Charge-discharge control method, charge-discharge device, power management device, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a charge-discharge control method, a charge-discharge device, a power management device, and a computer program.SOLUTION: A charge-discharge control method includes: a device having a connector connected to an electric vehicle and adjusting output power to a storage battery as a power source of the electric vehicle and output power from the storage battery acquiring a designated time regarding the electric vehicle and a designated capacity that should have been reached at the designated time; acquiring the capacity of the storage battery of the electric vehicle connected to the connector at a discretionary time in a duration to the designated time; calculating a period from the point when the capacity was acquired to the designated time; calculating a necessary charge capacity in order for the designated capacity to be reached, or a dischargeable capacity to the designated capacity, in accordance with the difference between the acquired designated capacity and the acquired capacity of the storage battery; and determining an output power pattern in the calculated period on the basis of the necessary charge capacity or the dischargeable capacity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charge-discharge control method, a charge-discharge device, a power management device, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] In a power generation system that generates power from natural energy such as sunlight, the amount of power generation varies with time. When the amount of power generation exceeds the demand from the loads in the facility where the power generation system is installed, it is necessary to avoid reverse power flow to the power grid. Therefore, either unused loads in the facility are used, or a storage battery is provided to store power for countermeasures.

[0003] An electric vehicle equipped with a storage battery having a relatively large battery capacity can function as a storage destination for surplus power in addition to its function as a means of transportation. Technologies have been proposed to realize V2H (Vehicle to Home) that enables the power stored in an electric vehicle to be supplied to loads in a home, for example. Not limited to V2H, technologies have been proposed to realize V2X including V2B (Vehicle to Building) that enables power supply to larger-scale buildings and V2G (Vehicle to Grid) that enables power supply to the power grid. With these technologies, even in the event of a power outage due to a disaster, it is expected that the power stored in a movable electric vehicle can be supplied to maintain life or the operation of a factory.

[0004] Applying V2X technology that can perform both power supply to an electric vehicle and discharge from the electric vehicle to a load can improve the power efficiency in facilities that utilize electric vehicles. However, an electric vehicle should prioritize its function as a means of transportation. When supplying power from an electric vehicle to an electrical load in a facility and driving the electric vehicle, a situation where the remaining battery capacity is insufficient should be avoided. Patent Document 1 discloses a control method in which, during late-night hours, charging is performed so that the remaining capacity (charge rate) becomes equal to or higher than the target value for late-night hours, and during non-late-night hours, discharging is performed so that the remaining capacity does not become less than the target value for non-late-night hours.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when using an electric vehicle as a means of transportation, it is ensured that the charge rate is the target value. However, in conventional charge-discharge control, charge-discharge is performed at a set output while maintaining the charge rate within a range defined by the set target values, i.e., the upper and lower limits. For example, when it is set that the remaining capacity should reach the target value at a specific time, the charge-discharge device charges at the set output until the remaining capacity reaches the set target value, and then enters a sleep state to maintain that remaining capacity. During the daytime when a load peak arrives, the charge-discharge device executes an operation of supplying power from the electric vehicle to the load. At this time, the charge-discharge device discharges in accordance with the demand from the load while keeping the lower limit of the remaining capacity, and does not perform charging even if there is surplus power.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a charge-discharge control method, a charge-discharge device, a power management device, and a computer program that can appropriately execute charge and discharge from a storage battery of an electric vehicle as long as a specified capacity is reached within a specified time. **Means for Solving the Problems**

[0008] A charge-discharge control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a connector connected to an electric vehicle, and a device installed outside the vehicle that adjusts output power to a storage battery of a power source of the electric vehicle and output power from the storage battery. The method includes obtaining a specified time for the electric vehicle and a specified capacity that should be reached at the specified time, obtaining a capacity of the storage battery of the electric vehicle connected to the connector at an arbitrary point in time during a period until the specified time, calculating a period from the time when the capacity is obtained until the specified time, calculating a required charge capacity for reaching the specified capacity or a dischargeable capacity up to the specified capacity according to a difference between the obtained specified capacity and the obtained capacity of the storage battery, and determining an output power pattern during the calculated period based on the required charge capacity or the dischargeable capacity.

[0009] In the charge-discharge control method of the present disclosure, as long as a specified capacity is reached within a specified time, a charge-discharge device or a power management device that instructs the charge-discharge device can appropriately determine an output power pattern at a timing until the specified time. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately balance charge and discharge using an electric vehicle and the use of the electric vehicle as a means of transportation.

[0010] In the charge-discharge control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device may determine an output power amount for charging per unit time by dividing a required charge capacity corresponding to a difference between the specified capacity and the obtained capacity of the storage battery by the calculated period.

[0011] In the charge-discharge control method of the present disclosure, it is possible to level the output power for charging up to the specified capacity within the specified time and reduce the load on the power source.

[0012] In the charge and discharge control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device may determine the output power amount for discharge per unit time by dividing the dischargeable capacity corresponding to the difference between the specified capacity and the capacity of the battery acquired by the calculated period.

[0013] In the charge and discharge control method of the present disclosure, it is possible to level the output power for discharge up to the specified capacity within the specified time over the period up to the specified time, thereby reducing the impact on the load side.

[0014] In the charge and discharge control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, while the device is charging the battery in the determined output power pattern during the calculated period, if power demand occurs from an electrical device connected via a power line and the battery is in a dischargeable state, the charging may be interrupted and discharge from the battery to the electrical device may be performed according to the power demand.

[0015] In the charge and discharge control method of the present disclosure, even if charging is in progress toward the specified capacity up to the specified time regardless of the time zone, when surplus power is generated, the output power amount can be determined within the dischargeable range and discharge is possible. Since the output power pattern can be appropriately determined, it is possible to appropriately balance the charge and discharge using an electric vehicle and the use of the electric vehicle as a means of transportation.

[0016] In the charge and discharge control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, while the device is discharging from the battery to an electrical device in the determined output power pattern during the calculated period, if surplus power is generated from a power generation system connected via a power line and the battery is in a chargeable state, the discharge may be interrupted and the battery may be charged with the surplus power.

[0017] In the charge and discharge control method of the present disclosure, even if discharging is in progress toward the specified capacity up to the specified time regardless of the time zone, when a load peak occurs, the output power amount can be determined within the chargeable range to charge Power generation is possible. Since the output power pattern can be determined as appropriate, it is possible to appropriately balance the charging and discharging using an electric vehicle and the use of the electric vehicle as a means of transportation.

[0018] In the charge / discharge control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device operates based on the selection of any one of a plurality of operation modes, and may switch the method for determining the output power pattern according to the selection for the plurality of operation modes.

[0019] In the charge / discharge control method of the present disclosure, a method for determining the output power suitable for each of a plurality of operation modes is adopted, and it is possible to appropriately balance the charging and discharging using an electric vehicle and the use of the electric vehicle as a means of transportation.

[0020] A charge / discharge device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a connector connected to an electric vehicle, and is installed outside the vehicle to adjust the output power to the battery of the power source of the electric vehicle and the output power from the battery to perform charge / discharge. The charge / discharge device acquires a specified time for the electric vehicle and a specified capacity that should be reached by the specified time, acquires the capacity of the battery of the electric vehicle connected to the connector at any point in time during the period until the specified time, calculates the period from the time when the capacity is acquired to the specified time, and calculates a required charge capacity to reach the specified capacity or a dischargeable capacity up to the specified capacity according to the difference between the acquired specified capacity and the acquired battery capacity, and includes a processing unit that executes a process of determining an output power pattern in the calculated period based on the required charge capacity or the dischargeable capacity.

[0021] In the charge / discharge device of the present disclosure, in order to appropriately determine the output power pattern at the timing until the specified time so as to reach the specified capacity at the specified time, it is possible to appropriately balance the charging and discharging using an electric vehicle and the use of the electric vehicle as a means of transportation.

[0022] The power management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is installed outside an electric vehicle and includes a charge and discharge device that adjusts the output power to the battery of the power source of the electric vehicle and the output power from the battery, a power generation system, and an electric device connected to the battery, the power generation system, or a power grid as a power source, and controls the transfer of power. The power management device acquires a specified time for the electric vehicle and a specified capacity that should be reached at the specified time, acquires the capacity of the battery of the electric vehicle connected to the charge and discharge device at an arbitrary point in time during the period until the specified time via the charge and discharge device, calculates the period from the time when the capacity is acquired to the specified time, calculates a required charge capacity to reach the specified capacity or a dischargeable capacity up to the specified capacity according to the difference between the acquired specified capacity and the acquired battery capacity, determines an output power pattern during the calculated period based on the required charge capacity or the dischargeable capacity, and outputs the determined output power pattern and an instruction to charge or discharge to the charge and discharge device.

[0023] In the power management device of the present disclosure, in order to appropriately determine an output power pattern and instruct the charge and discharge device so as to reach a specified capacity at a specified time, it is possible to appropriately balance the charging and discharging in a charge and discharge system corresponding to V2X using an electric vehicle and the use of the electric vehicle as a means of transportation.

[0024] A computer program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a connector connected to an electric vehicle and causes a computer installed outside the vehicle to execute a process of adjusting the output power to the battery of the power source of the electric vehicle and the output power from the battery. The computer acquires a specified time for the electric vehicle and a specified capacity that should be reached at the specified time, acquires the capacity of the battery of the electric vehicle connected to the connector at an arbitrary point in time during the period until the specified time, and the time when the capacity is acquired Calculate the period from the start time to the specified time, and calculate the necessary charging capacity to reach the specified capacity or the dischargeable capacity up to the specified capacity according to the difference between the obtained specified capacity and the capacity of the obtained storage battery, and execute a process of determining an output power pattern during the calculated period based on the necessary charging capacity or the dischargeable capacity.

[0025] In the computer program of the present disclosure, in order to appropriately determine the output power pattern so as to reach the specified capacity at the specified time, it is possible to appropriately balance the charging and discharging using the electric vehicle and the use of the electric vehicle as a means of transportation.

Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present disclosure, as long as the specified capacity is reached at the specified time, the output power pattern of charging and discharging other than the specified time is appropriately determined, and it is possible to appropriately balance demand and supply.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] The present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing its embodiments. In the following embodiments, a charge / discharge system including the charge / discharge device of the present disclosure will be described.

[0029] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a charge / discharge system 200 according to the first embodiment. The charge / discharge system 200 includes a load 21, a power generation system 23, a power management device 29, and a charge / discharge device 1 disposed in a facility such as a home or a business office. Electric power supplied from a power grid (commercial power supply) E is branched by a power line PL to an electric vehicle V connected via the load 21, the power generation system 23, and the charge / discharge device 1 at a distribution board 28. The charge / discharge device 1 is connected to the power management device 29 via a communication line CL through the distribution board 28. The power supply source to the charge / discharge system 200 may be not only the power grid E but also a DC power grid or a combination thereof. The power supply source may be other examples as long as it can replace the power grid E. The power supply source may simulate a commercial system or may be other power generation systems or energy storage devices.

[0030] In another example, the charge / discharge system 200 includes a power generation system 23, a power storage device 22, a charge / discharge device 1, and a power management device 29 installed in a parking lot of an office, a large store, or the like. Also in this other example, the supply power from the power system E is branched to an electric vehicle V connected via the power line PL, the distribution board 28, the power storage device 22, the power generation system 23, and a plurality of charge / discharge devices 1. The charge / discharge system 200 may also include a fuel cell, among other things. Also in another example, the power management device 29 is installed in the distribution board 28 and controls power generation and charge / discharge in facilities such as offices. The load 21 is an electrical device provided in a home or a facility. The load 21 is lighting in a home or a facility, an air conditioning device in a home or a facility, a cooking facility in a home or a facility, or the like. The load 21 uses, under the control of the power management device 29, any one of the power system E, the power generation system 23, and the electric vehicle V connected via the distribution board 28 as a power source.

[0031] The load 21 is an electrical device provided in a home or a facility. The load 21 is lighting in a home or a facility, an air conditioning device in a home or a facility, a cooking facility in a home or a facility, or the like. The load 21 uses, under the control of the power management device 29, any one of the power system E, the power generation system 23, and the electric vehicle V connected via the distribution board 28 as a power source.

[0032] The power generation system 23 includes a solar panel 31 and a power conditioner 32. The power conditioner 32 of the power generation system 23 transmits and receives the power generation amount, status data, etc. to and from the power management device 29, and outputs generated power or stops power generation according to an instruction from the power management device 29. The power source of the power generation system 23 is not limited to sunlight and may be wind power, wave power, or geothermal energy.

[0033] The power management device 29 is, for example, a so-called EMS (Energy Management System). The power management device 29 controls the power transfer between the power system E and the load 21, and the power transfer between the power generation system 23 and the group of loads 21. Although the power management device 29 is described as being installed in the distribution board 28 for each facility, it may be provided externally as a server device and described as controlling the power transfer for a plurality of facilities in each region. The power management device 29 may be built in as a host device in the charge / discharge device 1.

[0034] The electric vehicle V is an EV (Electric Vehicle). The electric vehicle V may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a fuel cell vehicle (FCV: Fuel Cell Vehicle).

[0035] The charging and discharging device 1 is a device that controls the charging from the power system E to the electric vehicle V and the discharging for supplying the power stored in the electric vehicle V to the load 21 while communicating with the electric vehicle V. The charging and discharging device 1 operates in any of a plurality of operation modes. Basically, as operation modes, the charging and discharging device 1 has a "charging operation" for the electric vehicle V started by the operation of a user who is a resident of the household where the charging and discharging device 1 is installed, or a staff member or employee of a facility, etc., and a "discharging (power supply) operation" from the electric vehicle V to the load 21 group. As other operation modes, the charging and discharging device 1 can selectively perform a "self-sustained operation" which is an operation in a state separated from the power system E, and an "EMS operation" which performs charging to the electric vehicle V or discharging from the electric vehicle V according to an instruction from the power management device 29. As other operation modes, the charging and discharging device 1 can perform an "output self-regulating operation" which appropriately performs charging and discharging by its own control, and a "charged charging operation" which executes charging according to charging.

[0036] In the charging and discharging system 200 of the first embodiment, except when the "EMS operation" among the above-described operation modes is selected in the charging and discharging device 1, the charging and discharging device 1 receives a designation from the user of the electric vehicle V so that the storage battery of the electric vehicle V reaches a designated capacity at a designated time (time). The charging and discharging device 1 or the power management device 29 may receive this designation in the form of a reservation for using the electric vehicle V.

[0037] Hereinafter, the configuration and processing procedure of the charging and discharging device 1 for realizing such control will be described.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the connection configuration of the charging / discharging device 1 and the electric vehicle V. The electric vehicle V includes a large-capacity storage battery 40 that can be used for driving. The electric vehicle V includes a connector 45 connected to the storage battery 40 and an in-vehicle control device 42 that controls charging and discharging of the storage battery 40. The connector 45 includes a communication terminal for the in-vehicle control device 42 to communicate with the charging / discharging device 1.

[0039] The charging / discharging device 1 includes a charging / discharging circuit 10, a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, a power supply unit 13, an operation unit 14, and an EMS communication unit 16. The charging / discharging circuit 10 includes various circuit elements such as a bidirectional inverter and various relays. The charging / discharging circuit 10 includes a relay 10a connected to a connector 15 connected to the electric vehicle V and a relay 10b connected to the power grid E.

[0040] The control unit 11 controls the circuit elements included in the charging / discharging circuit 10 and controls the switching of charging and discharging, the current amount, and the voltage amount with respect to the storage battery 40 of the electric vehicle V. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a non-volatile memory, and the CPU executes control processing based on a computer program P1 stored in the non-volatile memory to control the charging / discharging circuit 10.

[0041] The computer program (computer product) P1 stored in the memory of the control unit 11 may be a program that the CPU reads out the computer program P8 stored in the computer-readable non-transitory storage medium 8 and stores it in the memory.

[0042] The communication unit 12 can communicate with the in-vehicle control device 42 via the connector 15 and the connector 45. The communication connection protocol of the communication unit 12 only needs to conform to the charging / discharging method corresponding to the electric vehicle V, the connectors 15 and 35, and it may selectively execute any one of a plurality of protocols so as to be applicable to different charging / discharging methods. In this embodiment, the communication unit 12 communicates with the in-vehicle control device 42 by CAN (Controller Area Network). Communication may also be realized by PLC.

[0043] The power supply unit 13 includes a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Systems) circuit and a starting battery, and supplies power to the control unit 11. The power supply unit 13 supplies the power necessary for starting the charging and discharging device 1 from the starting battery during a power failure. The power supply unit 13 may charge the starting battery with power from the power grid E, the power generation system 23, or the electric vehicle V.

[0044] The operation unit 14 includes a display, a touch panel built into the display, and physical buttons, and is exposed on the exterior of the charging and discharging device 1 to receive operations including START (startup), STOP (shutdown), charging, or start / end of discharging (power supply to the load 21) from the user. The control unit 11 may control the charging and discharging circuit 10 based on the operations received by the operation unit 14.

[0045] The EMS communication unit 16 realizes communication with the power management device 29 via the communication line CL. The EMS communication unit 16 may be, for example, a communication module corresponding to the communication line CL compliant with Ethernet (registered trademark), or a communication module corresponding to the communication line CL compliant with ECHONET / ECHONETLite (registered trademark). The EMS communication unit 16 may realize communication by PLC.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the charging and discharging circuit 10 of the charging and discharging device 1 configured as described above is connected to the battery 40 of the electric vehicle V by a power line PL in a state where the connector 15 is connected to the connector 45 of the electric vehicle V. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the charging and discharging circuit 10 is connected to the power grid E (or DC power grid), the load 21 group, and associated devices (the energy storage device 22, the power generation system 23, etc.) by the power line PL.

[0047] Based on the computer program P1, the control unit 11 of the charge and discharge device 1, except for the operation in the "EMS operation" controlled by the power management device 29, determines the output of charging and discharging as follows to charge or discharge the battery of the electric vehicle V so that it reaches the specified capacity at the specified time (moment).

[0048] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the content of the setting screen 140 in the charge and discharge device 1. As shown in Figure 3, the setting screen 140 includes a time input field 141, a capacity input field 142 that should be reached at that time, and a setting button 143 in the touch panel built-in display included in the operation unit 14. When the control unit 11 touches the part of the input field 141 on the touch panel built-in display of the operation unit 14, it outputs buttons for advancing and retarding the time, and advances or retracts the time according to which one is selected. Similarly, when the control unit 11 touches the part of the input field 142 on the touch panel built-in display of the operation unit 14, it outputs buttons for increasing and decreasing the capacity, and increases or decreases the capacity according to which one is selected. When the control unit 11 touches the part of the setting button 143 on the touch panel built-in display of the operation unit 14, it accepts the time and capacity displayed in the input field 141 and the input field 142 as the specified time and the specified capacity, and stores them in the memory.

[0049] When the operation mode of the charge and discharge device 1 is the "charging operation", the control unit 11 of the charge and discharge device 1 executes the following processing. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure at the start of charging by the charge and discharge device 1. When the control unit 11 of the charge and discharge device 1 is connected to the charge and discharge device 1 of the electric vehicle V and a charging start operation or a charging reservation operation is performed by the operation unit 14, the following processing is started. The charge and discharge device 1 may execute the following processing each time a predetermined cycle such as once a day, once every 12 hours, or once an hour arrives. The predetermined cycle is not limited to once a day as long as it is a cycle suitable for predicting the power generation amount from the power generation system 23 or a cycle suitable for the activities of the user of the electric vehicle V.

[0050] When the control unit 11 of the charge and discharge device 1 is in a state where the electric vehicle V is connected, it acquires a specified time (time) and a specified capacity that should be reached at the specified time (hereinafter also referred to as the specified time) (step S101). When an "operation to start charging" is performed by the operation unit 14, the control unit 11 prompts the input of this information and accepts it when it is input. The timing at which the control unit 11 accepts this information is not limited to this. When the user inputs to the operation unit 14 a reservation for the next use of the connected electric vehicle V, the control unit 11 accepts this information from the operation unit 14 and stores it in the memory, and the control unit 11 may read it out at the timing when a predetermined cycle arrives. The control unit 11 may acquire the specified time and the specified capacity from the outside (the power management device 29 or a schedule server outside the system) as the usage schedule of the connected electric vehicle V.

[0051] The control unit 11 acquires the capacity (remaining power, charge rate) of the storage battery 40 of the connected electric vehicle V at the current time (step S102). The control unit 11 acquires the capacity (charge rate) from the in-vehicle control device 42 by communication. The control unit 11 calculates the period from the current time to the specified time (step S103). The control unit 11 calculates the required charge capacity corresponding to the difference between the specified capacity and the capacity acquired in step S102 (step S104).

[0052] The control unit 11 determines a charging output pattern required to reach the specified capacity by the specified time (step S105). In step S105, for example, the control unit 11 determines the value obtained by dividing the required charge capacity calculated in step S104 by the period calculated in step S103 (required charging output per unit time) as the output power amount (constant) as it is. The control unit 11 may determine a combination of the minimum output, zero output, and a predetermined charging output. When the value obtained by dividing the required charge capacity by the period calculated in step S103 is less than the minimum output for charging the electric vehicle V, the charging power may be determined as the minimum output, and the charging start time may be determined according to the time required when charging at the minimum output (see FIG. 5).

[0053] In step S105, the control unit 11 is not limited to simply dividing the required charging capacity by the calculated period to determine a constant output power amount. The control unit 11 determines whether it is possible to predict that surplus power will be generated by the associated equipment (power generation system 23) of the charging and discharging device 1 within the specified time. If it is predicted that surplus power will be generated, it may be predicted that the surplus power will be used for charging, and the charging required capacity may be recalculated by subtracting the amount of charging power due to the surplus power.

[0054] The control unit 11 starts charging with the charging output pattern determined in step S105 (step S106). The control unit 11 may notify the power management device 29 of the output power via the EMS communication unit 16.

[0055] Before and after the process of step S101, the control unit 11 locks the connection with the connector 45 of the connector 15. Since the processes after step S102 and the start of charging are basically executed on the premise that the electric vehicle V to be charged will not be changed, if an operation of STOP or charge cancellation is performed on the operation unit 14, the charging output pattern determined by the processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is reset.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the charging pattern realized by the charging and discharging device 1. In FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, the horizontal axis represents the passage of time, and the vertical axis represents the magnitude of the charging output from the charging and discharging device 1 to the battery 40 of the electric vehicle V by a thick solid line. The minimum output (1 [kW]) and the maximum output (5 [kW]) of normal charging are shown by a broken line.

[0057] FIG. 5A shows an example in which, for the battery 40 of an electric vehicle V with a maximum capacity of 100 [kWh] (the current capacity is 50%), a charging start operation is performed at 8:00 in the morning (current time) on the day of use so that the capacity reaches 80% (specified capacity) by 15:00 (specified time) which is the scheduled use time on the same day.

[0058] For the example shown in FIG. 5A, the control unit 11 of the charge and discharge device 1 calculates the time from the current time to the specified time as 7 [hours] (S103). The control unit 11 calculates the required charge capacity as 30 [kWh] (= 100 [kWh] × 80% - 100 [kWh] × 50%) (S104). The control unit 11 determines that the charging output pattern is constant at 4.28 [kW] (= 30 [kWh] / 7 [hours]).

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 5A, when it is expected that surplus power will be generated between 12:00 and 14:00, the control unit 11 can charge at 5 [kW] for those 2 hours, and there is no need to purchase electricity from the power grid E for 10 [kWh]. In this case, the control unit 11 calculates the required charge capacity of the vehicle as 20 [kWh] instead of 30 [kWh]. For example, it is sufficient to be able to charge 20 [kWh] in 5 hours from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 15:00. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5B, the control unit 11 can determine the charging output pattern by charging at 4 [kW] (= 20 [kWh] / 5 [hours]) from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 15:00, and charging at the maximum power (= 5 [kW]) with the surplus power between 12:00 and 14:00. In this case, it is possible to save the purchase of electricity from the power grid E.

[0060] FIG. 5C shows an example when a charging start operation is performed on the battery 40 of the electric vehicle V with a maximum capacity of 100 [kWh] (the current capacity is 70%) at 20:00 on the previous night before the planned use date (the current time), so that the capacity reaches 80% (the specified capacity) by 9:00 the next day (the specified time).

[0061] Regarding the example shown in FIG. 5C, similarly, the control unit 11 of the charge and discharge device 1 calculates the time from the current time to the specified time as 13 [hours] (S103). The control unit 11 calculates the required charge capacity as 10 [kWh] (= 100 [kWh] × 80% - 100 [kWh] × 70%) (S104). The control unit 11 temporarily calculates it as 0.77 [kW] (= 10 [kWh] / 13 [hours]). Since the calculated charge output is less than the minimum output of 1 [kW], the control unit 11 determines the charging pattern as "charge at 1 [kW] from 22:00 to 09:00 the next day" so as to fill the required charge capacity of 10 [kWh] with the minimum output of 1 [kW] × 10 [hours].

[0062] The dashed-dotted line in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C indicates the charging output when charging is performed from immediately after the charging start operation to the specified capacity at the maximum output of normal charging. As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, with the charge and discharge device 1 of the present disclosure, the output is controlled to be flat until the specified time. In FIG. 5C in particular, since the maximum output of 5 [kW] can complete charging in 2 hours, conventionally, control has been performed to charge all at once as shown by the dashed-dotted line, for example, during late-night hours. By the control of the charge and discharge device 1 of the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately balance the use as a means of transportation for the electric vehicle V and the use of electric power in the charge and discharge system 200 while reducing the burden on the power source such as the power system E, regardless of the time zone.

[0063] Thus, when the operation mode is the "charging operation", the control unit 11 determines the charging output so that the specified capacity is reached by the specified time, regardless of the time zone such as whether it is late at night. The charging outputs as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are determined to have the output restricted so as to reduce the burden on the power source for charging.

[0064] When the operation mode of the charge / discharge device 1 is "discharge (power supply) operation", the control unit 11 of the charge / discharge device 1 executes the following processing. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure at the start of discharge by the charge / discharge device 1. When the control unit 11 of the charge / discharge device 1 is connected to the charge / discharge device 1 of the electric vehicle V and an operation to start discharge (power supply to the load 21) or a reservation operation for discharge is performed by the operation unit 14, the following processing is started. The charge / discharge device 1 may execute the following processing each time a predetermined cycle such as once a day arrives. The predetermined cycle is not limited to once a day as long as it is a cycle suitable for predicting the power generation amount from the power generation system 23 or a cycle suitable for the activities of the user of the electric vehicle V.

[0065] The control unit 11 of the charge / discharge device 1 acquires the designated discharge time (time) and the designated capacity that should be reached at the designated time in the state where the electric vehicle V is connected (step S201). When the control unit 11 performs an "operation to start discharge (power supply) from the electric vehicle V to the load", it receives this information by an operation on the operation unit 14. The timing at which the control unit 11 receives this information is not limited to this. When the user inputs a reservation for the next use of the connected electric vehicle V to the operation unit 14, the control unit 11 receives this information at the operation unit 14 and stores it in the memory, and the control unit 11 may read it out at the timing when a predetermined cycle arrives. The control unit 11 may acquire the designated discharge time and the designated capacity as the usage schedule of the connected electric vehicle V from the outside (the power management device 29 or a schedule server outside the system).

[0066] The control unit 11 acquires the capacity (remaining power, charge rate) of the storage battery 40 of the connected electric vehicle V (step S202). The control unit 11 acquires the capacity (charge rate) by communication from the in-vehicle control device 42. The control unit 11 calculates the period from the current time to the designated discharge time (step S203). The control unit 11 calculates the dischargeable capacity corresponding to the difference between the designated capacity and the capacity acquired in step S202 (step S204).

[0067] The control unit 11 determines a discharge output pattern necessary to reach the specified capacity by the specified time (step S205). In step S205, the control unit 11, for example, determines the value obtained by dividing the dischargeable capacity calculated in step S204 by the period calculated in step S203 (required discharge output per unit time) as the output power amount (constant) as it is. The control unit 11 may determine a combination of the minimum output, zero output, and a predetermined discharge output as a pattern. When the value obtained by dividing the dischargeable capacity by the period calculated in step S203 is less than the minimum output possible from the electric vehicle V, the control unit 11 may determine the discharge power as the minimum output and determine the discharge start time according to the time required when charging with the minimum output (see FIG. 7).

[0068] In step S205, the control unit 11 is not limited to simply dividing the dischargeable capacity by the calculated period to determine a constant output power amount. The control unit 11 determines whether it is possible to predict the occurrence of a load peak from the load 21 in the target facility by the specified time. If the occurrence of a load peak is predicted, it is predicted to use the shortage for discharge, and the dischargeable capacity may be recalculated by subtracting the amount of discharge power due to the load peak.

[0069] The control unit 11 starts discharging according to the discharge output pattern determined in step S205 (step S206). The control unit 11 may notify the power management device 29 of the output power via the EMS communication unit 16.

[0070] Even during discharge, before and after the process of step S201, the control unit 11 of the charge / discharge device 1 locks the connection with the connector 45 of the connector 15. When the lock is released or when an operation of STOP or discharge cancellation is performed on the operation unit 14, the discharge output pattern determined by the processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is reset.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a discharge pattern realized by the charge and discharge device 1. In FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, the horizontal axis represents the passage of time, and the vertical axis represents the magnitude of the discharge output from the charge and discharge device 1 to the battery 40 of the electric vehicle V. The minimum output (1 [kW]) and the maximum output (5 [kW]) are indicated by dashed lines.

[0072] FIG. 7A shows an example in which, for the battery 40 of the electric vehicle V with a maximum capacity of 100 [kWh] (the current capacity is 100%), a discharge start operation is performed at 15:00 (current time) in the evening so that the capacity becomes 80% (designated capacity) by 20:00 (designated time) on the same day.

[0073] For the example shown in FIG. 7A, the control unit 11 of the charge and discharge device 1 calculates the time from the current time to the designated time as 5 [hours] (S203). The control unit 11 calculates the dischargeable capacity as 20 [kWh] (= 100 [kWh] × 100% - 100 [kWh] × 80%) (S204). The control unit 11 determines the discharge output pattern to be constant at 4.00 [kW] (= 20 [kWh] / 5 [hours]).

[0074] FIG. 7B shows an example in which, for the battery 40 of the electric vehicle V with a maximum capacity of 100 [kWh] (the current capacity is 100%), a discharge start operation is performed at 8:00 (current time) in the morning so that the capacity becomes 90% (designated capacity) by 20:00 (designated time) on the same day.

[0075] For the example shown in FIG. 7B, similarly, the control unit 11 of the charge and discharge device 1 calculates the time from the current time to the designated time as 12 [hours] (S203). The control unit 11 calculates the dischargeable capacity as 10 [kWh] (= 100 [kWh] × 100% - 100 [kWh] × 90%) (S204). The control unit 11 temporarily calculates it as 0.83 [kW] (= 10 [kWh] / 12 [hours]). Since the calculated discharge output is less than the minimum output of 1 [kW], the control unit 1 1 determines the discharge pattern to be "discharge at 1 [kW] from 10:00 to 20:00" so as to satisfy the minimum output of 1 [kW].

[0076] In the example shown in FIG. 7B, further, when it is predictable that a load peak will occur between 12:00 and 14:00, the control unit 11 may calculate the dischargeable capacity as 5 [kWh] instead of 10 [kWh]. In this case, if discharging starts at 10:00 and continues to output at the minimum output of 1 [kW], there is a possibility of falling below the specified capacity. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 7C, the control unit 11 may determine the discharge output pattern such that the start of discharge is set to the end time of the load peak occurrence time zone (scheduled at 14:00) and discharge is performed at the minimum power (= 1 [kW]) from the end time of the load peak. In this case, it may be reserved to perform the determination calculation of the discharge pattern again at the end time. In this way, it is possible to avoid unnecessary discharge in consideration of demand prediction.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, when the operation mode is "discharge (power supply) operation", the control unit 11 determines the discharge output so as to reach the specified capacity by the specified time, regardless of the time zone such as day or night. When supplying power to the load 21, it may vary according to the required output from the load 21.

[0078] The dashed-dotted line in FIG. 7B indicates the discharge output when discharging is performed from immediately after the charging start operation to the specified capacity at the maximum output. As shown in FIG. 7B, with the charge / discharge device 1 of the present disclosure, the output is controlled so as to be flat until the specified time. In FIG. 7B in particular, since it is possible to discharge up to the specified capacity at the maximum output of 5 [kW] for 4 hours, there was a case where control was performed to discharge all at once in the past. By the control of the charge / discharge device 1 of the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately balance the use as a moving means of the electric vehicle V and the use of power in the charge / discharge system 200 while reducing the burden on the power source such as the power system E, regardless of the time zone.

[0079] When the operation mode of the charge / discharge device 1 is "self-operation" or "output autonomous operation", the control unit 11 of the charge / discharge device 1 may execute for a plurality of specified times and specified capacities by combining the processing procedures shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. FIGS. 8 to 11 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing procedure by the charge / discharge device 1.

[0080] The control unit 11 of the charge / discharge device 1 is connected to the charge / discharge device 1 of the electric vehicle V, and when the start operation of "autonomous driving" or "output autonomous driving" is performed by the operation unit 14, the following processing is started. The charge / discharge device 1 may execute the following processing each time a predetermined cycle such as once a day arrives. The predetermined cycle is not limited to once a day as long as it is a cycle suitable for predicting the power generation amount from the power generation system 23 or a cycle suitable for the activities of the user of the electric vehicle V.

[0081] The control unit 11 of the charge / discharge device 1 acquires the designated charging time (time) and the designated capacity that should be reached at the designated time by charging in a state where the electric vehicle V is connected (step S301). The control unit 11 acquires the designated discharging time (time) and the designated capacity that should be reached at the designated time by discharging for the same electric vehicle V (step S302). The control unit 11 has previously received, via the operation unit 14, the designated charging time and the corresponding designated capacity, and the designated discharging time and the corresponding designated capacity, and stores them in the memory, either in association with the vehicle identification data of the specific electric vehicle V or in association with the identification data of the user who uses the electric vehicle V. The control unit 11 has a calendar function and may previously receive, via the operation unit 14, the designated charging time and the corresponding designated capacity, and the designated discharging time and the corresponding designated capacity, and store them in the memory for weekdays, holidays, etc., either in association with the vehicle identification data of the specific electric vehicle V or in association with the identification data of the user who uses the electric vehicle V.

[0082] The control unit 11 acquires the capacity (remaining power, charge rate) of the storage battery 40 of the connected electric vehicle V (step S303).

[0083] The control unit 11 determines whether the designated discharge time is closer than the designated charge time from the current time (step S304). If it is determined in step S304 that the designated discharge time is closer (S304: YES), the control unit 11 calculates the period from the current time to the designated discharge time (step S305). The control unit 11 determines whether discharging is possible based on the difference between the capacity designated for the designated discharge time and the capacity acquired in step S303 (step S306). In step S306, if the designated capacity is greater than the current capacity, the control unit 11 determines that discharging is not possible.

[0084] If it is determined in step S306 that discharging is possible (S306: YES), the control unit 11 calculates the dischargeable capacity corresponding to the difference identified in step S306 (step S307). The control unit 11 starts supplying power to the load 21 according to the demand from the load 21 by the calculated dischargeable capacity (step S308), and determines whether the designated discharge time has been reached (step S309). In step S308, the control unit 11 may acquire the demand from the load 21 by the EMS communication unit 16 from the power management device 29, or may acquire it using sensors for the supply from the power system E and sensors for the demand by the load 21 group. In step S308, the control unit 11 does not discharge beyond the dischargeable capacity.

[0085] If it is determined in step S306 that discharging is not possible (S306: NO), the control unit 11 determines the output to be zero (step S310) and proceeds with the process to step S309.

[0086] In step S309, if it is determined that the specified time for discharging has not been reached (S309: NO), during the power supply from the load 21, it is determined whether surplus power is generated from the connected associated devices (such as the power generation system 23 and the power storage device 22), and whether the electric vehicle V can be charged (step S311). If it is determined that surplus power is generated and the electric vehicle V can be charged (S311: YES), the control unit 11 executes a process of charging the electric vehicle V with the surplus power (step S312), and returns the process to step S308 to continue discharging.

[0087] In step S310, if it is determined that no surplus power is generated or the capacity of the storage battery 40 of the electric vehicle V is large and charging is not possible (S311: NO), the control unit 11 directly returns the process to step S308 to continue discharging.

[0088] If it is determined that the specified time for discharging has been reached (S309: YES), the control unit 11 acquires the capacity of the storage battery 40 of the electric vehicle V at the current time (step S313). In step S313, the control unit 11 may acquire the capacity by communication from the in-vehicle control device 42, or may acquire the specified capacity for the specified time for discharging as the current capacity.

[0089] The control unit 11 calculates the period from the specified time for discharging to another specified time, that is, the specified time for charging (step S314). The required charging capacity corresponding to the difference between the specified capacity that should have been reached at the specified time for charging and the capacity acquired in step S312 is calculated (step S315).

[0090] The control unit 11 determines the charging output pattern required to reach the specified capacity by the specified time for charging (step S316). In step S316, the control unit 11 may determine the charging output pattern by the method shown in step S105 shown in FIG. 4. 。

[0091] The control unit 11 starts charging according to the charging output pattern determined in step S316 (step S317). The control unit 11 continues charging until the designated charging time (step S318) and then ends. The power source for charging in step S318 may be any one of the power grid E, the power generation system 23, and the energy storage device 22. Thereafter, the control unit 11 repeats the process until the connection is released.

[0092] When it is determined in step S304 that the designated charging time is approaching (S304: NO), the control unit 11 calculates the period from the current time to the designated charging time (step S319). The control unit 11 determines whether charging is possible based on the difference between the designated capacity for the designated charging time and the capacity acquired in step S303 (step S320). In step S320, if the current capacity is equal to or greater than the upper limit acquired from the in-vehicle control device 42 of the electric vehicle V, the control unit 11 determines that charging is not possible.

[0093] When it is determined in step S320 that charging is possible (S320: YES), the control unit 11 calculates the required charging capacity corresponding to the difference specified in step S306 (step S321). The control unit 11 determines the charging output pattern required to charge the required charging capacity by the designated charging time (step S322). The method for determining the charging output pattern is the same as the processing procedure of step S105 shown in FIG. 4 and the method described in the schematic diagram of FIG. 5.

[0094] The control unit 11 starts charging according to the charging output pattern determined in step S320 (step S323) and determines whether the designated charging time has been reached (step S324). The power source for charging in step S323 may be any one of the power grid E, the power generation system 23, and the energy storage device 22.

[0095] When it is determined in step S320 that charging is not possible (S320: NO), the control unit 11 determines that the charging output is zero (step S325) and proceeds to step S324.

[0096] In step S324, if it is determined that the specified charging time has not been reached (S324: NO), it is determined whether to discharge to supply power to load 21 because the demand from load 21 peaks before the specified charging time (step S326).

[0097] If it is determined in step S326 that discharging should be performed (S326: YES), control unit 11 executes a process of discharging to supply power to load 21 by an amount exceeding the specified capacity (step S327), and returns the process to step S323 to continue charging.

[0098] If it is determined in step S326 that discharging should not be performed (S326: NO), control unit 11 returns the process to step S323 as it is to continue charging.

[0099] If it is determined in step S324 that the specified charging time has been reached (S324: YES), control unit 11 acquires the capacity of battery 40 of electric vehicle V at the current time (step S328). In step S328, control unit 11 may acquire the capacity by communication from in-vehicle control device 42, or may acquire the capacity specified for the specified charging time as the current time capacity.

[0100] Control unit 11 calculates the period from the specified charging time to another specified time, that is, the specified discharging time (step S329). It calculates the dischargeable capacity corresponding to the difference between the specified capacity that should have been reached at the specified discharging time and the capacity acquired in step S328 (step S330).

[0101] Control unit 11 starts supplying power to load 21 according to the demand from load 21 by the amount of the dischargeable capacity calculated in step S330 (step S331). Control unit 11 continues discharging until the specified discharging time (step S332) and then ends. The power source for charging in step S329 may be any of power grid E, power generation system 23, and power storage device 22. Thereafter, control unit 11 repeats the process until the connection is released.

[0102] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a charge-discharge pattern realized by the charge-discharge device 1. In FIGS. 12A and 12B, the horizontal axis represents the passage of time, and the vertical axis represents the magnitude of the charge-discharge output by the charge-discharge device 1. The minimum output (1 [kW]) and the maximum output (5 [kW]) are indicated by broken lines. In any of the patterns in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the following specified time and specified capacity are set. First specified time and specified capacity: 8:00 in the morning, specified capacity 80% Second specified time and specified capacity: 20:00 at night, specified capacity 30% That is, in the examples shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, for the battery 40 of the electric vehicle V with a maximum capacity of 100 [kWh], the charge-discharge device 1 mainly performs charging so that the capacity becomes 80% at 8:00 in the morning, and allows discharging as long as the condition that there is a 30% capacity at 20:00 at night is satisfied.

[0103] FIG. 12A shows an example in which the electric vehicle V is used as a means of transportation from 8:30 to 18:00. At 8:30, the capacity of the storage battery 40 of the electric vehicle V reaches 80% of the specified capacity under the control of the charging / discharging device 1. The electric vehicle V detaches from the charging / discharging device 1 at 8:30 in the morning and starts to be used as a means of transportation. The capacity of the electric vehicle V connected to the charging / discharging device 1 again at 18:00 has decreased to 50%. At this time, the control unit 11 of the charging / discharging device 1 calculates the dischargeable capacity as 20 [kWh] within the range from 50% to 30% until 20:00, the specified time of discharge, and performs discharge in accordance with the demand from the load 21 within the range of the dischargeable capacity. In the example of FIG. 12A, it is determined that the specified time of discharge has been reached at 20:00. The control unit 11 of the charging / discharging device 1 determines the output so that the necessary charging capacity can be charged within 12 [hours] until 8:00 the next morning, from the minimum 30% (30 [kWh] at 20:00) when discharging to the maximum from 18:00 to 20:00 to 50% (50 [kWh] at 20:00) when there is no demand from the load 21 and it remains as it is. The control unit 11 determines the output, for example, from 2.50 [kW] (necessary charging capacity is 30 [kWh]) to 4.17 [kW] (necessary charging capacity is 50 [kWh]), and performs charging with a relatively small output.

[0104] FIG. 12B shows an example in which the electric vehicle V was not used as a means of transportation under the conditions of the same specified time and specified capacity as in FIG. 12A. At 8:00 in the morning, the capacity of the battery 40 of the electric vehicle V has reached 80% of the specified capacity under the control of the charging and discharging device 1. Since the electric vehicle V was not used as a means of transportation thereafter, the control unit 11 of the charging and discharging device 1 calculates 12 [hours] until 20:00, which is the specified time for discharging, and the dischargeable capacity as 50 [kWh], and performs discharging in accordance with the demand from the load 21 within the range of the dischargeable capacity. Thereby, it becomes possible to supplement the daytime peak power of the load 21 of the home or facility with power supplied from the electric vehicle V. When the specified time for discharging reaches 20:00, the capacity is controlled to be 30% of the specified capacity. Thereafter, within 12 [hours] until 8:00 the next morning, the control unit 11 executes charging for the required charging capacity of up to 50 [kWh]. At this time, the charging and discharging device 1 charges with the output limited to 4.17 [kW] at most.

[0105] In the control of the charging and discharging device 1 according to the first embodiment, if there is an expectation of reaching the specified capacity at the specified time, even if the charging exceeds the specified capacity during charging until the specified time, or even if it is below the specified capacity during discharging until the specified time, charging and discharging may be performed within the upper and lower limits from the electric vehicle V.

[0106] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a charge and discharge pattern realized by the charging and discharging device 1. FIG. 13 shows the passage of time on the horizontal axis and the magnitude of the charge and discharge output by the charging and discharging device 1 on the vertical axis. The minimum output (1 [kW]) and the maximum output (5 [kW]) are shown by broken lines.

[0107] In the example shown in FIG. 13, at 15:00 (designated time), the operation is started with the designation that the capacity is 80% (designated capacity). The electric vehicle V, which had a capacity of 90% at 8:00 in the morning, is discharged according to the demand from the load from the electric vehicle V. The control unit 11 of the charging / discharging device 1 has reached 80%, which should be reached at the designated discharge time of 15:00, at the time of 12:00 when the electric vehicle V is connected. Also in this case, the control unit 11 determines in step S306 among the processing procedures shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 that the designated capacity is equal to the current capacity and discharging is not possible. However, the control unit 11 of the charging / discharging device 1 of the present disclosure can determine that surplus power is generated and the electric vehicle V is chargeable (S311: YES).

[0108] In FIG. 13, when surplus power is generated and charging is possible (S311: YES) between 12:00 and 14:00, the control unit 11 performs charging up to the upper limit capacity of 95% (S312). Thereafter, the control unit 11 discharges between 14:00 and 15:00 so as to reduce the battery capacity from 95% to 80% in accordance with the load peak. In this way, if the designated capacity is reached at the designated time, charging and discharging may be appropriately performed.

[0109] In FIG. 13, a conventional charging / discharging control method is shown by a dashed-dotted line. In the conventional method shown by the dashed-dotted line, the capacity is set to leave 80% at 15:00. In the conventional charging / discharging method shown by the dashed-dotted line, charging and discharging using the electric vehicle V stop when 80% is reached at 15:00 at the time of 12:00. Thus, if the output is determined only by the discharge period, the discharge target capacity, and the demand from the load 21 as in the conventional method, it is not possible to adapt to the surplus power around 12:00 or the demand of the load peak around 14:00.

[0110] According to the control of the charge and discharge device 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to appropriately perform charge and discharge while adapting to the surplus power around 12:00 and the demand of the load peak around 14:00. Thereby, while achieving that the charge and discharge to the electric vehicle V reaches the specified capacity at the specified time, it is also appropriately determined outside the specified time, and it becomes possible to appropriately balance demand and supply.

[0111] In the first embodiment, when the operation mode is "charge operation", "discharge (power supply) operation", or "self-sustaining operation" or "output autonomous operation", the charge and discharge device 1 performs control so as to reach the specified capacity at the specified time. The charge and discharge device 1 operates regardless of the specified time and specified capacity when the operation mode is "charge operation", "discharge (power supply) operation", "self-sustaining operation" or "output autonomous operation", respectively. Instead, it may have an operation mode (for example, a target operation mode) that controls to reach the specified capacity at the specified time.

[0112] (Second Embodiment) The power management device 29 controls charge and discharge so as to achieve a specified charge rate at a specified time (time). In the second embodiment, the power management device 29 can output data to the information terminal device 7 used by the user of the electric vehicle V via the network N, which is a so-called Internet, and receive an instruction from the user.

[0113] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the charge and discharge system 200 of the second embodiment. The charge and discharge system 200 of the second embodiment is the same as the charge and discharge system 200 of the first embodiment, except that the power management device 29 can transmit and receive data to and from the information terminal device 7 via the network N, and the charge and discharge device 1 of the first embodiment performs the processing. For the components common to the charge and discharge system 200 of the first embodiment in the charge and discharge system 200 of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the detailed description is omitted.

[0114] ​Network N includes a public communication network such as the so-called Internet, a wireless carrier network, and each local network. Network N may include dedicated lines.

[0115] The power management device 29 controls the power management of the supply of power to the load 21 and the electric vehicle V of the charge-discharge system 200, the power generation from the power generation system 23, etc. The power management device 29 functions as a web server that outputs information regarding power in a web page and accepts settings in the web page for the information terminal device 7 used by a user who is a resident of the home where the charge-discharge system 200 is installed, or a staff member of the facility in a business establishment.

[0116] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power management device 29. The power management device 29 includes a processing unit 90, a storage unit 91, a first communication unit 92, a second communication unit 93, a display unit 94, and an operation unit 95.

[0117] The processing unit 90 is a processor using a CPU and / or an MPU. The processing unit 90 may be a programmable logic controller. The processing unit 90 uses memories such as a built-in ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) to control each component and execute processing. The processing unit 90 may be configured as one piece of hardware (SoC: System On a Chip) integrating a processor, a memory, a communication device, etc. The processing unit 90 exchanges data with the charge-discharge device 1 and the power generation system 23 based on the computer program P9 stored in the storage unit 91 and executes processing related to power management.

[0118] The storage unit 91 uses a non-volatile storage medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) to store programs and data referred to by the processing unit 90. The storage unit 91 stores a computer program (program product) P9. The computer program P9 may be a program that the CPU reads from a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium 97 where the computer program P99 was stored and stores in the memory, or it may be a program that the processing unit 90 obtains via the network N from another program server device and stores.

[0119] The first communication unit 92 is a communication device that realizes communication with the charge and discharge device 1 and the power generation system 23 via the communication line CL. The first communication unit 92 uses a network card for wired communication, a wireless communication device for carrier communication, or a LAN device. The processing unit 90 can be communicatively connected to the charge and discharge device 1 or the power generation system 23 via the communication line CL by the first communication unit 92. The first communication unit 92 may be a communication device corresponding to ECHONET / ECHONETLite (registered trademark). The first communication unit 92 may be a communication device corresponding to a communication line CL compliant with Ethernet (registered trademark), or communication may be realized by a PLC. The first communication unit 92 may be a wireless communication device corresponding to WiFi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or carrier communication.

[0120] The second communication unit 93 is a communication device that exchanges data with the information terminal device 7 via the network N. The second communication unit 93 is a network card compliant with Ethernet (registered trademark). The second communication unit 93 may be a wireless LAN device or a wireless communication device for carrier communication.

[0121] The display unit 94 uses a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 94 may be a display with a built-in touch panel or a display without a built-in touch panel.

[0122] The operation unit 95 is a user interface. The operation unit 95 is a touch panel of the display unit 94 and / or physical buttons. The operation unit 95 may recognize an instruction from voice using the voice input unit. The operation unit 95 notifies the processing unit 90 of the operation information.

[0123] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information terminal device 7. The information terminal device 7 is a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The information terminal device 7 may be a laptop or desktop personal computer. The information terminal device 7 includes a processing unit 70, a storage unit 71, a communication unit 72, a display unit 73, an operation unit 74, and a voice input / output unit 75.

[0124] 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 one piece of hardware (SoC) integrating the processor, the 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 power management device 29 on the display unit 73.

[0125] 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 referred to by the processing unit 70. Account data of the staff of the facility using the information terminal device 7 may be stored in the storage unit 71.

[0126] 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 29 via the communication unit 72.

[0127] 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 that can perform 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 an audio input / output unit 75 including a microphone.

[0128] 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.

[0129] The processing unit 90 of the power management device 29 of the charge / discharge system 200 of the second embodiment configured as described above receives, on the same setting screen as FIG. 3 displayed on the display unit 73 of the information terminal device 7, the designation of time and the capacity (designated capacity) that should be reached at the designated time, and stores them in the storage unit 91. The processing unit 90 of the power management device 29 executes a process of determining the charging output pattern of FIG. 4 and instructing charging, and a process of determining the discharging pattern of FIG. 6 and instructing discharging for each of the charge / discharge device 1 and the electric vehicle V. The processing unit 90 acquires, by communication, the power generation amount from the power generation system 23, the free capacity in the power storage device 22, etc., and executes the processing procedures shown in FIGS. 8 to 11.

[0130] Regarding the output determination process by the power management device 29 in the second embodiment, the charging process or discharging process based on the determined output, since the processing procedure is the same as that of the charge / discharge device 1 of the first embodiment, as described above, the detailed description is omitted by referring to the flowchart. In the second embodiment, the charge / discharge device 1 notifies the power management device 29 of the capacity etc. that can be acquired from the in-vehicle control device 42 of the electric vehicle V by the EMS communication unit 16, and receives an instruction at the charging / discharging timing determined by the processing unit 90 of the power management device 29, and executes the control of charging / discharging.

[0131] According to the control of the charge-discharge device 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to appropriately perform charge and discharge while adapting to the surplus power around 12:00 and the demand at the load peak around 14:00. As a result, the charge and discharge of the electric vehicle V can be made to reach the specified capacity at the specified time, and can also be appropriately determined outside the specified time to appropriately balance demand and supply.

[0132] The embodiments disclosed as above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0133] 1 Charge-discharge device 11 Control unit (processing unit) 140 Setting screen P1 Computer program 29 Power management device 90 Processing unit 91 Storage unit P9 Computer program 7 Information terminal device

Claims

1. An apparatus having a connector connected to an electric vehicle, installed outside the vehicle, and adjusting output power to a power storage battery of a power source of the electric vehicle and output power from the power storage battery, acquires a specified time for the electric vehicle and a specified capacity that should be reached at the specified time, at any point in time during the period until the specified time, acquires the capacity of the power storage battery of the electric vehicle connected to the connector, calculates a period from the time when the capacity is acquired until the specified time, calculates a required charging capacity to reach the specified capacity or a dischargeable capacity up to the specified capacity according to a difference between the acquired specified capacity and the acquired capacity of the power storage battery, determines an output power pattern during the calculated period based on the required charging capacity or the dischargeable capacity A charge / discharge control method.

2. The apparatus determines an output power amount for charging per unit time by dividing a required charging capacity corresponding to a difference between the specified capacity and the acquired capacity of the power storage battery by the calculated period. The charge / discharge control method according to claim 1.

3. The apparatus determines an output power amount for discharging per unit time by dividing a dischargeable capacity corresponding to a difference between the specified capacity and the acquired capacity of the power storage battery by the calculated period. The charge / discharge control method according to claim 1.

4. The apparatus During the calculated period, while charging the power storage battery in the determined output power pattern, if power demand by an electrical device connected via a power line occurs and the power storage battery is in a dischargeable state, charging is interrupted and discharging from the power storage battery to the electrical device is performed according to the power demand. The charge / discharge control method according to claim 1.

5. The apparatus During the calculated period, while discharging from the power storage battery to an electrical device in the determined output power pattern, if surplus power from a power generation system connected via a power line occurs and the power storage battery is in a chargeable state, discharging is interrupted and charging of the power storage battery with the surplus power is performed. The charge / discharge control method according to claim 1.

6. The apparatus operates based on the selection of any one of a plurality of operation modes, and switches a method for determining an output power pattern according to the selection of the plurality of operation modes. The charge / discharge control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A charge and discharge device having a connector connected to an electric vehicle, installed outside the vehicle, and adjusting the output power to the power storage battery of the power source of the electric vehicle and the output power from the power storage battery to perform charge and discharge, acquiring a specified time for the electric vehicle and a specified capacity that should be reached at the specified time, at an arbitrary point in time during the period until the specified time, acquiring the capacity of the power storage battery of the electric vehicle connected to the connector, calculating the period from the time when the capacity was acquired to the specified time, calculating a required charge capacity to reach the specified capacity or a dischargeable capacity up to the specified capacity according to the difference between the acquired specified capacity and the acquired capacity of the power storage battery, determining an output power pattern during the calculated period based on the required charge capacity or the dischargeable capacity A charge and discharge device including a processing unit that executes processing.

8. A charge and discharge device installed outside an electric vehicle for adjusting the output power to the power storage battery of the power source of the electric vehicle and the output power from the power storage battery, a power generation system, and an electric device connected to the power storage battery, the power generation system, or a power grid as a power source, and a power management device for controlling the power transfer, wherein the power management device acquires a specified time for the electric vehicle and a specified capacity that should be reached at the specified time, acquires the capacity of the power storage battery of the electric vehicle connected to the charge and discharge device at an arbitrary point in time during the period until the specified time via the charge and discharge device, calculates the period from the time when the capacity was acquired to the specified time, calculates a required charge capacity to reach the specified capacity or a dischargeable capacity up to the specified capacity according to the difference between the acquired specified capacity and the acquired capacity of the power storage battery, determines an output power pattern during the calculated period based on the required charge capacity or the dischargeable capacity, and outputs the determined output power pattern and an instruction to charge or discharge to the charge and discharge device A power management device.

9. A computer program having a connector connected to an electric vehicle, and causing a computer installed outside the vehicle to execute processing for adjusting the output power to the power storage battery of the power source of the electric vehicle and the output power from the power storage battery, wherein the computer acquires a specified time for the electric vehicle and a specified capacity that should be reached at the specified time, at an arbitrary point in time during the period until the specified time, Obtain the capacity of the storage battery of the electric vehicle connected to the connector, Calculate the period from the time when the capacity is obtained to the specified time, Calculate the required charging capacity to reach the specified capacity or the dischargeable capacity up to the specified capacity according to the difference between the obtained specified capacity and the obtained capacity of the storage battery, Determine the output power pattern in the calculated period based on the required charging capacity or the dischargeable capacity A computer program for executing the process.

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