Information processing method, information processing device, and computer program

Abstract

To provide an information processing method, an information processing device, and a computer program that enable an electric vehicle to be shared by a plurality of users and to be appropriately charged.SOLUTION: In an information processing method, a computer connected to a charging device that executes charging a specific electric vehicle belonging to a facility acquires the charging rate of the electric vehicle each time the specific electric vehicle is disconnected from and reconnected to the charging device, and stores the relationship between the running period and the amount of power consumption of the electric vehicle, or the relationship between the running distance and the power consumption of the electric vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] Since electric vehicles such as electric automobiles require time for charging, it is important to plan utilization and charging. In Patent Document 1, when there is a road on which a charging device capable of charging during travel is arranged on the route from a home position such as home to a destination for an electric vehicle capable of wireless charging, a method of charging more efficiently using the charging device is disclosed.

[0003] Since the electric capacity of the storage battery provided in an electric vehicle is relatively large, technologies have been proposed to enable V2H (Vehicle to Home), V2B (Vehicle to Building), and V2G (Vehicle to Grid) that supply the power stored in the vehicle to loads in a facility, for example, in addition to driving the electric vehicle. A technology in which a charge / discharge device of an electric vehicle is used in combination with a power generation system has also been proposed (Patent Document 2). In this case, the charge / discharge device supplies surplus power to the electric vehicle for storage when there is a surplus of power in the power generation system, and controls to supply the power stored in the electric vehicle to the load when the power from the power generation system is insufficient for the load in the facility.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a system that includes such a power generation system and a charging / discharging device for an electric vehicle, and uses the electric vehicle as a storage battery, although the electric vehicle is used as a storage battery, originally the electric vehicle is prepared for traveling. The charging / discharging device needs to control charging / discharging so that the electric vehicle can be used when needed.

[0006] When a plurality of users share and use an electric vehicle, since it takes time to charge the electric vehicle, each of the plurality of users has to be careful so that the charging is completed by the time other users start using it.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and a computer program that enable appropriate charging while sharing an electric vehicle among a plurality of users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In the information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer connected to a charging device that executes charging of a specific electric vehicle belonging to a facility acquires the charging rate of the specific electric vehicle each time the specific electric vehicle detaches from the charging device and is reconnected, and stores the relationship between the traveling period and the power consumption amount of the electric vehicle, or the relationship between the traveling distance and the power consumption of the electric vehicle.

[0009] In the information processing method of the present disclosure, the charging rate before and after charging of a specific electric vehicle is obtained from at least a charging device that charges the specific electric vehicle and stored. Since the power consumption amount that can be calculated from the charging rate that has decreased during the period when the electric vehicle has detached from the charging device, that is, the traveling period of the specific electric vehicle, is stored, the power consumption amount can be predicted from the scheduled use period for the next use. When the traveling distance of the electric vehicle during the period when the specific electric vehicle has detached from the charging device can be obtained, since the power consumption amount that can be calculated from the traveling distance and the decrease in the charging rate is stored, the power consumption amount can be predicted from the scheduled traveling distance for the next use.

[0010] In the information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each time the computer departs from the charging device and travels, the charging rates before and after the travel are stored in association with the acquired date and time, and the power consumption per unit time may be derived based on the period specified by the date and time before and after the travel and the difference in the charging rates before and after the travel.

[0011] In the information processing method of the present disclosure, a period corresponding to the travel period can be determined based on the date and time before and after leaving the charging device of a specific electric vehicle, and the power consumption per unit time can be derived from the difference in the charging rates during that period. Thereby, the power consumption can be estimated from the length of the travel period.

[0012] In the information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the computer receives a reservation for using the specific electric vehicle together with the designation of the use start time and the use end time, calculates the reserved use period, estimates the power consumption during the calculated use period using the derived power consumption per unit time, predicts the charging rate at the use start time of the reservation based on the use schedule of the specific electric vehicle, and determines the feasibility of the reservation based on the estimated power consumption and the predicted charging rate.

[0013] In the information processing method of the present disclosure, since the power consumption per unit time can be derived, when the reserved use period is specified, the power consumption required during the reserved use period can be estimated, and based on the charging rate at the predicted use start time, it can be determined whether a reservation can be made. Thereby, based on the performance of a specific electric vehicle connected to the charging device, it is possible to notify whether it can be used at the time of reservation.

[0014] In the information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each time the specific electric vehicle detaches from the charging device and travels, the computer acquires the travel distance, calculates the power consumption amount when traveling the travel distance from the difference in the charging rate before and after traveling, derives the travel distance per unit power amount of the specific electric vehicle, and may store the travel distance per unit power amount as the relationship between the travel distance and the power consumption of the electric vehicle.

[0015] In the information processing method of the present disclosure, since the travel distance when the specific electric vehicle detaches from the charging device is acquired and stored, it is possible to derive the travel distance per unit power amount from the travel distance and the difference in the charging rate. As a result, the power consumption amount can be estimated from the length of the travel distance, and the travelable distance can be estimated from the remaining power amount.

[0016] In the information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the computer receives a reservation for using the specific electric vehicle together with the designation of the use start time, the use end time, and the destination, calculates the planned travel distance to the reserved destination, estimates the power consumption amount at the calculated planned travel distance using the derived travel distance per unit power amount, predicts the charging rate at the use start time of the reservation based on the use schedule of the specific electric vehicle, and may determine the availability of the reservation based on the estimated power consumption amount and the predicted charging rate.

[0017] In the information processing method of the present disclosure, since the travel distance per unit power amount can be derived, the power amount required for the travel of the reservation target can be estimated from the round-trip distance to the destination at the time of reservation, and it can be determined whether the reservation can be made using the charging rate at the predicted use start time. As a result, it is possible to notify at the time of reservation whether it can be used based on the performance of the specific electric vehicle connected to the charging device.

[0018] In the information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the computer determines that the reservation is unavailable, it may calculate a use start time at which the reservation is possible based on the estimated power consumption amount and the charging rate at the use start time of the reservation.

[0019] In the information processing method of the present disclosure, even if a reservation is not available, the time required until charging is completed can be calculated from the charging rate at the start time of the reservation use and the amount of electric power required for the reserved driving. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately balance the period of charging with the charging device and the period of use for driving.

[0020] In the information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the computer may predict the time distribution of the amount of electric power in the prediction target period of the storage battery mounted on the specific electric vehicle based on the usage schedule of the specific electric vehicle.

[0021] In the information processing method of the present disclosure, the time distribution of the remaining amount of electric power in the storage battery of the electric vehicle can be predicted from the usage schedule based on the received reservation. As a result, it is possible to predict the time zone that can be used as a storage destination for surplus electric power from the power generation system connected to the charging device, and conversely, the time zone that can use the storage battery of the electric vehicle as a power source capable of providing power to the load from the charging device. It is possible to balance between the period of using the electric vehicle for driving and the period of charging and discharging the storage battery of the electric vehicle.

[0022] In the information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the computer acquires the charging rate of the specific electric vehicle via the charging device to which the specific electric vehicle is connected.

[0023] In the information processing method of the present disclosure, the computer acquires the charging rate from the charging device to which the electric vehicle is connected for charging. The charging device needs to acquire the charging rate from the electric vehicle for charging control, and the computer can acquire it from the charging device even if it does not have means for separately communicating with the electric vehicle to acquire the charging rate.

[0024] An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to a charging device that charges a specific electric vehicle belonging to a facility, and is an information processing apparatus that processes information related to charging the specific electric vehicle. Each time the specific electric vehicle is disconnected from the charging device and reconnected, the charging rate of the electric vehicle is acquired, and a processing unit is provided that executes a process of storing the relationship between the driving period and the power consumption of the electric vehicle, or the relationship between the driving distance and the power consumption of the electric vehicle.

[0025] In the information processing apparatus of the present disclosure, the charging rate before and after charging of a specific electric vehicle is obtained and stored from a charging device that performs at least charging on the specific electric vehicle. Since the power consumption that can be calculated from the charging rate that has decreased during the period when the vehicle was disconnected from the charging device, that is, the driving period of the specific electric vehicle, is stored, the power consumption can be predicted from the scheduled usage period for the next use. When the driving distance of the electric vehicle during the period when the specific electric vehicle was disconnected from the charging device can be acquired, the power consumption that can be calculated from the driving distance and the decrease in the charging rate is stored, so that the power consumption can be predicted from the planned driving distance for the next use.

[0026] A computer program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer connected to a charging device that charges a specific electric vehicle belonging to a facility to acquire the charging rate of the specific electric vehicle each time the specific electric vehicle is disconnected from the charging device and reconnected, and execute a process of storing the relationship between the driving period and the power consumption of the electric vehicle, or the relationship between the driving distance and the power consumption of the electric vehicle.

[0027] In the computer program of the present disclosure, charging rates before and after charging of a specific electric vehicle are obtained from a charging device that performs at least charging on the specific electric vehicle, and are stored. Since the power consumption amount that can be calculated from the charging rate that has decreased during the period of being detached from the charging device, that is, during the driving period of the specific electric vehicle, is stored, the power consumption amount can be predicted from the scheduled usage period for the next use. When the driving distance of the electric vehicle during the period when the specific electric vehicle is detached from the charging device can be obtained, since the power consumption amount that can be calculated from the driving distance and the decrease in the charging rate is stored, the power consumption amount can be predicted from the scheduled driving distance for the next use.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to appropriately charge and use while sharing electric vehicles.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] The present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing its embodiments. In the following embodiments, a power management system using an electric vehicle to which the present disclosure is applied will be described.

[0031] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power management system 100. The power management system 100 is provided in a facility such as an office, a factory, a store, or a public facility. The power management system 100 includes a plurality of electric vehicles V, a power management device 1, a charge / discharge device 2, a power generation system 3, electrical equipment 4, a server device 6, and a client device 7.

[0032] The electric vehicle V is used by employees, staff, etc. of the facility, and is parked in a dedicated area of the facility's parking lot. The charge / discharge device 2 is installed in the dedicated area according to the number of electric vehicles V. The charge / discharge device 2 is connected to the distribution board 5 via a power line PL and performs charging and discharging of the electric vehicle V. The charge / discharge device 2 can acquire data on the charging rate of the in-vehicle battery VB from the electric vehicle V.

[0033] The charge / discharge device 2 is connected to the power generation system 3, the power grid E, and the electrical equipment 4 via the facility's distribution board 5 and the power line PL. The charge / discharge device 2 can charge the electric vehicle V using the power generation system 3 or the power grid E as a power source. The power source may be a DC power grid instead of the power grid E. The charge / discharge device 2 can discharge the battery VB of the electric vehicle V to charge the electrical equipment 4.

[0034] The power generation system 3 includes a solar panel 31 and a power conditioner 32. The power conditioner of the power generation system 3 transmits and receives the power generation amount, status data, etc. to and from the power management device 1, and outputs the generated power or stops the power generation according to the instructions from the power management device 1. The power source of the power generation system 3 is not limited to sunlight, and may be wind power, wave power, or geothermal energy.

[0035] The electrical equipment 4 is an electrical load provided within the facility. The electrical equipment 4 includes the lighting of the facility, the air conditioning equipment of the facility, the cooking facilities of the facility, etc. The electrical equipment 4 uses any one of the power grid E, the power generation system 3, and the battery VB of the electric vehicle V connected via the distribution board 5 as a power source under the control of the power management device 1. The on / off state of the electrical equipment 4 can be referenced from the power management device 1.

[0036] A power management device 1 is provided in a distribution board 5 to which a charge / discharge device 2, a power generation system 3, a power system E, and electrical equipment 4 are connected. The power management device 1 is communicably connected to the charge / discharge device 2, the power generation system 3, and the electrical equipment 4 via a communication line CL. The power management device 1 can acquire, via the communication line CL, data on the charging rate of the storage battery VB of the electric vehicle V, data on the charging power or the discharging power from the charge / discharge device 2, and data on the generated power from the power generation system 3. The power management device 1 can detect the on / off state of the electrical equipment 4 in the facility and can control the on / off. Via the communication line CL, the power management device 1 can instruct the charge / discharge device 2 to distribute power from the power generation system 3 or the power system E to the electrical equipment 4, supply power from the power generation system 3 or the power system E to the electric vehicle V, and supply power from the electric vehicle V to the electrical equipment 4. The power management device 1 may be provided outside the power management system 100 as a server device.

[0037] The power management device 1 is connected to a network N. The network N includes a public communication network N1 which is a so-called Internet, a carrier network N2, and each local network N3. The local network N3 is a wired and / or wireless network laid in the facility. The power management device 1 can transmit and receive data to and from a server device 6 via the network N. The server device 6 can transmit and receive data to and from a client device 7 used by a staff member via the network N.

[0038] The server device 6 functions as a Web server that outputs information on the power of the facility in a Web-based manner for the administrator of the facility or the staff of the facility in the power management system 100. The server device 6 may be implemented as a part of the power management device 1. The server device 6 can visualize and output the power usage status of the facility to the client device 7 associated with the account given to the staff of the facility or the like. Further, the server device 6 can accept a reservation for the use of the electric vehicle V shared by the staff of the facility and output the reservation result to the client device 7 as a Web page.

[0039] In the power management system 100 configured as described above, the power management device 1 controls charging the battery VB of the connected electric vehicle V, discharging from the battery VB of the electric vehicle V to the electrical equipment 4, etc., according to the power generation amount by the power generation system 3 in the facility and the state of the electrical equipment 4. In addition, the server device 6 of the present disclosure executes a process of outputting to the client device 7 a page that proposes adjusting the usage schedule of the electric vehicle V by the facility staff or the like so that the electric vehicle V is in a usable state.

[0040] Hereinafter, the adjustment process of the usage schedule of the electric vehicle V by the power management device 1 will be described.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power management device 1. As described above, the power management device 1 is installed in the distribution board 5 of the facility and executes a process of managing the power of the facility.

[0042] The power management device 1 includes a processing unit 10, a storage unit 11, a first communication unit 12, a second communication unit 13, a display unit 14, and an operation unit 15.

[0043] The processing unit 10 is a processor using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The processing unit 10 may be a programmable logic controller. The processing unit 10 uses memories such as a built-in ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) to control each component and execute processes. The processing unit 10 may be configured as a single hardware (SoC: System On a Chip) integrating a processor, a memory, a communication device, etc. The processing unit 10 exchanges data with the charge / discharge device 2, the power generation system 3, the server device 6, and an external server based on the control program stored in the storage unit 11 and executes processes related to power management.

[0044] The storage unit 11 uses a non-volatile storage medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) to store programs and data referred to by the processing unit 10. The storage unit 11 stores a control program related to power management.

[0045] The first communication unit 12 is a communication device that realizes communication with the charging and discharging device 2 and the power generation system 3 via the communication line CL. The first communication unit 12 uses a network card for wired communication, a wireless communication device for carrier communication, or a LAN device. The processing unit 10 can be communicatively connected to the charging and discharging device 2 or the power generation system 3 via the communication line CL by the first communication unit 12. The first communication unit 12 is a communication device corresponding to ECHONET / ECHONETLite (registered trademark). The first communication unit 12 may be a communication device corresponding to a communication line CL compliant with Ethernet (registered trademark), or may realize communication by PLC. The first communication unit 12 may be a wireless communication device corresponding to WiFi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or carrier communication.

[0046] The second communication unit 13 is a communication device that realizes data exchange with the server device 6 or other services via the network N. The second communication unit 13 is a network card compliant with Ethernet (registered trademark). The second communication unit 13 may be a wireless LAN device or a wireless communication device for carrier communication.

[0047] The display unit 14 uses a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 14 displays information on surplus power by processing based on the information processing program P1 of the processing unit 10. The display unit 14 may be a display with a built-in touch panel or a display without a built-in touch panel.

[0048] The operation unit 15 is a user interface. The operation unit 15 is a touch panel of the display unit 14 or physical buttons. The operation unit 15 may recognize an instruction from voice using the voice input unit. The operation unit 15 notifies the processing unit 10 of the operation information.

[0049] The display unit 14 and the operation unit 15 are not essential, and the client device 7 described later may function as a device that outputs the result of the processing by the power management device 1.

[0050] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server device 6. The server device 6 includes a processing unit 60, a storage unit 61, and a communication unit 62. In the following description of the server device 6, it is described as one server computer, but it may be configured to be distributed among a plurality of computers according to the content of processing, function, etc.

[0051] The processing unit 60 is a processor using a CPU and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processing unit 60 uses memories such as built-in ROM and RAM to control each component and execute processing. The processing unit 60 may be configured as one piece of hardware (SOC) integrating a processor, a memory, a communication device, etc. The processing unit 60 exchanges data with the power management device 1 based on the Web server program stored in the storage unit 61, and creates and outputs a Web page referred to from the client device 7.

[0052] The storage unit 61 uses a non-volatile storage medium such as an SSD or a hard disk to store programs and data that the processing unit 60 refers to. The storage unit 61 stores, in addition to the Web server program, an information processing program (program product) P6. The storage unit 61 stores, in addition to the Web server program, setting data for outputting a Web page, image data, and the like. The processing unit 60 can appropriately create a Web page for the client device 7 using the setting data and image data of the Web page stored in the storage unit 61. The storage unit 61 stores an account and authentication data assigned to facility staff and the like, performs authentication for logins from the accounts of the staff and the like, and outputs a Web page indicating facility information to the client device 7 used by the authenticated staff and the like.

[0053] The information processing program P6 stored in the storage unit 61 may be one that the processing unit 60 reads out, duplicates, and installs the information processing program P9 stored in the storage medium 9. The information processing program P6 may be one that the processing unit 60 downloads from a program server (not shown), stores in the storage unit 61, and installs.

[0054] The storage unit 61 stores data for identifying each of the charge / discharge device 2, power generation system 3, electrical equipment 4, and electric vehicle V belonging to the facility of the power management system 100. The electrical equipment 4 may be identified not individually but for each group branched at the distribution board 5.

[0055] The storage unit 61 stores, in association with the identification data of the electric vehicle V, the account of the staff using the electric vehicle V and the usage date and time as a usage schedule. The usage schedule includes a planned schedule for future schedules and an actual schedule for past schedules.

[0056] The storage unit 61 stores, in an associative manner with the identification data of the electrical equipment 4 provided in the facility, data indicating the location of the electrical equipment 4 within the facility, data indicating the power consumption, and status data including on / off states, in a sequentially updatable manner. The storage unit 61 stores, in an associative manner with the identification data of a plurality of charging / discharging devices 2 provided to enable simultaneous charging of a plurality of electric vehicles V, status data including charge / discharge availability, in a sequentially updatable manner. The storage unit 61 stores, in an associative manner with vehicle identification data for identifying a plurality of electric vehicles V, status data including whether the vehicle is parked in a dedicated area of the parking lot and the state of charge (SOC), based on notifications from the charging / discharging device 2.

[0057] For each facility, the storage unit 61 acquires, via the power management device 1, actual data on the power generation amount (power generation actual data) from the power generation system 3, and stores it in association with the year and month. The power generation actual data may be stored in association with the date and time and weather information (weather, sunshine duration, temperature), or may be stored as average data for each year and month. The power generation actual data may be stored in the storage unit 11 of the power management device 1 for each facility. When the processing unit 60 acquires the power generation amount from the power generation system 3, it stores it in the storage unit 61 for each unit period (e.g., 1 hour, 1 day). The processing unit 60 may calculate statistics at intervals such as one week or one month, and store the statistical values (average, median, mode, outlier removed) in the storage unit 61.

[0058] The storage unit 61 acquires, via the power management device 1, actual data on the power consumption amount (power consumption actual data) of the electrical equipment 4 within the facility, and stores it in association with the year, month, and day. The power consumption actual data may be stored in association with the date and time and weather information (weather, temperature). The power consumption actual data may be stored in the storage unit 11 of the power management device 1 for each facility. The storage unit 61 may store the time distribution of the difference between the power generation amount and the power consumption amount of the electrical equipment 4 as actual data on the difference between demand and supply.

[0059] The storage unit 61 acquires the charging record of the storage battery VB of the electric vehicle V, the discharging record from the storage battery VB, and the usage record for the running of the electric vehicle V via the charge / discharge device 2 and the power management device 1, and stores them in association with the date of year, month, and day (usage record data). The usage record may be associated not only with the date of year, month, and day but also with time information. The usage record data includes the data of the charging rate at the start point of charging or discharging. The usage record data may include the data of the amount of electric power and the data of the charging / discharging speed during charging / discharging. The storage unit 61 acquires the driving distance and driving time for each round from the start to the end of driving in association with the vehicle identification data for identifying each electric vehicle V via a communication device, a navigation device, etc. mounted on the electric vehicle V, and stores them in addition to the usage record data in association with the date of year, month, and day.

[0060] The communication unit 62 is a communication device that realizes communication with the power management device 1 via the network N. The communication unit 62 is a network card compliant with Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication unit 62 may be a wireless LAN device or a wireless communication device for carrier communication, as long as it can communicate with the power management device 1.

[0061] The power management device 1 and the server device 6 are described as different devices in the following description, but it is advisable to appropriately select which device executes which process for the power management function and other functions. When the power management device 1 uses a server computer instead of a small computer provided in the distribution board 5, the power management device 1 executes the processes described below, and the server device 6 may not exist. When the power management device 1 is configured as a large server and controls the power distribution in the charge / discharge devices 2, the power generation systems 3, and the electrical devices 4 belonging to each of a plurality of facilities, it may be integrated with the server device 6.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the client device 7. The client device 7 is a laptop or desktop personal computer. The client device 7 may also be a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The client device 7 includes a processing unit 70, a storage unit 71, a communication unit 72, a display unit 73, an operation unit 74, and an audio input / output unit 75.

[0063] The processing unit 70 is a processor using a CPU and / or a GPU. The processing unit 70 uses memories such as built-in ROM and RAM, controls each component, and executes processing. The processing unit 70 may be configured as a single piece of hardware (SoC) integrating a processor, a memory, and the communication unit 72 described later. Based on the web browser program stored in the storage unit 71, the processing unit 70 displays the web page provided by the server device 6 on the display unit 73.

[0064] The storage unit 71 uses non-volatile memories such as a hard disk, a flash memory, and an SSD. The storage unit 71 stores the web browser program and data that the processing unit 70 refers to. Account data of the staff of the facility using the client device 7 may be stored in the storage unit 71.

[0065] The communication unit 72 is a communication device that realizes communication via the network N. The communication unit 72 is, for example, a network card corresponding to the network N. The communication unit 72 may be one that realizes wireless communication. The processing unit 70 can transmit and receive data to and from the power management device 1 via the communication unit 72.

[0066] The display unit 73 is a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The operation unit 74 is a user interface such as a keyboard and a mouse capable of input and output with the processing unit 70. The operation unit 74 may be a touch panel built in the display unit 73. The operation unit 74 may be a physical button, or the operation unit 74 may be the audio input / output unit 75 including a microphone.

[0067] The audio input / output unit 75 uses a speaker and a microphone. The audio input / output unit 75 outputs audio based on the audio signal output from the processing unit 70. The audio input / output unit 75 outputs the input audio signal to the processing unit 70. The processing unit 70 can create audio data by A / D converting the input audio signal.

[0068] In the power management system 100 configured as described above, the processing procedure for accumulating the usage record data of the electric vehicle V executed by the server device 6 and the processing procedure for proposing the adjustment of the usage schedule to the client device 7 will be described with reference to the flowchart.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the storage processing procedure of the usage record of the electric vehicle V. The processing unit 60 periodically executes the following processing when a cycle arrives, an operation to disconnect the electric vehicle V from the charging / discharging device 2 is performed, or charging / discharging is switched.

[0070] The processing unit 60 of the server device 6 selects one piece of vehicle identification data of the electric vehicle V used in the facility (step S601). In step S601, if there is only one electric vehicle V used in the facility, the processing unit 60 selects only one, and if there are multiple electric vehicles, it selects them one by one in order.

[0071] The processing unit 60 determines whether the selected electric vehicle V with the vehicle identification data is connected to the charging / discharging device 2 (step S602). Each time the charging / discharging device 2 is connected to the electric vehicle V or disconnected from the electric vehicle V, it notifies the power management device 1 by specifying the vehicle identification data of the connected electric vehicle V. In step S602, the processing unit 60 of the server device 6 may periodically inquire the power management device 1 so as to obtain the charging rate when the power management device 1 receives the notification, or may receive the notification from the power management device 1.

[0072] When it is determined that the electric vehicle V with the selected vehicle identification data is connected to the charging and discharging device 2 (S602: YES), the processing unit 60 acquires the charging rate of the storage battery VB of the electric vehicle V connected to the charging and discharging device 2 from the charging and discharging device 2 via the power management device 1 (step S603). In step S603, the processing unit 60 acquires, via the power management device 1, the charging rate that the charging and discharging device 2 periodically acquires from the electric vehicle V. The power management device 1 acquires data such as charging power, current value, and discharging power from the charging and discharging device 2 in addition to the charging rate, and the server device 6 can acquire these data.

[0073] The processing unit 60 associates the charging rate of the storage battery VB of the electric vehicle V acquired in step S603 with the selected vehicle identification data and stores it as usage record data of the electric vehicle V (step S604). In step S604, the processing unit 60 identifies whether the electric vehicle V is charging or discharging while connected to the charging and discharging device 2, and sequentially stores the charging rate that changes over time.

[0074] The processing unit 60 determines whether all the vehicle identification data of the electric vehicles V used in the facility have been selected (step S605). If it is determined that all have been selected (S605: YES), the processing unit 60 ends the process. The processing unit 60 starts the process again from step S601 when a period arrives, an operation for the electric vehicle V to disconnect from the charging and discharging device 2 is performed, the charging and discharging are switched, etc.

[0075] In step S605, if it is determined that not all have been selected (S605: NO), the processing unit 60 returns the process to step S601 to select the next vehicle identification data.

[0076] In step S602, when it is determined that the electric vehicle V with the selected vehicle identification data is not connected to the charging and discharging device 2 (S602: NO), the processing unit 60 determines that the electric vehicle V with the selected vehicle identification data is being used for driving, refers to the usage schedule of the target electric vehicle V from the storage unit 61, and specifies the destination or the current position (step S606). In step S606, when the processing unit 60 can sequentially obtain position information from a communication device, a navigation device, etc. mounted on the electric vehicle V, the current position may be specified.

[0077] In step S606, while the electric vehicle V is being used for driving, if the charging rate at each time point of the electric vehicle V can be obtained via the communication device mounted on the electric vehicle V, the transition of the charging rate may be acquired during driving and added to the usage record data. When the charging rate is provided from the battery management unit in the electric vehicle V during driving, when the electric vehicle V returns after the completion of the usage scheduled period and is reconnected to the charging and discharging device 2, the prediction of the charging rate may be corrected to estimate the time required for charging, enabling the adjustment of other schedules. For example, when the processing unit 60 of the server device 6 can estimate from the usage schedule that the unconnected electric vehicle V is scheduled to drive for 2 hours and is driving, the following processing may be performed. Suppose the processing unit 60 obtains from the usage schedule that the charging rate is scheduled to be reconnected at 30% after 2 hours, and the charging rate of the target electric vehicle V during departure (while driving, away from home) has already reached 25%. In this case, the processing unit 60 may automatically reschedule to preferentially charge so that at least 5% of the charging rate increases when the target electric vehicle V returns and is reconnected, or may notify the user of the schedule change.

[0078] The processing unit 60 stores the data of the destination or the current position specified in step S606 as the usage record data of the electric vehicle V (step S607), and advances the processing to step S605.

[0079] As a result, the usage record data of the electric vehicle V is stored in the storage unit 61. FIG. 6 shows an example of the content of the usage record data stored in the storage unit 61. As shown in FIG. 6, the usage record data includes the time-series transition of the charging rate while connected to the charging and discharging device 2 in association with the vehicle identification data of the electric vehicle V, and the destination while the vehicle is in motion and detached from the charging and discharging device 2. Thus, for each electric vehicle V, the charging rate immediately before detachment from the charging and discharging device 2, the charging rate when returning and reconnecting to the charging and discharging device 2 again, and the charging rate that changes due to charging and discharging are stored and can be referred to.

[0080] In FIG. 6, for example, the electric vehicle V with the vehicle identification data "EV-001" is stored as being connected to the charging and discharging device 2 at "20230808 08:00" and not in any state of charging, discharging, or driving until "20230808 09:30". In the example of FIG. 6, the electric vehicle V with "EV-001" is used for driving from "20230808 09:30" to "20230808 11:30", and the position data is stored. The position data may be longitude and latitude data, data indicating the relative position from a facility, or data of the driving distance obtained via a communication device. The electric vehicle V with the vehicle identification data "EV-001" is stored as being connected to the charging and discharging device 2 from "20230808 11:30" to "20230808 13:00" and having been charged. The charging rate that had decreased from "82[%]" to "64[%]" due to driving has increased after being charged using the surplus power during the day. The electric vehicle V with the vehicle identification data "EV-001" is then used for driving again from "20230808 13:00" to "20230808 15:30", and the position data is stored. The charging rate has decreased to "48[%]" due to driving.

[0081] In FIG. 6, in another example, the electric vehicle V with vehicle identification data "EV-002" was connected to the charging and discharging device 2 at "20230808 08:00" and remained connected to the charging and discharging device 2 until "20230808 12:00", but it was recorded that it was not in any state of charging, discharging, or traveling. At "20230808 12:00", using the surplus power during the day, it was charged and the charging rate increased from "84[%]" to "88[%]". The electric vehicle V with vehicle identification data "EV-002" was then used for traveling from "20230808 12:30" to "20230808 15:00", and the position data was recorded. The charging rate decreased to "70[%]" due to traveling.

[0082] In FIG. 6, in another example, the electric vehicle V with vehicle identification data "EV-003" was connected to the charging and discharging device 2 almost all day on "20230808", but it was recorded that it was not in any state of charging, discharging, or traveling. Then, the electric vehicle V with "EV-003" was charged using the surplus power during the day, and the charging rate increased from "80[%]" to "96[%]". The electric vehicle V with vehicle identification data "EV-003" was then discharged in response to the load peak from "20230808 14:30", and the charging rate decreased to "86[%]".

[0083] Thereby, it becomes possible to more accurately estimate the next power consumption amount from the record of the individual power consumption amounts of the electric vehicle V. Also, by sequentially storing instead of using a specification database, it becomes possible to cope with the change amount of the charging rate along with the individual aging deterioration of the storage battery VB.

[0084] The usage record data shown in FIG. 6 stores the acquired data as it is, but it is not limited to this. The server device 6 may calculate and store the average of the change amount of the charging rate per predetermined time of the charging rate or the average of the change amount of the charging rate per driving distance in units such as weekly, monthly, and seasonally.

[0085] Next, an explanation will be given regarding the adjustment of the usage schedule of the electric vehicle V based on the usage result data stored in the storage unit 61 by the above-described processing.

[0086] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in which the server device 6 proposes an adjustment. In a state where the server device 6 causes the client device 7 to display a Web page showing the usage schedule of the electric vehicle V, when a reservation menu on the Web page is selected by the client device 7, the following processing is started.

[0087] The processing unit 60 of the server device 6 accepts the designation of the identification data of the electric vehicle V to be reserved (step S101). The processing unit 60 reads out the data of the usage schedule of the electric vehicle V stored in the storage unit 61 (step S102).

[0088] The processing unit 60 accepts the input of reservation data including the start time and the end time on the Web page displayed by the client device 7 (step S103). In step S103, when the start time and the end time of the reservation data input in step S103 overlap with the usage schedule read in step S102, the processing unit 60 outputs an error and prompts the user to re-make the reservation.

[0089] The processing unit 60 determines the length of the usage period from the reservation data received in step S103 (step S104), and estimates the amount of power consumed during the determined length of use for the target electric vehicle V based on the usage record data shown in FIG. 6 (step S105). In step S105, the processing unit 60 may calculate the difference in the decrease in the charging rate from the start time to the end time of the reservation data, or may calculate the amount of power [kW]. In step S105, the processing unit 60 determines the amount of power consumed in the determined length from the usage record data of the target electric vehicle V based on the identification data received in step S101. For example, if the processing unit 60 has a record that the charging rate of the target electric vehicle V has changed from 60% to 40% during 2 hours of use in the past, and the length determined in step S104 is 1 hour, it calculates "10% decrease" (=(60[%] - 40[%]) × 1 [hour] / 2 [hours]). In step S105, the processing unit 60 may adjust the amount of power consumed based on the difference between the weather or temperature in the usage record data and the weather forecast or temperature forecast for the usage period. For example, when the temperature difference increases by 10°C, the processing unit 60 adjusts it to 1.25 times, etc.

[0090] In step S105, the processing unit 60 may calculate and estimate from the usage record data as described above on the assumption that the decrease rate and the usage time are proportional, or may estimate based on the tendency of the decrease in the amount of power as follows. For example, the processing unit 60 estimates the amount of power for an electric vehicle V having the usage record data as shown below. 09:00 - 17:00, 8 hours, decrease in charging rate: 40% 08:00 - 18:00, 10 hours, decrease in charging rate: 40% 13:00 - 17:00, 4 hours, decrease in charging rate: 20% 09:00 - 18:00, 9 hours, decrease in charging rate: 40% 10:00 - 15:00, 5 hours, decrease in charging rate: 25% 08:00 - 19:00, 11 hours, decrease in charging rate: 40% From the above usage performance data, when the length of the usage period is 8 hours or more, the processing unit 60 can learn that even if there are differences in the length of the usage period, the charging rate tends to only decrease by 40%. Conversely, when the length of the usage period is less than 8 hours, it can learn that the decrease in the charging rate is 5% per hour. Therefore, for the target electric vehicle V, when reservation data with a scheduled usage period of 10 hours is received, the processing unit 60 determines that the amount of power consumption will be reduced by 40% instead of 50% (5 (the rate of decrease in the charging rate per hour) × 10 [hours]). The method for estimating the power consumption based on the usage performance data may also be a method based on statistical learning or a method based on learning using a neural network, among others.

[0091] The processing unit 60 uses the scheduled start time included in the reservation data in step S103 and predicts, by calculation, the charging rate of the target electric vehicle V at the start time from the usage schedule read in step S102 (step S106).

[0092] The processing unit 60 compares the charging rate predicted in step S106 with the power consumption estimated in step S105 and determines whether the target electric vehicle V can be used over the scheduled usage period (step S107). In step S107, the processing unit 60 determines, for example, whether the charging rate predicted in step S106 is equal to or greater than the value obtained by adding the margin to the power consumption estimated in step S105 (the difference in the decrease in the charging rate). Specifically, when the charging rate calculated in step S106 is 50%, the power consumption is 10%, and the margin is 30%, the processing unit 60 can determine that the charging rate of 50% is 40 (= 10 + 30)% or more.

[0093] In step S107, if it is determined that use is possible over the scheduled usage period (S107: YES), the processing unit 60 approves the reservation received in step S103 and stores the reservation data as a usage schedule (step S108). The processing unit 60 outputs the reservation result to the client device 7 (step S109) and ends the process. In step S109, the processing unit 60 may calculate the charging rate predicted in step S106 and the length of the period during which use is possible from the start time of the reservation based on the charging rate, and output them together with the reservation result. For example, the processing unit 60 outputs that the charging rate predicted at the start time of the reservation data is 50% and use is possible until 3 hours later.

[0094] In step S107, if it is determined that use is impossible over the scheduled usage period (S107: NO), the processing unit 60 calculates the time when use becomes possible using the usage history data (step S110). In step S110, the processing unit 60 calculates the time required for the charging rate predicted in step S106 to increase to a value corresponding to the length of the scheduled usage period. The processing unit 60 determines that the electric vehicle V can be charged only when surplus power is generated based on the consumption history data and the power generation history data, and may skip the calculation of the time when use becomes possible if it is predicted that no surplus power will be generated during the target time period. The processing unit 60 may skip the calculation of the time when use becomes possible for the time period during which it is determined that the electric vehicle V should be connected to the charging / discharging device 2 because of the peak load from the electrical equipment 4 based on the consumption history data and the power generation history data. The processing unit 60 adds the calculated time to the start time of the reservation data to calculate the time when use becomes possible.

[0095] The processing unit 60 disapproves the reservation received in step S103 and outputs to the client device 7 that use is possible after the time calculated in step S110 (step S111), and ends the process.

[0096] As a result, on the display unit 73 of the client device 7 operated by the facility staff, if the reservation is available based on the input reservation data, the reservation result is output, and if the reservation is not available, the time when the reservation is possible is presented. If the reservation is not possible, the staff of the client device 7 re-enters the reservation data at the presented time if it is acceptable. Thereby, the facility staff can use the electric vehicle V of the facility for driving without trouble and also use it as a storage battery for storing the surplus power of the power generation system 3.

[0097] In addition to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 7, when the charging rate at the start time of the reservation data is insufficient for the amount of power expected to be consumed over the reserved usage period, the processing unit 60 of the server device 6 may notify the power management device 1 to charge the electric vehicle V in advance so that the charging rate can be kept higher than the required amount by the start time. The usage schedule of the electric vehicle V may be notified to the staff of the reserved account to prompt a review.

[0098] The above-described processing procedure will be specifically described with reference to the operation screen in the client device 7. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule management screen 630 provided by the server device 6. As shown in FIG. 8, the schedule management screen 630 represents the staff's schedule in text or image on the calendar based on the account (for example, staff ID: 12345) of the staff using the client device 7. The schedule management screen 630 includes a menu 631 associated with a link to a page for checking and setting the usage schedule of the electric vehicle V, similar to a conference room that the staff can use at the staff's facility.

[0099] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a usage schedule screen 632 of the electric vehicle V. The usage schedule screen 632 in FIG. 9 is displayed when a request to display the usage schedule of the electric vehicle V is transmitted from the client device 7 to the server device 6 and displayed after the menu 631 in FIG. 8 is selected.

[0100] The usage schedule screen 632 includes, for each electric vehicle V belonging to the target facility on the target business day, a strip-shaped graphic 633 corresponding to the scheduled usage time along the time axis on the time axis. In the usage schedule screen 632 of FIG. 9, among the four electric vehicles V, it is shown that the first electric vehicle V is reserved from 09:00 to 13:00, and the second electric vehicle V is reserved from 13:00 to 18:30.

[0101] FIG. 10 is another view showing an example of the usage schedule screen 632 of the electric vehicle V. The usage schedule screen 632 of FIG. 10 shows an example of being updated at the timing when a new reservation is input by designating the first electric vehicle V with respect to the screen example shown in FIG. 9. The usage schedule screen 632 of FIG. 10 shows an example of being displayed when a staff member uses the client device 7 to specify the reservation for the first electric vehicle V from the start time of 13:00 to 17:00.

[0102] A message screen 634 is superimposed and displayed on the usage schedule screen 632 of FIG. 10. The message screen 634 includes text indicating that a reservation cannot be made as a result of being determined by the server device 6 to be unavailable for use during the scheduled usage period, that the charging rate is insufficient at the start time of the reservation, and the time when it becomes available.

[0103] In the example of FIG. 10, even if the first electric vehicle V is charged up to 85% at 9:00, when it is used for 4 hours as reserved from 9:00 to 13:00, according to the usage record data, it is predicted that the charge rate will decrease by 40% from 9:00 and become 45% (S106). The processing unit 10 estimates that it will decrease by 40% during the 4-hour usage scheduled period from the start time 13:00 to the end time 17:00 of the new reservation (S105). The processing unit 60 determines that the predicted charge rate of 45% at the start time 13:00 is less than 70% (30 + 40) required considering the margin of 30%, and determines that it is not usable (S107: NO). The processing unit 60 calculates the times 15:00 and 13:30 when it becomes usable, assuming that the time required to charge up to 70% where it becomes usable is about 2 hours for normal charging to increase by 25%, and at most 30 minutes for rapid charging (S110).

[0104] Thereby, the facility staff can be convinced and decide whether to switch to using another available electric vehicle V or use it after the time when it becomes available. In the first embodiment, even if the actual driving distance cannot be obtained from the electric vehicle V, the amount of power used can be estimated and used from the record of the charge rate obtained from the charge / discharge device 2 and the length of the next reservation period. Thereby, it is possible to operate the electric vehicle V as a storage destination for surplus power of the power generation system 3 or to cut the load peak of the facility electrical equipment 4 without hindering the use of the electric vehicle V for driving.

[0105] (Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, the electricity cost (driving distance per unit amount of power) is calculated, stored, and used for each condition from the charge rate of the electric vehicle V acquired each time it is connected to the charge / discharge device 2.

[0106] The configuration of the power management system 100 of the second embodiment is similar to the configuration of the power management system 100 of the first embodiment, except for the processing procedure by the server device 6. Therefore, among the configuration of the power management system 100 of the second embodiment, the components common to the configuration of the power management system 100 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0107] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a storage process procedure for the usage record of the electric vehicle V of the second embodiment. Among the process procedures shown in Fig. 11, steps common to the process procedures shown in Fig. 5 of the first embodiment are given the same step numbers and detailed explanations are omitted. The processing unit 60 periodically executes the following process when a period arrives, an operation is performed to disconnect the electric vehicle V from the charging / discharging device 2, or charging / discharging is switched, etc.

[0108] In the second embodiment, the processing unit 60 of the server device 6 executes the following process when it is determined that the target electric vehicle V is connected to the charging / discharging device 2 (S602: YES), and the charging rate is acquired (S603) and stored (S604). The processing unit 60 determines whether or not the electric vehicle V has been used for traveling until recently (step S621). In step S621, the processing unit 60 refers to the past usage record data for the electric vehicle V of the selected vehicle identification data, and if it was determined in the previous process that the electric vehicle V was not connected to the charging / discharging device 2, it determines that the electric vehicle V has been used for traveling.

[0109] In step S621, when it is determined that the vehicle has not been used for traveling until recently (S621: NO), the processing unit 60 advances the process directly to step S605.

[0110] In step S621, if it is determined that it has been used for the most recent driving (S621: YES), the processing unit 60 calculates the power consumption [kWh] from the difference between the charging rate obtained in step S603 and the charging rate obtained before driving based on the charging rate and the usage record data (step S622). The processing unit 60 obtains the driving distance during which it has been used for the most recent driving from the destination data, the driving distance data as it is, etc. (step S623), and calculates the driving distance (electricity cost) per unit power amount [1 kWh] [km / kWh] (step S624). The processing unit 60 obtains the temperature at the time of driving (step S625), and stores the driving distance and the calculated electricity cost by temperature zone or season (step S626). In step S625, the processing unit 60 may obtain and update the average of the electricity costs calculated for the target electric vehicle V. The processing unit 60 advances the process to step S605.

[0111] In the second embodiment, in step S604, the processing unit 60 only needs to store the most recent charging rate, and it is not necessary to store the entire transition of the charging rate. The charging and discharging speed is determined based on the specifications of the charging and discharging device 2.

[0112] FIG. 12 shows an example of the content of the usage record data of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the usage record data includes the actual driving distance [km] and the history of the driving distance (electricity cost) per unit power amount [1 kWh] for each driving, in association with the vehicle identification data of the electric vehicle V. Information on the date and time of driving and the temperature is associated with the driving distance per unit power amount.

[0113] In FIG. 12, for example, regarding the electric vehicle V with vehicle identification data "EV-001", the driving for 2 hours in the morning from "20230808 09:30" to "20230808 11:30" in summer (the highest temperature is 35°C and the lowest temperature is 25°C) over a distance of 58 km was calculated to be 5.4 [km / kWh] per unit of electricity consumption and was stored. Similarly, the driving for more than 2 hours in the morning from "20230809 09:30" to "20230808 11:45" in summer (the highest temperature is 35°C and the lowest temperature is 25°C) over a distance of 54 km for the electric vehicle V with vehicle identification data "EV-001" was calculated to be 5.2 [km / kWh] per unit of electricity consumption and was stored. Furthermore, regarding the electric vehicle V with vehicle identification data "EV-001", the driving for 1 hour in the morning from "20231012 10:30" to "20231012 11:30" in autumn (the highest temperature is 26°C and the lowest temperature is 22°C) over a distance of 29 km was calculated to be 6.0 [km / kWh] per unit of electricity consumption and was stored.

[0114] In FIG. 12, in another example, regarding the electric vehicle V with vehicle identification data "EV-002", similar to the electric vehicle V with "EV-001", the driving for 3.5 hours in the afternoon from "20230808 13:00" to "20230808 16:30" in summer (the highest temperature is 35°C and the lowest temperature is 25°C) over a distance of 96 km was calculated to be 5.2 [km / kWh] per unit of electricity consumption and was stored. Similarly, regarding the electric vehicle V with vehicle identification data "EV-002", the driving (going out) for 5 hours in the afternoon from "20231012 14:30" to "20231012 18:00" in autumn (the highest temperature is 26°C and the lowest temperature is 22°C) over a distance of 114 km was calculated to be 6.5 [km / kWh] per unit of electricity consumption and was stored.

[0115] By storing the usage record as the travel distance (electricity cost) per unit time in this way, it becomes possible to accurately estimate the amount of electricity to be used next from the individual electricity consumption of each electric vehicle V. Also, it is possible to reduce the amount to be stored. By storing it in association with information (date) that can identify the temperature and season, it becomes possible to more accurately estimate the electricity consumption. Note that it is not limited to storing each time the electric vehicle V travels, and the average value for each temperature zone may be derived and updated for each electric vehicle V.

[0116] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in which the server device 6 of the second embodiment proposes an adjustment. Among the processing procedures shown in FIG. 13, for the procedures common to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 7 of the first embodiment, the same step numbers are assigned and detailed description is omitted. When the reservation menu on the web page is selected by the client device 7 while the web page showing the usage schedule of the electric vehicle V is being displayed by the client device 7, the server device 6 starts the following processing.

[0117] The processing unit 60 of the server device 6 receives the input of reservation data including the start time, end time, and destination information for the specified electric vehicle V (step S121). In step S121, when the start time and end time of the reservation data input in step S103 overlap with the usage schedule read in step S102, the processing unit 60 outputs an error and prompts the user to re - make the reservation.

[0118] The processing unit 60 determines the planned travel distance of the specified electric vehicle V to the destination from the reservation data received in step S121 (step S122). In step S122, the processing unit 60 may obtain the length of the route on the map from the facility location, which is the starting point of the travel, to the destination, from another device that outputs map - related data, or may obtain the distance actually traveled on the same destination schedule from the past travel record data of the target electric vehicle V.

[0119] The processing unit 60 acquires prediction data of the temperature at the start time of the reservation data received in step S121 from an external weather information providing server (step S123). The processing unit 60 reads out (acquires) data of the electricity charge corresponding to the acquired temperature prediction data from the usage record data stored in the storage unit 61 (step S124). In step S124, when the maximum temperature of the temperature prediction data is 25°C, the processing unit 60 may read out the electricity charge data calculated for the past usage record data with the closest maximum temperature and the same season.

[0120] The processing unit 60 estimates the amount of power required to travel the planned travel distance determined in step S122 at the time of reservation for the designated electric vehicle V by dividing it by the electricity charge read out in step S124 (step S125).

[0121] The processing unit 60 uses the start time of the planned usage included in the reservation data in step S121 and predicts the charging rate of the target electric vehicle V at the start time from the usage schedule read out in step S102 (step S126).

[0122] The processing unit 60 compares the predicted remaining power amount data calculable from the charging rate predicted in step S126 with the power consumption amount estimated in step S125, and determines whether the target electric vehicle V can be used up to the destination (step S127). In step S127, the processing unit 60 determines, for example, whether the remaining power amount calculated from the charging rate predicted in step S126 is equal to or greater than the value obtained by adding the margin to the power consumption amount estimated in step S125. Specifically, when the charging rate calculated in step S126 is 70% (capacity 60 [kWh]), the required power amount estimated in step S125 is 19 [kWh] (= 100 [km] ÷ 5.2 [km / kWh]), and the margin of the power amount that should be left at least is 18 [kWh] (= charging rate 30%), it can be determined that the vehicle can be used up to the destination (42 [kWh] (= 60 [kWh] × 70%) > 19 [kWh] + 18 [kWh] (= 60 [kWh] × 30%)).

[0123] In step S127, when it is determined that use up to the destination is possible based on the reservation (S127: YES), the processing unit 60 approves the reservation received in step S121 and stores the reservation data as a usage schedule (S108).

[0124] In step S127, when it is determined that use up to the destination is not possible based on the reservation (S127: NO), the processing unit 60 calculates the time when it becomes available (S110). In step S110, the processing unit 60 calculates by adding the time required for charging from the charging speed of the charge / discharge device 2 to the start time based on the amount of charge required to reach an available state.

[0125] Also in the second embodiment, the processing unit 60 disapproves the reservation received in step S121, and outputs to the client device 7 that it is available if it is after the time calculated in step S110 (S111), and ends the process.

[0126] Since the content of the screen displayed on the display unit 73 of the client device 7 by the processing procedure shown in FIG. 13 is the same as that in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted. Also in the second embodiment, on the display unit 73 of the client device 7 operated by the facility staff, if the reservation based on the input reservation data is approved, the reservation result is output, and if the reservation is disapproved, the time when the reservation is possible is presented. If the reservation is disapproved, the staff of the client device 7 re-enters the reservation data if the presented time is acceptable. Thereby, the staff of the facility can use the electric vehicle V of the facility for running without trouble, and can also use it as a storage battery for storing the surplus power of the power generation system 3. Since the electricity charge is obtained in advance and the amount of power consumed by the running of the reserved electric vehicle V can be accurately estimated according to the distance to the destination related to the reservation, a reservation that cannot be used is not accepted, and it is possible to plan in advance about the use of charge / discharge so that it can be used until the reservation.

[0127] (Modification example) In the modified example, the server device 6 not only determines whether to accept a reservation from a facility staff member and accepts the reservation, but also utilizes (applies) the usage schedule of the reserved electric vehicle V and the usage performance data of each electric vehicle V. In the modified example, the power management device 1 derives the time distribution of the capacity of the storage battery VB of each electric vehicle V connected to the charge / discharge device 2 in advance and utilizes it for charge / discharge management.

[0128] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for deriving a time distribution by the power management device 1 in the modified example.

[0129] The processing unit 10 of the power management device 1 acquires the charging rate (capacity) of the electric vehicle V at the start time of the prediction target period from the charge / discharge device 2 at a predetermined timing, such as before the start of business on a certain day or before the start of power generation by the power generation system 3 (step S201).

[0130] The processing unit 10 acquires the usage schedule of each electric vehicle V during the prediction target period from the server device 6 (step S202). The usage schedule in step S202 is the usage schedule determined and finalized as available in the first and second embodiments.

[0131] The processing unit 10 derives the time distribution of the capacity (capacity value for each time) from the start time of the prediction target period for each electric vehicle V (step S203), stores the derivation result (step S204), and ends the process.

[0132] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the time distribution of the capacity derived by the power management device 1. The schematic diagram of FIG. 15 shows the passage of time on the horizontal axis. The schematic diagram of FIG. 15 shows the time distribution of the predicted power generation amount and the time distribution of the predicted power consumption by the electrical equipment 4 on the vertical axis. Further, the schematic diagram of FIG. 15 shows the capacity of the storage battery VB of each electric vehicle V on the vertical axis. In FIG. 15, for example, the storage battery VB (capacity 60 [kWh]) of the first electric vehicle V has a charging rate of 80% at the start time of the prediction target period (from 08:00 to 20:00), which is 48 [kWh] (= 60 [kWh] × 80%). Thereafter, it is scheduled to be used from 9:00 to 13:00. At the time when it is scheduled to be reconnected to the charge / discharge device 2 at 13:00, the storage battery VB of the first electric vehicle V is expected to be consumed by 19 [kWh] and become 29 [kWh] (= 48 [kWh] - 19 [kWh]). When surplus power is generated from around 13:00 to 14:00 with a maximum capacity of 60 [kWh], the power management device 1 can determine that 31 [kWh] (= 60 [kWh] - 29 [kWh]) can be charged. Also, in the schedule from the next 16:00 to 19:00, since it is scheduled to consume 22 [kWh], at least 42 [kWh] of power needs to remain by 16:00. At the load peak from 14:00 to 16:00, the power management device 1 can determine that it is also possible to discharge so that 42 [kWh] is maintained. Therefore, for the first electric vehicle V, the power management device 1 can determine to charge up to a charging rate of 95% until 14:00 and use it for discharging with a charging rate of 70% (= 42 [kWh] ÷ 60 [kWh]) as the lower limit from 14:00 to 16:00 between 13:00 and 16:00.

[0133] Similarly, for the storage battery VB of the second electric vehicle V, it can be used on the condition that the charging rate is maintained at 80% at 13:00 in order to be able to use 28 [kWh] for the round trip to the destination at the start time in the reservation from 13:00 to 19:00.

[0134] Similarly, for the storage battery VB of the third electric vehicle V and the storage battery VB of the fourth electric vehicle V, since no usage plan for driving is input, the power management device 1 can determine that the storage battery VB can be used as a power storage destination and a power source throughout the prediction period.

[0135] Output the time distribution of the capacity as shown in FIG. 15 to the client device 7, and it is also possible to indicate that charging of the electric vehicle V is in progress in real time.

[0136] The embodiments disclosed as above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0137] 100 Power Management System 1 Power Management Device 10 Processing Unit 11 Storage Unit 14 Display Unit 2 Charge / Discharge Device 3 Power Generation System 4 Electrical Equipment 6 Server Device 61 Storage Unit 62 Communication Unit 632 Usage Schedule Screen P6 Information Processing Program (Program Product) 7 Client Device 73 Display Unit

Claims

1. A computer connected to a charging device that executes charging of a specific electric vehicle belonging to a facility, each time the specific electric vehicle disconnects from the charging device and reconnects, obtains the charging rate of the electric vehicle, and stores the relationship between the driving period and power consumption of the electric vehicle, or the relationship between the driving distance and power consumption of the electric vehicle An information processing method.

2. The computer, each time it disconnects from the charging device and drives, stores the charging rates before and after driving in association with the obtained date and time, and derives the power consumption per unit time based on the period specified by the date and time before and after driving and the difference in the charging rates before and after driving The information processing method according to claim 1.

3. The computer, receives a reservation for using the specific electric vehicle together with the designation of the start time and end time of use, calculates the reserved usage period of the reservation, estimates the power consumption during the calculated reserved usage period using the derived power consumption per unit time, predicts the charging rate at the start time of use of the reservation based on the usage schedule of the specific electric vehicle, and determines the feasibility of the reservation based on the estimated power consumption and the predicted charging rate The information processing method according to claim 2.

4. The computer, each time the specific electric vehicle disconnects from the charging device and drives, obtains the driving distance, calculates the power consumption when driving the driving distance from the difference in the charging rates before and after driving, derives the driving distance per unit power of the specific electric vehicle, and stores the driving distance per unit power as the relationship between the driving distance and power consumption of the electric vehicle The information processing method according to claim 1.

5. The computer, receives a reservation for using the specific electric vehicle together with the designation of the start time of use, end time of use, and destination, calculates the planned driving distance to the destination of the reservation, estimates the power consumption during the calculated planned driving distance using the derived driving distance per unit power, predicts the charging rate at the start time of use of the reservation based on the usage schedule of the specific electric vehicle, and determines the feasibility of the reservation based on the estimated power consumption and the predicted charging rate The information processing method according to claim 4.

6. The computer, when it determines that the reservation is not feasible, Calculate an available start time for the reservation based on the estimated power consumption and the charging rate at the start time of the reservation. The information processing method according to claim 3 or 5.

7. The computer Based on the usage schedule of the specific electric vehicle, predict the time distribution of the power amount during the prediction target period of the storage battery mounted on the specific electric vehicle. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The computer acquires the charging rate of the specific electric vehicle via the charging device to which the specific electric vehicle is connected. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. An information processing device connected to a charging device that charges a specific electric vehicle belonging to a facility, and processes information related to charging the specific electric vehicle, Each time the specific electric vehicle detaches from the charging device and is reconnected, acquire the charging rate of the electric vehicle, Store the relationship between the driving period and power consumption of the electric vehicle, or the relationship between the driving distance and power consumption of the electric vehicle. An information processing device including a processing unit that executes processing.

10. On a computer connected to a charging device that charges a specific electric vehicle belonging to a facility, Each time the specific electric vehicle detaches from the charging device and is reconnected, acquire the charging rate of the electric vehicle, Store the relationship between the driving period and power consumption of the electric vehicle, or the relationship between the driving distance and power consumption of the electric vehicle. A computer program for causing execution of processing.

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