Control server and charging control method

Abstract

To enable an EV charger to easily receive power supply according to a power generation amount of a renewable energy power plant, regardless of the distance between the renewable energy power plant and the EV charger.SOLUTION: A control server according to an embodiment is a control server connected via a communication network to multiple renewable energy power plants connected to a power grid and multiple electric vehicle chargers, and includes: an acquisition unit that acquires power generation amount information from each renewable energy power plant and acquires charging request information from each electric vehicle charger; and a control unit that, based on a charge / discharge transaction made between a user or manager of the electric vehicle charger that sent the charging request information and one of the renewable energy power plants, executes charging control for controlling the electric vehicle charger to perform the charging to the electric vehicle charger from the power grid with a transaction charge amount defined in the charge / discharge transaction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a control server and a charging control method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular. Regarding charging infrastructure, EV chargers have been installed in various locations. Furthermore, in addition to thermal and hydroelectric power plants, renewable energy power plants such as solar power plants (hereinafter referred to as "renewable energy power plants") also supply electricity to the power grids managed by electric power companies.

[0003] Considering that the number of EVs will increase in the future, it would be preferable to allow EV chargers to receive a supply of power based on the amount of power generated by renewable energy power plants, rather than allowing the EV charger to receive an unlimited supply of power from the power grid when charging an EV using the EV charger.

[0004] In this regard, for example, if a renewable energy power plant and an EV charger are close to each other (e.g., adjacent to each other), the two can be connected by a dedicated power line without going through the power grid, so that the EV charger can easily receive power supply according to the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power plant. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-95929 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-83215 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-46507 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in reality, renewable energy power plants and EV chargers are often far apart. In such cases, both the renewable energy power plant and the EV charger are connected to the power grid, making it difficult to ensure that the EV charger receives power according to the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power plant.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a control server and a charging control method that enable an EV charger to easily receive a supply of power according to the amount of power generated by a renewable energy power plant, regardless of the distance between the renewable energy power plant and the EV charger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The control server of the embodiment is a control server connected via a communication network to a plurality of renewable energy power plants connected to a power transmission network and a plurality of electric vehicle chargers, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires power generation amount information from each of the renewable energy power plants and acquires charging request information from each of the electric vehicle chargers, and a control unit that executes charging control that controls the electric vehicle charger to charge the electric vehicle charger from the power transmission network with the transaction charging amount determined in the charge / discharge transaction, based on the charge / discharge transaction being carried out between the user or manager of the electric vehicle charger that sent the charge request information and one of the renewable energy power plants. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a power system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the processing by the control server of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing by the control server of the second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a power system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing by the control server of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments (first to third embodiments) of the control server and charging control method of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the following, EV (electric vehicle) is not limited to electric vehicles powered solely by electricity, but also includes plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs) powered by electricity and fuel (gasoline, etc.). In other words, EV refers to all vehicles that use electricity as at least part of their power source and can be charged externally.

[0011] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a power system S according to a first embodiment. Note that the lines connecting components in Fig. 1 indicate the main connection relationships, and components that are not connected by lines may also be connected.

[0012] The power system S includes renewable energy power plants 1a and 1b (renewable energy power plants) connected to a power transmission network 5 managed by an electric power company or the like, and multiple EV chargers 3a and 3b (electric vehicle chargers). The power system S also includes a server 2a connected to the renewable energy power plant 1a and a communication network 6, a server 2b connected to the renewable energy power plant 1b and the communication network 6, and a control server 4.

[0013] The communication network 6 is a wired or wireless network, or a hybrid network of these. The communication network 6 may include a relay device such as a wireless LAN access point. The communication network 6 may also include a fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication system, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or the like.

[0014] In the following description, renewable energy power plants 1a and 1b may be referred to as "renewable energy power plant 1" when not particularly distinguished, servers 2a and 2b may be referred to as "server 2" when not particularly distinguished, and EV chargers 3a and 3b may be referred to as "EV charger 3" when not particularly distinguished. Furthermore, the numbers of renewable energy power plants 1, servers 2, and EV chargers 3 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 1.

[0015] The renewable energy power plant 1 includes a power generation unit 11 and a measurement unit 12. The power generation unit 11 generates power using renewable energy. For example, if the renewable energy power plant 1 is a solar power plant, the power generation unit 11 generates power using solar energy. The measurement unit 12 measures the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11, etc.

[0016] The server 2 receives power generation amount information and the like from the corresponding renewable energy power plant 1, and transmits the power generation amount information and the like to the control server 4 via the communication network 6.

[0017] The EV charger 3 receives a supply of power from the power transmission network 5 and charges an EV (not shown). Furthermore, when the EV charger 3 needs to receive a supply of power from the power transmission network 5, it transmits charging request information to the control server 4.

[0018] The control server 4 is connected to the communication network 6 and the EV charger 3. The control server 4 is a computer device, and includes a storage unit 41, an input unit 42, an output unit 43, a communication unit 44, and a processing unit 45.

[0019] The storage unit 41 is configured by, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc., and stores various types of information.

[0020] The input unit 42 is a means for the user to input information, such as a touch panel. The output unit 43 is an information output means, and is, for example, a display device (for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)) or an audio output device (for example, a speaker).

[0021] The communication unit 44 is a communication interface for communicating with external devices (such as the server 2 and the EV charger 3).

[0022] The processing unit 45 is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executes various types of arithmetic processing. The processing unit 45 includes, as functional units, an acquisition unit 451, a calculation unit 452, and a control unit 453.

[0023] The acquisition unit 451 acquires various types of information from the server 2, the EV charger 3, etc. The acquisition unit 451 acquires power generation amount information from each renewable energy power plant 1 via the server 2. The acquisition unit 451 also acquires charging request information from each EV charger 3.

[0024] The calculation unit 452 executes various calculations. For example, the calculation unit 452 selects the renewable energy power plant 1a or 1b, whichever generates the greater amount of power.

[0025] Here, after charging request information is sent from any of the EV chargers 3 to the control server 4, a charging / discharging transaction is carried out between the user or manager of the EV charger 3 that sent the charging request information and any of the renewable energy power plants 1. In this case, the renewable energy power plant 1 is, for example, a renewable energy power plant 1 selected by the calculation unit 452 as having a large amount of power generation. The acquisition unit 451 acquires information related to the charging / discharging transaction from the renewable energy power plant 1 or the like.

[0026] The control unit 453 executes various controls. For example, based on the above-mentioned charge / discharge transaction, the control unit 453 executes charge control to control the corresponding EV charger 3 so that the corresponding EV charger 3 is charged from the power transmission network 5 with the transaction charge amount determined in the charge / discharge transaction.

[0027] Specifically, for example, the control unit 453 calculates the charging time (h) from the required charging amount (kWh) based on the charge / discharge transaction, and executes charging control based on the calculation result.

[0028] 2 is a flowchart showing the processing by the control server 4 of the first embodiment. In step S11, the acquisition unit 451 receives an EV charging request (charging request information) from any of the EV chargers 3. It is assumed that EV charger 3a has sent the charging request information.

[0029] Next, in step S12, the calculation unit 452 selects the renewable energy power plant 1a or 1b, whichever generates the greater amount of power. Let us assume that the renewable energy power plant 1a is selected. In this case, a charge / discharge transaction is carried out between the user or manager of the EV charger 3a that sent the charge request information and the renewable energy power plant 1a. The acquisition unit 451 acquires information regarding the charge / discharge transaction from the renewable energy power plant 1a.

[0030] Next, in step S13, the control unit 453 starts charge control to control the EV charger 3a so that the EV charger 3a is charged from the power transmission network 5 based on the charge / discharge transaction.

[0031] Next, in step S14, when the control unit 453 has completed charging the EV charger 3a with the transaction charge amount determined in the charge / discharge transaction, it ends the charge control.

[0032] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the above-described processing and control by the control server 4 allows the EV charger 3 to easily receive a supply of power according to the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power plant 1, regardless of the distance between the renewable energy power plant 1 and the EV charger 3. In other words, even if the renewable energy power plant 1 and the EV charger 3 are not connected by a dedicated power transmission line, the EV charger 3 can be charged according to the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power plant 1. Therefore, for example, even in a location where an EV charger 3 can be installed but a solar power plant (renewable energy power plant 1) cannot be installed, the EV charger 3 can be charged according to the amount of power generated by the renewable energy power plant 1.

[0033] This will contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and contributing to a sustainable society. Also, when electricity rates are rising due to factors such as rising fuel prices, using renewable energy electricity may lower the price you pay for purchasing electricity.

[0034] Furthermore, in recent years, technological developments have been made in mobile charging of EVs using power transmission coils buried in the ground on roads and in parking lots. Therefore, it is thought that the importance of interchange of renewable energy power such as solar power generation will further increase, and the technology of this embodiment is also effective in this regard.

[0035] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Explanations of matters similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. The overall configuration of the power system S is the same as that shown in FIG. 1. In the second embodiment, the calculation unit 452 determines whether the total amount of power generated by a plurality of renewable energy power plants 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined power generation threshold. The calculation unit 452 also processes charge / discharge transactions between the control server 4 and the user or manager of the EV charger 3 that sent the charge request information.

[0036] Furthermore, when the calculation unit 452 determines that the total amount of power generation is equal to or greater than the power generation threshold, the control unit 453 executes charging control to control the corresponding EV charger 3 so that the corresponding EV charger 3 is charged from the power transmission network 5 with the transaction charge amount specified in the charge / discharge transaction.

[0037] 3 is a flowchart showing the processing by the control server 4 of the second embodiment. In step S21, the acquisition unit 451 receives an EV charging request (charging request information) from any of the EV chargers 3. It is assumed that EV charger 3a has sent the charging request information.

[0038] Next, in step S22, the calculation unit 452 determines whether or not the time period has come when the total amount of power generated by the multiple renewable energy power plants 1 is high (i.e., whether or not the total amount of power generated by the multiple renewable energy power plants 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined power generation threshold), and if Yes, proceed to step S23, and if No, return to step S22.

[0039] In step S23, the calculation unit 452 processes the charge / discharge transaction between the control server 4 and the user or manager of the EV charger 3a that sent the charge request information.

[0040] Next, in step S24, the control unit 453 starts charge control to control the EV charger 3a so that the EV charger 3a is charged from the power transmission network 5 based on the charge / discharge transaction.

[0041] Next, in step S25, when the control unit 453 has completed charging the EV charger 3a with the transaction charge amount determined in the charge / discharge transaction, it ends the charge control.

[0042] In this way, according to the second embodiment, when the total amount of power generated by multiple renewable energy power plants 1 becomes equal to or exceeds a predetermined power generation threshold, charging control is performed on the EV charger 3, thereby increasing the amount of charge that can be performed.

[0043] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. Descriptions of matters similar to at least one of the first and second embodiments will be omitted as appropriate. FIG. 4 is an overall configuration diagram of a power system S of the third embodiment. Compared to FIG. 1, a storage battery 7 is installed corresponding to an EV charger 3a. The storage battery 7 is connected to a power grid 5 and a control server 4.

[0044] Also, let us assume that EV charger 3a has transmitted the charging request information. In this case, control unit 453 controls EV charger 3a and storage battery 7 so that the storage battery 7 charges EV charger 3a that transmitted the charging request information.

[0045] Furthermore, when the calculation unit 452 determines that the total amount of power generation is equal to or greater than the power generation threshold, the control unit 453 controls the storage battery 7 to charge the storage battery 7 from the power transmission network 5 based on the charge / discharge transaction.

[0046] 5 is a flowchart showing the processing by the control server 4 of the third embodiment. In step S31, the acquisition unit 451 receives an EV charging request (charging request information) from any of the EV chargers 3. It is assumed that EV charger 3a has sent the charging request information.

[0047] Next, in step S32, control unit 453 controls EV charger 3a and storage battery 7 so that storage battery 7 charges EV charger 3a that has transmitted the charging request information.

[0048] Next, in step S33, the calculation unit 452 determines whether or not the time period has come when the total amount of power generated by the multiple renewable energy power plants 1 is high (i.e., whether or not the total amount of power generated by the multiple renewable energy power plants 1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined power generation threshold), and if Yes, proceed to step S34, and if No, return to step S33.

[0049] In step S34, the calculation unit 452 processes the charge / discharge transaction between the control server 4 and the user or manager of the EV charger 3a that sent the charge request information.

[0050] Next, in step S35, the control unit 453 executes charge control to control the storage battery 7 so that the storage battery 7 is charged from the power transmission network 5 based on the charge / discharge transaction.

[0051] Next, in step S36, the calculation unit 452 performs a settlement process according to the amount of charge to the storage battery 7.

[0052] As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the total amount of power generated by the plurality of renewable energy power plants 1 exceeds a predetermined power generation threshold, charging control is performed on the storage battery 7, thereby increasing the amount of charge that can be performed. Furthermore, even during times when the renewable energy power plants 1 are not generating power, the EV can be charged via the EV charger 3 by using the storage battery 7.

[0053] The program executed by the control server 4 of this embodiment is provided as a file in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0054] The program may also be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network, or to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet, or to be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

[0055] The program is modularly structured to include each functional unit in the processing unit, and in actual hardware, the CPU reads the program from the storage medium and executes it, causing each unit to be loaded onto the main memory and generated on the main memory.

[0056] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1...Renewable energy power plant, 2...Server, 3...EV charger, 4...Control server, 5...Power transmission grid, 6...Communication network, 7...Storage battery, 11...Power generation unit, 12...Measurement unit, 41...Memory unit, 42...Input unit, 43...Output unit, 44...Communication unit, 45...Processing unit, 451...Acquisition unit, 452...Calculation unit, 453...Control unit, S...Power system

Claims

1. A control server connected to a plurality of renewable energy power plants connected to a power grid and a plurality of electric vehicle chargers via a communication network, an acquisition unit that acquires power generation amount information from each of the renewable energy power plants and acquires charging request information from each of the electric vehicle chargers; a control unit that performs charging control to control the electric vehicle charger so that the electric vehicle charger is charged from the power transmission network with a transaction charge amount determined in the charge / discharge transaction, based on a charge / discharge transaction conducted between a user or manager of the electric vehicle charger that transmitted the charge request information and one of the renewable energy power plants.

2. A control server connected to a plurality of renewable energy power plants connected to a power grid and a plurality of electric vehicle chargers via a communication network, an acquisition unit that acquires power generation amount information from each of the renewable energy power plants and acquires charging request information from each of the electric vehicle chargers; Determine whether the total amount of power generated by the plurality of renewable energy power plants is equal to or greater than a predetermined power generation amount threshold; a calculation unit that processes charging and discharging transactions between the user or manager of the electric vehicle charger that transmitted the charging request information and the control server; a control unit that, when the calculation unit determines that the total amount of power generation is equal to or greater than the power generation amount threshold, executes charging control to control the electric vehicle charger so that the electric vehicle charger is charged from the power transmission network with a transaction charge amount specified in the charge / discharge transaction.

3. A control server connected via a communication network to a plurality of renewable energy power plants connected to a power transmission network, a plurality of electric vehicle chargers, and storage batteries installed corresponding to at least any of the electric vehicle chargers, an acquisition unit that acquires power generation amount information from each of the renewable energy power plants and acquires charging request information from each of the electric vehicle chargers; Determine whether the total amount of power generated by the plurality of renewable energy power plants is equal to or greater than a predetermined power generation amount threshold; a calculation unit that processes charging and discharging transactions between the user or manager of the electric vehicle charger that transmitted the charging request information and the control server; Controlling the electric vehicle charger and the storage battery so that the electric vehicle charger that transmitted the charging request information is charged from the storage battery; and a control server that controls the storage battery to charge the storage battery from the power transmission network based on the charge / discharge transaction when the calculation unit determines that the total amount of power generation is equal to or greater than the power generation amount threshold.

4. A charging control method by a control server connected to a plurality of renewable energy power plants connected to a power grid and a plurality of electric vehicle chargers via a communication network, comprising: an acquisition step in which an acquisition unit acquires power generation amount information from each of the renewable energy power plants and acquires charging request information from each of the electric vehicle chargers; a control step of executing charging control by a control unit to control the electric vehicle charger so that the electric vehicle charger charges from the power transmission network with a transaction charge amount determined in the charge / discharge transaction, based on a charge / discharge transaction being conducted between a user or manager of the electric vehicle charger that transmitted the charge request information and one of the renewable energy power plants.

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