Server and power adjustment system

Abstract

A server and a power adjustment system are provided. The server is a server of an aggregator that requests power adjustment resources to participate in a demand response for adjusting a balance between power supply and demand in a power grid. The power adjustment resources include a plurality of vehicles, each of which is managed by an operator and used to provide a service. The server includes a storage device and a processing device. The storage device stores statistical result information indicating a participation result of each vehicle in the demand response for a predetermined entire statistical period. The processing device sets an evaluation value of a degree of contribution of the operator to adjustment of the balance between power supply and demand in accordance with the statistical result information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to servers and power regulation systems. Background Technology

[0002] Research is underway on demand response (DR) techniques used to adjust the balance of electricity supply and demand in the power grid, in conjunction with virtual power plants (VPPs). DR is a method of requesting electricity adjustment resources from consumers in a way that changes (e.g., increases) in electricity demand.

[0003] Regarding DR, International Publication No. 2020 / 241246 discloses an integrator server. The integrator server includes an information acquisition unit and a contribution calculation unit. The information acquisition unit acquires user information and power usage information. User information is information related to a person who used a predetermined spatial area during a predetermined time period. Power usage information is information indicating the use of power in the predetermined spatial area during a predetermined time period. The contribution calculation unit calculates the contribution of the person's adjustment and coordination of power usage based on the user information and the power usage information. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Car service providers, such as car rental operators or car-sharing operators, manage multiple vehicles (hereinafter referred to as "operator vehicles"). These operator vehicles can participate in the DR (Demand and Control) mechanism as a power adjustment resource. From the perspective of adjusting the power supply and demand balance, it is preferable to encourage such operator vehicles to participate in the DR. This point is not studied in International Publication No. 2020 / 241246.

[0005] This disclosure was made in response to the problems described above, and its purpose is to contribute to the adjustment of the power supply and demand balance by urging vehicle service providers to participate in the participation of their vehicles in the DR.

[0006] The server disclosed herein is a server for integrators requesting power adjustment resources to participate in demand response for adjusting the power supply and demand balance in the power grid. The power adjustment resources comprise multiple operator vehicles, each managed by a vehicle service provider and used to provide services. The server includes storage and processing units. The storage unit stores statistical results information representing the participation of each operator vehicle in demand response over a predetermined statistical period. The processing unit sets an evaluation value representing the contribution of the vehicle service provider to the adjustment of the power supply and demand balance based on the statistical results information.

[0007] By employing the aforementioned structure, vehicle service providers can be quantitatively evaluated from the perspective of their contribution to adjusting the balance of electricity supply and demand. Consequently, based on these evaluation values, operators can be urged to increase the participation of individual vehicles from multiple operators in the DR (Dedicated Service) mechanism. As a result, they can contribute to adjusting the balance of electricity supply and demand.

[0008] Preferably, each of the multiple operator vehicles is configured to participate in demand response using electrical equipment connected to the power grid. The evaluation value is determined based on the total electrical force transferred between the multiple operator vehicles and electrical equipment for participating in demand response throughout the entire statistical period.

[0009] Preferably, the evaluation value is determined based on the total number of times each operator's vehicles from multiple operators participated in demand response throughout the entire statistical period.

[0010] Preferably, the evaluation value is determined based on the total length of time during which each operator's vehicle among multiple operator vehicles participates in demand response throughout the entire statistical period.

[0011] Preferably, the power adjustment resources include planned participating vehicles that differ from the vehicles of each operator in the multiple operator vehicles. Planned participating vehicles are vehicles that plan to participate in demand response using power equipment connected to the power grid. The server also includes a communication device configured to obtain location information representing the location of the planned participating vehicles. The processing device predicts, based on the location information, whether the planned participating vehicles can arrive at the power equipment before the start time of demand response. If it predicts that the planned participating vehicles cannot arrive at the power equipment before the start time, it generates a request signal requesting a suitable vehicle from the multiple operator vehicles that can participate in demand response to replace the planned participating vehicle. If the suitable vehicle participates in demand response according to the request signal, the evaluation value increases.

[0012] By employing the above structure, even when planned participating vehicles are unable to participate in the DR (Demand and Responsibility) process, the target vehicles can participate in the DR in place of the planned participating vehicles, thus increasing the evaluation value. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately evaluate operators from the perspective of adjusting the power supply and demand balance while simultaneously contributing to this adjustment.

[0013] Preferably, the power adjustment resources include planned participating vehicles that are different from the vehicles of each operator in the multiple operator vehicles. Planned participating vehicles are vehicles that plan to participate in demand response. The server also includes a communication device configured to receive substitution requests from the planned participating vehicles. A substitution request is a signal requesting the power adjustment resources that would substitute for the planned participating vehicles to participate in demand response. Upon receiving a substitution request, the processing device generates a request signal requesting a target vehicle among the multiple operator vehicles capable of participating in demand response to substitute for the planned participating vehicle in demand response. If the target vehicle participates in demand response according to the request signal, the evaluation value increases.

[0014] Preferably, each of the multiple operator vehicles is configured to participate in demand response by receiving power from electrical equipment connected to the power grid. The processing device is configured to set a command value for the power supply, increasing the command value when the evaluation value is large compared to when the evaluation value is small.

[0015] By implementing the above structure, participation in DR ends earlier when the evaluation value is high compared to when it is low. This increases the time operators can use their vehicles for their intended purposes. Consequently, operators benefit. Therefore, operators are further incentivized to contribute to the adjustment of the electricity supply and demand balance.

[0016] Preferably, the vehicle service provider includes car rental operators or car-sharing operators.

[0017] The power adjustment system disclosed herein includes the aforementioned server and power company server. The power company server requests adjustments to the power supply and demand balance from the aforementioned server. When the evaluation value is high, the power company server sets a lower unit price for electricity for the vehicle service provider compared to when the evaluation value is low.

[0018] By employing the aforementioned structure, operators can benefit from an electricity tariff perspective when their contribution to adjusting the electricity supply-demand balance is significant, compared to when their contribution is small. Consequently, operators are further incentivized to contribute to adjusting the electricity supply-demand balance.

[0019] According to this disclosure, by urging vehicle service providers to participate in the DR (Dedicated Vehicle Service) with their vehicles, it is possible to contribute to the adjustment of the power supply and demand balance. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of a power regulation system according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the vehicle.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the database stored on the operator's server.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the collected results information.

[0025] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the scenario where evaluation values ​​are set for each vehicle service provider.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the ratings of each vehicle service provider.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by a server's processing device in an implementation embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the processing of the server according to Variation Example 1.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the processing device of the server according to Variation 1.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the processing device of the server according to Variation 2.

[0031] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates how the vehicle's participation in DR ended earlier because the command value was set too high.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the processing device of the server according to Variation 3.

[0033] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the server in Variation 4. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below. The same or equivalent parts in the figures will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. In the embodiments, the vehicle equipped with the energy storage device is primarily used as a power regulation resource.

[0035] Figure 1This is a diagram showing the structure of a power regulation system according to an embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The power adjustment system 1 includes: power company system E1, integrated system E2, multiple power devices 30 (30P, 30E), vehicle 33P, portable terminal 38, operator server 50 and vehicle group 54 (multiple vehicles 33E).

[0036] The power company system E1, managed by the power company, includes: server 10 (power company server), power plant 11, power transmission and distribution equipment 12, and power grid 40. Server 10 is configured to communicate with external devices (e.g., server 21 (described later)). Power plant 11 supplies electricity generated by its power generation equipment to power transmission and distribution equipment 12. Power transmission and distribution equipment 12 supplies the electricity supplied by power plant 11 to power grid 40.

[0037] The integrated system E2 includes a server 21 managed by an integrator. The integrator is an operator that requests power adjustment resources to participate in demand response. Server 21 receives an adjustment request signal ARS from server 10. The adjustment request signal ARS is output by server 10 to request power supply and demand balance adjustments from server 21. The adjustment request signal ARS contains information indicating the power adjustment period, the power adjustment area, and the requested power RE. The power adjustment period and the power adjustment area are the period and area where the power adjustment is requested, respectively. The requested power RE is the power that is requested to be adjusted (e.g., increased) in the power adjustment area during the power adjustment period.

[0038] Server 21 responds to the received adjustment request signal ARS by dividing the adjustment request power RE into n parts (n≥2). Server 21 then allocates the n divided power parts to the n power adjustment resources. In this embodiment, the n power adjustment resources include vehicles 33P owned by individual user U and multiple vehicles 33E (described later) managed by operator BE. Vehicles 33P and 33E are also referred to as vehicles 33.

[0039] Server 21 requests vehicle 33P to participate in DR by receiving or discharging allocated power (distributed power) from power equipment 30 at the DR location during the DR period. Specifically, server 21 sends a signal SG to vehicle 33P to request vehicle 33P's participation in DR. The signal SG contains information indicating the distributed power, the DR period, and the DR location. Server 21 may also send the signal SG to the portable terminal 38 of user U of vehicle 33P to request vehicle 33P's participation in DR. In the case of requesting vehicle 33P to participate in DR based on receiving and discharging power, the distributed power is positive and negative, respectively.

[0040] The DR period is the period during which power adjustment resources participate in DR, equivalent to the power adjustment period. In this example, the DR period is the period during which vehicle 33P plans to participate in DR. The DR location is the location where power adjustment resources participate in DR, situated within the power adjustment area. In this example, the DR location is equivalent to the location of the power equipment 30P that vehicle 33P plans to use for participating in DR.

[0041] If user U of vehicle 33P agrees to participate in DR, an agreement signal AS indicating this intention is sent from vehicle 33P (or portable terminal 38) to server 21. As a result, an agreement is established between user U of vehicle 33P and the integrator. After the agreement is established, vehicle 33P plans to use power equipment 30P to participate in DR.

[0042] Server 21 includes a storage device 22, a communication device 24, and a processing device 26. Storage device 22 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory) (neither shown). RAM functions as working memory. ROM stores programs and data executed by processing device 26. This data includes DR location information 23 and DR period information 25. DR location information 23 and DR period information 25 respectively show the DR location and DR period (more specifically, their start and end times) information for each power regulation resource.

[0043] The communication device 24 is configured to communicate with external devices of the server 21. Such devices may be, for example, the server 10, the vehicle 33, the portable terminal 38, the power equipment 30, or the operator server 50 (described later).

[0044] The processing unit 26 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit 26 is configured, for example, to set an instruction value CV for the power supplied from the electrical equipment 30E to the vehicle 33E during DR (Driving Relay). This power supply is equivalent to the charging power of the vehicle 33E's energy storage device 34 when the vehicle 33E participates in DR by receiving power. The instruction value CV is set substantially smaller than a predetermined reference value. The reference value is a default value depending on the specifications of the electrical equipment 30E, and is appropriately set in a manner smaller than the upper limit of the power supply (e.g., 0.7 times the upper limit). The processing unit 26 transmits the instruction value CV to the electrical equipment 30E via the communication device 24.

[0045] Electrical device 30 is connected to power grid 40. Electrical device 30 is configured to supply power to vehicle 33 if electrically connected to it. Electrical device 30 is also configured to receive power from vehicle 33. Vehicle 33 uses electrical device 30 to participate in DR (Dynamic Relay). Electrical device 30E includes a sensor unit (not shown) for detecting the power transmitted between vehicle 33 and vehicle 33 during DR participation. Electrical device 30E also includes a communication device (not shown) configured to receive instruction value CV from server 21 via the communication device.

[0046] Vehicle 33 is an electric vehicle equipped with an energy storage device 34. Vehicle 33 is configured to participate in power generation (DR) by receiving electricity (e.g., external charging) through electrical equipment 30 or by supplying power to the power grid 40 (e.g., external discharge). External charging refers to charging the energy storage device 34 using electricity supplied from electrical equipment 30. External discharge refers to releasing the electricity stored in the energy storage device 34 to the power grid 40 through electrical equipment 30. The energy storage capacity of the energy storage device 34 is represented, for example, by SOC (State of Charge).

[0047] Portable terminal 38 is a terminal device carried by user U, such as a smartphone. Portable terminal 38 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 39. The GPS receiver 39 acquires location information PI of portable terminal 38. The location information PI is used as the location information of user U, for example, and sent to server 21. Portable terminal 38 also includes an HMI (Human Machine Interface) device (not shown).

[0048] Operator server 50 is used by operator BE. Operator server 50 manages the use (e.g., reservations) of each of the multiple vehicles 33E by customers to operator BE. Operator BE is a vehicle service provider that uses multiple vehicles 33E to provide services to customers. In this example, operator BE is a car rental operator, but it could also be a car-sharing operator. Operator BE is registered by user U.

[0049] Each vehicle 33E is an operator vehicle managed by the operator BE and used for the provision of services by the operator BE. In this example, each vehicle 33E is a leased vehicle, located on the operator BE's land. Each vehicle 33E is configured to participate in DR using electrical equipment 30.

[0050] Electrical equipment 30E is located within the land of operator BE and is situated near vehicle 33E.

[0051] Operator server 50 stores database 52. Database 52 stores various information about each vehicle 33E. The structure of database 52 will be explained in detail later. Database 52 can be accessed by server 21.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the detailed structure of vehicle 33. In this example, vehicle 33 is connected to electrical equipment 30.

[0053] Reference Figure 2 The vehicle 33 includes: an energy storage device 34, an access port 110, a sensor unit 135, a GPS receiver 137, an HMI device 140, a communication device 150, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 180.

[0054] The inlet 110 is configured to connect to the power cable CC and its connector CN extending from the power equipment 30. The power received by the inlet 110 is supplied to the energy storage device 34. A power conversion device may also be provided between the inlet 110 and the energy storage device 34.

[0055] Sensor unit 135 detects the power supplied from power equipment 30 to vehicle 33 or the power discharged from energy storage device 34 to power equipment 30. The power supplied and the power discharged are detected as electricity with positive and negative detection values, respectively.

[0056] GPS receiver 137 obtains the location information of vehicle 33. This location information can also be sent to server 21 as the location information of user U instead of location information PI.

[0057] HMI device 140, for example, is a touch screen, and includes an input device 142 and a display device 144. The input device 142 accepts input from the user U for various operations. The display device 144 displays various screens. Specific examples of the screens displayed by the display device 144 will be described in detail later.

[0058] The communication device 150 is configured to communicate with external devices (e.g., server 21) of the vehicle 33. When the access point 110 is connected to the connector CN, the communication device 150 is also configured to communicate with the power equipment 30 via CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0059] ECU 180 controls various devices in vehicle 33. In addition, ECU 180 calculates (estimates) the state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage device 34 based on the detection values ​​of sensor unit 135. ECU 180 calculates the rechargeable and dischargeable electrical capacity of the energy storage device 34 based on its full-charge capacity and SOC.

[0060] ECU 180 controls the start and end of power transfer between vehicle 33 and electrical equipment 30. If a DR (Device Transfer) occurs while the power cable CC and connector CN are connected to interface 110, ECU 180 outputs a charging start request or discharging start notification to electrical equipment 30 via CAN communication. Then, DR based on external charging or external discharging begins. Which one is performed (external charging or external discharging) depends on whether the distributed electrical force is positive or negative.

[0061] The ECU180 determines, based on the detection value of the sensor unit 135, whether the amount of power transferred during the DR period (the absolute value of the power supplied from the power device 30 to the vehicle 33 during external charging or the absolute value of the power supplied from the storage device 34 to the power device 30 during external discharging) has reached the aforementioned distributed power.

[0062] When the power transmission reaches the allocated power level, ECU180 outputs a charging completion request (or discharging completion notification) to electrical equipment 30 via CAN communication. Then, the power transmission ends. As a result, vehicle 33's participation in DR ceases.

[0063] After the DR period, ECU180 will send the participation result information of vehicle 33 in the DR and the identification information of vehicle 33 to electrical equipment 30 via CAN communication.

[0064] The participation result information indicates the period during which vehicle 33 actually participated in DR (the period during which power transmission was actually performed between vehicle 33 and electrical equipment 30) and the power transmitted during that period (DR transmitted power). The participation result information may also include information indicating that the power transmission amount reached the allocated power (the power was fully achieved), a portion of the allocated power was achieved, or the allocated power was not achieved at all and the agreement was not fulfilled at all.

[0065] If the power equipment 30 receives participation result information and identification information from the vehicle 33, it determines whether the participation result information is legitimate (whether it deviates from the actual result of DR participation) based on the detection results of the aforementioned sensor units of the power equipment 30. Specifically, the power equipment 30 determines whether the received participation result information matches the detection results of its sensor units. As an example, the power equipment 30 determines whether the difference between the power transmission amount detected by the sensor unit during DR and the DR transmission power amount contained in the participation result information is within a predetermined allowable range. This allowable range is appropriately predetermined based on the detection accuracy of the sensor units of the power equipment 30.

[0066] In this example, the power equipment 30 determines that the participation result information is legitimate, and based on this determination, sends the participation result information and identification information to the server 21. If the vehicle 33 sends the participation result information and identification information to the server 21 via the power equipment 30 in this way, the legitimacy of this information can be guaranteed (preventing improper tampering). As a result, the legitimacy of the evaluation value (described later) can also be guaranteed. If the power equipment 30 determines that the participation result information is illegitimate, it can also notify the server 21 of this. It should be noted that the vehicle 33 can also directly send the participation result information and identification information to the server 21.

[0067] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the database 52 stored by the operator's server 50. (See reference...) Figure 3 Database 52 represents management information 520 for each vehicle 33E. Management information 520 includes: vehicle ID (Identification) 521, unavailable period (reservation period) information 522, available period information 523, available charging power information 526, and available discharging power information 527.

[0068] Vehicle ID 521 represents the identification information of the corresponding vehicle 33E. Unavailable period information 522 indicates the period during which the corresponding vehicle 33E cannot be used by the customer for the operator's BE or as a power adjustment resource (unavailable period). This period, for example, is when the rental of vehicle 33E has already been booked by another customer. Available period information 523 indicates the period during which the corresponding vehicle 33E can be used by the customer for the operator's BE or as a power adjustment resource (available period). This period, for example, is when the rental of vehicle 33E has not yet been booked by another customer.

[0069] The rechargeable power information 526 indicates the rechargeable power of the corresponding vehicle 33E's energy storage device 34. The dischargeable power information 527 indicates the dischargeable power of the corresponding vehicle 33E's energy storage device 34. The rechargeable power information 526 and the dischargeable power information 527 are respectively sent from the vehicle 33E's communication device 150 to the operator server 50.

[0070] From the perspective of adjusting the balance of power supply and demand, it is preferable to urge operators (BE) to encourage vehicle 33E to participate in DR.

[0071] The server 21 according to the embodiment has a structure for urging vehicles 33E to participate in the DR. Specifically, the storage device 22 of the server 21 stores collection result information representing the participation results of each vehicle 33E in the DR throughout a predetermined statistical period. The predetermined statistical period is, for example, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 1 quarter, 1 half a year, or 1 year. The processing device 26 sets an evaluation value representing the degree of contribution of the operator BE to the adjustment of the power supply and demand balance according to the collection result information. Specific examples of the collection result information and evaluation value will be described in detail later.

[0072] If the evaluation value is set as described above, the operator's business entity (BE) can be quantitatively evaluated from the perspective of its contribution to adjusting the power supply and demand balance. As a result, the BE can be urged to participate in the DR (Demand and Control) process based on the evaluation value.

[0073] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the collected results information. (See reference...) Figure 4 The collected result information 620 includes: vehicle ID 521, participation result information 621, and total power transmission information 624. The participation result information 621 includes participation period information 622 and DR transmitted power information 623.

[0074] The participation period information 622 indicates the period during which the corresponding vehicle 33E actually participated in the DR. This period is equivalent to the past DR period associated with vehicle 33E.

[0075] The DR power transmission information 623 indicates the actual power transmitted between vehicle 33E and electrical equipment 30 during the corresponding DR period in the statistical period. This power is, for example, equivalent to the absolute value of the charging or discharging power during a past DR period.

[0076] Total power transmission information 624 indicates the total power actually transmitted between each vehicle 33E and the power equipment 30 during the statistical period for DR participation. This power is equivalent to the sum of the power transmitted by each vehicle 33E during the statistical period and the power transmitted by DR during the DR period.

[0077] The evaluation value for the operator's BE is determined by server 21, for example, based on the total power as described above. In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, server 21 treats the value of the total power itself as the evaluation value.

[0078] It should be noted that the evaluation value can also be determined based on the total number of times each vehicle 33E participated in DR during the statistical period (for example, it could be the total number of times itself). This total number of times corresponds to the number of periods represented by the participation period information 622.

[0079] Similarly, the evaluation value can also be determined based on the total length of the period during which each vehicle 33E participated in DR during the statistical period (e.g., the total length itself). This total length is equivalent to the sum of the lengths of the various periods represented by the participation period information 622.

[0080] Once the statistical period begins, whenever the DR period for a particular vehicle 33E ends (i.e., whenever the DR period for any one of the multiple vehicles 33E ends), the processing device 26 receives participation result information 621 related to that vehicle 33E and the vehicle ID 521 of that vehicle 33E from the power equipment 30 used for DR participation. Each time the processing device 26 performs this receiving process, it updates the collection result information 620.

[0081] Specifically, server 21 adds participation period information 622 and DR power transmission information 623 related to the vehicle 33E that participated in DR to the collection result information 620 immediately preceding the acquisition of participation result information 621. Furthermore, server 21 updates the total power transmission information 624 according to the total power transmission information 624 immediately preceding the acquisition of participation result information 621 and the added DR power transmission information 623. Thus, server 21 updates (sets) the evaluation value for operator BE. When the statistical period ends, processing device 26 determines the collection result information 620 related to operator BE.

[0082] Processing device 26 also sets evaluation values ​​for other vehicle service providers that are different from the operator BE.

[0083] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the scenario where evaluation values ​​are set for each vehicle service provider. (See reference...) Figure 5 The evaluation value dataset 720 is stored in storage device 22. The evaluation value dataset 720 includes: operator ID 721, evaluation value information 722, and statistical period information 723.

[0084] Operator ID 721 represents the identification information of the corresponding operator. Evaluation value information 722 represents the evaluation value EVV set for the operator. Statistical period information 723 represents the statistical period used to calculate the evaluation value EVV. In this example, for operator BE, the ID is 001, and the evaluation value EVV representing the degree of contribution to the power supply and demand balance in statistical period TP1 is EVV1.

[0085] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the EVV (Evaluation Value) for each vehicle service provider. (See reference...) Figure 6Screen 90 shows a ranking of vehicle service providers based on their EVV (Evaluation Value). In this example, screen 90 is displayed on HMI device 140, but it could also be displayed on the HMI device of portable terminal 38 or other HMI devices.

[0086] If screen 90 is displayed in this way, users of the HMI device recognize the contribution of each vehicle service provider to the balance of electricity supply and demand. This contribution can thus be socially recognized. As a result, vehicle service providers such as BE can be incentivized to increase their EVV (Evaluation Value) for the purpose of improving their reputation (in other words, to contribute to the adjustment of the electricity supply and demand balance).

[0087] Processing device 26 can also notify operator server 50 of the evaluation value EVV for operator BE and the ranking results (including the position of operator BE in the ranking). This allows operator BE to recognize its contribution to the balance of power supply and demand. As a result, it is possible to more effectively urge operator BE to participate in DR (Demand and Response).

[0088] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the processing device 26 of server 21 in this embodiment. The flowchart begins when the aforementioned statistical period arrives. This flowchart relates to the operator BE (...). Figure 1 This process is executed, but the same applies to other operators. At the beginning of this flowchart, the evaluation value EVV for operator BE is a pre-defined default value (e.g., 0).

[0089] Reference Figure 7 Server 21 determines whether the DR period for a certain vehicle 33E has started, i.e., whether the DR period for any one of the multiple vehicles 33E has started, based on the DR period information 25 (step S1). If the period has not started (no in step S1), server 21 performs this determination process until the period starts. On the other hand, if the period has started (yes in step S1), the process proceeds to step S5.

[0090] Server 21 determines whether the DR period for vehicle 33E has ended based on DR period information 25 (step S5). If the period has not ended (no in step S5), server 21 performs the determination process until the period ends. On the other hand, if the period has ended (yes in step S5), the process proceeds to step S10.

[0091] Server 21 responds to the end of the DR period by obtaining participation result information 621 related to the vehicle 33E (step S10) and sets collection result information 620 according to the participation result information 621 (step S22). Collection result information 620 includes the evaluation value EVV as the total power transmission amount information 624.

[0092] Server 21 determines whether the statistical period has ended (step S20). If the statistical period has not ended (no in step S20), server 21 returns the process to step S1 to determine whether the next DR period has started. Server 21 then repeats steps S1 to S20 until the statistical period ends. Thus, the collected result information 620 (evaluation value EVV) is updated sequentially.

[0093] On the other hand, if the statistical period has ended (yes in step S20), server 21 determines the evaluation value EVV for the operator's BE corresponding to that statistical period (step S25). Then, Figure 7 The series of processes have concluded.

[0094] After the statistical period ends, server 21 also determines the evaluation value EVV for other operators different from operator BE. Then, server 21 ranks the vehicle service provider operators according to the determined evaluation values ​​EVV, and displays the result of the ranking on the HMI device 140 (e.g., screen 90).

[0095] As described above, according to this implementation, the operator BE can be quantitatively evaluated from the perspective of its contribution to the adjustment of the power supply and demand balance. As a result, the participation of vehicle 33E in the DR can be urged to the operator BE based on the evaluation value EVV. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to the adjustment of the power supply and demand balance.

[0096] [Variation Example 1]

[0097] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the processing of server 21 according to this variation of Example 1. (Refer to...) Figure 8 Vehicle 33P is the vehicle 33 (planned participating vehicle) that plans to use electrical equipment 30P to participate in DR during DR.

[0098] It is conceivable that vehicle 33P might be unable to reach electrical equipment 30P before the start of the DR period due to changes in user U's schedule or congestion. In this case, vehicle 33P's participation in the DR (fulfillment of the agreement) becomes difficult. Such a situation is undesirable from the perspective of adjusting the balance of electricity supply and demand.

[0099] In this variation 1, server 21 predicts whether vehicle 33P can arrive at power equipment 30P before the start time of DR based on location information PI, DR location information 23 and DR period information 25.

[0100] Server 21 generates a request signal DS if it predicts that vehicle 33P will not arrive at power equipment 30 before the start of DR. The request signal DS is used to request a target vehicle from among multiple vehicles 33E to participate in DR in place of vehicle 33P. The target vehicle is, for example, a vehicle 33E that satisfies the condition that the available period includes the DR period and that it can charge or discharge power exceeding the absolute value of the allocated power during that DR period. The request signal DS contains information indicating the allocated power for vehicle 33P and the DR period.

[0101] Server 21 sends a request signal DS to operator server 50. Server 21 uses the request signal DS to inquire with operator server 50 whether a target vehicle exists. In response to this inquiry, operator server 50 determines whether a target vehicle exists based on availability information 523, available charging power information 526, and available discharging power information 527. In this example, it is assumed that operator server 50 determines that a target vehicle exists and that the target vehicle is vehicle 33T. On the other hand, if the target vehicle does not exist, a notification NS indicating that the target vehicle does not exist is sent to server 21.

[0102] In response to the fact that vehicle 33T is the target vehicle, operator server 50 rewrites the management information 520 for vehicle 33T. Specifically, operator server 50 rewrites the management information 520 for vehicle 33T in a way that adds a DR period as a period during which vehicle 33T is unavailable (in other words, in a way that shortens the DR period relative to the available period of vehicle 33T). Furthermore, operator server 50 reports to the staff of operator BE that vehicle 33T should participate in DR using power equipment 30E. Then, vehicle 33T is connected to power equipment 30E by the staff via power cable CC and its connector CN.

[0103] Therefore, even if vehicle 33P is unable to participate in DR, vehicle 33T will participate in DR in place of vehicle 33P. After the DR, the electrical equipment 30E used by vehicle 33T will send the participation result information 621 and identification information related to vehicle 33T to server 21.

[0104] Server 21 confirms whether vehicle 33T participated in DR according to the requested signal DS based on the participation result information and identification information described above. Then, server 21 rewrites the collection result information 620 in a way that increases the evaluation value EVV (total power transmission information 624) for operator BE.

[0105] It should be noted that the example of server 21 obtaining location information PI from vehicle 33P and receiving it instead of requesting AR is explained in variation 2.

[0106] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the processing device 26 of the server 21 according to this variation 1. The flowchart begins before a predetermined time (e.g., 1 hour) before the DR period for vehicle 33P.

[0107] Reference Figure 9 The server 21 obtains the location information PI of vehicle 33P (planned participating vehicle) through the communication device 24 (step S105).

[0108] Server 21 predicts whether vehicle 33P can participate in DR (step S110). If server 21 predicts that vehicle 33P can participate in DR, that is, vehicle 33P can arrive at power equipment 30 before the start time of DR (yes in step S110), server 21 terminates the process. On the other hand, if server 21 predicts that vehicle 33P cannot participate in DR, that is, vehicle 33P cannot arrive at power equipment 30 before the start time of DR (no in step S110), server 21 requests the target vehicle to participate in DR by sending a request signal DS to operator server 50 (step S115).

[0109] Server 21 determines whether it has received notification NS (notification that the target vehicle does not exist) (step S120). If server 21 has received notification NS (yes in step S120), the process ends. On the other hand, if server 21 has not received notification NS (no in step S120), the process proceeds to step S125.

[0110] Server 21 obtains participation result information 621 related to vehicle 33T from electrical equipment 30 used for vehicle 33T to participate in DR (step S125). It is assumed that the participation result information indicates that the amount of power transferred between vehicle 33T and electrical equipment 30 has reached the allocated power.

[0111] Server 21 confirms, based on the participation result information described above, that the target vehicle participated in DR according to the request signal DS, and increases the EVV evaluation value for the operator BE based on this confirmation result (step S130). Then, Figure 9 The processing is now complete.

[0112] According to this variation 1, if server 21 predicts that vehicle 33P will not arrive at power equipment 30P before the start time of DR, it sends a request signal DS to operator server 50. Thus, vehicle 33T can participate in DR instead of vehicle 33P. As a result, it can contribute to the adjustment of the power supply and demand balance. Moreover, the operator's BE evaluation value EVV increases due to the participation of DR. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to the adjustment of the power supply and demand balance while appropriately evaluating the operator's BE from the perspective of the adjustment of the power supply and demand balance.

[0113] [Variation Example 2]

[0114] Refer again Figure 8 The processing of server 21 according to this variation 2 will be explained. The communication device 24 of server 21 according to this variation 2 is configured to receive alternative request AR from vehicle 33P (planned participating vehicle).

[0115] The replacement request AR is a signal requesting the replacement of the vehicle 33P's power conditioning resources to participate in the DR. The replacement request AR responds to the HMI device 140 using the vehicle 33P. Figure 2 The user operation is transmitted by the communication device 150. The user U can perform the user operation if it is determined that it cannot reach the power equipment 30 before the start time of the DR period.

[0116] Assume the aforementioned power adjustment resource is vehicle 33E of operator BE, for which user U has registered as a member. That is, assume user U and operator BE have previously entered into an agreement (substitution agreement) that allows vehicle 33E to participate in DR in place of vehicle 33P.

[0117] Upon receiving a substitution request AR from the communication device 24, the processing device 26 generates a request signal DS requesting the vehicle 33T to participate in the DR in place of the vehicle 33P and sends it to the operator server 50. Subsequent processing is the same as in Variation 1. For example, if the processing device 26 confirms that the vehicle 33T has participated in the DR according to the request signal DS, it increases the evaluation value EVV for the operator BE.

[0118] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the processing device 26 of the server 21 according to this variation 2. The flowchart begins at a predetermined time (e.g., 1 hour) before the DR period for vehicle 33P.

[0119] Reference Figure 10 The flowchart is consistent with the one in that step S207 is executed instead of steps S105 and S110. Figure 9 The flowcharts are different. Steps S215 to S230 are the same as steps S115 to S130, respectively.

[0120] Server 21 switches processing based on whether it receives a replacement request AR before the DR period (e.g., 10 minutes before). If server 21 does not receive a replacement request AR before that time (no in step S207), the processing ends. On the other hand, if server 21 receives a replacement request AR before that time (yes in step S207), the processing proceeds to step S215.

[0121] According to this variation 2, even when the server 21 cannot obtain the location information PI (when the vehicle 33P or the portable terminal 38 is not equipped with a GPS receiver), the vehicle 33T can participate in the DR instead of the vehicle 33P. Furthermore, similar to the case of variation 1, it is possible to contribute to the adjustment of the power supply and demand balance while appropriately evaluating the operator BE from the perspective of the power supply and demand balance adjustment.

[0122] [Variation Example 3]

[0123] In this variation 3, each vehicle 33E participates in DR by receiving power from the electrical equipment 30E (e.g., via external charging). The processing unit 26 of the server 21 sets the command value CV of the power supplied from the electrical equipment 30E to the vehicle 33E to be larger when the evaluation value EVV is large compared to when the evaluation value EVV is small.

[0124] For example, the evaluation value EVV is determined for a first statistical period. The instruction value CV is set in a subsequent second statistical period following the first statistical period.

[0125] As an example, server 21 sets the instruction value CV when the evaluation value EVV is above a threshold to be larger than the instruction value CV when the evaluation value EVV is below the threshold. This threshold is appropriately determined according to the evaluation value EVV set for each vehicle service provider operator, for example, it is a value equivalent to the upper 20% of each evaluation value EVV.

[0126] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates how the participation of vehicle 33E in DR ends earlier because the command value CV is set to a large value.

[0127] Reference Figure 11 The period PR is the DR period from time ts to tf, which in this example is 2 hours long. The period PR, as a unit period of the DR period (also referred to as "unit DR period"), includes periods P1 to P4. The time interval TI of each of these unit DR periods is 30 minutes in this example.

[0128] In both Case A and Case B, the vertical axis represents the command value CV, the horizontal axis represents time, and the electric force AAP represents the allocated electric force for vehicle 33E (positive in this example). In Case A, the evaluation value EVV is less than the threshold. On the other hand, in Case B, the evaluation value EVV is above the threshold.

[0129] In Example A, server 21 sets the instruction value CV to CV1, which is lower than the baseline value RV. As previously mentioned, the baseline value RV depends on the specifications of electrical equipment 30. CV1 is the value obtained by dividing the power AAP by the length of the period PR. The power supplied from electrical equipment 30E to vehicle 33E during the DR period arrives at power AAP at time tf, two hours after time ts. During the period from time ts to time tf, the utilization of vehicle 33E by operator BE's customers (e.g., rental or car sharing) cannot be realized due to DR participation.

[0130] In Example B, server 21 sets the instruction value CV to a value higher than the base value RV (in this example, twice the value of CV1). Therefore, the power supplied becomes twice that of Example A. As a result, the power supplied during DR reaches power AAP at time tb, one hour after time ts.

[0131] In Case B, because the instruction value CV is set large, the vehicle's participation in the DR ends earlier than in Case A. That is, the agreed-upon fulfillment is completed earlier.

[0132] Therefore, the period during which vehicle 33E is used as a power adjustment resource can be relatively shortened. In other words, the period that is unavailable due to DR participation can be reduced. Figure 3 The additional period is shortened (e.g., periods P3, P4). As a result, the period during which the operator BE can use vehicle 33E for its original purpose (e.g., the period that is prompted to the customer as the period during which vehicle 33E can be leased or car-sharing) is relatively increased.

[0133] Specifically, in Case B, during the period from time ts to time tb, the customer's use of vehicle 33E cannot be realized due to the participation of DR. On the other hand, during the period from time tb to time tf, the customer's use of vehicle 33E can be realized due to the early completion of the participation of DR.

[0134] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the processing device 26 of the server 21 according to this variation 3. The flowchart begins immediately before (e.g., 5 minutes before) the DR period for vehicle 33E in a second statistical period following the first statistical period. This flowchart is performed for operator BE, but it can also be performed similarly for other operators.

[0135] Reference Figure 12 Server 21 established an evaluation value dataset 720 associated with the first statistical period. Figure 5 To determine whether the evaluation value EVV set for the operator's BE during the first statistical period is above the threshold (step S305).

[0136] If the evaluation value EVV is above the threshold (yes in step S305), the server 21 sets the instruction value CV to CV1. Figure 11 (Step S310). On the other hand, if the evaluation value EVV is less than the threshold (No in step S305), the server 21 sets the instruction value CV to CV2 (step S315).

[0137] In steps S305 to S315, the server 21 sets the instruction value CV to CV1 or CV2 according to whether the evaluation value EVV is above the threshold. However, the instruction value CV can also be changed continuously in such a way that the larger the evaluation value EVV is, the closer the instruction value CV is to the upper limit of the power supply.

[0138] According to this variation 3, when the evaluated EVV is large, the operator BE can benefit compared to when the evaluated EVV is small. For example, if the evaluated EVV is within the upper 20%, the period during which vehicle 33E can be used for its original purpose can be relatively increased. Therefore, the operator BE can be further incentivized to contribute to the adjustment of the power supply and demand balance.

[0139] [Variation Example 4]

[0140] In the power adjustment system 1 according to this variation 4, the server 10 (power company server) can also set the unit price of electricity charges for the operator BE according to the evaluation value EVV. This electricity charge is the fee charged to the operator BE when it consumes electricity from the power grid 40.

[0141] For example, server 10 can set the unit price of electricity for operator BE to be lower when the EVV is higher than when the EVV is lower.

[0142] By structuring the system in this way, the greater the contribution of the operator's business environment (BE) to the adjustment of the electricity supply and demand balance, the more the operator's BE benefits from the perspective of electricity pricing. As a result, it further incentivizes the operator's BE to contribute to the adjustment of the electricity supply and demand balance.

[0143] Figure 13This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by server 10 in this variation 4. The flowchart begins when a second statistical period arrives following the first statistical period. This flowchart is executed for operator BE, but it can also be executed similarly for other operators.

[0144] Reference Figure 13 Server 10 obtains the evaluation value dataset 720, which is associated with the first statistical period, from server 21. Figure 5 (Step S402).

[0145] Server 10 determines, based on evaluation value dataset 720, whether the evaluation value EVV set for operator BE during the first statistical period is above the threshold (step S405).

[0146] If the evaluation value EVV is above the threshold (yes in step S405), the server 10 sets the unit price of electricity to UP1 (step S410). On the other hand, if the evaluation value EVV is below the threshold (no in step S405), the server 21 sets the unit price of electricity to UP2 (>UP1) (step S415).

[0147] In steps S305 to S315, the server 21 sets the unit price of electricity to UP1 or UP2 according to whether the evaluation value EVV is above the threshold. However, the unit price can also be changed continuously in such a way that the larger the evaluation value EVV is, the lower the unit price of electricity.

[0148] According to this variation 4, the greater the contribution of the operator BE to the adjustment of the electricity supply and demand balance, the more the operator BE benefits from the perspective of electricity pricing. As a result, it is possible to further incentivize the operator BE to contribute to the adjustment of the electricity supply and demand balance.

[0149] [Other variations]

[0150] The integrator can also be the same operator as BE. In this case, server 21 can also be integrated with operator server 50.

[0151] The integrator can also be the same operator as the power company. In this case, server 21 can also be integrated with server 10.

[0152] It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined not by the foregoing description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A server that is an integrator's server for requesting power adjustment resources to participate in demand response for adjusting the power supply and demand balance in the power grid. The power adjustment resources include multiple operator vehicles, each of which is managed by a vehicle service provider and used to provide services. The server has the following features: Storage device, storing statistical results information representing the participation results of each of the plurality of operator vehicles in the demand response during a predetermined entire statistical period; and The processing device sets an evaluation value based on the statistical results to represent the degree of contribution of the vehicle service provider to the adjustment of the power supply and demand balance. The power adjustment resources include planned participating vehicles that are different from the vehicles of each of the multiple operators. The planned participating vehicles are those that plan to use electrical equipment connected to the power grid to participate in the demand response. The server also includes a communication device configured to obtain location information representing the location of the planned participating vehicles. The processing device uses the location information to predict whether the planned participating vehicle can arrive at the power equipment before the start time of the demand response. If the processing device predicts that the planned participating vehicle will not be able to arrive at the power equipment before the start time, it generates a request signal requesting a vehicle from among the plurality of operator vehicles that is capable of participating in the demand response to replace the planned participating vehicle and participate in the demand response. When the target vehicle participates in the demand response in accordance with the request signal, the processing device increases the evaluation value.

2. The server according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the multiple operator vehicles is configured to use the electrical equipment to participate in the demand response. The evaluation value is determined based on the total electrical power transmitted between the various operator vehicles and the power equipment in order to participate in the demand response throughout the entire statistical period.

3. The server according to claim 1, wherein, The evaluation value is determined based on the total number of times each operator's vehicle among the multiple operator vehicles participated in the demand response throughout the entire statistical period.

4. The server according to claim 1, wherein, The evaluation value is determined based on the total length of time during which each of the multiple operator vehicles participated in the demand response throughout the entire statistical period.

5. The server according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the multiple operator vehicles is configured to participate in the demand response by receiving power from the electrical equipment. The processing device is configured to set the command value for the power supply. The processing device increases the instruction value when the evaluation value is large compared to when the evaluation value is small.

6. The server according to claim 1, wherein, The vehicle service providers include car rental operators or car-sharing operators.

7. A server that is an integrator's server for requesting power adjustment resources to participate in demand response for adjusting the power supply and demand balance in the power grid. The power adjustment resources include multiple operator vehicles, each of which is managed by a vehicle service provider and used to provide services. The server has the following features: Storage device, storing statistical results information representing the participation results of each of the plurality of operator vehicles in the demand response during a predetermined entire statistical period; and The processing device sets an evaluation value based on the statistical results to represent the degree of contribution of the vehicle service provider to the adjustment of the power supply and demand balance. The power adjustment resources include planned participating vehicles that are different from the vehicles of each of the multiple operators. The vehicles mentioned in the plan are those that are planned to participate in the demand response. The server also includes a communication device configured to receive alternative requests from the participating vehicles. The substitution request is a signal that requests the power adjustment resources of the vehicles participating in the plan to participate in the demand response. When the communication device receives the replacement request. The processing device generates a request signal that requests a vehicle from among the plurality of operator vehicles capable of participating in the demand response to replace the planned participating vehicle in the demand response. When the target vehicle participates in the demand response in accordance with the request signal, the processing device increases the evaluation value.

8. A power regulation system, comprising: The server according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and The power company's server requests an adjustment to the power supply and demand balance. The power company's server sets a lower unit price for electricity for the vehicle service provider compared to when the evaluation value is low, given a high evaluation value.

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