Control device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a control device and the like capable of properly controlling the power supply to consumers.SOLUTION: A control device 50 includes: a control unit 53 that controls the power generated by a solar power generation facility 10 to be supplied to EV electricity for charging an electric vehicle 60, in addition to the EV electricity for charging, electricity for self-consumption consumed in the residence, and the power to be sold to the grid power source 120, and an EV usage schedule acquisition unit (communication unit 51) that acquires future usage schedules for electric vehicles 60. The control unit 53 is configured so as to, when the acquired usage schedule satisfies the predetermined condition, control to supply self-consumption power from the electric vehicle 60, which is stored by the EV electricity for charging supply.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a control method, and a program for controlling power supply related to charging of an electric vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, systems have been developed that supply energy from a residential power source to the secondary battery of an electric vehicle (EV). Patent Document 1 discloses a residential power supply system that supplies energy from the EV back to the home in an emergency, enabling the use of residential electrical equipment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-178234 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for further optimization of the control of power supply at consumers (residential units) related to the charging and discharging of electric vehicles. For example, if electric vehicles remain fully charged for a long period of time, the surplus power generated by solar power generation facilities during the day cannot be used to charge electric vehicles, and the surplus power may end up being wasted.

[0005] The present invention provides a control device and the like that can more appropriately control the power supply at a consumer facility in relation to charging and discharging of an electric vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit that controls the supply of power generated by a solar power generation facility to EV charging power for charging an electric vehicle, power for self-consumption used in the dwelling unit other than the EV charging power, and power for sale to a grid power source, and an EV usage schedule acquisition unit that acquires a future usage schedule for the electric vehicle, and when the acquired usage schedule satisfies predetermined conditions, the control unit controls the supply of the self-consumption power from the electric vehicle that has been stored by the supply of the EV charging power.

[0007] A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method executed by a computer, and includes the steps of controlling the supply of power generated by a solar power generation facility to EV charging power for charging an electric vehicle, power for self-consumption consumed in the dwelling unit other than the EV charging power, and power for sale to a grid power source, and a step of obtaining a future usage schedule for the electric vehicle, wherein in the control step, if the obtained usage schedule satisfies predetermined conditions, control is performed so that the electric vehicle, which has been charged by the supply of EV charging power, supplies the power for self-consumption.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the control method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to more appropriately control the power supply at a consumer facility in relation to charging of an electric vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a charging / discharging system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for inputting a usage schedule of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the control process for discharging an electric vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in an independent claim that represents a superordinate concept will be described as optional components.

[0012] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] (Embodiment) [Charging and discharging system configuration] First, the configuration of the charging / discharging system according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the charging / discharging system according to the embodiment.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, the charge / discharge system 100 includes a photovoltaic power generation facility 10, a power conditioner 20, a distribution board 40, a control device 50, an electric vehicle 60, a router 70, a weather forecast information distribution server 80, and an electricity unit price management server 90. Fig. 1 also shows a grid power supply 120 and the Internet 130. Each of the components included in the charge / discharge system 100, except for the weather forecast information distribution server 80 and the electricity unit price management server 90, is provided in a facility 110. The facility 110 is an example of a consumer (dwelling unit).

[0015] The solar power generation facility 10 is installed on the roof of a facility 110 or the like, and generates electricity by converting sunlight into electricity. Specifically, the solar power generation facility 10 is realized by a solar cell module including a PV (PhotoVoltaic) panel.

[0016] The power conditioner 20 is a power conversion device that converts the power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 into power for use within the facility 110. Specifically, the power conditioner 20 can use the power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 as EV charging power for charging the electric vehicle 60 via the charger 61, or can use the power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 as self-consumption power for consumption within the consumer in addition to EV charging power via the distribution board 40. The power conditioner 20 can also supply the power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 to the grid power supply 120. In other words, the solar power generation facility 10 can be used to sell the generated power. Specifically, the power conditioner 20 is realized by an inverter circuit or the like.

[0017] The distribution board 40 is a device that distributes power supplied from the grid power supply 120 or the power conditioner 20. Specifically, the distribution board 40 distributes power to a plurality of branch circuits branching off from a main line 41. Electrical equipment (electrical equipment not shown, excluding the charger 61 for the electric vehicle 60) installed in the facility 110 is connected to the branch circuits. Furthermore, the distribution board 40 can supply power supplied from the power conditioner 20 to the grid power supply 120, and can also supply power supplied from the grid power supply 120 to the power conditioner 20. The power supplied from the grid power supply 120 to the distribution board 40 is power purchased by consumers who pay a power purchase fee calculated based on the power purchase price. Furthermore, the power supplied from the distribution board 40 to the grid power supply 120 is power sold to consumers who pay a power sale fee calculated based on the power sale price.

[0018] The distribution board 40 has a power measurement element for each branch circuit. Specifically, the power measurement element is a current transformer (CT), but it may also be a Rogowski circuit or a GMR element. By providing a power measurement element for each branch circuit, the distribution board 40 can measure the power consumption for each branch circuit.

[0019] The distribution board 40 also has a wireless communication module for wireless communication, and is capable of wireless communication with the control device 50 via a router. In other words, the wireless communication module is a wireless communication circuit. This allows the distribution board 40 to transmit the power consumption of each branch circuit measured by the power measurement element to the control device 50. The power consumption of each branch circuit is stored as power consumption history information in a memory unit 52 provided in the control device 50.

[0020] It is not essential that the distribution board 40 has a power measurement function and a communication function. For example, the charge / discharge system 100 may include a smart meter (that is, a power meter with a communication function) in addition to the distribution board 40.

[0021] The control device 50 is a device that manages power consumption (more specifically, power consumption and power consumption amount) in the facility 110, in other words, a power management device. Specifically, the control device 50 includes a communication unit 51, a storage unit 52, and a control unit 53. Although not shown, the control device 50 may also include a user interface that accepts user operations, and a display unit that displays an image that allows the user to check the power consumption and power consumption amount in the facility 110.

[0022] The communication unit 51 is a wireless communication module that enables the control device 50 to communicate with the distribution board 40 and the charger 61 of the electric vehicle 60. In other words, the wireless communication module is a wireless communication circuit. The communication unit 51 acquires, for example, the power consumption in the facility 110 measured by the distribution board 40 from the distribution board 40. The power consumption is acquired, for example, in a manner that allows the power consumption of each branch circuit to be distinguished (recognized). The power consumption may be acquired in real time or may be acquired periodically in a lump. The communication standard for the wireless communication performed by the communication unit 51 is, for example, ECHONET Lite (registered trademark), but is not particularly limited and may be another communication standard.

[0023] The communication unit 51 also has functions as an acquisition unit, such as an electricity unit price acquisition unit that acquires the electricity purchase price and the electricity selling price, a current time acquisition unit that acquires the current time, and an EV use schedule acquisition unit that acquires a future use schedule for the electric vehicle 60. Each of these functions of the communication unit 51 as an acquisition unit for various types of information will be described later.

[0024] The storage unit 52 stores the power consumption acquired by the communication unit 51 in association with the date and time (timestamp) when the power consumption was measured as power consumption history information. The power consumption is stored, for example, by the control unit 53. The date and time associated with the power consumption may be provided by the distribution board 40 or may be provided by the control unit 53 of the control device 50. The storage unit 52 also stores some of the various information acquired by the communication unit 51 (information that does not require real-time performance).

[0025] The storage unit 52 also stores a control program executed by the control unit 53. Specifically, the storage unit 52 is a storage device such as a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 52 may be separate from the control device 50.

[0026] The control unit 53 performs various information processing in the control device 50, such as storing the power consumption information acquired by the communication unit 51 in the storage unit 52. Specifically, the control unit 53 is realized by a processor, a microcomputer, or a dedicated circuit. The control unit 53 may also be realized by a combination of two or more of the processor, the microcomputer, and the dedicated circuit.

[0027] The control unit 53 also includes a prediction unit 54, a planning unit 55, and an execution unit 56. These components perform a process of creating a schedule for charging the electric vehicle 60 and a process of executing charging of the electric vehicle 60. The process of creating a schedule for charging the electric vehicle 60 and the process of executing charging of the electric vehicle 60 will be described later.

[0028] The electric vehicle 60 is a vehicle that runs on electricity as an energy source, using an electric motor such as a motor as a power source. Specifically, the electric vehicle 60 is equipped with a secondary battery, and runs on the electric power stored in the secondary battery (i.e., EV charging power) as an energy source.

[0029] The charger 61 is a charging device for charging the electric vehicle 60 (more specifically, for charging the secondary battery provided in the electric vehicle 60). The charger 61 is equipped with a charging gun (in other words, a charging plug) and charges the secondary battery of the electric vehicle 60 connected to the charging gun. The charger 61 can also discharge the power charged in the electric vehicle 60 to the power conditioner 20 (which can ultimately be used as power for self-consumption within the consumer). The charger 61 can be switched between a charging state in which the electric vehicle 60 is charged, a discharging state in which power is discharged from the electric vehicle 60 to the power conditioner 20, and a standby state in which neither charging nor discharging takes place, and can operate according to the state.

[0030] The charger 61 also includes a wireless communication module for communicating with the control device 50. The charger 61 may also include a user interface that accepts user operations, and a display unit that displays an image showing the charging status of the electric vehicle 60.

[0031] The charger 61 can charge the electric vehicle 60 using power supplied from the power conditioner 20. The power conditioner 20 can be supplied with power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 and power supplied from the system power supply 120 via the distribution board 40, and the charger 61 charges the secondary battery of the electric vehicle 60 using either one of these sources.

[0032] The router 70 is a communication relay device that enables the power conditioner 20, the distribution board 40, the control device 50, and the electric vehicle 60 to communicate wirelessly with each other. Each of the power conditioner 20, the distribution board 40, the control device 50, and the electric vehicle 60 can also be connected to the Internet 130 via the router 70. The Internet 130 is an example of a communication network.

[0033] The weather forecast information distribution server 80 is an information processing device that distributes weather forecast information to the control device 50. The weather forecast information distribution server 80 distributes weather forecast information for the next 24 hours, for example, every three hours. In other words, the weather forecast information distribution server 80 periodically distributes weather forecast information, and the communication unit 51 of the control device 50 periodically receives the weather forecast information via the Internet 130 and the router 70. As will be described later, the weather forecast information is used to predict the power generation amount of the solar power generation facility 10.

[0034] Note that a plurality of servers may be used to realize functions equivalent to the weather forecast information distribution server 80. For example, a dedicated distribution server for weather forecast information and a management server for the control device 50 may be used to realize functions equivalent to the weather forecast information distribution server 80. In this case, the management server acquires weather forecast information from the dedicated distribution server and distributes the acquired weather forecast information to the control device 50.

[0035] The electricity unit price management server 90 is an information processing device that distributes the electricity purchase price to the control device 50. For example, the electricity unit price management server 90 divides a day into multiple periods, such as daytime, daily life, and nighttime, and distributes the electricity purchase price for each period. In other words, the electricity unit price management server 90 is the source of the electricity purchase price by functioning as an electricity unit price acquisition unit. The electricity unit price management server 90 periodically distributes the electricity purchase price each time the above-mentioned period changes, and the communication unit 51 of the control device 50 periodically receives the electricity purchase price according to the current date and time via the Internet 130 and the router 70. As an example, the control device 50 measures the current date and time using its own processor, or uses its function as a current time acquisition unit to acquire the current date and time from a time management server (not shown) outside the facility 110 via the router 70 and the Internet 130, and automatically receives the electricity purchase price according to the acquired current date and time.

[0036] Note that a plurality of servers may be used to realize functions equivalent to the electricity unit price management server 90. For example, a dedicated distribution server for the electricity purchase price and a management server for the control device 50 may be used to realize functions equivalent to the electricity unit price management server 90. In this case, the management server acquires the electricity purchase price from the dedicated distribution server and distributes the acquired electricity purchase price to the control device 50.

[0037] Incidentally, the electricity purchase price at the time when the control device 50 controls the charging and discharging of the electric vehicle 60 may be used as the electricity purchase price. However, since the electricity stored in the electric vehicle 60 can also be said to be electricity that could have been purchased at the electricity purchase price at the time of charging, an EV charging electricity price, which is calculated by converting the amount of electricity stored in the electric vehicle 60 into the electricity purchase price at the time of charging, may be used instead of the electricity purchase price. The EV charging electricity price is calculated by multiplying the EV charging electricity by the electricity purchase price at the time of charging, based on the EV charging power and the electricity purchase price at the time of charging. In this way, the charging and discharging of the electric vehicle 60 can be controlled using the EV charging electricity price at which the electricity stored in the electric vehicle 60 is purchased, instead of the electricity purchase price.

[0038] The electricity purchase price is obtained from the electricity price management server 90 as described above, but the electricity selling price is a price specific to each consumer at the time the consumer enters into a contract to sell electricity. Therefore, the electricity selling price is obtained by the control device 50 when the user inputs the price to the control device 50 using, for example, a user interface of the control device 50 or a function of an electricity price obtaining unit, using an information terminal (not shown) connected via the router 70. The obtained electricity selling price is stored in the memory unit 52.

[0039] As with the power purchase price, the power selling price at the time when the control device 50 controls the charging and discharging of the electric vehicle 60 may be used as the power selling price. However, since the power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 out of the power stored in the electric vehicle 60 can also be considered to be power that could have been sold at the power selling price at the time of charging, an EV charging power unit price obtained by converting the power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 out of the power stored in the electric vehicle 60 into the power selling price at the time of charging may be used instead of the above power selling price. The EV charging power unit price is calculated based on the EV charging power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 out of the power stored in the electric vehicle 60 and the power selling price at the time of charging, by multiplying the EV charging power for the generated power by the power selling price at the time of charging. This makes it possible to control the charging and discharging of the electric vehicle 60 at the EV charging power unit price that would be applied if the power were sold without being stored in the electric vehicle 60, instead of the power selling price.

[0040] Here, if the electricity purchase price is higher than the electricity selling price multiplied by a coefficient arbitrarily set by the user (if the electricity purchase price is relatively high), the economic benefit of selling electricity becomes small, so it is preferable to actively consume the electricity generated by the solar power generation equipment 10 within the consumer.

[0041] Here, for example, if the coefficient is 1, the power purchase price can be considered relatively high when it is simply higher than the power sale price, and if the coefficient is 2, the power purchase price can be considered relatively high when it is more than twice the power sale price. In other words, depending on the value of the coefficient, the user can set what power purchase price is considered to be relatively high for the user's power sale price contract.

[0042] In this way, when the electricity purchase price is relatively high and the electricity generated by the solar power generation facility 10 is actively consumed within the consumer's facility, it is better to also actively consume within the consumer's facility the electricity stored in the storage battery of the electric vehicle 60, which has been charged using the electricity generated by the solar power generation facility 10 as EV charging power. In other words, in such a case, it is economically advantageous to put the charger 61 into a discharging state and supply power from the storage battery to the power conditioner 20. Then, by supplying the electricity generated by the solar power generation facility 10 again to charge the discharged storage battery, which has lost power, the electricity generated by the solar power generation facility 10 can be used as EV charging power, thereby minimizing the amount of electricity used for selling electricity.

[0043] However, if the power charged in the storage battery of the electric vehicle 60 is indiscriminately discharged, a situation may arise in which the storage battery is completely discharged when the user wants to use the electric vehicle 60. Therefore, in this embodiment, the timing when the user wants to use the electric vehicle 60 is acquired and managed in advance as a usage schedule for the electric vehicle 60. This has the effect of making it easier to avoid a situation in which the storage battery is completely discharged when the user wants to use the electric vehicle 60.

[0044] The use schedule of the electric vehicle 60 is acquired by a user inputting the schedule into the control device 50 using a user interface of the control device 50 or the function of the EV use schedule acquisition unit described above, using an information terminal (not shown) connected via the router 70. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for the use schedule of the electric vehicle according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the user can input the use date, use start time, and target charge amount of the electric vehicle 60 as the use schedule of the electric vehicle 60 into the control device 50. In other words, the use schedule of the electric vehicle 60 acquired by user input includes the use date, use start time, and target charge amount of the electric vehicle 60. Alternatively, the control device 50 may accept input of the use time as the use schedule of the electric vehicle 60, and estimate the target charge amount from the accepted use time.

[0045] As long as the target charge amount of power is secured on the day and time of use of the electric vehicle 60, the control device 50 estimates the EV charging power that can be supplied when the electric vehicle 60 is charged immediately before that, and can discharge the power stored in the storage battery of the electric vehicle 60 until the estimated value is subtracted from the target charge amount. In this way, the power stored in the storage battery of the electric vehicle 60 can be consumed appropriately within the usable range, making it easier to avoid the small economic benefit of selling power when the unit price of power purchase is relatively high.

[0046] Incidentally, if the storage battery is sufficiently charged when the user wants to use the electric vehicle 60, the storage battery of the electric vehicle 60 may be used to store the power generated by the solar power generation facility 10, and may be discharged as power for personal consumption during the period when the solar power generation facility 10 is not generating power. In other words, if there is a sufficient period in the usage schedule of the electric vehicle 60 before the user uses the electric vehicle 60 (for example, a period during which the electric vehicle 60 can be charged up to the target charge amount even from a fully discharged state), the storage battery of the electric vehicle 60 may be used for storing and discharging the power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 as described above. In this case, the control unit 53 may control charging and discharging so that the storage battery is used for storage and discharging as much as possible without considering the unit price of purchasing and selling electricity.

[0047] In this way, the control unit 53 may control the supply of electricity for self-consumption from the electric vehicle 60 that has been stored by the supply of EV charging power when the usage schedule satisfies a predetermined condition based only on the usage schedule. Furthermore, for the above-mentioned discharge, the control unit 53 may control the supply of EV charging power to charge the storage battery of the electric vehicle 60 beyond the target charge amount considered necessary in the usage schedule when the usage schedule satisfies another predetermined condition based only on the usage schedule.

[0048] Furthermore, when charging the electric vehicle 60, as described above, the power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 and the power supplied from the grid power source 120 via the distribution board 40 can be used as EV charging power. When it is necessary to select which power source to use, the control unit 53 may take into consideration the usage schedule and the power purchase price and determine whether they satisfy another predetermined condition. That is, if the electricity rate plan subscribed to by the consumer includes a period when the power purchase price is relatively low, such as late at night, the power supplied from the grid power source 120 at the relatively low power purchase price can be used as EV charging power. Conversely, when the power purchase price is relatively high, the power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 can be used as EV charging power. That is, the other predetermined condition in this case includes a condition that there is a sufficient period in the usage schedule before the user uses the electric vehicle 60 and a condition that the power purchase price is below a relatively low threshold.

[0049] [Charging and discharging system operation] Next, the operation of the charge / discharge system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart of the control process for discharging an electric vehicle. The charge / discharge system 100 predicts, at night, the time transition of surplus power for the next daytime based on weather forecast information, and creates a schedule (charge / discharge schedule) for the operation of charging and discharging the electric vehicle 60. The surplus power means the power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 minus the power consumption of the facility 110. More precisely, the power consumption of the facility 110 means the power consumption of the entire facility 110 minus the power consumption of the electric vehicle 60.

[0050] Therefore, first, the weather forecast information distribution server 80 distributes weather forecast information. As described above, the weather forecast information distribution server 80 distributes weather forecast information, for example, periodically. The communication unit 51 of the control device 50 acquires the weather forecast information via the Internet 130 and the router 70. The acquired weather forecast information is stored, for example, in the memory unit 52.

[0051] Next, the control device 50 determines whether the electric vehicle 60 is currently connected to the charger 61 (S11). The control device 50 makes the above determination by acquiring information about the connection status of the charging gun from the charger 61. If the electric vehicle 60 is not currently connected (No in step S11), the control device 50 repeats the determination in step S11 until the electric vehicle 60 is connected.

[0052] Next, if the electric vehicle 60 is connected (Yes in step S11), the control device 50 acquires the current date and time (S12). Then, if the date corresponds to the planned discharge date shown in the charge and discharge schedule (Yes in step S13), the control device 50 acquires the power purchase price and the power sale price (S14). The control device 50 determines whether the power purchase price is greater than the power sale price multiplied by a coefficient (α × power sale price) (S15). Then, if the control device 50 determines that the power purchase price is greater than the power sale price multiplied by a coefficient (α × power sale price) (Yes in step S14), it acquires an EV use schedule for the next day on which the electric vehicle 60 will be used for the acquired current date and time (S16).

[0053] Since the EV use schedule includes a target charge amount, the control device 50 estimates the minimum charge amount (A2) required for that target charge amount (S17). As described above, the minimum charge amount corresponds to the value obtained by estimating the EV charging power that can be supplied when charging the electric vehicle 60 immediately before use, and then subtracting this estimated value from the target charge amount. Note that if there are multiple days before the day the electric vehicle 60 will be used, the EV charging power that can be supplied when charging the electric vehicle 60 immediately before use may be the sum of the EV charging power for each of those multiple days.

[0054] The control device 50 also acquires the current charge amount (remaining capacity, A1) of the storage battery of the electric vehicle 60 (S18). If the current remaining capacity (A1) of the electric vehicle 60 is greater than the minimum required charge amount (A2) (Yes in step S19), the control device 50 determines that the electric vehicle 60 has surplus charged power, and discharges this. For example, the control device 50 transitions the charger 61 to a discharging state (S20). If the charger 61 is already in a discharging state at this time, the control device 50 causes the charger 61 to maintain the discharging state. Thereafter, the process returns to step S11, and the same processing is repeatedly performed. For example, this series of processing is performed once a day, at night, etc., in accordance with the charge / discharge schedule. The control device 50 then controls the discharging of the electric vehicle 60 for the following day based on the information on whether or not to discharge obtained as a result of the series of processing (performs step S20).

[0055] If the day does not correspond to the planned discharge date shown in the charge / discharge schedule (No in step S13), if it is determined that the electricity purchase price is equal to or less than the coefficient multiple of the electricity sale price (No in step S15), or if the current remaining capacity (A1) of the electric vehicle 60 is equal to or less than the minimum required charge amount (A2) (No in step S19), the process proceeds to step S21, where the charger 61 is switched to a standby state. If the charger 61 is already in a standby state at this time, the control device 50 causes the charger 61 to maintain the standby state. Furthermore, when the charger 61 is switched to a standby state, if the day corresponds to the planned charging date shown in the charge / discharge schedule, the charger 61 is switched to a charging state instead of the standby state, and charging is performed in accordance with the charge / discharge schedule.

[0056] Furthermore, when the control unit 53 charges and discharges the electric vehicle 60 based only on the usage schedule, it can skip obtaining the electricity purchase price and electricity sale price (S14) and determining whether the electricity purchase price is greater than the coefficient multiplied by the electricity sale price (α × electricity sale price) (S15), and perform step S16 after step S13 returns Yes.

[0057] [Charge / discharge schedule creation process] Next, the charge / discharge schedule creation process will be described in detail.

[0058] The process of creating a charge / discharge schedule is performed, for example, at night. First, the prediction unit 54 included in the control unit 53 of the control device 50 predicts the power generation amount for the next day by the solar power generation equipment 10 provided in the facility 110. The prediction unit 54 predicts the power generation amount for a time period based on, for example, acquired weather forecast information.

[0059] Note that historical information about the power generation may be used to predict the power generation. In this case, the communication unit 51, for example, periodically acquires generated power information indicating the power generation from the power conditioner 20. The generated power information includes information indicating the date and time when power generation was performed. The control unit 53 associates the acquired generated power information with weather forecast information for the corresponding date and time and stores it as historical information about the power generation. In this case, the power conditioner 20, for example, includes a wireless communication module and transmits the generated power information to the communication unit 51 via the router 70.

[0060] This allows the prediction unit 54 to predict the power generation amount for a certain time period on the next day based on the power generation history information and the acquired weather forecast information. For example, the prediction unit 54 can use the average value of the power generation amount for the same time period in the past when the weather was the same as the predicted value of the power generation amount for a certain time period on the next day.

[0061] Next, the prediction unit 54 predicts the power consumption at the facility 110 for the next day. As described above, the memory unit 52 stores historical information about the power consumption at the facility 110. The prediction unit 54 reads the historical information about the power consumption from the memory unit 52 and predicts the power consumption for the next day based on the read historical information. For example, the prediction unit 54 can use an average value of the power consumption for a certain time period on the next day at the facility 110 in the same time period in the past.

[0062] The power consumption in the facility 110 tends to differ greatly between weekdays (Monday to Friday) and holidays (Saturday and Sunday). Therefore, if the prediction target is a weekday, the average value of the power consumption on weekdays in the history information should be used, and if the prediction target is a holiday, the average value of the power consumption on holidays in the history information should be used.

[0063] Next, the prediction unit 54 predicts the time transition of the surplus power. Specifically, the prediction unit 54 can predict the time transition of the surplus power by subtracting the predicted power consumption from the predicted power generation.

[0064] Next, the planning unit 55 creates a schedule for executing charging to use the surplus power to charge the electric vehicle 60 provided in the facility 110 during the period when surplus power is predicted to be generated. In addition, by setting a period other than the period for executing charging as a schedule for executing discharging, the schedule created above can be used as a charge / discharge schedule.

[0065] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the control device 50 according to the first embodiment includes a control unit 53 that controls the supply of power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 as EV charging power for charging the electric vehicle 60, as self-consumption power consumed in the dwelling other than EV charging power, and as power for sale to the grid power supply 120, and an EV usage schedule acquisition unit (communication unit 51) that acquires a future usage schedule for the electric vehicle 60, and when the acquired usage schedule satisfies predetermined conditions, the control unit 53 controls the supply of self-consumption power from the electric vehicle 60 that has been stored by the supply of EV charging power.

[0066] The control device 50 can control the supply (discharge) of stored electricity from the electric vehicle 60 for self-consumption power depending on whether the acquired usage schedule satisfies predetermined conditions. Since the usage schedule can be used to determine whether to discharge electricity from the electric vehicle 60, the electric vehicle 60 can be discharged based on the user's criteria for using the electric vehicle 60. By discharging electricity from the electric vehicle 60, the proportion of electricity generated by the solar power generation facility 10 used for self-consumption power can be increased. In this case, by setting predetermined conditions for the usage schedule, the electricity generated by the solar power generation facility 10 can be directly supplied as electricity to be sold to the grid power source 120, which has the effect of making it easier to avoid situations where the user cannot use the electric vehicle 60. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately control the power supply at the consumer related to the charging and discharging of the electric vehicle 60.

[0067] Furthermore, for example, the control device 50 according to the second aspect is the control device 50 according to the first aspect, and further includes an electricity unit price acquisition unit (communication unit 51) that acquires the electricity purchase price associated with the supply of electricity from the system power source 120 and the electricity sale price associated with the supply of electricity to the system power source 120, and the control unit 53 controls the supply of electricity for self-consumption from the electric vehicle 60 that has been charged by the supply of EV charging electricity when the acquired electricity purchase price and electricity sale price and the acquired usage schedule satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0068] The control device 50 can control the supply (discharge) of stored electricity from the electric vehicle 60 for self-consumption power depending on whether the electricity purchase price and the electricity selling price satisfy predetermined conditions. The values ​​of the electricity purchase price and the electricity selling price can be used to determine whether to discharge electricity from the electric vehicle 60. Therefore, the electric vehicle 60 can be discharged based on the criteria of how the electricity selling price compares to the electricity purchase price or how the electricity purchase price compares to the electricity selling price. The electric vehicle 60 may store electricity generated by the solar power generation facility 10, and discharging the electric vehicle 60 can increase the proportion of electricity generated by the solar power generation facility 10 used for self-consumption power. Setting predetermined conditions for the electricity purchase price and the electricity selling price makes it easier to obtain economic benefits in terms of the electricity unit price compared to directly supplying the electricity generated by the solar power generation facility 10 as electricity to be sold to the grid power source 120. Therefore, it becomes possible to more appropriately control the power supply at the consumer related to the charging and discharging of the electric vehicle 60.

[0069] Also, for example, the control device 50 according to the third aspect is the control device 50 described in the second aspect, and further includes a current time acquisition unit (communication unit 51) that acquires the current time, and the electricity unit price acquisition unit acquires the electricity purchase price according to the acquired current time.

[0070] This makes it possible to use the electricity purchase price according to the acquired current time.

[0071] Also, for example, the control device 50 according to the fourth aspect is the control device 50 described in the second or third aspect, and the control unit determines that the specified condition is met when the electricity purchase price is equal to or greater than a coefficient multiple of the electricity sale price.

[0072] As a result, if the electricity purchase price is equal to or greater than the coefficient multiplied by the electricity sale price, it can be determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0073] Furthermore, for example, the control device 50 according to the fifth aspect is the control device 50 according to the second aspect, in which the usage schedule includes a target charge amount for each day on which the electric vehicle 60 is used, and the control unit 53 determines the amount of electricity to be supplied for self-consumption from the stored electric vehicle 60 based on the target charge amount for the day on which the electric vehicle 60 is used from the present to the nearest day.

[0074] This allows the amount of discharge from the electric vehicle 60 to be determined based on the target charge amount included in the usage schedule.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, the control device 50 according to the sixth aspect is the control device 50 according to the fifth aspect, in which the control unit 53 estimates the EV charging power immediately before the day on which the electric vehicle 60 is to be used, and sets the estimated value minus the planned power usage on the day on which the electric vehicle 60 is to be used as the target charging amount for that day.

[0076] This allows the target charge amount for the day to be set by subtracting the estimated value of EV charging power immediately before the day electric vehicle 60 is used from the planned power use on the day electric vehicle 60 is used.

[0077] Furthermore, for example, the control device 50 according to the seventh aspect is the control device 50 according to the sixth aspect, and the control unit determines that the predetermined condition is met when the electricity purchase price is equal to or greater than a coefficient multiplied by the electricity sale price, and the power obtained by subtracting the estimated value from the planned power usage on the day the electric vehicle is used is greater than 0.

[0078] As a result, if the electricity purchase price is equal to or greater than the coefficient of the electricity sale price and the power obtained by subtracting the estimated value from the power planned to be used on the day the electric vehicle 60 is used is greater than 0, it can be determined that the predetermined condition is met.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, the control device 50 according to the eighth aspect is the control device 50 according to the second aspect, in which the control unit 53 calculates the EV charging power unit price of the power being charged to the electric vehicle 60 based on the EV charging power when charging the electric vehicle 60 and the power purchase price at the time of charging, and uses the calculated EV charging power unit price instead of the power selling price to determine whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0080] This makes it possible to control the supply of electricity for self-consumption from the electric vehicle 60 that has been charged by supplying EV charging power, by making a judgment using the EV charging power unit price when purchasing the electricity stored in the electric vehicle 60 instead of the electricity purchase price.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, the control device 50 according to the ninth aspect is the control device 50 according to the second aspect, in which the control unit 53 calculates the EV charging power unit price of the power being charged to the electric vehicle 60 based on the EV charging power when the electric vehicle 60 is charged using the generated power and the power selling price at the time of charging, and uses the calculated EV charging power unit price instead of the power selling price to determine whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0082] This makes it possible to control the supply of electricity for self-consumption from the electric vehicle 60 that has been charged by supplying EV charging power, by making a judgment using the EV charging power unit price when electricity is sold without being stored in the electric vehicle 60, instead of the electricity selling price.

[0083] Furthermore, for example, the control device 50 according to the tenth aspect is the control device 50 according to the fifth aspect, and when the acquired electricity purchase price and the acquired usage schedule satisfy another predetermined condition, the control unit 53 further controls the supply of electricity from the grid power source 120 as EV charging electricity, thereby charging the electric vehicle 60 beyond the target charging amount.

[0084] This allows the electric vehicle 60 to be charged with excess power from the system power supply 120 when the acquired usage schedule and the electricity purchase price satisfy another predetermined condition, thereby promoting discharge of power from the electric vehicle 60 for self-consumption.

[0085] Furthermore, for example, a control method according to an eleventh aspect is a control method executed by a computer, and includes the steps of controlling the supply of power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 to EV charging power for charging an electric vehicle 60, to self-consumption power consumed in the dwelling other than EV charging power, and to power for sale to the grid power source 120, and acquiring the unit price for purchasing power from the grid power source 120 and the unit price for selling power to the grid power source 120, and in the control step, when the acquired unit price for purchasing power and unit price for selling power satisfy predetermined conditions, control is performed so that power for self-consumption is supplied from the electric vehicle 60 that has been stored by the supply of EV charging power.

[0086] This makes it possible to achieve the same effects as the control device 50 described above.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, a program according to a twelfth aspect is a program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to the eleventh aspect.

[0088] According to this, by causing a computer to execute the process, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the control device 50 described above.

[0089] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0090] For example, the communication method between devices described in the above embodiment is just an example. The communication method between devices arranged in a facility is not particularly limited. Wireless communication between devices is performed using a communication standard such as ECHONET Lite (registered trademark), specified low-power radio, ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0091] Furthermore, instead of wireless communication, wired communication such as communication using power line communication (PLC) or a wired LAN may be performed between devices located in a facility.

[0092] Furthermore, for example, the processing performed by a specific processing unit in the above-described embodiments may be performed by another processing unit. Furthermore, the charging / discharging system may be realized as a client-server system. For example, the charging / discharging system may be realized by a server device having the functions of the control device of the above-described embodiments and a client device corresponding to a charger.

[0093] In the above embodiments, components such as the control unit may be realized by executing a software program suitable for the component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0094] Furthermore, components such as the control unit may be realized by circuits or integrated circuits. These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0095] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. For example, the present invention may be realized as the charging / discharging system according to the above-described embodiment, as a program for causing a computer to execute the charging method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0096] The order of the processes in the operation of the charging / discharging system described in the above embodiment is an example. The order of the processes may be changed, or the processes may be executed in parallel.

[0097] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10. Solar power generation facilities 20 Power Conditioner 40 Distribution board 41 Main line 50 Control device 51 Communication unit (electricity unit price acquisition unit, current time acquisition unit, EV usage schedule acquisition unit, etc. acquisition unit) 52 Storage section 53 Control Unit 54 Prediction Department 55 Planning Department 56 Executive Department 60 Electric Vehicles 61 Charger 70 Router 80 Weather forecast information distribution server 90 Electricity unit price management server 100 Charging and discharging system 110 facilities 120 Grid power supply 130 Internet

Claims

1. a control unit that controls the supply of power generated by the solar power generation facility to each of EV charging power for charging an electric vehicle, self-consumption power consumed in the dwelling unit other than the EV charging power, and power to be sold to a power grid; an EV usage schedule acquisition unit that acquires a future usage schedule of the electric vehicle, When the acquired usage schedule satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit controls the supply of the electric power for self-consumption from the electric vehicle that has been charged by the supply of the electric vehicle charging power. Control device.

2. Further, an electricity unit price acquisition unit is provided that acquires a power purchase price associated with power supply from the grid power source and a power sale price associated with power supply to the grid power source, When the acquired electricity purchase price and electricity sale price and the acquired usage schedule satisfy the predetermined condition, the control unit controls the supply of the electricity for self-consumption from the electric vehicle that has been charged by the supply of the EV charging electricity. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. Further, a current time acquisition unit for acquiring the current time is provided, The electricity unit price acquisition unit acquires the electricity purchase price according to the acquired current time. The control device according to claim 2 .

4. The control unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the power purchase price is equal to or greater than a coefficient multiple of the power sale price. The control device according to claim 2 .

5. the usage schedule includes a target charging amount for each day on which the electric vehicle is used; The control unit determines the amount of power to be supplied for personal consumption from the stored electric vehicle based on the target charge amount for the most recent day on which the electric vehicle is to be used. The control device according to claim 2 .

6. The control unit estimates the EV charging power immediately before the day on which the electric vehicle is used, and sets the estimated value minus the planned power usage on the day on which the electric vehicle is used as the target charging amount for that day. The control device according to claim 5 .

7. The control unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the power purchase price is equal to or greater than a coefficient multiple of the power sale price, and when the power obtained by subtracting the estimated value from the power planned to be used on the day the electric vehicle is used is greater than 0. The control device according to claim 6.

8. The control unit calculates an EV charging power unit price of the power charged to the electric vehicle based on the EV charging power when the electric vehicle is charged and the power purchase unit price at the time of charging, and determines whether the predetermined condition is satisfied by using the calculated EV charging power unit price instead of the power selling price. The control device according to claim 2 .

9. The control unit calculates an EV charging power unit price of the power charged to the electric vehicle based on the EV charging power when the electric vehicle is charged using the generated power and the power selling price at the time of charging, and determines whether the predetermined condition is satisfied by using the calculated EV charging power unit price instead of the power selling price. The control device according to claim 2 .

10. When the acquired electricity purchase price and the acquired usage schedule satisfy another predetermined condition, the control unit further controls the supply of electricity from the grid power supply as electricity for charging the EV, thereby charging the electric vehicle beyond the target charging amount. The control device according to claim 5 .

11. 1. A computer-implemented control method comprising: a step of controlling the power generated by the solar power generation facility so that it is supplied as EV charging power for charging an electric vehicle, as self-consumption power consumed in the dwelling unit other than the EV charging power, and as power to be sold to a power grid; obtaining a future usage schedule for the electric vehicle; In the controlling step, when the acquired usage schedule satisfies a predetermined condition, control is performed so that the electric vehicle that has been charged by the supply of the EV charging power supplies the electric power for self-consumption. Control method.

12. A method for causing the computer to execute the control method according to claim 11. program.

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