Charge management system, power management system, charge management method and program

Abstract

To provide a charge management system, power management system, charge management method and program which can execute a vehicle schedule of an electric vehicle and can secure a power amount necessary for each purpose in a storage battery.SOLUTION: A charge management system 2 comprises: an information acquisition unit 2a; and a charge control unit 2b. The information acquisition unit 2a acquires a vehicle schedule about an operation plan of the electric vehicle EV1 mounted with a storage battery B1 for driving that is charged by a charge device 4 at a workplace F1, home information about an electricity amount consumed in a house F2 where a user using the electric vehicle EV1 lives, and vehicle history information about the use history of the electric vehicle EV1. The charge control unit 2b controls charge of the storage battery B1 by the charge device 4 on the basis of at least vehicle schedule, home information and vehicle history information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charge management system, a power management system, a charge management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power management device that utilizes a battery of a vehicle electrically connected to a facility.

[0003] The power management device manages power within a facility configured to allow electrical connection of a vehicle equipped with a battery. The power management device includes an instruction means for instructing charging / discharging of the battery, a setting means for setting a target range of the charging rate of the battery when charging / discharging, and a storage means for storing the charging rate of the battery when charging / discharging. The instruction means inhibits an instruction to start discharging from the battery when the charging rate stored in the storage means is equal to or lower than a lower limit of the target range, and inhibits an instruction to start charging the battery when the charging rate is equal to or higher than an upper limit of the target range. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-150767 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An electric vehicle (vehicle) may be used for multiple purposes such as business, commuting, personal use, etc. When an electric vehicle equipped with a storage battery is used for multiple purposes, it is necessary to manage the charging of the storage battery so that the vehicle schedule of the electric vehicle can be executed and the amount of power required for each purpose can be secured in the storage battery.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a charging management system, a power management system, a charging management method, and a program that can execute a vehicle schedule for an electric vehicle and secure the amount of power required for each purpose in a storage battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A charging management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an information acquisition unit and a charging control unit. The information acquisition unit acquires at least a vehicle schedule related to an operation schedule of an electric vehicle equipped with a storage battery for driving that is charged by a charging device in a first facility, home information related to an amount of electricity consumed in a second facility where a user who uses the electric vehicle resides, and vehicle history information related to a usage history of the electric vehicle. The charging control unit controls charging of the storage battery by the charging device based on at least the vehicle schedule, the home information, and the vehicle history information.

[0008] A power management system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described charging management system and the above-described charging device.

[0009] A charging management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an information acquisition step and a charging control step. The information acquisition step acquires at least a vehicle schedule relating to an operation schedule of an electric vehicle equipped with a storage battery for driving that is charged by a charging device in a first facility, home information relating to an amount of electricity consumed in a second facility where a user who uses the electric vehicle resides, and vehicle history information relating to a usage history of the electric vehicle. The charging control step acquires at least Charging of the storage battery by the charging device is controlled based on the vehicle schedule, the in-house information, and the vehicle history information.

[0010] A program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer system to execute the above-described charge management method. Effect of the Invention

[0011] As described above, the present disclosure has the advantage of being able to execute a vehicle schedule for an electric vehicle and to ensure in a storage battery the amount of power required for each purpose. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a power management system including a charge management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing a normal operation of the power management system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an operation during charging in the power management system according to the above embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The following embodiments generally relate to a charge management system, a power management system, a charge management method, and a program. More specifically, the present invention relates to a charge management system, a power management system, a charge management method, and a program that can execute a vehicle schedule for an electric vehicle and secure an amount of power required for each purpose in a storage battery.

[0014] The following embodiment is merely an example of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0015] (1) Overview of the Power Management System FIG. 1 shows a power management system 1 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the first facility is a workplace F1, and the second facility is a residence F2. An employee (corresponding to a user in this disclosure) working at the workplace F1 lives in the residence F2, and uses an electric vehicle EV1 for commuting between the workplace F1 and the residence F2, for work based at the workplace F1, and for personal use such as business at the residence F2 and holidays. That is, the employee uses the electric vehicle EV1 for commuting between the workplace F1 and the residence F2, for travel for work based at the workplace F1, and for personal use. The electric vehicle EV1 is a car equipped with a rechargeable battery (secondary battery) as a storage battery B1. The electric vehicle EV1 runs by driving an electric motor using the stored power of the storage battery B1. That is, the storage battery B1 is a storage battery for driving the electric vehicle EV1. The storage battery B1 has a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a lead-acid battery, or the like.

[0016] In this disclosure, the "electric vehicle" is configured to be equipped with a storage battery B1 and to run using electric energy stored in the equipped storage battery B1. The electric vehicle EV1 may run not only by the output of an electric motor, but also by combining the output of an engine and the output of an electric motor. Examples of the electric vehicle EV1 include an electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, an electric motorcycle, an electrically assisted bicycle, and the like.

[0017] The power management system 1 includes a charge management system 2 and a charger 4.

[0018] The charging management system 2 and the charging device 4 are communicatively connected to an external network NT1 including the Internet, and the charging management system 2 can communicate with the charging device 4. The charging device 4 is provided in a workplace F1 and charges a storage battery B1 of an electric vehicle EV1 present in the workplace F1.

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferable that at least one of a home controller 51, an EMS (Energy Management System) 52, a vehicle information database 53, a vehicle identification system 54, and a vehicle management system 55 are communicatively connected to the external network NT1.

[0020] The home controller 51 is installed in the house F2 and constitutes a so-called HEMS (Home Energy Management System) controller.

[0021] The EMS 52 transmits a demand notification to the charge management system 2 based on the balance between the demand and supply of power in the power grid that supplies power to an area including the workplace F1. The charge management system 2 can control the charging of the storage battery B1 by the charging device 4 based on the demand notification.

[0022] The vehicle information database 53 stores various histories, such as position information of the electric vehicle EV1 and SOC (State Of Charge) information of the storage battery B1 mounted on the electric vehicle EV1, as vehicle history information.

[0023] The vehicle identification system 54 identifies, as a vehicle to be charged, the electric vehicle EV1 equipped with the storage battery B1 being charged by the charging device 4. For example, the vehicle identification system 54 generates, as vehicle identification information, at least one of the registration number and the model of the vehicle to be charged.

[0024] The vehicle management system 55 stores a vehicle schedule (dispatch schedule) regarding the planned operation of the electric vehicle EV1. The vehicle schedule is information such as the planned date and time and destination for using the electric vehicle EV1 for business such as sales, delivery, or transportation to a construction site, with the workplace F1 as a base.

[0025] (2) Charging management system 1 includes an information acquisition unit 2a and a charging control unit 2b. The information acquisition unit 2a communicates with the charging device 4 in the workplace F1, the in-home controller 51, the EMS 52, the vehicle information database 53, the vehicle identification system 54, and the vehicle management system 55 via an external network NT1. The charging control unit 2b communicates with the charging device 4 in the workplace F1 via the external network NT1.

[0026] The information acquiring unit 2a acquires a vehicle schedule relating to the planned operation of electric vehicle EV1, home information relating to the amount of electricity consumed in residence F2 in which an employee who uses electric vehicle EV1 resides, and vehicle history information relating to the usage history of electric vehicle EV1. The charging control unit 2b controls charging of storage battery B1 by the charging device 4 based on at least the vehicle schedule, the home information, and the vehicle history information. Such a charging management system 2 can execute the vehicle schedule of electric vehicle EV1 and can secure the amount of power required for each purpose in storage battery B1.

[0027] Moreover, it is preferable that the charge management system 2 further includes a billing unit 2c. The billing unit 2c bills for the amount of charged electric power, which is the amount of electric power that the charging device 4 charges the storage battery B1.

[0028] The charging management system 2 preferably includes a computer system such as a microcomputer. In this case, the charging management system 2 realizes some or all of the functions of the information acquisition unit 2a, the charging control unit 2b, and the billing unit 2c by the computer system executing a program stored in the memory. The computer includes a processor that operates according to the program as a main hardware configuration. The type of the processor is not important as long as it can realize the function by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Here, it is called an IC or an LSI, but the name changes depending on the degree of integration, and it may be called a system LSI, a VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or an ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). A field programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or a reconfigurable logic device that can reconfigure the connection relationship inside the LSI or set up the circuit partition inside the LSI, can also be used for the same purpose. The electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or provided on multiple chips. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable ROM, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive. The program may be stored in the non-transitory recording medium in advance, or may be supplied to the non-transitory recording medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet. Such a computer system is, for example, configured with a server device. At least some of the functions of the computer system may be realized by cloud computing technology.

[0029] (3)Charging device The charging device 4 can charge the storage battery B1 mounted on the electric vehicle EV1 using electric power from a power source such as a commercial power source or a distributed power source (solar cell, storage battery, fuel cell, wind power generator, etc.).

[0030] Specifically, the charging device 4 includes a power conversion unit that converts power from a power source such as a commercial power source or a distributed power source into charging power, and a charging cable that constitutes a power supply path that transmits the charging power output by the power conversion unit. A charging connector that is detachably connected to a power supply port (charging inlet) of the electric vehicle EV1 is provided at the end of the charging cable. When the charging connector is connected to the power supply port of the electric vehicle EV1, the charging device 4 starts charging the storage battery B1 and continues charging until the SOC (State Of Charge) of the storage battery B1 reaches a target value.

[0031] In this embodiment, the charging device 4 is configured to be able to communicate with the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1, and can receive a charging instruction signal Y13 (see FIG. 3) from a charging control unit 2b of the charging management system 2. When the charging device 4 receives the charging instruction signal Y13 from the charging control unit 2b, the charging device 4 charges the storage battery B1 based on the received charging instruction signal Y13. For example, the charging device 4 sets a target value of the SOC of the storage battery B1 based on the charging instruction signal Y13. Note that, if there is no charging instruction signal Y13, the charging device 4 can charge the storage battery B1 by settings of the charging device 4 alone.

[0032] The charging device 4 stores unique identification information previously assigned to the charging device 4 as a charging device ID (charging device identification information). When the charging device 4 completes charging of the storage battery B1, it transmits a charging completion signal Y14 (see FIG. 3) including the charging device ID to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1. Note that the charging device 4 may include charging information such as the amount of stored power (remaining capacity) of the storage battery B1 at the time of charging completion and the amount of power (charged amount) supplied from the charging device 4 to the storage battery B1 in the charging completion signal Y14.

[0033] (4) In-house controller The home controller 51 is installed in the house F2 and constitutes a so-called HEMS controller.

[0034] Specifically, the home controller 51 is communicatively connected to the home network of the home F2, and visualizes the flow of electricity in the home F2 (amount of electricity purchased, sold, generated, and stored) and monitors and controls the equipment in the home F2 (e.g., lighting fixtures, air conditioning equipment, security equipment, etc.).

[0035] Furthermore, the electric vehicle EV1 used by the employee residing in the house F2 to commute to the workplace F1 is given identification information such as a registration number in advance as a vehicle ID (vehicle identification information). The home controller 51 stores the vehicle ID data of the electric vehicle EV1 corresponding to the house F2.

[0036] Then, the home controller 51 transmits a home information signal Y1 (see FIG. 2) that associates home information such as the flow of power in the house F2 and the status of devices in the house F2 with the vehicle ID to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1.

[0037] (5)EMS EMS52 constitutes a Building Energy Management System (BEMS), a Factory Energy Management System (FEMS), or a Community Energy Management System (CEMS), and manages the demand and supply of electricity in the area's power system to adjust the demand and supply of electricity within the area. The BEMS area is a building including workplace F1, the FEMS area is a factory including workplace F1, and the CEMS area is a region including workplace F1.

[0038] For example, the EMS 52 performs forecasting, planning, and control of power demand and supply in the area, and performs power peak cutting and peak shifting by demand response.The EMS 52 then transmits a demand response signal (hereinafter abbreviated as a DR signal) to each power consumer in the area via the external network NT1, requesting the consumer to suppress or increase the power demand, or to increase or decrease the amount of power sold.Each power consumer adjusts the power demand and the amount of power sold in response to the DR signal.

[0039] (6) Vehicle information database The electric vehicle EV1 can communicate with the vehicle information database 53 via the external network NT1 by performing wireless communication using a wireless LAN (Local Network System) or a mobile communication network. The electric vehicle EV1 stores a vehicle ID such as a registration number that is assigned in advance to the electric vehicle EV1. The electric vehicle EV1 transmits the vehicle ID, storage battery information including the SOC of the storage battery B1, position information using a GPS (Global Positioning System), mileage information, and the like, as vehicle information Y2 (see FIG. 2) to the vehicle information database 53.

[0040] When the vehicle information database 53 receives the vehicle information Y2, it stores the storage battery information, position information, mileage information, etc. in association with each vehicle ID. That is, the vehicle information database 53 stores each history of the SOC of the storage battery B1, the position of the electric vehicle EV1, the mileage of the electric vehicle EV1, etc. as vehicle history information Y3. Then, the vehicle information database 53 transmits the vehicle history information Y3 (see FIG. 2) including the vehicle information Y2 to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1.

[0041] (7) Vehicle Identification System At the workplace F1, the charging device 4 is installed in a parking lot for electric vehicles EV1, and charges the electric vehicles EV1 parked in the parking lot. The vehicle identification system 54 has a function of identifying the electric vehicle EV1 being charged by the charging device 4.

[0042] Specifically, the vehicle identification system 54 includes a camera, and the camera is disposed at a position where the license plate (automobile registration number plate) of the electric vehicle EV1 is captured. When the charging device 4 starts charging, the camera captures an image of the electric vehicle EV1 parked in the parking lot. That is, the camera captures an image of the electric vehicle EV1 being charged by the charging device 4. The vehicle identification system 54 identifies the vehicle ID (registration number) of the electric vehicle EV1 by performing image processing on the captured image of the electric vehicle EV1, and generates the identification result as vehicle identification information. The vehicle identification system 54 also stores the charging device ID that is assigned to the charging device 4 in advance. Therefore, the vehicle identification system 54 associates (links) the charging device ID of the charging device 4 with the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1 being charged by the charging device 4, and stores them.

[0043] Furthermore, the vehicle identification system 54 may include a communication device that communicates with an on-board device installed in a vehicle that uses an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System). In this case, the communication device of the vehicle identification system 54 communicates with the on-board device of the electric vehicle EV1 parked in the parking lot, thereby acquiring data such as the registration number of the electric vehicle EV1 from the electric vehicle EV1.

[0044] Then, the vehicle identification system 54 transmits a vehicle identification signal Y11 (see FIG. 3) in which the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1 is associated with the charging device ID of the charging device 4 to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1.

[0045] (8) Vehicle management system The vehicle management system 55 has a function of managing the vehicle schedule of the electric vehicle EV1. The vehicle schedule indicates the planned operation of the electric vehicle EV1, and is information such as the planned date and time and destination for using the electric vehicle EV1 for business such as sales, delivery, or transportation to a construction site, based at the workplace F1. The vehicle management system 55 stores the vehicle schedule in advance in association with the vehicle ID of the corresponding electric vehicle EV1.

[0046] Then, the vehicle management system 55 transmits a schedule signal Y5 (see FIG. 2) in which the vehicle schedule is associated with the vehicle ID, to the charge management system 2 via the external network NT1.

[0047] (9) Power management and charging management Hereinafter, the power management operation of the power management system 1 and the charge management operation of the charge management system 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.

[0048] (9.1) Normal time 2, the charging management system 2 normally acquires various pieces of information periodically or when an event occurs from the in-home controller 51, the EMS 52, the vehicle information database 53, and the vehicle management system 55 (S1). Note that the timing and order in which the charging management system 2 acquires the various pieces of information from the in-home controller 51, the EMS 52, the vehicle information database 53, and the vehicle management system 55 are not limited to a specific form and may vary as appropriate.

[0049] Specifically, the home controller 51 transmits a home information signal Y1 to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1. The home information signal Y1 is information in which home information such as the flow of power in the house F2 and the state of devices in the house F2 is associated with the vehicle ID. The flow of power includes a history of the amount of power purchased, sold, generated, and stored in the house F2. The state of the devices includes a history of operation, stop, and various settings of devices (e.g., lighting fixtures, air conditioners, security devices, etc.) in the house F2. The information acquisition unit 2a of the charging management system 2 receives the home information signal Y1 via the external network NT1. Thus, the charging management system 2 can grasp the history of the amount of electricity (power or amount of power) consumed in the house F2 based on the home information. Furthermore, the charging management system 2 can associate the state of the devices with the history of the amount of electricity consumed in the house F2 based on the home information. Furthermore, the charging management system 2 can grasp the correspondence between the home information and the vehicle ID.

[0050] The electric vehicle EV1 sets vehicle information Y2 including the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1, storage battery information of the storage battery B1 mounted on the electric vehicle EV1, and position information and travel distance information of the electric vehicle EV1. The electric vehicle EV1 transmits the vehicle information Y2 to the vehicle information database 53 via the external network NT1. The vehicle information database 53 accumulates the vehicle information Y2 received from the electric vehicle EV1 and stores a plurality of pieces of vehicle information Y2 sequentially received as vehicle history information Y3. The vehicle information database 53 periodically transmits the vehicle history information Y3 to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1. The information acquisition unit 2a of the charging management system 2 receives the vehicle history information Y3 via the external network NT1. Thus, the charging management system 2 can grasp the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1, the amount of stored power and the degree of deterioration of the storage battery B1, and the travel route and travel distance of the electric vehicle EV1 based on the vehicle history information Y3.

[0051] The EMS 52 transmits a DR signal Y4, which requests suppression or increase of power demand in the power grid, or an increase or decrease of the amount of power sold, to the charge management system 2 via the external network NT1. The information acquisition unit 2a of the charge management system 2 receives the DR signal Y4 via the external network NT1.

[0052] The vehicle management system 55 transmits a schedule signal Y5, in which the vehicle schedule of the electric vehicle EV1 is associated with the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1, to the charge management system 2 via the external network NT1. The information acquisition unit 2a of the charge management system 2 receives the schedule signal Y5 via the external network NT1.

[0053] As described above, the charging management system 2 normally receives the home information signal Y1, the vehicle history information Y3, the DR signal Y4, and the schedule signal Y5 via the external network NT1. The home information signal Y1 includes home information (such as the flow of power in the house F2 and the state of the devices in the house F2) associated with the vehicle ID. The vehicle history information Y3 includes each history such as battery information, location information, and mileage information in addition to the vehicle ID. The DR signal Y4 is a signal requesting the suppression or increase of power demand or the increase or decrease of the amount of power sold, and is a signal for suppressing the imbalance between the demand and supply of power in the area including the workplace F1. The schedule signal Y5 includes vehicle schedule information associated with the vehicle ID.

[0054] (9.2) When charging The power management operation and the charge management operation when the charging device 4 charges the storage battery B1 of the electric vehicle EV1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0055] First, when the electric vehicle EV1 is parked in the parking lot of the workplace F1, the vehicle identification system 54 identifies the electric vehicle EV1 and generates a vehicle identification signal Y11 of the electric vehicle EV1 (S11). Then, the vehicle identification system 54 transmits the vehicle identification signal Y11 to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1. The vehicle identification signal Y11 includes information that associates the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1 with the charging device ID of the charging device 4. The information acquisition unit 2a of the charging management system 2 receives (acquires) the vehicle identification signal Y11 via the external network NT1 (S12).

[0056] That is, the charging management system 2 normally acquires the in-house information signal Y1, the vehicle history information Y3, and the schedule signal Y5, and acquires the vehicle identification signal Y11 when the electric vehicle EV1 is parked in the parking lot of the workplace F1. Each of the in-house information signal Y1, the vehicle history information Y3, the schedule signal Y5, and the vehicle identification signal Y11 includes the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1, and the in-house information, the vehicle history information, and the vehicle schedule are linked to the common vehicle ID. That is, the charging management system 2 can link the in-house information, the vehicle history information, and the vehicle schedule to the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1.

[0057] (9.2.1) Charge control When the charging connector of the charging device 4 is connected to the power supply port of the electric vehicle EV1 parked in the parking lot and charging operation is performed (S13), the charging device 4 transmits a charging start request Y12 to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1. When the charging control unit 2b of the charging management system 2 receives the charging start request Y12, it generates a charging instruction signal Y13 that instructs the charging device 4 to charge the storage battery B1. The charging instruction signal Y13 includes, for example, data of a target value of the SOC of the storage battery B1. That is, the charging control unit 2b controls the charging of the storage battery B1 by the charging device 4 by transmitting the charging instruction signal Y13 to the charging device 4 (S14).

[0058] Hereinafter, the charging control by the charging control section 2b using the charging device 4 will be described.

[0059] (In-house power consumption) The charging management system 2 can link the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1 with the in-house information and the vehicle history information as described above. The charging control unit 2b can then determine the electric vehicle EV1 with the vehicle ID notified by the vehicle identification signal Y11 as the vehicle to be charged, and can predict the amount of power consumed in the house F2 within a predetermined period after the completion of charging as the in-house power amount based on the in-house information (in this case, the in-house information of the house F2) corresponding to the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1. That is, the charging control unit 2b can refer to the in-house information of the house F2 and predict the in-house power amount in a predetermined period after the completion of charging based on the history of the amount of electricity (power or amount of power) consumed in the house F2. For example, the charging control unit 2b predicts the in-house power amount consumed in the house F2 during the period from when the employee returns home to the house F2 to the next commute based on the history of the amount of electricity consumed in the house F2. The charging control unit 2b can estimate the employee's return home time and work start time based on the in-house information, and predict the in-house power amount using the estimated results of the return home time and work start time.

[0060] It is preferable that the house F2 includes a charger / discharger (V2H: Vehicle to Home) capable of transmitting electric power in both directions between the electric vehicle EV1 and a power conditioner of the house F2, and that the stored electric power of the storage battery B1 is used via the charger / discharger.

[0061] (Vehicle power consumption) The charging management system 2 can link the vehicle history information and the vehicle schedule to the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1 as described above. Then, the charging control unit 2b sets the electric vehicle EV1 with the vehicle ID notified by the vehicle identification signal Y11 as the vehicle to be charged, and can predict the amount of power consumed by the electric vehicle EV1 within a predetermined period after the completion of charging as the vehicle power amount based on the vehicle history information and the vehicle schedule corresponding to the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1. That is, the charging control unit 2b can refer to the vehicle history information and the vehicle schedule of the electric vehicle EV1 and predict the vehicle power amount required after the completion of charging based on the history of the amount of electricity (power or power amount) consumed by the traveling of the electric vehicle EV1. For example, the charging control unit 2b predicts the vehicle power amount consumed until the electric vehicle EV1 returns to the workplace F1 after the completion of charging based on the history of the position information of the electric vehicle EV1, the history of the SOC information of the storage battery B1, and the vehicle schedule.

[0062] (Charging instructions) The charging control unit 2b calculates, as a target value of the SOC of the storage battery B1, an SOC that can ensure the sum of the predicted value of the in-house power energy and the predicted value of the vehicle power energy.

[0063] For example, when an employee finishes working at the workplace F1, he drives the electric vehicle EV1 to go home from the workplace F1 to the house F2. The electric vehicle EV1 is equipped with a storage battery B1, and the stored power of the storage battery B1 can be used at the house F2. Therefore, before the employee goes home from the workplace F1 to the house F2, the employee charges the storage battery B1 using the charging device 4. In this case, the charging control unit 2b predicts, as the in-house power amount, the amount of power consumed at the house F2 during the period from when the employee returns home to the house F2 until the employee's next commute. In addition, the charging control unit 2b predicts, as the vehicle power amount, the amount of power required for a round trip (commuting) between the workplace F1 and the house F2. Then, the charging control unit 2b sets, as the target value of the SOC of the storage battery B1, a target value of the SOC so that the in-house power amount consumed at the house F2 and the vehicle power amount required for commuting can be secured.

[0064] Furthermore, when an employee arrives at the workplace F1 and starts work, the employee may charge the storage battery B1 using the charging device 4. In this case, the charging control unit 2b refers to the vehicle schedule and determines whether the electric vehicle EV1 will return to the workplace F1 by the end of work.

[0065] If the electric vehicle EV1 will return to the workplace F1 by the end of the workday, the charging control unit 2b refers to the vehicle schedule and predicts the amount of power available for the electric vehicle EV1 to travel along the route from the workplace F1 to the workplace F1 and back as the vehicle power amount required for work. If the electric vehicle EV1 will return to the workplace F1 by the end of the workday, the charging control unit 2b predicts the in-house power amount to be 0. Then, the charging control unit 2b sets a target SOC value for the storage battery B1 so that the vehicle power amount required for work can be secured.

[0066] If the electric vehicle EV1 returns directly to the house F2 after finishing work, the charging control unit 2b refers to the vehicle schedule and predicts the amount of power that the electric vehicle EV1 can use to travel the route from the workplace F1, return directly to the house F2 after finishing work, and travel to the workplace F1 the next day, as the vehicle power amount required for work and commuting. The charging control unit 2b also predicts the amount of power consumed at the house F2 from returning home to the house F2 until the next commute as the in-house power amount. The charging control unit 2b then sets a target SOC value for the storage battery B1 so that the vehicle power amount required for work and commuting and the in-house power amount consumed at the house F2 can be secured.

[0067] Furthermore, when the employee finishes working at the workplace F1 on the day before the holiday, he drives the electric vehicle EV1 to return home from the workplace F1 to the house F2, and drives the electric vehicle EV1 to go out on the holiday. Therefore, before returning home from the workplace F1 to the house F2, the employee charges the storage battery B1 using the charging device 4. In this case, the charging control unit 2b predicts the amount of power consumed at the house F2 from returning home to the house F2 until the next commute as the in-house power amount. Furthermore, the charging control unit 2b predicts the amount of power required for a round trip (commuting) between the workplace F1 and the house F2 as the vehicle power amount. Furthermore, the charging control unit 2b predicts the amount of power required for going out on the holiday as the vehicle power amount. Then, the charging control unit 2b sets a target value of SOC for the storage battery B1 so that the in-house power amount consumed at the house F2, the vehicle power amount required for commuting, and the vehicle power amount required for going out on the holiday can be secured.

[0068] Then, in order to control the charging of the storage battery B1 by the charging device 4, the charging control unit 2b generates a charging instruction signal Y13 including data on the target value of the SOC of the storage battery B1, and transmits the charging instruction signal Y13 to the charging device 4 (S14).

[0069] When the charging device 4 receives the charging instruction signal Y13, it starts charging the storage battery B1 and continues charging until the SOC (State Of Charge) of the storage battery B1 reaches a target value (S15). When charging of the storage battery B1 is completed, the employee removes the charging connector of the charging device 4 from the power supply port of the electric vehicle EV1.

[0070] When charging of the storage battery B1 of the electric vehicle EV1 is completed, the charging device 4 generates a charging completion signal Y14 and transmits the charging completion signal Y14 to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1.

[0071] In this way, the charge management system 2 determines the vehicle power energy and the in-house power energy by referring to the vehicle schedule of the electric vehicle EV1. Therefore, the charge management system 2 can execute the vehicle schedule of the electric vehicle EV1 and can secure the amount of power required for each purpose in the storage battery B1.

[0072] Furthermore, the employee uses the electric vehicle EV1 for both work during working hours and for personal use outside working hours. Thus, the vehicle power energy can be divided into a first vehicle power energy and a second vehicle power energy. The first vehicle power energy is the amount of power used for the electric vehicle EV1 to travel along a route that includes the workplace F1. In other words, the first vehicle power energy is the amount of power used for commuting and work out of the vehicle power energy. The second vehicle power energy is the amount of power used for the electric vehicle EV1 to travel along a route that does not include the workplace F1. In other words, the second vehicle power energy is the amount of power used for personal use on holidays, etc. out of the vehicle power energy.

[0073] The charging control unit 2b preferably generates the charging instruction signal Y13 so as to differentiate the charging rate of the first vehicle energy by the charging device 4 from the charging rates of the second vehicle energy and the in-house energy by the charging device 4. Specifically, the charging control unit 2b makes the charging rate when the first vehicle energy is charged to the storage battery B1 faster than the charging rate when the second vehicle energy and the in-house energy are charged to the storage battery B1. That is, the charging control unit 2b makes the charging current when the first vehicle energy is charged to the storage battery B1 larger than the charging current when the second vehicle energy and the in-house energy are charged to the storage battery B1. For example, when charging the storage battery B1, the charging control unit 2b makes the charging rate faster until the storage amount of the storage battery B1 exceeds the first vehicle energy, and makes the charging rate slower when the storage amount exceeds the first vehicle energy. As a result, the charging time per unit of power amount is shorter for the first vehicle power amount required for work and commuting than for the second vehicle power amount and the in-house power amount that are not related to work, thereby improving business efficiency.

[0074] Furthermore, if the charge management system 2 receives a DR signal Y4 (see FIG. 2) from the EMS 52, the charge control unit 2b generates a charge instruction signal Y13 in response to the DR signal Y4 to instruct the charging device 4 to charge the storage battery B1. In this case, the charge instruction signal Y13 is a signal for preventing imbalance between the demand and supply of electricity in the area including the workplace F1.

[0075] For example, when the power demand in the area including the workplace F1 approaches the maximum power supply, the DR signal Y4 requests a reduction in the power demand in the area, and the charging instruction signal Y13 instructs the charging current of the storage battery B1 to be reduced below normal.

[0076] Moreover, when the demand for power in the area becomes too low, the DR signal Y4 requests that the demand for power in the area be increased, and the charging instruction signal Y13 instructs that the charging current of the storage battery B1 be made larger than usual.

[0077] In addition, when the amount of power generated by distributed power sources such as solar panels, wind power generation devices, and geothermal power generation devices in the area becomes excessively large, the DR signal Y4 requests an increase in the power demand in the area, and the charging instruction signal Y13 instructs the charging current of the storage battery B1 to be made larger than usual.

[0078] Therefore, the charge management system 2 can balance the supply and demand of electricity in an area including the workplace F1.

[0079] It is preferable that the charging control unit 2b include in the charging instruction signal Y13 information on the time period during which the charging device 4 charges the storage battery B1 based on the electricity rate plan applied to the workplace F1. For example, assume that an employee who comes to the workplace F1 works at the workplace F1 with the electric vehicle EV1 parked in a parking lot. In this case, the charging control unit 2b generates the charging instruction signal Y13 that indicates a time period during the employee's working hours when the electricity rate is low as the charging execution time period. Therefore, the charging cost by the charging device 4 can be reduced.

[0080] The information acquiring unit 2a may further acquire, as operation information, a charging amount instructed by the employee through an operation on the information terminal, and the charging control unit 2b may control charging of the storage battery B1 by the charging device 4 based on the operation information. The information terminal is any one of a device attached to the charging device 4, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a tablet terminal carried by the employee. In this case, the employee estimates the amount of power to be used for work and personal use, and inputs the amount of power that is thought to be necessary into the information terminal. The information terminal transmits operation information instructing the input amount of power as the charging amount to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1, and the information acquiring unit 2a acquires the operation information. In this case, the employee's intention is reflected in the charging amount, and charging control in accordance with the employee's intention is realized.

[0081] (9.2.2) Charging The billing unit 2c receives a charging completion signal Y14 from the charging device 4. Then, when the billing unit 2c receives the charging completion signal Y14, it bills for the amount of charged energy, which is the amount of energy charged by the charging device 4 to the storage battery B1 (S16). The billing unit 2c transmits data related to the electricity fee for the amount of charged energy to an accounting server (not shown), and the accounting server performs payment processing and billing processing. Therefore, the charging management system 2 can collect the price for the amount of charged energy by the charging device 4.

[0082] For example, it is preferable that the billing unit 2c provides free charge for the amount of charging power if the amount of charging power is equal to or less than the threshold, and charges a charge for the excess amount of power obtained by subtracting the threshold from the amount of charging power if the amount of charging power exceeds the threshold. Specifically, the workplace F1 bears the electricity fee up to the threshold as a necessary expense of the employee among the amount of charging in one charging. On the other hand, the employee is responsible for the electricity fee for the amount of charging in one charging that exceeds the threshold. The billing unit 2c transmits data on the electricity fee covered by the necessary expense of the workplace F1 and the electricity fee that is the employee's own expense to an accounting server (not shown), and the accounting server performs payment processing and billing processing. Therefore, the charging management system 2 can collect the fee for the amount of charging power by the charging device 4 while implementing employee welfare programs.

[0083] The billing unit 2c may provide the first vehicle power amount free of charge and provide the second vehicle power amount and the in-house power amount for a fee. The first vehicle power amount is the amount of power used for commuting and work among the vehicle power amounts, and the workplace F1 pays the electricity fee for the first vehicle power amount. On the other hand, the first vehicle power amount is the amount of power used for personal use such as on holidays among the vehicle power amounts, and the employee pays the electricity fee for the second vehicle power amount. The in-house power amount is the amount of power consumed in the employee's residence F2, and the employee pays the electricity fee for the in-house power amount. The billing unit 2c transmits data on the electricity fee for the first vehicle power amount paid by the workplace F1 and the electricity fee for the second vehicle power amount and the in-house power amount paid by the employee to an accounting server (not shown), and performs payment processing and billing processing at the accounting server. The fee for the amount of power charged by the charging device 4 can be collected while providing employee welfare services.

[0084] As described above, the computer system included in the charge management system 2 executes a charge management method including an information acquisition step S1 and a charge control step S14 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The information acquisition step S1 acquires a vehicle schedule (schedule signal Y5) relating to an operation schedule of an electric vehicle EV1 equipped with a driving storage battery B1 that is charged by a charging device 4 in a workplace F1, home information (home information signal Y1) relating to an amount of electricity consumed in a house F2 in which an employee who uses the electric vehicle EV1 resides, and vehicle history information Y3 relating to a usage history of the electric vehicle EV1. The charge control step S14 controls charging of the storage battery B1 by the charging device 4 based on at least the vehicle schedule, the home information, and the vehicle history information Y3.

[0085] Thus, the above-described charge management system 2 can execute the vehicle schedule for the electric vehicle EV1, and can secure the amount of power required for each purpose in the storage battery B1.

[0086] Furthermore, the home F2 can use the power charged in the storage battery B1 at the workplace F1. In this case, if the workplace F1 has a contract with an electric power company for high-voltage bulk power reception, the unit price of the power used by the charging device 4 will be lower than the unit price of the power at the home F2, which has an individual contract (low-voltage contract). Therefore, the workplace F1 can charge the resident of the home F2 for the cost of the power used at the home F2, thereby reducing the electricity bill for the home F2.

[0087] In this embodiment, the electric vehicle EV1 equipped with the storage battery B1 is used as a carrier for carrying electric power. The resident of the house F2 can use the electric power supplied to the workplace F1 at low cost in the house F2. This increases the options for electric power used in the house F2, and improves the efficiency of electric power use.

[0088] Furthermore, if electricity is generated at the workplace F1 using renewable energy such as solar, wind, or geothermal energy, the charging device 4 may charge the storage battery B1 of the electric vehicle EV1 with surplus electricity generated by the renewable energy. In this case, even if the house F2 does not have a distributed power source such as a solar panel, the electricity generated at the workplace F1 using renewable energy can be used at the house F2. In other words, proactive use of renewable energy can contribute to environmental conservation. Furthermore, by using renewable energy, the billing amount can be set low when billing the resident of the house F2 for the cost of electricity used at the house F2.

[0089] (10) Variations The power management system 1 and the charging management system 2 are applicable to both a situation in which one employee uses one electric vehicle EV1 for both business and personal use, and a situation in which multiple employees use one electric vehicle EV1 for both business and personal use.

[0090] The vehicle information Y2 (see FIG. 2) does not have to include storage battery information such as the SOC of the storage battery B1. In this case, the charging control unit 2b estimates the storage battery information such as the SOC of the storage battery B1 based on the position information and the travel distance information of the electric vehicle EV1 included in the vehicle history information Y3.

[0091] Furthermore, the charging device 4 may obtain storage battery information such as the SOC of the storage battery B1 from the electric vehicle EV1 and notify the charging management system 2. Communication between the charging device 4 and the electric vehicle EV1 is achieved by wired communication via a charging cable of the charging device 4, or by wireless communication. The wireless communication may be, for example, wireless communication conforming to standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zig Bee (registered trademark), or low-power radio that does not require a license (specified low-power radio), or infrared communication.

[0092] The charge management system 2 may manage the charging of the storage batteries B1 of the multiple electric vehicles EV1 that travel between the multiple workplaces F1 and the multiple residences F2.

[0093] In addition, the first facility is not limited to the workplace F1 and may be a facility other than the workplace F1. The second facility is not limited to the residence F2 and may be a facility other than the residence F2. Examples of the facility include an apartment building, a detached house, a factory, an office building, a commercial building, and a store.

[0094] Further, the storage battery B1 of the electric vehicle EV1 is charged at least at the workplace F1, which is the first facility, and can also be charged at a residence F2, a charging station, or the like, other than the workplace F1.

[0095] (11) Summary As described above, the charging management system (2) of the first aspect according to the embodiment includes an information acquisition unit (2a) and a charging control unit (2b). The information acquisition unit (2a) acquires at least a vehicle schedule related to an operation schedule of an electric vehicle (EV1) equipped with a storage battery (B1) for driving that is charged by a charging device (4) in a first facility (F1), home information related to an amount of electricity consumed in a second facility (F2) where a user who uses the electric vehicle (EV1) resides, and vehicle history information related to a usage history of the electric vehicle (EV1). The charging control unit (2b) controls charging of the storage battery (B1) by the charging device (4) based on at least the vehicle schedule, the home information, and the vehicle history information.

[0096] The above-described charge management system (2) can execute a vehicle schedule for the electric vehicle (EV1) and can secure the amount of power required for each purpose in the storage battery (B1).

[0097] In the charging management system (2) of the second aspect of the embodiment, in the first aspect, it is preferable that the charging control unit (2b) calculates the indoor power amount consumed in the second facility (F2) based on the indoor information, calculates the vehicle power amount consumed by the electric vehicle (EV1) based on the vehicle history information, and controls the charging of the storage battery (B1) by the charging device (4) based on the indoor power amount and the vehicle power amount.

[0098] The above-described charging management system (2) can charge the storage battery (B1) so as to ensure the amount of electric power required for each of the electric vehicle (EV1) and the second facility (F2).

[0099] In the second aspect of the charging management system (2) according to the third aspect of the embodiment, the vehicle power amount includes a first vehicle power amount used for the electric vehicle (EV1) to travel along a route including the first facility (F1), and a second vehicle power amount used for the electric vehicle (EV1) to travel along a route not including the first facility (F1). It is preferable that the charging control unit (2b) makes a charging speed when the charging device (4) charges the storage battery (B1) with the first vehicle power amount faster than a charging speed when the charging device (4) charges the storage battery (B1) with the second vehicle power amount and the in-house power amount.

[0100] In the above-described charging management system (2), the charging time per unit of power amount is shorter for the first vehicle power amount required for business compared to the second vehicle power amount and the in-house power amount that are not related to business, thereby making it possible to improve the efficiency of business operations.

[0101] In the charge management system (2) of the fourth aspect of the embodiment, in any one of the first to third aspects, it is preferable that the charge control unit (2b) controls charging of the storage battery (B1) by the charging device (4) based on the balance between demand and supply of electricity in an area including the first facility (F1).

[0102] The above-described charging management system (2) can balance the supply and demand of electric power in an area including the first facility (F1).

[0103] In the charge management system (2) of the fifth aspect according to the embodiment, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, it is preferable that the information acquisition unit (2a) further acquires, as operation information, a charge amount instructed by an operation on the information terminal. The charge control unit (2b) controls charging of the storage battery (B1) by the charging device (4) based on the operation information.

[0104] In the above-described charging management system (2), the user's intention is reflected in the amount of charging, and charging control in accordance with the user's intention is realized.

[0105] It is preferable that the charge management system (2) of the sixth aspect of the embodiment, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, further includes a billing unit (2c) that bills for the amount of charged electric power, which is the amount of electric power charged by the charging device (4) to the storage battery (B1).

[0106] The above-described charging management system (2) can collect the cost of the amount of electric power charged by the charging device (4).

[0107] In the seventh aspect of the charging management system (2) according to the sixth aspect, it is preferable that the billing unit (2c) charges free of charge for the amount of charging energy if the amount of charging energy is equal to or less than a threshold, and charges a fee for the excess amount of energy obtained by subtracting the threshold from the amount of charging energy if the amount of charging energy exceeds the threshold.

[0108] The above-described charging management system (2) can collect the fee for the amount of charging energy by the charging device (4) while implementing employee welfare programs.

[0109] The charge management system (2) of the eighth aspect of the embodiment preferably further includes a billing unit (2c) that bills for a charging energy amount, which is the amount of energy charged to the storage battery (B1) by the charging device (4) in the third aspect. The billing unit (2c) charges free of charge for the first vehicle energy amount and charges a fee for the second vehicle energy amount and the in-house energy amount.

[0110] The above-described charging management system (2) can collect the fee for the amount of charging energy by the charging device (4) while implementing employee welfare programs.

[0111] In the charging management system (2) of a ninth aspect of the embodiment, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, it is preferable that the user is an employee of a first facility (F1), the first facility (F1) is a workplace where the employee drives an electric vehicle (EV1) to commute from a second facility (F2), and the second facility (F2) is a residence where the employee drives the electric vehicle (EV1) to return home from the first facility (F1).

[0112] The above-mentioned charging management system (2) transports the power charged at the workplace (F1) to the house (F2) using the electric vehicle (EV1), thereby increasing the options for power used at the house (F2). As a result, the efficiency of power usage can be improved.

[0113] A power management system (1) according to a tenth aspect of the embodiment includes a charge management system (2) according to any one of the first to ninth aspects and a charger (4).

[0114] The above-described power management system (1) can execute a vehicle schedule for the electric vehicle (EV1), and can secure the amount of power required for each purpose in the storage battery (B1).

[0115] The charge management method according to the eleventh aspect of the embodiment includes an information acquisition step (S1) and a charge control step (S14). The information acquisition step (S1) acquires a vehicle schedule related to an operation schedule of an electric vehicle (EV1) equipped with a storage battery (B1) for driving that is charged by at least a charging device (4) in a first facility (F1), home information related to an amount of electricity consumed in a second facility (F2) where a user who uses the electric vehicle (EV1) resides, and vehicle history information related to a usage history of the electric vehicle (EV1). The charge control step (S14) controls charging of the storage battery (B1) by the charging device (4) based on at least the vehicle schedule, the home information, and the vehicle history information.

[0116] The above-described charge management method can execute the vehicle schedule of the electric vehicle (EV1) and can secure the amount of power required for each purpose in the storage battery (B1).

[0117] A program according to a twelfth aspect of the embodiment causes a computer system to execute the charge management method according to the eleventh aspect.

[0118] The above-mentioned program can execute the vehicle schedule of the electric vehicle (EV1) and can secure the amount of power required for each purpose in the storage battery (B1). [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1. Power Management System 2. Charging management system 2a Information acquisition section 2b Charging control unit 2c Billing Department 4 Charging device EV1 Electric vehicle B1 storage battery F1 Workplace (Facility 1) F2 Housing (2nd facility) S1 Information acquisition step S14 Charging control step

Claims

1. an information acquisition unit that acquires at least a vehicle schedule relating to an operation plan of an electric vehicle equipped with a storage battery for driving that is charged by a charging device in a first facility, home information relating to an amount of electricity consumed in a second facility where a user who uses the electric vehicle resides, and vehicle history information relating to a usage history of the electric vehicle; a charging control unit that controls charging of the storage battery by the charging device based on at least the vehicle schedule, the home information, and the vehicle history information. Charging management system.

2. The charging control unit is determining an amount of in-house power consumed in the second facility based on the in-house information; determining an amount of vehicle power consumed by the electric vehicle based on the vehicle history information; The charging of the storage battery by the charging device is controlled based on the in-house power amount and the vehicle power amount. The charge management system of claim 1.

3. the vehicle power amount includes a first vehicle power amount used for the electric vehicle to travel along a route that includes the first facility, and a second vehicle power amount used for the electric vehicle to travel along a route that does not include the first facility, The charging control unit is A charging speed when the charging device charges the storage battery with the first vehicle energy amount is made faster than a charging speed when the charging device charges the storage battery with the second vehicle energy amount and the in-house energy amount. The charge management system of claim 2.

4. The charging control unit is The charging of the storage battery by the charging device is controlled based on a balance between demand and supply of electricity in an area including the first facility. The charge management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The information acquisition unit further acquires, as operation information, a charging amount instructed by an operation on an information terminal; The charging control unit controls charging of the storage battery by the charging device based on the operation information. The charge management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The charging device further includes a billing unit that bills for a charging amount of power that is the amount of power charged to the storage battery by the charging device. The charge management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The charging unit is If the amount of charging energy is equal to or less than a threshold, the amount of charging energy is free of charge; If the amount of charging energy exceeds the threshold, the amount of excess energy calculated by subtracting the threshold from the amount of charging energy is charged. The charge management system of claim 6.

8. a billing unit that bills for a charging amount of power that is an amount of power charged to the storage battery by the charging device, The charging unit is The first vehicle electric energy is provided free of charge; The second vehicle electric energy and the home electric energy are paid for. The charge management system according to claim 3.

9. the user is an employee of the first facility; the first facility is a workplace where the employee drives the electric vehicle to commute from the second facility; The second facility is a residence where the employee drives the electric vehicle to return home from the first facility. The charge management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A charging management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9; The charging device. Power management system.

11. an information acquisition step of acquiring a vehicle schedule relating to an operation schedule of an electric vehicle equipped with a storage battery for driving that is charged by at least a charging device in a first facility, in-home information relating to an amount of electricity consumed in a second facility where a user who uses the electric vehicle resides, and vehicle history information relating to a usage history of the electric vehicle; and a charge control step of controlling charging of the storage battery by the charging device based on at least the vehicle schedule, the in-house information, and the vehicle history information. Charging management method.

12. A computer system is configured to execute the charge management method according to claim 11. program.

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