Charging system and control method

Abstract

To provide a charging system and control method capable of determining the power supplied to a power receiving device installed in a vehicle without using a certified electricity meter.SOLUTION: The charging system that performs charging by supplying power to a power receiving device mounted on a vehicle includes a power measurement unit that measures the power supplied to the power receiving device, and a determination unit that determines whether the power receiving device corresponds to a second charging power, which is higher output than a first charging power, on the basis of the power measured by the power measurement unit. The determination unit determines whether the power receiving device corresponds to the second charging power on the basis of a charging power threshold value that is a value exceeding the first charging power.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging system and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Electric vehicles generally use the power stored in the battery to drive the motor, so when the battery runs out of power, the motor cannot be driven and the vehicle cannot move independently. Therefore, it is necessary to keep power stored in the battery at all times. Electric vehicles can be charged from a power outlet at home, but if you want to charge on the go, you can use a public EV charging spot. In many cases, EV charging spots can charge with more power than a home outlet. In particular, using a charging station called a quick charger allows you to charge tens of times faster than a home power outlet.

[0003] EV chargers that supply electricity to electric vehicles can be divided into standard chargers and rapid chargers. Standard chargers are designed to supply the received AC voltage directly to the vehicle. Rapid chargers are designed to supply large amounts of power to the vehicle by converting AC voltage to DC. Standard chargers installed in apartment complexes and monthly parking lots often provide basic charging, while standard chargers installed in commercial facilities and coin parking lots often have a billing function and charge the amount of power needed to reach the destination. There are two methods for charging with standard chargers: time-based charging and pay-as-you-go charging. With time-based charging, the fee is determined based on the duration of use, not the amount of electricity used. With pay-as-you-go charging, the fee is charged according to the amount of electricity (kWh) charged.

[0004] Regarding charging and billing for electric vehicles, a technique for charging an electric vehicle at an electric vehicle charging station equipped with a time-of-use meter is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This technique includes measuring energy measurements during an active charging session for multiple time periods programmed into the time-of-use meter. The electric vehicle can be charged during the established charging session, and the time-of-use meter can apply different fee structures depending on the time period. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5909194 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Implementing a billing service is important to popularize electric vehicle chargers. Charging by charging time is a disadvantageous billing method for vehicles with low hourly charging capacity, such as light EVs and plug-in hybrid cars. On the other hand, pay-per-use charging requires measuring the charging amount using a certified watt-hour meter, which increases costs and management efforts. An object of the present invention is to provide a charging system and a control method that can determine the power supplied to a power receiving device mounted on a vehicle without using a certified watt-hour meter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) One aspect of the present invention is a charging system that charges a vehicle by supplying power to a power receiving device mounted on the vehicle, and includes a power measurement unit that measures the power supplied to the power receiving device, and a judgment unit that judges whether the power receiving device is compatible with a second charging power that is higher in output than a first charging power based on the power measured by the power measurement unit, and the judgment unit judges whether the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power based on a charging power threshold that is a value that exceeds the first charging power. (2) One aspect of the present invention is a charging system in which, in the charging system described in (1) above, the determination unit determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power when the power measured by the power measuring unit exceeds the charging power threshold for a predetermined period of time or more. (3) One aspect of the present invention is a charging system in which, in the charging system described in (2) above, the determination unit starts measuring the predetermined time when the power measured by the power measurement unit exceeds the charging power threshold. (4) One aspect of the present invention is a charging system in which, in the charging system described in (1) above, the determination unit determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the first charging power if the power measured by the power measuring unit exceeds the charging power threshold for less than a predetermined time. (5) One aspect of the present invention is a charging system as described in (1) above, further comprising a derivation unit that derives an average value of the power measured by the power measurement unit from the start to the end of charging, and the determination unit determines the charging power that the power receiving device can handle by comparing the average value of the power with one or more different charging power thresholds. (6) One aspect of the present invention is a charging system as described in (1) above, further comprising a derivation unit that derives an average value of the power measured by the power measurement unit at predetermined time intervals from the start to the end of charging, and the determination unit determines the charging power that the power receiving device is compatible with by comparing the average value of multiple powers with one or more different charging power thresholds. (7) One aspect of the present invention is a charging system described in any one of (1) to (6) above, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a charging control device that controls charging of identification information of the power receiving device and information indicating the charging power that the power receiving device supports. (8) One aspect of the present invention is a charging system, in which the charging system described in (1) above further includes a creation unit that creates charging power notification information to notify a charging control device that controls charging of information indicating the charging power supported by the receiving device. (9) In one aspect of the present invention, in the charging system described in (1) above, the determination unit changes the charging power threshold value based on a change request.

[0008] (10) One aspect of the present invention is a control method executed by a charging system that charges a vehicle by supplying power to a power receiving device mounted on the vehicle, the control method comprising the steps of measuring the power supplied to the power receiving device and determining whether the power receiving device is compatible with a second charging power that is higher in output than a first charging power based on the power measured in the measuring step, wherein in the determining step, it is determined whether the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power based on a charging power threshold that is a value that exceeds the first charging power. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a charging system and a control method that can determine the power supplied to a power receiving device mounted on a vehicle without using a certified watt-hour meter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a charging system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging unit 100 and a charging control device 200 included in a charging system 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3]3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the charging system 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the charging system 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the charging system 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating an application example of a charging system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging unit 150 and a charging control device 250 included in a charging system 15 according to a first modified example of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the charging system 15 according to the first modification of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a charging system 15 according to a first modification of the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of the operation of the charging system 15 according to the first modification of the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an application example of a charging system 15 according to a first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging unit 170 and a charging control device 270 included in a charging system 17 according to a second modification of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of a charging system 17 according to a second modification of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a charging system 17 according to a second modification of the embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a charging system 17 according to a second modification of the embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of the operation of the charging system 17 according to the second modification of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an application example of a charging system 17 according to a second modification of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Next, a charging system and a charging method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and the embodiments to which the present invention is applied are not limited to the following embodiment. Note that in all the drawings used to describe the embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same functions, and repeated description will be omitted. Furthermore, in this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX," and includes cases where it is based on other elements in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but also includes cases where it is based on XX that has been calculated or processed. "XX" is any element (for example, any information).

[0012] (Embodiment) (Charging system) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The charging system 10 includes a charging unit 100 and a charging control device 200. In addition to the charging unit 100 and the charging control device 200, Fig. 1 also shows an electric vehicle EV.

[0013] The charging unit 100 includes a power supply connector that supplies power to a power receiving device (not shown) of the electric vehicle EV. When the power supply connector is connected to the power receiving connector of the electric vehicle EV, the power is supplied to the power receiving device, thereby charging the device. The charging control device 200 performs billing processing based on the power supplied to the power receiving device by the charging unit 100. As the charging control device 200, for example, a stationary computer device may be used, or a portable computer device such as a smartphone or a tablet computer (tablet PC) may be used.

[0014] The charging unit 100 and the charging control device 200 are connected via a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a provider device, a wireless base station, etc. The charging unit 100 and the charging control device 200 will be described in detail below.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the charging unit 100 and the charging control device 200 included in the charging system 10 according to this embodiment. (Charging unit 100) The charging unit 100 includes a control unit 102, a communication unit 104, a memory unit 106, an operation unit 108, a display unit 110, an authentication unit 112, a charging unit 114, a power supply unit 116, a switch 118, a current detection unit 120, a CPLT (Control Pilot Line) communication unit 122, a power supply connector unit 124, a power supply connector lock unit 126, and a power measurement unit 128.

[0016] The communication unit 104 is realized by a communication module. The communication unit 104 communicates with an external communication device such as the charging control device 200 via the network NW. The communication unit 104 may communicate using a communication method such as a wired LAN. The communication unit 104 may also communicate using a wireless communication method such as a wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or LTE (registered trademark). The communication unit 104 may also communicate using a charging station network application protocol such as OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) used for communication between an electric vehicle (EV) charging station and a central management system. The communication unit 104 holds communication information necessary for communicating with the charging control device 200 via the network NW.

[0017] The storage unit 106 is realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), etc. The storage unit 106 stores user information and charging information. The user information is information that associates, for each of a plurality of users, a user ID, a key ID of a key owned by the user, and a contact signal generated by the authentication unit 112 using the key. The charging information is information that associates, for each of a plurality of users, a user ID with a current value detection result and a power measurement result. The operation unit 108 is an input device that accepts user operations, and includes a keyboard, a mouse, a pointing device such as a touch panel, a button, a dial, a touch sensor, a touch pad, and the like.

[0018] The display unit 110 is, for example, a display, a lamp, or the like. The display unit 110 lights up a lamp of a different color depending on the state of the charging unit 100. Specifically, the display unit 110 lights up a green lamp when the charging unit 100 is charging. The display unit 110 lights up a red lamp when use of the charging unit 100 is permitted. The operation unit 108 and the display unit 110 may be devices that perform operation input and display, such as a touch panel.

[0019] The authentication unit 112 is configured to include an operator key switch. The operator key switch includes multiple microswitches and configures a different circuit depending on the key. The authentication unit 112 generates a different contact signal depending on the key used for operation, and outputs the generated contact signal to the control unit 102.

[0020] The charging unit 114 supplies AC power from the system power supply 20 to the charging unit 100. However, if the charging unit 100 is a quick charger, the charging unit 114 may convert the AC power from the system power supply 20 into DC power and supply it to the charging unit 100. The power supply unit 116 supplies the power from the power system 20, which is supplied to the charging unit 100 by the charging unit 114, to the control unit 102. This starts up the control unit 102.

[0021] The power supply connector 124 is detachably connected to a power receiving connector PRC provided in the electric vehicle EV, and supplies power to a power receiving device of the electric vehicle EV. The power supply connector locking section 126 locks the connection between the power supply connector section 124 and the power receiving connector section PRC.

[0022] The CPLT communication unit 122 communicates signals for confirming connection and starting power supply between the charging unit 100 and the electric vehicle EV via the power supply connector unit 124. The switch 118 is a relay that closes after the CPLT communication unit 122 has successfully confirmed the connection between the charging unit 100 and the electric vehicle EV and transmitted a signal indicating that charging has started. The switch 118 opens after charging between the charging unit 100 and the electric vehicle EV is completed and a signal indicating that charging has ended is transmitted. The current detection unit 120 measures the current supplied from the charging unit 114 . The power measurement unit 128 measures the power supplied to the power receiving device.

[0023] The control unit 102 controls each part of the charging unit 100. Specifically, the control unit 102 lights up a green lamp on the display unit 110 when charging is in progress. The control unit 102 acquires the contact signal output by the authentication unit 112 and determines whether the acquired contact signal is included in the user information in the storage unit 106. If the contact signal from the authentication unit 112 is included in the user information in the storage unit 106, the control unit 102 permits use of the charging system 10, and if not, the control unit 102 does not permit use of the charging system 10. When the control unit 102 permits use of the charging system 10, the control unit 102 acquires the user ID associated with the contact signal and holds the acquired user ID.

[0024] When the control unit 102 permits use of the charging system 10, the control unit 102 causes the display unit 110 to light up a red lamp. The control unit 102 releases the power supply connector lock of the power supply connector lock unit 126 and waits until the power supply connector unit 124 and the power receiving connector unit PRC of the electric vehicle EV are connected. When the control unit 102 detects that the power supply connector unit 124 and the power receiving connector unit PRC of the electric vehicle EV are connected, the control unit 102 waits until the charging start button (not shown) is pressed. When the control unit 102 detects that the charging start button has been pressed, the control unit 102 turns on a green lamp on the display unit 110 and starts charging.

[0025] After starting charging, the control unit 102 starts a process of causing the current detection unit 120 to detect the current value, and stores the detection result of the current value in the charging information of the storage unit 106 in association with the user ID. After starting charging, the control unit 102 causes the power measurement unit 128 to start a process of measuring the power to be supplied to the power receiving device, and stores the power measurement result in the charging information of the memory unit 106 in association with the user ID.

[0026] The control unit 102 functions as a determination unit 102-1 and a creation unit 102-2. When the control unit 102 functions as the determination unit 102-1, the determination unit 102-1 acquires the power measurement result from the storage unit 106, and determines whether the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power, which is higher in output than the first charging power, based on the acquired power measurement result.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the charging system 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 shows an example of the relationship between charging time and charging current. In Fig. 3, the horizontal axis represents time [sec] and the vertical axis represents charging current [A]. An example of the first charging power is 3 kW, and a first charging power of 3 kW corresponds to a charging current of 15 A. An example of the second charging power is 6 kW, and a second charging power of 6 kW corresponds to a charging current of 30 A.

[0028] For example, based on a charging power threshold that is a value that exceeds the first charging power and is less than the second charging power, the determination unit 102-1 determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power if the power is equal to or greater than the charging power threshold, and determines that the power receiving device is not compatible with the second charging power but is compatible with the first charging power if the power is less than the charging power threshold. In the example shown in Figure 3, the charging power threshold is 4 kW, and a charging power threshold of 4 kW corresponds to a charging current threshold of 20 A. Since the power is equal to or greater than the charging power threshold, the determination unit 102-1 determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power. Returning to Figure 2, the explanation will be continued.

[0029] The control unit 102 determines whether the battery is fully charged. If the battery is not fully charged, the control unit 102 determines whether the charging stop button has been pressed. If the charging stop button has not been pressed, the control unit 102 continues the process of determining whether the battery is fully charged. If the battery is fully charged or if the charging stop button has been pressed, the control unit 102 turns on a red lamp on the display unit 110.

[0030] When the battery is fully charged or the charging stop button is pressed, the control unit 102 ends the process of associating the current value detection results with the user ID and storing them in the memory unit 106, and the process of associating the power measurement results with the user ID and storing them in the memory unit 106. A case where control unit 102 functions as creation unit 102-2 will be described. When determination unit 102-1 determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power, creation unit 102-2 creates charging power notification information addressed to the address of charging control device 200, the charging power notification information including a user ID and information indicating that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power. For example, creation unit 102-2 may immediately create charging power notification information when determination unit 102-1 determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power. Control unit 102 outputs the created charging power notification information to communication unit 104.

[0031] Furthermore, creation unit 102-2 creates charging current notification information that includes the user ID, the current value detection result, and information indicating the charging date and time, and that is addressed to the address of charging control device 200. Control unit 102 outputs the created charging current notification information to communication unit 104. Furthermore, when the battery is fully charged or the charging stop button is pressed, the creation unit 102-2 creates charging completion information that includes the user ID and information indicating the charging time, which is the time from the start of charging to the end of charging, and is addressed to the address of the charging control device 200. The control unit 102 outputs the created charging completion information to the communication unit 104.

[0032] The control unit 102 and the authentication unit 112 are realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 106. Furthermore, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0033] (Charging control device 200) The charging control device 200 includes a communication unit 202 , a billing unit 204 , a processing unit 206 , and a storage unit 215 . The communication unit 202 is realized by a communication module. The communication unit 202 communicates with an external communication device such as the charging unit 100 via the network NW. The communication unit 202 may communicate using a communication method such as a wired LAN. The communication unit 202 may also communicate using a wireless communication method such as a wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or LTE (registered trademark). The communication unit 202 may also communicate using a charging station network application protocol such as OCPP, which is used for communication between electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and a central management system. The communication unit 202 holds communication information necessary for communicating with the charging unit 100 via the network NW.

[0034] The storage unit 215 is realized by a HDD, flash memory, RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 215 stores a fee table. The fee table associates information indicating the charging power supported by the power receiving device with fee information for each of the first charging power and the second charging power supported by the power receiving device. For example, information indicating the first charging power is associated with information indicating a first hourly rate, and information indicating the second charging power is associated with information indicating a second hourly rate. The second hourly rate may be higher than the first hourly rate.

[0035] The accounting unit 204 acquires the charging power notification information received by the communication unit 202. The accounting unit 204 acquires the user ID and information indicating that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power included in the acquired charging power notification information. The accounting unit 204 associates the acquired user ID with the information indicating that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power and stores them in the storage unit 215.

[0036] The billing unit 204 acquires the charging completion information received by the communication unit 202. The billing unit 204 acquires the user ID and information indicating the charging time included in the acquired charging completion information. The billing unit 204 determines whether information indicating that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power is stored in the storage unit 215 in association with the acquired user ID. If information indicating that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power is stored, the billing unit 204 acquires information indicating the second hourly rate from the rate table. If information indicating that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power is not stored, the billing unit 204 acquires information indicating the first hourly rate from the rate table. The billing unit 204 derives the amount to be charged to the user corresponding to the user ID based on the acquired information indicating the charging time and either the acquired information indicating the first hourly rate or the acquired information indicating the second hourly rate. For example, the billing unit 204 derives the amount to be charged to the user by multiplying the charging time by either the first hourly rate or the second hourly rate.

[0037] Processing unit 206 acquires the charging current notification information received by communication unit 202. Processing unit 206 acquires the user ID, the current value detection result, and information indicating the charging date and time included in the acquired charging current notification information. Processing unit 206 associates the acquired user ID, the current value detection result, and the information indicating the charging date and time in storage unit 215.

[0038] The accounting unit 204 and the processing unit 206 are realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 215. Furthermore, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or GPU, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0039] (Operation of charging system 10) FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the charging system 10 according to this embodiment. (Step S1-1) In the charging unit 100, the control unit 102 causes the display unit 110 to light up a red lamp. (Step S2-1) In the charging unit 100, the control unit 102 receives the contact signal output by the authentication unit 112. The control unit 102 determines whether the received contact signal is included in the user information in the storage unit 106. If the contact signal from the authentication unit 112 is included in the user information in the storage unit 106, the control unit 102 permits use of the charging system 10, and if not, the control unit 102 does not permit use of the charging system 10. Here, the description will continue with the case where the contact signal from the authentication unit 112 is included in the user information in the storage unit 106 and the control unit 102 permits use of the charging system 10.

[0040] (Step S3-1) In the charging unit 100, the control unit 102 acquires the user ID associated with the contact signal and holds the acquired user ID. (Step S4-1) In the charging unit 100, the control unit 102 turns on a red lamp on the display unit 210 to permit use of the charging system 10.

[0041] (Step S5-1) In the charging unit 100, the control unit 102 releases the power supply connector lock of the power supply connector locking unit 126. (Step S6-1) In the charging unit 100, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the power supply connector unit 124 is connected to the electric vehicle EV. If the power supply connector unit 124 is not connected to the electric vehicle EV (step S6-1: NO), the process returns to step S6-1. (Step S7-1) In the charging unit 100, when the power supply connector 124 and the electric vehicle EV are connected (step S6-1: YES), the control unit 102 determines whether the charging start button has been pressed. When the charging start button has not been pressed (step S7-1: NO), the process returns to step S7-1.

[0042] (Step S8-1) In the charging unit 100, when the control unit 102 detects that the charging start button has been pressed (step S7-1: YES), the control unit 102 starts charging and causes the display unit 110 to light up in green. (Step S9-1) In the charging unit 100, the control unit 102 starts a process of detecting a current value by the current detection unit 120. The control unit 102 acquires the detection result of the current value from the current detection unit 120, associates the acquired detection result of the current value with the user ID, and stores the result in the charging information in the storage unit 106. (Step S10-1) In the charging unit 100, the control unit 102 performs a power determination process. The power determination process will be described in detail later. (Step S11-1) In the charging unit 100, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the battery is fully charged.

[0043] (Step S12-1) In the charging unit 100, if the battery is not fully charged (step S11-1: NO), the control unit 102 determines whether the charging stop button has been pressed. If the charging stop button has not been pressed (step S12-1: NO), the control unit 102 proceeds to step S11-1. (Step S13-1) In the charging unit 100, the control unit 102 lights up a red lamp on the display unit 210 when the charging unit 100 is fully charged (step S11-1: YES) or when the charging stop button is pressed (step S12-1: YES). (Step S14-1) In charging unit 100, control unit 102 completes the process of storing the detection result of the current value and the user ID in storage unit 106 in association with each other.

[0044] (Step S15-1) In charging unit 100, creation unit 102-2 creates charging current notification information. Creation unit 102-2 outputs the created charging current notification information to communication unit 104. Communication unit 104 transmits the charging current notification information from creation unit 102-2 to charging control device 200. In the charging control device 200, the communication unit 202 receives the charging current notification information transmitted by the charging unit 100. The processing unit 206 manages charging for each user based on the user ID, the current value detection result, and the charging date and time included in the charging current notification information received by the communication unit 202.

[0045] (Step S16-1) In the charging unit 100, the creation unit 102-2 creates charging completion information. The creation unit 102-2 outputs the created charging completion information to the communication unit 104. The communication unit 104 transmits the charging completion information created by the creation unit 102-2 to the charging control device 200. In the charging control device 200, the communication unit 202 receives the charging completion information transmitted by the charging unit 100. The billing unit 204 derives an amount to be billed for each user based on the user ID and charging time included in the charging completion information received by the communication unit 202, and on either the information indicating the first hourly rate or the information indicating the second hourly rate.

[0046] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the charging system 10 according to this embodiment. With reference to FIG. 5, step S10-1 in FIG. 4 will be described in detail. (Step S1-2) In the charging unit 100, the power measuring unit 128 measures the power supplied to the power receiving device. (Step S2-2) In charging unit 100, determining unit 102-1 determines whether or not the power measured by power measuring unit 128 is equal to or greater than the charging power threshold. (Step S3-2) In charging unit 100, when determination unit 102-1 determines that the power is equal to or greater than the charging power threshold, creation unit 102-2 creates charging power notification information. Determination unit 102-1 transmits the created charging power notification information from communication unit 104.

[0047] (Step S4-2) In the charging unit 100, when the determining unit 102-1 determines that the power is not equal to or greater than the charging power threshold, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the charging unit 100 is fully charged. (Step S5-2) In the charging unit 100, if the battery is not fully charged (step S4-2: NO), the control unit 102 determines whether the charging stop button has been pressed. If the charging stop button has not been pressed (step S5-2: NO), the process returns to step S1-2. If the charging stop button has been pressed (step S5-2: YES), the process proceeds to step S13-1 in FIG. 4.

[0048] In the above-described embodiment, the charging system 10 is provided with one charging unit 100, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the charging system 10 may be provided with two or more charging units 100. In the above-described embodiment, the case where charging is determined to be completed when the battery is fully charged or when the charging stop button is pressed has been described, but this is not a limitation. For example, the control unit 102 may determine that charging is completed when it detects that the power supply connector 124 and the power receiving connector PRC have been released, when it receives a charging end instruction sent by a terminal device (not shown) to instruct the end of charging, or when the power measured by the power measurement unit 128 reaches a predetermined value. In the above-described embodiment, the determination unit 102-1 may be configured to determine that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power when the power measured by the power measuring unit 128 exceeds the charging power threshold for a predetermined time or more. In this case, the determination unit 102-1 may start measuring the predetermined time at the timing when the power measured by the power measuring unit 128 exceeds the charging power threshold. The determination unit 102-1 may be configured to determine that the power receiving device is compatible with the first charging power when the power measured by the power measuring unit 128 exceeds the charging power threshold for less than the predetermined time. In the above-described embodiment, the determination unit 102-1 may change the charging power threshold based on a change request. For example, a terminal device (not shown) creates a change request including the charging power threshold to cause the charging unit 100 to change the charging power threshold, and transmits the change request to the charging unit 100. In the charging unit 100, the determination unit 102-1 acquires the change request received by the communication unit 104, and changes the charging power threshold based on the acquired change request.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an application example of the charging system 10 according to this embodiment. Power was supplied to a power receiving device of an electric vehicle EV using the charging system 10. In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis represents elapsed time [sec], and the vertical axis represents current [A]. Here, the charging current threshold is set to 9 A. The charging current threshold 9 A corresponds to the charging power threshold of 1.8 kW (= 9 [A] × 200 [V]). According to FIG. 6, the charging current exceeds 9 A for a certain period of time (200 [sec] (the area surrounded by a solid line) in FIG. 6), so the determination unit 102-1 may determine that charging is being performed at 1.8 kW.

[0050] According to the charging system 10 of this embodiment, the charging system 10 performs charging by supplying power to a power receiving device mounted on a vehicle. The charging system 10 includes a power measurement unit 128 that measures the power supplied to the power receiving device, and a determination unit 102-1 that determines whether the power receiving device is compatible with a second charging power that is higher than the first charging power, based on the power measured by the power measurement unit 128. The determination unit 102-1 determines whether the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power, based on a charging power threshold that is a value exceeding the first charging power.

[0051] With this configuration, it is possible to measure the power supplied to the power receiving device mounted on the vehicle and determine whether the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power based on the measured power, so that it is possible to charge different unit prices depending on whether the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power.This makes it possible to charge users equally compared to when charging at a uniform unit price regardless of the charging power compatible with the power receiving device.

[0052] In the charging system 10, the determining unit 102-1 determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power when the power measured by the power measuring unit 128 exceeds the charging power threshold for a predetermined period of time or longer. This configuration can prevent the power receiving device from determining that it is compatible with the second charging power when the time during which the power measured by the power measuring unit 128 exceeds the charging power threshold is less than a predetermined time. For example, it can prevent the power receiving device from determining that it is compatible with the second charging power when the time during which the power measured by the power measuring unit 128 exceeds the charging power threshold is instantaneous or temporary. This improves the accuracy of determining whether the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power.

[0053] In the charging system 10, the determining unit 102-1 starts measuring a predetermined time period at the timing when the power measured by the power measuring unit 128 exceeds the charging power threshold. With this configuration, measurement of the predetermined time can be started at the timing when the power measured by the power measuring unit 128 exceeds the charging power threshold, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the time when the power measured by the power measuring unit 128 exceeds the charging power threshold, thereby improving the accuracy of determining whether the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power.

[0054] In the charging system 10, the determining unit 102-1 determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the first charging power when the power measured by the power measuring unit 128 exceeds the charging power threshold for less than a predetermined time. This configuration can prevent the power receiving device from being determined to be compatible with the second charging power when the power measured by the power measurement unit 128 exceeds the charging power threshold instantaneously or temporarily for less than a predetermined time, thereby improving the accuracy of determining whether the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power.

[0055] The charging system 10 further includes a generating unit 102-2 that generates charging power notification information for notifying the charging control device 200 that controls charging of information indicating the charging power compatible with the power receiving device. By configuring in this manner, information indicating the charging power that the power receiving device is compatible with (in the embodiment, information indicating the first charging power and information indicating the second charging power) can be notified to the charging control device 200, so that the charging control device 200 can determine the amount (hourly rate) for time-based charging based on the notified information indicating the charging power that the power receiving device is compatible with.

[0056] The charging system 10 further includes a charging unit 204 that charges at different unit rates based on the charging power that the power receiving device is compatible with. By configuring in this manner, different unit prices per hour can be determined based on information indicating the charging power supported by the power receiving device, allowing users to be charged equally compared to charging a flat rate regardless of the charging power supported by the power receiving device.

[0057] In the charging system 10, the determining unit 102-1 changes the charging power threshold based on the change request. With this configuration, the charging power threshold can be changed, and therefore an appropriate charging power threshold can be set based on the power receiving device.

[0058] (Modification 1 of the embodiment) (Charging system) 1 can be applied to a configuration example of a charging system 15 according to a first modification of the embodiment. However, it differs from the charging system 10 in that it includes a charging unit 150 instead of the charging unit 100 and a charging control device 250 instead of the charging control device 200.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging unit 150 and a charging control device 250 included in a charging system 15 according to the first modification of the embodiment. Charging unit 150 differs from charging unit 100 in that it includes control unit 152 instead of control unit 102. Control unit 152 differs from control unit 102 in that it functions as determination unit 152-1, creation unit 152-2, and derivation unit 152-3. A case where control unit 152 functions as derivation unit 152-3 will be described. When full charge is achieved or the charging stop button is pressed, derivation unit 152-3 acquires multiple power measurement results acquired from the start of charging to the end of charging from storage unit 106, and derives an average value of the multiple acquired power measurement results (hereinafter referred to as "first average power value").

[0060] A case where control unit 152 functions as determination unit 152-1 will be described. Determination unit 152-1 acquires the first average power value from derivation unit 152-3. Based on the acquired first average power value, determination unit 152-1 determines whether or not the power receiving device is compatible with second charging power, which is higher in output than the first charging power.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of charging system 15 according to the first modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 8 shows an example of the relationship between charging time and charging current. In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis represents (elapsed) time [sec], and the vertical axis represents charging current [A]. The vertical axis shows 3 kW, 4 kW, 5 kW, and 6 kW. 3 kW corresponds to a charging current of 15 A, 4 kW corresponds to a charging current of 20 A, 5 kW corresponds to a charging current of 25 A, and 6 kW corresponds to a charging current of 30 A. The solid line indicates the power measurement results acquired from the start of charging to the end of charging (total charging time), and the two-dot chain line indicates the average value of multiple power measurement results.

[0062] For example, based on a charging power threshold that is a value that exceeds the first charging power and is less than the second charging power, the determination unit 152-1 determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power if the first power average value is equal to or greater than the charging power threshold, and determines that the power receiving device is not compatible with the second charging power but is compatible with the first charging power if the first power average value is less than the charging power threshold. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the charging power threshold is 4 kW. Since the first power average value is equal to or greater than the charging power threshold, the determination unit 152-1 determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power. Returning to FIG. 7, the description will continue.

[0063] The control unit 152 determines whether the battery is fully charged. If the battery is not fully charged, the control unit 152 determines whether the charging stop button has been pressed. If the charging stop button has not been pressed, the control unit 152 continues the process of determining whether the battery is fully charged. If the battery is fully charged or if the charging stop button has been pressed, the control unit 152 turns on a red lamp on the display unit 110.

[0064] When the battery is fully charged or the charging stop button is pressed, the control unit 152 ends the process of associating the current value detection result with the user ID and storing it in the memory unit 106, and the process of associating the power detection result with the user ID and storing it in the memory unit 106. A case where the control unit 152 functions as the creation unit 152-2 will be described. The creation unit 152-2 acquires information indicating the charging power compatible with the power receiving device determined by the determination unit 152-1. The creation unit 152-2 creates charging power notification information addressed to the address of the charging control device 250 and including the user ID and information indicating the charging power compatible with the power receiving device. The control unit 152 outputs the created charging power notification information to the communication unit 104.

[0065] Furthermore, the creation unit 152-2 creates charging current notification information that includes the user ID, the current value detection result, and information indicating the charging date and time, and that is addressed to the address of the charging control device 250. The creation unit 152-2 outputs the created charging current notification information to the communication unit 104. Furthermore, when the battery is fully charged or the charging stop button is pressed, the creation unit 152-2 creates charging completion information that includes information indicating the user ID and the charging time and is addressed to the address of the charging control device 250. The control unit 152 outputs the created charging completion information to the communication unit 104.

[0066] The control unit 152 is realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 106. Furthermore, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or GPU, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0067] (Charging control device 250) The charging control device 250 differs from the charging control device 200 in that it includes a billing unit 254 instead of the billing unit 204 . The accounting unit 254 acquires the charging power notification information received by the communication unit 202. The accounting unit 254 acquires the user ID and information indicating the charging power compatible with the power receiving device, which are included in the acquired charging power notification information.

[0068] The billing unit 254 acquires the charging completion information received by the communication unit 202. The billing unit 254 acquires the user ID and information indicating the charging time included in the acquired charging completion information. Based on the information indicating the charging power supported by the power receiving device, the billing unit 254 acquires fee information associated with the charging power from the fee table. Based on the acquired charging time and the acquired fee information, the billing unit 254 derives the amount to be charged to the user corresponding to the user ID.

[0069] (Operation of charging system 15) FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the charging system 15 according to the first modification of the embodiment. Steps S1-3 to S13-3 and S17-3 can be applied to steps S1-1 to S9-1 and S11-1 to S15-1 in FIG. 4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. (Step S14-3) In charging unit 150, derivation unit 152-3 derives the first average power value.

[0070] (Step S15-3) In the charging unit 150, the determining unit 152-1 determines the charging power that the power receiving device can handle. (Step S16-3) In charging unit 150, creation unit 152-2 creates charging power notification information. Creation unit 152-2 transmits the created charging power notification information from communication unit 104. (Step S18-3) In the charging unit 150, the generating unit 152-2 generates charging completion information. The generating unit 152-2 transmits the generated charging completion information from the communication unit 104 to the charging control device 250. The charging control device 250 receives the charging power notification information and charging completion information transmitted by the charging unit 150, and derives the amount to be charged for each user based on the user ID included in the received charging power notification information and the information indicating the charging power corresponding to the power receiving device, and the user ID and charging time included in the charging completion information.

[0071] In the first variant of the above-described embodiment, the judgment unit 152-1 determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power if the first power average value is equal to or greater than the charging power threshold based on the charging power threshold, and determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the first charging power if the first power average value is less than the charging power threshold, but this example is not limited to this. For example, multiple charging power thresholds may be set, and the determination unit 152-1 may determine the charging power that the power receiving device is compatible with based on information that associates the range of charging power determined by the multiple charging power thresholds that have been set with the charging power that the power receiving device is compatible with.

[0072] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation of charging system 15 according to the first modification of the embodiment. In Fig. 10, the horizontal axis represents time [sec], and the vertical axis represents charging current [A]. The vertical axis indicates charging power thresholds of 3 kW, 4 kW, 5 kW, and 6 kW. The solid line indicates the power measurement results acquired during the time from the start of charging to the end of charging (total charging time), and the two-dot chain line indicates the average value of multiple power measurement results.

[0073] The determination unit 152-1 stores a range of charging power determined by a plurality of charging power thresholds in association with the charging power supported by the power receiving device. For example, the determination unit 152-1 stores the following: a first average power value exceeding the 3 kW threshold and less than the 4 kW threshold is associated with the charging power supported by the power receiving device being 3 kW; a first average power value exceeding the 4 kW threshold and less than the 5 kW threshold is associated with the charging power supported by the power receiving device being 4 kW; a first average power value exceeding the 5 kW threshold and less than the 6 kW threshold is associated with the charging power supported by the power receiving device being 5 kW; and a first average power value exceeding the 6 kW threshold is associated with the charging power supported by the power receiving device being 6 kW. In the case shown in FIG. 10 , the determination unit 152-1 determines that the charging power supported by the power receiving device is 6 kW because the first average power value exceeds 6 kW.

[0074] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an application example of a charging system 15 according to a first modification of the embodiment. Power was supplied to a power receiving device of an electric vehicle EV using the charging system 15. In Fig. 11, the horizontal axis represents elapsed time [sec], and the vertical axis represents current [A]. The average charging current from the start to the end of charging was 7.7 [A]. The average charging current of 7.7 [A] corresponds to a charging power of 1.54 kW (= 7.7 [A] × 200 [V]). If 1.0 kW, 1.5 kW, or 2.0 kW is set as the charging power threshold, the determination unit 152-1 may be configured to determine that the charging power supported by the power receiving device is 1.5 kW.

[0075] According to the charging system 15 according to the first modification of the embodiment, the charging system 10 further includes a derivation unit 152-3 that derives a first average power value as an average value of power measured by the power measurement unit 128 from the start to the end of charging. The determination unit 152-1 determines the charging power that the power receiving device can support by comparing the average value with one or more different charging power thresholds. This configuration makes it possible to derive the time-averaged value of the power supplied to the power receiving device from the start to the end of charging, and therefore, compared to using the time-averaged value of the power supplied to the power receiving device at any time from the start to the end of charging, it is possible to charge at a time rate that corresponds to the power actually supplied to the power receiving device. Furthermore, by increasing the charging power threshold and fine-tuning the time rate, it is possible to charge at a time rate that corresponds more to the charging power.

[0076] (Modification 2 of the embodiment) (Charging system) 1 can be applied to a configuration example of a charging system 17 according to a second modification of the embodiment. However, it differs from the charging system 10 in that it includes a charging unit 170 instead of the charging unit 100 and a charging control device 270 instead of the charging control device 200.

[0077] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging unit 170 and a charging control device 270 included in a charging system 17 according to the second modification of the embodiment. Charging unit 170 differs from charging unit 100 in that it includes control unit 172 instead of control unit 102. Control unit 172 differs from control unit 102 in that it functions as determination unit 172-1, creation unit 172-2, and derivation unit 172-3. A case where control unit 172 functions as derivation unit 172-3 will be described. After the start of charging, derivation unit 172-3 periodically acquires from storage unit 106 a plurality of power measurement results acquired from the start of charging until that point in time (hereinafter referred to as the "determination point in time"), and derives an average value of the plurality of acquired power measurement results (hereinafter referred to as the "second power average value").

[0078] A case where control unit 172 functions as determination unit 172-1 will be described. Determination unit 172-1 acquires the second average power value from derivation unit 172-3. Based on the acquired second average power value, determination unit 172-1 determines whether or not the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power, which is higher in output than the first charging power.

[0079] Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of charging system 17 according to Modification 2 of the embodiment. In Fig. 13, the horizontal axis represents time [sec] and the vertical axis represents charging current [A]. The vertical axis indicates 3 kW, 4 kW, 5 kW, and 6 kW. The solid line indicates the measurement results of power acquired during the time from the start of charging to the end of charging (total charging time). Furthermore, the average power values ​​from the start of charging to each determination time point are indicated by dashed or chain lines. Specifically, the second average power value (1) for charging time (1) from the start of charging to determination time point (1), the second average power value (2) for charging time (2) from the start of charging to determination time point (2), the second average power value (3) for charging time (3) from the start of charging to determination time point (3), and the second average power value (4) for charging time (4) from the start of charging to determination time point (4) are each indicated by a different dashed or chain line.

[0080] Based on a charging power threshold that is a value that exceeds the first charging power and is less than the second charging power, the determination unit 172-1 determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power if the second power average value is equal to or greater than the charging power threshold, and determines that the power receiving device is not compatible with the second charging power but is compatible with the first charging power if the second power average value is less than the charging power threshold. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the charging power threshold is 4 kW. At determination time point (1), the determination unit 172-1 determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the first charging power because the second power average value is less than the charging power threshold, and from determination time point (2) onwards, the determination unit 172-1 determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power because the second power average value is equal to or greater than the charging power threshold. Returning to FIG. 12, the explanation will be continued.

[0081] The control unit 172 determines whether the battery is fully charged. If the battery is not fully charged, the control unit 172 determines whether the charging stop button has been pressed. If the charging stop button has not been pressed, the control unit 172 continues the process of determining whether the battery is fully charged. If the battery is fully charged or if the charging stop button has been pressed, the control unit 172 turns on a red lamp on the display unit 110.

[0082] When the battery is fully charged or the charging stop button is pressed, the control unit 172 ends the process of associating the current value detection results with the user ID and storing them in the memory unit 106, and the process of associating the power measurement results with the user ID and storing them in the memory unit 106. A case where the control unit 172 functions as the creation unit 172-2 will be described. The creation unit 172-2 acquires information indicating the charging power compatible with the power receiving device determined by the determination unit 172-1. The creation unit 172-2 creates charging power notification information addressed to the address of the charging control device 200 and including a user ID and information indicating the charging power compatible with the power receiving device. The control unit 172 outputs the created charging power notification information to the communication unit 104.

[0083] Furthermore, the creation unit 172-2 creates charging current notification information that includes the user ID, the current value detection result, and information indicating the charging date and time, and that is addressed to the address of the charging control device 270. The creation unit 172-2 outputs the created charging current notification information to the communication unit 104. Furthermore, when the battery is fully charged or the charging stop button is pressed, the creation unit 172-2 creates charging completion information that includes information indicating the user ID and the charging time and is addressed to the address of the charging control device 270. The control unit 172 outputs the created charging completion information to the communication unit 104.

[0084] The control unit 172 is realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 106. Furthermore, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or GPU, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0085] (Charging control device 270) The charging control device 270 differs from the charging control device 200 in that it includes a billing unit 274 instead of the billing unit 204 . The accounting unit 274 acquires the charging power notification information received by the communication unit 202. The accounting unit 274 acquires the user ID included in the acquired charging power notification information and information indicating the charging power compatible with the power receiving device. For example, if the accounting unit 274 has acquired multiple pieces of charging power notification information, it may use the charging power notification information acquired after charging is completed. Furthermore, if the accounting unit 274 has not been able to acquire charging power notification information after charging is completed, it may use the charging power notification information acquired first. It is possible to appropriately set which of the multiple pieces of charging power notification information the accounting unit 274 acquires.

[0086] The billing unit 274 acquires the charging completion information received by the communication unit 202. The billing unit 274 acquires the user ID and information indicating the charging time included in the acquired charging completion information. Based on the information indicating the charging power supported by the power receiving device, the billing unit 274 acquires fee information (hourly rate) associated with the charging power from the fee table. Based on the acquired charging time and fee information, the billing unit 274 derives the amount to be charged to the user corresponding to the user ID.

[0087] (Operation of charging system 17) FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the charging system 17 according to the second modification of the embodiment. Steps S1-4 to S14-4 and S18-4 to S19-4 can be applied to steps S1-1 to S16-1 in FIG. 4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. (Step S15-4) In charging unit 170, derivation unit 172-3 derives the average value of a plurality of measurement results of the power until the end of charging.

[0088] (Step S16-4) In the charging unit 170, the determining unit 172-1 determines the charging power. (Step S17-4) In charging unit 170, creation unit 172-2 creates charging power notification information. Creation unit 172-2 transmits the created charging power notification information from communication unit 104.

[0089] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the charging system 17 according to the second modification of the embodiment. Step S10-4 in Fig. 14 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 15. Steps S5-5 to S6-5 are similar to steps S4-2 to S5-2 in Fig. 5, and therefore will not be described again. (Step S1-5) In the charging unit 170, the derivation unit 172-3 determines whether the timing for determining the power to be supplied to the power receiving device has arrived. If the timing has not arrived, the process returns to step S1-5. (Step S2-5) In charging unit 170, derivation unit 172-3 derives the average value of a plurality of measurement results of power from the start of charging to the determination time point.

[0090] (Step S3-5) In the charging unit 170, the determining unit 172-1 determines the charging power. (Step S4-5) In charging unit 170, creation unit 172-2 creates charging power notification information. Creation unit 172-2 transmits the created charging power notification information from communication unit 104.

[0091] In the second variant of the above-described embodiment, the judgment unit 172-1 determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power if the second power average value is equal to or greater than the charging power threshold, based on a charging power threshold that is a value greater than the first charging power and less than the second charging power, and determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the first charging power if the second power average value is less than the charging power threshold, but this example is not limited to this. For example, multiple charging power thresholds may be set, and the determination unit 172-1 may determine the charging power that the power receiving device can handle based on information that associates the range of charging power determined by the multiple charging power thresholds that have been set with the charging power that the power receiving device can handle.

[0092] Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation of charging system 17 according to the second modification of the embodiment. In Fig. 16, the horizontal axis represents time [sec], and the vertical axis represents charging current [A]. The vertical axis indicates charging power thresholds of 3 kW, 4 kW, 5 kW, and 6 kW. The solid line indicates the power measurement results acquired during the time from the start of charging to the end of charging (total charging time), and the dashed or chain line indicates the average value of multiple power measurement results. The determination unit 172-1 stores a range of charging power determined by a plurality of charging power thresholds in association with the charging power supported by the power receiving device. For example, the determination unit 172-1 stores a second average power value that is greater than the 3 kW threshold and less than the 4 kW threshold in association with the charging power supported by the power receiving device being 3 kW, a second average power value that is greater than the 4 kW threshold and less than the 5 kW threshold in association with the charging power supported by the power receiving device being 4 kW, a second average power value that is greater than the 5 kW threshold and less than the 6 kW threshold in association with the charging power supported by the power receiving device being 5 kW, and a second average power value that is greater than the 6 kW threshold in association with the charging power supported by the power receiving device being 6 kW. The judgment unit 172-1 judges that the charging power supported by the power receiving device is 3 kW at judgment time (1), judges that the charging power supported by the power receiving device is 4 kW at judgment time (2), judges that the charging power supported by the power receiving device is 5 kW at judgment time (3), and judges that the charging power supported by the power receiving device is 6 kW at judgment time (4).

[0093] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an application example of a charging system 17 according to Modification 2 of the embodiment. Power was supplied to a power receiving device of an electric vehicle EV using the charging system 17. In Fig. 17, the horizontal axis represents elapsed time [sec], and the vertical axis represents current [A]. The charging power supplied to the power receiving device was determined from determination time point (1) to determination time point (4). The average charging current from the start of charging to determination time point (1) (600 seconds) was 8.9 [A], the average charging current from the start of charging to determination time point (2) (1200 seconds) was 9.0 [A], the average charging current from the start of charging to determination time point (3) (2400 seconds) was 8.8 [A], and the average charging current from the start of charging to determination time point (4) (3000 seconds) was 7.7 [A]. Based on the average charging current, determination unit 172-1 derives a second average power value and determines the charging power that the power receiving device can handle.

[0094] According to the charging system 17 according to the second modification of the embodiment, the charging system 10 further includes a derivation unit 172-3 that derives a second average power value as an average value of power measured by the power measurement unit 128 at predetermined time intervals from the start to the end of charging. The determination unit 172-1 determines the charging power that the power receiving device can handle by comparing the plurality of average values ​​with one or more different charging power thresholds. With this configuration, the charging unit 170 can determine the charging power that the power receiving device can handle at predetermined time intervals from the start to the end of charging. By notifying the charging control device 270 of the charging power that the power receiving device can handle at predetermined time intervals from the charging unit 170, even if communication between the charging unit 170 and the charging control device 270 is interrupted, the notified charging power can be used to charge.

[0095] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design modifications and the like are also included within the scope of the present invention. For example, a computer program for realizing the functions of each of the above-described devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the computer program recorded on this recording medium may be read and executed by a computer system. Note that the "computer system" referred to here may also include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0096] Additionally, "computer-readable recording media" refers to writable non-volatile memory such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and flash memories, portable media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" also includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when a computer program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0097] The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10, 15, 17... Charging system, 20... System power supply, 100, 150, 170... Charging unit, 102, 152, 172... Control unit, 102-1, 152-1, 172-1... Determination unit, 102-2, 152-2, 172-2... Creation unit, 152-3, 172-3... Derivation unit, 104... Communication unit, 106... Storage unit, 108... Operation unit, 110... Display unit, 112... Authentication unit, 114... Charging unit, 116... Power supply unit, 118... Switch, 120... Current detection unit, 122... CPLT communication unit, 124... Power supply connector unit, 126... Power supply connector lock unit, 128... Power measurement unit, 200... Charging control device, 202... Communication unit, 204, 254, 274... Accounting unit, 206... Processing unit, 115... Storage unit

Claims

1. A charging system that charges a vehicle by supplying power to a power receiving device mounted on the vehicle, a power measurement unit that measures the power supplied to the power receiving device; a determination unit that determines whether the power receiving device is compatible with a second charging power that is higher in output than a first charging power, based on the power measured by the power measurement unit; Equipped with The determination unit determines whether the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power based on a charging power threshold that is a value exceeding the first charging power.

2. The charging system according to claim 1 , wherein the determining unit determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power when the power measured by the power measuring unit exceeds the charging power threshold for a predetermined period of time or more.

3. The charging system according to claim 2 , wherein the determination unit starts measuring the predetermined time period at a timing when the power measured by the power measurement unit exceeds the charging power threshold.

4. 2. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the power receiving device is compatible with the first charging power if the power measured by the power measurement unit exceeds the charging power threshold for less than a predetermined time.

5. a derivation unit that derives an average value of the power measured by the power measurement unit from the start to the end of charging; Furthermore, The charging system according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines the charging power that the power receiving device can support by comparing the average value with one or more different charging power thresholds.

6. a derivation unit that derives an average value of the power measured by the power measurement unit at predetermined time intervals from the start to the end of charging; Furthermore, The charging system according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines the charging power that the power receiving device can support by comparing the average values ​​with one or more different charging power thresholds.

7. a generating unit that generates charging power notification information for notifying a charging control device that controls charging of information indicating charging power supported by the power receiving device; The charging system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

8. a charging unit that charges at different unit rates based on the charging power supported by the power receiving device; The charging system of claim 1 further comprising:

9. The charging system according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit changes the charging power threshold based on a change request.

10. A control method executed by a charging system that charges a vehicle by supplying power to a power receiving device mounted on the vehicle, comprising: measuring the power supplied to the power receiving device; a step of determining whether the power receiving device is compatible with a second charging power that is higher in output than a first charging power, based on the power measured in the measuring step; and In the determining step, it is determined whether the power receiving device is compatible with the second charging power based on a charging power threshold that is a value exceeding the first charging power.

Images