power to a vehicle in a non-contact manner, in addition to "power supply while parked" that supplies power to a parked vehicle, "power supply while traveling" that supplies power from a power transmission device arranged on a road to a vehicle while the vehicle is traveling is also being studied. By applying this "power supply while traveling", it is possible to transport power to a distant place using an electric vehicle.

[0004] For example, in a situation where it is difficult to ensure power, such as in an area where a disaster such as an earthquake has occurred or in an area where a power outage has occurred due to a failure of power transmission and distribution equipment, and in a situation where it is predicted that the power demand will temporarily increase and exceed the power supply according to certain events and phenomena, by charging the storage battery of a vehicle traveling to the target area using "power supply while traveling", it is possible to transport more power to the target area.

[0005] However, the destinations of vehicles traveling on a road are different, and in addition, the power that can be supplied from the power transmission device is limited. For this reason, if power is supplied to many vehicles from the same power transmission device at the same time, the power that can be supplied to a vehicle destined for an area in need of power (hereinafter, also referred to as a "power shortage area") may decrease, and it may not be possible to sufficiently ensure the power that can be transported to the power shortage area.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a power supply system that can perform power supply while traveling and can ensure more power that can be supplied to a power shortage area.

[0007] The first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a server configured to communicate with a first vehicle and a second vehicle. Each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle is equipped with a power storage device configured to be charged by receiving power from a power transmission device disposed on a road in a non-contact manner while the vehicle is running. The server includes a storage device and a processor. The storage device stores information on power shortage areas. The processor is configured to obtain the destinations of the first vehicle and the second vehicle; when the destination of the first vehicle is included in the power shortage area stored in the storage device, the destination of the second vehicle is not included in the power shortage area, and the first vehicle is being charged on the road, restrict the charging operation of the second vehicle.

[0008] With this configuration, in a system capable of supplying power to a running vehicle in a non-contact manner, the power supply to a vehicle (the second vehicle) not destined for a power shortage area is restricted. Thus, power can be preferentially supplied to a vehicle (the first vehicle) destined for a power shortage area. Therefore, more power can be ensured to be supplied to the power shortage area.

[0009] In a certain embodiment, the road includes a first lane where the power transmission device is disposed and a second lane where the power transmission device is not disposed. The processor may also be configured to restrict the charging operation of the second vehicle by notifying the second vehicle of information preventing entry into the first lane.

[0010] With this configuration, the entry of a vehicle not destined for a power shortage area into the power supply lane (the first lane) is suppressed. Therefore, power can be preferentially supplied to a vehicle destined for a power shortage area.

[0011] In a certain embodiment, the processor may also be configured to, when the second vehicle is running on the first lane, restrict the charging operation of the second vehicle by notifying the second vehicle of information requesting to leave the first lane.

[0012] With this configuration, even when a vehicle not destined for a power shortage area is running on the power supply lane and a power supply operation is being performed, the power supply operation can be interrupted and the vehicle can be made to leave the power supply lane. Therefore, power can be preferentially supplied to a vehicle destined for a power shortage area.

[0013] In a certain embodiment, the processor may also be configured to, when the second vehicle is performing a charging operation on the road, restrict the charging operation of the second vehicle by sending an instruction to the power transmission device to reduce the power supplied to the second vehicle.

[0014] In a certain embodiment, the processor may also be configured to, when the second vehicle is performing a charging operation on the road, limit the charging operation of the second vehicle by sending an instruction to the power transmission device to stop supplying power to the second vehicle.

[0015] With this configuration, even when a vehicle that is not destined for a power shortage area is traveling on a power supply lane, it is possible to reduce the power supplied to the vehicle or stop supplying power to the vehicle. For this reason, it is possible to preferentially supply power to a vehicle destined for a power shortage area.

[0016] In a certain embodiment, the processor may also be configured to, when multiple vehicles are performing a charging operation on the road and the total power supplied to the multiple vehicles exceeds the power that can be supplied by the power transmission device, obtain the state of charge (SOC) of each of the multiple vehicles; compared with the charging operation of a vehicle with a lower state of charge, limit the charging operation of a vehicle with a higher state of charge. The multiple vehicles are configured to be destined for the power shortage area and receive power from the power transmission device in a non-contact manner.

[0017] In a certain embodiment, the processor may also be configured to, when multiple vehicles are performing a charging operation on the road and the number of the multiple vehicles exceeds a predetermined number, obtain the state of charge of each of the multiple vehicles; compared with the charging operation of a vehicle with a lower state of charge, limit the charging operation of a vehicle with a higher state of charge. The multiple vehicles are configured to be destined for the power shortage area and charge using the power from the power transmission device.

[0018] With this configuration, when there are multiple vehicles destined for a power shortage area and the power that can be supplied to one vehicle is limited, power is preferentially supplied to a vehicle with a lower SOC, that is, a vehicle that can store more power. Therefore, it is possible to increase the power that can be supplied to the power shortage area.

[0019] In a certain embodiment, the storage device may also store the priority of each area included in the power shortage area, and the processor may also be configured to, when multiple vehicles are performing a charging operation on the road and the total power supplied to the multiple vehicles exceeds the power that can be supplied by the power transmission device, obtain the priority regarding the destination of each of the multiple vehicles; compared with the charging operation of a vehicle with a higher priority regarding the destination, limit the charging operation of a vehicle with a lower priority regarding the destination. The multiple vehicles are configured to be destined for the power shortage area and charge using the power from the power transmission device.

[0020] In a certain embodiment, the storage device may also store the priorities for each area included in the power shortage area, and the processor may also be configured to obtain the priorities regarding the destinations of the multiple vehicles when multiple vehicles are performing charging operations on the road and the number of the multiple vehicles exceeds a predetermined number, and restrict the charging operation of the vehicle with a lower priority regarding the destination compared to the charging operation of the vehicle with a higher priority regarding the destination. The multiple vehicles are configured to use the power from the power transmission device to charge with the power shortage area as the destination.

[0021] With this configuration, when there are multiple vehicles with the power shortage area as the destination and the power that can be supplied to one vehicle is limited, it is possible to preferentially supply power to the area with a higher urgency (priority) in the power shortage area.

[0022] The power supply system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes: a power transmission device arranged on a road; a first vehicle and a second vehicle; and a server configured to communicate with the first vehicle and the second vehicle. The first vehicle and the second vehicle are each equipped with a power storage device, and the power storage device is configured to be charged with the power received from the power transmission device in a non-contact manner during vehicle travel. The server includes a processor and a storage device storing information on power shortage areas. The processor is configured to obtain the destinations of the first vehicle and the second vehicle; and restrict the charging operation of the second vehicle when the destination of the first vehicle is included in the power shortage area stored in the storage device, the destination of the second vehicle is not included in the power shortage area, and the first vehicle is charging on the road.

[0023] The vehicle according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is configured to communicate with a server and receive power from a power transmission device arranged on a road in a non-contact manner during travel. The vehicle includes: a power receiving device configured to receive power from the power transmission device; a power storage device configured to be charged with the power received by the power receiving device; and a processor. The server stores information on power shortage areas. The processor is configured to obtain information on the destinations of specific vehicles traveling on and around the power transmission device when the destination of the vehicle is included in the power shortage area obtained from the server and the power storage device is charged with the power from the power transmission device arranged on the path to the destination; and request the server to restrict the charging operation of the specific vehicle when the destination of the specific vehicle is not included in the power shortage area.

[0024] The method according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a power supply system, the power supply system comprising: a power transmission device disposed on a road; a first vehicle and a second vehicle; and a server configured to communicate with the first vehicle and the second vehicle, each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle being equipped with a power storage device configured to be charged with power received in a non-contact manner from the power transmission device during vehicle travel, the server storing information on power shortage areas, the control method including: the server obtaining the destinations of the first vehicle and the second vehicle; and the server restricting the charging operation of the second vehicle when the destination of the first vehicle is included in the power shortage areas stored in the server, the destination of the second vehicle is not included in the power shortage areas, and the first vehicle is charging on the road.

[0025] In the power supply system according to the present disclosure, in a system capable of supplying power to a traveling vehicle in a non-contact manner, the supply of power to a vehicle not destined for a power shortage area is restricted, so that power can be preferentially supplied to a vehicle destined for a power shortage area. Therefore, more power that can be supplied to the power shortage area can be ensured. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Hereinafter, the features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 is an overall schematic diagram of the power supply system according to Embodiment 1.

[0028] Figure 2 is for explaining Figure 1 the details of the vehicle and the power supply equipment in

[0029] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the information on power shortage areas stored in the server.

[0030] Figure 4 is the first diagram for explaining the outline of the priority power supply control in Embodiment 1.

[0031] Figure 5 is the second diagram for explaining the outline of the priority power supply control in Embodiment 1.

[0032] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process of the priority power supply control executed by the server in Embodiment 1.

[0033] Figure 7It is a flowchart for explaining the process of priority power supply control performed by a vehicle in Modification 1.

[0034] Figure 8 It is the first figure for explaining the outline of the priority power supply control in Embodiment 2.

[0035] Figure 9 It is the second figure for explaining the outline of the priority power supply control in Embodiment 2.

[0036] Figure 10 It is a figure for explaining the outline of the priority power supply control in Modification 2.

[0037] Figure 11 It is a flowchart for explaining the process of priority power supply control performed by a server in Embodiment 3.

[0038] Figure 12 It is a flowchart for explaining the process of priority power supply control performed by a server in Modification 3. Detailed Embodiments

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0040] [Embodiment 1]

[0041] (System Outline)

[0042] Figure 1 It is an overall schematic diagram of the power supply system 10 including the vehicle 100 according to this embodiment. Refer to Figure 1 , the power supply system 10 includes the vehicle 100, the power transmission device 200, and the server 300. The vehicle 100, the power transmission device 200, and the server 300 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network 400 such as the Internet. The communication between the vehicle 100 and the communication network 400 is performed using a wireless method. The communication between the power transmission device 200 and the communication network 400 and / or the communication between the server 300 and the communication network 400 can be wired or wireless. The power transmission device 200 is arranged on the road. The vehicle 100 is configured to be able to receive power from the power transmission device 200 in a non-contact manner.

[0043] When the server 300 receives destination information from the vehicle 100, it uses map information to search for a driving route (route) from the current position of the vehicle 100 to the destination, and conveys the route information to the vehicle 100. In the vehicle 100, the user selects one route from the driving routes prompted by the server 300. The server 300 guides the driving route selected by the user as the vehicle 100 travels.

[0044] In addition, the above route information includes information on the power transmission devices 200 arranged on each driving path. When the vehicle 100 reaches the power transmission device 200 arranged on the selected driving path, the server 300 causes the power transmission device 200 to output power to charge the vehicle 100.

[0045] The server 300 includes a processor 310, a storage device 305, and a communication device 350. The storage device 305 includes a memory 320, a map database (DB) 330, and a power transmission device database 340. The processor 310, the memory 320, the map database 330, the power transmission device database 340, and the communication device 350 are interconnected via a common bus 360 and are configured to be able to exchange information with each other.

[0046] The processor 310 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and is configured to execute predetermined arithmetic processing described in a program. The memory 320 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM stores the program executed by the processor 310. The RAM temporarily stores data generated by the execution of the program in the processor 310 and data input via the communication device 350. The RAM also functions as a temporary data memory used as a work area.

[0047] The communication device 350 is a communication interface for performing data exchange with the vehicle 100 via the communication network 400. As described above, the communication between the server 300 and the communication network 400 is performed in a wired or wireless manner.

[0048] The map database 330 stores map information including road information. When the processor 310 receives information on the current location and the destination sent from the vehicle 100, it refers to the map information included in the map database 330 and searches for candidates for the driving path from the current location to the destination. In addition, information indicating the power supply and demand status in each area on the map is stored in the map database 330. The processor 310 determines whether the destination of the vehicle 100 is a "power shortage area" based on the information on the power supply and demand status stored in the map database 330.

[0049] The power transmission device database 340 stores information related to the power transmission device 200 disposed on the road. The information related to the power transmission device 200 includes the position information and the specification information of the power transmission device 200. In the search for the above-described driving route candidates, the processor 310 acquires the power transmission device 200 disposed on each driving route from the power transmission device database 340. Further, as described later, when the vehicle 100 is a vehicle destined for a "power shortage area", the processor 310 causes the power transmission device 200 to preferentially supply power to the vehicle 100.

[0050] (Configuration of Vehicle and Power Transmission Device)

[0051] Next, Figure 2 is used to describe the detailed configurations of the vehicle 100 and the power transmission device 200. Referring to Figure 2 , the configuration of the vehicle 100 will be described first. The vehicle 100 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 110 as a control device, a communication device 120, a navigation device (Navi) 125, a power receiving coil 130, a charging device 140, a power storage device (storage battery) 145, a PCU (Power Control Unit) 160 as a driving device, and a motor generator (MG: Motor Generator) 165.

[0052] The power receiving coil 130 is disposed on the lower surface of the floor panel forming the bottom surface of the vehicle 100. The power receiving coil 130 receives power transmitted from the power transmission device 200 in a non-contact manner. The power received by the power receiving coil 130 is output to the charging device 140.

[0053] The charging device 140 includes, for example, an AC / DC converter or a rectifier. The charging device 140 is controlled by the ECU 110, and converts the AC power received by the power receiving coil 130 into DC power suitable for charging the storage battery 145 to charge the storage battery 145. The storage battery 145 is a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells. Each battery cell included in the storage battery 145 is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery.

[0054] The PCU 160 includes, for example, a DC / DC converter and an inverter. The PCU 160 converts the DC power from the storage battery 145 into AC power to drive the MG 165. The MG 165 is a rotating electric machine, and is driven by the AC power from the PCU 160 to apply a driving torque to the drive wheels 166 to cause the vehicle 100 to travel.

[0055] The communication device 120 is a communication interface for signal exchange between the server 300 via the communication network 400. In addition, the communication device 120 is configured to be able to communicate with the communication device 260 of the power transmission device 200 as well. The communication between the communication device 120 and the communication network 400 and between the communication device 120 and the power transmission device 200 is performed wirelessly.

[0056] The navigation device 125 includes a touch panel (not shown), and prompts and guides the driving route to the destination specified by the user. The navigation device 125 transmits the information of the destination input by the user to the server 300 via the communication device 120. The navigation device 125 receives the candidate information of the driving route to the destination searched by the server 300 and displays it on the touch panel. When the user selects the desired driving route from the displayed candidates, the navigation device 125 guides the user based on the selected driving route. In addition, the navigation device 125 performs the display of the information sent from the server 300 and the notification by voice.

[0057] Next, the configuration of the power transmission device 200 will be described. The power transmission device 200 includes a power transmission unit 210, a power supply device 220, a control device 250, and a communication device 260. The power transmission unit 210 includes a plurality of power transmission coils 210A to 210E. In addition, Figure 2 shows an example in which the power transmission device 200 includes five power transmission coils 210A to 210E arranged in a row on the road surface, but the number of power transmission coils is not limited to this, and may be 4 or less, or 6 or more. In addition, the power transmission coils may be arranged in multiple rows along the road surface.

[0058] The control device 250 includes a CPU and a memory (both not shown) and comprehensively controls other devices within the power transmission device 200. Specifically, the control device 250 selects the power transmission coil for power transmission and determines the power supplied to each power transmission coil based on the information received from the vehicle 100 via the communication device 260 and the information sent from the server 300.

[0059] The communication device 260 is a communication interface for wirelessly communicating with the vehicle 100. The control device 250 transmits and receives the position information of the vehicle, the information related to the specifications of the power receiving device, the SOC (State of Charge) information of the battery 145, the charging fee information, etc. via the communication device 260.

[0060] The power transmission coils 210A to 210E are connected to the power supply device 220. The power supply device 220 is connected to an AC power source 230 disposed outside the power transmission device 200. The power supply device 220 converts the AC power received from the AC power source 230 into AC power of a predetermined frequency according to an instruction from the control device 250, and outputs it to the power transmission coils 210A to 210E. At this time, the control device 250 supplies the AC power from the AC power source 230 to the power transmission coil above which the power receiving coil 130 of the vehicle 100 is located among the power transmission coils 210A to 210E based on the position of the vehicle 100.

[0061] More specifically, for example, when the power receiving coil 130 is located above the power transmission coil 210B and faces the power transmission coil 210B, the control device 250 supplies AC power from the power supply device 220 to the power transmission coil 210B. By an alternating current flowing through the power transmission coil 210B, an electromagnetic field is formed around the power transmission coil 210B. The power receiving coil 130 on the vehicle 100 side receives power from the power transmission coil 210B in a non-contact manner through the electromagnetic field formed by the power transmission coil 210B.

[0062] Moreover, when the power receiving coil 130 moves away from above the power transmission coil 210B, the control device 250 controls the power supply device 220 to stop the supply of AC power to the power transmission coil 210B. By performing such a series of controls for each of the power transmission coils 210A to 210E, "in-motion power supply" for non-contact power transfer to the moving vehicle 100 can be performed. Of course, when the vehicle 100 is parked on the power transmission device 200, power can also be transferred to the vehicle 100 in a non-contact manner from the power transmission device 200. In addition, the power transmission coils 210A to 210E can be disposed on the road surface of the driving lane or at a position where the vehicle stops waiting for a signal at an intersection.

[0063] The control device 250 determines whether the power receiving coil is located above each power transmission coil based on a sensor (not shown) provided in the power transmission device 200 and / or the vehicle position data transmitted from the vehicle 100.

[0064] (Priority power supply control)

[0065] By applying this "in-motion power supply", the vehicle 100 can be used as a power vehicle to transport power to a distant place. For example, in areas where it is difficult to ensure power supply such as in areas affected by disasters such as earthquakes or areas where power outages occur due to failures of power transmission and distribution equipment, and in cases where it is predicted that the power demand will temporarily increase and exceed the power supply according to certain events and phenomena, more power can be transported to the target area by charging the batteries of the vehicles going to the target area using in-motion power supply.

[0066] However, the destinations of vehicles traveling on the road are different, and in addition, the power that can be supplied from the power transmission device is limited. For this reason, if power is supplied to many vehicles from the same power transmission device at the same time, the power that can be supplied to vehicles destined for areas that require power (power shortage areas) may decrease, and it may not be possible to sufficiently ensure the power that can be transported to power shortage areas.

[0067] Therefore, in the power supply system 10 of Embodiment 1, when multiple vehicles are supplied with power during travel by the same power transmission device, "priority power supply control" is performed to preferentially supply power to vehicles destined for power shortage areas. By performing such control, more power that can be supplied to power shortage areas can be ensured.

[0068] In addition, as vehicles destined for power shortage areas, it is not limited to vehicles requested to be power source vehicles, but also includes vehicles going to the area for other purposes. Even vehicles visiting for other purposes have the effect of being able to reduce power consumption in the power shortage area as the visited destination by suppressing charging in the power shortage area.

[0069] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of information on power shortage areas stored in the map database 330 of the server 300. In the map database 330, for each area on the map, power shortage information and priorities are stored in association. Here, the area can be, for example, an administrative division such as a city, town, or village, or a division realized by an institution such as a factory, hospital, or commercial facility.

[0070] As power shortage information, for example, it includes information on disaster areas such as earthquakes or floods, and information such as shortages caused by a temporary increase in power demand or power outages accompanied by failures of power transmission and distribution equipment. In Figure 3 the example, it is shown that area A is a disaster area, area C is an area where power demand has become excessive, and area Z is an area where a power outage has occurred due to a power equipment failure. In addition, there is no power shortage in areas B and D. Moreover, priorities are determined for each main cause of power shortage. For main causes with a high degree of urgency, the priority is set high.

[0071] The server 300 determines whether the destination sent from the vehicle 100 is included in the area designated as a power shortage area in Figure 3 In the case of matching the power shortage area, the server 300 preferentially supplies power to the vehicle destined for the power shortage area during travel compared to the vehicle destined for an area that is not a power shortage area.

[0072] Next, useFigure 4 and Figure 5 , the outline of the priority power supply control in Embodiment 1 will be described. Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , consider the case where two vehicles 100A and 100B travel from the current location 500 to the destination A510 and the destination B520, respectively. The destination A510 is included in the Figure 3 shown power shortage area, and the destination B520 is not included in the power shortage area. Moreover, on the paths from the current location 500 to the respective destinations, the vehicles 100A and 100B travel on the road 600 where the power transmission device 200 is arranged. In this case, the vehicle 100A with the power shortage area as the destination becomes the target vehicle of the above-mentioned priority power supply control, and the vehicle 100B does not become the target vehicle but becomes a non-target vehicle.

[0073] As Figure 5 shown, the road 600 includes a power supply lane (the first lane) 610 where the power transmission unit 210 of the power transmission device 200 is arranged and a general lane (the second lane) 620 where the power transmission device 200 is not arranged. In-vehicle power supply is performed while the vehicle is traveling on the power supply lane 610.

[0074] When the vehicle 100A with the power shortage area as the destination arrives at the area where the power transmission device 200 is arranged on the power supply lane 610, the server 300 conveys to the vehicle 100B, which is a non-target vehicle, information indicating the meaning of prohibiting entry from the general lane 620 into the power supply lane 610. When the vehicle 100B receives the prohibition entry information from the server 300, for example, the display of the navigation device 125 displays the information to alert the driver of the vehicle 100B. In addition, it may also be conveyed to the driver by voice while the display is showing.

[0075] In addition, when the vehicle 100B is performing in-vehicle power supply on the power supply lane 610, the server 300 may also notify the vehicle 100B of the request to leave the power supply lane 610, prompting the driver of the vehicle 100B to change the driving lane and interrupt the in-vehicle power supply.

[0076] In this way, by notifying the non-target vehicle of the information prohibiting entry from the general lane into the power supply lane and / or the information requesting it to leave the power supply lane, in-vehicle power supply can be preferentially performed on the vehicle 100A as the target vehicle.

[0077] In addition, in the case where the road 600 is a single lane and there is only the power supply lane 610 and it is impossible to leave the power supply lane 610, or in the case where the driver of the vehicle 100B continues to drive on the power supply lane despite the above-mentioned notification, the server 300 preferably supplies power to the vehicle 100A by reducing the power supply to the vehicle 100B or forcibly stopping the power supply.

[0078] Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining the process of priority power supply control executed by the server 300. In the processor 310 of the server 300, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, it is called and executed from the main routine. Figure 6 of the flowchart. For example, whenever a new vehicle enters the range of the power transmission device 200 of the power supply lane 610, the server 300 executes Figure 6 of the flowchart.

[0079] Each step in the flowchart is implemented by software processing of the processor 310, but part or all of the steps can also be implemented by hardware such as LSI (Large Scale Integration).

[0080] Refer to Figure 6 , in step (hereinafter, the step is abbreviated as S.) 100, the server 300 obtains information about the destination from each vehicle traveling within the range of the power transmission device 200 of the power supply lane 610, and determines whether there is an object vehicle for priority power supply control whose destination is an area with insufficient power. If there is no object vehicle (S100: No), priority power supply control in the power transmission device 200 is not required, so the server 300 skips the subsequent processing and ends the processing.

[0081] On the other hand, if there is an object vehicle within the range of the power transmission device 200 (S100: Yes), the server 300 proceeds to S110 and obtains information about other vehicles on the power supply lane 610 and the surrounding general lane 620. Then, in S120, the server 300 determines whether these vehicles include non-object vehicles.

[0082] If non-object vehicles are not included (S120: No), priority power supply control is not required, so the server 300 skips the subsequent processing and ends the processing. On the other hand, if non-object vehicles are included (S120: Yes), the server 300 proceeds to S130 and notifies the non-object vehicles of a warning not to enter the power supply lane 610 and / or a request to leave the power supply lane 610.

[0083] In S140, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the notification in S130, the server 300 determines whether the non-target vehicle still remains on the power supply lane 610 and whether the power supply operation for the non-target vehicle is still continuing. In the case where the power supply operation for the non-target vehicle is not being performed (S140: No), the server 300 ends the process. On the other hand, in the case where the power supply operation for the non-target vehicle is still continuing (S140: Yes), in S150, the power supply to the non-target vehicle is stopped. In addition, as long as it is within the range of the power that can be supplied by the power supply device 200, for example, the power supply can also be reduced, and the power supply to the non-target vehicle can be continued.

[0084] By controlling according to the above processing, it is possible to preferentially supply power during travel to a vehicle destined for a power shortage area, and thus more power that can be supplied to the power shortage area can be ensured.

[0085] In addition, "Vehicle 100A" and "Vehicle 100B" in Embodiment 1 respectively correspond to examples of "First Vehicle" and "Second Vehicle" in the present disclosure. "Power Supply Lane 610" and "General Lane 620" in Embodiment 1 respectively correspond to examples of "First Lane" and "Second Lane" in the present disclosure.

[0086] (Modification Example 1)

[0087] In Embodiment 1, an example in which the server 300 executes priority power supply control has been described. In Modification Example 1, a case in which the priority power supply control determination is performed by the target vehicle is described.

[0088] Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the priority power supply control in Modification Example 1. In Modification Example 1, this processing is executed by the ECU 110 of the vehicle 100 which is the target vehicle. In addition, Figure 7 although not shown, the vehicle 100 receives information on the power shortage area from the server 300, and when the destination of the vehicle 100 is included in the power shortage area received from the server 300, it identifies that itself conforms to the target vehicle. In the case where the vehicle 100 does not conform to the target vehicle, the Figure 7 processing is not executed.

[0089] Refer to Figure 7In S200, vehicle 100, which is the target vehicle, determines whether it has entered the range of the power transmission device 200 on the power supply lane 610. If it has not entered the range of the power transmission device 200 (S200: No), vehicle 100 skips the subsequent processing and ends the process. In addition, the "range of the power transmission device 200" may include not only the area where the power transmission unit 210 is actually configured, but also the area in front of the power transmission unit 210 at a predetermined distance (e.g., 100 meters).

[0090] If it has entered the range of the power transmission device 200 (S200: Yes), the process proceeds to S210, and vehicle 100 obtains information on the vehicles traveling on the power supply lane 610 and the surrounding general lanes 620 from the server 300 or through vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Then, in S220, vehicle 100 determines whether there are non-target vehicles among the surrounding vehicles.

[0091] If there are no non-target vehicles among the surrounding vehicles (S220: No), vehicle 100 skips the subsequent processing and ends the process.

[0092] On the other hand, if there are non-target vehicles among the surrounding vehicles (S220: Yes), the process proceeds to S230, and vehicle 100 instructs the server 300 to notify the non-target vehicle of a warning not to enter the power supply lane 610 and / or a request to leave the power supply lane 610. In response to the instruction from vehicle 100, the server 300 notifies the non-target vehicle not to enter the power supply lane 610 and / or requests it to leave the power supply lane 610.

[0093] Then, in S240, vehicle 100 determines whether power is still being supplied to the non-target vehicle on the power supply lane 610 after the notification in S230. If power is not being supplied to the non-target vehicle (S240: No), vehicle 100 skips S250 and ends the process. On the other hand, if power is still being supplied to the non-target vehicle (S240: Yes), the process proceeds to S250, and vehicle 100 notifies the server 300 of an instruction to restrict the power supply operation to the non-target vehicle. In response to this notification, the server 300 restricts the power supply operation to the non-target vehicle.

[0094] By controlling according to the above processing, priority power supply control can be executed in the target vehicle.

[0095] [Embodiment 2]

[0096] In Embodiment 2, an example of the case where there is another vehicle destined for a different area included in the power shortage area is described.

[0097] Figure 8 And Figure 9This is a diagram for explaining the outline of the priority power supply control in Embodiment 2. Refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , in Embodiment 2, consider the case where in addition to the vehicles 100A and 100B described in Figure 4 , vehicle 100C is also added. The destination of vehicle 100C is a different destination C530 from those of vehicles 100A and 100B. Similar to destination A510, destination C530 is also included in the power shortage area stored in the map database 330 of the server 300. For this reason, vehicle 100C also becomes a target vehicle for the priority power supply control.

[0098] In this case, for both vehicle 100A and vehicle 100C, the processes shown in the flowcharts of Figure 6 or Figure 7 are applied to perform in - motion power supply for vehicles 100A and 100C.

[0099] On the other hand, for vehicle 100B which is a non - target vehicle, notifications of prohibiting entry into the power supply lane 610 and requesting to leave, as well as reducing or stopping the power supply are carried out to restrict the power supply operation.

[0100] In this way, in the case where vehicles with different destinations included in the power shortage area co - exist within the range of the same power transmission device, it is also possible to preferentially supply power to multiple target vehicles by restricting the power supply operation to non - target vehicles. Thereby, more power that can be supplied to the power shortage area can be ensured.

[0101] (Variant Example 2)

[0102] In addition, in the case where instead of Figure 8 and Figure 9 , vehicle 100C, or in addition to vehicle 100C, there are multiple vehicles going to the same destination included in the power shortage area and co - existing within the range of the same power transmission device, the above - mentioned configuration can also be applied. For example, as shown in Figure 10 , when vehicles 100A1, 100A2 going to destination A510 and vehicle 100C going to destination C530 are traveling on the power supply lane 610, by applying the priority power supply control to each of vehicles 100A1, 100A2, and 100C, more power that can be supplied to the power shortage area can be ensured.

[0103] [Embodiment 3]

[0104] In Embodiment 2, the case where priority power supply control is applied to each target vehicle when a plurality of target vehicles destined for a power shortage area coexist within the range of the same power transmission device has been described. However, since the maximum power that can be supplied from the power transmission device is limited, when the number of target vehicles increases, the power per unit time that can be supplied to one vehicle will decrease, and it may occur that sufficient power cannot be supplied to the target vehicle during the period when it travels within the power transmission range in the power supply lane.

[0105] Then, in Embodiment 3, a configuration will be described in which, when the number of target vehicles to which power should be supplied increases, more power is supplied to the target vehicles as a whole by supplying power to a part of the target vehicles selected from the target vehicles.

[0106] More specifically, in Embodiment 3, a method of preferentially supplying power to a vehicle with a relatively low SOC among a plurality of target vehicles is adopted. Generally, when charging a storage battery, when the SOC approaches the fully charged state, control is used to reduce the power supplied per unit time compared to the case of a low SOC to prevent overcharging of the storage battery. For this reason, regarding a vehicle with a high SOC, the power that can be received within the same period may sometimes be lower than that of a vehicle with a low SOC. For this reason, by preferentially supplying power to a vehicle with a relatively low SOC, more power can be supplied to the power shortage area.

[0107] Figure 11 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the priority power supply control executed by the server 300 in Embodiment 3. Refer to Figure 11 , in S300, the server 300 determines whether there are a plurality of target vehicles destined for a power shortage area within the range of the power transmission device 200 in the power supply lane 610. When there are no target vehicles or the target vehicle is alone (S300: No), the server 300 skips the subsequent processing and ends this processing. In addition, when the target vehicle is alone, the subsequent Figure 6 processing is executed to restrict the power supply operation to non-target vehicles.

[0108] On the other hand, when there are a plurality of target vehicles (S300: Yes), the process proceeds to S310, and the server 300 determines whether it is possible to supply power to all target vehicles from the power transmission device 200. Specifically, the server 300 calculates the total power supply that should be supplied to each target vehicle, and determines whether the calculated total power supply is greater than the maximum supplyable power Pmax of the power transmission device 200. Alternatively, it may instead be determined whether the number of target vehicles traveling in the power supply lane 610 is more than a predetermined threshold α.

[0109] When there is surplus power available in the power supply device 200 and it is possible to supply power to all target vehicles (S310: No), the server 300 skips the subsequent processing and executes Figure 6 the processing. On the other hand, when it is not possible to supply power to all target vehicles (S310: Yes), that is, when the total supply power exceeds the maximum available power Pmax or the number of target vehicles is more than the predetermined threshold α, the processing proceeds to S320, and the server 300 acquires the SOC information from each target vehicle.

[0110] Then, in S330, the server 300 restricts the power supply operation to vehicles with relatively high SOC. More specifically, the server 300 adjusts by reducing the power supply to vehicles with high SOC or stopping the power supply so that the total power supply from the power supply device 200 becomes equal to or less than the maximum available power Pmax. In addition, for vehicles that are not the power supply targets, a request to leave the power supply lane 610 can also be notified.

[0111] After that, the server 300 executes Figure 6 the processing described in

[0112] and further executes the power supply restriction for non-target vehicles.

[0113] (Modification Example 3)

[0114] In Modification Example 3, the following configuration is described: When there are multiple target vehicles, based on the priority of the power shortage area as the destination, the power supply of the target vehicles is restricted.

[0115] As described using Figure 3 there are various main causes of power shortage in the power shortage area. There are cases where it takes a long time to restore power outages, such as in disaster areas or large-scale damage to power transmission and distribution equipment. There are also cases where the power shortage can be eliminated in a short time, such as due to temporary excessive demand caused by supply and demand balance or the presence of backup equipment and bypass circuits. That is, the urgency or immediacy of power filling varies depending on the main cause of the power shortage. For this reason, in the server 300, the priority of the main cause of the power shortage is determined for each power shortage area.

[0116] In Modification Example 3, by preferentially supplying power to vehicles going to destinations with a high priority as set above, more power is supplied to areas with a high need for power filling.

[0117] Figure 12 It is a flowchart for explaining the process of priority power supply control in Modification 3. Figure 12 The flowchart of Figure 11 is a diagram obtained by replacing steps S320 and S330 in the flowchart described using Figure 12 with steps S320A and S330A respectively. The description of the steps that are repeated in Figure 11 is omitted.

[0118] Referring to Figure 12 , when there are multiple target vehicles on the power supply lane 610 (S300: Yes) and it is impossible to supply power to all target vehicles (S310: Yes), the process proceeds to S320A. The server 300 refers to the map database 330 to obtain the priorities of the respective destinations of the target vehicles. Then, in S330A, the server 300 restricts the power supply operation to the vehicles with relatively lower priorities and makes adjustments so that the total power supply from the power transmission device 200 becomes equal to or less than the maximum available power Pmax. After that, the server 300 executes the process described in Figure 6 and further executes the power supply restriction for non-target vehicles.

[0119] By controlling according to the above process, when there are more target vehicles than the available power of the power transmission device in the power supply lane, more power can be supplied to the areas with a higher need for power compensation.

[0120] In addition, in Embodiments 2 and 3 and Modifications 2 and 3, similar to Modification 1, the priority power supply control can be performed by the on-vehicle ECU.

[0121] It should be considered that the disclosed embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A server configured to communicate with a first vehicle and a second vehicle, each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle being equipped with a power storage device configured to be charged in a non-contact manner from a power feeding device arranged on a road while the vehicle is running. The server is characterized in that, The server includes a storage device and a processor. The storage device stores information on power shortage areas. The processor is configured to obtain the destinations of the first vehicle and the second vehicle; when the destination of the first vehicle is included in the power shortage area stored in the storage device, the destination of the second vehicle is not included in the power shortage area, and the first vehicle is charging on the road, restrict the charging operation of the second vehicle. The road includes a first lane where the power transmission device is arranged and a second lane where the power transmission device is not arranged. The processor is configured to restrict the charging operation of the second vehicle by notifying the second vehicle of information to prevent it from entering the first lane.

2. The server according to claim 1, characterized in that the processor is configured to, when the second vehicle is driving on the first lane, restrict the charging operation of the second vehicle by notifying the second vehicle of information requesting it to leave the first lane.

3. The server according to claim 1, characterized in that the processor is configured to, when the second vehicle is performing a charging operation on the road, restrict the charging operation of the second vehicle by sending an instruction to the power transmission device to reduce the power supplied to the second vehicle.

4. The server according to claim 3, characterized in that the processor is configured to, when the second vehicle is performing a charging operation on the road, restrict the charging operation of the second vehicle by sending an instruction to the power transmission device to stop the power supply to the second vehicle.

5. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when multiple vehicles are performing charging operations on the road and the total power supplied to the multiple vehicles exceeds the power supply capacity of the power transmission device, the processor is configured to obtain the state of charge (SOC) of each of the multiple vehicles; compared with the charging operation of the vehicle with a lower state of charge, restrict the charging operation of the vehicle with a higher state of charge. The multiple vehicles are configured to take the power shortage area as the destination and receive power from the power transmission device in a non-contact manner.

6. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the storage device stores the priority for each area included in the power shortage area. when multiple vehicles are performing charging operations on the road and the total power supplied to the multiple vehicles exceeds the power supply capacity of the power transmission device, the processor is configured to obtain the priority regarding the destinations of the multiple vehicles; compared with the charging operation of the vehicle with a higher priority regarding the destination, restrict the charging operation of the vehicle with a lower priority regarding the destination. The multiple vehicles are configured to take the power shortage area as the destination and charge using the power from the power transmission device.

7. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the processor is configured to, when multiple vehicles are performing charging operations on the road and the number of the multiple vehicles exceeds a predetermined number, acquire the state of charge of each of the multiple vehicles; compared with the charging operation of the vehicle with a low state of charge, restrict the charging operation of the vehicle with a high state of charge, the multiple vehicles are configured to charge using the power from the power transmission device with the power shortage area as the destination.

8. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the storage device stores the priority for each area included in the power shortage area, the processor is configured to, when multiple vehicles are performing charging operations on the road and the number of the multiple vehicles exceeds a predetermined number, acquire the priority for the destination of each of the multiple vehicles, compared with the charging operation of the vehicle with a high priority for the destination, restrict the charging operation of the vehicle with a low priority for the destination, the multiple vehicles are configured to charge using the power from the power transmission device with the power shortage area as the destination.

9. A power supply system, characterized in that, Comprising: a power transmission device arranged on the road; a first vehicle and a second vehicle; and a server configured to communicate with the first vehicle and the second vehicle, wherein each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle is equipped with a power storage device, and the power storage device is configured to be charged using the power received from the power transmission device in a non-contact manner during vehicle travel, the server includes a processor and a storage device storing information on the power shortage area, the processor is configured to acquire the destinations of the first vehicle and the second vehicle; when the destination of the first vehicle is included in the power shortage area stored in the storage device, the destination of the second vehicle is not included in the power shortage area, and the first vehicle is charging on the road, restrict the charging operation of the second vehicle, the road includes a first lane where the power transmission device is arranged and a second lane where the power transmission device is not arranged, the processor is configured to restrict the charging operation of the second vehicle by notifying the second vehicle of information to prevent entry into the first lane.

10. A vehicle configured to communicate with a server and receive power from a power transmission device disposed on a road in a non-contact manner during travel, characterized in that The vehicle includes: a power receiving device configured to receive power from the power transmission device; a power storage device configured to be charged using the power received by the power receiving device; and a processor, wherein the server stores information on the power shortage area, the processor is configured to, when the destination of the vehicle is included in the power shortage area obtained from the server and the power storage device is charged using the power from the power transmission device arranged on the path to the destination, acquire information on the destinations of specific vehicles traveling on and around the power transmission device; When the destination of the specific vehicle is not included in the power shortage area, request the server to restrict the charging operation of the specific vehicle. The road includes a first lane equipped with the power transmission device and a second lane not equipped with the power transmission device. The processor is configured to restrict the charging operation of the specific vehicle by notifying the specific vehicle of information to prevent entry into the first lane.

11. A control method for a power supply system, the power supply system comprising: a power transmission device disposed on a road; a first vehicle and a second vehicle; and a server configured to communicate with the first vehicle and the second vehicle, wherein the first vehicle and the second vehicle are each equipped with a power storage device, the power storage device being configured to be charged with power received in a non-contact manner from the power transmission device during vehicle travel, the server stores information on power shortage areas, the road includes a first lane where the power transmission device is disposed and a second lane where the power transmission device is not disposed, characterized in that, The control method includes: The server obtains the destinations of the first vehicle and the second vehicle; and When the destination of the first vehicle is included in the power shortage area stored in the server, the destination of the second vehicle is not included in the power shortage area, and the first vehicle is charging on the road, the server restricts the charging operation of the second vehicle. The server restricts the charging operation of the second vehicle by notifying the second vehicle of information to prevent entry into the first lane.

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