Power supply management method, power supply management system, power supply device, and power supply management program

Abstract

To provide a power supply management method, a power supply management system, a power supply device, and a power supply management program that reduce time spent waiting for charging of a work device during work in a farm field.SOLUTION: A power supply management method comprises a step of estimating, on the basis of a work plan that represents an amount of work to be performed in one or more fields 500, an amount of power consumption consumed when one or more work devices 30 performing work in one or more fields 500 using power stored in a power storage device 32, which is included in a power supply management system, perform work in the one or more fields 500 during one or more time periods. The power supply management method also comprises a step of determining, on the basis of the amount of power consumption, locations of one or more power supply devices 300 that supply power to the power storage device 32 in an area 510 where the one or more farm fields 500 are provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply management method, a power supply management system, a power supply device, and a power supply management program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, research has been conducted on working devices that perform operations in a farm field using electric power. Here, if the capacity of the battery is increased, the weight of the working device increases, which may have an adverse effect on the farm field. For this reason, a small battery may be used for a working device that performs operations in a farm field. When a small battery is used, the capacity of the battery may not be sufficient for the working time in the farm field. In this case, the operator needs to charge the battery of the working device that performs operations in the farm field.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for efficiently transferring work to another electric working vehicle when the remaining amount of the battery of an electric working vehicle performing work decreases. Here, the electric working vehicle with the decreased remaining amount is charged by a charger.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, even when trying to charge an electric working vehicle, the charger may be used for charging other electric working vehicles and there may be no spare charger. In this case, the electric working vehicle is charged after the charging of other electric working vehicles is completed. For this reason, the charging time may become long.

[0006] In view of the above situation, one of the objectives of the present disclosure is to reduce the working time related to charging of a working device during field work. Other objectives can be understood from the following description and the explanation of the embodiments.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Hereinafter, means for solving the problems will be described using the numbers and symbols used in the embodiments for carrying out the invention. These numbers and symbols are added in parentheses for reference to show an example of the correspondence relationship between the description of the claims and the embodiments for carrying out the invention. Therefore, the claims should not be construed in a limiting manner based on the description in parentheses.

[0008] A power supply management method according to an embodiment for achieving the above object includes one or more working devices (30) that are provided with a power storage device (32) and perform work in one or more fields (500) using the power stored in the power storage device (32). At one or more times, when performing work in one or more fields (500), estimating the power consumption amount consumed based on a work plan representing the amount of work performed in the one or more fields (500). The power supply management method also includes determining the arrangement positions of one or more power supply devices (300) that supply power to the power storage device (32) in a region (510) where one or more fields (500) are provided, based on the power consumption amount.

[0009] A power supply management method according to an embodiment for achieving the above object includes determining a target power supply device that supplies power from one or more power supply devices (300) to a working device (30) based on the states of the one or more power supply devices (300), the positions of the one or more power supply devices (300), and the position of the working device (30). The power supply management method also includes outputting power supply position information representing the position of the target power supply device. Here, the working device (30) is provided with a power storage device (32) and performs work in one or more fields (500) using the power stored in the power storage device (32).

[0010] A power supply management system (1000) according to an embodiment for achieving the above object includes a power consumption estimation unit (160) and a positioning unit (170). The power consumption estimation unit (160) includes a power storage device (32), and estimates the amount of power consumption when one or more working devices (30) that perform work in one or more farms (500) using the power stored in the power storage device (32) perform work in one or more farms (500) at one or more times, based on a work plan representing the amount of work performed in the one or more farms (500). The positioning unit (170) determines the arrangement positions of one or more power supply devices (300) that supply power to the power storage device (32) in a region (510) where one or more farms (500) are provided, based on the amount of power consumption.

[0011] A power supply management system (1000) according to an embodiment for achieving the above object includes a power supply management unit (190) and an output unit (180). The power supply management unit (190) determines a target power supply device that supplies power from one or more power supply devices (300) to the working device (30), based on the states of the one or more power supply devices (300), the positions of the one or more power supply devices (300), and the position of the working device (30). The output unit (180) outputs power supply position information representing the position of the target power supply device. Here, the working device (30) includes a power storage device (32) and performs work in one or more farms (500) using the power stored in the power storage device (32).

[0012] A power supply device (300) according to an embodiment for achieving the above object includes a charger (315) and a communication device (330). The charger (315) supplies power to one or more working devices (30) that perform work in one or more farms (500) using the power stored in the power storage device (32), and to a farm sensor (60) that is provided in one or more farms (500) and measures environmental information in the one or more farms (500). The communication device (330) outputs the environmental information measured by the farm sensor (60).

[0013] A power supply management program (430) according to an embodiment for achieving the above object includes a power storage device (32), and one or more working devices (30) that perform work in one or more fields (500) using the power stored in the power storage device (32) consume, in one or more periods, the amount of power consumed when performing work in one or more fields (500), and causes an arithmetic unit (120, 220) to estimate based on a work plan representing the amount of work performed in one or more fields (500). Further, the power supply management program (430) causes the arithmetic unit (120, 220) to determine the arrangement positions of one or more power supply devices (300) that supply power to the power storage device (32) in a region (510) where one or more fields (500) are provided based on the amount of power consumed.

[0014] A power supply management program (430) according to an embodiment for achieving the above object causes an arithmetic unit (120, 220) to determine a target power supply device that supplies power from one or more power supply devices (300) to the working device (30) based on the states of one or more power supply devices (300), the positions of one or more power supply devices (300), and the position of the working device (30). Further, the power supply management program (430) causes the arithmetic unit (120, 220) to output power supply position information representing the position of the target power supply device. Here, the working device (30) includes a power storage device (32) and performs work in one or more fields (500) using the power stored in the power storage device (32).

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the above aspect, in the work in the field, the working time related to charging the working device can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] (Embodiment) The power supply management system 1000 according to the present embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the power supply management system 1000 includes a power supply management device 100, one or more terminals 200, and one or more power supply devices 300. The power supply management device 100 is communicably connected to one or more terminals 200 and one or more power supply devices 300 via a network 20, for example, the Internet. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in the area 510 where one or more farms 500 are provided, the power supply management device 100 determines the positions of the power supply devices 300, for example, the power supply facility position 41 and the power supply vehicle position 51, in order to efficiently supply power to the working device 30 that performs work in the farm 500.

[0018] The working device 30 shown in FIG. 1 includes a power storage device 32 and performs work in one or more farms 500 using the power stored in the power storage device 32. For example, the working device 30 stores the power supplied from the outside in the power storage device 32. The working device 30 moves, for example, by the driving force of an electric motor that uses the stored power. Further, the working device 30 may move by an engine and drive a working machine that performs work using the stored power. The working device 30 may include a tractor that pulls a working machine that performs work, a rice transplanter formed integrally with the working machine, a combine, a drone that flies and sprays agricultural chemicals, and the like.

[0019] The power supply device 300 supplies power to the working device 30. For example, the power supply device 300 includes a fixed power supply device 300A that is provided in the power supply facility 40 and is not movable. Further, the power supply device 300 may include a movable power supply device 300B that is provided in the power supply vehicle 50.

[0020] When the power supply management device 100 performs work with the work device 30 in one or more fields 500, it determines the position of the power supply device 300 for efficiently supplying power to the work device 30. For example, based on a work plan representing the plan of work performed in one or more fields 500, the power supply management device 100 estimates the power consumption of the work performed in the field 500 at one or more times. The power supply management device 100 determines the position of the power supply device 300 for efficiently supplying power to the work device 30 based on the estimated power consumption.

[0021] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the power supply management device 100 determines the position of the power supply device 300 to be arranged in the area 510 where one or more fields 500 are provided in order to efficiently supply power to the work device 30. For example, during an idle period with little work by the work device 30, the power supply management device 100 estimates the power consumption representing the amount of power consumed by the work device 30 in the work of one or more fields 500. Based on the estimated power consumption, the power supply management device 100 determines the power supply facility position 41 where the power supply facility 40 is arranged. Also, during a busy period with a lot of work by the work device 30, the power supply management device 100 estimates the power consumption representing the amount of power consumed by the work device 30 in the work of one or more fields 500. Based on the estimated power consumption, the power supply management device 100 determines the power supply vehicle position 51 where the power supply vehicle 50 is arranged.

[0022] In this way, the power supply management system 1000 determines the position of the power supply device 300 for efficiently supplying power to the work device 30 according to the amount of work performed in one or more fields 500. The determined arrangement information representing the position of the power supply device 300, for example, the power supply facility position 41 and the power supply vehicle position 51, is displayed on the terminal 200. By checking the arrangement information displayed on the terminal 200, the user can efficiently consider the position of the power supply device 300. In this way, the power supply management system 1000 supports the determination of the position of the power supply device 300 by the user, for example, the administrator of the field 500.

[0023] In addition, the power supply management system 1000 may display the arrangement information of the power supply device 300 on the terminal 200 of the operator who performs work using the work device 30. Thereby, the operator can easily grasp the position where the power supply device 300 is arranged. The power supply management device 100 may determine the power supply device 300 to which the work device 30 should be charged based on information regarding the power supply device 300, for example, the availability of the charger 315, the remaining power amount of the charger 315, and the like. Thereby, the operator can efficiently charge the work device 30.

[0024] Furthermore, the power supply device 300 provided in the power supply facility 40 may reduce management costs by stopping power supply during the slack period. For example, the power supply management device 100 may control the power supplied to the power supply facility 40 from a remote location. Thereby, the management burden of the power supply facility 40 can be reduced.

[0025] (Configuration of the power supply management system) The configuration of the power supply management device 100 included in the power supply management system 1000 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply management device 100 includes an input / output device 110, an arithmetic device 120, a communication device 130, and a storage device 140. The power supply management device 100 is a computer including, for example, a cloud server or the like. Information for the arithmetic device 120 to execute processing is input to the input / output device 110. Further, the input / output device 110 outputs the result of the processing executed by the arithmetic device 120. The input / output device 110 includes various input devices and output devices, and may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a display, a speaker, a touch panel, and the like. The input / output device 110 may be omitted.

[0026] The communication device 130 is connected to the network 20 and communicates with each device via the network 20. The communication device 130 transfers, for example, the information obtained from the power supply device 300 to the arithmetic device 120. Also, it transfers the signal generated by the arithmetic device 120 to the terminal 200. Further, the communication device 130 may acquire information from a device not connected via the network 20. For example, the communication device 130 may acquire information from another device via an arbitrary storage medium, such as a memory card, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, etc. Also, the communication device 130 may acquire information from another device directly connected by a USB or the like. The communication device 130 includes various interfaces such as, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card), a USB, etc.

[0027] The storage device 140 stores various data for determining the arrangement position indicating the position where the power supply device 300 is arranged in the area 510 where one or more farms 500 are provided, such as the plan data 400, the farm data 410, the power supply position data 420, and the power supply management program 430. The storage device 140 is used as a non-transitory tangible storage medium for storing the power supply management program 430. The power supply management program 430 may be provided as a computer program product recorded on a computer-readable storage medium 1, or may be provided as a computer program product downloadable from a server.

[0028] The plan data 400 stores plan information representing the work plan to be carried out in one or more farms 500. For example, the work plan associates the type of work to be carried out in each farm 500, such as tillage, base fertilizer application, planting, pesticide spraying, harvesting, etc., with the time when the work is to be carried out. For example, the plan information is registered in advance by a user, such as the administrator of the farm 500.

[0029] The field data 410 stores field information regarding the operations performed in each field 500. For example, the field information represents the type of operation performed in each field 500, the amount of work (e.g., working time) representing the time required for the operation, and the working device 30 used for the operation in an associated manner. Further, the field information may include information regarding each field 500, such as information representing the position, area, region, etc.

[0030] The power supply position data 420 stores arrangement information representing the position of the determined power supply device 300. For example, the arrangement information represents, in an associated manner, an identifier for identifying the fixed power supply device 300A and the position (e.g., latitude and longitude) where the fixed power supply device 300A is arranged. Further, the arrangement information represents, in an associated manner, an identifier for identifying the mobile power supply device 300B, the position where the mobile power supply device 300B is arranged, and the period during which it is arranged at that position.

[0031] The arithmetic unit 120 reads and executes the power supply management program 430 from the storage device 140, and performs various data processes for determining the arrangement position of the power supply device 300 when operations are performed in one or more fields 500. For example, the arithmetic unit 120 includes a central processing unit (CPU).

[0032] By reading and executing the power supply management program 430, the arithmetic unit 120 cooperates with the storage device 140 to realize, as shown in FIG. 4, a data storage unit 150, a power consumption estimation unit 160, a positioning unit 170, an output unit 180, and a power supply management unit 190. The data storage unit 150 stores the plan data 400, the field data 410, and the power supply position data 420. The power consumption estimation unit 160 estimates the amount of power consumption consumed by the working device 30 when operations are performed in one or more fields 500 based on the plan data 400. The positioning unit 170 determines the position of the power supply device 300 to be arranged in the region 510 where one or more fields 500 are provided based on the amount of power consumption. The output unit 180 outputs the arrangement information representing the determined arrangement position of the power supply device 300 to the terminal 200. The power supply management unit 190 controls the supply of power by the power supply device 300.

[0033] Next, the configuration of the terminal 200 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the terminal 200 includes an input / output device 210, an arithmetic device 220, a communication device 230, and a storage device 240. The terminal 200 includes, for example, a computer, a tablet, a mobile phone, and the like. Information for the arithmetic device 220 to execute processing is input to the input / output device 210. Further, the input / output device 210 outputs the result of the processing executed by the arithmetic device 220. The input / output device 210 includes various input devices and output devices, and may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a display, a speaker, a touch panel, and the like.

[0034] The communication device 230 is connected to the network 20 and communicates with each device via the network 20. For example, the communication device 230 transfers the arrangement information acquired from the power supply management device 100 to the arithmetic device 220. Further, the communication device 230 may output information to other devices not connected via the network 20. For example, the communication device 230 may output information to other devices via an arbitrary storage medium, such as a memory card, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or the like. Further, the communication device 230 may acquire information from other devices directly connected by USB or the like. The communication device 230 includes various interfaces such as a transceiver used for wireless communication such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a cellular network, a NIC (Network Interface Card), and a USB.

[0035] The memory device 240 stores various data for displaying the arrangement information acquired from the power supply management device 100, such as the display program 440. The memory device 240 is used as a non-transitory tangible storage medium for storing the display program 440. The display program 440 may be provided as a computer program product recorded on a computer-readable storage medium 2, or may be provided as a computer program product downloadable from a server.

[0036] The arithmetic unit 220 reads and executes the display program 440 from the memory device 240, and performs various data processes for displaying the arrangement information. For example, the arithmetic unit 220 includes a central processing unit (CPU).

[0037] By reading and executing the display program 440, the arithmetic unit 220 realizes the display unit 250 in cooperation with the memory device 240 as shown in FIG. 4. The display unit 250 displays the arrangement information in cooperation with the input / output device 210.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the power supply device 300 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. For example, the fixed power supply device 300A includes an input / output device 310A, a charger 315A, an arithmetic unit 320A, a communication device 330A, and a memory device 340A as shown in FIG. 6. The fixed power supply device 300A includes, for example, a computer, a tablet, or the like. Information for the arithmetic unit 320A to execute processing is input to the input / output device 310A. Further, the input / output device 310A outputs the result of the processing executed by the arithmetic unit 320A. The input / output device 310A includes various input devices and output devices, and may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a display, a speaker, a touch panel, or the like.

[0039] The charger 315A supplies power to the work device 30. For example, the charger 315A is connected to the work device 30 by wire and supplies power to the connected work device 30. Also, the charger 315A may supply power to the work device 30 by wireless power transfer. For example, the charger 315A may be a non-contact power supply unit (e.g., a power supply mat) that supplies power to the work device 30 existing above the charger 315A by wireless power transfer. The power may be obtained from an external power source such as a commercial power supply or a private power generation facility.

[0040] The communication device 330A is connected to the network 20 and communicates with each device via the network 20. The communication device 330A, for example, transfers a signal obtained from the arithmetic device 320A to the power supply management device 100. Also, the communication device 330A may transfer information obtained from the power supply management device 100 to the arithmetic device 320A. Further, the communication device 330A may output information to other devices not connected via the network 20. For example, the communication device 330A may output information to other devices via an arbitrary storage medium such as a memory card or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Also, the communication device 330A may obtain information from other devices directly connected by USB or the like. The communication device 330A includes various interfaces such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) and USB. The communication device 330A may include a transceiver used for wireless communication such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a cellular network.

[0041] The memory device 340A stores various data for outputting information related to the fixed power supply device 300A, such as information representing the availability status of the charger 315A, to the power supply management device 100. For example, it stores a fixed information output program 450A. The memory device 340A is used as a non-transitory tangible storage medium for storing the fixed information output program 450A. The fixed information output program 450A may be provided as a computer program product recorded on a computer-readable storage medium 3, or may be provided as a computer program product downloadable from a server.

[0042] The arithmetic unit 320A reads and executes the fixed information output program 450A from the memory device 340A, and performs various data processes for outputting information related to the fixed power supply device 300A. For example, the arithmetic unit 320A includes a central processing unit (CPU).

[0043] By reading and executing the fixed information output program 450A, the arithmetic unit 320A, in cooperation with the memory device 340A, realizes a fixed information output unit 350A and a power supply control unit 360A as shown in FIG. 4. The fixed information output unit 350A outputs information related to the fixed power supply device 300A to the power supply management device 100. The power supply control unit 360A controls the fixed power supply device 300A based on the control information acquired from the power supply management device 100.

[0044] The mobile power supply device 300B has the same configuration as the fixed power supply device 300A. As shown in FIG. 7, the mobile power supply device 300B includes an input / output device 310B, a charger 315B, an arithmetic device 320B, a communication device 330B, and a storage device 340B. The mobile power supply device 300B includes, for example, a computer, a tablet, etc. Information for the arithmetic device 320B to execute processing is input to the input / output device 310B. Also, the input / output device 310B outputs the result of the processing executed by the arithmetic device 320B. The input / output device 310B includes various input devices and output devices, and may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a display, a speaker, a touch panel, etc.

[0045] The charger 315B supplies power to the working device 30. For example, the charger 315B is wired to the working device 30 and supplies power to the connected working device 30. Also, the charger 315B may supply power to the working device 30 by wireless power supply. The power is obtained from a power storage device provided in the power supply vehicle 50, a power generation device such as a fuel cell or a motor, etc.

[0046] The communication device 330B is connected to the network 20 and communicates with each device via the network 20. The communication device 330B transfers, for example, a signal obtained from the arithmetic device 320B to the power supply management device 100. Also, the communication device 330B may transfer information obtained from the power supply management device 100 to the arithmetic device 320B. Also, the communication device 330B may output information to other devices not connected via the network 20. For example, the communication device 330B may output information to other devices via an arbitrary storage medium, such as a memory card, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, etc. Also, the communication device 330B may obtain information from other devices directly connected by USB or the like. The communication device 330B includes various interfaces such as a transceiver used for wireless communication such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a cellular network, a NIC (Network Interface Card), and a USB.

[0047] The memory device 340B stores various data for outputting information related to the mobile power supply device 300B, such as information representing the remaining power amount of the power supply vehicle 50, to the power supply management device 100. The memory device 340B is used as a non-transitory tangible storage medium for storing the movement information output program 450B. The movement information output program 450B may be provided as a computer program product recorded on a computer-readable storage medium 4, or may be provided as a computer program product downloadable from a server.

[0048] The arithmetic unit 320B reads and executes the movement information output program 450B from the memory device 340B and performs various data processes for outputting information related to the mobile power supply device 300B. For example, the arithmetic unit 320B includes a central processing unit (CPU).

[0049] By reading and executing the movement information output program 450B, the arithmetic unit 320B, in cooperation with the memory device 340B, realizes the movement information output unit 350B as shown in FIG. 4. The movement information output unit 350B outputs information related to the mobile power supply device 300B to the power supply management device 100.

[0050] Here, when not distinguishing between the input / output device 310A of the fixed power supply device 300A and the input / output device 310B of the mobile power supply device 300B, they are collectively referred to as the input / output device 310. When not distinguishing between the charger 315A of the fixed power supply device 300A and the charger 315B of the mobile power supply device 300B, they are collectively referred to as the charger 315. When not distinguishing between the arithmetic device 320A of the fixed power supply device 300A and the arithmetic device 320B of the mobile power supply device 300B, they are collectively referred to as the arithmetic device 320. When not distinguishing between the communication device 330A of the fixed power supply device 300A and the communication device 330B of the mobile power supply device 300B, they are collectively referred to as the communication device 330. When not distinguishing between the storage device 340A of the fixed power supply device 300A and the storage device 340B of the mobile power supply device 300B, they are collectively referred to as the storage device 340. When not distinguishing between the fixed information output unit 350A of the fixed power supply device 300A and the mobile information output unit 350B of the mobile power supply device 300B, they are collectively referred to as the information output unit 350. When not distinguishing between the fixed information output program 450A and the mobile information output program 450B, they are collectively referred to as the information output program 450.

[0051] (Operation of determining the position of the fixed power supply device) The operation of the power supply management system 1000 will be described. First, the operation of the power supply management system 1000 for determining the position (the position of the fixed power supply device 300A) of the power supply facility 40 newly constructed in the area 510 will be described. A user, for example, the administrator of one or more farms 500, inputs an operation for determining the installation position of the power supply device 300 in the area 510 to the input / output device 210 of the terminal 200. For example, the user inputs area information representing the range of the area 510 to the input / output device 210 of the terminal 200. When the area information is input, the arithmetic device 220 of the terminal 200 reads and executes the display program 440. When the display program 440 is executed, the arithmetic device 220 starts the process shown in FIG. 8, which is part of the power supply management method.

[0052] In step S110, the display unit 250 realized by the arithmetic device 220 outputs area information representing the range of the area 510 input by the user to the power supply management device 100. The area information may represent one or more farms 500 where the working device 30 performs work.

[0053] In step S120, the power consumption estimation unit 160 of the power supply management device 100 determines the types of work for each farm 500 at one or more times in the area 510 represented by the area information. For example, the power consumption estimation unit 160 extracts one or more farms 500 included in the area 510 represented by the area information from the farm data 410. The power consumption estimation unit 160 determines the types of work performed in the extracted farms 500 during the slack period and the busy period in the area 510 based on the plan data 400.

[0054] For example, first, the power consumption estimation unit 160 determines two times, i.e., the slack period and the busy period, based on the plan data 400. For example, the power consumption estimation unit 160 determines, as the slack period, the time when the work of the work device 30 in all one or more farms 500 is the least, such as a month or a week, based on the work plan registered in the plan data 400. For example, the power consumption estimation unit 160 determines, as the slack period, the time when the number of work devices 30 performing work in all one or more farms 500 is the least. Also, the power consumption estimation unit 160 may determine, as the slack period, the time when the total amount of work, such as the total working hours, in all one or more farms 500 is the least. Also, the power consumption estimation unit 160 determines, as the busy period, the time when the work of the work device 30 in all one or more farms 500 is the most, such as a month or a week, based on the work plan.

[0055] Next, the power consumption estimation unit 160 determines the types of work performed in each farm 500 at the two determined times (e.g., the slack period and the busy period). For example, the power consumption estimation unit 160 determines the types of work performed in each farm 500 during the slack period based on the work plan. For example, the power consumption estimation unit 160 extracts the types of work performed in each farm 500 during the slack period from the work plan. Similarly, the power consumption estimation unit 160 determines the types of work performed in each farm 500 during the busy period based on the work plan.

[0056] In step S130, the power consumption estimation unit 160 determines the amount of power consumption consumed when the work device 30 performs work in each farm field 500 during one or more periods (for example, the slack period and the busy period). For example, the power consumption estimation unit 160 determines the amount of power consumption when the determined type of work is performed in the corresponding farm field 500. For example, the power consumption estimation unit 160 determines the amount of power consumption when the determined type of work is performed in the corresponding farm field 500 based on the farm field data 410. For example, the power consumption estimation unit 160 extracts information representing the work time required for the determined type of work and the work device 30 used in each farm field 500 from the farm field data 410. For example, the power consumption estimation unit 160 multiplies the power consumption per unit time when the extracted work device 30 performs the work, for example, the rated power consumption, by the work time to determine the power consumption amount of each farm field 500 during the slack period.

[0057] Similarly, the power consumption estimation unit 160 determines the amount of power consumption when the determined type of work is performed in the corresponding farm field 500. For example, the power consumption estimation unit 160 determines the amount of power consumption when the determined type of work is performed in the corresponding farm field 500 based on the farm field data 410.

[0058] In step S140, the positioning unit 170 determines the arrangement position of the power supply device 300 based on the power consumption amount in each farmland 500 for one or more periods. For example, the positioning unit 170 determines the arrangement position of the power supply device 300, for example, the fixed power supply device 300A, based on the power consumption amount in each farmland 500 for one period, for example, the slack period. For example, the positioning unit 170 determines the power supply facility position 41 based on the positions of the farmlands 500 that consume power during the slack period. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the positioning unit 170 determines one or more power supply facility positions 41 such that the distance from each farmland 500 that consumes power is equal to or less than the first distance 601. For example, when all the farmlands 500 do not have a distance from the power supply facility position 41 equal to or less than the first distance 601 when one power supply facility position 41 is arranged, the positioning unit 170 increases the number of power supply facility positions 41. The positioning unit 170 increases the number of power supply facility positions 41 to determine one or more power supply facility positions 41 until the distance from each farmland 500 to the power supply facility position 41 is equal to or less than the first distance 601. Here, the first distance 601 is determined in advance based on the distance that the working device 30 can move for charging. For example, the first distance 601 is registered in advance by the administrator of the farmland 500.

[0059] Next, the positioning unit 170 determines the number of fixed power supply devices 300A to be arranged at the determined one or more power supply facility positions 41 based on the power consumption amounts in each farmland 500. For example, the positioning unit 170 determines the total power consumption amount of the farmlands 500 existing within the first distance 601 from the power supply facility position 41, and determines the number of fixed power supply devices 300A to be arranged at the one or more power supply facility positions 41 based on the determined total power consumption amount. For example, the positioning unit 170 determines the number of fixed power supply devices 300A to be arranged at the power supply facility position 41 based on the power supply amount that can be supplied by one fixed power supply device 300A in a predetermined period and the determined total power consumption amount. Thereby, the positioning unit 170 determines the arrangement positions of the power supply devices 300 during the slack period. The positioning unit 170 stores arrangement information representing the determined arrangement positions in the power supply position data 420. When calculating the total power consumption amount, the power consumption amounts of the farmlands 500 existing within the first distance 601 from a plurality of power supply facility positions 41, for example, the first farmland 500-1, the second farmland 500-2, etc., may be used as values divided by the number of the power supply facility positions 41, for example, 2.

[0060] Subsequently, the positioning unit 170 determines the arrangement positions of the power supply devices 300, for example, the mobile power supply devices 300B, based on the power consumption amounts of each farmland 500 for other periods, for example, the peak period. The positioning unit 170 determines the arrangement positions of the mobile power supply devices 300B so that the power consumption amounts of the farmlands 500 during the peak period can be efficiently supplied by the fixed power supply devices 300A of the power supply facility 40 and the mobile power supply devices 300B. For example, the positioning unit 170 determines the arrangement positions so that the power amount exceeding the power supply amount of the fixed power supply device 300A in the corresponding power supply facility 40 for the power consumption amount in the farmland 500 within the first distance 601 from the power supply facility position 41 is supplied by the mobile power supply device 300B.

[0061] For example, during peak hours, the positioning unit 170 calculates the total power consumption of the farms 500 within the first distance 601 from the power supply facility location 41 based on the power consumption of each farm 500. The positioning unit 170 extracts the power supply facility 40 whose calculated total power consumption exceeds the power supply capacity of the fixed power supply device 300A arranged at the power supply facility 40. For example, assume that the total power consumption exceeds the power supply capacity of the fixed power supply device 300A at the power supply facility 40 with the first power supply facility location 41-1, and the total power consumption does not exceed the power supply capacity of the fixed power supply device 300A at the power supply facility 40 with the second power supply facility location 41-2.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 10, the positioning unit 170 extracts the farms 500 that are more than the second distance 602 away from the location of the power supply facility 40 where the total power consumption exceeds the power supply capacity, and more than the first distance 601 away from the location of the power supply facility 40 where the total power consumption does not exceed the power supply capacity. For example, the positioning unit 170 extracts the third farm 500-3 and the fourth farm 500-4 that are more than the second distance 602 away from the first power supply facility location 41-1 and more than the first distance 601 away from the second power supply facility location 41-2. Here, the second distance 602 is determined in advance to be shorter than the first distance 601 based on the distance that the working device 30 can move for charging. For example, the second distance 602 is registered in advance by the administrator of the farm 500.

[0063] The positioning unit 170 determines one or more power supply vehicle positions 51 such that the distance from the extracted farms 500 is equal to or less than the third distance 603. The positioning unit 170 determines the power supply vehicle position 51 such that the distance from the third farm 500-3 and the fourth farm 500-4 is equal to or less than the third distance 603.

[0064] The position determination unit 170 calculates the total power consumption in the farmland 500 within the first distance 601 or the second distance 602 from the power supply facility position 41, and the total power consumption in the farmland 500 within the third distance 603 or less from the power supply vehicle position 51. When the total calculated power consumption exceeds the power supply amount of the power supply device 300 at the corresponding power supply facility position 41 or power supply vehicle position 51, the position determination unit 170 increases the number of power supply vehicle positions 51 and determines the power supply vehicle position 51 again. In this case, the position determination unit 170 shortens the second distance 602 or the third distance 603 of the power supply facility position 41 or the power supply vehicle position 51 where the total power consumption exceeds the power supply amount, and determines the power supply vehicle position 51.

[0065] In the example shown in FIG. 10, when the total power consumption in the farmland 500 within the second distance 602 from the first power supply facility position 41-1 exceeds the supply power amount of the corresponding fixed power supply device 300A, the position determination unit 170 shortens the second distance 602 and determines the power supply vehicle position 51. Also, when the total power consumption in the farmland 500 within the third distance 603 from the power supply vehicle position 51 exceeds the supply power amount of the mobile power supply device 300B, the position determination unit 170 shortens the third distance 603 and determines the power supply vehicle position 51.

[0066] Subsequently, the position determination unit 170 extracts the power supply facility 40 having a power supply amount greater than or equal to the threshold value from the power consumption of the farmland 500 existing within the corresponding range, for example, within the first distance 601 or within the second distance 602. The position determination unit 170 determines whether the power supply by the fixed power supply device 300A can be stopped at the extracted power supply facility 40. When the difference between the power consumption amount and the power supply amount is greater than the supply power amount of n fixed power supply devices 300A, the position determination unit 170 determines to stop the power supply of the n fixed power supply devices 300A provided at the corresponding power supply facility 40. Here, n represents a natural number of 1 or more.

[0067] In the example shown in FIG. 10, it is assumed that the power consumption of the farmland 500 existing within the first distance 601 from the second power supply facility position 41-2 is smaller than the power supply amount of the power supply facility 40 arranged at the second power supply facility position 41-2. In this case, when the difference between the power consumption amount and the power supply amount is larger than the power supply amount of one fixed power supply device 300A, the positioning unit 170 determines to stop the power supply of the fixed power supply device 300A of the power supply facility 40 arranged at the second power supply facility position 41-2.

[0068] In this way, the positioning unit 170 determines the arrangement position of the power supply device 300 during the peak period. The positioning unit 170 stores the arrangement information representing the determined arrangement position in the power supply position data 420.

[0069] When the arrangement position of the power supply device 300 is determined, in step S150 shown in FIG. 8, the output unit 180 outputs the arrangement information representing the arrangement position of the power supply device 300 to the terminal 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the arrangement information represents an image showing the power supply facility position 41 where the power supply device 300 is arranged, the power supply vehicle position 51, and the area of the farmland 500 on a map. In the arrangement information, the power supply facility position 41 is represented distinguishable from the power supply vehicle position 51. Further, the arrangement information may include information representing the number of fixed power supply devices 300A arranged at the power supply facility position 41. The arrangement information may include information representing the number of fixed power supply devices 300A that stop during the peak period among the fixed power supply devices 300A arranged at the power supply facility 40.

[0070] In step S160 shown in FIG. 8, the display unit 250 of the terminal 200 displays the arrangement information acquired from the power supply management device 100 on the input / output device 210. The user determines the position for constructing the power supply facility 40 and the like based on the displayed arrangement information. Here, the position of the power supply vehicle 50 is used as reference information for determining the position of the power supply facility 40, for example.

[0071] (Modification example of the operation for determining the position of the fixed power supply device) The operation of determining the position of the power supply facility 40 (the position of the fixed power supply device 300A) described above is an example, and it may be arbitrarily changed as long as the function is not impaired. For example, the positioning unit 170 of the power supply management device 100 may determine the costs when the power supply device 300 is arranged at the arranged position for one or more periods, for example, the construction cost of the power supply facility 40, the management cost of the power supply facility 40, and the management cost of the power supply vehicle 50. In this case, the positioning unit 170 holds cost information regarding the costs. For example, the cost information includes information representing the construction cost and management cost of the power supply facility 40 according to the quantity of the fixed power supply devices 300A to be arranged. Further, the cost information includes information representing the management cost of the power supply vehicle 50. The positioning unit 170 determines the costs for one or more periods when the power supply device 300 is arranged based on the management cost and the arranged position of the power supply device 300. The information representing the determined costs is output to the terminal 200 by the output unit 180 and is displayed by the display unit 250 of the terminal 200. The user can determine the arranged position of the power supply device 300 in consideration of the required costs. Here, the management cost of the power supply vehicle 50 may include the purchase cost or rental cost of the power supply vehicle 50, the fuel cost of the power supply vehicle 50, the salary of the driver of the power supply vehicle 50, and the like. Further, the management cost of the power supply facility 40 may represent an amount according to the number of the arranged fixed power supply devices 300A and the number of the stopped fixed power supply devices 300A.

[0072] For example, the power supply management device 100 may determine the arranged position of the power supply device 300 for any one or more periods, for example, each month. In this case, the power consumption estimation unit 160 of the power supply management device 100 may determine, as the slack period, the period in which the power consumption of the working device 30 in the whole of one or more fields 500 is the least among one or more periods.

[0073] The number of the power supply facilities 40 may be input by the user. For example, in step S110 shown in FIG. 8, the display unit 250 of the terminal 200 outputs area information including information representing the number of the power supply facilities 40 input by the user to the power supply management device 100. In step S140, the positioning unit 170 of the power supply management device 100 determines the positions 41 of the power supply facilities of the number input by the user. In this way, the positioning unit 170 may determine the arrangement positions of the number of the power supply facilities 40 input by the user.

[0074] Also, in step S140 shown in FIG. 8, the positioning unit 170 of the power supply management device 100 may determine a plurality of numbers of the power supply facility positions 41. For example, in the area 510 shown in FIG. 2, the positioning unit 170 may determine the arrangement positions of the power supply devices 300 when two power supply facilities 40 are arranged and the arrangement positions of the power supply devices 300 when three power supply facilities 40 are arranged. For example, the display unit 250 of the terminal 200 displays the costs when two power supply facilities 40 are arranged and the costs when three power supply facilities 40 are arranged in a comparable manner. Thereby, the user can determine a more efficient arrangement of the power supply devices 300.

[0075] Also, the positioning unit 170 of the power supply management device 100 may determine a plurality of numbers of the fixed power supply devices 300A arranged in one power supply facility 40. For example, in the area 510 shown in FIG. 2, the positioning unit 170 may determine the arrangement positions of the power supply devices 300 when three fixed power supply devices 300A are arranged at the first power supply facility position 41-1 and the arrangement positions of the power supply devices 300 when four fixed power supply devices 300A are arranged at the first power supply facility position 41-1. Even in this case, the display unit 250 of the terminal 200 may assist the user in determining the arrangement of the power supply device 300 by displaying two types of arrangement positions with different numbers of the fixed power supply devices 300A arranged at the first power supply facility position 41-1 in association with their costs.

[0076] Further, when the power supply facility 40 is not provided, the positioning unit 170 may determine only the position 51 of the power supply vehicle during the peak period. Further, when the power supply vehicle 50 is not used, the positioning unit 170 may determine only the position 41 of the power supply facility during the peak period.

[0077] Further, after some of the power supply facilities 40 are constructed, the power supply management system 1000 may support the construction of new power supply facilities 40. In this case, assuming that the fixed power supply device 300A arranged in the constructed power supply facility 40 cannot be moved, the power supply management system 1000 executes the process shown in FIG. 8.

[0078] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the charger 315 of the power supply device 300 may supply power to the field sensor 60 provided in the field 500. The field sensor 60 measures environmental information of the field 500, such as temperature, humidity, solar radiation amount, wind speed, water temperature, water depth, etc. Further, the communication device 330 of the power supply device 300 may acquire the environmental information measured by the field sensor 60 and transfer the acquired environmental information to the power supply management device 100. The data storage unit 150 of the power supply management device 100 may output the environmental information of the field 500 to a device that manages it.

[0079] (Operation of determining the position of the power supply device after the power supply facility is constructed) Next, the operation of the power supply management system 1000 for determining the position of the power supply device 300, for example, the mobile power supply device 300B, after the power supply facility 40 is constructed will be described. A user, for example, the administrator of one or more fields 500, inputs an operation for determining the installation position of the power supply device 300 in the area 510 to the input / output device 210 of the terminal 200. For example, the user inputs area information representing the range of the area 510 to the input / output device 210 of the terminal 200. Further, the user inputs time period information representing one or more times for determining the installation position of the power supply device 300, such as a date, time period, etc., to the input / output device 210 of the terminal 200. When the area information and the time period information are input, the arithmetic unit 220 of the terminal 200 reads and executes the display program 440. When the display program 440 is executed, the arithmetic unit 220 starts the process shown in FIG. 11, which is part of the power supply management method.

[0080] In step S115, the display unit 250 realized by the arithmetic unit 220 outputs region information representing the range of the region 510 input by the user and time information representing one or more times to the power supply management device 100.

[0081] In step S120B, the power consumption estimation unit 160 of the power supply management device 100 determines the type of work of each farm 500 at one or more times represented by the time information in the region 510 represented by the region information. For example, the power consumption estimation unit 160 extracts one or more farms 500 included in the region 510 represented by the region information from the farm data 410. The power consumption estimation unit 160 extracts the type of work scheduled to be performed in the extracted farms 500 at one or more times represented by the time information from the plan data 400.

[0082] In step S130, the power consumption estimation unit 160 determines the power consumption amount consumed when the working device 30 performs work in each farm 500 at one or more times represented by the time information. Since the detailed processing in step S130 is the same as step S130 shown in FIG. 8, detailed description is omitted.

[0083] In step S140B, the positioning unit 170 determines the arrangement position of the power supply device 300 based on the power consumption amount in each farm 500 for one or more times. The positioning unit 170 determines the arrangement position of the mobile power supply device 300B so that the power consumption amount of the farm 500 at one or more times can be efficiently supplied by the fixed power supply device 300A of the power supply facility 40 and the mobile power supply device 300B. Further, when the power supply amount by the fixed power supply device 300A is excessive, the positioning unit 170 determines the arrangement position where the fixed power supply device 300A that stops power supply is arranged.

[0084] For example, similar to a part of the process of step S140 shown in FIG. 8, as shown in FIG. 9, the positioning unit 170 calculates, at one or more times, the total power consumption of the farms 500 existing within the first distance 601 from the power supply facility position 41 based on the power consumption of each farm 500. The positioning unit 170 extracts the power supply facility 40 for which the calculated total power consumption exceeds the power supply amount of the fixed power supply device 300A arranged at the power supply facility 40.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 10, the positioning unit 170 extracts the farms 500 that are more than the second distance 602 away from the position of the power supply facility 40 where the total power consumption exceeds the power supply amount and more than the first distance 601 away from the position of the power supply facility 40 where the total power consumption does not exceed the power supply amount. The positioning unit 170 determines one or more power supply vehicle positions 51 such that the distance from the extracted farms 500 is equal to or less than the third distance 603.

[0086] The positioning unit 170 calculates the total power consumption in the farms 500 within the first distance 601 or the second distance 602 from the power supply facility position 41 and the total power consumption in the farms 500 within the third distance 603 from the power supply vehicle position 51. When the calculated total power consumption exceeds the power supply amount of the power supply device 300 at the corresponding power supply facility position 41 or the power supply vehicle position 51, the positioning unit 170 increases the number of power supply vehicle positions 51 and determines the power supply vehicle positions 51 again. In this case, the positioning unit 170 determines the power supply vehicle positions 51 by shortening the second distance 602 or the third distance 603 of the power supply facility position 41 or the power supply vehicle position 51 where the total power consumption exceeds the power supply amount.

[0087] When there is no fixed power supply device 300A in the area 510, the positioning unit 170 determines the power supply vehicle positions 51 based on the positions of the farms 500 that consume power. For example, the positioning unit 170 determines one or more power supply vehicle positions 51 such that the distance from each farm 500 that consumes power is equal to or less than the third distance 603.

[0088] Subsequently, the positioning unit 170 extracts a power supply facility 40 that has a power supply amount greater than or equal to a threshold value compared to the power consumption amount of the farmland 500 existing within a corresponding range, for example, within the first distance 601 or within the second distance 602. The positioning unit 170 determines whether the power supply by the fixed power supply device 300A can be stopped at the extracted power supply facility 40. When the difference between the power consumption amount and the power supply amount is greater than the power supply amounts of n fixed power supply devices 300A, the positioning unit 170 determines to stop the power supply of the n fixed power supply devices 300A provided at the corresponding power supply facility 40. Here, n represents a natural number of 1 or more.

[0089] Also, when there is a fixed power supply device 300A whose power supply is stopped, the positioning unit 170 determines whether to start the power supply of that fixed power supply device 300A. For example, the positioning unit 170 determines, among the fixed power supply devices 300A whose power supply is stopped, a fixed power supply device 300A that is not included in the fixed power supply device 300A for which it is determined to stop the power supply, as the fixed power supply device 300A for which to start the power supply.

[0090] The positioning unit 170 stores the arrangement information indicating the position of the determined power supply device 300 in the power supply position data 420. The arrangement information may represent the position of the fixed power supply device 300A for which the power supply is stopped in a distinguishable manner from other fixed power supply devices 300A. Also, the arrangement information may represent the position of the fixed power supply device 300A for which the power supply is started in a distinguishable manner from other fixed power supply devices 300A.

[0091] The processes from step S150 to step S160 shown in FIG. 11 are the same as the processes from step S150 to step S160 shown in FIG. 8, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0092] In step S170, the display unit 250 of the terminal 200 receives control information indicating the stop or start of power supply of the fixed power supply device 300A. For example, when the fixed power supply device 300A for which it is determined to stop the power supply is included, the display unit 250 displays the number of fixed power supply devices 300A for which the power supply is stopped in association with the corresponding power supply facility 40. When the user stops the power supply in the fixed power supply device 300A, the user inputs control information instructing to stop the power supply to the input / output device 210. Also, when the fixed power supply device 300A for which it is determined to start the power supply is included, the display unit 250 displays the number of fixed power supply devices 300A for which the power supply is started in association with the corresponding power supply facility 40. When the user starts the power supply in the fixed power supply device 300A, the user inputs control information instructing to start the power supply to the input / output device 210. The display unit 250 outputs the input control information to the power supply management device 100.

[0093] In step S180, based on the control information acquired from the terminal 200, the power supply management unit 190 of the power supply management device 100 outputs control information for stopping or starting the power supply of the corresponding fixed power supply device 300A to the corresponding fixed power supply device 300A.

[0094] In step S190, according to the control information acquired from the power supply management device 100, the power supply control unit 360A of the corresponding fixed power supply device 300A stops or starts the power supply.

[0095] In this way, the power supply management system 1000 determines the arrangement positions of the power supply devices 300 at one or more times, and controls the stop or start of the power supply in one or more fixed power supply devices 300A from a remote location. The power supply management system 1000 reduces the management burden of the power supply facility 40 while avoiding excessive power supply by stopping the power supply of the fixed power supply device 300A.

[0096] In addition, a user, for example, the administrator of the farmland 500, may remove the fixed power supply device 300A to be stopped, for example, the charger 315A. For example, the charger 315A includes a power supply mat placed on the ground and can be easily installed and removed. The power supply mat is configured to supply power to the working device 30 placed thereon in a non-contact manner. Therefore, when the user stops the power supply of the fixed power supply device 300A, the user can easily remove the power supply mat. By removing the power supply mat, the deterioration of the power supply mat can be reduced.

[0097] (Modification example of the operation of determining the position of the power supply device after the power supply facility is constructed) The operation of determining the position of the power supply device 300 after the power supply facility 40 described above is constructed is an example, and it may be arbitrarily changed as long as the function is not impaired. For example, the number of power supply vehicles 50 that can be arranged in the area 510 may be specified. For example, the user inputs the number of power supply vehicles 50 that can be arranged into the input / output device 210 of the terminal 200 together with the area information and the time information. The input number of power supply vehicles 50 is transmitted to the power supply management device 100 and used in the process of step S140B. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the position determination unit 170 extracts the farmland 500 that is separated from the position of the power supply facility 40 by a first distance 601 or a second distance 602 or more, and determines one or more power supply vehicle positions 51 so that the distance from the extracted farmland 500 is equal to or less than a third distance 603. Here, when the number of power supply vehicle positions 51 reaches the number input by the user, the position determination unit 170 determines the power supply vehicle positions 51 so as not to increase the number of power supply vehicle positions 51. For example, the position determination unit 170 may determine the already determined power supply vehicle position 51 as the arrangement position of the power supply device 300. Further, the position determination unit 170 may correct the already determined power supply vehicle position 51 to determine the arrangement position of the power supply device 300.

[0098] Also, a plurality of numbers of the power supply vehicles 50 may be input. In this case, the position determination unit 170 determines the arrangement position of the power supply device 300 for each of the input numbers of the power supply vehicles 50.

[0099] Also, similar to the operation of determining the position of the fixed power supply device 300A, the positioning unit 170 of the power supply management device 100 may determine the cost when the power supply device 300 is arranged at the determined position.

[0100] Also, in step S130 of FIG. 11, the power consumption estimation unit 160 of the power supply management device 100 may estimate the power consumption amount in each farm field 500 using weather information. For example, when it is raining or there is a typhoon, work may not be performed in the farm field 500. Therefore, when there is a high possibility of rain in one or more periods, the power consumption estimation unit 160 may correct it to be smaller than the determined power consumption amount.

[0101] In step S140B shown in FIG. 11, the positioning unit 170 of the power supply management device 100 may not determine the stop of power supply in the fixed power supply device 300A.

[0102] The power supply management device 100 may not control one or both of the start and stop of power supply in the fixed power supply device 300A. In this case, part or all of the processes in steps S170 to S190 shown in FIG. 11 may be omitted.

[0103] (Operation of providing a charging position for the working device) Next, the operation of the power supply management system 1000 that provides a charging position indicating the position where the charging of the working device 30 is performed when the operator is working in the field 500 will be described. A user, for example, an operator in the field 500, inputs an operation of requesting information indicating the charging position to the input / output device 210 of the terminal 200 in order to efficiently charge the working device 30. For example, the user inputs position information indicating the current position to the input / output device 210. When the position information is input, the arithmetic unit 220 of the terminal 200 reads and executes the display program 440. When the display program 440 is executed, the arithmetic unit 220 starts the process shown in FIG. 12 which is a part of the power supply management method. The terminal 200 may be provided with a positioning device that measures its own position. In this case, when an operation of requesting information indicating the charging position by the user is input, the arithmetic unit 220 may acquire the position measured by the positioning device as the position information.

[0104] In step S210, the display unit 250 realized by the arithmetic unit 220 outputs the acquired position information to the power supply management device 100.

[0105] In step S220, the power supply management unit 190 of the power supply management device 100 requests the power supply device 300 provided in the area 510 including the position of the working device 30 for state information indicating the state of the power supply device 300. The state information represents, for example, being used while supplying power to another working device 30. Also, the state information may represent the remaining power amount of the power supply vehicle 50.

[0106] For example, the power supply management unit 190 determines the area 510 where the working device 30 is working based on the position information acquired from the terminal 200. For example, the power supply management unit 190 determines the area 510 including the position represented by the position information as the area 510 where the working device 30 is working. The power supply management unit 190 acquires arrangement information indicating the position of the power supply device 300 arranged in the determined area 510 from the power supply position data 420. The power supply management unit 190 requests the power supply device 300 represented by the arrangement information for the state information. Note that the fixed power supply device 300A whose power supply is stopped is excluded from the targets for which the state information is requested.

[0107] In step S230, the information output unit 350 of the power supply device 300 outputs the status information of its own device to the power supply management device 100 in response to a request for status information. For example, the fixed information output unit 350A of the fixed power supply device 300A outputs status information indicating whether the charger 315A is in use to the power supply management device 100. Similarly, the mobile information output unit 350B of the mobile power supply device 300B outputs status information indicating whether the charger 315B is in use to the power supply management device 100. The mobile information output unit 350B may output to the power supply management device 100 the status information including information indicating the remaining power amount of the power stored in the power storage device of the power supply vehicle 50 provided with its own device. Further, the mobile information output unit 350B may include in the status information information indicating the power amount that can be generated by the remaining fuel of the power generation device of the power supply vehicle 50 provided with its own device as the remaining power amount.

[0108] In step S240, the power supply management unit 190 of the power supply management device 100 determines the power supply device 300 that performs power supply based on the position information of the working device 30, the positions of the respective power supply devices 300, and the status information. For example, the power supply management unit 190 extracts the power supply devices 300 that can supply power based on the status information of the power supply devices 300. For example, the power supply management unit 190 extracts the power supply devices 300 that are not in use and whose remaining power amount is greater than the threshold value among the power supply devices 300 for which the status information has been acquired. The power supply management unit 190 determines the power supply device 300 closest to the position of the working device 30 among the extracted power supply devices 300 as the power supply device 300 that supplies power to the working device 30.

[0109] In step S250, the output unit 180 of the power supply management device 100 outputs power supply position information representing the determined position of the power supply device 300 to the terminal 200. The output unit 180 may include path information representing the path from the position of the working device 30 to the determined power supply device 300 in the power supply position information. The power supply position information represents, for example, an image showing the position of the power supply device 300 on a map. Also, the power supply position information may represent an image showing the path from the working device 30 to the power supply device 300 on a map. Note that the path from the position of the working device 30 to the determined power supply device 300 may be determined by the power supply management unit 190 or may be determined by an external device.

[0110] In step S260, the display unit 250 of the terminal 200 displays the power supply position information acquired from the power supply management device 100 on the input / output device 210. For example, the display unit 250 displays an image showing the position of the power supply device 300 that charges the working device 30 on a map. Also, the display unit 250 may display an image showing the path from the working device 30 to the power supply device 300 on a map. By checking the position of the power supply device 300 displayed on the input / output device 210, a user, for example, an operator, can efficiently move the working device 30 to the power supply device 300.

[0111] (Modification example) The embodiments and modification examples described above are examples, and the configurations described in each embodiment and modification example may be arbitrarily changed or / and arbitrarily combined within a range that does not inhibit the functions. Further, if the required functions can be realized, some of the functions described in the embodiments and modification examples may be omitted.

[0112] For example, the planned information stored in the plan data 400 may represent a plan estimated from the types and timings of operations to be performed in the farmland 500 based on past operations. For example, the operation plan for the farmland 500 may be determined based on the history of operations performed at one or more times in a year, such as seasons like summer or autumn, or months like April or August, over a period of one year or more in the past. For example, the data storage unit 150 of the power supply management device 100 determines that in the farmland 500, operations of the same type were performed at one or more times in a year in the past. The operation time of the operation represents, for example, a statistical value of the operation time at that time, such as an average value, a median value, a maximum value, a minimum value, etc.

[0113] Also, the planned information may represent a plan estimated based on the crops cultivated in the farmland 500, the operations performed for the cultivation, and the time when the operations were performed. For example, the operation plan for the farmland 500 may represent the types and timings of operations shown in the cultivation calendar of the cultivation type corresponding to the crops cultivated, the types of operations performed for the cultivation, and the time when the operations were performed. For example, the data storage unit 150 of the power supply management device 100 extracts the cultivation type corresponding to the crops cultivated, the types of operations performed, and the time when the operations were performed from the cultivation calendar. The data storage unit 150 stores the types and timings of operations shown in the cultivation calendar of the extracted cultivation type as the types and timings of operations to be performed in the farmland 500 in the plan data 400.

[0114] Also, the farmland information may include information representing the power consumption amount consumed according to the types of operations performed in each farmland 500. In this case, in step S130 shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 11, the power consumption estimation unit 160 of the power supply management device 100 extracts the power consumption amount corresponding to the types of operations performed in each farmland 500 from the farmland information. The power consumption estimation unit 160 determines the extracted power consumption amount as the power consumption amount of the operations performed in each farmland 500 at one or more times.

[0115] The farm information may represent the type of work performed at each farm 500 and the working time corresponding to the type of work device 30, for example, the model, size, and horsepower. In this case, in step S130 shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 11, the power consumption estimation unit 160 of the power supply management device 100 extracts the power consumption amount corresponding to the type of work performed at each farm 500 and the work device 30 performing the work from the farm information.

[0116] The farm information may represent the type of work performed at each farm 500, the working time of the work, and the time when the work was performed in an associated manner. In this case, in step S130 shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 11, the power consumption estimation unit 160 of the power supply management device 100 extracts the working time corresponding to the type of work performed at each farm 500 and one or more times (for example, slack periods or busy periods) from the farm information. The power consumption estimation unit 160 determines the power consumption amount at each farm 500 using the extracted working time.

[0117] The farm information may include, as the amount of work, information representing the amount of fuel consumed, for example, gasoline, according to the type of work performed at each farm 500. In this case, in step S130 shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 11, the power consumption estimation unit 160 of the power supply management device 100 estimates the power consumption amount corresponding to the type of work from the amount of fuel consumed.

[0118] In step S130 shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 11, the power consumption estimation unit 160 may estimate the power consumption amount at other farms 500 using a method different from the method of estimating the power consumption amount at one farm 500. For example, for a farm 500 with a registered work plan, the power consumption amount is estimated based on the registered work plan, and for a farm 500 without a registered work plan, the work performed in one or more times is estimated from the work performed in the past, and the power consumption amount is estimated.

[0119] In one or both of step S140 shown in FIG. 8 and step S140B shown in FIG. 11, the positioning unit 170 of the power supply management device 100 may determine the arrangement position of the power supply device 300 for one or more times in an arbitrary manner.

[0120] When starting the process shown in FIG. 12, the user may input information representing the position of the working device 30 and the area 510 where the work is being performed into the input / output device 210 of the terminal 200. In this case, in step S220, the power supply management unit 190 of the power supply management device 100 requests the status of the power supply device 300 provided in the input area 510.

[0121] The information output unit 350 of the power supply device 300 may periodically output status information representing the status of the power supply device 300 to the power supply management device 100. In this case, the process of step S220 and the process of step S230 shown in FIG. 12 may be omitted.

[0122] The power supply management system 1000 may execute only a part of the process shown in FIG. 8, the process shown in FIG. 11, and the process shown in FIG. 12.

[0123] The fixed power supply device 300A arranged in the same power supply facility 40 may be realized by one common device for some or all of the input / output device 310A, the arithmetic device 320A, the communication device 330A, and the storage device 340A.

[0124] For example, the terminal 200 may execute some or all of the processes of the power supply management device 100. Also, the power supply management device 100 may execute some or all of the processes of the terminal 200. The power supply management program 430 may include a display program 440 and an information output program 450. The power supply management system 1000 may display the arrangement information on an external terminal that does not include the terminal 200 and is not included in the power supply management system 1000.

[0125] (Appendix) The power supply management method, power supply management system, power supply device, and power supply management program described in each embodiment can be described as follows.

[0126] The power supply management method according to the first aspect is equipped with a power storage device, and one or more working devices that perform work in one or more fields using the power stored in the power storage device estimate the power consumption amount consumed when performing work in the one or more fields at one or more times based on a work plan representing the amount of work performed in the one or more fields, and based on the power consumption amount, determine the arrangement positions of one or more power supply devices that supply power to the power storage device in the area where the one or more fields are provided. including.

[0127] The power supply management method according to the second aspect is the power supply management method according to the first aspect, wherein the work plan further represents the types of work performed in the one or more fields, and estimating the power consumption amount includes determining the types of work performed in the one or more fields at the one or more times based on the work plan, and estimating the power consumption amount based on the determined types of work. including.

[0128] The power supply management method according to the third aspect is the power supply management method according to the first or second aspect, wherein estimating the power consumption amount includes estimating the power consumption amount based on the work performed in the past in the one or more fields. including.

[0129] The power supply management method according to the fourth aspect is the power supply management method according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein estimating the power consumption amount includes estimating the power consumption amount based on the weather information in the area where the one or more fields are provided. including

[0130] The power supply management method according to the fifth aspect is the power supply management method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the one or more times are a peak period when the work by the one or more working devices in the one or more fields is the most, and a slack period when the work by the one or more working devices in the one or more fields is the least, including Determining the arrangement positions of the one or more power supply devices includes determining a first arrangement position representing the arrangement position during the peak period and a second arrangement position representing the arrangement position during the slack period including and further includes displaying arrangement information representing the first arrangement position and the second arrangement position.

[0131] The power supply management method according to the sixth aspect is the power supply management method according to the fifth aspect, wherein the one or more power supply devices include a fixed power supply device provided in a fixed power supply facility and a mobile power supply device provided in a moving body, at least a part of the one or more power supply devices provided at the first arrangement position is the mobile power supply device, and the position of the fixed power supply device included in the one or more power supply devices provided at the first arrangement position is the same as the position of the fixed power supply device included in the one or more power supply devices provided at the second arrangement position.

[0132] The power supply management method according to the seventh aspect is the power supply management method according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the one or more power supply devices include one or more fixed power supply devices provided in a fixed power supply facility, and determining the arrangement positions of the one or more power supply devices includes determining the one or more fixed power supply devices that supply power in a first period and stop supplying power in a second period among the one or more periods. including

[0133] The power supply management method according to the eighth aspect is the power supply management method according to the seventh aspect, starting or stopping the power supply of the one or more fixed power supply devices from a remote location further including

[0134] The power supply management method according to the ninth aspect is the power supply management method according to the seventh or eighth aspect, at least a part of the one or more fixed power supply devices includes a non-contact power supply unit that supplies power to at least a part of the one or more working devices in a non-contact manner, determining the one or more fixed power supply devices includes determining the one or more fixed power supply devices from which the non-contact power supply unit is removed in the second period including

[0135] The power supply management method according to the tenth aspect is the power supply management method according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, at least a part of the one or more power supply devices is provided in the one or more fields, supplying power to a field sensor that measures environmental information in the one or more fields, outputting the environmental information measured by the field sensor, including

[0136] The power supply management method according to the eleventh aspect is the power supply management method according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, determining a target power supply device that supplies power from the one or more power supply devices to the one or more working devices based on the state of the one or more power supply devices, the position of the one or more power supply devices, and the position of the one or more working devices, outputting power supply position information representing the position of the target power supply device, further including

[0137] The power supply management method according to the twelfth aspect is the power supply management method according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, and displaying arrangement information representing the arrangement positions of the determined one or more power supply devices further includes.

[0138] The power supply management method according to the thirteenth aspect is determining a target power supply device that supplies power from the one or more power supply devices to the work device based on the states of the one or more power supply devices, the positions of the one or more power supply devices, and the position of the work device; outputting power supply position information representing the position of the target power supply device; including the work device includes a power storage device, and performs work in one or more fields using the power stored in the power storage device.

[0139] The power supply management system according to the fourteenth aspect is a power consumption estimation unit that estimates, based on a work plan representing the amount of work performed in one or more fields, the amount of power consumed when one or more work devices equipped with a power storage device and performing work in one or more fields using the power stored in the power storage device perform work in the one or more fields at one or more times; a position determination unit that determines the arrangement positions of one or more power supply devices that supply power to the power storage device in the area where the one or more fields are provided based on the amount of power consumption; comprises.

[0140] The power supply management system according to the fifteenth aspect is a power supply management unit that determines a target power supply device that supplies power from the one or more power supply devices to the work device based on the states of the one or more power supply devices, the positions of the one or more power supply devices, and the position of the work device; an output unit that outputs power supply position information representing the position of the target power supply device; comprises the work device includes a power storage device, and performs work in one or more fields using the power stored in the power storage device.

[0141] The power supply device according to the 16th aspect includes a power storage device, one or more working devices that perform work in one or more fields using the power stored in the power storage device, and a charger that is provided in the one or more fields and supplies power to a field sensor that measures environmental information in the one or more fields. And a communication device that outputs the environmental information measured by the field sensor. It is provided with.

[0142] The power supply management program according to the 17th aspect includes a power storage device, and one or more working devices that perform work in one or more fields using the power stored in the power storage device estimate the power consumption amount consumed when performing work in the one or more fields at one or more times based on a work plan representing the amount of work performed in the one or more fields. Based on the power consumption amount, determine the arrangement positions of one or more power supply devices that supply power to the power storage device in the area where the one or more fields are provided. And do. To cause an arithmetic device to execute.

[0143] The power supply management program according to the 18th aspect Based on the states of one or more power supply devices, the positions of the one or more power supply devices, and the positions of the working devices, determine a target power supply device that supplies power from the one or more power supply devices to the working devices. Output power supply position information representing the position of the target power supply device. To cause an arithmetic device to execute The working device includes a power storage device and performs work in one or more fields using the power stored in the power storage device.

Explanation of symbols

[0144] 1, 2, 3, 4: Storage medium 20: Network 30: Working device 32: Power storage device 40: Power supply facility 41: Power supply facility location (installation location) 50: Power supply vehicle 51: Power supply vehicle location (installation location) 60: Field sensor 100: Power supply management device 110: Input / output device 120: Arithmetic unit 130: Communication device 140: Memory device 150: Data storage section 160: Power consumption estimation section 170: Position determination section 180: Output section 190: Power supply management section 200: Terminal 210: Input / output device 220: Arithmetic unit 230: Communication device 240: Memory device 250: Display section 300: Power supply device 300A: Fixed power supply device 300B: Mobile power supply device 310: Input / output device 315: Charger 320: Arithmetic unit 330: Communication device 340: Memory device 350: Information output section 350A: Fixed information output section 350B: Mobile information output section 360A: Power supply control section 400: Plan data 410: Field data 420: Power supply position data 430: Power supply management program 440: Display program 450: Information output program 450A: Fixed information output program 450B: Mobile information output program 500: Field 510: Region 601: First distance 602: Second distance 603: Third distance 1000: Power supply management system

Claims

1. One or more working devices that are provided with a power storage device and perform operations in one or more fields using the power stored in the power storage device estimate, at one or more times, the amount of power consumption consumed when performing operations in the one or more fields based on a work plan representing the amount of work performed in the one or more fields; Based on the amount of power consumption, determine the arrangement positions of one or more power supply devices that supply power to the power storage device in the area where the one or more fields are provided; A power supply management method including the above.

2. The work plan further represents the types of work performed in the one or more fields, Estimating the amount of power consumption includes: Based on the work plan, determine the types of work performed in the one or more fields at the one or more times; Based on the determined types of work, estimate the amount of power consumption. The power supply management method according to claim 1, including the above.

3. Estimating the amount of power consumption includes: Estimate the amount of power consumption based on the work performed in the past in the one or more fields. The power supply management method according to claim 1, including the above.

4. Estimating the amount of power consumption includes: Estimate the amount of power consumption based on the weather information in the area where the one or more fields are provided. The power supply management method according to claim 1, including the above.

5. The one or more times include: A peak period when the most work is performed by the one or more working devices in the one or more fields; An off-peak period when the least work is performed by the one or more working devices in the one or more fields. Including, Determining the arrangement positions of the one or more power supply devices includes: Determine a first arrangement position representing the arrangement position during the peak period and a second arrangement position representing the arrangement position during the off-peak period. Including, Further include displaying arrangement information representing the first arrangement position and the second arrangement position. The power supply management method according to claim 1, including the above.

6. The one or more power supply devices include fixed power supply devices provided in fixed power supply facilities and mobile power supply devices provided on mobile bodies. At least a part of the one or more power supply devices provided at the first arrangement position is the mobile power supply device. The positions of the fixed power supply devices included in the one or more power supply devices provided at the first arrangement position are the same as the positions of the fixed power supply devices included in the one or more power supply devices provided at the second arrangement position. The power supply management method according to claim 5.

7. The one or more power supply devices include one or more fixed power supply devices provided in fixed power supply facilities, Determining the arrangement positions of the one or more power supply devices includes: Determining the one or more fixed power supply devices that supply power in the first period and stop supplying power in the second period among the one or more periods The power supply management method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, including.

8. Further including starting or stopping the supply of power to the one or more fixed power supply devices from a remote location The power supply management method according to claim 7.

9. At least a part of the one or more fixed power supply devices includes a non-contact power supply unit that supplies power to at least a part of the one or more working devices in a non-contact manner, Determining the one or more fixed power supply devices includes: Determining the one or more fixed power supply devices that remove the non-contact power supply unit in the second period The power supply management method according to claim 7, including.

10. At least a part of the one or more power supply devices is provided in the one or more fields, supplying power to a field sensor that measures environmental information in the one or more fields, Outputting the environmental information measured by the field sensor, The power supply management method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, including.

11. Based on the states of the one or more power supply devices, the positions of the one or more power supply devices, and the positions of the one or more working devices, determining a target power supply device that supplies power from the one or more power supply devices to the one or more working devices, Outputting power supply position information representing the position of the target power supply device, The power supply management method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further including.

12. Further including displaying arrangement information representing the arrangement positions of the determined one or more power supply devices The power supply management method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

13. Based on the states of the one or more power supply devices, the positions of the one or more power supply devices, and the positions of the working devices, determining a target power supply device that supplies power from the one or more power supply devices to the working device, Outputting power supply position information representing the position of the target power supply device, Including, The working device is provided with a power storage device, and performs work in one or more fields using the power stored in the power storage device Power supply management method.

14. A power supply management system comprising a power storage device, and a consumption power estimation unit that estimates, based on a work plan representing the amount of work to be performed in one or more fields, the amount of power consumption that will be consumed when one or more work devices that perform work in one or more fields using the power stored in the power storage device perform work in the one or more fields at one or more times. A positioning unit that determines the arrangement positions of one or more power supply devices that supply power to the power storage device in the area where the one or more fields are provided, based on the amount of power consumption. A power supply management system comprising the above.

15. A power supply management unit that determines a target power supply device that supplies power from the one or more power supply devices to the work device, based on the states of the one or more power supply devices, the positions of the one or more power supply devices, and the position of the work device. An output unit that outputs power supply position information representing the position of the target power supply device. Comprising the above. The work device includes a power storage device and performs work in one or more fields using the power stored in the power storage device. A power supply management system.

16. One or more work devices that include a power storage device and perform work in one or more fields using the power stored in the power storage device, a charger that supplies power to a field sensor provided in the one or more fields and measures environmental information in the one or more fields. A communication device that outputs the environmental information measured by the field sensor. A power supply device comprising the above.

17. One or more work devices that include a power storage device and perform work in one or more fields using the power stored in the power storage device estimate, based on a work plan representing the amount of work to be performed in the one or more fields, the amount of power consumption that will be consumed when performing work in the one or more fields at one or more times. Based on the amount of power consumption, determine the arrangement positions of one or more power supply devices that supply power to the power storage device in the area where the one or more fields are provided. A power supply management program that causes a computing device to execute the above.

18. Based on the states of one or more power supply devices, the positions of the one or more power supply devices, and the position of a work device, determine a target power supply device that supplies power from the one or more power supply devices to the work device. Output power supply position information representing the position of the target power supply device. Cause a computing device to execute the above. The work device includes a power storage device and performs work in one or more fields using the power stored in the power storage device. A power supply management program.

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