Charging system for electric vehicle and computer program

Abstract

A charging system (100, 100A, 100B, 100C) for an electric vehicle is provided with: a system power supply (PS) that supplies power to an operation region of the electric vehicle; a plurality of distribution lines (DL1, DL2, DL3, DL4) connected to a system power supply; a plurality of charging devices (120) which are respectively disposed in a plurality of regions (AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4) obtained by dividing the operation region, are supplied with power from the distribution line, and charge the electric vehicle; power supply control devices (110, 150) that are provided to the respective distribution lines and that execute or stop the supply of power to the downstream side of the distribution lines; and a power consumption control unit (140) that receives information indicating the peak power and controls the power supply control device, the power consumption control unit specifies a charging stop area such that the total power consumption of the charging devices does not exceed the peak power, and the power consumption control unit (140) controls the power supply control device. And controls the power supply control device so as to stop charging by the charging device disposed in the charging stop area.

Description

[0001] Citation of relevant applications This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-61073, filed on April 5, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to charging systems and computer programs for electric vehicles.

[0003] Background Technology A charging system for charging electric vehicles is known. When charging multiple electric vehicles in such a system, it is necessary to charge in a manner that ensures the power consumption generated during charging does not exceed the available power. The system described in Patent Document 1 obtains the remaining battery capacity and destination of each electric vehicle's battery, determines the charging plan for each household's charging device, thereby suppressing excessive power consumption caused by simultaneous charging at multiple charging devices.

[0004] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-65265 Summary of the Invention

[0005] However, in the charging system described in Patent Document 1, the charging plan is determined for each charging device, which leads to a problem of complex charging system structure.

[0006] This disclosure can be implemented in the following ways.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a charging system for an electric vehicle is provided. The charging system comprises: a system power supply that supplies power to the operating area of ​​the electric vehicle; a plurality of power distribution lines connected to the system power supply; a plurality of charging devices respectively disposed in a plurality of zones dividing the operating area, i.e., a plurality of zones having distinct power distribution lines, receiving power from the power distribution lines and charging the electric vehicle; a power supply control device disposed on each of the power distribution lines and executing or stopping the power supply to the downstream side of the power distribution lines; and a power consumption control unit that receives information indicating an upper limit, i.e., a peak power, of the total power that can be supplied to the plurality of charging devices, and controls the power supply control device to determine a charging stop zone in the plurality of zones such that the total power consumption of the plurality of charging devices does not exceed the peak power, and controls the power supply control device to stop charging performed by the charging devices disposed in the charging stop zone.

[0008] According to the control device of this method, a charging stop zone is determined in such a way that the total power consumed by the charging devices does not exceed the peak power, and the power supply device is controlled to stop the charging performed by the charging devices located in the charging stop zone. Therefore, compared with the method of controlling the execution and stop of charging on a per-charging-device basis, it is possible to suppress the complexity of the charging system structure. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The above-mentioned objects, other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. The accompanying drawings are described below.

[0010] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing the general structure of the charging system according to this embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the charging status of the charging system of this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing the general structure of the power transmission circuit, the power supply side control unit, and the power receiving circuit in this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the power consumption suppression process in the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the power consumption suppression process in the second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the power consumption suppression process in the third embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the power consumption suppression process in the fourth embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic structure of a charging system according to another embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic structure of a charging system according to another embodiment.

[0019] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic structure of a charging system according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0020] A. First implementation method: A-1. System Structure: Figure 1The charging system 100 shown in this embodiment is a system for charging electric vehicles operating within a pre-defined operating area. In this embodiment, the electric vehicle is configured as an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) capable of autonomously determining its operating path using pre-learned AI and operating within a factory or warehouse as its operating area. The charging system 100 includes a system power supply PS, multiple power distribution lines DL1, DL2, DL3, and DL4, multiple power supply devices 110, multiple power transmission devices 120, and a control device 130.

[0021] The system power source PS is an AC power source that receives electricity from the power grid, such as that of a power company. Distribution lines DL1, DL2, DL3, and DL4 are connected to the system power source PS. Alternatively, the system power source PS may be an AC power source that receives electricity generated through the factory's own power generation system, not limited to the power grid of a power company.

[0022] The power supply device 120 is supplied with power from any one of the power distribution lines DL1, DL2, DL3, and DL4, and transmits power to the receiving circuit of the electric vehicle described later. The power supply device 120 is equivalent to the "charging device" of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific structure of the power supply device 120 is described below.

[0023] Power supply units 120 are respectively configured in multiple zones AR1, AR2, AR3, and AR4, which divide the operating area. For example, the zones can be distinguished according to the number of floors in the factory. Alternatively, zones can be divided within the same floor according to work processes or zoning. Each zone has a different power distribution line than the other zones, and the power supply units 120 installed in the same zone receive power from each other from a shared power distribution line. In addition, the operating area can be divided into two, three, or more zones, not limited to four zones.

[0024] Power supply devices 110 are installed on each distribution line. In this embodiment, a power supply device 110 is provided in each zone. The power supply device 110 converts the AC power supplied from the system power supply PS into high-frequency AC power and supplies it to the power transmission device 120. Furthermore, the power supply device 110 is controlled by the control device 130 to stop supplying power to the power transmission device 120. Thus, the power supply device 110 executes or stops the power supply to the downstream side of the power supply device 110. The power supply device 110 is equivalent to the "power supply control device" of this disclosure. In addition, the specific structure of the power supply device 110 is described below.

[0025] The control device 130 is configured as a computer having a CPU 131, a memory 132, and a communication device 133. The CPU 131 functions as a power consumption control unit 140 by executing programs pre-stored in the memory 132.

[0026] The power consumption control unit 140 obtains information (hereinafter also referred to as "power consumption information") related to the total current power consumption of each power transmission device 120 from the system power source PS via the communication device 133. Furthermore, the power consumption control unit 140 obtains information representing peak power (hereinafter also referred to as "peak power information") from the power management system 300 via the communication device 133. Peak power is the upper limit of the total power that can be supplied to each power transmission device 120. The power management system 300 is a system that manages the power supply in a larger power grid, including the system power source PS, outside the charging system 100. The power management system 300 includes, for example, a factory's self-consumption power generation supply system or a system managed by an integrator of a VPP (Virtual Power Plant). The power consumption control unit 140 uses the power consumption information and the peak power information to control the power supply device 110, controlling the power supply to the power transmission devices 120 in a manner that ensures the total power consumption of each power transmission device 120 does not exceed the peak power.

[0027] Reference Figure 2 The charging process between the charging system 100 and the electric vehicle 202 in this embodiment will be described in more detail. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, the electric vehicle 202 is charged while traveling on the travel path 105, where the charging system 100 is installed. "Traveling on the travel path 105" includes not only situations where the electric vehicle 202 is moving, but also situations where the electric vehicle 202 is stopped near fixed equipment such as a handling robot or conveyor due to loading or unloading of goods. Figure 2 In the diagram, the x-axis represents the direction of travel of the electric vehicle 202, the y-axis represents the width of the electric vehicle 202, and the z-axis represents the vertical upward direction.

[0028] The AC power supplied from the system power supply PS is converted into high-frequency AC power by the AC-DC converter circuit 111, inverter circuit 112, and filter circuit 113 of the power supply device 110. More specifically, the AC power supplied from the system power supply PS is rectified into DC power by the AC-DC converter circuit 111, converted into high-frequency AC power by the inverter circuit 112, and extracted into high-frequency AC power of a preset frequency band by the filter circuit 113.

[0029] The power supply unit 110 is connected in parallel with a plurality of power transmission units 120 installed underground along the x-direction of the travel route 105, supplying high-frequency AC power to each power transmission unit 120. Alternatively, the power transmission units 120 may also be installed in locations other than underground of the travel route 105, such as on the side of transport equipment.

[0030] Each power transmission device 120 includes a power transmission circuit 10 and a power supply side control unit 20. The power supply side control unit 20 switches the state of the power transmission circuit 10 to either a first state or a second state. In the second state, the power transmission circuit 10 is set to a resonant state and supplies power to the power receiving device 200. In the first state, the power transmission circuit 10 is set to a non-resonant state and the power supply to the power receiving device 200 is restricted. The specific structure of the power transmission circuit 10 and the power supply side control unit 20 is described below.

[0031] The electric vehicle 202 includes a battery 210, an auxiliary battery 215, a power receiving control unit 220, a rectifier circuit 230, a power receiving circuit 240, a DC / DC converter circuit 260, an inverter circuit 270, an electric generator 280, and auxiliary equipment 290. Alternatively, the power receiving device 200 may not include the auxiliary equipment 290; in this case, the auxiliary battery 215 and the DC / DC converter circuit 260 may also be omitted. In this embodiment, the power receiving circuit 240 is located facing the travel path 105, for example, on the lower surface of the electric vehicle 202. Furthermore, if the power supply circuit 10 is located on the side of a fixed device, the power receiving circuit 240 may also be provided on the side of the electric vehicle 202. The power receiving circuit 240 will be described below, but it includes a receiving coil and a capacitor constituting a resonant circuit. The power receiving circuit 240 is connected to the rectifier circuit 230, and the AC power received by the power receiving circuit 240 is converted into DC power. A battery 210, the high-voltage side of a DC / DC converter circuit 260, and an inverter circuit 270 are connected to the output of the rectifier circuit 230. An auxiliary battery 215 and an auxiliary device 290 are connected to the low-voltage side of the DC / DC converter circuit 260. The inverter circuit 270 is connected to a generator 280. The DC power output from the rectifier circuit 230 can be used to charge the battery 210 or drive the generator 280 via the inverter circuit 270. Alternatively, the DC power output from the rectifier circuit 230 can be stepped down using the DC / DC converter circuit 260 and used to charge the auxiliary battery 215 or drive the auxiliary device 290.

[0032] Battery 210 is a secondary battery that outputs relatively high DC power, such as tens to hundreds of V, to drive the electric generator 280. The electric generator 280 operates as a three-phase AC motor and generates driving force for the electric vehicle 202. The electric generator 280 operates as a generator when the electric vehicle 202 decelerates, regenerating electricity. Inverter circuit 270 converts the power from battery 210 into three-phase AC and supplies it to the electric generator 280 when the electric generator 280 operates as a motor. Inverter circuit 270 converts the three-phase AC regenerated by the electric generator 280 into DC and supplies it to battery 210 when the electric generator 280 operates as a generator.

[0033] DC / DC converter circuit 260 converts the output of battery 210 to a voltage lower than the output voltage of battery 210, such as 12V, and supplies it to auxiliary battery 215 and auxiliary equipment 290. Auxiliary battery 215 is a secondary battery used to drive auxiliary equipment 290, and its voltage is relatively low. Auxiliary equipment 290 includes peripheral devices such as air conditioning unit, electric power steering unit, headlights, turn signals, windshield wipers, etc., and various accessories of electric vehicle 202.

[0034] The power receiving side control unit 220 controls all parts except the inverter circuit 270 within the electric vehicle 202. When receiving contactless power during operation, the power receiving side control unit 220 controls the power receiving circuit 240 to receive power.

[0035] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic structure of the power transmission circuit 10, the power supply side control unit 20, and the power receiving circuit 240. The power transmission circuit 10 includes a power transmission coil 11, two capacitors 12 and 13, and a switch SW. Capacitor 12 and the power transmission coil 11 are connected in series. Capacitor 13 and the switch SW are connected in series, and the series-connected capacitor 13 and switch SW are connected in parallel with capacitor 12. The power transmission coil 11 and the two capacitors 12 and 13 constitute a resonant circuit. The power receiving circuit 240 includes a power receiving coil 241 and a capacitor 242 connected in series, which together constitute a resonant circuit.

[0036] Let the capacitance of capacitor 12 be C1, the capacitance of capacitor 13 be C2, the inductance of power transmission coil 11 be L1, and the resistance of the wiring be R. The impedance Zon of power transmission circuit 10 is... Zon=R+j(ωL1-1 / ωCg). Here, when switch SW is open, capacitor 13 is cut off, therefore... Cg = C1, When switch SW is turned on, capacitor 13 is connected, therefore... Cg = C1 + C2.

[0037] In the above formula, ω is the angular frequency. If the operating frequency of the power transmission circuit 10 is set as f, then ω = 2πf. Furthermore, the power transmission coil 11 is magnetically coupled to the receiving coil 241. Hereinafter, magnetic coupling is also referred to as "coupling". The inductance L1 of the power transmission coil 11 varies depending on its relative position to the receiving coil 241. If the inductance of the power transmission coil 11 when it is not coupled to any coil is set as L41, and the inductance of the receiving coil 241 when it is not coupled to any coil is set as L241, then the inductance L1 of the power transmission coil 11 is... L1 = L41 ± k (L41 × L241) 1 / 2 . Here, k is the coupling coefficient, which is determined by the relative position of the transmitting coil 11 and the receiving coil 241. The coupling coefficient k is largest when the transmitting coil 11 and the receiving coil 241 are closest. In addition, regarding the sign (±) before the second term in the above equation, it is positive if the winding directions of the transmitting coil 11 and the receiving coil 241 are the same, and negative if they are opposite.

[0038] The power supply side control unit 20 includes a measurement unit 21, a determination circuit 22, a switching circuit 23, and a drive circuit 24. The measurement unit 21 is a sensor that measures a physical quantity of the power supply coil 11. The physical quantity is an indicator of the degree of resonance of the resonant circuit including the power supply coil 11 and capacitors 12 and 13. In this embodiment, the voltage across the power supply coil 11 is used as the physical quantity. In addition, various physical quantities can be used as the physical quantity. Physical quantities other than the voltage across the power supply coil 11 used in this embodiment can also be used, such as the current flowing through the power supply coil 11, the magnetic flux generated by the power supply coil 11, the voltage across the capacitor 12, and the current flowing through the capacitor 12. When the switch SW is turned on, the voltage across the capacitor 13 and the current flowing through the capacitor 13 can also be used. The voltage across the power supply coil 11 when the switch SW is turned off is set as the off voltage Voff, and the voltage across the power supply coil 11 when the switch SW is turned on is set as the on voltage Von. In addition, the detected physical quantity can be different in each state of the switch SW being turned off / on. For example, when the switch SW is open, the voltage across the two ends of the power supply coil 11 is used as the detected physical quantity. When the switch SW is closed, in addition to the voltage across the two ends of the power supply coil 11, the current flowing through the power supply coil 11 and the voltage across the two ends of the capacitor 12 can also be used as the detected physical quantity.

[0039] The determination circuit 22 determines whether the disconnect voltage Voff of the switch SW in the open state is above or below the threshold Vth_off_L or Vth_off_H, and whether the on voltage Von of the switch SW in the closed state is above or below the threshold Vth_on_L or Vth_on_H. If the disconnect voltage Voff is above the threshold Vth_off_L or Vth_off_H, the signal Soff is set to a high level (hereinafter referred to as "H"); if it is below, the signal Soff is set to a low level (hereinafter referred to as "L"). Similarly, if the on voltage Von is above the threshold Vth_on_L or Vth_on_H, the signal Son is set to "H"; if it is below, the signal Son is set to "L".

[0040] The switching circuit 23 determines the value of the switching signal Ss that turns the switch SW on / off based on the values ​​of signals Soff and Son. The drive circuit 24 drives the switch SW to switch on / off based on the switching signal Ss, which is the output of the switching circuit 23. The switch SW can switch mechanical contacts such as relays according to external indications, but it can also be configured to use semiconductor elements such as MOS-FETs or analog switches.

[0041] A-2. Power Consumption Suppression Process: Power consumption control unit 140 executes Figure 4 The power consumption suppression process shown controls the power supply device 110 to ensure that the power consumption of the power supply device 120 does not exceed the peak power, thereby controlling the power supply to the power supply device 120. The power consumption suppression process begins simultaneously with the commencement of power supply to the operating area. During the period when power is being supplied to the operating area, the power consumption control unit 140 repeatedly executes the power consumption suppression process.

[0042] In step S100, the power consumption control unit 140 acquires peak power information and power consumption information. In this embodiment, the power consumption control unit 140 acquires peak power information from the power management system 300. Furthermore, the power consumption control unit 140 acquires power consumption information from the system power supply PS.

[0043] In step S200, the power consumption control unit 140 determines whether it is necessary to suppress the power consumption caused by charging relative to the peak power.

[0044] If it is determined that power consumption needs to be suppressed (step S200: Yes), the power consumption control unit 140 determines the charging stop zone according to the switching mode (step S300). The charging stop zone refers to the zone in zones AR1 to AR4 where the power supply from the system power source PS is stopped. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switching mode refers to a mode that is preset and stored in the memory 132, indicating the order in which the charging stop zones are selected and the time for stopping charging in the charging stop zone. Preferably, the switching mode is determined in a way that does not affect the operation of the electric vehicle 202, taking into account the normal operation plan of the electric vehicle 202.

[0045] In step S400, the power consumption control unit 140 controls the power supply device 110 located in the charging stop zone to stop supplying power to the charging stop zone. In this embodiment, after stopping the power supply to the charging stop zone, the power consumption control unit 140 resumes supplying power to the charging stop zone after a period of time determined by the switching mode described above.

[0046] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no need to suppress power consumption (step S200: No), the power consumption control unit 140 supplies power to all zones (step S500).

[0047] After step S400 or step S500 is completed, the power consumption control unit 140 executes step S100 again.

[0048] According to the charging system 100 of the embodiments described above, a charging stop zone is determined in such a way that the total power consumed by the power supply devices 120 does not exceed the peak power, and the power supply device 110 is controlled to stop the charging performed by the power supply devices 120 arranged in the charging stop zone. Therefore, compared with the method of controlling the execution and stop of charging by each power supply device 120, it is possible to suppress the complexity of the structure of the charging system 100.

[0049] Furthermore, the power supply device 120 includes a power supply circuit 10 that transmits power to the power receiving circuit 240 of the electric vehicle 202 in a non-contact manner. Therefore, charging of the electric vehicle 202 can be performed when the power supply device 120 installed on a fixed device or installed underground is closer to the power receiving circuit 240 of the electric vehicle 202 than a predetermined distance. Therefore, compared with the structure where the electric vehicle 202 goes to a dedicated charging location for charging, charging can be performed at a higher frequency, and the possibility of overcharging in areas where charging is stopped due to designated charging stop zones is increased. Therefore, the reduction in power consumption suppression effect caused by charging stoppage can be suppressed.

[0050] Furthermore, the power supply device 120 switches between a power supply state and a power supply standby state according to the degree of coupling between the power receiving circuit 240 and the power supply device 120. Therefore, the time when the power supply state is switched to a power supply state and the power consumption increases can be shortened, and the power consumption of the charging system 100 can be further suppressed.

[0051] Furthermore, the power consumption control unit 140 determines the charging stop zone according to a preset switching mode. Therefore, it can stop charging according to a plan that takes into account the impact of charging stop on the operation of the electric vehicle 202, and suppress the impact of charging stop on the operation of the electric vehicle 202.

[0052] B. Second implementation method: like Figure 5As shown, the charging system 100 of the second embodiment differs from the charging system 100 of the first embodiment in that it performs steps S110 and S120 after step S100 in the power consumption suppression process. However, the system structure and other steps in the power consumption suppression process of the charging system 100 of the second embodiment are the same as those of the charging system 100 of the first embodiment; therefore, identical structures and steps are labeled with the same symbols, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0053] In step S110, the power consumption control unit 140 obtains information (hereinafter referred to as "operation history information") representing the operating history of each electric vehicle 202 from each electric vehicle 202 via the communication device 133. The operation history information includes, for example, information indicating whether each electric vehicle 202 has stopped operating due to insufficient charging.

[0054] In step S120, the power consumption control unit 140 updates the switching mode using the acquired operating history information. In this embodiment, when the power consumption control unit 140 obtains operating history information indicating that any electric vehicle 202 has stopped operating due to insufficient charging, it updates the switching mode, for example, to shorten the charging stop time in the area where the electric vehicle 202 has been operating. By updating the switching mode in this way, the power consumption control unit 140 can determine the power outage stop area according to the operating status of each electric vehicle 202 using an appropriate switching mode.

[0055] According to the charging system 100 of the second embodiment described above, since the switching mode is updated using operating history information, the power outage stop zone can be determined according to the operating status of each electric vehicle 202 with an appropriate switching mode, and the impact of charging stop on the operation of the electric vehicle 202 can be further suppressed while suppressing power consumption.

[0056] C. Third implementation method: like Figure 6 As shown, the charging system 100 of the third embodiment replaces... Figure 5 The execution of steps S110 and S120, but steps S112 and S122, differs from the charging system 100 of the second embodiment. Furthermore, the system structure and other steps in the power consumption suppression process of the charging system 100 of the third embodiment are the same as those of the charging system 100 of the second embodiment; therefore, identical structures and steps are labeled with the same symbols, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0057] In step S112, the power consumption control unit 140 obtains information related to power consumption in the operating area of ​​the electric vehicle 202 that is not generated by the power supply device 120 (hereinafter also referred to as "non-charging power consumption information") from the power management system 300 via the communication device 133. The non-charging power consumption information includes, for example, information related to power consumption generated by production equipment and handling robots installed in the factory.

[0058] In step S122, the power consumption control unit 140 updates the switching mode using non-charging power consumption information. In this embodiment, for example, when equipment other than the power supply device 120, such as production equipment or handling robots, stops working and is in a low power consumption state, the power consumption control unit 140 can reduce the amount of power consumption suppression caused by charging. Therefore, it updates the switching mode in a way that shortens the charging stop time in the charging stop zone. By updating the switching mode in this way, the power consumption control unit 140 can determine the power outage stop zone according to the overall power consumption of the operating site and the appropriate switching mode.

[0059] According to the charging system 100 of the third embodiment described above, since the switching mode is updated using operating history information, the charging stop time in the charging stop zone can be shortened when the power consumption of equipment other than the power supply device is low, and the impact of charging stop on the operation of electric vehicle 202 can be further suppressed while suppressing power consumption.

[0060] D. Fourth Implementation Method: like Figure 7 As shown, the charging system 100 of the fourth embodiment replaces... Figure 6 The aspects of executing steps S112 and S122, and then executing steps S114 and S124, as well as executing step S410 after step S400, differ from the charging system 100 of the third embodiment. Furthermore, the system structure and other steps in the power consumption suppression process of the charging system 100 of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the charging system 100 of the third embodiment; therefore, identical structures and steps are labeled with the same symbols, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0061] In step S114, the power consumption control unit 140 acquires information indicating the charging state of the battery 210 of the electric vehicle 202 (hereinafter also referred to as "charging state information") and information pre-set for each electric vehicle 202, namely, information indicating the degree of impact on operation when each electric vehicle 202 is stopped (hereinafter also referred to as "operation impact information"). In this embodiment, the power consumption control unit 140 acquires the charging state information sent from each electric vehicle 202. In addition, the power consumption control unit 140 acquires the operation impact information pre-stored in the memory 132. Alternatively, the operation impact information may also be sent from each electric vehicle 202 together with the charging state information.

[0062] In step S124, the power consumption control unit 140 updates the switching mode using charging status information and operational impact information. In this embodiment, the power consumption control unit 140 uses the charging status information to update the switching mode in a way that shortens the charging stop time in the area where electric vehicles 202 with low battery 210 charge are operating. Furthermore, when there are multiple electric vehicles 202 with low battery 210 charge, the power consumption control unit 140 uses the operational impact information to update the switching mode in a way that prioritizes shortening the charging stop time in the area where electric vehicles 202 with low battery 210 charge and whose operation is most affected when stopped are operating. By updating the switching mode in this way, the power consumption control unit 140 can determine the power outage stop area using an appropriate switching mode based on the impact on operation when charging stops.

[0063] In step S410, the power consumption control unit 140 notifies each electric vehicle 202 which of the multiple zones AR1 to AR4 has been identified as a charging stop zone and charging by the power supply device 120 has been stopped. Using this information, each electric vehicle 202 can, for example, temporarily move from a designated operating zone to a zone where charging has not stopped to recharge, based on its charging status.

[0064] According to the charging system 100 of the fourth embodiment described above, since the charging status information is used to update the switching mode, the charging stop time in the area where the electric vehicle 202 is running with a low battery level 210 can be shortened, and the impact of charging stop on the operation of the electric vehicle 202 can be further suppressed while suppressing power consumption.

[0065] Furthermore, the charging system 100 uses operational impact information to update the switching mode. Therefore, when there are multiple electric vehicles 202 with low battery reserves, it can prioritize shortening the charging stop time in the area where the electric vehicle 202 with a higher impact on operation is running. Thus, it is possible to suppress power consumption while further suppressing the impact of charging stop on the operation of the electric vehicle 202.

[0066] Furthermore, the charging system 100 notifies each electric vehicle 202 which of the multiple zones AR1 to AR4 has been designated as a charging stop zone and charging by the power supply device 120 has been stopped. Therefore, each electric vehicle 202 can move to a zone where charging has not stopped as needed to charge. Thus, it is possible to suppress power consumption while further suppressing the impact of charging stoppage on the operation of the electric vehicle 202.

[0067] E. Other implementation methods: (E1) In the above embodiment, the charging system 100 charges the electric vehicle 202 via contactless power supply, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The charging system 100 may also be configured to have a charger with a charging connector instead of the power supply device 120, and to perform contact charging on electric vehicles with a power receiving connector instead of the power receiving circuit 240. Furthermore, the charging system 100 may also be configured to have dedicated charging locations in a portion of each zone, based on contactless power supply or contact charging, and to charge only electric vehicles arriving at the dedicated charging locations. Additionally, the charging system 100 may also perform charging using different charging methods for each zone, including contactless power supply charging, contact charging, and charging at dedicated charging locations. Even with the above-described structure, the complexity of the charging system 100's structure can be prevented.

[0068] (E2) In the above embodiment, the charging system 100 has a power supply device 110 in each zone, and the power supply to each zone is controlled by controlling the power supply device 110, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. It can also be like... Figure 8 As shown in the charging system 100A, each zone is configured with an interruption device 150 and a power supply device 110 downstream of the interruption device 150 for each power supply device 120. The interruption device 150 is configured as a switch, such as a relay, and is controlled by a power consumption control unit 140 to initiate or stop the power supply to the downstream side of the interruption device 150. The interruption device 150 corresponds to the "power supply control device" of this disclosure. Alternatively, it can be like... Figure 9The charging system 100B shown is configured to include: a power supply device 100 shared by the entire charging system 100B; and an intermittent device 150 for each zone. Even the charging systems 100A and 100B with the above-described structures achieve the same effects as the embodiments described above. Furthermore, it can also be like... Figure 10 As shown in the charging system 100C, it is configured based on the structure of the charging system 100B, and further includes an interruption device 150 for each power supply device 120. With the above-described structure, the charging system 100C can control the supply or stop of power for each power supply device 120, thus enabling more precise control over the amount of power consumption suppression. Furthermore, in the charging systems 100A, 100B, and 100C, in addition to controlling the interruption device 150, the power consumption control unit 140 can also control the power supply to each zone by controlling the power supply device 110 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

[0069] (E3) In the above embodiment, the electric vehicle 202 is configured as an AGV capable of autonomously determining its operating path and operating within a factory, but this disclosure is not limited to this. The electric vehicle 202 may also be a mobile device that does not autonomously determine its operating path, but rather, for example, operates only along a pre-set path. Furthermore, not limited to factories, the electric vehicle 202 may also be, for example, a bus operating within an airport or a mobile device operating within a theme park. Furthermore, not limited to electric vehicles 202 operating only within a specific location, the charging system 100 may also be, for example, a system in which charging is performed at the terminal station where the electric vehicle 202, configured as a long-distance truck or bus, stops, during the parking period of the electric vehicle 202, and the stopping of charging is controlled according to each zone within the terminal station. Even the charging system 100 with the above structure achieves the same effect as the above embodiment.

[0070] (E4) In the above embodiment, the power supply device 120 has a power supply side control unit 20, and is in a power supply standby state when the power supply coil 11 and the power receiving coil 241 are not coupled, but this disclosure is not limited to this. Alternatively, the power supply device 120 may not have a power supply side control unit 20, and may be in a power supply state during the period when power is supplied through the power supply device 110. Even with the charging system 100 of the above structure, the complexity of the structure of the charging system 100 can be suppressed.

[0071] (E5) In the above embodiment, the power consumption control unit 140 determines the charging stop zone according to a preset switching mode, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The power consumption control unit 140 may also not be based on the switching mode, but for example, it may monitor the total power consumption generated by the power supply device 120 for each zone, and determine the zone with the highest power consumption as the charging stop zone when it is necessary to suppress power consumption. Even with the charging system 100 with the above structure, it is possible to prevent the structure of the charging system 100 from becoming complicated.

[0072] (E6) In the fourth embodiment described above, the power consumption control unit 140 updates the switching plan using charging status information and operational impact information, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The power consumption control unit 140 may also update the switching plan using only charging status information. According to the charging system 100 with the above structure, the charging stop time in the area where the electric vehicle 202 with low battery 210 is operating can be shortened, and the impact of charging stop on the operation of the electric vehicle 202 can be further suppressed while suppressing power consumption.

[0073] (E7) In the fourth embodiment described above, the power consumption control unit 140 notifies each electric vehicle 202 of the charging stop zone, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The power consumption control unit 140 may also not notify each electric vehicle 202 of the charging stop zone. Even with the charging system 100 of the above structure, it is possible to shorten the charging stop time in the area where the electric vehicle 202 with low battery 210 is operating, thereby suppressing power consumption and further suppressing the impact of charging stop on the operation of the electric vehicle 202. In addition, it is possible to prioritize shortening the charging stop time in the area where the electric vehicle 202 with a greater impact on operation is operating, thereby suppressing power consumption and further suppressing the impact of charging stop on the operation of the electric vehicle 202.

[0074] The control device 130 and method described in this disclosure can also be implemented using a dedicated computer, which is provided by comprising a processor and a memory, the processor being programmed to perform one or more functions embodied in the computer program. Alternatively, the control device 130 and method described in this disclosure can be implemented using a dedicated computer, which is provided by comprising a processor composed of one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control device 130 and method described in this disclosure can be implemented using one or more dedicated computers, which are composed of a processor and a memory programmed to perform one or more functions, and a processor composed of one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program can also be stored on a computer-readable, non-transitory tangible recording medium as instructions to be executed by a computer.

[0075] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented through various structures without departing from the above-described spirit. For example, the technical features in each embodiment corresponding to the technical features described in the summary section can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve part or all of the above-described technical problems, or to achieve part or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, the above-described technical features can be appropriately deleted as long as they are not described as essential structures in this specification.

[0076] (Method 1) A charging system, specifically a charging system for electric vehicles (100, 100A, 100B, 100C), comprising: System power supply (PS) that supplies power to the operating area of ​​the electric vehicle; Multiple power distribution lines (DL1, DL2, DL3, DL4) are connected to the system power supply. Multiple charging devices (120) are respectively disposed in multiple zones (AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4) that divide the operating area, i.e. multiple zones with different power distribution lines, and are supplied with power from the power distribution lines to charge the electric vehicle. A power supply control device (110, 150), wherein the power supply control device is installed on each of the distribution lines and executes or stops the power supply to the downstream side of the distribution line; and The power consumption control unit (140) acquires information representing the upper limit of the total power that can be supplied to the plurality of charging devices, i.e., the peak power, and controls the power supply control device. The power consumption control unit determines a charging stop zone among the plurality of zones in such a way that the total power consumption of the plurality of charging devices does not exceed the peak power, and controls the power supply control device to stop charging performed by the charging devices arranged in the charging stop zone.

[0077] (Method 2) In the charging system described in Method 1, At least a portion of the plurality of charging devices have a power supply circuit (10) that supplies power in a non-contact manner relative to the power receiving circuit (240) of the electric vehicle.

[0078] (Method 3) In the charging system described in Method 2, The power supply circuit switches between a power supply state and a power supply standby state according to the degree of coupling between the power receiving circuit and the charging device.

[0079] (Method 4) In the charging system described in method 2 or method 3, The power consumption control unit determines the charging stop zone according to a preset switching mode that indicates the order in which the charging stop zone is selected and the time during which charging is stopped in the charging stop zone.

[0080] (Method 5) In the charging system described in Method 4, The power consumption control unit acquires the operating history of the electric vehicle and uses the operating history to update the switching mode.

[0081] (Method 6) In the charging system described in Method 4, The power consumption control unit acquires information related to power consumption in the operating area that is not generated by the charging device, namely, non-charging power consumption information, and uses the non-charging power consumption information to update the switching mode.

[0082] (Method 7) In the charging system described in Method 4, The power consumption control unit acquires charging status information, which is sent from the electric vehicle and indicates the charging status of the battery (210) of the electric vehicle, and uses the charging status information to update the switching mode.

[0083] (Method 8) In the charging system described in Method 7, The power consumption control unit acquires operation impact information, which is a pre-set information for each of the plurality of electric vehicles and indicates the degree of impact of each electric vehicle stopping on operation. Using the operation impact information, the unit selects the area where the electric vehicle with the higher impact is running as the charging stop area less frequently.

[0084] (Method 9) In the charging system described in Method 8, The electric vehicle is configured to autonomously determine its operating path. The power consumption control unit notifies the electric vehicle which of the plurality of zones has been identified as the charging stop zone and charging by the charging device is stopped.

[0085] (Method 10) A computer program is a computer program used to control the charging system of an electric vehicle, wherein, The charging system includes: System power supply, which supplies power to the operating area of ​​the electric vehicle; Multiple power distribution lines are connected to the system power supply. Multiple charging devices are respectively disposed in multiple zones dividing the operating area, i.e., multiple zones with different power distribution lines, and are supplied with power from the power distribution lines to charge the electric vehicle; and A power supply control device is installed on each of the power distribution lines and executes or stops the power supply to the downstream side of the power distribution line. The computer program enables the computer to perform the following functions: The function of determining a charging stop zone in the plurality of zones to ensure that the total power consumed by the plurality of charging devices does not exceed the upper limit of the total power that can be supplied to the plurality of charging devices, i.e., the peak power; and The power supply control device has the function of stopping charging performed by the charging device located in the charging stop area.

Claims

1. A charging system, which is a charging system for electric vehicles (100, 100A, 100B, 100C), comprising: System power supply (PS) that supplies power to the operating area of ​​the electric vehicle; Multiple power distribution lines (DL1, DL2, DL3, DL4) are connected to the system power supply. Multiple charging devices (120) are respectively disposed in multiple zones (AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4) that divide the operating area, i.e. multiple zones with different power distribution lines, and are supplied with power from the power distribution lines to charge the electric vehicle. A power supply control device (110, 150), wherein the power supply control device is installed on each of the distribution lines and executes or stops the power supply to the downstream side of the distribution line; and The power consumption control unit (140) acquires information representing the upper limit of the total power that can be supplied to the plurality of charging devices, i.e., the peak power, and controls the power supply control device. The power consumption control unit determines a charging stop zone among the plurality of zones in such a way that the total power consumption of the plurality of charging devices does not exceed the peak power, and controls the power supply control device to stop charging performed by the charging devices arranged in the charging stop zone.

2. The charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the plurality of charging devices have a power supply circuit (10) that supplies power in a non-contact manner relative to the power receiving circuit (240) of the electric vehicle.

3. The charging system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The power supply circuit switches between a power supply state and a power supply standby state according to the degree of coupling between the power receiving circuit and the charging device.

4. The charging system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The power consumption control unit determines the charging stop zone according to a preset switching mode that indicates the order in which the charging stop zone is selected and the time during which charging is stopped in the charging stop zone.

5. The charging system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The power consumption control unit acquires the operating history of the electric vehicle and uses the operating history to update the switching mode.

6. The charging system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The power consumption control unit acquires information related to power consumption in the operating area that is not generated by the charging device, namely, non-charging power consumption information, and uses the non-charging power consumption information to update the switching mode.

7. The charging system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The power consumption control unit acquires charging status information, which is sent from the electric vehicle and indicates the charging status of the battery (210) of the electric vehicle, and uses the charging status information to update the switching mode.

8. The charging system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The power consumption control unit acquires operation impact information, which is a pre-set information for each of the plurality of electric vehicles and indicates the degree of impact of each electric vehicle stopping on operation. Using the operation impact information, the unit selects the area where the electric vehicle with the higher impact is running as the charging stop area less frequently.

9. The charging system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The electric vehicle is configured to autonomously determine its operating path. The power consumption control unit notifies the electric vehicle which of the plurality of zones has been identified as the charging stop zone and charging by the charging device is stopped.

10. A computer program for controlling a charging system for an electric vehicle. The charging system includes: System power supply, which supplies power to the operating area of ​​the electric vehicle; Multiple power distribution lines are connected to the system power supply. Multiple charging devices are respectively disposed in multiple zones that divide the operating area, i.e. multiple zones with different power distribution lines, and are supplied with power from the power distribution lines to charge the electric vehicle. as well as A power supply control device is installed on each of the power distribution lines and executes or stops the power supply to the downstream side of the power distribution line. The computer program enables the computer to perform the following functions: The function of determining the charging stop zone in the multiple zones is to ensure that the total power consumed by the multiple charging devices does not exceed the upper limit of the total power that can be supplied to the multiple charging devices, i.e., the peak power. as well as The power supply control device has the function of stopping charging performed by the charging device located in the charging stop area.

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