Method for generating distribution plan

Abstract

The invention provides a distribution plan generation method. The distribution plan generation method comprises the following steps: obtaining a charging request which requests to charge a specified electric quantity of power from target power supply equipment in a specified time period; in an electric vehicle capable of receiving power from a target power supply device in the midway of a delivery route, a delivery route is set in which the SOC (State Of Charge) of a storage battery is reduced on the basis of a charging request before the electric vehicle arrives at the target power supply device. And transmitting, to the electric vehicle, a power reception command for driving on the set delivery route and receiving power from the target power supply device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for generating a delivery plan. Background Art

[0002] International Publication No. 2020 / 090252 discloses a method for generating a delivery plan, which includes calculating the drivable distance of an electric vehicle based on vehicle information of the electric vehicle delivering goods and the SOC (State Of Charge) of a secondary battery mounted in the electric vehicle, and generating a delivery plan for the goods using the delivery destination information and the drivable distance of the goods.

[0003] On the other hand, in the supply and demand adjustment market, VPP (Virtual Power Plant) is effectively used to adjust the power provided by trading operators such as supply aggregators to general transmission and distribution operators. VPP refers to a technology that provides functions equivalent to power plants by controlling energy such as demand equipment, storage equipment or power generation equipment on the user side, and energy such as power generation equipment or storage equipment directly connected to the power system by its holder or a third party such as an aggregator.

[0004] In VPP, DR (Demand Response) can be used to adjust the supply and demand of electricity. DR is a method in which the energy holder or a third party on the user side changes the supply and demand pattern of electricity by controlling the energy. DR is mainly divided into reduction DR, which reduces demand or increases supply, and increase DR, which increases demand or reduces supply, according to the supply and demand control mode. Summary of the invention

[0005] In the delivery plan of electric vehicles for delivering goods, for example, it is desirable to develop a technology that can be effectively used for adjusting the supply and demand of electricity during the above-mentioned demand period for increasing DR. On the other hand, at locations such as factories that have power generation equipment for renewable energy such as sunlight and effectively utilize the renewable energy, there is a surplus time period when renewable energy is generated. For example, it is also desirable to effectively use electric vehicles for delivering goods for adjusting the supply and demand of electricity during the surplus time period when renewable energy is generated at such locations.

[0006] However, in the delivery plan generation method disclosed in International Publication No. 2020 / 090252, there is no study on effectively utilizing electric vehicles for delivering goods in the supply and demand adjustment of electricity as exemplified above.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for generating a delivery plan that can efficiently adjust the supply and demand of electric power using an electric vehicle for delivering goods.

[0008] A method for generating a delivery plan according to one aspect of the present disclosure is performed by a computer and is a method for generating a delivery plan for an electric vehicle that delivers goods.

[0009] The electric vehicle includes a battery for traveling, and the battery stores electric power received from power supply equipment.

[0010] The method for generating a distribution plan includes the following steps: Obtaining a charging request, wherein the charging request requests charging a specified amount of electricity from a target power supply device within a specified time period; In an electric vehicle capable of receiving power from a target power supply facility on the way of a delivery route, a delivery route is set in which the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery is reduced based on a charging request before reaching the target power supply facility; and A power receiving instruction is sent to the electric vehicle to drive along the set delivery route and receive power from the target power supply facility.

[0011] In the above structure, in an electric vehicle that can receive power from a target power supply device halfway along a delivery route, a delivery route is set in which the SOC of the battery is reduced based on a charging request before reaching the target power supply device. Furthermore, a power receiving instruction is sent to the electric vehicle to drive along the delivery route and receive power from the target power supply device. In this way, a delivery route that consumes power can be set in a manner that satisfies the charging request, and power can be supplied to the electric vehicle from a target power supply device assembled halfway along the delivery route. Therefore, the supply and demand of power can be efficiently adjusted using electric vehicles that deliver goods.

[0012] In one embodiment, the method for generating a delivery plan further includes the step of predicting a value of the SOC that will be reduced upon arrival at a target power supply facility based on a current value of the SOC and consumption information that is a factor of power consumption during travel along the delivery route.

[0013] According to the above configuration, for example, routes that easily consume power, such as areas prone to congestion and climbing routes, can be incorporated into the delivery route to the target power supply facility. Therefore, the supply and demand of power can be more efficiently adjusted using electric vehicles for delivering goods.

[0014] In one embodiment, the consumption information includes three-dimensional map information, specifications of devices included in the electric vehicle including a storage battery, and location information of a delivery destination of goods in a delivery route.

[0015] According to the above configuration, it is possible to predict the reduced SOC value using more detailed information such as geographical information, device information of the electric vehicle, and power consumption due to delivery of goods.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method for generating a delivery plan further includes the step of excluding from candidates for delivery routes routes whose travel distance exceeds a prescribed distance, whose power consumption exceeds a prescribed power, and whose delivery time exceeds a prescribed time.

[0017] According to the above configuration, it is possible to avoid loss of power consumption due to unnecessary detour.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method for generating a delivery plan further includes the step of setting a vehicle among the plurality of electric vehicles that is predicted based on the current value of the SOC to be able to receive a designated amount of power when arriving at the target power supply facility as a vehicle to which the power receiving instruction is sent.

[0019] According to the above configuration, when there are a plurality of candidate vehicles, a vehicle that can receive a designated amount of power when arriving at the target power supply facility is selected. Therefore, it is possible to more efficiently adjust the supply and demand of power using electric vehicles for delivering goods.

[0020] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently adjust the supply and demand of electric power using an electric vehicle for delivering goods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] 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 like symbols represent like elements, and in which: Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of the delivery plan generation system according to the first embodiment; Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a delivery route of an electric vehicle; Figure 3 It is a diagram used to illustrate the decision of the delivery route; Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing sequence of the processing performed by the delivery plan generation system; Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the determination of the electric vehicle for delivery in the second embodiment; Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the processing executed by the delivery plan creation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, and their description will not be repeated.

[0023] First embodiment

[0024] First, the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of the delivery plan generation system 100 according to the first embodiment. The delivery plan generation system is a system that generates a delivery plan for the electric vehicle 3 that delivers goods.

[0025] The delivery plan generating system 100 includes a server device 1 and a power supply device 7 . The power supply device 7 is a vehicle power supply device (EVSE: Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) and charges the electric vehicle 3 .

[0026] The driving battery 21 of the electric vehicle 3 stores the power received from the power supply equipment 7. The electric vehicle 3 is a vehicle that travels on a delivery route and delivers goods. The electric vehicle 3 included in the delivery plan generation system 100 is composed of a plurality of electric vehicles including electric vehicles 3a to 3c described later.

[0027] The electric vehicle 3 is an electric vehicle that can travel using the power stored in the storage battery 21, and is configured to act as a regulating force of the power system. The electric vehicle 3 may also be a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) without an internal combustion engine. The electric vehicle 3 may also be a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) with an internal combustion engine. The storage battery 21 may be a lithium-ion secondary battery, a nickel-hydrogen secondary battery, or the like.

[0028] The power supply equipment 7 is connected to a power system which is a power grid constructed by power transmission and distribution equipment. The power system supplies AC power to a plurality of power supply equipments 7 in the system.

[0029] The server device 1 can be connected to the electric vehicle 3 and the power supply equipment 7 via a communication network. The server device 1 is, for example, a device that communicates with a server device A (not shown) belonging to an aggregator. In addition, the server device 1 and the server device A may also be an integrated server device. The aggregator is an electric operator that bundles multiple distributed energy resources (DER: Distributed Energy Resources) to provide power management services.

[0030] The DER in this embodiment includes a plurality of electric vehicles 3. In order to make the plurality of DER function as a VPP, the server device 1 operates based on a command from a server device B (not shown) that performs demand response (DR: Demand Response) on each DER. The server device B remotely controls the plurality of DER including the plurality of electric vehicles 3 to make these DER function as a virtual power plant (VPP: Virtual Power Plant).

[0031] Before starting DR, server device B sends a DR request message to server device 1 for each DER. The DR request message (hereinafter also referred to as "charging request") includes the type of DR (increase DR, decrease DR, etc.), DR area (location of EVSE, etc.), and DR period (DR start time, DR end time, etc.). Increasing DR is basically a request for increasing demand. Reducing DR is a request for suppressing demand or reversing flow.

[0032] Server device B uses DR to cause multiple DERs to perform power adjustment of the power system requested from server device A or power adjustment of the power system won in the power market (charging promotion, charging suppression, discharging, power consumption promotion, power consumption suppression, etc.).

[0033] The server device 1 receives the charging request from the server device B and generates a delivery plan (delivery route) for the electric vehicle 3. The electric vehicle 3 follows the generated delivery route R (see Figure 2 Then, the user stops by the power supply device 7 designated by the server device 1 on the way of the delivery route R to charge the power supply device 7 to the designated amount of power.

[0034] Hereinafter, the power supply device 7 specified by the server apparatus 1 is referred to as a “target power supply device 7a.” The target power supply device 7a is selected from a plurality of power supply devices 7 within the DR area included in the DR request message (charging request).

[0035] Alternatively, the target power supply device 7a may be a power supply device installed at a renewable energy surplus generation base. Here, a "renewable energy surplus generation base" refers to a base such as a factory that has power generation equipment for renewable energy such as sunlight and effectively utilizes the renewable energy. At the base, there is a time period when the renewable energy is surplus.

[0036] The server device 1 receives a charging request for charging from the target power supply device 7a installed at the renewable energy surplus generation base during a time period when the renewable energy surplus generation base generates surplus, and then generates a delivery plan (delivery route) for the electric vehicle 3 so that the electric vehicle 3 is charged from the target power supply device 7a installed at the renewable energy surplus generation base during a time period when the renewable energy surplus is generated.

[0037] In the following use Figure 2 The target power supply device 7a shown in the description may be selected from a plurality of power supply devices 7 in the DR area included in the above-mentioned DR request message (charging request). The target power supply device 7a may also be the target power supply device 7a installed in the above-mentioned renewable energy surplus generation base.

[0038] The server device 1 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a constraint information database (DB) 13, an input information database (DB) 17, a communication module (COM) 15, and a data line 16. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and is configured to execute predetermined calculation processing described in a program.

[0039] The memory 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM stores a program executed by the processor 11. The RAM temporarily stores data generated by the execution of the program in the processor 11 and data input via the communication module 15. The RAM also functions as a temporary data storage used as a work area.

[0040] The server device 1 receives the charging request and generates a delivery plan for the electric vehicle 3. The electric vehicle 3 is supplied with power from the target power supply facility 7a located in the middle of the delivery route R. For details, see Figure 2 The following drawings will be described later.

[0041] The input information database 17 records consumption information (also referred to as “input information”) used when generating a delivery plan. The consumption information includes 3D map information as three-dimensional map information. The consumption information includes specifications of devices included in the electric vehicle 3 including the battery 21, i.e., target vehicle parameters. The consumption information includes location information of the delivery destination of the goods in the delivery route R, i.e., the stop location, power supply location, and power supply time period. The server device 1 collects this information and stores it in the input information database 17.

[0042] When a DR request is made, the power supply location means the location information of multiple power supply devices 7 in the DR area. The power supply time period is the DR period (DR start time, DR end time). When a renewable energy surplus is generated, the power supply location means the location information of the power supply device 7 possessed by the renewable energy surplus generation base. The power supply time period is the energy-saving surplus time period of the renewable energy surplus generation base. The power supply time period of the renewable energy surplus generation base varies based on weather, sunshine information, etc.

[0043] The constraint information database 13 records the constraint conditions when generating the delivery plan. For example, a constraint condition that the driving distance (total driving distance) in the delivery route R is less than the predetermined distance is recorded (equal load condition). A constraint condition that the power consumption (total power consumption) in the delivery route R is less than the predetermined amount is recorded (equal economic condition). In addition, a constraint condition that the delivery time (total delivery time) in the delivery route R is less than the predetermined time is recorded (equal delivery time condition). Such constraint conditions are added for the reason that the electric vehicle 3 does not consume excessive power and takes a long detour in order to charge the surplus power. By restricting based on the equal load condition, the value of the vehicle is prevented from being damaged due to excessive extension of the driving distance. By restricting based on the equal economic condition, excessive consumption of excess power is prevented. By restricting based on the equal delivery time condition, the prescribed delivery time is prevented from being exceeded.

[0044] The communication module 15 includes a communication interface with a network such as the Internet. The communication module 15 is configured to enable bidirectional communication with external devices of the server device 1 (electric vehicles 3 (3a to 3c), power supply equipment 7 (7a), server device A, and server device B). The data line 16 is configured to enable data to be exchanged between devices constituting the server device 1.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the electric car 3 can be charged in a contact manner via a charging cable extending from the power supply facility 7. Alternatively, the electric car 3 may be charged from a power supply facility capable of non-contact charging.

[0046] The electric vehicle 3 includes a battery (BAT) 21 , an inlet (INLET) 23 , a DCM (Data Communication Module) 24 , a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 25 , and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 26 .

[0047] The battery 21 is a battery pack including a plurality of cells. Each cell is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The battery 21 supplies electric power for generating driving force for the electric vehicle 3. In addition, the battery 21 stores electric power generated by an onboard electric generator (not shown). The battery 21 is provided with a voltage sensor and a current sensor (both not shown) for calculating the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery 21 by the ECU 26.

[0048] The socket 23 is configured to be insertable with a charging connector of the power supply device 7 by mechanical connection such as fitting. With the insertion of the charging connector, the electric vehicle 3 is electrically connected to the power supply device 7, and the battery 21 can be charged with power supplied from the power supply device 7.

[0049] The DCM 24 is configured so that the electric vehicle 3 and the server device 1 can communicate bidirectionally. In addition, the DCM 24 is configured so that the electric vehicle 3 and the power supply device 7 can communicate bidirectionally. The GPS receiver 25 determines the position of the electric vehicle 3 based on radio waves transmitted from an artificial satellite (not shown). The server device 1 obtains the position information of each of the plurality of electric vehicles 3 through communication. The ECU 26 controls the devices so that the electric vehicle 3 is in a desired state based on a program stored in a memory (not shown) and signals from various sensors.

[0050] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of a delivery route R of an electric car 3. The server device 1 obtains a charging request requesting charging of a specified amount of power (hereinafter also referred to as "requested amount") from a target power supply facility 7a within a specified time period (hereinafter also referred to as "specified time period").

[0051] As described above, the charging request may be a request based on a DR request message or a request from a renewable energy surplus generating base. In the former case, the server device 1 selects a target power supply device 7a from a plurality of target power supply devices 7a (a plurality of power supply devices 7 located in the DR area) included in the charging request. In the latter case, the power supply device 7 located at the renewable energy surplus generating base becomes the target power supply device 7a.

[0052] The server device 1 determines the delivery route R based on the charging request. The delivery route R is a delivery route including a route for reducing the SOC (State Of Charge) of the storage battery 21 based on the charging request before reaching the target power supply facility 7a.

[0053] The server device 1 issues a power receiving instruction to the electric car 3 to drive the set delivery route R and receive power from the target power supply facility 7a. The electric car 3 can receive power from the target power supply facility 7a during the delivery route R.

[0054] Three delivery destinations 31 to 33 are set on the delivery route R. The electric car 3 travels on the delivery route R and stops at each of the delivery destinations 31 to 33 to deliver the goods.

[0055] In this example, there are a clockwise route and a counterclockwise route for delivery routes R. The clockwise route is a route for delivering goods in a clockwise direction, which is a route that starts from the departure point 4, and the electric vehicle 3 delivers to the delivery destination 33, the delivery destination 32, and the delivery destination 31 in order, and then returns to the departure point 4. The electric vehicle 3 is charged from the target power supply device 7a at the power supply point 5 between the delivery destination 32 and the delivery destination 31.

[0056] The counterclockwise route is a route for delivering goods counterclockwise, which is a route starting from the departure point 4, and the electric car 3 delivers goods in the order of the delivery destination 31, the delivery destination 32, and the delivery destination 33, and then returns to the departure point 4. The electric car 3 is charged from the target power supply device 7a at the power supply point 5 between the delivery destination 31 and the delivery destination 32.

[0057] The delivery route R of the electric vehicle 3 is not limited thereto, and may be a route that is longer than the delivery route R to avoid congestion. The delivery route R of the electric vehicle 3 may be a route that delivers to the delivery destination 33, the delivery destination 31, and the delivery destination 32 in this order.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the SOC of the battery 21 of the electric vehicle 3 can be further reduced by reaching the power supply point 5 by a clockwise route compared to reaching the power supply point 5 by a counterclockwise route.

[0059] As shown in the figure, when the power supply location 5 is reached by the counterclockwise route, the driving distance becomes slightly longer, but it is possible to travel continuously on a flat road except for a temporary stop at the delivery destination 31. On the other hand, when the power supply location 5 is reached by the clockwise route, it is possible to stop at the traffic lights 41 to 43 in addition to the delivery destinations 33 and 32. As a result, more power is consumed. In addition, there is a mountain 51 on the route, and more power is consumed due to the slope of the mountain.

[0060] Figure 3 2 is a diagram for explaining determination of the delivery route R. Hereinafter, in a charging request, the amount of electric power specified to be charged from the target power supply facility 7a is referred to as "requested electric power".

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, the SOC is significantly lower when driving clockwise from the departure point 4 to the power supply point 5 than when driving counterclockwise from the departure point 4 to the power supply point 5. The power supply X2 when arriving at the power supply point 5 by the clockwise route is greater than the power supply X1 when arriving at the power supply point 5 by the counterclockwise route.

[0062] Furthermore, the amount of power supplied X2 when arriving at the power supply location 5 by the clockwise route exceeds the requested amount of power supplied. On the other hand, the amount of power supplied X1 when arriving at the power supply location 5 by the counterclockwise route is lower than the requested amount of power supplied. Therefore, the server device 1 determines to deliver on the clockwise route where the requested amount of power supplied can be supplied, and instructs the electric vehicle 3.

[0063] The following description will be given using a flowchart. Figure 4 1 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the processing executed by the delivery plan generating system 100. This processing is a processing for realizing a method of generating a delivery plan for the electric vehicle 3 for delivering goods.

[0064] This flowchart is called from a main routine (not shown) and executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Each step is implemented by software processing of the server device 1, but can also be implemented by hardware such as LSI (Large Scale Integration) configured in the server device 1. Hereinafter, the step is referred to as S.

[0065] When this process starts, the server device 1 obtains a charging request in S11. The charging request is an instruction to request that the target power supply device 7a charge a requested amount of electric power within a specified time period.

[0066] In S12, the server device 1 sets a vehicle (delivery vehicle) to which the power receiving instruction is sent. For example, an electric car 3 having a delivery route set to travel near the target power supply device 7a within a specified time period is set as the delivery vehicle. Figure 2 , Figure 3 In the example shown, there is one electric vehicle 3 that travels along the delivery route R passing through the target power supply equipment 7a to deliver the goods, and this vehicle is selected as the delivery vehicle. An example of a case where there are multiple such electric vehicles will be described in the second embodiment. In addition, when there are multiple target power supply equipment 7a, it is limited to one.

[0067] The server device 1 extracts a plurality of candidate delivery routes in S13. Figure 2 In the example shown, the plurality of delivery candidate routes include a clockwise route and a counterclockwise route. In addition, for example, routes departing from the departure point 4 and delivered to the delivery destinations 33, 31, and 32 may be included in the delivery candidate routes. In addition, the delivery candidate routes may include routes such as Figure 2 The clockwise / counterclockwise route shown in the figure is a longer route.

[0068] In S14 , the server device 1 predicts the SOC value that will be reduced when the vehicle reaches the target power supply facility 7 a for each of the plurality of candidate delivery routes based on the current SOC value and the consumption information (input information DB 17 ) that is the main cause of power consumption during travel along the delivery route R.

[0069] exist Figure 2 , Figure 3 In the example shown, the SOC decreases the available power X1 in the counterclockwise route, and the SOC decreases the available power X2 in the clockwise route. As described above, the consumption information includes the stop locations of the delivery destinations 31 to 33, the traffic lights 41 to 43, and the 3D map information of the mountain 51. The result calculated based on this information is that the available power X2 is predicted to be a value greater than the available power X1.

[0070] In S15, the server device 1 excludes routes that do not satisfy the constraint conditions from candidates for the delivery route R. The server device 1 excludes routes whose travel distance exceeds a predetermined distance (predetermined distance) among the delivery routes, whose power consumption exceeds a predetermined power (predetermined power) among the delivery routes, and whose delivery time exceeds a predetermined time (predetermined time) among the delivery routes from candidates for the delivery route R (constraint information DB 13).

[0071] For example, in Figure 2 In the case where the clockwise route / counterclockwise route shown in the figure is the shortest route, the predicted values ​​of the driving distance, power consumption, and delivery time when the delivery is made along the shortest route may be calculated. Furthermore, K times (e.g., 1.2 times) the predicted values ​​of the driving distance, power consumption, and delivery time may be set as the above-mentioned predetermined distance (predetermined distance), predetermined power (predetermined power), and predetermined time (predetermined time), respectively. By doing so, it is possible to exclude delivery candidate routes that unnecessarily detour to reduce power consumption.

[0072] For example, as described above, the delivery candidate routes include routes departing from the departure point 4 and delivering to the delivery destinations 33, 31, and 32, and routes such as Figure 2 The clockwise / counterclockwise routes shown are long and roundabout delivery routes. If these routes do not meet the above constraints, they will be excluded from the delivery candidate routes.

[0073] In S16, the server device 1 sets a delivery route R in which the SOC of the storage battery 21 is reduced based on the charging request before the electric car 3 reaches the target power supply facility 7a. In this example, a clockwise route that satisfies the charging request is determined as the delivery route.

[0074] In S17 , the server device 1 transmits a power receiving instruction to the electric car 3 to drive the set delivery route R and receive power from the target power supply facility 7 a , and this process ends.

[0075] As described above, the method for generating a delivery plan includes a step (S11) of obtaining a charging request requesting that a specified amount of electricity be charged from a target power supply device 7a within a specified time period. The method for generating a delivery plan includes a step (S16) of setting a delivery route R in which the SOC of the storage battery 21 is reduced based on the charging request before reaching the target power supply device 7a in the electric vehicle 3 that can receive electricity from the target power supply device 7a in the middle of the delivery route R. The method for generating a delivery plan includes a step (S17) of sending a power receiving instruction to the electric vehicle 3 to travel on the set delivery route R and receive electricity from the target power supply device 7a. In this way, the delivery route R that consumes electricity can be set in a manner that satisfies the charging request, and the electric vehicle 3 is supplied with electricity from the target power supply device 7a assembled in the middle of the delivery route R. Therefore, the supply and demand of electricity can be efficiently adjusted using the electric vehicle 3 that delivers goods.

[0076] The method for generating a delivery plan also includes a step (S14) of predicting the value of the SOC that will be reduced when reaching the target power supply device 7a based on the current value of the SOC and the consumption information that is the main cause of power consumption during the travel of the delivery route R. According to the above structure, for example, a route that is prone to power consumption, such as an area prone to congestion or a climbing route, can be incorporated into the delivery route to the target power supply device 7a. Therefore, the electric vehicle 3 used for delivering goods can more efficiently adjust the supply and demand of power.

[0077] The consumption information includes three-dimensional map information, specifications of devices included in the electric vehicle 3 including the storage battery 21, and location information of the delivery destination of the goods in the delivery route R. Thus, the value of the reduced SOC can be predicted using more detailed information such as geographic information, device information of the electric vehicle 3, and power consumption caused by the delivery of goods.

[0078] The method for generating a delivery plan further includes the step of excluding from the candidates of the delivery route R a route whose travel distance exceeds a prescribed distance, a route whose power consumption exceeds a prescribed power, and a route whose delivery time exceeds a prescribed time. This can avoid the loss of power consumption caused by unnecessary detours.

[0079] Second embodiment

[0080] Next, the second embodiment is described. In the first embodiment, Figure 2 , Figure 3In the example shown in the first embodiment, the electric vehicle 3 determines the delivery route R. In contrast, in the second embodiment, a plurality of electric vehicles (3a to 3c) can travel on the same delivery route R, and an example in which a certain electric vehicle is assigned as a dispatch vehicle is described. Figure 1 The configuration of the delivery plan generating system 100 is also the same in the second embodiment.

[0081] Figure 5 1 is a diagram for explaining the determination of the electric vehicle for delivery in the second embodiment. Figure 2 The electric vehicles 3a to 3c can be selected as the electric vehicles traveling along the delivery route R shown. In the following description, the case where the electric vehicles 3a to 3c are all traveling clockwise toward the power supply location 5 is described. In addition, when traveling counterclockwise toward the power supply location 5, the electric vehicles 3a to 3c do not meet the charging request.

[0082] The specifications of the battery and other devices of the electric vehicles 3a to 3c are different. In addition, the SOC values ​​at the departure point 4 are also different. The SOC value at the departure point 4 decreases in the order of the electric vehicle 3c (also referred to as the electric vehicle C), the electric vehicle 3a (also referred to as the electric vehicle A), and the electric vehicle 3b (also referred to as the electric vehicle B).

[0083] Then, the SOC when starting from the departure point 4 and arriving at the power supply point 5 in a clockwise route decreases in the order of electric vehicle C, electric vehicle A, and electric vehicle B. In this case, the relationship of the power supply amount X6 of electric vehicle C>the power supply amount X4 of electric vehicle A>the power supply amount X5 of electric vehicle B is established. And only the power supply amount X6 of electric vehicle C exceeds the requested power supply amount. Therefore, the server device 1 selects the electric vehicle C that can supply the requested power supply amount, and instructs the electric vehicle C to travel in a clockwise route and charge from the target power supply device 7a at the power supply point 5.

[0084] The following description will be given using a flowchart. Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the processing executed by the delivery plan creation system 100.

[0085] When this process starts, the server device 1 obtains a charging request in S21. Processing and use of S21 Figure 4 The charging request is an instruction to request that the target power supply device 7a charge a requested amount of electric power within a specified time period.

[0086] The server device 1 determines a delivery candidate vehicle in S22. Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, there is one electric vehicle set with a delivery route that travels near the target power supply equipment 7a (that can pass through the target power supply equipment 7a) during a specified time period. In contrast, in the second embodiment, one of the plurality of electric vehicles 3a to 3c can be selected and caused to travel on the travel route R that can pass through the target power supply equipment 7a during a specified time period. Therefore, in this example, the three electric vehicles 3a to 3c are determined as delivery candidate vehicles.

[0087] The server device 1 sets the delivery route R in S23. For example, any one of the delivery candidate vehicles may be selected to execute the delivery. Figure 4 The processing of S13 and S14 sets the route that makes the SOC the lowest as the delivery route R. In this example, the clockwise route is set as the delivery route R.

[0088] In S24, based on the current value of SOC, the server device 1 sets a vehicle among the plurality of electric vehicles 3a to 3c that is predicted to be able to receive a designated amount of power when arriving at the target power supply facility 7a as a vehicle to which a power receiving instruction is sent (dispatched vehicle). Figure 5 In the example shown, the electric vehicle C whose supply power X6 exceeds the requested power supply is set as the dispatched vehicle.

[0089] In S25, the server device 1 transmits a power receiving instruction to the electric vehicle set as the dispatched vehicle to drive along the set delivery route R and receive power from the target power supply facility 7a, and ends the present process. In this example, the power receiving instruction is transmitted to the electric vehicle C.

[0090] In addition, after the delivery vehicle candidate is determined in S22, the SOC of each electric vehicle that becomes the delivery candidate vehicle when arriving at the target power supply device 7a may be comprehensively calculated for each of the multiple delivery candidate routes (clockwise route, counterclockwise route, etc.). Then, the delivery route R and the dispatched vehicle that issues the power receiving instruction may be selected from the combination of the delivery candidate vehicle and the delivery candidate route that meets the charging request.

[0091] As described above, the method for generating a delivery plan further includes a step (S24) of setting a vehicle among the plurality of electric vehicles 3a to 3c that is predicted to be able to receive a specified amount of electricity when arriving at the target power supply device 7a based on the current value of the SOC as a vehicle that sends a power receiving instruction. According to the above structure, when there are a plurality of delivery candidate vehicles, a vehicle that can receive a specified amount of electricity when arriving at the target power supply device 7a is selected. Therefore, it is possible to more efficiently adjust the supply and demand of electricity using electric vehicles for delivering goods.

[0092] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A method for generating a distribution plan, performed by a computer, for generating a distribution plan for an electric vehicle for delivering goods, wherein: The electric vehicle includes a battery for driving, the battery storing power received from a power supply device. The method for generating the distribution plan comprises the following steps: Obtaining a charging request, wherein the charging request requests charging a specified amount of electricity from a target power supply device within a specified time period; In the electric vehicle capable of receiving power from the target power supply facility on the way of the delivery route, the delivery route is set such that the SOC (state of charge) of the battery is reduced based on the charging request before reaching the target power supply facility; and A power receiving instruction is transmitted to the electric vehicle to drive along the set delivery route and receive power from the target power supply facility.

2. The method for generating a distribution plan according to claim 1, wherein: The method for generating a delivery plan further includes the step of predicting a value of the SOC that will be reduced when arriving at the target power supply facility based on a current value of the SOC and consumption information that is a major factor in consuming power during travel along the delivery route.

3. The method for generating a distribution plan according to claim 2, wherein: The consumption information includes three-dimensional map information, specifications of devices included in the electric vehicle including the battery, and position information of a delivery destination of the cargo in the delivery route.

4. The method for generating a distribution plan according to claim 1, wherein: The method for generating a delivery plan further includes the step of excluding from the delivery route candidates a route whose travel distance exceeds a prescribed distance, a route whose power consumption exceeds a prescribed power, and a route whose delivery time exceeds a prescribed time.

5. The method for generating a distribution plan according to claim 1, wherein: The control method further includes the step of setting, as a vehicle to which the power reception command is transmitted, a vehicle among the plurality of electric vehicles that is predicted based on the current value of the SOC to be able to receive the designated amount of electric power when arriving at the target power supply facility.

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