Charging device

Abstract

To provide a charging device capable of transferring power between electric mobile bodies without outputting power to a power system.SOLUTION: A charging device A1 for charging a storage battery 91 of an electric mobile body 9 includes a charging and discharging unit 2 capable of switching between a state in which AC power input from a power system is converted to DC power and output to the electric mobile body 9 and a state in which DC power input from the electric mobile body 9 is converted to AC power and output to the power system, an AC power line 41 that connects the power system and the charging and discharging unit 2, a branch AC power line 42 that branches from the AC power line 41, and a normal charging unit 3 that is connected to the branch AC power line 42 and is switchable between a state in which the normal charging unit 3 outputs the AC power of the branch AC power line 42 and a state in which the normal charging unit 3 does not output the AC power of the branch AC power line 42.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device for charging electric vehicles and the like.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the popularization of electric vehicles, the development of charging devices for charging the batteries of electric vehicles has been progressing. Charging devices include so-called ordinary charging devices and so-called rapid charging devices. The ordinary charging device outputs AC power to an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle converts the input AC power into DC power to charge the battery. The rapid charging device converts AC power into DC power and outputs it to the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle charges the battery with the input DC power. Among rapid charging devices, there is a so-called charge-discharge device that can also discharge the battery of an electric vehicle. The charge-discharge device can convert the DC power input from the electric vehicle into AC power and output it to a power grid or the like. Patent Document 1 discloses a charge-discharge device that performs charge and discharge of an electric vehicle in response to an instruction from a higher-level control device such as an EMS (Energy Management System).

[0003] Rental car companies handle various vehicle models, including those with high demand and those with low demand for electric vehicles. Electric vehicles with high demand have a high utilization frequency, so the charging frequency is high. On the other hand, electric vehicles with low demand have a low utilization frequency, so the batteries of these electric vehicles are left in a state of high charge rate. In order to effectively utilize the power charged in the electric vehicle with low demand and transfer it to the electric vehicle with high demand, it is necessary to discharge the battery of the electric vehicle with low demand and output it to the power grid, and then charge the battery of the electric vehicle with high demand. In this case, losses occur through the power grid. Also, when discharges overlap, system congestion in the power grid may occur.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been conceived under the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a charging device capable of transferring electric power between electric moving bodies without outputting electric power to the power grid.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following technical means.

[0007] The charging device provided by the first aspect of the present invention is a charging device for charging a storage battery of an electric moving body that moves by driving an electric motor with the electric power of the storage battery, and converts AC power input from the power grid into DC power and outputs it to the electric moving body, and a charge / discharge unit that can be switched between a state of converting DC power input from the electric moving body into AC power and outputting it to the power grid, an AC power line connecting the power grid and the charge / discharge unit, a branched AC power line branched from the AC power line, and a normal charging unit to which the branched AC power line is connected and can be switched between a state of outputting the AC power of the branched AC power line and a state of not outputting it.

[0008] Note that the "electric moving body" is a moving body that moves by driving an electric motor with the electric power of a storage battery, and includes not only so-called electric vehicles but also hybrid vehicles and the like. Further, the "electric moving body" includes not only so-called automobiles but also other vehicles such as motorcycles, ships, airplanes, or unmanned moving bodies such as automated guided vehicles and drones.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a control unit for controlling the charging / discharging unit and the normal charging unit is further provided. The control unit causes the charging / discharging unit to convert DC power input from a first electric vehicle connected thereto into AC power, and outputs the AC power input via the AC power line and the branched AC power line to a second electric vehicle connected to the normal charging unit in a V2V mode. In a V2G mode, the control unit can switch to cause the charging / discharging unit to charge and discharge the first electric vehicle according to a command input from the outside.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a switch disposed on the power grid side from the branch point of the AC power line and the branched AC power line is further provided. The control unit opens the switch in the V2V mode and closes the switch in the V2G mode.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first power sensor for detecting DC power input to the charging / discharging unit and DC power output from the charging / discharging unit, a second power sensor for detecting AC power output from the normal charging unit, and in the V2V mode, a settlement for paying a consideration calculated based on the DC power detected by the first power sensor, and a settlement unit for performing a settlement for receiving a consideration calculated based on the AC power detected by the second power sensor are further provided.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a common housing for accommodating the charging / discharging unit, the normal charging unit, the AC power line, and the branched AC power line is further provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] The charging / discharging unit can convert DC power input from an electric vehicle into AC power and output it to the AC power line. In addition, the normal charging unit can output the AC power of the branched AC power line branched from the AC power line to another electric vehicle. Therefore, the charging device according to the present invention can transfer power between electric vehicles without outputting power to the power grid.

[0014] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] 〔First Embodiment〕 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the charging device A1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the charging device A1.

[0018] The charging device A1 is equipment for charging the electric vehicle 9. The electric vehicle 9 is a vehicle equipped with an electric motor as a power source and a storage battery 91 that supplies power to the electric motor. It includes not only so-called electric vehicles that use only an electric motor as a power source, but also hybrid vehicles equipped with an internal combustion engine. The charging device A1 has functions as a charge-discharge device and a normal charging device. In addition, the charging device A1 also has a function of transferring power from one electric vehicle 9 to another electric vehicle 9. The charging device A1 includes a charge-discharge unit 2, a normal charging unit 3, an AC power line 41, a branched AC power line 42, a switch 43, a control unit 5, charging cables 6 and 7, and a housing 8. In this embodiment, the charge-discharge unit 2, the normal charging unit 3, the AC power line 41, the branched AC power line 42, the switch 43, and the control unit 5 are housed in a common housing 8. Note that the charging device A1 has other components such as a communication unit for communicating with the electric vehicle 9, but their description and explanation are omitted.

[0019] The AC power line 41 is a power line that connects the power grid and the charge-discharge unit 2. The AC power line 41 outputs the AC power input from the power grid to the charge-discharge unit 2. Also, the AC power line 41 can output the AC power input from the charge-discharge unit 2 to the power grid. The branched AC power line 42 is a power line branched from the AC power line 41 and is connected to the normal charging unit 3. The branched AC power line 42 outputs the AC power input from the power grid to the AC power line 41 to the normal charging unit 3. Also, the branched AC power line 42 can output the AC power input from the charge-discharge unit 2 to the AC power line 41 to the normal charging unit 3. The switch 43 is arranged on the power grid side of the branch point of the AC power line 41 with the branched AC power line 42. The switch 43 electrically connects the charging device A1 to the power grid in the closed state and electrically disconnects the charging device A1 from the power grid in the open state.

[0020] The charging / discharging unit 2 is configured to perform rapid charging or discharging of the electric vehicle 9. The charging / discharging unit 2 has an AC power line 41 and a charging cable 6 connected thereto. The charging / discharging unit 2 switches between a state (rapid charging) in which AC power input from the power system is converted into DC power and output to the electric vehicle 9, and a state (discharging) in which DC power input from the electric vehicle 9 is converted into AC power and output to the power system, in response to a command from the control unit 5. The charging / discharging unit 2 includes a power conversion unit 21 and switches 22, 23.

[0021] The switch 22 is arranged on the power line connecting the AC power line 41 and the power conversion unit 21. The switch 22 electrically connects the power conversion unit 21 to the AC power line 41 in the closed state, and electrically disconnects the power conversion unit 21 from the AC power line 41 in the open state. The switch 23 is arranged on the power line connecting the power conversion unit 21 and the charging cable 6. The switch 23 electrically connects the power conversion unit 21 to the charging cable 6 in the closed state, and electrically disconnects the power conversion unit 21 from the charging cable 6 in the open state. The switch 22 and the switch 23 switch between the closed state and the open state in response to a command from the control unit 5. The switch 22 and the switch 23 are in the closed state while a close command is input from the control unit 5. In this case, the power conversion unit 21 is electrically connected to the AC power line 41 and the charging cable 6 and is in a state where power conversion can be performed. On the other hand, the switch 22 and the switch 23 are in the open state while an open command is input from the control unit 5. In this case, the power conversion unit 21 is electrically disconnected from the AC power line 41 and the charging cable 6. Note that the charging / discharging unit 2 may not include the switch 22 or the switch 23.

[0022] The power conversion unit 21 converts AC power and DC power in response to a command from the control unit 5. The power conversion unit 21 includes, for example, a bidirectional inverter. When the switches 22 and 23 are in the closed state and a charging command is input from the control unit 5, the power conversion unit 21 converts the AC power input from the AC power line 41 into DC power and outputs it to the charging cable 6. Thereby, the storage battery 91 of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 is charged. On the other hand, when the switches 22 and 23 are in the closed state and a discharging command is input from the control unit 5, the power conversion unit 21 converts the DC power input from the charging cable 6 into AC power and outputs it to the AC power line 41. Thereby, the storage battery 91 of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 is discharged. Note that the specific configuration of the power conversion unit 21 is not limited as long as it can convert AC power and DC power. For example, the power conversion unit 21 may include a conversion unit that converts AC power into DC power and a conversion unit that converts DC power into AC power, respectively.

[0023] The normal charging unit 3 is configured to perform normal charging of the electric vehicle 9. The normal charging unit 3 is connected to a branched AC power line 42 and a charging cable 7. The normal charging unit 3 switches between a state of outputting AC power input from the power system to the electric vehicle 9 and a state of not outputting, in response to a command from the control unit 5. The normal charging unit 3 includes a switch 31. The switch 31 is arranged on the power line connecting the branched AC power line 42 and the charging cable 7. The switch 31 electrically connects the branched AC power line 42 and the charging cable 7 in the closed state, and electrically disconnects the branched AC power line 42 and the charging cable 7 in the open state. The switch 31 switches between the closed state and the open state in response to a command from the control unit 5. The switch 31 becomes closed while a close command is input from the control unit 5. In this case, the branched AC power line 42 and the charging cable 7 are electrically connected, and AC power is output from the charging cable 7, and the battery 91 of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7 is charged. On the other hand, the switch 31 becomes open while an open command is input from the control unit 5. In this case, since the branched AC power line 42 and the charging cable 7 are electrically disconnected, AC power is not output from the charging cable 7, and the battery 91 of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7 is not charged.

[0024] The charging cable 6 is a conductive path between the charge and discharge unit 2 and the electric vehicle 9, and a charging connector 61 is arranged at the tip. By connecting the charging connector 61 to the plug-in connector 92 for rapid charging of the electric vehicle 9, the charge and discharge unit 2 is electrically connected to the electric vehicle 9. The electric vehicle 9 to which the charging connector 61 is connected receives the DC power output by the charge and discharge unit 2 and charges the battery 91.

[0025] The charging cable 7 is a conductive path between the normal charging unit 3 and the electric vehicle 9, and a charging connector 71 is arranged at the tip. By connecting the charging connector 71 to the plug-in connector 93 for normal charging of the electric vehicle 9, the normal charging unit 3 is electrically connected to the electric vehicle 9. The electric vehicle 9 to which the charging connector 71 is connected receives the AC power output by the normal charging unit 3 and converts the AC power into DC power by a power conversion unit (not shown). The electric vehicle 9 is charged with the DC power converted by the power conversion unit to charge the battery 91.

[0026] The control unit 5 is configured to control the charging device A1 and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer or the like. The control unit 5 controls the charge and discharge unit 2 and the normal charging unit 3. The power for the operation of the control unit 5 is supplied from a power line connected to the power system side from the switch 43. Therefore, even when the switch 43 is open, power is supplied to the control unit 5. The control unit 5 can be switched in a plurality of modes. The plurality of modes include a rapid charging mode, a normal charging mode, a simultaneous charging mode, a V2G (Vehicle to Grid) mode, and a V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle) mode. Note that the plurality of modes may include modes other than these, or may not include all of the above-described modes. Each mode is selected based on an operation of an operation means (not shown) by an operator.

[0027] The rapid charging mode is a mode for rapidly charging the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6. When the rapid charging mode is selected, the control unit 5 outputs a closing command to the switches 22, 23, 43 to close the switches 22, 23, 43, and outputs an opening command to the switch 31 to open the switch 31. Then, the control unit 5 outputs a charging command to the power conversion unit 21. FIG. 2(a) is a schematic diagram showing the charging device A1 when the rapid charging mode is selected. The power conversion unit 21 converts the AC power input from the power system via the AC power line 41 into DC power and outputs it to the charging cable 6 (see the dashed arrow shown in FIG. 2(a)). Thereby, the battery 91 of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 is charged.

[0028] The normal charging mode is a mode for normally charging the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7. When the normal charging mode is selected, the control unit 5 outputs a closing command to the switch 43 to close the switch 43, and outputs an opening command to the switches 22 and 23 to open the switches 22 and 23. Note that either one of the switches 22 and 23 may be closed. Then, the control unit 5 outputs a closing command to the switch 31 to close the switch 31. FIG. 2(b) is a schematic diagram showing the charging device A1 when the normal charging mode is selected. The alternating current power input from the power system via the alternating current power line 41 and the branch alternating current power line 42 is output from the charging cable 7 (see the dashed arrow shown in FIG. 2(b)). Thereby, the storage battery 91 of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7 is charged.

[0029] The simultaneous charging mode is a mode for rapidly charging the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 and normally charging the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7. When the simultaneous charging mode is selected, the control unit 5 outputs a closing command to the switches 22, 23, and 43 to close the switches 22, 23, and 43. Then, the control unit 5 outputs a charging command to the power conversion unit 21 and outputs a closing command to the switch 31 to close the switch 31. FIG. 2(c) is a schematic diagram showing the charging device A1 when the simultaneous charging mode is selected. The power conversion unit 21 converts the alternating current power input from the power system via the alternating current power line 41 into direct current power and outputs it to the charging cable 6 (see the dashed arrow shown in FIG. 2(c)). Thereby, the storage battery 91 of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 is charged. Also, the alternating current power input from the power system via the alternating current power line 41 and the branch alternating current power line 42 is output from the charging cable 7 (see the dash-dotted arrow shown in FIG. 2(c)). Thereby, the storage battery 91 of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7 is charged.

[0030] The V2G mode is a mode for using the battery 91 of the electric vehicle 9 for energy management. When the V2G mode is selected, the control unit 5 outputs a closing command to the switches 22, 23, 43 to close the switches 22, 23, 43, and outputs an opening command to the switch 31 to open the switch 31. Then, the control unit 5 outputs a charging command or a discharging command to the power conversion unit 21 according to a command input from a higher-level device that performs energy management. A schematic diagram showing the charging device A1 when the V2G mode is selected is the same as that in Fig. 2(a). When the power conversion unit 21 receives a charging command, it converts the AC power input from the power grid through the AC power line 41 into DC power and outputs it to the charging cable 6 (see the dashed arrow shown in Fig. 2(a)). Thereby, the battery 91 of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 is charged. On the other hand, when the power conversion unit 21 receives a discharging command, it converts the DC power input from the charging cable 6 into AC power and outputs it to the power grid through the AC power line 41 (in the direction opposite to the dashed arrow shown in Fig. 2(a)). Thereby, the battery 91 of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 discharges, and power is output to the power grid.

[0031] In addition, when the electric vehicle 9 is connected to the charging cable 7 instead of the charging cable 6 when the V2G mode is selected, the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7 may be used for energy management as described below. That is, the control unit 5 outputs a closing command to the switch 43 to close the switch 43, and outputs an opening command to the switches 22 and 23 to open the switches 22 and 23. Then, the control unit 5 outputs a closing command or an opening command to the switch 31 to open and close the switch 31 according to a command input from a higher-level device. A schematic diagram showing the charging device A1 in this case is the same as Fig. 2(b). When the switch 31 receives a closing command, it becomes closed and outputs the AC power input from the power grid through the AC power line 41 and the branch AC power line 42 to the charging cable 7 (see the dashed arrow shown in Fig. 2(b)). On the other hand, when the switch 31 receives an opening command, it becomes open and stops the output of the AC power. Thereby, the supply of power from the power grid to the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7 is adjusted. However, in this case, power cannot be supplied to the power grid.

[0032] The V2V mode is a mode for supplying power from the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 to the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7. When the V2V mode is selected, the control unit 5 outputs a closing command to the switches 22, 23, and 31 to close the switches 22, 23, and 31, and outputs an opening command to the switch 43 to open the switch 43. Then, the control unit 5 outputs a discharging command to the power conversion unit 21. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the charging device A1 when the V2V mode is selected. The power conversion unit 21 converts the DC power input from the charging cable 6 into AC power and outputs it to the charging cable 7 through the AC power line 41 and the branch AC power line 42 (see the dashed arrow shown in Fig. 3). Thereby, the battery 91 of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 discharges, and the battery 91 of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7 is charged.

[0033] FIG. 4 is an example of a flowchart for explaining the charge / discharge control process performed by the control unit 5. The charge / discharge control process starts when the charging device A1 is activated. In this embodiment, it is assumed that each of the switches 22, 23, 31, and 43 is in an open state (an open command is input from the control unit 5) during normal operation. Also, this flowchart is an example of the case where the simultaneous charging mode is not included.

[0034] First, it is determined whether the selected mode is the V2G mode (S1). If it is the V2G mode (S1: YES), it is determined whether the electric vehicle 9 is connected to the charging cable 6 (S2). Note that the method for confirming the connection of the electric vehicle 9 is not limited. If the electric vehicle 9 is not connected (S2: NO), the process returns to step S2, and the determination in step S2 is repeated. If the electric vehicle 9 is connected (S2: YES), the process proceeds to step S3. That is, it waits for the electric vehicle 9 to be connected to the charging cable 6. At this time, the control unit 5 may cause a notification unit (not shown) to notify a guidance for prompting the connection of the electric vehicle 9.

[0035] Next, the switches 22, 23, and 43 are closed (S3). Specifically, the control unit 5 outputs a closing command to the switches 22, 23, and 43. Next, the power conversion unit 21 of the charge / discharge unit 2 starts power conversion (S4). Specifically, the control unit 5 starts outputting a charge command or a discharge command to the power conversion unit 21 according to a command input from the host device. Next, it is determined whether a stop command has been input (S5). The stop command is input when the stop button is pressed to disconnect the connection between the charging cable 6 and the electric vehicle 9, or when switching to another mode, etc. Note that the conditions for inputting the stop command are not limited to the above. If the stop command has not been input (S5: NO), the process returns to step S5, and the determination in step S5 is repeated. During this period, the control unit 5 continues to control the power conversion unit 21 according to a command input from the host device. If the stop command has been input (S5: YES), the control of the power conversion unit 21 ends (S6), the switches 22, 23, and 43 are opened (S7), and the process returns to step S1.

[0036] In step S1, if the selected mode is not the V2G mode (S1: NO), it is determined whether the selected mode is the V2V mode (S11). If it is the V2V mode (S11: YES), it is determined whether the electric vehicle 9 is connected to both the charging cable 6 and the charging cable 7 (S12). If the electric vehicle 9 is not connected to both (S12: NO), the process returns to step S12 and the determination in step S12 is repeated. When the electric vehicle 9 is connected to both (S12: YES), the process proceeds to step S13. That is, it waits for the electric vehicle 9 to be connected to both the charging cable 6 and the charging cable 7.

[0037] Next, the switches 22, 23, 31 are closed (S13). Specifically, the control unit 5 outputs a closing command to the switches 22, 23, 31. Next, the power conversion unit 21 of the charge and discharge unit 2 starts power conversion (S14). Specifically, the control unit 5 starts outputting a discharge command to the power conversion unit 21. Next, it is determined whether a stop command has been input (S15). The stop command is input when the charging of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7 is completed, when the charging rate of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value, when the stop button is pressed, or when it is switched to another mode, etc. Note that the conditions for the input of the stop command are not limited to the above. If the stop command has not been input (S15: NO), the process returns to step S15 and the determination in step S15 is repeated. During this period, since the control unit 5 continues the discharge control of the power conversion unit 21, the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 is discharged and the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7 is charged. When the stop command is input (S15: YES), the discharge control of the power conversion unit 21 is terminated (S16), the switches 22, 23, 31 are opened (S17), and the process returns to step S1.

[0038] In step S11, if the selected mode is not the V2V mode (S11: NO), it is determined whether the selected mode is the rapid charging mode (S21). If it is the rapid charging mode (S21: YES), it is determined whether the electric vehicle 9 is connected to the charging cable 6 (S22). If the electric vehicle 9 is not connected (S22: NO), the process returns to step S22, and the determination in step S22 is repeated. If the electric vehicle 9 is connected (S22: YES), the process proceeds to step S23. That is, wait for the electric vehicle 9 to be connected to the charging cable 6.

[0039] Next, the switches 22, 23, 43 are closed (S23). Specifically, the control unit 5 outputs a closing command to the switches 22, 23, 43. Next, rapid charging by the charge and discharge unit 2 is started (S24). Specifically, the control unit 5 starts outputting a charging command to the power conversion unit 21 of the charge and discharge unit 2. Next, it is determined whether a stop command has been input (S25). The stop command is input when the charging of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 is completed, when the stop button is pressed, or when switching to another mode. Note that the conditions for inputting the stop command are not limited to the above. If the stop command has not been input (S25: NO), the process returns to step S25, and the determination in step S25 is repeated. During this period, since the control unit 5 continues the charging control of the power conversion unit 21, the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 is charged. If the stop command has been input (S25: YES), the rapid charging by the charge and discharge unit 2 is terminated (S26), the switches 22, 23, 43 are opened (S27), and the process returns to step S1.

[0040] In step S21, if the selected mode is not the rapid charging mode (S21: NO), it is determined whether the selected mode is the normal charging mode (S31). If it is the normal charging mode (S31: YES), it is determined whether the electric vehicle 9 is connected to the charging cable 7 (S32). If the electric vehicle 9 is not connected (S32: NO), the process returns to step S32 and the determination in step S32 is repeated. If the electric vehicle 9 is connected (S32: YES), the process proceeds to step S33. That is, it waits for the electric vehicle 9 to be connected to the charging cable 7.

[0041] Next, the switch 43 is closed (S33). Specifically, the control unit 5 outputs a closing command to the switch 43. Next, normal charging by the normal charging unit 3 is started (S34). Specifically, the control unit 5 outputs a closing command to the switch 31 to close the switch 31, thereby starting charging by the normal charging unit 3. Next, it is determined whether a stop command has been input (S35). The stop command is input when the charging of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7 is completed, when the stop button is pressed, or when switching to another mode, etc. Note that the conditions for inputting the stop command are not limited to the above. If the stop command has not been input (S35: NO), the process returns to step S35 and the determination in step S35 is repeated. During this time, since the switch 31 is closed, the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7 is charged. If the stop command is input (S35: YES), the switch 31 is opened and the charging by the normal charging unit 3 is terminated (S36), the switch 43 is opened (S37), and the process returns to step S1.

[0042] In step S31, if the selected mode is not the normal charging mode (S31: NO), the process returns to step S1. Note that the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is an example, and the charge / discharge control process performed by the control unit 5 is not limited to the above-described process. For example, even when the electric vehicle 9 is connected to the charging cable 7 in the V2G mode, the electric vehicle 9 may be used for energy management. In this case, when the V2G mode is selected (S1: YES), it is determined whether the electric vehicle 9 is connected to the charging cable 6 or the charging cable 7, and the control may be switched according to the determination result.

[0043] Next, the operation and effects of the charging device A1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0044] According to the present embodiment, in the V2V mode, the charge / discharge unit 2 can convert the DC power input from the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 into AC power and output it to the AC power line 41. Further, the normal charging unit 3 can output the AC power input via the AC power line 41 and the branch AC power line 42 to the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7. Therefore, the charging device A1 can transfer power between the electric vehicles 9 without outputting power to the power grid.

[0045] Also, according to the present embodiment, in the V2G mode, the charging device A1 causes the charge / discharge unit 2 to charge and discharge the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 in accordance with a command input from a higher-level device. Therefore, the charging device A1 can be used for energy management.

[0046] Also, according to the present embodiment, the charging device A1 includes a switch 43 disposed on the power grid side from the branch point of the AC power line 41 and the branch AC power line 42. Thereby, the charging device A1 can be used for energy management by closing the switch 43 in the V2G mode, and can be electrically disconnected from the power grid by opening the switch 43 in the V2V mode.

[0047] Also, according to this embodiment, the charge and discharge unit 2, the normal charging unit 3, the AC power line 41, the branch AC power line 42, the switch 43, and the control unit 5 are housed in a common housing 8. Therefore, since the charging device A1 only needs to install the housing 8, it is easy to install.

[0048] In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the charging device A1 charges the electric vehicle 9 has been described, but it is not limited to this. The charging device A1 may charge a moving body other than the electric vehicle 9. As other examples of this moving body, for example, other vehicles such as motorcycles (electric motorcycles, electric assist bicycles), ships, airplanes, or unmanned moving bodies such as automated guided vehicles and drones can be considered.

[0049] 〔Second Embodiment〕 FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the charging device A2 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, the same or similar elements as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment. The charging device A2 according to the second embodiment is different from the charging device A1 according to the first embodiment in that it does not include the switch 43.

[0050] In the charging device A2 according to this embodiment, the switch 43 is not arranged on the AC power line 41. When the V2V mode is selected, the AC power converted from DC power by the power conversion unit 21 and the AC power input from the power system are output from the charging cable 7 via the AC power line 41 and the branch AC power line 42.

[0051] Also in this embodiment, in the V2V mode, the charge / discharge unit 2 can convert the DC power input from the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 into AC power and output it to the AC power line 41. Further, the normal charging unit 3 can output the AC power input via the AC power line 41 and the branch AC power line 42 to the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7. Therefore, the charging device A2 can transfer power between electric vehicles 9 without outputting power to the power grid. Also, the charging device A2 has the same configuration as the charging device A1 and exhibits the same effects as the charging device A1.

[0052] 〔Third Embodiment〕 FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the charging device A3 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 6, the same or similar elements as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. The charging device A3 according to the third embodiment is different from the charging device A1 according to the first embodiment in that the charge / discharge unit 2, the normal charging unit 3, and the control unit 5 are each housed in a separate housing.

[0053] The charging device A3 according to this embodiment includes a housing 81 that houses the charge / discharge unit 2, a housing 82 that houses the normal charging unit 3, and a housing 83 that houses the control unit 5, respectively. The AC power line 41, the branch AC power line 42, and the switch 43 are arranged outside the respective housings 81 to 83.

[0054] Also in this embodiment, in the V2V mode, the charging and discharging unit 2 can convert the DC power input from the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 into AC power and output it to the AC power line 41. Further, the normal charging unit 3 can output the AC power input via the AC power line 41 and the branched AC power line 42 to the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7. Therefore, the charging device A3 can transfer power between the electric vehicles 9 without outputting power to the power grid. Also, the charging device A3 has the same configuration as the charging device A1 and exhibits the same effects as the charging device A1. Furthermore, since the charging device A3 can arrange the respective housings 81 to 83 separately, the degree of freedom in the layout is improved. Note that the charging device A3 may not include the housing 83, and the control unit 5 may be housed in the housing 81 or the housing 82. As understood from this embodiment, the arrangement configurations of the charging and discharging unit 2, the normal charging unit 3, and the control unit 5 are not limited in any way.

[0055] 〔Fourth Embodiment〕 FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the charging device A4 according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 7, the same or similar elements as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. The charging device A4 according to the fourth embodiment is different from the charging device A1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes power sensors for detecting the input and output powers of the charging and discharging unit 2 and the normal charging unit 3, respectively.

[0056] The charging device A4 according to this embodiment includes power sensors 86, 87, and a settlement unit 88. The power sensor 86 is arranged on the power line connecting the charging and discharging unit 2 and the charging cable 6, and detects the DC power input to the charging and discharging unit 2 and the DC power output from the charging and discharging unit 2. The power sensor 86 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the input and output powers of the charging and discharging unit 2 to the settlement unit 88. The power sensor 87 is arranged on the power line connecting the normal charging unit 3 and the charging cable 7, and detects the AC power output from the normal charging unit 3. The power sensor 87 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the output power of the normal charging unit 3 to the settlement unit 88.

[0057] When the V2V mode is selected, the settlement unit 88 detects the amount of discharged electric power from the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 based on the detection signal input from the power sensor 86, and calculates the consideration corresponding to the amount of discharged electric power. The settlement unit 88 performs a settlement process for paying the consideration corresponding to the amount of discharged electric power to the owner of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6. Also, the settlement unit 88 detects the amount of charged electric power to the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7 based on the detection signal input from the power sensor 87, and calculates the consideration corresponding to the amount of charged electric power. The settlement unit 88 performs a settlement process for receiving the consideration corresponding to the amount of charged electric power from the owner of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7. Note that the specific settlement process is not limited.

[0058] Also in this embodiment, in the V2V mode, the charge / discharge unit 2 can convert the DC power input from the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 into AC power and output it to the AC power line 41. Further, the normal charging unit 3 can output the AC power input via the AC power line 41 and the branch AC power line 42 to the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7. Therefore, the charging device A4 can transfer power between electric vehicles 9 without outputting power to the power grid. Also, the charging device A4 has the same effect as the charging device A1 due to the common configuration with the charging device A1. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the settlement unit 88 detects the amount of discharged electric power based on the detection signal input from the power sensor 86, and performs a settlement process for paying the consideration corresponding to the amount of discharged electric power to the owner of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6. Also, the settlement unit 88 detects the amount of charged electric power based on the detection signal input from the power sensor 87, and performs a settlement process for receiving the consideration corresponding to the amount of charged electric power from the owner of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 7. Therefore, the charging device A4 can perform settlement for each owner when the owners of the electric vehicle 9 are different on the discharge side and the charge side in the V2V mode.

[0059] The charging device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configuration of each part of the charging device according to the present invention can be freely designed and changed in various ways.

Explanation of Signs

[0060] A1 to A4: Charging device, 2: Charge and discharge unit, 3: Normal charging unit, 41: AC power line, 42: Branch AC power line, 43: Switch, 5: Control unit, 8: Housing, 86, 87: Power sensor, 88: Settlement unit, 9: Electric vehicle, 91: Battery

Claims

1. A charging device for charging a storage battery of an electric moving body that moves by driving an electric motor with the power of the storage battery, a charge and discharge unit that can be switched between a state of converting AC power input from a power system into DC power and outputting it to the electric moving body, and a state of converting DC power input from the electric moving body into AC power and outputting it to the power system; an AC power line connecting the power system and the charge and discharge unit; a branched AC power line branched from the AC power line; a normal charging unit to which the branched AC power line is connected and that can be switched between a state of outputting the AC power of the branched AC power line and a state of not outputting it; and comprising a charging device.

2. further comprising a control unit for controlling the charge and discharge unit and the normal charging unit, wherein the control unit causes the charge and discharge unit to convert DC power input from a connected first electric moving body into AC power, and causes the normal charging unit to output the AC power input via the AC power line and the branched AC power line to a connected second electric moving body in a V2V mode; in response to a command input from the outside, causes the charge and discharge unit to charge and discharge the first electric moving body in a V2G mode; and can be switched between the charging device according to Claim 1.

3. further comprising a switch disposed on the power system side of the branch point of the AC power line with the branched AC power line, wherein the control unit opens the switch in the V2V mode and closes the switch in the V2G mode, the charging device according to Claim 2.

4. a first power sensor for detecting the DC power input to the charge and discharge unit and the DC power output from the charge and discharge unit; A second power sensor that detects AC power output from the normal charging unit; In the V2V mode, a settlement unit that performs settlement for paying a consideration calculated based on the DC power detected by the first power sensor and settlement for receiving a consideration calculated based on the AC power detected by the second power sensor; further comprising; The charging device according to claim 2.

5. further comprising a common housing that houses the charge and discharge unit, the normal charging unit, the AC power line, and the branch AC power line; The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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