Charging system

Abstract

To provide a charging system capable of suppressing excessive enlargement in a peak of a supply amount of external power to a facility while suppressing reduction in user convenience.SOLUTION: A charging system is capable of charging a first power storage device and a second power storage device using external power which is supplied from an external power source to a facility. The first power storage device is loaded in a vehicle. The second power storage device is capable of supplying power, which is stored in the second power storage device, to the facility. The charging system comprises a control device which controls charging of the first power storage device and the second power storage device. The control device prompts a user of a vehicle requesting the charging of the first power storage device to select whether or not to permit a restriction of the requested charging, and if the user opts to permit charging restrictions, the device is configured to restrict the requested charging.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging system.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-062618 (Patent Document 1) discloses a charging system configured to be able to charge each of a first power storage device mounted on a vehicle and a second power storage device (fixed battery) using external power supplied from an external power source (for example, a commercial power source) to a facility (for example, a house). And this charging system predicts the return time of the vehicle equipped with the first power storage device, and executes prior charging of the fixed battery before the return time. In the prior charging, the power portion for peak cut is previously stored in the fixed battery before the return time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The charging system described in Patent Document 1 above predicts the return time of the vehicle and executes prior charging of the fixed battery based on the prediction result. However, it is not always easy to accurately predict the return time of the vehicle. Also, in a system that predicts the return time based on information from the vehicle user, there is a possibility of impairing the convenience of the user by requesting such information from the user. Further, it is difficult to apply the technology described in Patent Document 1 above when the vehicle is charged at a facility other than a house (for example, a commercial facility).

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a charging system capable of suppressing an excessive increase in the peak of the supply amount of external power to a facility while suppressing a decrease in user convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A charging system according to an aspect of the present disclosure is configured to be able to charge each of a first power storage device and a second power storage device using external power supplied from an external power source to a facility. The first power storage device is mounted on a vehicle. The second power storage device is configured to be able to supply the power stored in the second power storage device to the facility. The charging system includes a control device that controls the charging of each of the first power storage device and the second power storage device. The control device prompts a user of a vehicle that requests charging of the first power storage device to select whether to permit restricting the requested charging, and is configured to restrict the requested charging when the user selects to permit the restriction of charging.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to provide a charging system capable of suppressing an excessive increase in the peak of the supply amount of external power to a facility while suppressing a decrease in user convenience.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a charging system according to this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the charging system 1 includes a facility 100, a plurality of power supply facilities (including power supply facilities 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460), and peak cut storage devices 510, 520. The facility 100 includes a distribution board 110, a power load 120, a PCS (Power Conditioning System) 130, and an EMS (Energy Management System) 150. The facility 100 is, for example, a vehicle dealership (dealer). However, it is not limited to this, and the facility 100 may be other commercial facilities (department stores, roadside rest facilities, offices, factories, etc.), public facilities, or residences.

[0011] The distribution board 110 is electrically connected to the power system PG. Electric power (external power) is supplied from the power system PG to the distribution board 110. The power system PG is a power grid constructed by power transmission and distribution facilities. The power system PG may include substation facilities. The power system PG may be connected to power generation facilities. The power system PG corresponds to an example of the "external power source" according to the present disclosure.

[0012] The administrator of Facility 100 receives power supply from an energy service provider (ESP) such as an electric power company. Specifically, the power grid PG supplies AC power to Facility 100 (distribution board 110). In this embodiment, the maximum amount of power that Facility 100 can receive from the power grid PG (hereinafter referred to as the "contract ceiling value") is determined by a power contract. The contract ceiling value may be expressed as the amount of power supplied per unit time (e.g., 30 minutes) (kWh / h). If the amount of power supplied from the power grid PG to Facility 100 exceeds the contract ceiling value, a penalty (e.g., liquidated damages) will be imposed on the administrator of Facility 100. The amount of power supplied from the power grid PG to Facility 100 is sequentially measured by a power meter M1 (e.g., a smart meter). The power meter M1 sequentially transmits the measured amount of power (supply power amount X1) to each of the EMS150 and the server 900 of the ESP.

[0013] The PCS130 includes various circuits for processing related to power conditioning (for example, power conversion and input / output adjustment). The PCS130 converts the AC power received from the distribution board 110 into DC power according to an instruction from the EMS150 and outputs the DC power to at least one of the energy storage devices 510 and 520. The energy storage device 510 is a stationary energy storage device. The energy storage device 520 is an energy storage device mounted on the vehicle 500. Each of the energy storage devices 510 and 520 is charged by the power from the PCS130. The PCS130 performs power conversion for charging each of the energy storage devices 510 and 520. Also, the energy storage devices 510 and 520 are each configured to be able to supply the power stored in the energy storage devices 510 and 520 to Facility 100. By the PCS130 performing power conversion between each of the energy storage devices 510 and 520 and the distribution board 110, the power output from each of the energy storage devices 510 and 520 to the distribution board 110 becomes power that can be used by the power load 120 or each power supply facility (such as the power supply facility 410). The PCS130 is configured to perform power conversion for V2H (Vehicle to Home). Each of the energy storage devices 510 and 520 corresponds to an example of the "second energy storage device" according to the present disclosure.

[0014] The distribution board 110 distributes the external power input from the power system PG to a plurality of circuits (secondary circuits) within the facility 100. The secondary circuits may be protected by fuses or circuit breakers. In this embodiment, the distribution board 110 distributes the input external power to the power load 120, each power supply facility (such as the power supply facility 410), and the PCS 130. The power from the distribution board 110 may be supplied to the power load 120 via an outlet. The power load 120 may include, for example, lighting devices and air conditioning equipment. The EMS 150 may operate with the power from the distribution board 110 or may be operated by another power source (such as a driving battery).

[0015] Each power supply facility included in the charging system 1 functions as a vehicle power supply facility (EVSE). The charging system 1 includes at least one of an AC power supply facility that outputs AC power and a DC power supply facility that outputs DC power. The vehicle 200 is provided with a power storage device 210 and can charge the power storage device 210 using, for example, the power supply facility 410. The vehicle 200 is configured to be able to run using the power output from the power storage device 210. The vehicle 200 is provided with an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The vehicle 200 may be a battery electric vehicle (BEV) without an internal combustion engine or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) with an internal combustion engine. The power storage device 210 corresponds to an example of the "first power storage device" according to the present disclosure.

[0016] Each power supply facility included in the charging system 1 is configured to be able to charge the power storage device 210 of the vehicle 200 in a state of being electrically connected to the power supply facility, using external power supplied to the facility 100. Each power supply facility is configured to be electrically connectable to the vehicle 200, for example, via a charging cable. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the tip (connector) of the charging cable connected to the power supply facility 410 is connected (plugged in) to the inlet of the vehicle 200, and the vehicle 200 and the power supply facility 410 are electrically connected. The connector of the charging cable is configured to be detachable from the inlet of the vehicle 200. Each power supply facility included in the charging system 1 is electrically connected to the distribution board 110, and the power output from the distribution board 110 is supplied to each power supply facility. The power supply facility 410 charges the power storage device 210 of the vehicle 200 using external power supplied from the power grid PG via the distribution board 110. The EMS 150 is configured to be communicable with each power supply facility included in the charging system 1. Each power supply facility is controlled by the EMS 150.

[0017] The mobile terminal 300 is carried by the user of the vehicle 200. The mobile terminal 300 is, for example, a smartphone having a touch panel display. Application software for using the charging system 1 is installed in the mobile terminal 300. The mobile terminal 300 is configured to be communicable with each of the EMS 150 and the vehicle 200 (in-vehicle ECU).

[0018] The charging system 1 further includes power meters M2 to M5. The power meter M2 is located between the power load 120 and the distribution board 110, detects the amount of power consumed by the power load 120, and sequentially outputs the detected amount of power (required power amount Y1) to the EMS 150. The power meter M3 is located between each power supply facility included in the charging system 1 and the distribution board 110, detects the total amount of power consumed by each power supply facility (the total value of the required power amounts of all the power supply facilities included in the charging system 1), and sequentially outputs the detected amount of power (required power amount Y2) to the EMS 150. The power meter M4 is located between the energy storage device 510 and the PCS 130, detects the amount of power output from the energy storage device 510 to the facility 100 (discharge amount) and the amount of power output from the facility 100 to the energy storage device 510 (charge amount), and sequentially outputs the detected discharge amount X21 or charge amount Y31 of the energy storage device 510 to the EMS 150. The power meter M5 is located between the energy storage device 520 and the PCS 130, detects the amount of power output from the energy storage device 520 to the facility 100 (discharge amount) and the amount of power output from the facility 100 to the energy storage device 520 (charge amount), and sequentially outputs the detected discharge amount X22 or charge amount Y32 of the energy storage device 520 to the EMS 150.

[0019] The vehicle 200 detects the current state of charge (kWh) of the energy storage device 210, and when connected to any of the power supply facilities included in the charging system 1, sequentially outputs the detected state of charge D1 of the energy storage device 210 to the EMS 150 through the power supply facility. The energy storage device 510 detects its own current state of charge (kWh) and sequentially outputs the detected state of charge D21 of the energy storage device 510 to the EMS 150. The energy storage device 520 detects its own current state of charge (kWh) and sequentially outputs the detected state of charge D22 of the energy storage device 520 to the EMS 150.

[0020] The EMS150 may include a computer. The EMS150 includes, for example, a processor 151 and a storage device 152. The EMS150 stores the acquired supply power amount X1, discharge amounts X21, X22, demand power amounts Y1, Y2, charge amounts Y31, Y32, and stored power amounts D1, D21, D22 in the storage device 152. The EMS150 controls the charging of each of the power storage devices 210, 510, 520 and controls the discharging of each of the power storage devices 510, 520. The storage device 152 stores the position information and specification information (such as the rated output power indicating the power supply performance) of each power supply facility included in the charging system 1, differentiated by the identification information for each power supply facility. The storage device 152 stores in advance the specification information of each of the PCS130 and the power storage devices 510, 520. In this embodiment, one or more processors execute a program stored in one or more storage devices, thereby executing the control shown in FIG. 2 described below. However, these processes may be executed only by hardware (electronic circuits) without using software. The EMS150 corresponds to an example of the "control device" according to the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the processes related to vehicle charging (charging of the power storage device 210 mounted on the vehicle 200) executed by the EMS150. "S" in the flowchart means step. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a screen for requesting a user to make a selection. Hereinafter, the control executed in response to a vehicle charging request will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0022] For example, when the vehicle 200 is electrically connected (plugged in) to the power supply facility 410, the vehicle 200 requests vehicle charging from the EMS150 through the power supply facility 410. Further, the vehicle 200 may transmit the target stored power amount set by the user to the EMS150 through the mobile terminal 300. The power supply facility 410 requests vehicle charging from the EMS150 by transmitting the identification information of each of the vehicle 200 and the power supply facility 410 connected to each other to the EMS150. When the EMS150 receives a vehicle charging request, it starts the processing flow shown in FIG. 2. However, the start condition of the processing flow can be arbitrarily set.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, in S11, the EMS 150 determines whether the output of the power supply facility 410 electrically connected to the vehicle 200 can be restricted. Specifically, the charging system 1 includes two types of power supply facilities (a first power supply facility and a second power supply facility). The first power supply facility is an output-variable type power supply facility configured to be able to control the magnitude of the power supply (the power output from the power supply facility) within a predetermined range. The second power supply facility is a power supply facility whose execution / stop of power supply can be controlled, but the magnitude of the power supply cannot be controlled. The EMS 150 determines which type of power supply facility the power supply facility 410 corresponds to based on the specification information (for example, model number or control specification) of the power supply facility 410 stored in the storage device 152. If the power supply facility 410 is the first power supply facility, it is determined as YES in S11, and the process proceeds to S31. If the power supply facility 410 is the second power supply facility, it is determined as NO in S11, and the process proceeds to S12. Note that the EMS 150 may make the determination in S11 based on the information from the power supply facility 410.

[0024] In S12, the EMS 150 predicts the power consumption consumed at the facility 100 during the execution of vehicle charging. The power consumption consumed at the facility 100 corresponds to the total value of the power demand amounts Y1 and Y2. The EMS 150 may predict the power consumption by the power load 120 using weather information. Note that vehicle charging starts at S23 or S26, which will be described later.

[0025] In S13, the EMS 150 calculates the peak cut discharge amount required for vehicle charging using the predicted power consumption in S12 and the upper limit value of the power supply amount X1 (for example, the contract upper limit value). The peak cut discharge amount corresponds to the total value of the discharge amounts X21 and X22. The peak cut discharge is a discharge for suppressing the peak of the external power supply amount to the facility 100 from becoming larger than the upper limit value, and is executed by at least one of the power storage devices 510 and 520. The EMS 150 may determine the power storage device (at least one of the power storage devices 510 and 520) that executes the peak cut discharge based on the calculated peak cut discharge amount and the current stored power amounts D21 and D22. Note that the peak cut discharge starts in S23 described later.

[0026] In S14, the EMS 150 determines whether charging for peak cut is necessary. Charging for peak cut is charging of the power storage device that executes the peak cut discharge, and starts in S21 described later. The EMS 150 may make the determination in S14 using the peak cut discharge amount calculated in S13 and the current stored power amounts D21 and D22. If peak cut discharge is possible with the current stored power amounts D21 and D22, it is determined as NO in S14, and the process proceeds to S23. On the other hand, if charging for peak cut is necessary (YES in S14), the EMS 150 determines the conditions for charging for peak cut in S15 to S17 shown below.

[0027] In S15, the EMS 150 determines the charging amount (kWh) for peak cut using the current stored power amounts D21 and D22. The charging amount for peak cut corresponds to at least one of the charging amounts Y31 and Y32. In S16, the EMS 150 determines the charging power (kW) for peak cut. The EMS 150 determines the charging power for peak cut using the power consumption predicted in S12 and the specification information of the power supply facility 410. The EMS 150 determines the charging power for peak cut so that the supplied power amount X1 does not exceed a predetermined value (for example, the contract upper limit value). In S17, the EMS 150 calculates the charging time for peak cut using the determined charging amount and charging power for peak cut. In this embodiment, the condition for completing the charging for peak cut is determined by the charging time calculated in S17. The charging for peak cut is completed at the timing when the above charging time has elapsed since the start.

[0028] In the subsequent S18, the EMS 150 presents the scheduled start time and scheduled end time of vehicle charging to the user of the vehicle 200, and prompts a selection of whether to permit restricting the vehicle charging. More specifically, the EMS 150 predicts the start time of vehicle charging using the charging time calculated in S17. For example, it predicts that vehicle charging will start at the timing when the charging for peak cut is completed. Also, the EMS 150 predicts the end time of vehicle charging using the scheduled start time of vehicle charging, the specification information of the power supply facility 410, and the target stored power amount of vehicle charging. Then, the EMS 150 notifies the mobile terminal 300 of each predicted time (the scheduled start time and scheduled end time of vehicle charging), and requests the mobile terminal 300 to return a reply as to whether to approve that vehicle charging starts at the notified scheduled start time.

[0029] When the mobile terminal 300 receives the above reply request from the EMS 150, it displays, for example, the screen Sc1 shown in FIG. 3. The screen Sc1 displays the vehicle charging schedule P11, a message P12 prompting the user to operate, and operation units P13 and P14. The schedule P11 indicates the scheduled start time and end time of vehicle charging, and the time to wait for the completion of peak cut charging (the time from the current time to the scheduled start time of vehicle charging). The operation units P13 and P14 respectively accept input of approval or rejection from the user regarding the vehicle charging indicated by the schedule P11.

[0030] In the subsequent S19, the EMS 150 determines whether the user of the vehicle 200 has approved the vehicle charging schedule presented in S18. For example, the EMS 150 determines which of the operation units P13 and P14 the user has operated with respect to the screen Sc1 (FIG. 3). When the operation unit P13 is operated, the mobile terminal 300 sends an approval reply to the EMS 150. In this case, it is determined as YES in S19, and the process proceeds to S21. On the other hand, when the operation unit P14 is operated, the mobile terminal 300 sends a rejection reply to the EMS 150. In this case, it is determined as NO in S19, and the process proceeds to S24.

[0031] In S21, the EMS 150 controls the PCS 130 so that peak cut charging is executed for at least one of the power storage devices 510 and 520 under the charging conditions determined in S15 to S17. In the subsequent S22, the EMS 150 determines whether the peak cut charging has been completed. Specifically, while the charging time determined in S17 has not elapsed since the start of the peak cut charging, the charging completion condition is not satisfied, and when the charging time has elapsed, the charging completion condition is satisfied. While the charging completion condition is not satisfied (NO in S22), S21 and S22 are repeated, and the peak cut charging continues. When the charging completion condition is satisfied (YES in S22), the process proceeds to S23, and the peak cut charging stops.

[0032] In S23, the EMS 150 starts vehicle charging (requested charging) together with peak cut discharge. The peak cut discharge is executed by at least one of the power storage devices 510 and 520. The EMS 150 controls the PCS 130 so that the peak cut discharge is executed. Vehicle charging (charging of the power storage device 210) is executed in a state where both the power from the peak cut discharge and the external power from the power grid PG are supplied to the facility 100. Power corresponding to the rated output of the power feeding facility 410 may be supplied from the power feeding facility 410 to the vehicle 200. The rated output power of the power feeding facility 410 is larger than the charging power for peak cut determined in S16. In S23, the EMS 150 executes vehicle charging while supplying power from at least one of the power storage devices 510 and 520 to the facility 100 so that the supply amount of external power (supply power amount X1) to the facility 100 does not exceed a predetermined value (for example, the contract upper limit value). Then, when the stored power amount D1 of the power storage device 210 reaches the target stored power amount, the EMS 150 ends vehicle charging. And the said processing flow ends. The target stored power amount may be a value acquired from the vehicle 200, or a preset fixed value (for example, a value indicating full charge).

[0033] In S24, the EMS 150 presents an additional charge associated with the immediate start of vehicle charging to the user of the vehicle 200 and prompts a selection of whether to accept the payment of the additional charge. More specifically, the EMS 150 predicts the end time of vehicle charging when vehicle charging is immediately started using the current time, the specification information of the power feeding facility 410, and the target stored power amount of vehicle charging. Then, the EMS 150 notifies the mobile terminal 300 of the predicted end time (scheduled end time) and the said additional charge. The additional charge may be a fixed amount, or may increase as the waiting time (charging time calculated in S17) gets longer. When receiving the said notification from the EMS 150, the mobile terminal 300 displays, for example, the screen Sc2 shown in FIG. 3. The screen Sc2 displays the scheduled end time P21 of vehicle charging, the additional charge P22, a message P23 prompting the user to operate, and operation parts P24, P25. The operation parts P24, P25 respectively accept input of acceptance or rejection from the user regarding the displayed additional charge P22.

[0034] In subsequent S25, the EMS150 determines whether the user of the vehicle 200 has committed to pay the additional fee. For example, when the operation unit P24 is operated with respect to the screen Sc2 (Fig. 3), the mobile terminal 300 sends a reply of commitment. As a result, it is determined YES in S25, and the process proceeds to S26. On the other hand, when the operation unit P25 is operated, the mobile terminal 300 sends a reply of rejection. As a result, it is determined NO in S25, and the process returns to S18.

[0035] In S26, the EMS150 starts vehicle charging (requested charging). In S26, peak cut discharge is not executed. In S26, normal vehicle charging control is executed. The EMS150 may entrust the vehicle 200 (in-vehicle ECU) with the charging control of the power storage device 210. Power corresponding to the rated output of the power supply facility 410 may be supplied from the power supply facility 410 to the vehicle 200. When the stored power amount D1 of the power storage device 210 reaches the target stored power amount, the EMS150 ends the vehicle charging. Then, the EMS150 bills the user for the additional fee presented in S24. Thereby, the processing flow ends.

[0036] In S31, the EMS150 predicts the end time of vehicle charging (see S34 described later) involving output variable control of the power supply facility 410 (output variable type power supply facility). Specifically, the EMS150 predicts the power consumption consumed at the facility 100 during the execution of vehicle charging in the same manner as in S12. Subsequently, the EMS150 predicts the power supply power in vehicle charging based on the predicted power consumption. Tendency is that the power supply power becomes smaller as the power consumption is larger. Subsequently, the EMS150 predicts the end time of vehicle charging using the current time, the predicted power supply power, and the target stored power amount of the vehicle charging.

[0037] In subsequent S32, the EMS150 presents to the user of the vehicle 200 the end time (scheduled end time) of vehicle charging predicted in S31, and prompts the user to select whether to accept the vehicle charging at the presented scheduled end time. More specifically, the EMS150 notifies the mobile terminal 300 of the scheduled end time of vehicle charging. Upon receiving this notification, the mobile terminal 300 displays, for example, the screen Sc3 shown in FIG. 3. The screen Sc3 displays the scheduled end time P31 of vehicle charging, a message P32 prompting the user to operate, and operation units P33, P34. The operation units P33, P34 respectively receive input of acceptance or rejection from the user regarding the displayed scheduled end time P31.

[0038] In subsequent S33, the EMS150 determines whether the user has accepted the scheduled end time presented in S32. For example, when the operation unit P33 is operated with respect to the screen Sc3 (FIG. 3), the mobile terminal 300 sends a reply of acceptance. As a result, it is determined as YES in S33, and the process proceeds to S34. On the other hand, when the operation unit P34 is operated, the mobile terminal 300 sends a reply of rejection. As a result, it is determined as NO in S33, and the process returns to S12.

[0039] In S34, the EMS150 starts vehicle charging (requested charging) by variable output control of the power supply facility 410. In S34, peak cut discharge is not executed. In S34, while checking the supply amount of external power (supply power amount X1) to the facility 100, the EMS150 controls the output of the power supply facility 410 (and thus the demand power amount Y2) so that the supply power amount X1 does not exceed a predetermined value (for example, the contract upper limit value). The power storage device 210 is charged by the power output from the power supply facility 410, and when the stored power amount D1 of the power storage device 210 reaches the target stored power amount, the EMS150 ends the vehicle charging. Then, the processing flow ends.

[0040] As described above, in the charging system 1 according to this embodiment, when charging of the power storage device 210 mounted on the vehicle 200 is requested from the vehicle 200, the EMS 150 (control device) prompts the user of the vehicle 200 to select whether to permit restricting the requested charging (S18 in FIG. 2). When the user's permission is obtained, the requested charging is prohibited until the charging for peak cut ends (S21, S22 in FIG. 2). By prohibiting the charging of the power storage device 210, external power is not used for charging the power storage device 210, so that it is suppressed that the peak of the supply amount of external power to the facility 100 becomes too large. Further, in the charging system 1, based on the user's selection, a restriction (for example, prohibition) on the charging of the power storage device 210 is executed. According to such a configuration, it is suppressed that the convenience of the user is excessively impaired due to the charging restriction.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the EMS 150 selects that the user permits the charging restriction, the EMS 150 executes charging for peak cut (charging of at least one of the power storage devices 510 and 520) in a state where the requested vehicle charging is restricted (S21 in FIG. 2), and releases the charging restriction when the charging for peak cut is completed. According to such a configuration, it is possible to store the amount of power for peak cut discharge while the requested charging is restricted. As a result, it becomes possible to cover the amount of power required by peak cut discharge without excessively increasing the supply amount of external power to the facility 100.

[0042] In this embodiment, during charging for peak cut, EMS150 does not execute the requested charging. When the charging for peak cut is completed, the charging for peak cut is stopped and the charging of the power storage device 210 is started, and the charging of the power storage device 210 is executed while supplying power from at least one of the power storage devices 510 and 520 to the facility 100 so that the supply amount of external power to the facility 100 does not exceed a predetermined value (S23 in FIG. 2). According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to cover at least a part of the amount of power required for charging the power storage device 210 by supplying power from at least one of the power storage devices 510 and 520 to the facility 100. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the supply amount of external power to the facility 100 from exceeding a predetermined value.

[0043] In this embodiment, EMS150 determines a condition (charging completion condition) for the completion of charging for peak cut using a predicted value of the power consumption consumed at the facility 100 during the execution of the requested vehicle charging (S15 to S17 in FIG. 2). Therefore, it becomes easier to determine the charging completion condition so that a sufficient amount of power is stored for peak cut discharge. Also, by the process of S18 in FIG. 2, the scheduled start time of vehicle charging when charging is restricted is notified to the user. Therefore, the user can determine whether to permit the restriction of vehicle charging for incentives in consideration of the delay in the start of charging due to the restriction of charging.

[0044] In the above embodiment, EMS150 imposes a penalty (for example, an additional charge) on a user who selects to reject the charging restriction (S26 in FIG. 2), so that an incentive is relatively given to a user who selects to permit the charging restriction. However, it is not limited to this, and EMS150 may pay a reward to a user who selects to permit the charging restriction. The reward may be paid in the form of a discount on the charging fee. The charging fee billing method may be time-of-connection billing or volume-based billing. Also, EMS150 may give an incentive to a user who has committed to the end scheduled time in S33.

[0045] Note that the power consumption consumed at the facility 100 may decrease while the required charging is restricted. The EMS 150 may cancel the charging restriction at the timing when the charging restriction becomes unnecessary. Also, the charging restriction is not limited to prohibiting charging. The state where charging is restricted includes a state where the charging power is lower than normal charging (charging in a non-restricted state). Instead of the processing flow shown in FIG. 2, the EMS 150 may execute the processing flow shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first modification of the processing flow shown in FIG. 2.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, when the power supply facility 410 is the second power supply facility (NO in S11), the process proceeds to S12. The processes after S12 are the same as the processes after S12 shown in FIG. 2. When the power supply facility 410 is the first power supply facility (YES in S11), in S12A to S14A, processes similar to S12 to S14 in FIG. 2 are respectively executed. And when it is determined that charging for peak cutting is necessary (YES in S14A), the EMS 150 determines the charging power (limit value) of the restricted vehicle charging (S21A) described later in S14B. The EMS 150 may make the limit value smaller as the predicted power consumption predicted in S12A is larger. Also, the limit value may be a fixed value (for example, about 1 kW). In subsequent S15A to S19A, processes corresponding to S15 to S19 in FIG. 2 are respectively executed. However, in S16A, the EMS 150 may further use the charging power (limit value) determined in S14B in addition to the predicted power consumption predicted in S12A and the specification information of the power supply facility 410 to determine the charging power for peak cutting. When the user rejects the charging schedule presented in S18A (NO in S19A), the process proceeds to S24A. The processes of S24A and subsequent S25A and S26A respectively correspond to the processes of S24, S25, and S26 in FIG. 2. On the other hand, when the user approves the charging schedule presented in S18A (YES in S19A), the EMS 150 executes charging for peak cutting while executing vehicle charging with the output of the power supply facility 410 restricted in S21A. The vehicle charging is executed at the charging power (limit value) determined in S14B. The limit value is smaller than the charging power of normal vehicle charging (S26A). The EMS 150 adjusts the vehicle charging power by controlling the output of the power supply facility 410. The output of the power supply facility 410 is restricted to the power supply power corresponding to the limit value. In subsequent S22A, the EMS 150 determines whether the charging for peak cutting is completed. And when the charging completion condition is satisfied (YES in S22A), the process proceeds to S23A, and the charging for peak cutting stops. Thereby, the output restriction of the power supply facility 410 is released. In S23A, the EMS 150 executes vehicle charging together with peak cutting discharge. The processes of S22A and S23A respectively correspond to the processes of S22 and S23 in FIG. 2.

[0047] In the above-described modification shown in FIG. 4, it is determined that the output of the power supply facility 410 can be restricted, and when the user selects to permit the charging restriction (YES in S11 and YES in S19A), the EMS 150 performs vehicle charging (requested charging) with the output of the power supply facility 410 restricted during peak cut charging (S21A). When the peak cut charging is completed (YES in S22A), the peak cut charging is stopped and the output restriction of the power supply facility 410 is released, and vehicle charging is performed while supplying power from at least one of the power storage devices 510 and 520 to the facility 100 so that the amount of external power supplied to the facility 100 does not exceed a predetermined value (S23A). With such a configuration, vehicle charging can be performed with a charging power smaller than that in normal charging by using the first power supply facility (a power supply facility with variable output). And, while vehicle charging is being performed with the output (and thus the charging power) of the power supply facility 410 restricted, the amount of power for peak cut discharge can be stored. Since the restricted charging power is small, an increase in external power is suppressed. Also, deterioration of the power storage device 210 is suppressed. And, by performing vehicle charging together with peak cut discharge, it is possible to suppress the amount of external power supplied to the facility 100 from exceeding a predetermined value during vehicle charging.

[0048] The processing flows shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 can be changed as appropriate. For example, depending on the purpose, the order of the processing may be changed, unnecessary steps may be omitted, the content of any of the processing may be changed, or steps may be added.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the processing flow shown in FIG. 2. The processing flow shown in FIG. 5 is basically the same as the processing flow shown in FIG. 2, but steps (S51 and S52) executed during charging for peak cutting are added. In S51, EMS150 presents an additional charge associated with the immediate start of vehicle charging to the user of vehicle 200 and prompts the user to select whether to accept the payment of the additional charge. For example, EMS150 causes screen Sc4 to be displayed on mobile terminal 300. Screen Sc4 displays an additional charge P41, a message P42 prompting the user to operate, and an operation unit P43. The operation unit P43 accepts an input of acceptance from the user regarding the displayed additional charge P41. In the subsequent S52, EMS150 determines whether the user has accepted the presented additional charge. When the operation unit P43 is operated, mobile terminal 300 sends a reply of acceptance. As a result, if it is determined as YES in S52, the process proceeds to S26. On the other hand, if EMS150 does not receive a reply of acceptance from mobile terminal 300, EMS150 determines NO in S52 and returns the process to S21. Thereby, charging for peak cutting continues.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the processing flow shown in FIG. 2. The processing flow shown in FIG. 6 is the same as the processing flow of FIG. 2 except that S11, S31 to S34 are omitted.

[0051] The power system PG is not limited to a large-scale AC grid, and may be a microgrid or a DC (direct current) grid. The charging method is not limited to contact charging (plug-in charging), and non-contact charging may also be used. When the alignment between the power transmission unit on the power supply facility side and the power reception unit on the vehicle side is completed for a vehicle performing non-contact charging, the power supply facility and the vehicle may be regarded as being electrically connected. The power conversion circuit for charging and discharging the in-vehicle battery may be mounted on the power supply facility instead of the vehicle. The vehicle is not limited to a four-wheel passenger car, and may be a bus or a truck, and the number of wheels is also arbitrary. In the above embodiment, the mobile terminal 300 (smartphone) functions as the terminal of the user of the vehicle 200 (user terminal). However, it is not limited to this, and instead of the smartphone, an in-vehicle HMI (Human Machine Interface), a tablet terminal, or a wearable device may be adopted as the user terminal.

[0052] The number of power storage devices for peak cutting can be appropriately changed. Only one power storage device (for example, only the power storage device 510) may be adopted as the power storage device for peak cutting. The function of the EMS 150 may be implemented on the cloud by cloud computing.

[0053] The above various modifications may be implemented in any combination. The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0054] 100 Facility, 150 EMS, 200 Vehicle, 210, 510, 520 Power Storage Device, 300 Mobile Terminal, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460 Power Supply Facility.

Claims

1. A charging system configured to be able to charge each of a first power storage device and a second power storage device using external power supplied from an external power source to a facility, wherein the first power storage device is mounted on a vehicle, the second power storage device is configured to be able to supply the power stored in the second power storage device to the facility, the charging system includes a control device that controls charging of each of the first power storage device and the second power storage device, the control device, prompts a user of the vehicle who requests charging of the first power storage device to select whether to permit restricting the requested charging, and is configured to restrict the requested charging when the user selects to permit restricting the charging. A charging system.

2. When the user selects to permit restricting the charging, the control device executes charging of the second power storage device in a state where the requested charging is restricted, and when charging of the second power storage device is completed, releases the restriction on the charging. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the charging system is configured as described above.

3. During charging of the second power storage device, the control device does not execute the requested charging. When charging of the second power storage device is completed, the control device stops charging of the second power storage device and starts the requested charging, and supplies power from the second power storage device to the facility so that the supply amount of the external power to the facility does not exceed a predetermined value, and executes the requested charging. The charging system according to claim 2, wherein the charging system is configured as described above.

4. The control device is configured to be able to communicate with a terminal of the user, the control device, predicts the power consumption consumed at the facility during execution of the requested charging, determines conditions for completion of charging of the second power storage device using the predicted power consumption, predicts the start time of the requested charging using the determined conditions, notifies the predicted start time to the terminal of the user, prompts the user to select whether to permit restricting the requested charging by requesting a reply from the terminal of the user as to whether to approve starting charging of the first power storage device at the notified start time, and is configured to give an incentive to the user who selects to permit restricting the charging. The charging system according to claim 3, wherein the charging system is configured as described above.

5. The charging system further includes power supply equipment, The power supply device is configured to be able to charge the first power storage device of the vehicle in a state of being electrically connected to the power supply device using the external power supplied to the facility. The control device when the vehicle requests charging of the first power storage device while being electrically connected to the power supply device, determines whether the output of the power supply device can be restricted. When it is determined that the output of the power supply device can be restricted and the user selects to permit the charging restriction, the control device executes charging of the first power storage device with the output of the power supply device restricted during charging of the second power storage device, stops charging of the second power storage device when the charging of the second power storage device is completed, releases the output restriction of the power supply device, and is configured to execute charging of the first power storage device while supplying power from the second power storage device to the facility so that the supply amount of the external power to the facility does not exceed a predetermined value. The charging system according to claim 2.

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