Power supply system

Abstract

To efficiently perform charging when charging is performed in order for each group.SOLUTION: A power supply system 1 includes: a plurality of chargers 20; a plurality of group configuration switches 30; and a control device 50 for determining a group formation so as to determine how the plurality of group configuration switches 30 configures a plurality of groups. The control device 50 gives priority to the groups, turns on the group configuration switches 30 included in the group at every first predetermined time in order from the group of higher priority, supplies power from a distribution board 10 to the charger 20, executes processing for determining the group formation at every second predetermined time, and reforms the plurality of groups.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, vehicles equipped with rechargeable batteries, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs), have become increasingly popular.

[0003] The battery of a vehicle equipped with a rechargeable battery, such as an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, can be charged by a charger. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a charger capable of charging the battery of a vehicle such as an electric vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-33629 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, when charging vehicles equipped with rechargeable batteries at chargers in a facility's parking lot, rather than charging all of the chargers at the same time, the maximum amount of electricity supplied by the power company can be reduced to a fraction of the original amount if the chargers are divided into groups and each group takes turns charging.

[0006] However, when charging is performed in order for each group based on a preset group, there are cases where vehicles that are fully charged are charged first and vehicles that are barely charged are put off until later. In this way, when charging is performed in order for each group, there are cases where the vehicles cannot be charged efficiently.

[0007] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a power supply system that can efficiently charge when charging each group in sequence. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The power supply system according to the present disclosure includes: A distribution board and Multiple chargers and a plurality of group configuration switches, each of which is connected to a corresponding one of the chargers to configure a plurality of groups; a control device that determines a group configuration of the plurality of group configuration switches to configure the plurality of groups; Equipped with The control device includes: assigning priorities to the groups, and turning on the group configuration switches included in the groups in order of the groups with the highest priorities at first predetermined time intervals to supply power from the distribution board to the chargers; The process of determining the group composition is executed at every second predetermined time to reorganize the plurality of groups. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the power supply system according to the present disclosure, charging can be performed efficiently when charging each group in turn. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power supply system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a group configuration switch according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of surplus power. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a group configuration in a power supply system. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power supply system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a group configuration switch according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of groups before the group composition is determined in the discharge mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of groups after group composition is determined in a discharge mode. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power supply system functioning as a virtual power plant. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power supply system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The power supply system 1 is a system installed in a facility having a parking lot. The facility having a parking lot may be any facility, such as an apartment building, a store, or a government office.

[0013] The power supply system 1 receives power from a power company 3. The power supply system 1 can charge the vehicle 2 using the power supplied from the power company 3. The vehicle 2 is a vehicle equipped with a battery, and may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, or the like. In this embodiment, charging the vehicle 2 means charging the battery equipped in the vehicle 2. Note that, although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the power supply system 1 charges the vehicle 2, the target that the power supply system 1 charges is not limited to the vehicle 2. The power supply system 1 may charge, for example, a power storage device.

[0014] Furthermore, the power supply system 1 can supply power to a facility 4 using power supplied from a power company 3. The facility 4 is a facility other than the power supply system 1 in a facility in which the power supply system 1 is installed. The facility 4 may include, for example, lighting, an elevator, and the like.

[0015] The power supply system 1 includes a distribution board 10, a plurality of chargers 20-1 to 20-n, a plurality of group configuration switches 30-1 to 30-n, a power meter 40, and a control device 50. In addition, in Fig. 1, the "group configuration switch" is written as "GR configuration switch".

[0016] Hereinafter, when there is no particular need to distinguish between chargers 20-1 to 20-n, they may be simply referred to as "chargers 20." Furthermore, when there is no particular need to distinguish between group configuration switches 30-1 to 30-n, they may be simply referred to as "group configuration switches 30." n may be any integer equal to or greater than 2.

[0017] The distribution board 10 receives power supply from the power company 3. The distribution board 10 can supply power to the chargers 20 via the group configuration switch 30. The distribution board 10 supplies power to the chargers 20 connected to a group configuration switch 30 that is turned on. The distribution board 10 does not supply power to the chargers 20 connected to a group configuration switch 30 that is turned off.

[0018] The distribution board 10 also supplies power to the equipment 4. As described above, the equipment 4 is equipment other than the power supply system 1 in the facility in which the power supply system 1 is installed.

[0019] The charger 20 includes an outlet into which the power plug of the vehicle 2 can be inserted. When the charger 20 is supplied with power from the distribution board 10 via the group configuration switch 30, the charger 20 can charge the battery of the vehicle 2 into which the power plug is inserted. Note that the charger 20 can also be inserted with the power plug of a power storage device in addition to the vehicle 2. In this case, the charger 20 can charge the charging device into which the power plug is inserted.

[0020] The plurality of group configuration switches 30-1 to 30-n are connected to the chargers 20-1 to 20-n, respectively. The plurality of group configuration switches 30-1 to 30-n are also connected to the distribution board 10.

[0021] The group configuration switch 30 switches on / off the connection between the distribution board 10 and the charger 20. When the group configuration switch 30 is on, the distribution board 10 supplies power to the charger 20 connected to the group configuration switch 30. When the group configuration switch 30 is off, the distribution board 10 does not supply power to the charger 20 connected to the group configuration switch 30.

[0022] For example, if the group configuration switches 30-1 to 30-n form groups 1 to 4, the group configuration switch 30 belongs to one of the groups 1 to 4.

[0023] The on / off of the multiple group constituent switches 30-1 to 30-n is controlled for each group. For example, when group 1 is on, all of the group constituent switches 30 included in group 1 are on. Also, when group 1 is off, all of the group constituent switches 30 included in group 1 are off.

[0024] The controller 50 controls how the plurality of group configuration switches 30-1 to 30-n configure groups.

[0025] 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the group configuration switch 30 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The group configuration switch 30 includes a first switch 31, a control unit 32, a communication unit 33, a storage unit 34, and an input unit 35.

[0026] The first switch 31 switches the connection between the distribution board 10 and the charger 20 on / off based on a control signal from the control unit 32.

[0027] The control unit 32 controls each component of the group configuration switch 30 and the entire group configuration switch 30. The control unit 32 may include one or more processors. The processor may be configured as a general-purpose processor that loads a specific program and executes a specific function, or may be configured as a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process.

[0028] The communication unit 33 includes a communication module that supports a predetermined communication standard. The communication unit 33 is capable of communicating with the charger 20 and the control device 50.

[0029] The communication unit 33 can acquire information on the charging state from the vehicle 2 or the power storage device connected to the charger 20 connected to the group configuration switch 30. The control unit 32 transmits the information on the charging state acquired by the communication unit 33 to the control device 50 via the communication unit 33.

[0030] The storage unit 34 stores various data, programs executed by the control unit 32, etc. The storage unit 34 may be configured, for example, with a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, etc. The storage unit 34 may be configured integrally with the control unit 32.

[0031] The storage unit 34 may store an identification number for identifying the group configuration switch 30. The storage unit 34 may also store information regarding which group the group configuration switch 30 currently belongs to.

[0032] The input unit 35 accepts input from the user to the group configuration switch 30. The input unit 35 may be configured as physical buttons, or may be configured as a touch panel that accepts input to a screen.

[0033] Returning to FIG.

[0034] The power meter 40 measures the power supplied from the distribution board 10 to the facility 4. The power meter 40 is capable of communicating with the control device 50. When the power meter 40 measures the power supplied from the distribution board 10 to the facility 4, it transmits the measured power to the control device 50.

[0035] Control device 50 determines how the plurality of group configuration switches 30-1 to 30-n will configure a plurality of groups. Hereinafter, determining how the plurality of group configuration switches 30-1 to 30-n will configure a plurality of groups may be referred to as "determining the group configuration."

[0036] The control device 50 may be a general-purpose PC (Personal Computer), or may be a dedicated computer configured to function as the control device 50 of the power supply system 1. The control device 50 may be installed in the facility where the power supply system 1 is installed, or may be installed in a remote location.

[0037] The configuration of the control device 50 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0038] The control device 50 includes a communication unit 51, a storage unit 52, an input unit 53, an output unit 54, and a control unit 55.

[0039] The communication unit 51 includes a communication module that supports a predetermined communication standard. The communication unit 51 transmits and receives various information via the network. The communication unit 51 is capable of communicating with the group configuration switch 30 and the power meter 40.

[0040] The storage unit 52 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like, but is not limited thereto. The storage unit 52 may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 52 stores any information used in the operation of the control device 50. For example, the storage unit 52 may store a system program, an application program, various information received by the communication unit 51, and the like.

[0041] The input unit 53 includes one or more input interfaces that detect a user input and acquire input information based on a user operation. For example, the input unit 53 includes, but is not limited to, a physical key, a capacitive key, a touch screen that is integral with the display of the output unit 54, or a microphone that accepts voice input.

[0042] The output unit 54 includes one or more output interfaces that output information to notify the user. For example, the output unit 54 includes, but is not limited to, a display that outputs information as an image, a speaker that outputs information as sound, and the like.

[0043] The control unit 55 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of these. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control unit 55 executes processes related to the operation of the control device 50 while controlling each part of the control device 50.

[0044] Next, the operation of the power supply system 1 will be described in detail.

[0045] The control device 50 prioritizes groups constituted by a plurality of group constituent switches 30-1 to 30-n, and turns on the group constituent switches 30 included in each group at first predetermined time intervals in order from the group with the highest priority. Then, power is supplied from the distribution board 10 to the chargers 20 connected to the group constituent switches 30 included in the group that is turned on.

[0046] When there are groups 1 to 4 as the multiple groups, the control device 50 may, for example, set a group with a smaller number as a group with a higher priority. In this case, the order of priority is group 1, group 2, group 3, and group 4.

[0047] When the control device 50 first turns on group 1, all group configuration switches 30 included in group 1 are turned on, and power is supplied to the chargers 20 connected to the group configuration switches 30 included in group 1.

[0048] When the first predetermined time has elapsed, the control device 50 turns off group 1 and turns on group 2. Then, power is supplied to the chargers 20 connected to the group configuration switches 30 included in group 2.

[0049] The control device 50 repeats this process in accordance with the priority order of groups 1 to 4.

[0050] The first predetermined time is a time set in advance as a time during which it is possible to charge the amount of electric power required for the vehicle 2 to travel a predetermined distance. The first predetermined time is not limited to this, but may be, for example, about four hours.

[0051] The control device 50 executes a process for determining the group configuration of the group configuration switches 30-1 to 30-n at every second predetermined time, and reorganizes a plurality of groups.

[0052] The second predetermined time may be the same as the first predetermined time or may be longer than the first predetermined time. In this way, the group reorganization can be performed after the vehicle 2 connected to the charger 20 connected to the group configuration switch 30 of the high priority group is sufficiently charged. Hereinafter, "the vehicle 2 connected to the charger 20 connected to the group configuration switch 30" may be referred to as "the vehicle 2 connected to the group configuration switch 30".

[0053] When executing the process of determining group formation at every second predetermined time, the control device 50 determines the group formation based on the information on the state of charge of the vehicles 2 or the power storage devices acquired from the group formation switches 30. At this time, the control device 50 determines the group formation such that the vehicles 2 or the power storage devices connected to the group formation switches 30 with the least amount of charge belong to the groups with the highest priority.

[0054] For example, if each group can include 10 group configuration switches 30 and group 1 has a high priority, the control device 50 assigns the group configuration switches 30 to which the vehicles 2 or power storage devices with the 1st to 10th charged amounts are connected to group 1. Next, the control device 50 assigns the group configuration switches 30 to which the vehicles 2 or power storage devices with the 11th to 20th charged amounts are connected to group 2. In this way, the control device 50 determines the group composition based on information on the state of charge of the vehicles 2 or power storage devices.

[0055] In this way, by reorganizing the groups so that the group configuration switch 30 to which the vehicle 2 or power storage device with a low charge level is connected belongs to a group with a high priority, the power supply system 1 can efficiently charge from the vehicle 2 or power storage device with a low charge level.

[0056] The control device 50 may vary the number of groups when executing the process of determining the group composition at every second predetermined time. Here, the number of groups refers to the number of groups constituted by the plurality of group configuration switches 30-1 to 30-n.

[0057] For example, when the number of groups is originally three and the second predetermined time has elapsed, the number of groups may change from three to four when the control device 50 executes the process of determining the group composition.

[0058] When executing the process of determining group formation at every second predetermined time, the control device 50 may determine the number of groups based on the contracted power, the surplus power reserved to prevent a power outage, the power consumption of the facility 4, the number of vehicles 2 or power storage devices connected to the chargers 20-1 to 20-n, and the output capacity of the charger 20.

[0059] Here, the contracted power is the power contracted as the maximum power that the power supply system 1 can receive from the power company 3. The surplus power is the power that the power supply system 1 holds as a reserve to prevent a power outage, and may be, for example, about 10% of the contracted power. The power used by the facility 4 is the power that is used by the facility 4 out of the power supplied to the power supply system 1 from the power company 3. The number of vehicles 2 or power storage devices connected to the chargers 20-1 to 20-n is the actual number of vehicles 2 or power storage devices connected to the chargers 20-1 to 20-n. The output capacity of the charger 20 is the maximum power that the charger 20 can output.

[0060] The margin power may be changed to a higher power than usual, for example, when a power limit instruction is received from the national government, local government, etc. For example, if the normal margin power is about 10% of the contracted power, when a power limit instruction is received, the margin power may be increased to about 20% of the contracted power.

[0061] Regarding the determination of the number of groups, for example, the following case will be considered. Contracted power: 50kW Power margin: 5kW Power consumption of equipment: 15kW Number of vehicles or power storage devices: 39 Charger output capacity: 3kW

[0062] In this case, the control device 50 may calculate the surplus power that can be used by the charger 20 as follows. Surplus power = contracted power - excess power - power consumption =50kW-5kW-15kW =30kW

[0063] In this case, the control device 50 may calculate the number of chargers 20 that can be charged simultaneously as follows. Number of chargers = Excess power / Output capacity of chargers =30kW / 3kW =10 units

[0064] In this case, the control device 50 may calculate the number of groups by dividing the number of vehicles 2 or power storage devices by the number of chargers 20 that can charge simultaneously and rounding up. In the above example, 39 vehicles divided by 10 is 3.9. By rounding up, the control device 50 may determine the number of groups to be 4.

[0065] In this way, when the control device 50 executes the process of determining group formation for each second predetermined time, it can appropriately determine the number of groups based on the contracted power, the surplus power, the power consumption of the facility 4, the number of vehicles 2 or power storage devices connected to the chargers 20-1 to 20-n, and the output capacity of the charger 20.

[0066] The power usage of the facility 4, the surplus power available for the charger 20, and the marginal power reserved to prevent a power outage may change over time. Fig. 4 shows an example of the time variations in the power usage, surplus power, and marginal power of the facility 4 over a day.

[0067] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the surplus power is high during the daytime, such as from 9:00 to 16:00. This is because a larger surplus is set aside since the equipment 4 is likely to use more power during the daytime. This is just one example, and the surplus power may always be a constant amount of power. The percentage of the contracted power at which the surplus power is set may be set in advance. The preset surplus power value may be stored in the memory unit 52 of the control device 50.

[0068] Fig. 5 is an example of a group configuration when the control device 50 performs processing to determine the group formation. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the group configuration switches 30-1 and 30-6 belong to group 1, the group configuration switches 30-2 and 30-5 belong to group 2, the group configuration switches 30-3 and 30-4 belong to group 3, and the group configuration switch 30-n belongs to group 4.

[0069] In this way, the power supply system 1 according to the first embodiment executes a process for determining group formation at every second predetermined time, and reorganizes a plurality of groups. That is, the power supply system 1 according to the first embodiment dynamically reorganizes the groups according to the charge amount of the vehicle 2 or the power storage device connected to the group formation switch 30, without fixing which group formation switch 30 belongs to which group. This allows the power supply system 1 according to the first embodiment to efficiently perform charging when executing a process for charging each group in turn.

[0070] Second embodiment 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power supply system 1a according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment includes a distribution board 10, a plurality of chargers 20-1 to 20-n, a plurality of group configuration switches 30a-1 to 30a-n, a power meter 40, a control device 50, and a power integration device 60.

[0071] The power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment differs from the power supply system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a power integration device 60. The power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment also differs from the power supply system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the configuration of the group configuration switch 30a is different from the configuration of the group configuration switch 30 of the power supply system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0072] Regarding the power supply system 1a of the second embodiment, the differences from the power supply system 1 of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of the equivalent or similar points to the power supply system 1 of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0073] In an emergency such as a large-scale power outage, the power supply system 1a can execute a discharge mode in which power supplied from the vehicle 2 or the power storage device connected to the charger 20 is supplied from the distribution board 10 to the outside via the group configuration switch 30a and the power integration device 60. Here, the "outside" may be a facility experiencing a power outage or a power company.

[0074] When the discharge mode is executed, the charger 20 can supply electric power of the connected vehicle 2 or power storage device to the group configuration switch 30a.

[0075] When the discharge mode is executed, the group configuration switch 30 a can supply the power supplied from the charger 20 to the power integration device 60 .

[0076] 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a group configuration switch 30a according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The group configuration switch 30a according to the second embodiment includes a first switch 31, a control unit 32, a communication unit 33, a storage unit 34, an input unit 35, and a second switch 36.

[0077] The group configuration switch 30a according to the second embodiment differs from the group configuration switch 30 according to the first embodiment in that a second switch 36 is provided.

[0078] Regarding the group configuration switch 30a according to the second embodiment, the differences from the group configuration switch 30 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of the equivalent or similar points to the group configuration switch 30 according to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0079] The second switch 36 can switch whether the first switch 31 is connected to the distribution board 10 or to the power integration device 60. The second switch 36 is controlled by a control signal from the control unit 32.

[0080] In the normal mode, the control unit 32 controls the second switch 36 to connect the distribution board 10 and the first switch 31 to each other.

[0081] In the discharge mode, the control unit 32 controls the second switch 36 to connect the power integration device 60 to the first switch 31. This allows the group configuration switch 30a to supply the power supplied from the vehicle 2 or the power storage device connected to the charger 20 to the power integration device 60.

[0082] Returning to FIG.

[0083] The power integration device 60 is connected between the multiple group configuration switches 30a-1 to 30a-n and the distribution board 10. The power integration device 60 is capable of integrating power supplied from the multiple group configuration switches 30a and supplying the power to the distribution board 10.

[0084] In FIG. 6, the connections between the group configuration switches 30a-1 to 30a-n and the power integration device 60, and the connections between the power integration device 60 and the distribution board 10, which are the power paths when the discharge mode is being executed, are indicated by dashed lines.

[0085] In a normal mode, the power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment supplies power supplied from the power company 3 to the charger 20, similarly to the power supply system 1 according to the first embodiment. In a discharge mode, the power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment supplies power supplied from the vehicle 2 or the power storage device connected to the charger 20 from the distribution board 10 via the power integration device 60 to an external party such as the power company 3.

[0086] The operation of the power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment in the normal mode is similar to the operation of the power supply system 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] Next, an operation of the power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment in the discharge mode will be described.

[0088] When the control device 50 executes the discharging mode, it switches the operation of the power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment to the discharging mode. At this time, the control unit 32 of the group configuration switch 30a switches the connection of the second switch 36 in response to a command from the control device 50 so as to connect the power integration device 60 and the first switch 31.

[0089] The control unit 32 of the group configuration switch 30a acquires information on the charging state from the vehicle 2 or the power storage device connected to the charger 20 connected to the group configuration switch 30a, via the communication unit 33. The control unit 32 transmits the acquired information on the charging state to the control device 50 via the communication unit 33.

[0090] The control device 50 determines how the group configuration switches 30a-1 to 30a-n configure the multiple groups in the discharge mode.

[0091] The control device 50 prioritizes groups constituted by a plurality of group configuration switches 30a-1 to 30a-n, and turns on the group configuration switches 30a included in each group at every third predetermined time in order from the group with the highest priority. Then, power is supplied to the power integration device 60 from the group configuration switches 30a included in the groups that are turned on.

[0092] When there are groups 1 to 4 as the multiple groups, the control device 50 may set, for example, a group with a smaller number as a group with a higher priority. In this case, the order of priority is group 1, group 2, group 3, and group 4.

[0093] When the control device 50 first turns on group 1, all group configuration switches 30a included in group 1 are turned on, and power is supplied to the power integration device 60 from the vehicles 2 or power storage devices connected to the group configuration switches 30a included in group 1.

[0094] When the third predetermined time has elapsed, the control device 50 turns off the group 1 and turns on the group 2. Then, power is supplied to the power integration device 60 from the vehicle 2 or the power storage device connected to the group configuration switch 30a included in the group 2.

[0095] The control device 50 repeats this process in accordance with the priority order of groups 1 to 4.

[0096] The third predetermined time may be a time that is set in advance.

[0097] The control device 50 executes a process for determining the group configuration of the group configuration switches 30a-1 to 30a-n at every fourth predetermined time, and reorganizes the multiple groups. Note that the control device 50 may execute the process for determining the group configuration of the group configuration switches 30a-1 to 30a-n at the stage of transitioning to the discharge mode, and thereafter execute the process for determining the group configuration of the group configuration switches 30a-1 to 30a-n at every fourth predetermined time.

[0098] The fourth predetermined time may be the same as the third predetermined time or may be longer than the third predetermined time, so that the group reorganization can be performed after the power integration device 60 is sufficiently supplied with power from the vehicle 2 or the power storage device connected to the charger 20 connected to the group configuration switch 30 of the high-priority group.

[0099] When executing the process of determining group formation at every fourth predetermined time, the control device 50 determines the group formation based on the information on the state of charge of the vehicles 2 or the power storage devices acquired from the group formation switch 30a. At this time, the control device 50 determines the group formation such that the vehicles 2 or the power storage devices connected to the group formation switch 30a with the greatest amount of charge belong to the groups with the highest priority.

[0100] In this way, by reorganizing the groups so that the group configuration switch 30a to which the vehicle 2 or power storage device with a high charge level is connected belongs to a group with a high priority, the power supply system 1a can preferentially supply power to the power integration device 60 from the vehicle 2 or power storage device with a high charge level.

[0101] When power is supplied from the group configuration switches 30 a included in the groups that are turned on, the power integration device 60 integrates the supplied power and supplies the integrated power to the distribution board 10 .

[0102] The distribution board 10 supplies the power received from the power integration device 60 to an external party such as the power company 3. This makes it possible to efficiently supply the power of the vehicle 2 or the power storage device to an external party such as the power company 3 in an emergency such as when a large-scale power outage occurs.

[0103] In the discharge mode, when the control device 50 supplies power from the vehicle 2 or the power storage device to the power integration device 60, the control device 50 executes the discharge mode so that the vehicle 2 or the power storage device supplies power to the power integration device 60 within a range that does not exceed the minimum amount of power that the vehicle 2 or the power storage device secures.

[0104] For example, if the amount of power charged to vehicle 2 is 50 kWh and the minimum amount of power to be reserved is 15 kWh, the control device 50 sets the amount of power that vehicle 2 can supply to 35 kWh, and causes the power integration device 60 to supply power from vehicle 2 within a range not exceeding 35 kWh.

[0105] An example of how the control device 50 determines the group composition in the discharge mode will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of groups before the control device 50 determines the group composition. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of groups after the control device 50 determines the group composition.

[0106] 8 and 9 show an example in which the number of vehicles 2 or power storage devices connected to charger 20 is 36. In Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the horizontal axis indicates the identification number of group configuration switch 30a.

[0107] In the example shown in Fig. 8, before the group formation is determined, group 1 includes group configuration switches 30a with identification numbers 1 to 10. Group 2 includes group configuration switches 30a with identification numbers 11 to 20. Group 3 includes group configuration switches 30a with identification numbers 21 to 30. Group 4 includes group configuration switches 30a with identification numbers 31 to 36.

[0108] 8, for example, a vehicle 2 connected to a group configuration switch 30a having an identification number of 2 has an amount of electric power of 60 kWh. Since the amount of reserved electric power is 15 kWh, the amount of electric power that can be supplied to the power integration device 60 is 45 kWh.

[0109] Referring to Fig. 9, which shows an example of groups after the group formation has been determined, the group formation switches 30a with a large amount of available power to be supplied belong to group 1, which has a high priority. The group formation switches 30a with a small amount of available power to be supplied belong to group 4, which has a low priority. In this way, the control device 50 determines the group formation at every fourth predetermined time such that the group formation switches 30a to which the vehicles 2 or power storage devices with a large amount of charge are connected belong to the groups with the highest priority in descending order.

[0110] In this way, when the power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment executes the process of determining the group formation every fourth predetermined time, and reorganizes the multiple groups. Furthermore, when the power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment executes the process of determining the group formation every fourth predetermined time, the power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment determines the group formation so that the vehicle 2 or the power storage device connected to the group formation switch 30a with the highest charge amount belongs to the group with the highest priority in order based on the information on the charge state. That is, the power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment does not fix which group formation switch 30a belongs to which group, but dynamically reorganizes the groups according to the charge amount of the vehicle 2 or the power storage device connected to the group formation switch 30a. As a result, the power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment can efficiently supply the power of the vehicle 2 or the power storage device with the highest charge amount to the outside when executing the discharge mode.

[0111] <Virtual power plant> The power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment can function as a virtual power plant (VPP). Fig. 10 shows an example of the power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment functioning as a virtual power plant.

[0112] 10, the server 5 is an aggregator server that manages a plurality of virtual power plants 6. The server 5 issues commands to the plurality of virtual power plants 6. In response to the commands from the server 5, the virtual power plants 6 supply power to power companies and the like.

[0113] When the power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment is in the discharging mode, it can function as a virtual power plant in the same way as other virtual power plants 6 managed by the server 5.

[0114] When functioning as a virtual power plant, the power supply system 1a supplies power to the power company 3 and the like in response to a command from the server 5.

[0115] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be realized in other specific forms other than the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the above description is illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims, not by the above description. Any modifications within the scope of the equivalents of all modifications are included therein.

[0116] For example, the arrangement and number of each component described above are not limited to the above description and the contents illustrated in the drawings. The arrangement and number of each component may be arbitrarily configured as long as the function can be realized.

[0117] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the second predetermined time is the same as the first predetermined time or is longer than the first predetermined time, but the second predetermined time may be shorter than the first predetermined time.

[0118] For example, in the above embodiment, the fourth predetermined time is the same as the third predetermined time or is longer than the third predetermined time. However, the fourth predetermined time may be shorter than the third predetermined time.

[0119] For example, in the above embodiment, the power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment has been described as supplying power to an external entity such as the power company 3 in the discharging mode. However, the power supply system 1a according to the second embodiment may supply power to an internal entity of a facility in the discharging mode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1. 1a Power supply system 2 Vehicles 3. Electric power companies 4 Equipment 5 Server 6. Virtual Power Plant 10 Distribution board 20 charger 30, 30a Group configuration switch 31 First Switch 32 Control section 33 Communications Department 34 Storage section 35 Input section 36 Second Switch 40 Power meter 50 Control device 51 Communications Department 52 Storage section 53 Input section 54 Output section 55 Control section 60 Power Integration Device

Claims

1. A distribution board and Multiple chargers and a plurality of group configuration switches, each of which is connected to a corresponding one of the chargers to configure a plurality of groups; a control device that determines a group configuration of the plurality of group configuration switches to configure the plurality of groups; Equipped with The control device includes: assigning a priority to the groups, and turning on the group configuration switches included in the groups in order of the groups having the highest priority at first predetermined time intervals to supply power from the distribution board to the chargers; The power supply system executes a process for determining the group formation at every second predetermined time to reorganize the plurality of groups.

2. 2. The power supply system according to claim 1, the group configuration switch acquires information on a charging state from a vehicle or a power storage device connected to the charger and transmits the information to the control device; When executing the process of determining the group formation, the control device determines the group formation based on the information on the charging state so that the vehicles or power storage devices connected to the group composition switches with the least amount of charge belong to the groups with the highest priority in order.

3. 2. The power supply system according to claim 1, A power supply system, wherein the number of groups in the plurality of groups is variable.

4. 4. The power supply system according to claim 3, A power supply system in which, when executing the process of determining the group formation, the control device determines the number of the multiple groups based on the contracted power, the surplus power held to prevent power outages, the power usage of equipment other than the power supply system, the number of vehicles or power storage devices connected to the multiple chargers, and the output capacity of the chargers.

5. 2. The power supply system according to claim 1, A power supply system, wherein the second predetermined time is the same as the first predetermined time or is longer than the first predetermined time.

6. 2. The power supply system according to claim 1, a power integration device connected between the plurality of group configuration switches and the distribution board, capable of integrating power supplied from the plurality of group configuration switches and supplying the power to the distribution board; The control device is capable of executing a discharge mode in which power supplied from a vehicle or a power storage device connected to the charger is supplied from the distribution board to an outside via the power integration device, When the discharge mode is executed, the group configuration switch acquires information on a charging state from the vehicle or the power storage device connected to the charger and transmits the information to the control device; The control device includes: assigning a priority to the groups, and turning on the group configuration switches included in the groups in order of the priority at every third predetermined time to supply power from the chargers to the power integration device; execute a process of determining the group composition at every fourth predetermined time to reorganize the plurality of groups; and when executing the process of determining the group formation at every fourth specified time, the group formation is determined based on the information on the charging state so that the vehicle or the power storage device connected to the group configuration switch with the greatest amount of charge belongs to the group with the highest priority in descending order.

7. 7. The power supply system according to claim 6, The control device executes the discharge mode so that the vehicle or the power storage device supplies power to the power integration device within a range not exceeding a minimum amount of power secured by the vehicle or the power storage device.

8. 7. The power supply system according to claim 6, The power supply system is capable of functioning as a virtual power station.

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