Control device, program, and control method

Abstract

To provide a control device, program and control method capable of increasing participation registration and a participation rate in power supply.SOLUTION: A control device of an embodiment comprises a determination unit and an output control unit. The determination unit determines the number of participations, which is the number of power sources capable of actually participating in power supply to an electrical system. The output control unit causes each of the power sources actually capable of participating in the supply to output an amount of electric power obtained by dividing a predetermined total amount of electric power by the number of participations to the electrical system. The control device of the embodiment may further include a granting unit. The granting unit provides users who use the power sources which have actually participated in the supply with incentives.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a program, and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] In a conventional V2G (Vehicle-to-grid) system, each user's vehicle that has registered to participate in the supply of bid power in the power market can either participate at the maximum output or not participate. And in the conventional V2G system, the incentive for power supply is given equally to all users who actually participate. Alternatively, in the conventional V2G system, the incentive for power supply is given equally to all registered users.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the incentive is given to all registered participants, the participation rate decreases because the incentive is given even to those who do not participate. Also, when the incentive is given only to users who actually participate, users who have registered to participate but end up not participating may have opened up their vehicle schedules for participation, etc., and may feel a sense of unfairness. As a result, there is a possibility that the motivation to register for participation may decrease.

[0005] Also, when the registration for participation and the participation rate are low, the available power and the amount of power decrease. Also, when the registration for participation and the participation rate are low, there is a possibility that the amount of power may be insufficient for the bid power.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a control device, a program, and a control method capable of increasing the participation registration and participation rate in power supply.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The control device of the embodiment includes a determination unit and an output control unit. The determination unit determines the number of participants, which is the number of power sources that can actually participate in the power supply to the electrical system. The output control unit causes each of the power sources that can actually participate in the supply to output to the electrical system an amount of power obtained by dividing a predetermined amount of power by the number of participants.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] The present invention can increase the participation registration and participation rate in power supply.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, the V2G system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scales of the respective parts in the following drawings used for the description of the embodiment may be appropriately changed. Also, the respective drawings used for the description of the following embodiment may show the configuration with omissions for the sake of explanation. Further, in each drawing and this specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the main configuration of the V2G system 1 according to the embodiment and the components included in the V2G system 1. Note that each component of the device may be built-in or externally attached. The V2G system 1 is a system that supplies the power output by the vehicle 300 to the power grid 500 under the control of the control server 100. The V2G system 1 includes, as an example, a control server 100, a terminal device 200, a vehicle 300, a power supply device 400, and a power grid 500. Note that the V2G system 1 may include a part of these. Also, the number of each component included in the V2G system 1 is not limited. The V2G system 1 typically includes a plurality of terminal devices 200, a plurality of vehicles 300, and a plurality of power supply devices 400.

[0011] The control server 100, the terminal device 200, the vehicle 300, and the power supply device 400 are connected to the network NW. The network NW is typically a communication network including the Internet. The network NW is typically a communication network including a WAN (wide area network). The network NW may be a communication network including a private network such as an intranet. The network NW may be a communication network including a LAN (local area network). Also, the network NW may be a wireless line or a wired line, or a mixture of a wireless line and a wired line. Further, the network NW may be a communication network including a dedicated line or a public mobile phone network, etc. The power grid 500 may also be connected to the network NW.

[0012] The control server 100 is, for example, a device that controls the supply of power from each of a plurality of vehicles 300 to the power grid 500. The control server 100 is used, for example, by an aggregator. The control server 100 includes, as an example, a processor 110, a ROM (read-only memory) 120, a RAM (random-access memory) 130, an auxiliary storage device 140, and a communication interface 150. And a bus 160 or the like connects these components. Note that the control server 100 is an example of a control device.

[0013] The processor 110 is the central part of a computer that performs processes such as operations and controls necessary for the operation of the control server 100, and performs various operations and processes. The processor 110 is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), an MPU (micro processing unit), an SoC (system on a chip), a DSP (digital signal processor), a GPU (graphics processing unit), an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), a PLD (programmable logic device), or an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or the like. Alternatively, the processor 110 is a combination of a plurality of these. Also, the processor 110 may be a combination of these with a hardware accelerator or the like. The processor 110 controls each part to realize various functions of the control server 100 based on programs such as firmware, system software, and application software stored in the ROM 120 or the auxiliary storage device 140. Also, the processor 110 executes the processes described later based on the program. Note that part or all of the program may be incorporated in the circuit of the processor 110.

[0014] ROM 120 and RAM 130 are the main memory devices of a computer centered around the processor 110. ROM 120 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. ROM 120 stores, for example, firmware among the above programs. Also, ROM 120 stores data used by the processor 110 for performing various processes, etc.

[0015] RAM 130 is a memory used for reading and writing data. RAM 130 is utilized as a work area for storing data temporarily used by the processor 110 for performing various processes. RAM 130 is typically a volatile memory.

[0016] The auxiliary storage device 140 is an auxiliary storage device of a computer centered around the processor 110. The auxiliary storage device 140 is, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), or a flash memory, etc. The auxiliary storage device 140 stores, for example, system software and application software among the above programs. Also, the auxiliary storage device 140 stores data used by the processor 110 for performing various processes, data generated by the processing in the processor 110, and various setting values, etc. The data stored in the auxiliary storage device 140 includes a user DB (database) 141 and a history DB 142.

[0017] The user DB 141 is a database for storing and managing data related to users who use the V2G system. The user DB 141 stores, for each user, user information associated with a user ID (identifier). The user ID is unique identification information for each user. The user information is information related to the user specified by the associated user ID. The user information includes, for example, output device information, history information, incentive information, increase / decrease information, and participation setting information.

[0018] The output device information is information that identifies the vehicle 300 and the power supply device 400 used by the user for power supply. The vehicle 300 and the power supply device 400 can output power to the electrical system 500 based on the control of the control server 100.

[0019] The history information is information indicating the history of participation in power supply. The history information includes registration history information and participation history information. The registration history information is information indicating the history of registration for participation in power supply. The participation history information includes information indicating the history of whether the user actually participated in power supply. Hereinafter, "registration for participation in power supply" is referred to as "participation registration".

[0020] The incentive information is information indicating the quantity of incentives given to the user. The control server 100 gives incentives to the users who participated in power supply. The incentive is, for example, currency or electronic money. The incentive may be points. The incentive may be any one or more of currency, electronic money, and points.

[0021] The increase / decrease information is information indicating the increase / decrease value of the incentives given to the user. The increase / decrease value is a value used to increase or decrease the amount of incentives given to the user. The increase / decrease value is determined based on, for example, the history information. The increase / decrease value is not limited to a number of 0 or more and may be a negative value.

[0022] The participation setting information is information that defines the conditions for automatic participation in power supply. The conditions can be set in advance by the user. The conditions are, for example, being within a predetermined period. As the period, for example, a late-night time zone or a daytime time zone can be set.

[0023] The history DB 142 is a database that stores and manages data related to the participation history of each user in power supply. The history DB 142 includes, as an example, a registration list table and a supply table.

[0024] The registration list table is information that shows a list of users who have participated in the registration in a table state. The users who have participated in the registration indicate that the vehicle 300 used by the user is scheduled to participate in the power supply. The registration list table stores, for example, by associating a user ID, a supply ID, and participation information. The supply ID is identification information uniquely assigned for each power supply. When the user ID and the supply ID are stored in association in the registration list table, it indicates that the user specified by the user ID is a user who has registered to participate in the power supply specified by the supply ID.

[0025] The participation information is information that indicates whether the user who has participated in the registration has actually participated in the power supply. As an example, the participation information can take three types of values: a non-participation state, a participated state, and a non-participating state.

[0026] The non-participation state indicates that the power supply has not started yet. The participated state indicates that the user has participated in the power supply. The non-participating state indicates that the user has aborted the participation in the power supply.

[0027] The list of users in the non-participating state shows a list of users who have participated in the registration but have not participated in the power supply.

[0028] The supply table is information that shows information about each supply in a table state. The supply table stores information related to the power supply for each power supply in association with the supply ID.

[0029] The communication interface 150 is an interface for the control server 100 to communicate via a network NW or the like.

[0030] The bus 160 includes a control bus, an address bus, a data bus, etc., and transmits signals exchanged between each part of the control server 100.

[0031] The terminal device 200 is a device used by the user of the V2G system 1. The terminal device 200 is, for example, a PC, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. Alternatively, the terminal device 200 is a control terminal for a smart home. Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may be an in-vehicle device of the vehicle 300. The in-vehicle device may be the same as the in-vehicle device 310 or may be a different in-vehicle device from the in-vehicle device 310. Alternatively, the power supply device 400 described later may include the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 includes, as an example, a processor 210, a ROM 220, a RAM 230, an auxiliary storage device 240, a communication interface 250, an input device 260, and a display device 270. And a bus 280 or the like connects these respective parts.

[0032] The processor 210 is the central part of a computer that performs processes such as operations and controls necessary for the operation of the terminal device 200, and performs various operations and processes. The processor 210 is, for example, a CPU, an MPU, an SoC, a DSP, a GPU, an ASIC, a PLD, or an FPGA, or the like. Alternatively, the processor 210 is a combination of a plurality of these. Further, the processor 210 may be a combination of these with a hardware accelerator or the like. The processor 210 controls each part in order to realize various functions of the terminal device 200 based on programs such as firmware, system software, and application software stored in the ROM 220 or the auxiliary storage device 240. Further, the processor 210 executes the processes described later based on the program. Note that a part or all of the program may be incorporated in the circuit of the processor 210.

[0033] The ROM 220 and the RAM 230 are the main storage devices of a computer centered on the processor 210. The ROM 220 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. The ROM 220 stores, for example, firmware among the above programs. The ROM 220 also stores data used by the processor 210 when performing various processes.

[0034] The RAM 230 is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM 230 is utilized as a work area for storing data temporarily used by the processor 210 for performing various processes. The RAM 230 is typically a volatile memory.

[0035] The auxiliary storage device 240 is an auxiliary storage device of a computer centered around the processor 210. The auxiliary storage device 240 is, for example, an EEPROM, an HDD, or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 240 stores, among the above programs, for example, system software and application software. Further, the auxiliary storage device 240 stores data used by the processor 210 for performing various processes, data generated by the processing in the processor 210, and various setting values.

[0036] The communication interface 250 is an interface for the terminal device 200 to communicate via a network NW or the like.

[0037] The input device 260 receives operations by the operator of the terminal device 200. The input device 260 is, for example, a keyboard, a keypad, a touch pad, a mouse, or a controller. Further, the input device 260 may be a device for voice input.

[0038] The display device 270 displays a screen for notifying various information to the operator of the terminal device 200 or the like. The display device 270 is, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display. Further, as the input device 260 and the display device 270, a touch panel can also be used. That is, the display panel provided in the touch panel can be used as the display device 270, and the pointing device by touch input provided in the touch panel can be used as the input device 260.

[0039] Bus 280 includes a control bus, an address bus, a data bus, etc., and transmits signals exchanged among various parts of the terminal device 200.

[0040] Vehicle 300 is an electric vehicle capable of outputting electric power to the outside of vehicle 300. Vehicle 300 is, for example, an EV or a PHEV. Alternatively, vehicle 300 may be an FCV. Also, vehicle 300 may be other types of electric vehicles. As an example, vehicle 300 includes an in-vehicle device 310 and a power source 320.

[0041] The in-vehicle device 310 controls the output of the power source 320. The in-vehicle device 310 is, for example, an ECU (electronic control unit) of vehicle 300.

[0042] The power source 320 is a power source that supplies electric power to various parts of vehicle 300. These various parts include, for example, a motor. The motor generates power to propel vehicle 300. Also, the power source 320 is capable of outputting electric power to the outside of vehicle 300.

[0043] When vehicle 300 is an EV or a PHEV, the power source 320 is a secondary battery. When vehicle 300 is an FCV, the power source 320 is a fuel cell. Also, the power source 320 may be a power source other than a secondary battery and a fuel cell. Examples of power sources other than a secondary battery and a fuel cell include a generator and a supercapacitor. Note that vehicle 300 may be equipped with multiple types of power sources 320.

[0044] The power feeding device 400 receives the input of the electric power output by the power source 320 of vehicle 300. The power feeding device 400 supplies the electric power to the power grid 500. The power feeding device 400 may also be able to supply the electric power to a smart home or the like. The power feeding device 400 is installed, for example, in a parking space of a building such as a single-family house. Also, the power feeding device 400 may be installed not only in a single-family house but also in a parking space of a building, a factory, or other facilities.

[0045] Further, the power supply device 400 may be able to charge the power source 320. In this case, the power supply device 400 is, for example, an EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment).

[0046] The power system 500 is a system that supplies electricity. The power system 500 includes, for example, power generation, transformation, transmission, and distribution. Since the power system is well-known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] Hereinafter, the operation of the V2G system 1 according to the embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 2 to 5 and the like. Note that the content of the processing in the following operation description is an example, and various processes capable of obtaining the same result can be appropriately used. FIGS. 2 to 4 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing by the processor 110 of the control server 100. The processor 110 executes the processing of FIGS. 2 to 4 based on a program stored in, for example, the ROM 120 or the auxiliary storage device 140. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing by the processor 210 of the terminal device 200. The processor 210 executes the processing of FIG. 5 based on a program stored in, for example, the ROM 220 or the auxiliary storage device 240.

[0048] When the processor 110 of the control server 100 makes a bid in the power market, for example, the processor 110 starts the processing shown in FIG. 2.

[0049] In step ST11 of FIG. 2, the processor 110 of the control server 100 makes a bid to sell power in the power market. The processor 110 makes the bid by designating the amount of power to be supplied (hereinafter referred to as "total supply amount") and the period during which the power is to be supplied (hereinafter referred to as "supply period") for the power to be sold.

[0050] In step ST12, the processor 110 determines whether the bid made in step ST11 has been accepted. If the processor 110 determines that it has not been accepted, it determines No in step ST12 and ends the process shown in FIG. 2. On the other hand, if the processor 110 determines that it has been accepted, it determines Yes in step ST12 and proceeds to step ST13. Note that the total supply amount and the supply period are determined by the bid details and the acceptance result.

[0051] In step ST13, the processor 110 issues a supply ID for the accepted power supply. As described above, the supply ID is unique identification information for each power supply, but it can also be said that it is unique identification information for each acceptance. Also, the processor 110 associates the total supply amount and the supply period with the supply ID and stores them in the supply table.

[0052] In step ST14, the processor 110 refers to the participation setting information of each user and performs participation registration for the users who are set to automatically perform participation registration. For example, the processor 110 performs the participation registration of a user by adding the user ID of the user for whom the participation registration is to be performed to the registration list table in association with the supply ID and the participation information. The supply ID is the supply ID issued in step ST13. The value of the participation information is in the unparticipated state.

[0053] In step ST15, the processor 110 generates a registration notification. The registration notification is information indicating that the participation registration has been performed. The registration notification includes information indicating the supply period. After generating the registration notification, the processor 110 instructs the communication interface 150 to transmit the registration notification to the terminal device 200 of the user who performed the participation registration in step ST14. In response to this transmission instruction, the communication interface 150 transmits the registration notification to the terminal device 200. The transmitted registration notification is received by the communication interface 250 of the terminal device 200.

[0054] In step ST16, the processor 110 solicits participation registration. For this purpose, the processor 110 generates a solicitation notice. The solicitation notice is information notifying the solicitation of participation registration. The solicitation notice includes information indicating a supply period. After generating the solicitation notice, the processor 110 instructs the communication interface 150 to transmit the solicitation notice to the terminal device 200. Upon receiving this transmission instruction, the communication interface 150 transmits the solicitation notice to the terminal device 200. The transmitted solicitation notice is received by the communication interface 250 of the terminal device 200.

[0055] On the other hand, in step ST51 of FIG. 5, the processor 210 of the terminal device 200 determines whether a solicitation notice has been received by the communication interface 250. If the processor 210 does not receive the solicitation notice, it determines "No" in step ST51 and proceeds to step ST52.

[0056] In step ST52, the processor 210 determines whether a registration notice has been received by the communication interface 250. If the processor 210 does not receive the registration notice, it determines "No" in step ST52 and proceeds to step ST53.

[0057] In step ST53, the processor 210 determines whether a grant notice has been received by the communication interface 250. If the processor 210 does not receive the grant notice, it determines "No" in step ST53 and proceeds to step ST54.

[0058] In step ST54, the processor 210 determines whether a decision notice has been received by the communication interface 250. If the processor 210 does not receive the decision notice, it determines "No" in step ST54 and returns to step ST51. Thus, the processor 210 enters a waiting state where it repeats steps ST51 to ST54 until a solicitation notice, registration notice, grant notice, or decision notice is received.

[0059] When the recruitment notice is received while the processor 210 is in a waiting state repeating steps ST51 to ST54, the processor 210 determines Yes in step ST51 and proceeds to step ST55.

[0060] In step ST55, the processor 210 notifies the user that participation registration is being solicited. For this purpose, the processor 210 generates, for example, an image corresponding to the recruitment screen. Then, the processor 210 instructs the display device 270 to display the generated image. Upon receiving the display instruction, the display device 270 displays the recruitment screen.

[0061] The recruitment screen is a screen that notifies the operator of the terminal device 200 that participation registration is being solicited. The recruitment screen includes, as an example, a participation button and an end button. The participation button is a button to be operated when performing participation registration. The operator of the terminal device 200 operates the participation button when performing participation registration. The end button is a button to be operated when ending the display of the recruitment screen. The operator of the terminal device 200 operates the end button, for example, when not performing participation registration and when wanting to close the recruitment screen.

[0062] In step ST56, the processor 210 determines whether to end the display of the recruitment screen. The processor 210 determines, for example, to end the display of the recruitment screen when the end button is operated. Also, the processor 210 determines to end the display of the recruitment screen when a predetermined time has elapsed since the display of the recruitment screen. If the processor 210 does not determine to end the display of the recruitment screen, the processor 210 determines No in step ST56 and proceeds to step ST57.

[0063] In step ST57, the processor 210 determines whether to perform participation registration. If there is an input instructing to perform participation registration, such as operating the participation button, the processor 210 determines to perform participation registration. If the processor 210 does not determine to perform participation registration, it determines No in step ST57 and returns to step ST56. Thus, the processor 210 enters a waiting state where steps ST56 and ST57 are repeated until it determines to end the display of the recruitment screen or determine to perform participation registration.

[0064] If the processor 210 determines to end the display of the recruitment screen while in the waiting state where steps ST56 and ST57 are repeated, it determines Yes in step ST56 and proceeds to step ST41. At this time, the processor 210 controls the display device 270 to end the display of the recruitment screen.

[0065] If the processor 210 determines to perform participation registration while in the waiting state where steps ST56 and ST57 are repeated, it determines Yes in step ST57 and proceeds to step ST58.

[0066] In step ST58, the processor 210 generates a registration request. The registration request includes, for example, a user ID. The user ID is the user ID of the user who is the source of the registration request. After generating the registration request, the processor 210 instructs the communication interface 250 to send the registration request to the control server 100. In response to this send instruction, the communication interface 250 sends the registration request to the control server 100. The sent registration request is received by the communication interface 150 of the control server 100.

[0067] On the one hand, in step ST17 of FIG. 2, the processor 110 of the control server 100 determines whether a registration request has been received by the communication interface 150. If the processor 110 does not receive a registration request, it determines No in step ST17 and proceeds to step ST18.

[0068] In step ST18, the processor 110 determines whether a cancellation request has been received by the communication interface 150. If the processor 110 does not receive a cancellation request, it determines No in step ST18 and proceeds to step ST19.

[0069] In step ST19, the processor 110 determines whether to end the recruitment for participation registration. For example, the processor 110 determines to end the recruitment for participation registration when the length of time from the current time to the start time of power supply is less than or equal to a predetermined time. Also, the processor 110 may determine to end the recruitment for participation registration when the number of registered users reaches a predetermined upper limit. If the processor 110 does not determine to end the recruitment for participation registration, it determines No in step ST19 and returns to step ST17. Thus, the processor 110 enters a waiting state where steps ST17 to ST19 are repeated until a registration request or a cancellation request is received, or it is determined to end the recruitment for participation registration.

[0070] If the processor 110 receives a registration request while in the waiting state of repeating steps ST17 to ST19, it determines Yes in step ST17 and proceeds to step ST20.

[0071] In step ST20, the processor 110 performs participation registration for the user specified by the user ID included in the registration request received in step ST17, in the same manner as in step ST14.

[0072] In step ST21, the processor 110 generates a registration notification. After generating the registration notification, the processor 110 instructs the communication interface 150 to send the registration notification to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 is the terminal device 200 that sent the registration request. Upon receiving this transmission instruction, the communication interface 150 sends the registration notification to the terminal device 200. The transmitted registration notification is received by the communication interface 250 of the terminal device 200. After the processing of step ST21, the processor 110 returns to step ST17.

[0073] On the other hand, when the registration notification is received while the processor 210 of the terminal device 200 is in a waiting state repeating steps ST51 to ST54 in FIG. 5, it determines Yes in step ST52 and proceeds to step ST59.

[0074] In step ST59, the processor 210 generates an image corresponding to the registration screen. Then, the processor 210 instructs the display device 270 to display the generated image. Upon receiving the display instruction, the display device 270 displays the registration screen.

[0075] The registration screen is a screen that notifies the operator of the terminal device 200 that the participation registration has been completed. The registration screen includes, as an example, a cancel button and an end button. The cancel button is a button to be operated when canceling the participation in the power supply. The operator of the terminal device 200 operates the participation button when performing the participation registration. The end button is a button to be operated when ending the display of the recruitment screen.

[0076] In step ST60, the processor 210 determines whether to end the display of the registration screen. The processor 210 determines to end the display of the registration screen, for example, when the end button is operated. If the processor 210 does not end the display of the registration screen, it determines No in step ST60 and proceeds to step ST61.

[0077] In step ST61, the processor 210 determines whether to discontinue participating in the power supply. For example, when there is an input instructing to discontinue participating in the power supply, such as when the stop button is operated, the processor 210 determines to discontinue participating in the power supply. If the processor 210 does not determine to discontinue participating in the power supply, it determines No in step ST61 and returns to step ST60. Thus, the processor 210 enters a waiting state where steps ST60 and ST61 are repeated until it determines to end the display of the registration screen or to discontinue participating in the power supply.

[0078] If the processor 210 determines to end the display of the registration screen while in the waiting state of repeating steps ST60 and ST61, it determines Yes in step ST60 and returns to step ST51. At this time, the processor 210 controls the display device 270 to end the display of the registration screen.

[0079] If the processor 210 determines to discontinue participating in the power supply while in the waiting state of repeating steps ST60 and ST61, it determines Yes in step ST61 and proceeds to step ST62.

[0080] In step ST62, the processor 210 generates a stop request. The stop request is information indicating discontinuing participation in the power supply. As an example, the stop request includes a user ID. The user ID is the user ID of the user who is the source of the stop request. After generating the stop request, the processor 210 instructs the communication interface 250 to transmit the stop request to the control server 100. In response to this transmission instruction, the communication interface 250 transmits the stop request to the control server 100. The transmitted stop request is received by the communication interface 150 of the control server 100. After the processing of step ST62, the processor 210 returns to step ST51.

[0081] On the other hand, when a cancellation request is received while the processor 110 of the control server 100 is in a waiting state repeating steps ST17 to ST19 in FIG. 2, it determines Yes in step ST18 and proceeds to step ST22.

[0082] If the processor 110 ends the recruitment for participation registration while in the waiting state repeating steps ST17 to ST19, it determines Yes in step ST19 and proceeds to step ST22.

[0083] In step ST22, the processor 110 stores that the user specified by the user ID included in the registration request received in step ST17 has canceled participation in the power supply. For this purpose, the processor 110, for example, sets the value of the participation information associated with the user ID and the supply ID issued in step ST13 to the non-participation state. After the process of step ST22, the processor 110 returns to step ST17.

[0084] If the processor 110 determines to end the recruitment for participation registration while in the waiting state repeating steps ST17 to ST19, it determines Yes in step ST19 and proceeds to step ST23 in FIG. 3.

[0085] In step ST23, the processor 110 determines whether a cancellation request has been received by the communication interface 150. If the cancellation request has not been received, the processor 110 determines No in step ST23 and proceeds to step ST24.

[0086] In step ST24, the processor 110 determines whether the start time of the power supply has arrived. If the start time of the power supply has not arrived, the processor 110 determines No in step ST24 and returns to step ST23. Thus, the processor 110 enters a waiting state repeating steps ST23 and ST24 until the start time of the power supply at which the cancellation request is received.

[0087] When the processor 110 is in a waiting state repeating steps ST23 and ST24 and a cancellation request is received, if so, the processor 110 determines Yes in step ST23 and proceeds to step ST25.

[0088] In step ST25, the processor 110, similar to step ST22, stores that the user specified by the user ID included in the registration request received in step ST23 has canceled participation in the power supply. After the process of step ST25, the processor 110 returns to step ST23.

[0089] When the processor 110 is in a waiting state repeating steps ST23 and ST24 and the start time of the power supply arrives, if so, the processor 110 determines Yes in step ST24 and proceeds to step ST26.

[0090] In step ST26, the processor 110 determines the users who actually participate in the power supply (hereinafter referred to as "actual participating users") and the number of actual participating users. The processor 110 determines the number of such users, for example, by executing the following processes (A1) to (A5).

[0091] (A1) The processor 110 refers to the registration list table and acquires all user IDs among the user IDs associated with the supply ID issued in step ST13, for which the value of the associated participation information is in the non-participation state.

[0092] (A2) The processor 110 refers to the user DB and acquires output device information from the user information associated with each of the user IDs acquired in (A1).

[0093] (A3) The processor 110 checks whether it is possible to supply the power output by the power supply 320 to the power grid 500 for each of the vehicle 300 and the power feeding device 400 specified by the output device information acquired in (A2). For example, the processor 110 checks whether it is possible to supply power to the power grid 500 by querying the vehicle 300 and the power feeding device 400 via the communication interface 150 and the network NW. At least one of the vehicle 300 and the power feeding device 400 checks whether it is possible to supply power to the power grid 500 in response to the query. At least one of the vehicle 300 and the power feeding device 400, for example, actually attempts to supply power from the power supply 320 to the power grid 500. And if at least one of the vehicle 300 and the power feeding device 400 succeeds in this power supply, it determines that it is possible to supply power to the power grid 500. Note that at least one of the vehicle 300 and the power feeding device 400 may determine that power supply is not possible when the vehicle 300 is not connected to the power feeding device 400. Also, at least one of the vehicle 300 and the power feeding device 400 may determine that power supply to the power grid 500 is not possible when the amount of power that the power supply 320 can output is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of power. At least one of the vehicle 300 and the power feeding device 400 transmits the determination result as to whether it is possible to supply power to the power grid 500 to the control server 100. The determination result is received by the communication interface 150. When the determination result received by the communication interface 150 indicates that it is possible to supply power to the power grid 500, the processor 110 determines that it is possible to supply the power output by the power supply 320 to the power grid 500.

[0094] (A4) The processor 110 determines the actual participating users. The actual participating users are the users who use the vehicle 300 and the power feeding device 400 for which it is determined in (A3) that the power output by the power source 320 can be supplied to the power grid 500. Also, the processor 110 updates the registration list table. That is, the processor 110 sets the value of the participation information to the non-participating state for users who are not actual participating users (hereinafter referred to as "non-participating users") among the users specified by the user ID acquired in (A1).

[0095] (A5) The processor 110 determines the number of actual participating users by counting the determined number of actual participating users.

[0096] The number of actual participating users is an example of the number of participants, which is the number of power sources that can actually participate in the power supply to the power grid. Therefore, the processor 110 functions as an example of a determination unit that determines the number of participants, which is the number of power sources that can actually participate in the power supply to the power grid, by performing at least any one of steps ST14 and ST20 in FIGS. 2 and 3, and step ST26 and at least any one of steps ST22 and ST25 as necessary.

[0097] In step ST27, the processor 110 determines, for example, by calculating the power supply amount per actual participating user (hereinafter referred to as "user supply amount") according to the following formula. (User supply amount) = (Total supply amount) ÷ (Number of actual participating users) (1)

[0098] Also, the processor 110 determines, for example, by calculating the power per actual participating user (hereinafter referred to as "user power") according to the following formula. The user power is the power for supplying the user supply amount during the supply period. (User power) = (User supply amount) ÷ (Supply period) (2)

[0099] In step ST28, the processor 110 instructs each of the actual participating users to supply the user supply amount. That is, for each of the actual participating users, the processor 110 controls the vehicle 300 and the power feeding device 400 specified by the output device information acquired in (A2) to start supplying power via the communication interface 150 and the network NW. The processor 110 controls the vehicle 300 and the power feeding device 400 to output, for example, the user power supply period. Thereby, each power supply 320 supplies the user supply amount to the power grid 500 by outputting the user power to the power grid 500 for the supply period.

[0100] As an example, assume that the total supply amount is 90 kWh, the supply period is 2 hours, and the number of actual participating users is 9. In this case, the user supply amount is 10 kWh which is more than 90 [kWh] ÷ 9 = 10 [kWh]. Also, the user power is 5 kW which is more than 10 [kWh] ÷ 2 [hours] = 5 [kW]. That is, each of the 9 users outputs 5 kW of power to the power grid 500 for 2 hours, thereby supplying a total power amount of 90 kWh to the power grid 500.

[0101] From the above, the processor 110 functions as an example of an output control unit that, by performing the processes of step ST27 and step ST28, causes each power source that can actually participate in the supply to output to the electrical system the power amount obtained by dividing the predetermined power amount by the number of participants.

[0102] In step ST29, the processor 110 determines the amount of incentive (hereinafter referred to as "grant amount") to be given to each of the actual participating users. The grant amount can be obtained using the base amount and the increase / decrease value. The processor 110 calculates the base amount, for example, by the following formula. (Base amount) = (Total incentive) ÷ (Number of actual participating users) (3)

[0103] Here, the total incentive is determined based on, for example, at least one of the agreed amount and the total supply. The processor 110 calculates the total incentive using, for example, one of the following formulas. (Total incentive) = (Predetermined coefficient C1) × (Agreed amount) (4) (Total incentive) = (Predetermined coefficient C2) × (Total supply) (5)

[0104] Furthermore, the processor 110 calculates the grant amount for each actual participating user using, for example, the following formula. Note that the processor 110 refers to the user DB141 to obtain the increase / decrease value for each actual participating user. (Grant amount) = (Base amount) × (100 + Increase / decrease value) [%] (6)

[0105] Also, the processor 110 updates the incentive information of the actual participating users in the user DB. That is, for each actual participating user, the processor 110 adds the calculated grant amount to the amount of incentive indicated by the incentive information.

[0106] The processor 110 transfers the incentive granted to each user to the user's account, for example, in real time or in a lump sum at a later date. Alternatively, the processor 110 may grant at least one of currency, electronic money, and points to the user by other means.

[0107] From the above, the processor 110 functions as an example of a granting unit that grants incentives to users who actually participate in the supply by performing the process of step ST29.

[0108] In step ST30, the processor 110 updates the registration list table. That is, for the users identified by the user ID obtained in (A1), the processor 110 sets the value of the participation information to the participated state for the actual participating users.

[0109] Also, the processor 110 updates the history information in the user DB. That is, for each user, the processor 110 acquires the supply ID and participation information associated with the user ID from the registration list table. Then, the processor 110 associates the acquired supply ID and participation information and adds them to the history information in the user information associated with the user ID.

[0110] In step ST31, the processor 110 generates a grant notice. The grant notice is information notifying the amount of incentive granted. The grant notice includes the amount granted to the user who is the recipient of the grant notice. However, the amount granted for users other than the actual participating users is set to 0. After generating the grant notice, the processor 110 instructs the communication interface 150 to transmit the grant notice to each of the terminal devices 200 of the users who registered for participation in steps ST14 and ST20. In response to this transmission instruction, the communication interface 150 transmits the grant notice to each of the terminal devices 200. The transmitted grant notice is received by the communication interface 250 of each terminal device 200. After the processing of step ST31, the processor 110 ends the processing shown in FIG. 3.

[0111] On the other hand, when the grant notice is received while the processor 210 of the terminal device 200 is in a waiting state repeating steps ST51 to ST54 in FIG. 5, it determines Yes in step ST53 and proceeds to step ST63.

[0112] In step ST63, the processor 210 generates an image corresponding to the grant screen. Then, the processor 210 instructs the display device 270 to display the generated image. In response to the display instruction, the display device 270 displays the grant screen. After the processing of step ST63, the processor 210 returns to step ST51.

[0113] The granting screen is a screen that notifies the operator of the terminal device 200 of the granting amount. As an example, the granting screen includes an image indicating the granting amount included in the granting notification received in step ST53.

[0114] Hereinafter, a method for determining the increase / decrease value will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The processor 110 of the control server 100 determines the increase / decrease value by executing the process of FIG. 4 at a predetermined timing for each user. The user for whom the increase / decrease value is calculated is hereinafter referred to as the "target user".

[0115] In step ST41 of FIG. 4, the processor 110 of the control server 100 refers to the user DB 141 and acquires the history information in the user information associated with the user ID of the target user.

[0116] In step ST42, the processor 110 calculates the increase / decrease value. The increase / decrease value is a higher value as the participation rate is higher. The participation rate for a certain period can be obtained by the following formula. (Participation rate) = (Actual number of participations) ÷ (Number of participation registrations) (7)

[0117] Here, the actual number of participations is the number of times the user actually participated during the period. Also, the number of participation registrations is the number of times of participation registration during the period. That is, the participation rate is the ratio of the actual participation in power supply among those who registered for participation.

[0118] The increase / decrease value consists of, for example, a monthly increase / decrease value and an annual increase / decrease value. That is, the increase / decrease value can be expressed, for example, by the following formula. (Increase / decrease value) = (Monthly increase / decrease value) + (Annual increase / decrease value) (8)

[0119] The monthly increase / decrease value becomes higher as the monthly participation rate is higher. Here, "monthly" refers to the most recent one month or the one month of the previous month. Note that the "previous month" is the month before the month including the current date. The start of a month is not necessarily the 1st day of the date, and it may start from other days. As an example, it may be from the 15th day to the 14th day of the next month. As an example, if the monthly participation rate is 60%, the monthly increase / decrease value is -10%; if the monthly participation rate is 70%, the monthly increase / decrease value is -5%; if the monthly participation rate is 80%, the monthly increase / decrease value is 0%; if the monthly participation rate is 100%, the monthly increase / decrease value is 10%, and it is determined in this way. The monthly increase / decrease value may be obtained by a mathematical formula. Note that one month is an example of the first predetermined period.

[0120] The annual increase / decrease value becomes higher as the annual participation rate is higher. Here, "annual" refers to the most recent one year or the one year of the previous year. Note that the "previous year" is the year before the year including the current date. The start of a year is not necessarily January 1st, and it may start from other days. As an example, it may be from April 2nd to April 1st of the next year. As an example, if the annual participation rate is 50%, the annual increase / decrease value is -1%; if the annual participation rate is 60%, the annual increase / decrease value is 0%; if the annual participation rate is 90%, the annual increase / decrease value is 3%, and it is determined in this way. The annual increase / decrease value may be obtained by a mathematical formula. Note that one year is an example of the second predetermined period which is longer than the first predetermined period.

[0121] In step ST43, the processor 110 updates the user DB and stores the increase / decrease value, the monthly increase / decrease value, and the annual increase / decrease value determined in step ST42. That is, the processor 110 rewrites the increase / decrease information in the user information associated with the user ID of the target user and stores the increase / decrease value, the monthly increase / decrease value, and the annual increase / decrease value in the increase / decrease information.

[0122] In step ST44, the processor 110 generates a decision notice. The decision notice is information for notifying the increase or decrease value determined in step ST42. As an example, the decision notice includes the increase or decrease value determined in step ST42, the monthly increase or decrease value, and the annual increase or decrease value, as well as the monthly participation rate and the annual participation rate. After generating the decision notice, the processor 110 instructs the communication interface 150 to transmit the decision notice to the terminal device 200 used by the target user. In response to this transmission instruction, the communication interface 150 transmits the decision notice to the terminal device 200. The transmitted decision notice is received by the communication interface 250 of the terminal device 200.

[0123] On the other hand, when the decision notice is received while the processor 210 of the terminal device 200 is in the waiting state of repeating steps ST51 to ST54 in FIG. 5, it determines Yes in step ST54 and proceeds to step ST64.

[0124] In step ST64, the processor 210 generates an image corresponding to the decision screen. Then, the processor 210 instructs the display device 270 to display the generated image. In response to the display instruction, the display device 270 displays the decision screen. After the process of step ST64, the processor 210 returns to step ST51.

[0125] The decision screen is a screen for notifying the operator of the terminal device 200 of the determined increase or decrease value, the monthly increase or decrease value, and the annual increase or decrease value. As an example, the decision screen includes an image showing the increase or decrease value, the monthly increase or decrease value, and the annual increase or decrease value, as well as the monthly participation rate and the annual participation rate included in the decision notice received in step ST54.

[0126] According to the V2G system 1 of the embodiment, the control server 100 causes each power source 230 that can actually participate in power supply to output an equal amount of power to the power grid 500. As a result, unlike in a conventional V2G system, a situation where a user has registered to participate and prepared to supply power but cannot participate does not occur. Thereby, the control server 100 of the embodiment prevents a decrease in user participation registration and participation rate. That is, the control server 100 of the embodiment can increase the participation registration and participation rate in power supply.

[0127] Also, according to the V2G system 1 of the embodiment, the control server 100 gives an incentive to each user who has actually participated in power supply. Thereby, the control server 100 of the embodiment prevents a decrease in user participation registration and participation rate. That is, the control server 100 of the embodiment can increase the participation registration and participation rate in power supply.

[0128] Also, according to the V2G system 1 of the embodiment, the control server 100 increases the quantity of incentives as the participation rate is higher. Thereby, the control server 100 of the embodiment can increase the participation registration and participation rate in power supply.

[0129] Also, according to the V2G system 1 of the embodiment, the control server 100 increases the quantity of incentives as the participation rate in a one-month period is higher, and further increases the quantity of incentives as the participation rate in a one-year period longer than one month is higher. Thereby, the control server 100 of the embodiment can improve the participation rates in both a short period of one month and a long period of one year.

[0130] The above embodiment can be modified as follows. The V2G system 1 may start power supply without confirming whether power supply is possible. The confirmation is the one described in (A3) in the above embodiment. In this case, the processor 110 of the control server 100 identifies, for example, among the user IDs associated with the supply ID issued in step ST13 of FIG. 2, the user identified by the user ID whose associated participation information value is in the non-participation state as the actual participating user. In this case, there may be a user for whom power supply becomes impossible after the start of power supply. The processor 110 changes the user for whom power supply is impossible from an actual participating user to a non-participating user. Then, the processor 110 recalculates the user supply amount and user power by re-performing the process of step ST27. Thereby, the processor 110 responds to the decrease in the number of actual participating users.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the increase / decrease value consists of a monthly increase / decrease value and an annual increase / decrease value. However, the increase / decrease value may consist of only either the monthly increase / decrease value or the annual increase / decrease value. That is, the increase / decrease value may be the monthly increase / decrease value. The increase / decrease value may be the annual increase / decrease value.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the increase / decrease value consists of a monthly increase / decrease value and an annual increase / decrease value. That is, the increase / decrease value is determined by the monthly participation rate and the annual participation rate. However, the increase / decrease value may be obtained using the participation rate for a period other than monthly and annual. The higher the participation rate for the period, the higher the increase / decrease value.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the increase / decrease value is a ratio. However, the increase / decrease value does not have to be a ratio.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the increase / decrease value is determined by the participation rate. However, the processor 110 may determine the increase / decrease value using the actual number of participations. In this case, the increase / decrease value becomes a larger value as the actual number of participations in a predetermined period is larger. Even in this case, the control server 100 of the embodiment can increase the participation registration for power supply and the participation rate.

[0135] Devices other than the control server 100 may also submit bids for power. In this case, if an agreement is reached, the device transmits supply instruction information to the control server 100. The supply instruction information is information for instructing to supply power to the electrical system 500. The procurement instruction information includes, for example, the total supply amount and the supply period. The total supply amount and the supply period are determined by the bid content and the agreement result. The supply instruction information is received by the communication interface 150 of the control server 100. In response to the reception of the supply instruction information, the processor 110 executes the processing after step ST14 in FIG. 2. Here, the processor 110 performs the processing after step ST14 in FIG. 2 using the total supply amount and the supply period included in the supply instruction information.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the vehicle 300 including the power source 320 outputs power. However, instead of the vehicle 300, a moving body other than an automobile may output power. The moving body includes the power source 320.

[0137] The power source 320 does not have to be provided in the moving body. For example, the power source 320 may be installed in a building or the like.

[0138] In the above embodiment, the power supply is based on the results of bidding and agreement in the power market. However, the power supply may be determined without going through the power market.

[0139] Each device in the embodiment may be composed of a plurality of devices.

[0140] The processor 110 and the processor 210 may implement some or all of the processing realized by the program in the above embodiment by the hardware configuration of the circuit.

[0141] The program that realizes the processing of the embodiment is transferred, for example, in a state stored in a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium in the device. However, the device may be transferred in a state where the program is not stored. And the program may be transferred separately and written into the device. The transfer of the program at this time can be realized, for example, by recording it on a removable non-temporary computer-readable storage medium or by downloading via a network such as the Internet or a LAN.

[0142] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but they are shown as examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0143] 1 V2G system 100 Control server 110, 210 Processor 120, 220 ROM 130, 230 RAM 140, 240 Auxiliary storage device 141 User DB 142 History DB 150, 250 Communication interface 160, 280 Bus 200 Terminal device 260 Input device 270 Display device 300 Vehicle 310 In-vehicle device 320 Power supply 400 Power supply device 500 Power system

Claims

1. A determination unit that determines a participation number, which is the number of power sources that can actually participate in the supply of power to the electric power system; an output control unit that causes each of the power sources that can actually participate in the supply to output to an electrical grid an amount of power obtained by dividing a predetermined amount of power by the number of participants.

2. The control device according to claim 1 , further comprising an incentive providing unit that provides an incentive to a user who uses the power source that actually participates in the supply.

3. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the granting unit increases the amount of the incentive as a participation rate, which is a ratio of those who actually participate in the supply to those who have registered to participate in the supply, increases.

4. 4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the granting unit grants a larger quantity of the incentive the higher the participation rate in a first predetermined period, and grants a larger quantity of the incentive the higher the participation rate in a second predetermined period that is longer than the first predetermined period.

5. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the granting unit increases the quantity of the incentive as the number of times the incentive is actually provided increases.

6. A processor provided in the control device, A determination unit that determines a participation number, which is the number of power sources that can actually participate in the supply of power to the electric power system; A program that functions as an output control unit that causes each of the power sources to output to the electrical system an amount of power that is a predetermined amount of power divided by the number of participants.

7. determining a participation number, which is the number of sources that can actually participate in supplying electricity to the electric grid; A control method comprising causing each of the power sources to output to an electrical system an amount of power calculated by dividing a predetermined amount of power by the number of participants.

Images