Snow-melting system of parking space for charging

Abstract

To realize a snow-melting system which can efficiently melt snow even during snowfall, by effectively using existing facilities of a parking space for charging.SOLUTION: A snow-melting system of a parking space for charging comprises a charging device 20 provided in a parking space 10, an electric power control device 30A which controls to supply predetermined electric power from a power supply facility 3 to the charging device 20, and a snow-melting device 50 buried in the parking space 10 for heating a surface of the parking space 10. The electric power control device 30A distributes the electric power supplied to the charging device 20 to the snow-melting device 50 according to a usage state of the charging device 20 and a surface state of the parking space 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to a snow melting system for a charging parking space where electric vehicles are charged. [Background technology]

[0002] In areas with a lot of snow, snow accumulation in outdoor parking lots is a big problem. If a large amount of snow accumulates in a parking space, cars cannot be parked, so the only way to make it possible to park is to remove the snow. Since the amount and duration of snowfall cannot be accurately predicted, it is difficult to always keep the area accessible for parking, even if the snow is removed.

[0003] In response to this, a system that can efficiently remove snow using an autonomous, self-propelled snow removal device is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The system in Patent Document 1 determines the parking situation and snow accumulation situation from images captured by a camera installed at the entrance and exit of a parking lot, and controls the operation of the snow removal device based on the results.

[0004] There is also known a technology in which a snow melting device is buried under roads or parking lots in advance, and when snow accumulates or ice forms, the device is used to heat the surface, thereby melting the snow.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technology in which a number of heating units (road heating equipment), consisting of heating elements such as heating wires and hot water pipes, are buried in a road or the like, divided into multiple sections, and the heat supply to each heating unit is controlled so as to be switched. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-143519 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-100347 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In recent years, the use of electric vehicles (so-called EVs) that run on electricity has become remarkable. Electric vehicles are equipped with large, high-voltage batteries, and run by driving a motor with electricity supplied from the batteries. Charging spots that enable charging of the batteries have been installed in various places such as shopping malls, and the number of such spots is increasing year by year.

[0008] As electric vehicles become more widespread, the number of charging spots is expected to increase in areas with heavy snowfall, such as Hokkaido and Tohoku. However, in such areas, charging spots that use outdoor parking spaces will have the problem of being restricted in use due to snowfall, as mentioned above.

[0009] Although it is possible to apply a snow removal system like that in Patent Document 1, a charging parking space is usually limited to accommodate only a few cars. In contrast, from the standpoint of cost and equipment, it is difficult to put a snow removal system like that in Patent Document 1 into practical use unless the parking space is large enough to accommodate several tens of cars.

[0010] In this regard, a road heating system such as that described in Patent Document 2 is suitable for small parking lots. Therefore, by installing such a road heating system in a charging parking space, it becomes possible to suppress snow accumulation in the parking space even during snowfall, and to prevent restrictions on the use of the charging device.

[0011] However, a relatively large amount of power is required to charge the driving battery. As the number of charging vehicles increases, the amount of power required for charging also increases. In response to this, a relatively large amount of power is also required to operate the road heating equipment. Naturally, the amount of power required for road heating also increases according to the number of parking spaces.

[0012] Therefore, if road heating equipment is added to a charging parking space, the power supplied to both will increase. Since the wiring etc. will also need to be able to handle that maximum power, it may become necessary to reconsider the power supply equipment.

[0013] Therefore, the disclosed technology realizes a snow melting system that can efficiently melt snow even when snow accumulates, while effectively utilizing existing facilities in charging parking spaces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The disclosed technology relates to a snow melting system for a charging parking space. The snow melting system includes a charging device installed in the parking space to charge the driving battery of an automobile, a power control device that controls the supply of a predetermined amount of power from a power supply facility to the charging device, and a snow melting device buried in the parking space to heat the surface of the parking space. The power control device distributes the power supplied to the charging device to the snow melting device according to the usage state of the charging device and the surface state of the parking space.

[0015] In other words, according to this snow melting system, a snow melting device that heats the surface of a parking space to which a charging device is attached is buried, and a power control device that supplies a predetermined amount of power from a power supply facility to the charging device distributes the power supplied to the charging device to the snow melting device depending on the usage status of the charging device, such as whether or not a car is parked and charging, and the surface condition of the parking space, such as whether or not there is snow that would interfere with getting in and out of the car or entering and exiting the parking space.

[0016] Therefore, charging and snow melting can be performed depending on the situation using limited power, making it possible to effectively utilize existing facilities in the charging parking space and efficiently melt snow even when it snows.

[0017] The parking space may be partitioned to accommodate one vehicle.

[0018] If the snow melting device has multiple snow melting units capable of individually heating multiple areas that make up the parking space, the power control device can distribute the power supplied to the charging device to each of the snow melting units depending on the usage status of the charging device and the surface condition of the parking space.

[0019] In this case, the necessary and sufficient area can be melted, so snow can be melted efficiently and appropriately even with a small amount of distributed power, and power waste can be reduced.

[0020] The power control device may distribute the power supplied to the charging device to the snow melting device by adjusting the amount of power supplied to the charging device depending on the usage status of the charging device and the surface condition of the parking space.

[0021] In this case, the charging time may be slightly longer, but it will be possible to melt snow while charging, so charging and melting snow can be done at the same time even when the parking lot is full.

[0022] The parking space may be partitioned into a number of individual spaces, each space accommodating one vehicle.

[0023] In such a case, a charging device and a snow melting device are provided for each individual space, and the power control device distributes the power supplied to each of the charging devices to each of the snow melting devices depending on the usage status of each of the charging devices and the surface condition of each of the individual spaces.

[0024] Since charging and snow melting can be performed according to the conditions of each individual space using limited power, existing facilities in the charging parking space can be effectively utilized and snow can be efficiently melted even when snow accumulates.

[0025] If the snow melting device has multiple snow melting units capable of individually heating multiple areas that make up the individual spaces, the power control device may be configured to distribute the power supplied to each of the charging devices to each of the snow melting units depending on the usage status of each of the charging devices and the surface condition of each of the individual spaces.

[0026] In this case, since the necessary and sufficient range of the surface of each individual space can be melted, snow can be melted efficiently and appropriately even with a small amount of distributed power, and power waste can also be reduced.

[0027] When at least one of the charging devices is an unused charging device in an unused state and at least one of the snow melting devices is a power-supply-requiring snow melting device that requires a power supply, the power control device may distribute the power supplied to the unused charging device to the power-supply-requiring snow melting device.

[0028] If at least one of the charging devices is unused, the power to charge it remains as a surplus. Therefore, this power can be distributed without restrictions, so by distributing the power to any one of the snow melting devices that require power supply, snow can be effectively melted without adversely affecting the charging device that is currently being charged.

[0029] The power control device may distribute the power supplied to each of the charging devices to each of the snow melting devices by adjusting the amount of power supplied to each of the charging devices depending on the usage status of each of the charging devices and the surface condition of each of the individual spaces.

[0030] In this case, the charging time may be slightly longer, but it will be possible to melt snow while charging, so charging and melting snow can be done at the same time even when the parking lot is full.

[0031] The snow melting unit may include a first snow melting unit installed below the parked automobile, and a second snow melting unit installed around the parked automobile.

[0032] The first snow melting unit corresponds to an area where there is no snow when the vehicle is parked and where there are no problems when getting in and out of the vehicle or when leaving the vehicle, while the second snow melting unit corresponds to an area where there is always snow when it snows and where getting in and out of the vehicle is affected. Therefore, the second snow melting unit has a higher need to allocate power than the first snow melting unit, and by prioritizing power allocation to the second snow melting unit, snow can be melted efficiently with less power. Effect of the Invention

[0033] According to the disclosed technology, it is possible to effectively utilize existing facilities in charging parking spaces and to realize a snow melting system that can efficiently melt snow even when there is snowfall. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a charging spot in the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the snow melting device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the power control device and its main associated devices. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a car is parked in a parking space. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an application example of a snow melting system. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a charging spot of a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of distributing power to each snow melting device. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of distributing power to each snow melting device in the snow melting system of the application example. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of control performed by the power control device of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control performed by a power control device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosed technology will be described, however, the following description is merely exemplary in nature.

[0036] <First embodiment> (Basic structure of charging spot) Fig. 1 illustrates a typical base charging spot 1A. The illustrated charging spot 1A is installed in a part of a parking lot that can accommodate multiple cars or in a general residential parking lot, has no roof, and is located outdoors where snow accumulates during snowfall. A snow melting system based on the disclosed technology is applied to this charging spot 1A.

[0037] As shown by the imaginary line L1 in Fig. 1, this charging spot 1A is intended for one electric vehicle (hereinafter also simply referred to as an automobile EV), and is provided with a parking space 10 partitioned into a rectangle for parking one automobile EV. Note that the parking space 10 shown in the figure is an example, and its size can be set appropriately according to specifications. For example, the parking space 10 may be dedicated to large special vehicles such as trucks and buses.

[0038] 1 shows a parking space 10 suitable for a typical EV vehicle. In other words, the illustrated parking space 10 is set to a size (e.g., 2.5 m wide and 5.5 m long) that takes into account the width and overall length of an average EV vehicle and the surrounding area required for getting in and out of the vehicle.

[0039] A charging device 20, a power control device 30A, and the like are provided in the parking space 10 in order to charge an automobile EV. In other words, the parking space 10 is a parking lot exclusively for charging (charging parking space). In the illustrated charging spot 1A, the charging device 20 and the power control device 30A are arranged around a fence 1a of the parking space 10, which also serves as a car stopper.

[0040] The charging spot 1A is configured to receive a predetermined amount of power from a commercial power supply facility 3. Specifically, a commercial power cable 2 consisting of 200V AC is drawn in near the charging spot 1A, and the cable 2 and the charging device 20 are connected by an electric wire 4 via a power control device 30A. Note that the output of the power supply facility 3 is an example.

[0041] The charging device 20 is a dedicated device for charging a driving battery mounted on an automobile EV. There are various types of charging devices 20, and the details of these devices are publicly known. Therefore, a description of the charging device 20 that is not related to the disclosed technology will be omitted or simplified. A specific plug 22 is installed on the charging device 20 via an extension cable 21, and charging is performed by connecting the plug 22 to a dedicated charging port (not shown) installed on the automobile EV.

[0042] Known charging devices include devices that charge the driving battery with 200V AC power via an on-board charger (normal charger), and devices that convert 200V AC power into high-voltage DC and charge the driving battery directly (quick charger). There are also devices that can perform both normal charging and quick charging.

[0043] Generally, the larger the amount of power that can be supplied during charging, the shorter the charging time, but the higher the equipment costs will be because it is necessary to handle high voltages and high currents. The amount of power that can be supplied during charging also varies depending on the charging device, and is set appropriately according to the specifications.

[0044] During charging, the power control device 30A performs control such that a predetermined power suitable for the charging device 20 is supplied to the charging device 20 by converting the power of the commercial power supply facility 3. The power control device 30A may be configured integrally with the charging device 20. Furthermore, in the case of the power control device 30A of this embodiment, the amount of power supplied to the charging device 20 is configured to be adjustable as described later.

[0045] (Snow melting system) This charging spot 1A is installed outdoors in a cold region with heavy snowfall. That is, charging spot 1A is intended for areas where snow accumulates in parking space 10 in winter. In such areas, there may be cases where an automobile EV cannot be parked in parking space 10 during snowfall, making it impossible to charge the vehicle.

[0046] On the other hand, snow removal is a heavy workload and takes a lot of time. Moreover, since it is not always possible to park the vehicle, the time during which the charging spot 1A can be used is limited. In response to this, the charging spot 1A is equipped with a snow melting system that applies the technology disclosed herein.

[0047] The snow melting system is composed of a snow melting device 50 for heating the surface of the parking space 10, a visible light camera 60 and an infrared camera 61 for detecting the presence or absence of a parked vehicle and the surface condition of the parking space 10. This snow melting system is designed to efficiently melt snow by effectively utilizing the existing facilities at the charging spot 1A.

[0048] 2 shows an example of a snow melting device 50. The illustrated snow melting device 50 includes a sheet-like snow melting unit 51. The snow melting unit 51 is composed of a heating cable 52 in which multiple heating wires 52a are covered with a protective sheath 52c via an insulating rubber layer 52b, and a support tape 53. The heating cable 52 is arranged in a zigzag shape with a predetermined width and a predetermined pitch, and is integrated with the support tapes 53 in a lattice shape by attaching it to multiple support tapes 53 arranged in parallel with gaps in the width direction.

[0049] The snow melting unit 51 is laid on the base layer 10a of the parking space 10, and an upper layer 10b made of asphalt, concrete, or the like is layered on top of it to form the parking space 10. When electricity is applied to the heating wire 52a, the heating cable 52 generates heat, and the surface of the parking space 10 is heated.

[0050] The snow melting device 50 is connected to the power control device 30A, and the power control device 30A is configured to distribute the power supplied to the charging device 20 to the snow melting device 50 according to the usage state of the charging device 20 and the surface state of the parking space 10. Therefore, the power control device 30A also constitutes a snow melting system.

[0051] The visible light camera 60 is a general camera that captures an image similar to that seen with the naked eye. The infrared camera 61 is a camera that visualizes infrared light and captures a temperature distribution image (so-called thermography). The visible light camera 60 and the infrared camera 61 are disposed so as to capture the entire surface area of ​​the parking space 10.

[0052] The visible light camera 60 is used to determine whether or not there is parking and snow in the parking space 10. The infrared camera 61 is used to determine whether or not there is snow in the parking space 10. The visible light camera 60 and the infrared camera 61 are electrically connected to the power control device 30A, and are configured so that the power control device 30A supplies power to operate these cameras and receives images captured by these cameras.

[0053] 3 shows a block diagram of the power control device 30A and its main related devices. The power control device 30A is equipped with a power unit 31 compatible with a predetermined high voltage and high current in order to supply power from the power supply facility 3 to the charging device 20 and the snow melting device 50. In other words, there is an upper limit to the maximum power that the power unit 31 can tolerate, that is, the power that can be used at the charging spot 1A. The power control device 30A is provided with a charging control unit 32 and a power control unit 33 as functional components in order to control the power unit 31 within a predetermined power range.

[0054] The charging control unit 32 controls the power unit 31 to adjust the power of the power supply facility 3 and supply it to the charging device 20 in response to a request from the charging device 20. The power control unit 33 controls the power unit 31 to distribute the power supplied to the charging device 20 to the snow melting device 50 in accordance with the usage state of the charging device 20 and the surface state of the parking space 10.

[0055] Specifically, the power control unit 33 is provided with a function (parking determination function) for determining the usage state of the parking space 10, i.e., whether or not an automobile EV is parked, based on the image input from the visible light camera 60. The power control unit 33 is also provided with a function (snow melting determination function) for determining the surface state of the parking space 10, i.e., whether or not there is snow that needs to be removed, based on the image input from the visible light camera 60 and the image input from the infrared camera 61.

[0056] For example, as shown in Fig. 1, when an automobile EV is not parked in the parking space 10, the power control unit 33 determines that the charging device 20 is not in use by its parking determination function. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 4, when an automobile EV is parked in the parking space 10, the power control unit 33 determines that the charging device 20 is in use by its parking determination function.

[0057] When there is snow on the surface of the parking space 10 that makes parking difficult, the power control unit 33 uses its snow melting judgment function to judge that there is snow that needs to be removed, i.e., snow melting is necessary. When there is no snow on the surface of the parking space 10, or when there is snow on the surface of the parking space 10 but parking is not difficult, the power control unit 33 uses its snow melting judgment function to judge that there is no snow that needs to be removed, i.e., snow melting is not necessary. The judgment criteria for the snow melting judgment function can be set appropriately according to the specifications.

[0058] If it is determined that snow melting is not necessary, the power control device 30A supplies power in response to a request from the charging device 20, as in the conventional case, and does not distribute power to the snow melting device 50. On the other hand, if it is determined that snow melting is necessary, the power control device 30A distributes the power supplied to the charging device 20 to the snow melting device 50 according to the usage state of the charging device 20.

[0059] For example, when the charging device 20 is not in use, the total amount of power that can be supplied to the charging device 20 can be distributed to the snow melting device 50. Therefore, the snow on the surface of the parking space 10 can be melted quickly. Even after the snow has melted, an appropriate amount of power can be supplied to the snow melting device 50, so that the parking space 10 can be kept in a usable state until the charging device 20 is put into use.

[0060] On the other hand, when the charging device 20 is in use and the maximum amount of power that the power control device 30A can supply is being supplied to the charging device 20, such as in the case of quick charging, power cannot be distributed to the snow melting device 50. Therefore, if charging is given priority in such a case, the snow melting device 50 cannot be operated.

[0061] However, even in such a case, if the power control device 30A adjusts the amount of power (indicated by arrow Yc, the same applies below) supplied to the charging device 20 and distributes part of it to the snow melting device 50 as shown by arrow Y1 in Fig. 4, it is possible to operate the snow melting device 50. Although the power supplied to the charging device 20 is reduced and the charging time is lengthened, the snow in the parking space 10 can be melted.

[0062] The power supply destination may be switched alternately between the charging device 20 and the snow melting device 50. Alternatively, charging may be prioritized until the end of charging approaches, and then power distribution to the snow melting device 50 may begin or the amount of power distributed may be increased at a predetermined timing when the end of charging approaches and snow melting becomes necessary. By adjusting the amount of power distributed to the snow melting device 50 according to the usage state of the charging device 20 and the surface state of the parking space 10, charging and snow melting can be achieved at the same time.

[0063] (Application example) An application example of a snow melting system is shown in Figure 5. In this snow melting system, a snow melting device 50 is composed of multiple snow melting units 51, and multiple areas constituting the parking space 10 can be heated individually.

[0064] For example, the illustrated snow melting unit 51 includes a snow melting unit 51 (first snow melting unit 51a) installed below the parked automobile EV, and a snow melting unit 51 (second snow melting unit 51b) installed around the parked automobile EV. The first snow melting unit 51a is installed in an area extending from the center in the width direction and the middle part in the length direction to the rear end of the parking space 10.

[0065] The area corresponding to the first snow melting unit 51a is an area where snow needs to be melted due to snow accumulation when the vehicle is empty, but when the vehicle is parked, even if it snows, no snow accumulates on the surface of the parking space 10 because the area is covered by the vehicle EV, and this area does not cause any problems when getting in and out of the vehicle EV or when the vehicle EV leaves the parking lot (snow accumulation area when the vehicle is empty).

[0066] The second snow melting unit 51b is installed in an area extending lengthwise on both sides of the width of the parking space 10 and in an area extending between these areas at the front end in the lengthwise direction. The area corresponding to the second snow melting unit 51b is an area (regular snow area) where snow accumulates when it snows, regardless of the use state of the parking space 10, and where snow accumulation can cause problems when getting in and out of the automobile EV and when the automobile EV leaves the parking lot. In other words, the regular snow area is more problematic when it snows than the empty snow area, and the second snow melting unit 51b has a higher need to distribute power than the first snow melting unit 51a.

[0067] On the other hand, in the case of this snow melting system, the power control device 30A can switch the power supply to the first snow melting unit 51a and the second snow melting unit 51b and adjust the amount of power supplied to both depending on the surface condition of the parking space 10. For example, when the amount of power that can be distributed to the snow melting device 50 is large, power is distributed to both the first snow melting unit 51a and the second snow melting unit 51b, and when the amount of power that can be distributed to the snow melting device 50 is small, as shown by the arrow Y2 in Fig. 5, power is not distributed to the first snow melting unit 51a, and the amount of power can be distributed only to the second snow melting unit 51b. Therefore, even if the amount of power is limited, snow can be melted efficiently. Wasteful power consumption can be suppressed.

[0068] <Second embodiment> Another example of a charging spot is shown in Figure 6. This charging spot 1B is provided in a part of an outdoor parking lot where many cars can be parked. The snow melting system according to the disclosed technology is also applied to this charging spot 1B.

[0069] This charging spot 1B is provided with a parking space 10 intended for multiple automobiles EV (four in the figure). That is, the parking space 10 is partitioned into four individual spaces 11 corresponding to the four automobiles EV. Note that the number of individual spaces 11 is not limited to four. The number can be set appropriately according to the specifications.

[0070] Each individual space 11 is partitioned into a rectangle so that one vehicle EV can be parked therein. In the illustrated charging spot 1B, four individual spaces 11 of the same size are arranged side by side along a fence 1a that also serves as a car stopper.

[0071] The individual spaces 11 shown in Fig. 6 are also an example, and the size can be set appropriately according to the specifications. For example, the sizes of the individual spaces 11 may differ for large vehicles, small vehicles, special vehicles, etc. The arrangement and orientation of each individual space 11 can also be set appropriately according to the specifications.

[0072] A charging device 20 is provided for each individual space 11 in order to charge an automobile EV parked in each individual space 11. In the illustrated charging spot 1B, similarly to the first embodiment, each of the charging devices 20 is disposed around the fence 1a in correspondence with the arrangement of each of the individual spaces 11.

[0073] This charging spot 1B is also configured to receive power from a commercial power supply facility 3. Specifically, a commercial power cable 2 consisting of 200V AC is drawn in near the charging spot 1B, and the cable 2 is connected to a power control device 30A. Note that the output of the power supply facility 3 is an example, similar to the first embodiment.

[0074] One power control device 30A is installed for four charging devices 20 (for distinction, the power control device 30A of this embodiment is also referred to as a total power control device 30B). That is, each of the charging devices 20 is connected to a cable 2 via one total power control device 30B, and the power of the power supply facility 3 is distributed and supplied from the total power control device 30B to each charging device 20 through an electric wire 4.

[0075] Each of the charging devices 20 is similar to that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified (hereinafter the same). However, as described later, unlike the first embodiment, it is not essential that the amount of power supplied to each of the charging devices 20 can be adjusted.

[0076] (Snow melting system) This charging spot 1B is also designed for cold regions with heavy snowfall. The charging spot 1B is equipped with a snow melting system that applies the disclosed technology, and is designed to efficiently melt snow by effectively utilizing the existing facilities of the charging spot 1B.

[0077] The basic structure of the snow melting system in this charging spot 1B is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. That is, the snow melting system in this charging spot 1B also includes a snow melting device 50 for heating the surface of the parking space 10, a visible light camera 60 and an infrared camera 61 for detecting the presence or absence of a parking vehicle and the surface condition of the parking space 10.

[0078] However, in this charging spot 1B, a snow melting device 50 is provided for each individual space 11. The structure of each of these snow melting devices 50 is similar to that of the snow melting device 50 in the first embodiment.

[0079] Each of the snow melting devices 50 is connected to the overall power control device 30B by an electric wire 4, and the overall power control device 30B is configured to distribute the power supplied to each of the charging devices 20 to each of the snow melting devices 50 depending on the usage status of each of the charging devices 20 and the surface condition of each of the individual spaces 11.

[0080] In the illustrated example, each of the visible light camera 60 and the infrared camera 61 consists of one camera, and is arranged so as to capture the entire surface area of ​​the parking space 10 (the entire surface area of ​​the multiple individual spaces 11). The visible light camera 60 and the infrared camera 61 are connected to the general power control device 30B, and are configured so that the power supply for operating them and the reception of images captured by them are performed by the general power control device 30B.

[0081] The number of each of the visible light cameras 60 and the infrared cameras 61 is not limited to one, and may be more than one. What is important is that each of the visible light camera 60 and the infrared camera 61 can capture an image of the entire surface of the parking space 10.

[0082] The configuration of the total power control device 30B and the relationship with its main related devices are almost the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, except for the fact that there are multiple charging devices 20 and snow melting devices 50, the functional configuration of the charging control unit 32 and the like is the same as that in the block diagram of FIG.

[0083] (Distribution of charging power to each snow melting device 50) For example, when the charging spot 1B is not in use, that is, when no automobile EV is parked in any of the individual spaces 11, the power control unit 33 uses its parking determination function to determine that all charging devices 20 are unused.

[0084] Furthermore, if there is snow on the surface of at least one of the individual spaces 11 that makes parking difficult, the power control unit 33 determines that snow melting is necessary using its snow melting judgment function. If there is no snow on the surface of any of the individual spaces 11, or if there is snow on the surface of any of the individual spaces 11 but parking is not difficult, the power control unit 33 determines that snow melting is not necessary using its snow melting judgment function.

[0085] When it is determined that snow melting is not necessary, the total power control device 30B supplies power according to the request of each of the charging devices 20, as in the conventional case.

[0086] On the other hand, when it is determined that snow melting is necessary, that is, when any one of the snow melting devices 50 requires a power supply (that snow melting device 50 is also referred to as a power-supply-requiring snow melting device 50a), the total power control device 30B distributes the power supplied to each of the charging devices 20 to each of the snow melting devices 50 according to the usage status of each of the charging devices 20.

[0087] With reference to FIG. 7, a specific example of distributing the power supplied to each of the charging devices 20 to each of the snow melting devices 50 will be described.

[0088] 7, when automobiles EV are parked in two individual spaces 11, the power control unit 33 uses its parking determination function to determine that the charging devices 20 in these individual spaces 11 are in use. Since no automobiles EV are parked in the remaining two individual spaces 11, the power control unit 33 uses its parking determination function to determine that the charging devices 20 in these individual spaces 11 are in an unused state (these charging devices 20 are also referred to as unused charging devices 20a).

[0089] In such a situation, if snowfall occurs and it is determined that there is snow accumulation that needs to be removed throughout the entire two individual spaces 11 that are empty or in the surrounding areas of the two individual spaces 11 that are parked (i.e., if each of the snow melting devices 50 installed in the four individual spaces 11 becomes a powered snow melting device 50a), the overall power control device 30B distributes the power intended to be supplied to the unused charging devices 20a in the two empty individual spaces 11 to each of the powered snow melting devices 50a.

[0090] At this time, a difference may be set in the distribution of power between the individual spaces 11 in an empty state and the individual spaces 11 in a parked state. For example, as shown in (a) of FIG. 7, the distribution of power to the individual spaces 11 in an empty state is prioritized, and power is distributed only to the individual spaces 11 in an empty state, or the amount of power distributed to the individual spaces 11 in an empty state is set to be greater than the amount of power distributed to the individual spaces 11 in a parked state. In this way, snow accumulation in the individual spaces 11 in an empty state can be effectively suppressed, which can promote the entry of new automobiles EV and effectively prevent restrictions on the use of the charging device 20.

[0091] Depending on the amount of available electricity, even if there are multiple power-supplying snow melting devices 50a, some of them may be given priority, and electricity may not be distributed to the other power-supplying snow melting devices 50a, but the electricity available to them may be concentrated and distributed to some of the power-supplying snow melting devices 50a.

[0092] For example, if the power is concentrated to one of the power-supply snow melting devices 50a provided in the two individual spaces 11 that are empty and the power is distributed, it is possible to efficiently melt snow in that individual space 11. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent restrictions on the use of that charging device 20.

[0093] 7(b), if charging of an automobile EV (designated EV1) parked in the individual space 11 at the left end is nearing completion, the power can be collected and distributed to the power-supplying snow-melting device 50a equipped in that individual space 11, allowing passengers to get in and out of the automobile EV1 and for the automobile EV1 to leave the parking lot smoothly. Immediately after leaving the individual space 11, most of the surface of the individual space 11 is free of snow, which encourages the subsequent entry of new automobiles EV and effectively prevents restrictions on the use of the charging device 20.

[0094] Also, the amount of power distributed to the individual space 11 in the parked state may be adjusted according to the progress of charging. For example, the amount of power distributed to the power-supplied snow melting device 50a of the individual space 11 may be increased at a predetermined timing when the end of charging is approaching. This allows efficient snow melting, so that passengers can smoothly get on and off the automobile EV when leaving the parking lot, and the automobile EV can be smoothly removed.

[0095] In this way, if there is at least one unused charging device 20a, the electricity to be supplied to it can be distributed to each of the snow melting devices 50, and by adjusting the amount of electricity according to the situation, snow can be efficiently melted in multiple individual spaces 11.

[0096] On the other hand, there may be cases where there are no unused charging devices 20a, i.e., all of the individual spaces 11 are in a parked state. In such cases, the power supplied to each charging device 20 may be distributed to each snow melting device 50 by adjusting the power distributed to each charging device 20 according to the usage state of each charging device 20 and the surface state of each individual space 11.

[0097] For example, there may be a case where all the charging devices 20 are fully charged and the amount of power supplied to each of the charging devices 20 is at a maximum. In that case, the charging spot 1B has no spare power, so it is not possible to distribute power to each of the snow melting devices 50.

[0098] However, even in this case, the timing at which each charging device 20 finishes charging is usually different. Therefore, as explained in the first embodiment, it is possible to temporarily reduce the amount of power supplied to each charging device 20 at a predetermined timing when charging is nearing completion, and start distributing power to the snow melting devices 50 in the individual spaces 11. Although the charging time will be somewhat longer, it is possible to achieve both charging and snow melting.

[0099] Therefore, even if there is no unused charging device 20a, it is possible to distribute power to each snow melting device 50. By selecting the power supply source and distribution destination according to the situation, snow can be melted efficiently even when the parking lot is full.

[0100] (Application example) An application example of the snow melting system is shown in Fig. 8. In this snow melting system, as in the application example of the first embodiment, a snow melting device 50 is composed of multiple snow melting units 51, and multiple areas constituting the individual space 11 can be heated individually.

[0101] The contents of the snow melting units 51, such as the first snow melting unit 51a and the second snow melting unit 51b, are the same as those in the application example of the first embodiment. In the case of this snow melting system, each snow melting device 50 is further composed of multiple snow melting units 51, so that snow can be melted more efficiently.

[0102] In other words, the overall power control device 30B can distribute the power supplied to each charging device 20 to each of the snow melting units 51 provided in each individual space 11 depending on the usage status of each charging device 20 and the surface condition of each individual space 11.

[0103] For example, as shown in Fig. 8(a), when an automobile EV is parked in three of the four individual spaces 11, there is one unused charging device 20a. In such a situation, when a large amount of snow falls, each of the snow melting devices 50 provided in the four individual spaces 11 usually becomes a power-supply-requiring snow melting device 50a, although the necessity varies. The overall power control device 30B distributes the power intended to be supplied to the unused charging device 20a in the one individual space 11 that is in an empty state, to each of the four power-supply-requiring snow melting devices 50a.

[0104] At this time, since there is only one unused charging device 20a, the amount of power that can be distributed in a completely free state is limited to that amount. Therefore, there are cases where that amount of power alone is not enough to properly melt snow in the four individual spaces 11. With the snow melting system described above, it is conceivable to prioritize the individual spaces 11 that are empty and to concentrate and distribute the power there, but in that case, it would be impossible to melt snow in the three individual spaces 11 that are parked.

[0105] In contrast, in the case of this snow melting system, each of the snow melting devices 50 is composed of a first snow melting unit 51a and a second snow melting unit 51b that can individually heat the empty snow-covered area and the constantly snow-covered area. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 8(a), for the three individual spaces 11 in the parked state, snow can be efficiently melted with a small amount of electricity by supplying power only to the second snow melting unit 51b.

[0106] Therefore, by distributing the power to be supplied to one unused charging device 20a to each of the one first snow melting unit 51a and the four second snow melting units 51b, snow can be melted efficiently. Note that the hatched areas in Fig. 8 indicate the areas where the power is distributed.

[0107] Furthermore, for these as well, if the distribution of power is adjusted according to the timing at which charging ends, snow can be melted even more efficiently with a limited amount of power. For example, as shown in Fig. 8(b), when charging of the vehicle EV1 parked in the leftmost individual space 11 is nearing completion, the amount of power that can be distributed to the three parked individual spaces 11 can be concentrated and distributed to the second snow melting unit 51b of that individual space 11. In this way, the limited power can be used at the optimal timing and location, resulting in more efficient snow melting.

[0108] <Example of snow melting system control> An example of basic control performed by the power control device 30A of the first embodiment is shown in Fig. 9. The power control device 30A first determines whether or not the snow melting system is operating (step S1).

[0109] For example, there is no need to operate the snow melting system during periods when there is no snowfall, such as in summer. Therefore, the snow melting system is usually stopped during those periods (No in step S1). At a predetermined timing before the snowfall season arrives, the snow melting system is activated (Yes in step S1). Accordingly, the visible light camera 60 and the infrared camera 61 are powered on and begin to capture images constantly (step S2).

[0110] The power control device 30A judges whether or not there is a parked vehicle in the parking space 10 based on the image received from the visible light camera 60 (step S3). If there is a parked vehicle, the power control device 30A is set to give priority to supplying power if there is a request from the charging device 20 (step S4). On the other hand, if the parking space 10 is empty, the power control device 30A is not set in this way.

[0111] Then, based on the images received from the visible light camera 60 and the infrared camera 61, when the power control device 30A determines that snow melting is necessary (Yes in step S5), it distributes power to the snow melting device 50 (step S6). As described above, if the parking space 10 is empty, it is possible to distribute all of the charging power to the snow melting device 50, allowing snow to be melted efficiently without any restrictions.

[0112] When the parking space 10 is in a parked state, the excess power obtained by adjusting the amount of power supplied to the charging device 20 can be distributed to the snow melting device 50 according to the situation, thereby efficiently melting the snow. On the other hand, when it is determined that snow melting is not necessary (No in step S5), power is not distributed to the snow melting device 50.

[0113] 10 shows an example of basic control performed by the total power control device 30B of the second embodiment. The total power control device 30B first judges whether the snow melting system is operating (step S11). If the snow melting system is operating (Yes in step S11), the visible light camera 60 and the infrared camera 61 will continue to capture images (step S12).

[0114] The total power control device 30B determines whether or not there is parking in each individual space 11 based on the image received from the visible light camera 60 (step S13). If there is parking, the total power control device 30B determines whether or not there is an empty individual space 11 (step S14).

[0115] As a result, if there are no vacant individual spaces 11, that is, if the spaces are full, the total power control device 30B judges whether or not power can be distributed (step S15). If power cannot be distributed, such as when all charging devices 20 are fully charged, there is no capacity to distribute power to the snow melting device 50. Therefore, in this case, the total power control device 30B ends control since it cannot melt snow (No in step S15).

[0116] On the other hand, if there is no parking in any of the individual spaces 11 (No in step S13), the power to be supplied to the four unused charging devices 20a can be distributed. Also, even if there are parked vehicles in the individual spaces 11, if any one of them is vacant (Yes in step S14), the power to be supplied to that unused charging device 20a can be distributed.

[0117] Furthermore, even if the parking lot is full, if power distribution is possible (Yes in step S15), the surplus power amount can be distributed. Therefore, in such cases, if the total power control device 30B determines that snow melting is necessary in any of the individual spaces 11 based on the images received from the visible light camera 60 and the infrared camera 61 (Yes in step S16), the total power control device 30B distributes power to each of the snow melting devices 50 in an appropriate manner according to the situation (step S17). This allows efficient snow melting on the surfaces of multiple individual spaces 11 even if the amount of power available at the charging spot 1B is limited.

[0118] There is no need to explain using specific control examples, but in the case of the snow melting system of the application example described above, power can be distributed to any of the multiple snow melting units 51 depending on the situation, making it possible to melt snow more efficiently.

[0119] The disclosed technology is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but also includes various other configurations.

[0120] For example, the automobiles targeted by the disclosed technology are mainly electric vehicles (EV), but may be hybrid vehicles. The surface condition of the parking space may be determined using a temperature sensor or moisture sensor buried in the parking space. In addition, snow melting in this specification is not limited to melting accumulated snow. It is a concept that includes thawing of frozen road surfaces.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the usage state of the charging device 20 is indirectly determined by whether or not the automobile EV is parked, but the usage state of the charging device 20 may be determined directly from the charging operation of the charging device 20. Also, the snow melting device 50 configured with the heating wire 52a has been exemplified, but the snow melting device may be of the type in which piping is laid and water or oil heated by a boiler or the like is circulated through the piping by driving a pump. In that case, the flow path can be controlled by controlling the switching valve to increase or decrease the amount of circulation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1A, 1B charging spots 2 Cable 3 Power supply equipment 10 Parking Spaces 11 Individual Space 20 Charging device 20a Unused charging device 30A Power Control Device (Snow Melting System) 30B Integrated power control device (snow melting system) 31 Power Unit 32 Charging control unit 33 Power Control Unit 50 Snow melting equipment (snow melting system) 50a Power supply required Snow melting device 51 Snow melting unit 51a First Snow Melting Unit 51b Second Snow Melting Unit 60 Visible light camera (snow melting system) 61 Infrared camera (snow melting system) EV Electric Vehicle

Claims

1. A snow melting system for a charging parking space, comprising: A charging device provided in a parking space for charging a battery for driving the vehicle; a power control device that controls the power supply facility to supply a predetermined amount of power to the charging device; a snow melting device embedded in the parking space to heat the surface of the parking space; Equipped with A snow melting system in which the power control device distributes the power supplied to the charging device to the snow melting device depending on the usage status of the charging device and the surface condition of the parking space.

2. The snow melting system according to claim 1, A snow melting system in which the parking space is partitioned to accommodate one automobile.

3. The snow melting system according to claim 2, The snow melting device has a plurality of snow melting units capable of individually heating a plurality of areas constituting the parking space, A snow melting system in which the power control device distributes the power supplied to the charging device to each of the snow melting units depending on the usage status of the charging device and the surface condition of the parking space.

4. The snow melting system according to claim 2, A snow melting system in which the power control device adjusts the amount of power supplied to the charging device depending on the usage status of the charging device and the surface condition of the parking space, thereby distributing the power supplied to the charging device to the snow melting device.

5. The snow melting system according to claim 1, the parking space is divided into a plurality of individual spaces, each space accommodating one vehicle; The charging device and the snow melting device are provided for each individual space, A snow melting system in which the power control device distributes the power supplied to each of the charging devices to each of the snow melting devices depending on the usage status of each of the charging devices and the surface condition of each of the individual spaces.

6. The snow melting system according to claim 5, The snow melting device has a plurality of snow melting units capable of individually heating a plurality of areas constituting the individual space, A snow melting system in which the power control device distributes the power supplied to each of the charging devices to each of the snow melting units depending on the usage status of each of the charging devices and the surface condition of each of the individual spaces.

7. The snow melting system according to claim 5, A snow melting system in which, when at least one of the charging devices is an unused charging device in an unused state and at least one of the snow melting devices is a power-supply-requiring snow melting device that requires a power supply, the power control device distributes the power supplied to the unused charging device to the power-supply-requiring snow melting device.

8. The snow melting system according to claim 5, A snow melting system in which the power control device distributes the power supplied to each of the charging devices to each of the snow melting devices by adjusting the amount of power supplied to each of the charging devices according to the usage status of each of the charging devices and the surface condition of each of the individual spaces.

9. In the snow melting system according to claim 3 or 6, The snow melting unit is A first snow melting unit installed under a parked vehicle; A second snow melting unit is installed around the parked vehicle; Snow melting system including.

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