Charging plan generation device, power switching module, and charging system

Abstract

To enable efficient charging by reducing cost related to charging.SOLUTION: A charging plan generation device generates a charging plan for charging a storage battery mounted on an electric vehicle using power for which a fee for each time period is set. The charging plan generation device generates the charging plan in which scheduled charging time for which charging is scheduled in the charging plan is included in a cheapest time period in a case where required charging time required for charging the storage battery up to a predetermined charging state does not exceed a length of the cheapest time period in which the fee is the lowest between desired charging start time at which a user desires to start charging the storage battery and desired charging end time at which the user desires to end the charging, and generates the charging plan in which the scheduled charging time includes the cheapest time period and ends by the desired charging end time in a case where the required charging time exceeds a length of the cheapest time period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging plan generation device, a power switch module, and a charging system.

Background Art

[0002] In EV (Electric Vehicle) charging facilities installed in hotels, apartment houses, single-family houses, etc., a user gives a charging start instruction from a smartphone or the like, and a device that receives the instruction or a system center that manages the device starts charging. When the storage battery mounted on the EV is fully charged, the charging ends. When the electricity charge used for charging varies depending on the time zone, there may be a difference in the amount (for example, electricity charge) involved in use depending on the time when charging is performed using the EV charging facility.

[0003] At this time, some users may not need to start charging immediately. Therefore, at the stage of receiving the charging start instruction from the user, it may not always be necessary to start charging immediately. In such a case, if charging is performed including a time zone with a relatively high electricity charge, the amount involved in using the EV charging facility will increase. That is, depending on the relationship between the electricity charge by time zone and the time when the storage battery actually mounted on the EV is charged, the cost involved in using the EV charging facility may become an amount unintended by the user.

[0004] Conventionally, a technique (for example, Patent Document 1) for setting the charging start time so that the electricity charge for charging becomes low has been proposed, but efficiency has not been considered.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique capable of reducing the cost related to charging and enabling efficient charging.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention for solving the above problems is a charging plan generation device that generates a charging plan for charging a storage battery mounted on an electric moving body using electric power with a time-zone-based charge set, when the charging time required to charge the storage battery to a predetermined state of charge does not exceed the length of the cheapest time zone where the charge is the lowest between the desired charging start time when the user wishes to start charging the storage battery and the desired charging end time when the user wishes to end the charging, generating the charging plan in which the planned charging time for charging in the charging plan is included in the cheapest time zone, when the charging time required exceeds the length of the cheapest time zone, generating the charging plan in which the planned charging time includes the cheapest time zone and ends by the desired charging end time.

[0008] According to this, when the electric power for charging the storage battery has a time-zone-based charge including the cheapest time zone, if the charging time required is short, a charging plan is generated such that the planned charging time includes the cheapest time zone, and if the charging time required exceeds the length of the cheapest time zone, a charging plan is generated in which the planned charging time is extended with priority given to the time zone between the cheapest time zone and the desired charging end time, so that it is possible to reduce the cost related to charging and enable efficient charging that can suppress the deterioration of the storage battery.

[0009] In the present invention, If the required charging time exceeds the length of the cheapest time zone, and even if the planned charging time is extended to include the cheapest time zone and up to the desired charging end time, but the planned charging time is shorter than the required charging time, the planned charging time may be extended to before the time preceding the cheapest time zone to generate the charging plan.

[0010] According to this, when the required charging time is even longer, a charging plan is generated by setting the cheapest time zone and the time zone until the charging end time as the planned charging time, and then preferentially extending the planned charging time for the time zone before the cheapest time zone. Therefore, it is possible to perform efficient charging that can reduce the cost related to charging and suppress the deterioration of the storage battery.

[0011] Also, in the present invention, the charging plan may be generated based on the charging characteristics of the storage battery.

[0012] According to this, when the charging characteristics of the storage battery include the CC (constant current) charging method in which the charging current increases, based on such charging characteristics, the charging plan can be created so that the charging time by the CC charging method includes at least the cheapest time zone. Thereby, it is possible to perform efficient charging that can reduce the cost related to charging and suppress the deterioration of the storage battery.

[0013] Also, the present invention includes a power switch unit that opens and closes a circuit connecting an AC power supply that supplies power with a rate set for each time zone and an electric moving body, a power measurement unit that measures the amount of power supplied to the electric moving body through the circuit, a communication unit, and a control unit including a charging plan generation unit that generates a charging plan for charging a storage battery mounted on the electric moving body using the power, and is a power switch module provided with the charging plan generation unit If the charging time required to charge the storage battery to a predetermined state of charge does not exceed the length of the cheapest time period during which the charge is lowest between the desired charging start time at which the user wishes to start charging the storage battery and the desired charging end time at which the user wishes to end the charging, generate a charging plan in which the scheduled charging time for charging in the charging plan is included in the cheapest time period. If the charging time required exceeds the length of the cheapest time period, the charging plan is generated such that the scheduled charging time includes the cheapest time period and ends by the desired charging end time.

[0014] According to this, when the charge for the power for charging the storage battery is set according to time periods including the cheapest time period, if the charging time required is short, generate a charging plan such that the scheduled charging time includes the cheapest time period, and if the charging time required exceeds the length of the cheapest time period, generate a charging plan in which the scheduled charging time is extended with priority given to the time period between the cheapest time period and the desired charging end time. Thus, efficient charging that can reduce the cost related to charging and suppress the deterioration of the storage battery becomes possible.

[0015] Also, in the present invention, the charging plan generation unit If the charging time required exceeds the length of the cheapest time period and, even if the scheduled charging time is extended to include the cheapest time period and up to the desired charging end time, the scheduled charging time is shorter than the charging time required, the charging plan may be generated by extending the scheduled charging time to before the time preceding the cheapest time period.

[0016] According to this, when the charging time required is even longer, generate a charging plan in which the cheapest time period and the time period up to the charging end time are set as the scheduled charging time and the scheduled charging time is extended with priority given to the time period before the cheapest time period. Thus, efficient charging that can reduce the cost related to charging and suppress the deterioration of the storage battery becomes possible.

[0017] Also, in the present invention, The charging plan generation unit may generate the charging plan based on the charging characteristics of the storage battery.

[0018] According to this, when the charging characteristics of the storage battery include a CC (constant current) charging method in which the charging current increases, based on such charging characteristics, a charging plan can be created such that the charging time by the CC charging method includes at least the cheapest time band. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the cost related to charging and perform efficient charging that can suppress the deterioration of the storage battery.

[0019] Also, in the present invention, a power switch unit that opens and closes a circuit connecting an AC power supply that supplies power with a rate set for each time band and an electric moving body; a power measurement unit that measures the amount of power supplied to the electric moving body through the circuit; a communication unit; a control unit; a power switch module including the above; a charging plan generation unit that is communicably connected to the power switch module via a network and generates a charging plan for charging a storage battery mounted on the electric moving body using the power; a command generation unit that generates an opening / closing command for instructing the opening and closing of the circuit by the power switch unit based on the charging plan; a charging management device including the above; a charging system including the above, wherein the charging plan generation unit when the charging time required to charge the storage battery to a predetermined state of charge does not exceed the length of the cheapest time band in which the fee is the lowest between the desired charging start time when the user desires to start charging the storage battery and the desired charging end time when the user desires to end the charging, generates the charging plan in which the planned charging time for charging in the charging plan is included in the cheapest time band; when the charging time required exceeds the length of the cheapest time band, generates the charging plan in which the planned charging time includes the cheapest time band and ends by the desired charging end time. ​The control unit of the power switch module controls the power switch unit based on the switching command.

[0020] According to this, when the power for charging the storage battery has tariffs set for each time zone including the cheapest time zone, and when the charging time required is short, a charging plan is generated such that the planned charging time includes the cheapest time zone. When the charging time required exceeds the length of the cheapest time zone, a charging plan is generated in which the planned charging time is extended with priority given to the time zone between the cheapest time zone and the desired charging end time. Thus, efficient charging that can reduce the cost related to charging and suppress the deterioration of the storage battery becomes possible.

[0021] Also, in the present invention, the charging plan generation unit when the charging time required exceeds the length of the cheapest time zone and even if the planned charging time is extended to include the cheapest time zone and up to the desired charging end time, but the planned charging time is shorter than the charging time required, the charging plan may be generated by extending the planned charging time to before the time preceding the cheapest time zone.

[0022] According to this, when the charging time required is even longer, a charging plan is generated in which the cheapest time zone and the time zone up to the charging end time are set as the planned charging time, and then the planned charging time is extended with priority given to the time zone before the cheapest time zone. Thus, efficient charging that can reduce the cost related to charging and suppress the deterioration of the storage battery becomes possible.

[0023] Also, in the present invention, the charging plan generation unit may generate the charging plan based on the charging characteristics of the storage battery.

[0024] According to this, when the charging characteristics of the storage battery include the CC (constant current) charging method in which the charging current increases, based on such charging characteristics, a charging plan can be created such that the charging time by the CC charging method includes at least the cheapest time zone. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the cost related to charging and to perform efficient charging that can suppress the deterioration of the storage battery.

Effects of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the cost related to charging and to perform efficient charging.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] 〔Application Example〕 Hereinafter, application examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1 , the charging system 100 according to the application example includes a power switching module 200 that opens and closes an electric circuit PL that uses power supplied from an AC power source 210 to charge a storage battery 231 of an EV 230 connected via an EV charging outlet 220, and a charging management system 300.

[0028] The charging management system 300 generates a charging plan, which will be described later, based on the received reservation information, and monitors and controls the power switching module 200 so that charging is performed in accordance with the charging plan.

[0029] The power switching module 200 mainly includes a relay 21, a power measuring unit 22, a communication unit 23, a control unit 24, and a storage unit 25. The relay 21 is connected to the EV 230 via the AC power source 210 and the EV charging outlet 220. The relay 21, the power measuring unit 22, and the communication unit 23 are connected to the electric circuit PL and connected to the EV 230 via the electric circuit PL. The power measuring unit 22 measures the power or the amount of power supplied to the EV 230 through the electric circuit PL. The communication unit 23 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information between the charging management system 300 and the power switching module 200. The control unit 24 comprehensively controls the relay 21, the power measuring unit 22, and the communication unit 23. The memory unit 25 is a memory device such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM).

[0030] The terminal 270 is a computer device that can be connected to the charging management system 300 via the network NT1.

[0031] The charging management system 300 mainly includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33. The control unit 31 controls the storage unit 32 and the communication unit 33. The control unit 31 includes a plan generation unit 310a, a command generation unit 310b, and a notification generation unit 310c. The communication unit 33 is an interface that transmits and receives information between the charging management system 300 and the power switching module 200.

[0032] The plan generating unit 310a of the charging management system 300 generates a charging plan by the method shown in FIG.

[0033] First, the plan generation unit 310a acquires the user plan 320a from the storage unit 32 (step S1).

[0034] Next, the plan generation unit 310a acquires the battery information 320b of the user from the storage unit 32 (step S2). The battery information 320b includes characteristic information such as the rated power of the battery 231 mounted on the EV 230 to be charged.

[0035] Next, the plan generation unit 310a calculates the charging required time, which is the time required to charge the battery 231 mounted on the EV 230, from the battery information 320b of the battery 231 and the rated output of the AC power supply 210 stored in the storage unit 32 (step S3).

[0036] Next, the plan generation unit 310a acquires the electricity rate data 320c from the storage unit 32 (step S4). The electricity rate data 320c (see FIG. 4(A)) is data that associates the time zone with the electricity rate in the time zone when different electricity rates (time zone-based electricity rates) are set according to the time zone.

[0037] In step S5, the plan generation unit 310a determines whether the charging based on the charging required time ends within the discounted rate time zone from the charging required time calculated in step S3 and the electricity rate data 320c acquired in step S4 (step S5).

[0038] And when it is determined in step S5 that the charging based on the charging required time ends within the discounted rate time zone, the plan generation unit 310a generates a charging plan (see FIG. 4(C)) according to the charging required time (step S6).

[0039] Next, in step S5, if it is determined that the required charging time exceeds the length of the discounted rate time zone and the charging at the required charging time does not end within the discounted rate time zone, the plan generation unit 310a extends the scheduled charging end time to a time zone after the discounted rate time zone, that is, until the regular rate time zone after time T4 (step S7). Then, the plan generation unit 310a determines whether the charging is scheduled to end by the desired charging end time T2 on the premise of such an extension of the scheduled charging time (step S8). In step S8, if it is determined that the charging is scheduled to end by the desired charging end time T2, the plan generation unit 310a generates a charging plan (see FIG. 4(D)) in which the scheduled charging time is extended after the end period T4 of the discounted rate time zone ( step S6).

[0040] In step S8, if it is determined that the charging is not scheduled to end by the desired charging end time T2, the plan generation unit 310a generates a charging plan (see FIG. 4(E)) in which the scheduled charging time is further extended before the start period T3 of the discounted rate time zone (step S6).

[0041] In this way, as the required charging time becomes longer, when generating the charging plan, first, the discounted rate time zone is utilized. When the required charging time exceeds the length of the discounted rate time zone, the scheduled charging end time T8 is set to be closer to or coincide with the rear side, that is, the desired charging end time T2. As a result, the time during which the storage battery 231 is not discharged in the charged state is shortened, so that the cost related to charging is reduced, the burden on the storage battery 231 is alleviated, and efficient charging that suppresses the deterioration of the storage battery 231 becomes possible.

[0042] [Example 1] Hereinafter, the charging system 100 according to Example 1 of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations of the devices and systems described in this example should be appropriately changed according to various conditions. That is, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following examples.

[0043] <Configuration of Charging System> As shown in FIG. 1, the charging system 100 according to this embodiment includes a power switching module 200 that opens and closes a power circuit PL for charging a storage battery 231 of an EV 230 connected via an EV charging outlet 220 with the power supplied from an AC power source 210, and a charging management system 300. For example, a person who wishes to charge the EV 230 through the EV charging outlet 220 operates a terminal 270 such as a smartphone, connects to the charging management system 300 via a network NT2, and reserves charging under desired conditions. The charging management system 300 is, for example, a computer device such as a plurality of servers arranged on the cloud. The charging management system 300 corresponds to the charging plan generation device and the charging management device of the present invention. The AC power source 210 corresponds to the AC power source of the present invention. The EV 230 corresponds to the electric moving body of the present invention. Also, the power switching module 200 corresponds to the power switching module of the present invention. Also, the charging system 100 corresponds to the charging system of the present invention.

[0044] Based on the received reservation information, the charging management system 300 generates a charging plan to be described later, and monitors and controls the power switching module 200 connected via the network NT1 so that charging is performed according to the generated charging plan.

[0045] The power switching module 200 is, for example, housed as a module in a housing of a pole or a box of a charging facility 260 where the EV charging outlet 220 is provided.

[0046] The power switching module 200 mainly includes a relay 21, a power measurement unit 22, a communication unit 23, a control unit 24, and a storage unit 25. The relay 21 opens and closes a circuit PL that is connected to the EV 230 via the AC power source 210 and the EV charging outlet 220. The relay 21 corresponds to the power switching unit of the present invention. The power measurement unit 22 measures the power or the amount of power supplied to the EV230 through the electric circuit PL. In the power measurement unit 22, the current value and the voltage value of the power supplied through the electric circuit PL are measured, and the power or the amount of power is calculated. Therefore, the power measurement unit 22 also has the functions of a current measurement unit and / or a voltage measurement unit. The power measurement unit 22 corresponds to the power measurement unit of the present invention.

[0047] The communication unit 23 is connected to the charging management system 300 via the network NT1 and is an interface for transmitting and receiving information between the charging management system 300 and the power switch module 200. As a communication method between the power switch module 200 and the charging management system 300, for example, a wireless communication method can be adopted, but the communication method is not limited to this. The power or the amount of power (including the current value and / or the voltage value) measured by the power measurement unit 22 is transmitted from the communication unit 23 to the charging management system 300 via the network NT1. The communication unit 23 corresponds to the communication unit of the present invention. The control unit 24 includes a processor such as an MPU and a memory, and comprehensively controls the relay 21, the power measurement unit 22, and the communication unit 23 by executing a predetermined program. The control unit 24 corresponds to the control unit of the present invention. The storage unit 25 is a storage device such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), and stores programs, data, tables, etc. for executing the programs.

[0048] The terminal 270 has a processor such as a CPU, a main storage device such as a RAM and a ROM, an auxiliary storage device such as an EPROM, and a communication interface, and is a computer device that can be connected to the charging management system 300 via the network NT1. Examples of the terminal 270 include a smartphone, a tablet, etc., but any computer device that can be used by the user is acceptable and is not limited to these.

[0049] The charging management system 300 mainly includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33. The control unit 31 includes a processor such as a CPU and memories such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and overall controls the storage unit 32 and the communication unit 33. The control unit 31 includes a plan generation unit 310a, a command generation unit 310b, and a notification generation unit 310c. The plan generation unit 310a, the command generation unit 310b, and the notification generation unit 310c are functional units realized by the processor executing a predetermined program. The plan generation unit 310a corresponds to the charging plan generation unit of the present invention. The command generation unit 310b corresponds to the command generation unit of the present invention.

[0050] The storage unit 32 is, for example, a storage device such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD, Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a removable medium, or the like.

[0051] The communication unit 33 is connected via the power switch module 200 and the network NT1, and is an interface for exchanging information between the charging management system 300 and the power switch module 200. The communication unit 33 is also connected via the terminal 270 and the network NT2, and is an interface for exchanging information between the terminal 270 and the charging management system 300. The communication method between the terminal 270 and the charging management system 300 is not particularly limited. The network NT2 and the network NT1 may be a common network.

[0052] <Charging Management Method> With reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, the outline of the charging management method in the charging system 100 will be described. FIG. 2 shows the processing in each of the power switch module 200, the terminal 270, and the charging management system 300 regarding the charging management method, and the exchange of information between them.

[0053] First, a user who attempts to charge the storage battery 231 mounted on the EV 230 using the charging facility 260 operates the terminal 270 to log in to the charging service and input a charging schedule and a charging mode (step S11). The charging schedule input by the user includes a desired charging start time and a desired charging completion time. The charging mode includes, for example, a time-priority mode and a cost-priority mode. The time-priority mode is a mode in which charging is performed in a way that the charging is completed as soon as possible, and charging is carried out according to a charging plan that starts charging at the scheduled charging start time or immediately after the EV 230 is connected to the charging facility 260. The cost-priority mode is, for example, a mode in which when time-zone-based charges are set for the power supplied from the AC power supply 210, a time zone is selected such that the charges related to the use of the charging service are lower, at least with respect to the electricity charges, and charging is performed. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, prior to the provision of the charging service, the description is omitted on the assumption that the registration of the use of the charging service by the user and the authentication procedure regarding the presence or absence of the user's eligibility to use the charging service, which are performed between the terminal 270 and the charging management system 300, are completed. When time-zone-based charges are set for the power supplied from the AC power supply 210, it is a mode in which a time zone is selected such that the charges related to the use of the charging service are lower, at least with respect to the electricity charges, and charging is performed. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, prior to the provision of the charging service, the description is omitted on the assumption that the registration of the use of the charging service by the user and the authentication procedure regarding the presence or absence of the user's eligibility to use the charging service, which are performed between the terminal 270 and the charging management system 300, are completed.

[0054] The charging schedule and the charging mode input by the user are transmitted to the charging management system 300 via the network NT2. In the charging management system 300, the control unit 31 stores the charging schedule and the charging mode received via the communication unit 33 as the user plan 320a in the storage unit 32.

[0055] In the charging management system 300, based on the user plan 320a, the plan generation unit 310a generates a charging plan (step S21). The generation of the charging plan will be described later. The charging plan generated by the plan generation unit 310a is stored in the storage unit 32 as the charging plan 320d. This charging plan 320d includes a scheduled charging start time and a scheduled charging end time. The content of the generated charging plan 320d may be transmitted to the terminal 270 via the network NT2 so that the user can confirm it using a display or the like.

[0056] In the control unit 31 of the charging management system 300, the charging plan 320d is read out, the scheduled charging start time and the current time are compared, and it is determined whether the scheduled charging start time has arrived (step S22). When the scheduled charging start time has arrived (YES in step S22), the command generation unit 310b generates a charging start command (step S23). The charging start command generated by the command generation unit 310b is transmitted from the charging management system 300, via the communication unit 33 and the network NT1, to the power switch module 200.

[0057] In the power switch module 200 that has received the charging start command via the communication unit 23, the control unit 24 turns on the relay 21 based on this charging start command (step S31). The turned-on relay 21 closes the circuit PL to which the EV230 that the user wishes to charge is connected via the EV charging outlet 220, and charging of the battery 231 mounted on the EV230 is started with the power supplied from the AC power supply 210.

[0058] In the power measurement unit 22 of the power switch module 200, the charging current value, that is, the current value charged to the battery 231 of the EV230 through the circuit PL, is measured (step S32). The charging current value may be obtained from the EV230. The measured charging current value is transmitted from the communication unit 23, via the network NT1, to the charging management system 300.

[0059] In the control unit 31 of the charging management system 300, the charging current is monitored (step S24), and it is determined whether the charging current value is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (step S25). Since the charging current value, which was almost constant after the start of charging, decreases as the remaining battery level increases due to the progress of charging, the control unit 31 determines the charging state based on whether the charging current value is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value.

[0060] In step S25, if the charging current value is not less than the threshold value, the process returns to step S24 to continue monitoring the charging current. In step S25, if the charging current value is equal to or less than the threshold value, the control unit 31 determines that the charging has ended, and the command generation unit 310b generates a charging end command (step S26).

[0061] The charging end command generated by the command generation unit 310b is transmitted from the communication unit 33 to the power switch module 200 via the network NT1. In the control unit 24 of the power switch module 200, the relay 21 is turned off based on the received charging end command. By turning off the relay 21 the electric circuit PL is interrupted, the power supply from the AC power supply 210 to the EV230 is stopped, and the charging of the storage battery 231 mounted on the EV230 is ended.

[0062] When the charging management system 300 transmits the charging end command to the power switch module 200, the notification generation unit 310c generates a charging end notification indicating that the charging has ended (step S27). The generated charging end notification is transmitted from the communication unit 33 to the terminal 270 via the network NT2.

[0063] At the terminal 270 that has received the charging end notification from the charging management system 300, a message or icon indicating that the charging has ended is displayed on the display (step S12), etc., thereby notifying the user that the charging of the reserved EV230 has ended. The method of notifying the user that the charging has ended is not limited to this.

[0064] The charging management system 300 may perform a charging service charging process according to the amount of power used for charging based on the power or power amount information transmitted from the power measurement unit 22.

[0065] <Charging plan generation method> FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the details of the charging plan generation method (step S21) in the flowchart of FIG. 2. The charging plan generation method described with reference to FIG. 3 is a process executed in the plan generation unit 310a of the control unit 31 of the charging management system 300 when the user inputs the charge priority mode in step S11.

[0066] First, the plan generation unit 310a acquires the user plan 320a from the storage unit 32 (step S1).

[0067] Next, the plan generation unit 310a acquires the user's battery information 320b from the storage unit 32 (step S2). The battery information 320b includes characteristic information such as the rated power of the battery 231 mounted on the EV 230 to be charged. The battery information 320b may include charge state information such as SOC (State of Charge). Here, the user who has registered the user's attribute information, etc. In the registered DB (database), the vehicle type information of the EV 230 is registered in association with the user's identification information. Also, a vehicle type-specific characteristic information table in which the characteristic information of the mounted battery 231 is registered in association with the vehicle type is stored in the storage unit 32. Therefore, using the vehicle type information associated with the user who has reserved charging as a key, the characteristic information of the EV 230 is acquired from the vehicle type-specific characteristic information table and stored in the storage unit 32 as the battery information 320b. Since a specific user may charge multiple types of EV 230s, the vehicle type information of the EV 230 to be charged may be input by the user when inputting the charging schedule, etc., or the vehicle type of the EV 230 to be charged may be selected from a plurality of vehicle type names registered in association with the user. The charge state information is acquired by the control unit 31 from the EV 230 connected to the charging facility 260 via the power switch module 200 and stored in the storage unit 32 as the battery information 320b. Also, the vehicle type information or the characteristic information may be similarly acquired by the control unit 31 from the EV 230 connected to the charging facility 260 via the power switch module 200. Generation of a charging plan using such pre-registered user attribute information can also be provided as a privilege for registered users.

[0068] Next, the plan generation unit 310a calculates the required charging time, which is the time required to charge the battery 231 mounted on the EV 230, from the battery information 320b of the battery 231 mounted on the EV 230 and the rated output of the AC power supply 210 stored in the storage unit 32 (step S3). The method for calculating the required charging time is not particularly limited, and an appropriate method can be adopted, so the description is omitted.

[0069] Next, the plan generation unit 310a acquires the electricity rate data 320c from the storage unit 32 (step S4). The electricity rate data 320c is data that associates a time zone with the electricity rate in that time zone when different electricity rates (time zone-based electricity rates) are set according to the time zone. This electricity rate data 320c is stored in the storage unit 32 by the control unit 31 acquiring it in advance from the website of an electric power company or the like via a network or by an operator inputting it. When such time zone-based electricity rates are set or changed at any time, it is desirable for the control unit 31 to update the electricity rate data 320c at any time.

[0070] Hereinafter, with reference to the time charts shown in FIGS. 4(A) to (E), the processing after step S5 in FIG. 3 will be described. The time shown on the horizontal axis in FIGS. 4(A) to (E) is common to each time chart in FIGS. 4(A) to (E).

[0071] FIG. 4(A) shows the desired charging start time T1 and the desired charging end time T2 input by the user, which are included in the user plan 320a. If the charging of the battery 231 mounted on the EV 230 is executed according to the user plan 320a, the relay 21 that was off is turned on at the desired charging start time T1, the on state continues until the desired charging end time T2, and the relay 21 is turned off at the desired charging end time T2. The on / off of the relay 21 shown here is an example. The desired charging start time is a time at which charging can start after that time, and the desired charging end time is a time at which the user may recognize that charging should be completed by that time for shipping. Therefore, it does not mean that the user actually hopes that charging power will be supplied according to such a schedule.

[0072] FIG. 4(B) shows the electricity charges by time zone included in the electricity charge data 320c along the time axis. Here, before time T3 and after time T4 are normal charge time zones, and from time T3 to time T4 is the discounted charge time zone. The electricity charge (discounted charge) in the discounted charge time zone is set lower than the electricity charge (normal charge) in the normal charge time zone. Times T3 and T4 are, for example, predetermined times of a day, but are not limited thereto, and may be times that vary according to the power consumption amount, the power generation amount, etc. Also, the discount rate of the discounted charge with respect to the normal charge may be fixed or may vary according to appropriate conditions. In the example shown in FIG. 4(B), the discounted charge time zone corresponds to the cheapest time zone of the present invention. The above-described electricity charges by time zone correspond to the charges by time zone of the present invention.

[0073] Returning to FIG. 3, the description will be continued. In step S5, the plan generation unit 310a determines whether or not the charging based on the charging required time ends within the discounted charge time zone from the charging required time calculated in step S3 and the electricity charge data 320c acquired in step S4 (step S5).

[0074] And, when it is determined in step S5 that the charging based on the required charging time ends within the discounted rate time zone, the plan generation unit 310a generates a charging plan according to the required charging time (step S6). The generated charging plan is stored in the storage unit 32 as the charging plan 320d. The time chart shown in FIG. 4(C) shows an example of the charging plan when the charging based on the calculated required charging time ends within the discounted rate time zone. In the charging plan 320d generated in this way, when the scheduled charging start time T5 arrives, the relay 21 that was off is turned on, and it is planned to turn off the relay 21 when the on state arrives at the scheduled charging end time T6. The scheduled charging time from the scheduled charging start time T5 to the scheduled charging end time T6 is equal to the required charging time and is included in the discounted rate time zone. At this time, the relationship of T6 - T5 ≦ T4 - T3 holds between the required charging time T6 - T5 and the length T4 - T3 of the discounted rate time zone. Here, for the sake of explanation, the scheduled charging end time T6 is set before the end period T4 of the discounted rate time zone, but the scheduled charging start time T5 and the scheduled charging end time T6 are shifted backward and the scheduled charging end time T6 may coincide with the end period T4 of the discounted rate time zone. In this way, by setting the scheduled charging end time T6 to be closer to the rear side, that is, the desired charging end time, the time during which the storage battery 231 is not discharged in the charged state is shortened. Therefore, the burden on the storage battery 231 can be reduced and the deterioration of the storage battery 231 can be suppressed. Here, the charging plan 320d shown in FIG. 4(C) is referred to as the first pattern.

[0075] Next, when it is determined in step S5 that the required charging time exceeds the length of the discounted rate time zone and the charging based on the required charging time does not end within the discounted rate time zone, the plan generation unit 310a extends the scheduled charging end time to the time zone after the discounted rate time zone, that is, the normal rate time zone after time T4 (step S7). Then, the plan generation unit 310a determines whether the charging is scheduled to end by the desired charging end time T2 on the premise of such an extension of the charging scheduled time (step S8).

[0076] In step S8, when it is determined that charging is scheduled to end by the desired charging end time T2, the plan generation unit 310a generates a charging plan in which the scheduled charging time is extended after the end time T4 of the discounted rate time zone (step S6). The generated charging plan is stored in the storage unit 32 as the charging plan 320d. The time chart shown in FIG. 4(D) shows an example of a charging plan when the charging based on the calculated charging time does not end within the discounted rate time zone and the scheduled charging time is extended after the end time T4 of the discounted rate time zone. At this time, the relationship T4 - T3 ≤ T8 - T7 holds between the charging time required T8 - T7 and the length of the discounted rate time zone T4 - T3. However, at this time, the relationship T8 ≤ T2 holds between the scheduled charging end time T8 and the desired charging end time T2. Here, when the charging based on the charging time required does not end within the discounted rate time zone, the plan generation unit 310a sets the scheduled charging time so that the scheduled charging start time T7 coincides with the start time T3 of the discounted rate time zone, and sets the scheduled charging end time T8 within the normal rate time zone after the end time T4 of the discounted rate time zone. In the charging plan 320d generated in this way, it is planned that when the scheduled charging start time T7 arrives, the relay 21 that was off is turned on, and when the scheduled charging end time T8 arrives, the relay 21 in the on state is turned off. That is, the scheduled charging time from the scheduled charging start time T7 to the scheduled charging end time T8 is equal to the charging time required, includes the discounted rate time zone, and is extended to the normal rate time zone after the discounted rate time zone, and ends before the desired charging end time T2. Here, the charging plan 320d shown in FIG. 4(D) is referred to as the second pattern.

[0077] In step S8, when it is determined that charging is not scheduled to end by the desired charging end time T2, the plan generation unit 310a generates a charging plan in which the scheduled charging time is further extended before the start time T3 of the discounted rate time zone (step S6). The generated charging plan is stored in the storage unit 32 as the charging plan 320d. The time chart shown in Fig. 4(E) shows an example of a charging plan when charging based on the calculated charging time required does not end within the discounted rate time period and also does not end by the desired charging end time T2, and the planned charging time is extended before the start time T3 of the discounted rate time period. At this time, the relationship T4 - T3 ≤ T10 - T9 holds between the charging time required T10 - T9 and the length of the discounted rate time period T4 - T3. However, at this time, the relationship T10 = T2 holds between the planned charging end time T10 and the desired charging end time T2. Here, when charging based on the charging time required does not end within the discounted rate time period and also does not end by the desired charging end time, the planned charging end time T8 is made to coincide with the desired charging end time T2, and the planned charging start time T9 is set within the normal rate time period before the start time T3 of the discounted rate time period by the plan generation unit 310a. In the charging plan 320d generated in this way, it is planned to turn on the relay 21 that was off when the planned charging start time T9 arrives, and turn off the relay 21 in the on state when the planned charging end time T10 arrives. That is to say, the planned charging time from the planned charging start time T9 to the planned charging end time T10 is equal to the charging time required, includes the discounted rate time period, is extended to the desired charging end time T2 included in the normal rate time period after the discounted rate time period, and is also extended to the normal time period before the discounted rate time period. Here, the charging plan 320d shown in Fig. 4(E) is referred to as the third pattern.

[0078] In this way, as the charging time required becomes longer, when generating a charging plan, first, the discounted rate time period is utilized. When the charging time required exceeds the length of the discounted rate time period, by setting the planned charging end time T8 to be closer to or coincide with the later side, that is, the desired charging end time T2, the time during which the storage battery 231 is not discharged in the charged state becomes shorter. Thus, the cost related to charging is reduced, the burden on the storage battery 231 is alleviated, and efficient charging that suppresses the deterioration of the storage battery 231 becomes possible.

[0079] 〔Modification Example〕 In the above-described Example 1, when time-of-use electricity rates are set, a charging plan that utilizes discounted time zones is generated. When utilizing such discounted time zones, a charging plan can also be created based on charging characteristic information related to charging characteristics among the characteristic information included in the user's battery information 320b acquired in step S2. A case where the storage battery 231 has a charging characteristic including a CC (constant current) charging method, such as a CCCV (constant current constant voltage) charging method, will be described as an example. The plan generation unit 310a that has acquired the battery information 320b including such charging characteristic information generates a charging plan such that the charging time by the CC charging method includes at least the discounted rate time zone. It is desirable that the charging time by the CC charging method is included within the discounted rate time zone, but if it exceeds the discounted rate time zone, the charging plan is generated as described above according to the required charging time. The charging plan 320d according to this modification can be applied to any of the above-described first pattern, second pattern, and third pattern. Note that the modification described here can be similarly applied not only to the above-described charging management system 300 but also to the power switch module 200 according to Example 2 described later.

[0080] In the CC charging method, since a large amount of charging current flows, the cost related to charging can be reduced by generating a charging plan such that the time when the charging time by the CC charging method overlaps with the discounted rate time zone becomes longer. Also, in this way, by generating a charging plan based on the charging characteristics, it is possible to reduce the cost related to charging, reduce the burden on the storage battery 231, and enable efficient charging that suppresses the deterioration of the storage battery 231.

[0081] 〔Example 2〕 FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration of a charging system 400 according to Example 2. In the charging system 100 according to Embodiment 1, the charging management system 300 includes a plan generation unit 310a, a command generation unit 310b, and a notification generation unit 310c, and stores a user plan 320a, battery information 320b, electricity charge data 320c, and a charging plan 320d in the storage unit 32. In the charging system 400 according to Embodiment 2, the control unit 24 of the power switch module 200 includes a plan generation unit 240a, a command generation unit 240b, and a notification generation unit 240c, and stores a user plan 250a, battery information 250b, electricity charge data 250c, and a charging plan 250d in the storage unit 25.

[0082] Since the function of the plan generation unit 240a is the same as that of the plan generation unit 310a according to Embodiment 1, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The plan generation unit 240a corresponds to the charging plan generation unit of the present invention. The command generation unit 240b generates an opening / closing command for opening and closing the relay 21. Similar to the notification generation unit 310c according to Embodiment 1, the notification generation unit 240c generates a notification for the user. The notification generated by the notification generation unit 240c is transmitted from the communication unit 23 to the charging management system 300 via the network NT1, and from the charging management system 300 to the terminal 270 via the network NT2.

[0083] Among the user plan 250a and battery information 250b stored in the storage unit 25, such as characteristic information, and the electricity charge data 250c, the charging management system 300 acquires information from the terminal 270 or the website of the electricity provider, and the control unit 24 acquires it from the charging management system 300 via the network NT1 and stores it in the storage unit 25.

[0084] <Charging Management Method> With reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the outline of the charging management method in the charging system 400 will be described. FIG. 6 shows the processing in each of the power switch module 200, the terminal 270, and the charging management system 300, and the exchange of information therebetween, regarding the charging management method according to Embodiment 2. Since the processing of the terminal 270 is the same as the charging management method of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 2, the description thereof is omitted using the same reference numerals.

[0085] In the charging system 400 according to Embodiment 2, in the charging system 100 according to Embodiment 1, the power switch module 200 undertakes the functions that the charging management system 300 used to undertake.

[0086] In FIG. 6, the processing in steps S41, S42, S44, S45, and S47 is the same as the processing in steps S21, S22, S24, S25, and S27 in FIG. 2, respectively, and thus the detailed description is omitted. However, for the charging current monitoring in step S44, the charging current value measured by the power measurement unit 22 can be directly obtained and monitored.

[0087] For the charging start instruction in step S43 of FIG. 6, since the control unit 24 directly controls the relay 21, the control unit 24 starts charging, that is, turns on the relay 21. Also, for the charging end instruction in step S46 of FIG. 6, since the control unit 24 directly controls the relay 21, the control unit 24 ends charging, that is, turns off the relay 21.

[0088] The charging management system 300 transmits the charging schedule received from the terminal 270 to the power switch module 200 in receiving and transmitting the charging schedule (step S51). Also, the charging management system 300 transmits the charging end notification received from the power switch module 200 to the terminal 270 in receiving and transmitting the charging end notification (step S52).

[0089] As described above, the charging management method shown in FIG. 6 is obtained by sharing the functions of the charging management system 300 in the charging management method shown in FIG. 2 with the power switch module 200, and the content of the process is substantially the same as the charging management method according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

[0090] Since the content of the charging plan generation method in the charging plan generation (step S41) of FIG. 6 is the same as the charging plan generation method described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0091] In addition, the functional sharing between the charging management system 300 and the power switch module 200 in the charging management method is not limited to those shown in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and functional sharing in different modes such as combining these is also possible.

[0092] [Modification Example] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a charging management method according to a modification example of the second embodiment. The same processes as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The charging management method shown in FIG. 7 is executed in the charging system 400 shown in FIG. 5. Here, also in the charging management system 300, in order to charge for the charging service or the like, the charging current measured in the power switch module 200 is monitored. When the charging management system 300 monitors the charging current based on the user plan and determines whether there is an abnormality, if the scheduled charging start time based on the charging plan generated in the power switch module 200 is set to a time later than the desired charging start time input by the user, there is a possibility of making an incorrect abnormality determination. That is, between the desired charging start time and the scheduled charging start time, actually, since charging according to the charging plan has not started, only the charging current is not flowing, but there is a possibility that the charging management system 300 determines that the charging current is not flowing even though charging has started.

[0093] Therefore, when a charging plan in which the scheduled charging start time is set to a time later than the desired charging start time is generated in step S41, the notification generation unit 240c of the control unit 24 of the power switch module 200 generates a charging reservation in - progress notification (step S48). Then, this charging reservation in - progress notification is transmitted from the communication unit 23 to the charging management system 300 via the network NT1. In the charging management system 300 that has received this charging reservation in - progress notification, a charging reservation in - progress flag is set.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 7, the charging current value measured in the power switch module 200 (step S44) is received, and the charging current is monitored in the charging management system 300 (step 54). This monitoring of the charging current is repeated at appropriate timings. Then, it is determined whether there is an abnormality in the charging current (step S55). At this time, the control unit 31 of the charging management system 300 checks the charging reservation in - progress flag, and if the charging reservation in - progress flag is set, it is determined that there is no abnormality even if the charging current is not measured.

[0095] In step S55, if the control unit 31 determines that there is no abnormality in the charging current, the process proceeds to step S52. And in step S55, if the control unit 31 determines that there is an abnormality in the charging current, the control unit 31 generates a charging abnormality notification (step S56) and transmits it to the terminal 270 via the network NT2. In the terminal 270 that has received the charging abnormality notification, a message indicating the charging abnormality is displayed on the display to notify the user of the same. In step S55, when the control unit 31 determines that there is an abnormality in the charging current, a command to turn off the relay 21 may be transmitted from the control unit 31 to the power switch module 200.

[0096] The determination of the charging current abnormality may be performed by the power switch module 200, and the same processing may be performed when an abnormality occurs.

[0097] Also, in the power switch module 200, even if a minute current is passed through the circuit PL between the desired charging start time and the scheduled charging start time, or a predetermined value is added to the measured charging current value, incorrect determination in the charge management system 300 can be avoided. The above-mentioned minute current and the value to be added only need to be such that the data obtained as the charging current value exceeds the threshold value when the charge management system 300 determines an abnormality.

[0098] Note that, in order to make it possible to compare the constituent elements of the present invention with the configuration of the embodiment below, the constituent elements of the present invention are described with reference numerals in the drawings. <Appendix 1> A charge plan generation device (100, 200, 300, 400) that generates a charge plan for charging a storage battery (231) mounted on an electric moving body (230) using power with a charge set for each time zone, wherein when the charging time required to charge the storage battery (231) to a predetermined charge state does not exceed the length of the cheapest time zone where the charge is the lowest between the desired charging start time when the user desires to start charging the storage battery (231) and the desired charging end time when the user desires to end the charging, a charge plan is generated in which the scheduled charging time for charging in the charge plan is included in the cheapest time zone, and when the charging time required exceeds the length of the cheapest time zone, a charge plan is generated in which the scheduled charging time includes the cheapest time zone and ends by the desired charging end time, characterized by the charge plan generation device (100, 200, 300, 400). <Appendix 2> When the charging time required exceeds the length of the cheapest time zone, and even if the scheduled charging time is extended to include the cheapest time zone and up to the desired charging end time, but the scheduled charging time is shorter than the charging time required, the charge plan generation device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to Appendix 1, characterized in that a charge plan is generated in which the scheduled charging time is extended to before the time preceding the cheapest time zone. <Appendix 3> The charging plan generation device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to appended claim 1 or 2, characterized by generating the charging plan based on the charging characteristics of the storage battery (231). <Appended claim 4> A power switch unit (21) that opens and closes an electric circuit (PL) connecting an AC power supply (210) that supplies power with a time - zone - based rate and an electric moving body (230), A power measurement unit (22) that measures the amount of power supplied to the electric moving body (231) through the electric circuit (PL), A communication unit (23), A control unit (24) including a charging plan generation unit (240a) that generates a charging plan for charging a storage battery (231) mounted on the electric moving body (230) using the power, A power switch module (200) comprising: The charging plan generation unit (240a): When the charging time required to charge the storage battery (231) to a predetermined state of charge does not exceed the length of the cheapest time zone where the rate is the lowest between the desired charging start time when the user wishes to start charging the storage battery (231) and the desired charging end time when the user wishes to end the charging, generates a charging plan in which the planned charging time for charging is included in the cheapest time zone; When the charging time required exceeds the length of the cheapest time zone, the power switch module (200) is characterized by generating a charging plan in which the planned charging time includes the cheapest time zone and ends by the desired charging end time. <Appended claim 5> The charging plan generation unit (240a): When the charging time required exceeds the length of the cheapest time zone and even if the planned charging time is extended to include the cheapest time zone and up to the desired charging end time, but the planned charging time is shorter than the charging time required, the power switch module (200) according to appended claim 4 is characterized by generating a charging plan in which the planned charging time is extended to a time before the time preceding the cheapest time zone. <Appended claim 5> The power switch module (200) according to appended claim 4 or 5, wherein the charging plan generation unit (240a) generates the charging plan based on the charging characteristics of the storage battery (231). <Appended Note 7> A power switch unit (21) that opens and closes an electric circuit (PL) connecting an AC power supply (210) that supplies power with a time-zone-based rate and an electric moving body (230), A power measurement unit (22) that measures the amount of power supplied to the electric moving body (230) through the electric circuit (PL), A communication unit (23), A control unit (24), A power switch module (200) including the above, A charging plan generation unit (310a) that is communicably connected to the power switch module via a network and generates a charging plan for charging a storage battery (231) mounted on the electric moving body (230) using the power, A command generation unit (310b) that generates an opening / closing command for instructing the opening and closing of the electric circuit by the power switch unit based on the charging plan, A charging management device (300) including the above, A charging system (100) including the above, wherein the charging plan generation unit (310a) generates a charging plan in which the planned charging time for charging in the charging plan is included in the cheapest time zone when the charging time required to charge the storage battery (231) to a predetermined charge state does not exceed the length of the cheapest time zone between the desired charging start time when the user wishes to start charging the storage battery (231) and the desired charging end time when the user wishes to end the charging, and generates a charging plan in which the planned charging time includes the cheapest time zone and ends by the desired charging end time when the charging time exceeds the length of the cheapest time zone, and the control unit (24) of the power switch module (200) controls the power switch unit (21) based on the opening / closing command. A charging system (100). <Appended Note 8> The charging plan generation unit (310a) When the charging required time exceeds the length of the cheapest time zone, and even if the planned charging time is extended to include the cheapest time zone and up to the desired charging end time, if the planned charging time is shorter than the charging required time, the charging system (100) according to Supplementary Note 7 is characterized by generating a charging plan in which the planned charging time is extended to a time before the time preceding the cheapest time zone. <Supplementary Note 9> The charging system (100) according to Supplementary Note 7 or 8 is characterized in that the charging plan generation unit (310a) generates the charging plan based on the charging characteristics of the storage battery (231).

Explanation of reference numerals

[0099] 21: Relay 200: Power switch module 230: Electric vehicle

Claims

1. A charging plan generation device that generates a charging plan for charging a storage battery mounted on an electric moving body using power with a time-zone-based charge rate set, wherein: When the charging time required to charge the storage battery to a predetermined state of charge does not exceed the length of the cheapest time zone where the charge rate is the lowest between the desired charging start time when the user desires to start charging the storage battery and the desired charging end time when the user desires to end the charging, the charging plan generation device generates a charging plan in which the scheduled charging time for charging in the charging plan is included in the cheapest time zone; When the charging time required exceeds the length of the cheapest time zone, the charging plan generation device generates a charging plan in which the scheduled charging time includes the cheapest time zone and ends by the desired charging end time. The charging plan generation device is characterized by this.

2. When the charging time required exceeds the length of the cheapest time zone and, even if the scheduled charging time is extended to include the cheapest time zone and up to the desired charging end time, the scheduled charging time is shorter than the charging time required, the charging plan generation device according to claim 1 generates a charging plan in which the scheduled charging time is extended to a time before the time preceding the cheapest time zone.

3. The charging plan generation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the charging plan is generated based on the charging characteristics of the storage battery.

4. A power switch unit that opens and closes a circuit connecting an AC power supply that supplies power with a time-zone-based charge rate set and an electric moving body; A power measurement unit that measures the amount of power supplied to the electric moving body through the circuit; A communication unit; A control unit including a charging plan generation unit that generates a charging plan for charging a storage battery mounted on the electric moving body using the power; A power switch module comprising: The charging plan generation unit: When the charging time required to charge the storage battery to a predetermined state of charge does not exceed the length of the cheapest time zone where the charge rate is the lowest between the desired charging start time when the user desires to start charging the storage battery and the desired charging end time when the user desires to end the charging, the charging plan generation unit generates a charging plan in which the scheduled charging time for charging in the charging plan is included in the cheapest time zone; When the charging time required exceeds the length of the cheapest time zone, the charging plan generation unit generates a charging plan in which the scheduled charging time includes the cheapest time zone and ends by the desired charging end time. The power switch module is characterized by this.

5. The charging plan generation unit When the charging required time exceeds the length of the lowest-cost time period, and even if the planned charging time is extended to include the lowest-cost time period and up to the desired charging end time, if the planned charging time is shorter than the charging required time, the charging plan is generated by extending the planned charging time to before the time preceding the lowest-cost time period. The power switching module according to claim 4, characterized in that **Claim 6** The charging plan generation unit generates the charging plan based on the charging characteristics of the storage battery. The power switching module according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that **Claim 7** A power switching unit that opens and closes a circuit connecting an AC power supply that supplies power with a rate set for each time period and an electric moving body, A power measurement unit that measures the amount of power supplied to the electric moving body through the circuit, A communication unit, A control unit, A power switching module including The power switching module is communicably connected via a network, A charging plan generation unit that generates a charging plan for charging a storage battery mounted on the electric moving body using the power, A command generation unit that generates an opening / closing command for instructing the opening and closing of the circuit by the power switching unit based on the charging plan, A charging management device including A charging system including The charging plan generation unit When the charging required time for charging the storage battery to a predetermined charging state does not exceed the length of the lowest-cost time period during which the rate is the lowest between the desired charging start time when the user desires to start charging the storage battery and the desired charging end time when the user desires to end the charging, the charging plan is generated such that the planned charging time for charging in the charging plan is included in the lowest-cost time period, When the charging required time exceeds the length of the lowest-cost time period, the charging plan is generated such that the planned charging time includes the lowest-cost time period and ends by the desired charging end time, The control unit of the power switching module controls the power switching unit based on the opening / closing command. A charging system, characterized in that **Claim 8** The charging plan generation unit When the charging required time exceeds the length of the lowest-cost time period, and even if the planned charging time is extended to include the lowest-cost time period and up to the desired charging end time, if the planned charging time is shorter than the charging required time, the charging plan is generated by extending the planned charging time to before the time preceding the lowest-cost time period. The charging system according to claim 7, characterized in that

9. The charging system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the charging plan generation unit generates the charging plan based on the charging characteristics of the storage battery.

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