Management server, management system, management method, and determination program product

Abstract

The present application relates to a management server, a management system, a management method, and a determination program product. The management server performs charge management of a battery of a vehicle. The management server includes an execution device. The execution device performs determination processing that is not performed when charge power reduction control is not performed, when it is detected that the vehicle performed the charge power reduction control on the battery under charge. The execution device performs the charge management on the basis of the determination processing, when the vehicle performed the charge power reduction control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to management servers, management systems, management methods, and defined program products. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-061433 discloses a management system. The management system includes power supply equipment, a vehicle having a battery that is charged by the power supply equipment, and a management server for managing the charging of the battery.

[0003] In the management system described in the aforementioned announcement, the vehicle sometimes performs charging-power tapering control. Charging-power tapering control is a control that reduces the charging power as the battery charging is nearing its end. There is a concern that the management system may not be able to properly manage charging when charging-power tapering control is implemented. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of this disclosure involves a management server configured to manage the charging of a vehicle's battery. The management server includes an execution device configured to perform a determination process that would not be performed if the vehicle had performed a charging power reduction control on the charging battery, in response to the vehicle performing such a control. The execution device then performs the charging management based on the determination process performed.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a management system configured to perform charging management of a vehicle's battery. The management system includes an execution device configured to perform a determination process that would not be performed if the charging power reduction control is not performed when the vehicle performs the charging power reduction control on the charging battery, and to perform the charging management based on the determination process performed.

[0006] The management method disclosed herein is performed by a management system including a computer configured to perform charging management of a vehicle's battery. The management method includes: performing a determination process that would not be performed if the charging power reduction control is not performed when the vehicle performs charging power reduction control on the charging battery; and performing the charging management based on the determination process performed.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure involves a determination program product configured to be executed by a computer configured to perform charging management of a vehicle's battery. The program product is configured to cause the computer to perform the following processes: in response to detecting that the vehicle has performed charging power reduction control on the charging battery, performing determination processes that would not be performed if the charging power reduction control is not performed; and, based on the determination processes performed, performing the charging management. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the management system of the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It means in Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the connection status of vehicles and power supply equipment in the management system.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a chart used to determine the charging command.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a diagram representing a database.

[0012] Figure 5 It is a chart representing the first taper profile.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a chart representing the second reduced distribution.

[0014] Figure 7 It means Figure 1 The flowchart shows a series of processes performed by the power supply equipment to identify the type of vehicle.

[0015] Figure 8 It means Figure 1 The flowchart shows a series of processes performed by the management server to identify the type of vehicle.

[0016] Figure 9 It means Figure 1 The flowchart shows a series of processes performed by the management server related to the prediction time.

[0017] Figure 10 It means Figure 1 The flowchart describes a series of processes performed by the management server, including determining the process.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes performed by the management server in the second embodiment, including a determination process.

[0019] Figure 12This is a diagram used to illustrate the energy management performed by the management server in the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0020] <First Implementation>

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the management system 10 includes multiple vehicles 20, multiple power supply devices 30, a management server 40, an external power supply 50, and multiple portable terminals 60. The management system 10 manages the charging of the vehicles 20 by the power supply devices 30.

[0022] <An Overview of the Management System>

[0023] Vehicle 20 includes a charging port 21, a charger 22, a battery 23, and a drive motor 24. Vehicle 20 is an electric vehicle. A charging connector 31 of a power supply device 30 can be connected to the charging port 21. With the charging connector 31 connected to the charging port 21, the power supply device 30 can charge the battery 23. With the charging connector 31 connected to the charging port 21, vehicle 20 can respond to the power supply device 30.

[0024] The drive motor 24 is the driving source for the vehicle 20. The drive motor 24 uses electricity stored in the battery 23 to drive the vehicle 20. The battery 23 stores the electricity that enables the drive motor 24 to operate.

[0025] The charger 22 includes a relay and a power conversion circuit that switch the connection and disconnection of the power path from the charging port 21 to the battery 23. The battery 23 is charged by controlling the charger 22.

[0026] Vehicle 20 has a response circuit 25 and a control device 26. The response circuit 25 is a circuit for responding to charging commands from power supply equipment 30. The response circuit 25 generates a response charging distribution diagram RCP (described later) using a PWM signal. The response circuit 25 generates a response representing the charging power using a PWM signal in response to a charging command with a specified power PX according to the charging plan PL (described later).

[0027] Control device 26 controls charger 22 to charge battery 23. If control device 26 detects that charging connector 31 is connected to charging port 21, control device 26 controls charger 22 to begin charging battery 23. Control device 26 controls charger 22 to end charging battery 23 based on the charging rate of battery 23. Figure 1 In the illustration, only one vehicle 20 is shown in detail; some illustrations of other vehicles 20 are omitted.

[0028] The power supply equipment 30 supplies power to the vehicle 20 from an external power source 50 for charging the battery 23 of the vehicle 20. The power supply equipment 30 is a so-called EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). The power supply equipment 30 includes a charging connector 31, a command circuit 32, a charging circuit 33, a control device 34, and a communication device 35.

[0029] The charging connector 31 can be connected to the charging port 21 of the vehicle 20. The charging connector 31 is connected to the command circuit 32 via a cable. The charging connector 31 is connected to an external power source 50 via a charging circuit 33 via a cable. The external power source 50 is located outside the power supply device 30. With the charging connector 31 connected to the charging port 21, the power supply device 30 can supply power to the battery 23 from the external power source 50 via the charging circuit 33.

[0030] Command circuit 32 is used to send charging commands to vehicle 20. With charging connector 31 connected to charging port 21, command circuit 32 can send charging commands to vehicle 20. The charging command includes the maximum current command value, which will be described later.

[0031] The charging circuit 33 is used to charge the battery 23 from the external power source 50. When the charging connector 31 is connected to the charging port 21, the charging circuit 33 can supply power to the battery 23 from the external power source 50.

[0032] Control device 34 controls the supply of power from external power source 50 to battery 23 of vehicle 20 according to charging plan PL obtained from management server 40 via communication device 35. Charging plan PL is time-series data of the required charging power per unit time within a predetermined time period. Figure 1 The diagram only shows the detailed information of one power supply device 30; some diagrams of other power supply devices 30 are omitted.

[0033] The management server 40 manages the charging of multiple vehicles 20 as objects. For each type of vehicle 20, the management server 40 manages the charging timing of the vehicles 20 based on a predetermined driving distance D to be traveled for each charging session. For example, in a first type of vehicle 20, a notification is displayed to the display of the vehicle 20 and the portable terminal 60 associated with the vehicle 20, indicating that charging is initiated by the power supply device 30 after traveling a first distance D1. Similarly, in a second type of vehicle 20, a notification is displayed to the display of the vehicle 20 and the portable terminal 60 associated with the vehicle 20, indicating that charging is initiated by the power supply device 30 after traveling a second distance D2.

[0034] The management server 40 manages the notification of the time when the vehicle 20, which has started charging, will finish charging. The management server 40 sends a notification indicating the expected time when the vehicle 20 will finish charging to the portable terminal 60 associated with that vehicle 20. Thus, the management server 40 causes the portable terminal 60 to display the expected time when the vehicle 20 will finish charging.

[0035] The management server 40 has a communication device 41 and an information processing device 42. The communication device 41 is capable of communicating with the power supply equipment 30 via a wireless communication line.

[0036] The information processing apparatus 42 includes an execution device 43 as a processing circuit and a storage device 44. The execution device 43 is a CPU including a processor. The storage device 44 is a memory. The storage device 44 stores a database DB, a discrimination program PR1, a prediction program PR2, and a determination program PR3.

[0037] As described later, the information processing device 42 determines the type of vehicle to be charged, i.e., the vehicle having a battery 23 to be charged by the power supply device 30, by executing a discrimination procedure PR1. Then, the information processing device 42 generates a charging plan PL for charging the battery 23 of the target vehicle from the power supply device 30, based on the determined type of the target vehicle. The information processing device 42 sends information representing the generated charging plan PL to the power supply device 30 via the communication device 41.

[0038] Portable terminal 60 is a display device that displays notifications received from management server 40. Portable terminals 60 are associated with each vehicle 20 and registered in database DB. That is, storage device 44 stores portable terminals 60 that are associated with vehicles 20.

[0039] <CPLT Function>

[0040] The power supply device 30 has a CPLT function. The CPLT function is the function of determining whether the charging connector 31 is connected to the charging port 21 and starting charging when the charging connector 31 is connected to the charging port 21. CPLT is short for Control Pilot.

[0041] like Figure 2As shown, when the charging connector 31 is connected to the charging port 21, the command line L1, used to send charging commands, connects the command circuit 32 to the response circuit 25. The command line L1 is a power line. When the charging connector 31 is connected to the charging port 21, the response line L2, used to send responses, connects the command circuit 32 to the response circuit 25. The response line L2 is a power line. When the charging connector 31 is connected to the charging port 21, the power supply line L3, used to supply power from the external power source 50 to the battery 23, connects the charging circuit 33 to the charger 22. The power supply line L3 is a power line.

[0042] The command circuit 32 has a power supply, for example, of 12V, to detect the connection status between the charging connector 31 and the charging port 21. The command circuit 32 applies a voltage to the command line L1 from the power supply. The response circuit 25 includes a first resistor and a second resistor.

[0043] When the charging connector 31 is not connected to the charging port 21 and when it is connected to the charging port 21, the voltage applied to the command line L1 changes due to the presence of the first resistor included in the response circuit 25.

[0044] The control device 34 obtains the voltage of the command line L1 from a voltage sensor that detects the voltage of the command line L1. Based on the obtained voltage of the command line L1, the control device 34 determines whether the charging connector 31 is connected to the charging port 21.

[0045] More specifically, when the charging connector 31 is not connected to the charging port 21, the voltage on the command line L1 is 12V, which is the voltage applied from the power supply of the command circuit 32. When the charging connector 31 is connected to the charging port 21, the voltage on the command line L1 changes from 12V to, for example, 9V due to the first resistor included in the response circuit 25. Therefore, the control device 34 determines that the charging connector 31 is connected to the charging port 21.

[0046] If the control device 34 determines that the charging connector 31 is connected to the charging port 21, the control device 26 outputs a PWM signal to the command line L1. The voltage range of the PWM signal is, for example, from -12V to +12V. The duty cycle range of the PWM signal is, for example, from 5% to 96%. In this case, the PWM signal represents a value of 6A to 80A as the maximum current command value.

[0047] If the control device 26 obtains the maximum current command value output to the command line L1 from the sensor 27 that detects the PWM signal of the command line L1, it changes the voltage applied to the command line L1 via the second resistor included in the response circuit 25 to indicate that charging can begin. If the second resistor is connected to the command line L1, the voltage of the command line L1 changes to, for example, 6V. Thus, the control device 34 detects that the vehicle 20 can begin charging.

[0048] If the control device 34 detects that the vehicle 20 is able to start charging, the control device 34, for example, controls the switch included in the charging circuit 33 to apply AC200V from the external power source 50 to the power supply line L3.

[0049] If AC200V is applied to the power supply line L3, the control device 26 controls the charger 22 to start charging the battery 23 by supplying a current below the maximum current command value to the battery 23 and using a power conversion circuit to make it a DC voltage.

[0050] Thus, via the CPLT function, when the charging connector 31 is connected to the charging port 21, the power supply device 30 begins charging the battery 23. The power supply device 30 communicates with the vehicle 20 via power line. Therefore, the power supply device 30 cannot obtain vehicle identification information such as the identification number used to identify the vehicle 20 from the vehicle 20.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication device 35 can communicate with the management server 40 via a wireless communication line. On the other hand, the vehicle 20 cannot communicate wirelessly with the management server 40 via the wireless communication line. Therefore, the management server 40 cannot obtain vehicle identification information from the vehicle 20.

[0052] <Discrimination charging command>

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the control device 34 controls the command circuit 32 to output a predetermined discrimination charging command DCC to the vehicle 20 via the command line L1. The discrimination charging command DCC is a charging command used to determine the type of the vehicle 20.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the Discrimination Charging Command DCC is time-series data indicating the charging power, i.e., the required power, to vehicle 20. Specifically, the Discrimination Charging Command DCC requests a power indication of zero during the period from time t0 to time t1. During the period from time t1 to time t2, the Discrimination Charging Command DCC requests a power indication of a first power P1. The first power P1 is, for example, 6kW. The change in power from zero to the first power P1 is a change in power of a predetermined magnitude or greater. Therefore, the Discrimination Charging Command DCC has a change in power of a predetermined magnitude or greater. The predetermined magnitude is the magnitude of power determined in advance through testing or simulation for the purpose of determining the type of vehicle 20. The predetermined magnitude is, for example, 3kW.

[0055] The determination method uses a charging command DCC to request a power indication of a second power P2 during the period from time t2 to time t3. The second power P2 is less than the first power P1. For example, the second power P2 is 0.5 kW. The change in power from the first power P1 to the second power P2 is a change in power greater than a specified value. Therefore, the determination method uses a charging command DCC to determine a change in power greater than a specified value.

[0056] The DCC (Discrimination Charge Command) will request a zero power indicator during the period from time t3 to time t4. The DCC terminates this charging command at time t4. Thus, the DCC becomes a time series of power requests from time t0 to time t4.

[0057] It should be noted that when vehicle 20 charges battery 23 according to charging command, control device 26 charges battery 23 with a current below the maximum current command value. Therefore, even when the same charging command is obtained, battery 23 is charged with a charging power different from the power required by the charging command, depending on the type of vehicle 20.

[0058] <Database>

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the database DB includes charging distribution maps CP, which are associated with different types of vehicles 20; charging power reduction distribution maps LP, which are associated with different types of vehicles 20; and predetermined driving distances D, which are associated with different types of vehicles 20.

[0060] The charging distribution map (CP) is a time-series data of the charging power obtained when vehicle 20 charges battery 23 according to the charging command DCC based on the determination. Multiple charging distribution maps (CP) are obtained in advance through experiments or simulations.

[0061] The types of vehicles 20 include a first type and a second type. The charging distribution map CP associated with the first type is a first charging distribution map CP1. The charging distribution map CP associated with the second type is a second charging distribution map CP2. That is, the storage device 44 stores multiple charging distribution maps CP for each type of vehicle 20.

[0062] The first charging distribution map CP1 is a charging distribution map CP generated when the vehicle 20 in the first type charges the battery 23 according to the determination charging command DCC. For example, the first charging distribution map CP1 represents a charging requirement for the first power P1 when the vehicle 20 charges the battery 23 according to the determination charging command DCC, but the battery 23 is not charged with the first power P1.

[0063] Specifically, the first charging distribution diagram CP1 represents a period from time t0 to time t1 where the charging power is zero. In the first charging distribution diagram CP1, during the period from time t1 to time t2, although the first power P1 is required to be charged, the charging power is less than the first power P1 but greater than the second power P2. Specifically, the charging power during the period from time t1 to time t2 is half the charging power of the first power P1.

[0064] The first charging distribution diagram CP1 represents the charging power as the second power P2 during the period from time t2 to time t3. The first charging distribution diagram CP1 also represents the charging power as zero during the period from time t3 to time t4.

[0065] The second charging distribution map CP2 is a charging distribution map CP generated when the vehicle 20 of the second type charges the battery 23 according to the determination charging command DCC. For example, the second charging distribution map CP2 indicates that when the vehicle 20 charges the battery 23 according to the determination charging command DCC, there is a response delay in the charging power for changes in the required power of a specified size or above.

[0066] Specifically, the second charging distribution diagram CP2 represents a period from time t0 to time t1 where the charging power is zero. The second charging distribution diagram CP2 also represents a period from time t1 to time t2 where the charging power gradually increases from zero to a first power P1, and thereafter the charging power remains at the first power P1. In other words, the second charging distribution diagram CP2 represents a response delay to the change in required power from zero to the first power P1.

[0067] The second charging distribution diagram CP2 represents the charging power gradually decreasing from the first power P1 to the second power P2 during the period from time t2 to time t3, and thereafter the charging power is the second power P2. That is, the second charging distribution diagram CP2 represents a response delay to the change in required power from the first power P1 to the second power P2. The second charging distribution diagram CP2 also represents the charging power being zero during the period from time t3 to time t4.

[0068] The charging power reduction distribution map LP is a time-series data of the charging power obtained when charging power reduction control is applied during the charging process of battery 23 by vehicle 20 at a specified power PX. The charging power reduction distribution map LP includes data representing the time NT required from the start of charging power reduction control to the end of charging of battery 23. Multiple charging power reduction distribution maps LP were obtained in advance through experiments or simulations.

[0069] The charging power reduction distribution map LP associated with the first type is designated as the first reduction distribution map LP1. The charging power reduction distribution map LP associated with the second type is designated as the second reduction distribution map LP2. That is, the storage device 44 stores multiple charging power reduction distribution maps LP for each type of vehicle 20.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, the first reduction distribution map LP1 is the time series data of the charging power obtained when the charging power reduction control is performed during the process of the first type of vehicle 20 charging the battery 23 with a specified power PX.

[0071] Specifically, the first reduction distribution diagram LP1 represents the period from time t10 after charging begins with a specified power PX to time t11 when charging power reduction control begins, during which the charging power is the specified power PX.

[0072] The first reduction distribution diagram LP1 represents the charging power decreasing from the specified power PX to the first reduced power P11 at the time t11 when the charging power reduction control begins. The first reduction distribution diagram LP1 also represents the charging power being the first reduced power P11 during the period from the time t11 when the charging power reduction control begins to the time t12 when the charging power reduction control ends.

[0073] The first reduced distribution diagram LP1 represents the charging power being zero at time t12. That is, the first reduced distribution diagram LP1 represents the charging power reduction control and the end of charging at time t12. Therefore, in the first reduced distribution diagram LP1, the time from time t11 to time t12 is the required time NT.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, the second reduction distribution map LP2 is the time series data of the charging power obtained when the charging power reduction control is performed during the process of the second type of vehicle 20 charging the battery 23 with a specified power PX.

[0075] Specifically, the second reduction distribution diagram LP2 represents the period from time t20 after charging begins with a specified power PX to time t21 when charging power reduction control begins, during which the charging power is the specified power PX.

[0076] The second reduction distribution diagram LP2 represents the charging power decreasing from the predetermined power PX to the first reduced power P21 at the time t21 when the charging power reduction control begins. The second reduction distribution diagram LP2 also represents the charging power being the first reduced power P21 during the period from time t21 to time t22 after time t21.

[0077] The second reduction distribution diagram LP2 represents the charging power at time t22 decreasing from the first reduction power P21 to the second reduction power P22. The second reduction power P22 is smaller than the first reduction power P21. The second reduction distribution diagram LP2 also represents the charging power of the second reduction power P22 during the period from time t22 to time t23 after time t22.

[0078] The second reduction distribution diagram LP2 represents the charging power at time t23 decreasing from the second reduced power P22 to the third reduced power P23. The third reduced power P23 is smaller than the second reduced power P22. The second reduction distribution diagram LP2 also represents the charging power being the third reduced power P23 during the period from time t23 to time t24 after time t23.

[0079] The second reduction distribution diagram LP2 represents the charging power at time t24 decreasing from the third reduction power P23 to the fourth reduction power P24. The fourth reduction power P24 is smaller than the third reduction power P23. The second reduction distribution diagram LP2 also represents the charging power of the fourth reduction power P24 during the period from time t24 to time t25 after time t24.

[0080] The second reduction distribution diagram LP2 represents the charging power being zero at time t25. That is, the second reduction distribution diagram LP2 represents the charging power reduction control and the end of charging at time t25. Therefore, in the second reduction distribution diagram LP2, the time from time t21 to time t25 is the required time NT. Thus, the second reduction distribution diagram LP2 represents the charging power being reduced in a stepped manner by dividing the charging power into multiple reductions.

[0081] The predetermined driving distance D is the distance to be traveled during each charging cycle when the management server 40 is performing operational management. The predetermined driving distance D associated with the first type is designated as the first distance D1. The predetermined driving distance D associated with the second type is designated as the second distance D2. Multiple predetermined driving distances D have been obtained in advance through experiments or simulations.

[0082] <Identifying Vehicle Types>

[0083] like Figure 7 As shown, when the charging connector 31 is connected to the charging port 21 of the target vehicle, the control device 34 begins a series of processes to determine the type of the target vehicle. If the control device 34 begins a series of processes to determine the type of the target vehicle, the control device 34 first performs the process of step S11.

[0084] In step S11, the control device 34 outputs a DCC (Discrimination Charge Command) to the target vehicle. Then, the control device 34 causes the process to proceed to step S12.

[0085] In step S12, when the target vehicle charges the battery 23 according to the discrimination charging command DCC, the control device 34 generates a response charging distribution map RCP in response to the discrimination charging command DCC. The response charging distribution map RCP is time-series data of the charging power obtained when the target vehicle charges the battery 23 according to the discrimination charging command DCC.

[0086] In detail, in the target vehicle that has been input with the discrimination charging command DCC, the control device 26 controls the response circuit 25 to output time-series data of the charging power obtained during charging according to the discrimination charging command DCC to the power supply device 30 via the response line L2. The response circuit 25 outputs a PWM signal to the response line L2. The PWM signal represents the value of the current during charging. The control device 34 calculates the current value during charging based on the detection value of the sensor 37 that detects the PWM signal. The control device 34 calculates the charging power using the voltage value during charging through the charging circuit 33 and the calculated current value. Then, the control device 34 generates time-series data of the calculated charging power as a response charging distribution map RCP. Then, the control device 34 causes the process to proceed to step S13.

[0087] In step S13, the control device 34 sends data representing the generated response charging distribution map (RCP) from the communication device 35 to the management server 40. Then, the control device 34 ends this series of processes.

[0088] like Figure 8 As shown, if the communication device 41 receives data representing the response charging distribution map RCP, the information processing device 42 begins a series of processes for determining the type of the target vehicle. In the information processing device 42, the series of processes for determining the type of the target vehicle begins by the execution device 43 starting the execution of the determination procedure PR1.

[0089] If the execution device 43 begins to determine the execution of procedure PR1, then the execution device 43 first begins the processing of step S21. In step S21, the execution device 43 performs the process of obtaining the response charging distribution map (RCP) of the target vehicle received by the communication device 41. Then, the execution device 43 causes the processing to proceed to step S22.

[0090] In step S22, the execution device 43 compares the response charging distribution map RCP with multiple charging distribution maps CP. In step S22, the execution device 43 outputs the charging distribution map CP that matches the response charging distribution map RCP as the comparison result.

[0091] For example, the actuator 43 fits the response charging distribution map RCP to multiple charging distribution maps CP respectively. Moreover, the result of the fitting by the actuator 43 is to output the charging distribution map CP with the highest consistency among the multiple charging distribution maps CP as the comparison result.

[0092] Specifically, when the charging power during the period from time t1 to time t2, as represented by the charging distribution map RCP, is half of the first power P1, the execution device 43 outputs the first charging distribution map CP1 as a comparison result. When there is a response delay in the changes in charging power from time t1 to time t2, as represented by the charging distribution map RCP, the execution device 43 outputs the second charging distribution map CP2 as a comparison result. Then, the execution device 43 causes the process to proceed to step S23.

[0093] In step S23, the execution device 43 determines the type of the target vehicle based on the comparison results between the response charging distribution map RCP and multiple charging distribution maps CP.

[0094] In detail, the execution device 43 determines the type of the target vehicle as the type of vehicle 20 associated with the charging distribution map CP that is consistent with the response charging distribution map RCP in step S22. Therefore, for example, if the execution device 43 outputs a comparison result showing that the response charging distribution map RCP is consistent with the first charging distribution map CP1, the execution device 43 determines that the type of the target vehicle is the first type.

[0095] Additionally, for example, if the actuator 43 outputs a comparison result showing that the response charging distribution map RCP is consistent with the second charging distribution map CP2, the actuator 43 determines that the type of the target vehicle is the second type.

[0096] Thus, the actuator 43 determines the type of the target vehicle based on the response charging distribution map RCP and multiple charging distribution maps CP. The actuator 43 determines the type of vehicle 20 based on the comparison result between the response charging distribution map RCP and the multiple charging distribution maps CP.

[0097] If the execution device 43 finishes processing step S23, then the execution device 43 ends this series of processes. Then, the execution device 43 sends a charging plan PL corresponding to the determined type of vehicle 20 as a charging command to the power supply device 30. Then, the power supply device 30 outputs a charging command in a manner that allows charging via the charging plan PL corresponding to the type of vehicle 20. For example, although the charging plans PL generated according to different types of vehicle 20 are the same in requiring charging with a specified power PX, they differ in the required charging time.

[0098] <Predicted time calculated at the start of charging>

[0099] When the execution device 43 sends the charging plan PL as a charging instruction to the power supply device 30, that is, when charging based on the charging plan PL begins, it starts a series of processes for calculating and displaying the prediction time PT by starting the execution of the prediction program PR2.

[0100] like Figure 9 As shown, if the execution device 43 begins the execution of the prediction program PR2, the execution device 43 first begins the processing of step S31. In step S31, the execution device 43 determines a predetermined driving distance D that is associated with the type of vehicle 20 determined by executing the discrimination program PR1.

[0101] For example, when the type of vehicle 20 is identified as the first type, the actuator 43 determines the predetermined travel distance D as the first distance D1. Alternatively, for example, when the type of vehicle 20 is identified as the second type, the actuator 43 determines the predetermined travel distance D as the second distance D2. Then, the actuator 43 causes the process to proceed to step S32.

[0102] In step S32, the execution device 43 calculates the predicted time PT based on the determined predetermined driving distance D. The predicted time PT is the predicted time when the charging of the battery 23 of the vehicle 20, which has started charging based on the charging plan PL, will end. The longer the predetermined driving distance D, the later the predicted time PT is calculated. Then, the execution device 43 causes the process to proceed to step S33.

[0103] In step S33, the execution device 43 displays the calculated predicted time PT on the portable terminal 60 that has been associated with the vehicle 20 that has started charging. Then, the execution device 43 ends this series of processes.

[0104] <Calculation of the end time of the process>

[0105] If the power supply device 30 starts charging the battery 23 of the vehicle 20 by taking the charging plan PL as a charging command, the power supply device 30 outputs a charging command to the vehicle 20 specifying the power PX.

[0106] If vehicle 20 receives a charging command with a specified power PX, control device 26 performs charging with the specified power PX and controls response circuit 25 to output a response to power supply device 30 indicating that charging is in progress with the specified power PX.

[0107] During the period when the power supply device 30 receives a response to a charging command from the response circuit 25, the control device 34 monitors whether charging power reduction control is being performed for a charging command with a specified power PX. Specifically, the control device 34 determines whether the charging power is being reduced for a charging command with a specified power PX. When the charging power is reduced relative to the specified power PX, the control device 34 determines whether the charging power indicated by the response is greater than zero. When the charging power indicated by the response is greater than zero, the control device 34 detects that the vehicle 20 is performing charging power reduction control.

[0108] If the control device 34 detects that charging power reduction control is being performed in the vehicle 20, the control device 34 controls the communication device 41 to send a signal to the management server 40 indicating that the vehicle 20 has performed charging power reduction control.

[0109] If the management server 40 receives a signal indicating that the vehicle 20 has performed charging power reduction control, the execution device 43 begins to determine the execution of program PR3. That is, when the vehicle 20 performs charging power reduction control, the execution device 43 begins to determine the execution of program PR3.

[0110] like Figure 10 As shown, if the execution device 43 starts executing the determination procedure PR3, the execution device 43 first performs the processing of step S41. In step S41, the execution device 43 performs determination processing. Determination processing is not performed when charging power reduction control is not executed. Determination processing is the process of calculating the end time ET of the end of charging of battery 23.

[0111] In particular, the actuator 43 calculates the end time ET based on the required time NT included in the charging distribution map CP associated with the type of vehicle 20 that has performed the charging power reduction control. Specifically, the actuator 43 calculates the end time ET as the time after the required time NT from the current time. Then, the actuator 43 causes the process to proceed to step S42.

[0112] In step S42, the execution device 43 performs charging management after the determination process. Specifically, the execution device 43 causes the portable terminal 60, which serves as a display device, to display the calculated end time ET instead of the predicted time PT. By displaying the end time ET, the execution device 43 notifies the user of the vehicle 20 of the expected time when the vehicle 20 will finish charging. Then, the execution device 43 concludes this series of processes.

[0113] In the first embodiment, the management system 10 implements a management method that includes performing determination processing by executing a determination program PR3 through an execution device 43, which is a computer, and performing charging management after the determination processing has been performed.

[0114] The management method is executed by the management system 10, which includes a computer execution device 43 that manages the charging of the battery 23 of the vehicle 20. The management method includes performing a determination process that would not be performed if the vehicle 20 had performed a charge reduction control on the charging battery 23. The management method also includes performing charging management after the determination process has been performed when the vehicle 20 performs charge reduction control.

[0115] That is, the execution device 43, which is a computer that manages the charging of the battery 23 of the vehicle 20, executes the determination program PR3. The determination program PR3 causes the execution device 43 to perform a determination process that is not performed when the vehicle 20 performs charging power reduction control on the charging battery 23. The determination program PR3 also causes the execution device 43 to perform charging management after the determination process is completed when the vehicle 20 performs charging power reduction control.

[0116] <Function of the First Embodiment>

[0117] In the first embodiment, after the vehicle 20 has traveled a predetermined distance D and started charging, the vehicle 20 ends charging at a predicted time PT if the vehicle does not perform charging power reduction control.

[0118] On the other hand, after vehicle 20 has traveled a predetermined distance D and started charging, if vehicle 20 performs charging power reduction control, vehicle 20 will not complete charging at the predicted time PT. In this case, vehicle 20 will end charging at the end time ET.

[0119] <Effects of the First Implementation>

[0120] (1-1) The management server 40 has an execution device 43 for managing the charging of the battery 23 of the vehicle 20. When the execution device 43 detects that the vehicle 20 has performed charging power reduction control on the charging battery 23, it performs a determination process that would not be performed if charging power reduction control had not been performed. When the vehicle 20 performs charging power reduction control, the execution device 43 performs charging management after performing the determination process.

[0121] According to the management server 40, when the vehicle 20 performs charging power reduction control, the execution device 43 performs charging management after determining the appropriate charging power. Therefore, the management server 40 is able to perform appropriate charging management when the vehicle 20 performs charging power reduction control.

[0122] (1-2) The determination process is the process of calculating the end time ET of the end of charging of battery 23. The management server 40 is able to calculate the end time ET that is delayed due to the execution of charging power reduction control compared to the case where charging power reduction control is not executed. Therefore, the management server 40 can perform charging management based on the end time ET.

[0123] (1-3) The management server 40 also includes a storage device 44, which stores the time NT required from the start of charging power reduction control to the end of charging of the battery 23, which is associated with each type of vehicle 20. The execution device 43 calculates the end time ET based on the time NT associated with the type of vehicle 20 that has performed charging power reduction control.

[0124] In charging power reduction control, the way charging power is reduced may vary depending on the type of vehicle 20. Therefore, the required time NT may differ for each type of vehicle 20. Since the management server 40 calculates the end time ET based on the required time NT associated with the type of vehicle 20 that performed the charging power reduction control, it can calculate the appropriate end time ET even if the required time NT differs for each type of vehicle 20.

[0125] (1-4) The execution device 43 causes the display device associated with the vehicle 20 to display the calculated end time ET. The management server 40 can notify the user of the vehicle 20 of the end time ET by causing the display device to display the end time ET.

[0126] (1-5) The display device is a portable terminal 60 that is associated with vehicle 20. Even if the user of vehicle 20 is not riding in vehicle 20, the user of vehicle 20 can know the end time ET.

[0127] (1-6) When charging of battery 23 begins, actuator 43 performs the process of calculating the predicted time PT of the end of charging of battery 23 based on the predetermined driving distance D of vehicle 20, and the process of displaying the calculated predicted time PT on the display device. When vehicle 20 performs charging power reduction control, actuator 43 displays the end time ET instead of the predicted time PT.

[0128] Compared to the predicted time PT calculated regardless of whether vehicle 20 is implementing charging power reduction control, the end time ET calculated considering that vehicle 20 is implementing charging power reduction control is more likely to match the actual end time of charging. Therefore, by displaying an end time ET that is more likely to be close to the actual end time of charging, the user of vehicle 20 can know the end time of charging more accurately.

[0129] <Second Implementation>

[0130] Hereinafter, the management system 10 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the second embodiment, the specific content of the determination process and charging management differs from that in the first embodiment. The description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and similar points will be simplified or omitted.

[0131] In the second embodiment, charging management is energy management. In the second embodiment, the determination process is to exclude the vehicle 20 that has implemented charging power reduction control from the control objects of energy management.

[0132] As an energy management function, the management server 40 controls multiple power supply devices 30, for example, treating multiple vehicles 20 as objects. Specifically, the management server 40 adjusts the charging power available to charge each vehicle 20 so that the total charging power when charging using an external power source 50 is a predetermined baseline value RV. Therefore, the management server 40 manages the charging of the batteries 23 of the multiple vehicles 20 by the multiple power supply devices 30.

[0133] <Exclusion from the control objects of energy management as a determined treatment>

[0134] In the second embodiment, if the management server 40 receives a signal indicating that the vehicle 20 has performed charging power reduction control, the execution device 43 begins the execution of the determination procedure PR3. The determination procedure PR3 in the second embodiment is a procedure used to exclude this process from the control object of energy management as a determination process.

[0135] like Figure 11 As shown, if the execution device 43 starts executing the determination procedure PR3, the processing in step S51 begins first. In step S51, the execution device 43 excludes the vehicle 20 that has performed charging power reduction control from the energy management control object. Then, the execution device 43 causes the processing to proceed to step S52.

[0136] In step S52, the execution device 43 calculates a reduction power PY equivalent to the reduction in charging power of the vehicle 20 due to the charging power reduction control. The reduction power PY is the value obtained by subtracting the charging power at the time of charging power reduction control from the specified power PX. Then, the execution device 43 causes the process to proceed to step S53.

[0137] In step S53, the actuator 43 allocates the reduced power PY to the vehicle 20 controlled by the energy management system. That is, the actuator 43 uses the reduced power PY to charge the batteries 23 of the vehicles 20 that have not undergone the reduced charging power. Then, the actuator 43 proceeds to step S54.

[0138] In step S54, the actuator 43 determines whether charging of the vehicle 20, which has performed charging power reduction control, has ended. For example, when the power supply device 30 detects that the charging power represented by the response from the vehicle 20 to the charging command is zero, the actuator 43 receives a notification from the power supply device 30 indicating that charging of the vehicle 20 has ended. Upon receiving this notification, the actuator 43 determines that charging of the vehicle 20 has ended.

[0139] If the actuator 43 determines that the charging of vehicle 20, which has performed charging power reduction control, has not finished (S54: No), the actuator 43 returns the process to step S52. Then, the process of steps S52 to S54 is repeated again.

[0140] On the other hand, when the actuator 43 determines that the charging of the vehicle 20, which has performed charging power reduction control, has ended (S54: Yes), the actuator 43 ends this series of processes. Thus, in the second embodiment, after the actuator 43 performs the determination process of excluding the vehicle 20, which has performed charging power reduction control, from the control object of energy management, it performs energy management on the control object vehicle 20.

[0141] <The Role of the Second Embodiment>

[0142] This example illustrates the use of a management server 40 to manage the energy of two vehicles 20, namely a first power supply device and a second power supply device 30. The management server 40 manages the energy using the total charging power of the two vehicles 20 as a base value RV.

[0143] like Figure 12 As shown, at time t30, the charging power of the first vehicle, i.e., the first charging power PC1, is the base value RV. Therefore, the total charging power of the two vehicles 20 is the base value RV. Then, at time t31 after time t30, the first vehicle performs charging power reduction control.

[0144] If the first vehicle initiates charging power reduction control, it is removed from the energy management control objects involved in management server 40. Therefore, the charging power of the first vehicle is shifted according to the charging power reduction control. As a result, after time t31, the charging power of the first vehicle gradually decreases, for example.

[0145] At time t31, the management server 40 uses the reduced power PY of the first vehicle as the charging power, i.e., the second charging power PC2, to begin charging the second vehicle. The first charging power PC1 gradually decreases from time t31. Therefore, the second charging power PC2 gradually increases from time t31.

[0146] Then, at time t33, following time t31, the charging of the first vehicle ends. Thus, the second charging power PC2 becomes the reference value RV, and the process of using the reduced power PY of the first vehicle for charging the second vehicle, which did not undergo charging power reduction control, concludes.

[0147] <Effects of the Second Implementation>

[0148] In the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment (1-1), the following effects are also achieved.

[0149] (2-1) Charging management is an energy management system that manages the charging of multiple batteries 23 by treating multiple vehicles 20 as objects. The determination process is the process of excluding vehicles 20 that have implemented charging power reduction control from the multiple vehicles 20 from the control objects of energy management.

[0150] When the management server 40 performs energy management, the vehicle 20 that performs charging power reduction control has less freedom to adjust charging power compared to the vehicle 20 that does not perform charging power reduction control. Therefore, the management server 40 excludes vehicles 20 that perform charging power reduction control from the control objects of energy management. By not including vehicles 20 with low freedom to adjust charging power as control objects, the management server 40 can suppress the restriction on the freedom to adjust charging power.

[0151] (2-2) The management server 40 also has a storage device 44 that stores a charging power reduction distribution map LP associated with each type of vehicle 20. The charging power reduction distribution map LP is time-series data of the charging power per unit time from the start of charging power reduction control to the end of charging of battery 23. In energy management, the execution device 43 charges the battery 23 of vehicle 20 that has not performed charging power reduction control with a reduction power PY equivalent to the reduction power of vehicle 20 that has performed charging power reduction control.

[0152] In energy management, the actuator 43 can use a reduced power PY equivalent to the reduced charging power of the vehicle 20 when charging power reduction control is performed to charge the battery 23 of the vehicle 20 when charging power reduction control is not performed. Therefore, the reduced amount of power of the vehicle 20 can be used without excessive waste.

[0153] The management system 10 manages the charging of the battery 23 of the vehicle 20. When the management system 10 detects that the vehicle 20 has performed charging power reduction control on the charging battery 23, it performs a determination process that would not be performed if charging power reduction control had not been performed. When the vehicle 20 performs charging power reduction control, the management system 10 performs charging management based on the determination process.

[0154] <Example of Change>

[0155] The above embodiments can be modified as follows. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0156] • Vehicle 20 is not limited to an electric vehicle that uses only a drive motor 24 powered by electricity stored in the battery 23, i.e., a so-called BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle). Vehicle 20 only needs to have a battery 23. For example, vehicle 20 can also be a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, i.e., a so-called PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle).

[0157] Vehicle 20 may also be able to communicate wirelessly with management server 40. Vehicle 20 may also be able to send vehicle identification information to management server 40. Information processing device 42 may also perform either determining the type of vehicle 20 based on vehicle identification information or determining the type of vehicle 20 based on discrimination program PR1. Even in this case, information processing device 42 may not necessarily obtain vehicle identification information to determine the type of vehicle 20 by executing discrimination program PR1.

[0158] • The power supply device 30 may also have connectors and circuits for each power supply method so that it can be compatible with multiple types of power supply methods, such as AC and DC.

[0159] • The communication method between the power supply device 30 and the vehicle 20 is not limited to power line communication. For example, the communication method between the power supply device 30 and the vehicle 20 can also be CAN. In this case, the power supply device 30 can obtain the response charging distribution map RCP by using CAN to obtain information representing the response charging distribution map RCP from the vehicle 20.

[0160] • The display device may not be the portable terminal 60 associated with the vehicle 20. The display device may be, for example, a monitor mounted on the vehicle 20, or, if the management server 40 has a monitor, a monitor that the management server 40 has.

[0161] • In the first embodiment described above, the management server 40 may not need to obtain the response charging distribution map RCP from the power supply device 30. For example, if the management server 40 and the vehicle 20 can communicate wirelessly, the management server 40 may obtain the response charging distribution map RCP from the vehicle 20.

[0162] • The method by which the management server 40 determines the type of vehicle 20 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. For example, the management server 40 may also obtain identification information of the vehicle 20 and determine the type of vehicle 20 based on that identification information.

[0163] • The management server 40 may also detect that the vehicle 20 has performed charge reduction control when the charge power of the charging battery 23 is less than a predetermined value. For example, the management server 40 can detect that the vehicle 20 has performed charge reduction control by receiving a notification from the vehicle 20 indicating that charge reduction control has been performed.

[0164] • The execution device 43 may not perform the process of calculating the prediction time PT and displaying the prediction time PT on the portable terminal 60 when the battery 23 starts charging. When displaying the end time ET on the display device, the execution device 43 may also display the end time ET instead of the prediction time PT. For example, the execution device 43 may display the end time ET on the display device in addition to the prediction time PT.

[0165] • The actuator 43 may also choose not to display the end time ET on the display device. For example, the actuator 43 may generate a charging plan PL for other vehicles 20 based on the calculated end time ET.

[0166] • The storage device 44 may not store the required time NT associated with each type of vehicle 20. The execution device 43 may also not perform the process of calculating the end time ET based on the required time NT associated with each type of vehicle 20. For example, the execution device 43 may calculate the end time ET from the predicted time PT delayed by a predetermined certain time, regardless of the type of vehicle 20.

[0167] • In the above embodiments, the information processing apparatus 42 includes an execution device 43, which is a processing circuit that includes one or more processors that perform various processes according to a computer program (software). However, the information processing apparatus 42 may also include a processing circuit that includes one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that performs at least a portion of the various processes. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus 42 may also include a processing circuit that includes a combination of one or more processors and one or more dedicated hardware circuits. The processor includes a CPU and memories such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes all usable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. This is also true for the control device 26 and the control device 34.

[0168] • The Response Charge Distribution Map (RCP) does not necessarily have to be time-series data of the charging power obtained when charging was performed based on the Discrimination Charge Command DCC. For example, the RCP could also be data representing the average charging power obtained when battery 23 was charged according to the Discrimination Charge Command DCC. The RCP only needs to represent data representing the response of battery 23 to charging according to the Discrimination Charge Command DCC.

[0169] • The comparison results between the response charging distribution map RCP and the charging distribution map CP are not limited to the examples of the first embodiment described above. For example, the type of vehicle 20 can also be determined based on the charging distribution map CP with the highest consistency by fitting the response charging distribution map RCP to all charging distribution maps CP.

[0170] • When determining the type of vehicle 20, the information processing device 42 may also determine the type of vehicle 20 without relying on the comparison result of the response charging distribution map RCP and the charging distribution map CP. For example, the information processing device 42 may also calculate the difference between the response charging distribution map RCP and the determination charging command DCC, and determine the type of vehicle 20 that is associated with the charging distribution map CP that has the calculated difference as the type of the target vehicle. In this way, the information processing device 42 only needs to determine the type of vehicle 20 based on the response charging distribution map RCP and the charging distribution map CP.

[0171] • In the above embodiments, charging management may not be an energy management system that manages the charging of multiple batteries 23 as objects of multiple vehicles 20. Charging management may also not display the end time ET on the display device. For example, charging management may generate a charging plan PL. In this case, the execution device 43 only needs to generate the charging plan PL based on the result of the determination process when the determination process is performed.

[0172] • In the second embodiment described above, the determination process may also not exclude vehicles 20 that have performed charging power reduction control from the energy management control objects. The determination process may also not calculate the end time ET.

[0173] • In the second embodiment, the storage device 44 may not store the charging power reduction distribution map LP. In energy management, the execution device 43 may also not charge the battery 23 of the vehicle 20 that has not undergone charging power reduction control with an amount of power equivalent to the reduced charging power of the vehicle 20 that has undergone charging power reduction control. For example, the execution device 43 may use the power obtained by multiplying the number of vehicles 20 undergoing charging power reduction control by a predetermined amount of power to charge the vehicle 20 being controlled by energy management.

[0174] • In the management system 10, charging management and determination processing may not be performed by the management server 40. For example, charging management and determination processing may be performed by the power supply equipment 30. If the management system 10 has a relay device that relays between the power supply equipment 30 and the management server 40, the relay device may also perform charging management and determination processing. Alternatively, the power supply equipment 30 may perform the determination processing, and the management server 40 may perform the charging management. In other words, only the management system 10 needs to perform the charging management and determination processing.

Claims

1. A management server configured to manage the charging of a vehicle's battery, wherein, The aforementioned management server has an execution device. The aforementioned actuator is configured to perform a determination process that would not be performed if the aforementioned charging power reduction control is not performed when the aforementioned charging power reduction control is not performed, in response to the situation where the aforementioned vehicle performs charging power reduction control on the aforementioned battery during charging, and to perform the aforementioned charging management based on the aforementioned determination process.

2. The management server according to claim 1, wherein, The above-described determination process is the process of calculating the end time of the charging of the battery.

3. The management server according to claim 2, wherein, The aforementioned management server also has a storage device. The aforementioned storage device is configured to store the time required from the start of the aforementioned charging power reduction control to the end of the battery charging process, which is associated with each type of vehicle. The aforementioned actuator is configured to calculate the aforementioned end time based on the required time associated with the type of vehicle for which the aforementioned charging power reduction control has been performed.

4. The management server according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, The aforementioned execution device is configured to display the calculated end time on a display device associated with the aforementioned vehicle.

5. The management server according to claim 4, wherein, The aforementioned display device is a portable terminal that has been associated with the aforementioned vehicle.

6. The management server according to claim 4, wherein, The aforementioned actuator is configured to also perform the following processes: When charging the aforementioned battery begins, the predicted time of completion of charging is calculated based on the predetermined driving distance of the aforementioned vehicle; and The calculated predicted time is displayed on the display device. The aforementioned actuator is configured to display the aforementioned end time on the aforementioned display device instead of the aforementioned predicted time when the aforementioned vehicle performs the aforementioned charging power reduction control.

7. The management server according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned vehicle is one of a group of vehicles, and the aforementioned battery is one of a group of batteries. The aforementioned charging management is an energy management system that treats multiple vehicles as objects and manages the charging of the batteries installed in each vehicle. The above-mentioned determination process is the process of excluding vehicles that have implemented the above-mentioned charging power reduction control from the above-mentioned energy management control objects.

8. The management server according to claim 7, wherein, The aforementioned management server also includes a storage device configured to store time-series data of the charging power per unit time, from the start of the aforementioned charging power reduction control to the end of the charging of the aforementioned battery, associated with each type of the aforementioned vehicle. The aforementioned actuator is configured to charge the battery of the vehicle that has not performed the aforementioned charging power reduction control with an amount of power equivalent to the reduced charging power of the vehicle that has performed the aforementioned charging power reduction control.

9. A management system configured to manage the charging of a vehicle's battery, wherein, The aforementioned management system is equipped with an execution device. The aforementioned actuator is configured to perform a determination process that would not be performed if the aforementioned charging power reduction control is not performed when the aforementioned charging power reduction control is detected by the aforementioned vehicle, and to perform the aforementioned charging management based on the aforementioned determination process.

10. A management method, performed by a management system including a computer configured to manage the charging of a vehicle's battery, wherein, The above management methods include: In response to the detection that the vehicle has performed charge power reduction control on the battery during charging, a determination process that would not be performed if the charge power reduction control is not performed is conducted; and Based on the above-mentioned determination and processing, the above-mentioned charging management is carried out.

11. A determination program product configured to be executed by a computer configured to perform charging management of a vehicle's battery, wherein, The aforementioned determination procedure is configured to cause the aforementioned computer to perform the following processes: In response to the detection that the vehicle has performed charge power reduction control on the battery during charging, a determination process that would not be performed if the charge power reduction control is not performed is conducted; and Based on the above-mentioned determination and processing, the above-mentioned charging management is carried out.

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