Charge / discharge control system

Abstract

To provide a charge / discharge control system for performing a power demand adjustment plan by using a battery of an electric vehicle during a time zone after grasping a use schedule of the electric vehicle in the time zone requiring power demand adjustment.SOLUTION: A charge / discharge control system includes a charging and discharging facility for charging and discharging a battery between an electric vehicle and a power transmission network, and an information processing device for controlling the charging and discharging facility on the basis of use schedule information of the electric vehicle and a remaining charged amount of the battery from a terminal associated with the electric vehicle, and the information processing device generates a power consumption plan indicating a consumable power amount by charging the battery in a first time zone on the basis of request information showing a request for consuming a first prescribed power amount from the power transmission network in the first time zone, and generates a power supply plan indicating a suppliable power amount by discharging from the battery during a second time zone on the basis of request information showing a request to supply a second prescribed power amount to the power transmission network in the second time zone.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charge / discharge control system. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Techniques for adjusting power supply and demand using batteries are known (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7377392 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-141642 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, there has been a trend in the power supply environment where power generation capacity and power demand are becoming more susceptible to fluctuations depending on external factors such as weather. For example, the amount of sunlight significantly affects the amount of power generated by solar power generation. Furthermore, temperature significantly affects the amount of power consumed by heating and cooling. To address these power supply conditions, future power supply and demand forecasts based on weather forecasts and other information have already been estimated. However, it is expected that electric vehicle batteries will be utilized during times when power supply and demand adjustments are necessary. That is, when power supply exceeds power consumption, power is consumed by charging the battery, and when power consumption exceeds power supply, power is supplied from the charged battery. Meanwhile, electric vehicles are not simply provided to address power supply conditions; they may also be used as vehicles at times. Therefore, to realize this expectation, it is necessary to understand the planned use of electric vehicles during times when power supply and demand adjustments are necessary, and then develop a power supply and demand adjustment plan using electric vehicle batteries during those times. However, there has been no system for such planning.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a charge / discharge control system that determines the planned use of electric vehicles during times when power supply and demand adjustment is required, and then plans to adjust power supply and demand by using the electric vehicle's battery during those times. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the charge / discharge control system of the present invention includes a charging / discharging facility to which an electric vehicle having a battery is connected and which charges and discharges the battery between the electric vehicle and a power transmission network, and an information processing device that controls the operation of the charging / discharging facility based on schedule information that indicates a planned use of the electric vehicle, which is information transmitted from a terminal associated with the electric vehicle, and information that indicates the remaining charge capacity of the battery obtained through the charging / discharging facility, wherein the information processing device generates, based on first request information that indicates a request to consume a first predetermined amount of power from the power transmission network during a first pre-designated time slot, a power consumption plan that includes information that indicates an amount of power that is equal to or less than the first predetermined amount of power that can be consumed from the power transmission network by charging the battery during the first time slot, and generates, based on second request information that indicates a request to supply a second predetermined amount of power to the power transmission network during a second pre-designated time slot, a power supply plan that includes information that indicates an amount of power that is equal to or less than the second predetermined amount of power that can be supplied to the power transmission network by discharging the battery during the second time slot.

[0007] In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the information processing device generates the power supply plan by determining the amount of discharge from the battery within a range of discharge amounts that does not cause the remaining charge capacity of the battery to fall below a predetermined minimum charge capacity.

[0008] In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the information processing device generates the power supply plan by excluding from the discharge target the batteries of electric vehicles that are indicated in the schedule information as being scheduled to begin use as vehicles during the first time period.

[0009] In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the information processing device generates the power consumption plan in such a way that charging of the battery whose remaining charge capacity is less than a predetermined minimum charge capacity is given higher priority.

[0010] In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the information processing device generates the power consumption plan in which charging of the battery of an electric vehicle indicated in the schedule information as being scheduled to begin use as a vehicle during the first time period is given priority during a time period before the electric vehicle begins use as a vehicle.

[0011] In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the first request information and the second request information are transmitted from a server of an electric power company that supplies electric power to the power grid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to grasp the planned use of electric vehicles during time periods when power supply and demand adjustment is required, and then create a power supply and demand adjustment plan using the batteries of the electric vehicles during those time periods. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a charge / discharge control system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of power supply and consumption and information exchange occurring between the components shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic graph showing an example of time periods when an upward DR and a downward DR occur. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of main information from the start of DR from the power company to the adjustment of power supply and demand by the aggregator. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing information necessary for the power supply and demand adjustment plan to respond to the upward DR. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an electric power supply and demand adjustment plan for dealing with upward DR. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of priority ranking for charging the batteries of multiple EVs. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing information necessary for the power supply and demand adjustment plan to deal with downward DR. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an electric power supply and demand adjustment plan for dealing with downward DR. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow from request information, which is request information for an upward DR, to the completion of implementation of response information. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process included in step S3 shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow from request information, which is request information for a downward DR, to the completion of implementation of response information. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process included in step S43 shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of implementing the response information described with reference to FIG. 6 and responding to an unplanned event that occurs during the implementation. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of implementing the response information described with reference to FIG. 9 and responding to an unplanned event that occurs during the implementation. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to the implementation of a plan based on the correspondence information A1 generated by the processing with reference to FIGS. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the process flow included in step S9 shown in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to the implementation of a plan based on the correspondence information A1 generated by the processing with reference to FIGS. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the process flow included in step S49 shown in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of priorities for charging the batteries of multiple EVs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the main components of a charge / discharge control system 100. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of power supply and consumption and information exchange occurring between the components shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the charge / discharge control system 100 includes an aggregator 4, an EV 5, a terminal 6, and an EV stand 7. Furthermore, a power grid PG to which the charge / discharge control system 100 is applied includes an electric power company 1, a solar power generation facility 2, and a power consumption facility 3.

[0015] The electric power company 1 is a corporation that owns a power plant 11 and a server 12. The power plant 11 is a facility that generates electricity. The specific form of the power plant 11 may be a power plant that employs one or more of any power generation methods, including thermal power, hydroelectric power, nuclear power, and other methods. Furthermore, the power plant 11 is not limited to a single power plant, but may include multiple power plants. In the embodiment, the power plant 11 also includes a power plant that employs a power generation method that has both a function of consuming electricity to pump water and a function of generating electricity by directing the pumped water down, such as pumped storage power generation. The AC power generated by the power plant 11 is supplied to a power grid PG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the power grid PG is a power transmission network that connects the electric power company 1, a solar power generation facility 2, a power consumption facility 3, an EV stand 7, and the like. Furthermore, a portion of the power in the power grid PG may be consumed by the power plant's power consumption functions, such as pumped storage power generation.

[0016] 2, the flow of power supplied by power plant 11 is shown as power supply E1. Also, in FIG. 2, the flow of power consumed by the power plant's power consuming functions, such as pumped storage power generation, is shown as power consumption E2.

[0017] The server 12 is a server under the control of the electric power company 1. The server 12 communicates with the PCS 22 of the photovoltaic power generation facility 2 and the information processing device 41 of the aggregator 4 by using the communication function of the communication unit 13.

[0018] The solar power generation facility 2 is a facility having a solar panel 21 and a PCS 22. The solar panel 21 is a panel formed by assembling a number of solar cells and placing them in a frame, and is an electric power device that generates electricity by converting light energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. In Figure 2, the flow of power supplied by the solar panel 21 is shown as power supply E3.

[0019] The PCS 22 is a so-called power conditioner that manages power generation by the solar panels 21. The PCS 22 communicates with the electric power company 1 using the communication function of the communication unit 23. In FIGS. 1 and 2, a network for communication between the server 12 and the communication unit 23 is shown as a network NW1. The PCS 22 also has an inverter 24. The inverter 24 converts DC power generated by power generation by the solar panels 21 into AC power and supplies it to the power grid PG. Note that although FIG. 2 shows two photovoltaic power generation facilities 2 as a representative example, more photovoltaic power generation facilities 2 may be connected to the power grid PG.

[0020] The power consuming facility 3 is a facility, such as a general household, that consumes power by receiving power supply from the power grid PG. In Fig. 2, the flow of power consumed by the power consuming facility 3 is shown as power consumption E4.

[0021] The power consumption facility 3 is provided with a watt-hour meter 31 and a transformer 32. The watt-hour meter 31 is a device that measures the power consumed by the power consumption facility 3. Information indicating the power measured by the power consumption facility 3 may be automatically transmitted to the server 12 of the power company 1 by a device with an information processing function, such as a smart meter, or the amount of power consumed may be determined by a human reading the watt-hour meter 31 and transmitted to the server 12 via a human input operation into a computer. In FIG. 1, the transmission of information indicating the power measured by the watt-hour meter 31 to the power company 1 by these methods is shown as a network NW0. The transformer 32 converts the voltage of the power supplied from the power grid PG to a voltage appropriate for the power consumption facility 3 and supplies it to the power consumption facility 3. Note that while FIG. 2 shows two representative power consumption facilities 3 as an example, in reality, many power consumption facilities 3 are connected to the power grid PG.

[0022] The aggregator 4 is a corporation or a department of the electric power company 1 that manages the power of EVs 5 with the aim of balancing the supply and demand of power in the power grid PG. The aggregator 4 has an information processing device 41. The information processing device 41 is an information processing device under the management of the aggregator 4. The information processing device 41 communicates with the server 12, the information processing unit 61 of the terminal 6, and the CSMS 71 of the EV stand 7 using the communication function of the communication unit 42. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the network for communication between the server 12 and the communication unit 42 is shown as network NW2.

[0023] More specifically, the information processing device 41 is a so-called computer. The computer includes an arithmetic circuit that functions as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device that stores various software programs executed by the arithmetic circuit and data referenced during the execution of the software programs, a component that functions as a communication unit 42, input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and output devices such as a display and a speaker. The specific configuration of the computer is not limited to this. As another example, the computer may be more centrally implemented using a system on a chip (SoC) or the like. The server 12, PCS 22, terminal 6, and CSMS 71 also include computer components, and the functions of each component are realized by performing predetermined processes.

[0024] EV 5 is an electric vehicle (EV) owned by user U. EV 5 has a battery 51, an ECU 52, and identification information 53. Battery 51 stores power for operating an electric motor that drives the wheels of the EV and discharges the stored power in response to the operation of the electric motor. ECU 52 is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls the electric motor and other electronic devices provided in EV 5. Identification information 53 is unique identification information individually assigned to each of multiple EVs 5, and is stored, for example, by a non-rewritable circuit. User U is an individual human being or a corporation.

[0025] The terminal 6 is a terminal capable of information processing, such as a smartphone or a PC (Personal Computer), and is owned by a user U of the EV 5. The terminal 6 has an information processing unit 61. The information processing unit 61 is configured with a circuit capable of arithmetic processing, such as a SoC (System on a Chip) in a smartphone. The information processing unit 61 communicates with the information processing device 41 using the communication function of the communication unit 62. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the network for communication between the communication unit 42 and the communication unit 62 is shown as network NW3.

[0026] The EV stand 7 is a facility connected to an EV 5 to charge and discharge the battery 51. The EV stand 7 includes a CSMS 71. The CSMS 71 is a Charging Station Management System (CSMS) that performs various processes related to charging and discharging the battery 51. The CSMS 71 communicates with the information processing device 41 using the communication function of a communication unit 72. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the network for communication between the communication unit 42 and the communication unit 72 is shown as network NW4. The CSMS 71 controls the operation of a charge / discharge conversion unit 73 to charge or discharge the battery 51. For example, if there is no limit on the consumption of power supplied from the power grid PG, the CSMS 71 controls the operation of the charge / discharge conversion unit 73 to consume power supplied from the power grid PG to charge the battery 51. Furthermore, when supplying power from the battery 51 to the power grid PG, the CSMS 71 controls the operation of the charge / discharge conversion unit 73 to consume power obtained by utilizing the remaining charge capacity of the battery 51 and supply the power to the power grid PG.

[0027] The communication units such as the communication units 13, 23, 42, 62, and 72 include a circuit for functioning as a NIC (Network Interface Controller).

[0028] The charge / discharge conversion unit 73 has a switching function between converting AC power supplied from the power grid PG into DC power and supplying it to the battery 51, and converting DC power supplied from the battery 51 into AC power and supplying it to the power grid PG. Hereinafter, when simply referred to as "charge / discharge," this refers to the transfer of electrical energy performed using the battery 51, encompassing both charging and discharging. In FIG. 2, the flow of power that is charged and discharged from the battery 51 via the charge / discharge conversion unit 73 is shown as charge / discharge E5.

[0029] In the embodiment, the EV stand 7 functions as a charging / discharging facility to which an EV 5 having a battery 51 is connected and to charge / discharge the battery 51 between the EV stand 7 and the power grid PG.

[0030] Note that Figure 2 shows a total of two EVs 5 and terminals 6 and two EV stands 7, each owned by two users U, as an example, but there may be more of these and more EV stands 7 may be connected to the power grid PG.

[0031] In the charge / discharge control system 100, the aggregator 4 adjusts the supply and demand of electricity in response to a demand response (DR) from the power company 1. DR refers to a request to adjust the amount of electricity consumed by components that consume electricity among components connected to the power grid PG to match the amount of electricity supplied to the power grid PG. Specifically, the aggregator 4 adjusts the supply and demand of electricity by controlling the charging and discharging between the battery 51 of the EV 5 connected to the EV stand 7 and the power grid PG. To adjust the supply and demand of electricity, the aggregator 4 acquires information indicating the planned use of the EV 5 from the user U of the EV 5 via the terminal 6. Based on the acquired information indicating the planned use of the EV 5, the aggregator 4 controls the EV stand 7 to which the EV 5 is connected, thereby controlling the charging and discharging of the battery 51 and achieving the adjustment of the supply and demand of electricity.

[0032] It is assumed that the user U of the EV 5 described in this disclosure has agreed in advance that the charging and discharging capacity of the battery 51 of the EV 5 will be used to respond to DR from the electric power company 1 under the management of the aggregator 4. More specifically, for example, a contract regarding the use of the charging and discharging capacity of the battery 51 of the EV 5 is concluded between the administrator of the aggregator 4 and the user U of the EV 5, and based on the contract, the aggregator 4 uses the battery 51 of the EV 5 to respond to DR.

[0033] Next, the mechanism by which an upward DR and a downward DR occur and examples of time periods in which an upward DR and a downward DR occur will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Hereinafter, an upward DR refers to a power consumption request, i.e., a request to consume power supplied to the power grid PG. Furthermore, a downward DR refers to a power supply request, i.e., a request to supply power to the power grid PG.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a schematic graph showing examples of time periods when an upward DR and a downward DR occur. The first limit Max shown in FIG. 3 is the limit of the increase in power demand that can be achieved under the management of the power company 1. When the power company 1 creates power demand, i.e., attempts to increase power consumption, measures such as pumping water using pumped-storage power generation are taken. The second limit Min shown in FIG. 3 is the limit of the reduction in power demand that can be achieved under the management of the power company 1. When the power company 1 reduces power demand, i.e., attempts to reduce power consumption, measures such as generating power by draining water pumped up by pumped-storage power generation and reducing the power consumption seen by the pumped-storage power generation (i.e., putting the power supply in a negative state) are taken. Graph L1 shown in FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of how the relationship between the power supply and demand adjustment that can be achieved under the management of the power company 1 and the first limit Max and second limit Min changes depending on the time period.

[0035] It is assumed that the transition of the amount of power generated by the solar panels 21 of the photovoltaic power generation facility 2 is grasped and predicted by the server 12 of the electric power company 1 via the network NW1. That is, it is assumed that the transition of the amount of power supplied by the solar panels 21 of the photovoltaic power generation facility 2 is already within the adjustment range of the first limit Max and the second limit Min shown in Fig. 3 under the management of the electric power company 1. It is also assumed that the expected amount of power consumption by the power consumption facility 3 is grasped and predicted by the server 12 of the electric power company 1 based on information acquired via the network NW0 and various conditions such as weather. That is, it is assumed that the transition of the amount of power consumption by the power consumption facility 3 is already within the adjustment range of the first limit Max and the second limit Min shown in Fig. 3 under the management of the electric power company 1.

[0036] In the power grid PG, an excess of power supply that exceeds the power supply and demand adjustment capacity that can be achieved under the management of the power company 1 can result in surplus power, which can lead to an excess of power in the power grid PG. Such an excess of power can be generated by the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation facility 2 at sunrise when weather conditions are good, such as clear skies. In FIG. 3, a first time slot DR1 from 10:00 to 15:00 is shown as a time slot in which such an excess of power occurs. In such a first time slot DR1, an upward DR occurs.

[0037] Conversely, in the power grid PG, power consumption exceeds the power supply and demand adjustment capacity that can be achieved under the management of the power company 1, and power supply cannot keep up, which can result in a power shortage in the power grid PG. Such a power shortage can occur, for example, when the power generation capacity of the solar power generation facility 2 drops significantly due to sunset, while the power consumption of the power consumption facility 3 due to demand for heating and cooling, etc., remains significantly high. Figure 3 shows the second time slot DR2, from 17:00 to 22:00, as a time slot during which such a power shortage occurs. A downward DR occurs in the second time slot DR2.

[0038] Note that graph L1 in FIG. 3 shows extreme changes in the power supply and demand situation between the time periods during which the first time slot DR1 and the second time slot DR2 occur and other time periods. However, graph L1 in FIG. 3 is intentionally shown for the purpose of making the explanation easier to understand. The relationship between the power supply and demand adjustment capacity (first limit Max, second limit Min) of the actual power company 1 and the power surplus or shortage generally follows a curved path over time. Furthermore, the first limit Max and the second limit Min are not absolute values ​​but can vary within the range of the power interchange adjustment capacity in a configuration such as pumped storage power where the power consumption capacity and power supply capacity are variable. For example, pumped storage power when water is not pumped represents a state in which there is virtually no power supply capacity and the power consumption capacity is at its highest. Conversely, pumped storage power when water is pumped to its limit represents a state in which there is maximum power supply capacity and virtually no power consumption capacity.

[0039] Next, the information exchange that takes place between the server 12 of the electric power company 1 and the information processing device 41 of the aggregator 4 when DR occurs and the information flow that occurs in association with this exchange will be described with reference to FIG.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of main information from DR from the electric power company 1 as the starting point until the aggregator 4 adjusts power supply and demand. First, request information Q1 is transmitted from the server 12 of the electric power company 1 to the information processing device 41 of the aggregator 4. The request information Q1 includes information indicating the type of power supply and demand adjustment requested by the electric power company 1 to the aggregator 4, the time period for which the power supply and demand adjustment is requested, and the deadline for receiving a reply indicating that the power supply and demand adjustment can be accommodated. The type of power supply and demand adjustment is a power consumption request or a power supply request. In FIG. 4, the deadline for receiving a reply to the request information Q1 is indicated as a first time BL1.

[0041] The request information Q1 is transmitted when either the above-described upward DR or downward DR is expected to occur. Prior to transmitting the request information Q1, the server 12 of the embodiment derives data indicating the power situation estimated for the future time slot. For example, the data is data indicating the relationship between the power supply and demand adjustment that can be achieved under the management of the power company 1 and the first limit Max and the second limit Min, as shown in graph L1 in FIG. 3 . The data is derived based on predetermined condition data required to estimate the power situation. The predetermined conditions include, for example, historical data recording past power supply and demand adjustments, and weather data such as temperature, sunshine, and other weather data indicated by a weather forecast for the future time slot. However, the data may also include other data related to power supply and demand. The graph L1 described with reference to FIG. 3 shows the power situation estimated for the future time slot. That is, before the request information Q1 is transmitted, the power situation for the future time slot is estimated in advance, and DRs such as the above-described upward DR in the first time slot DR1 and downward DR in the second time slot DR2 occur. In other words, graph L1 does not represent the actual state of power supply and demand adjustment, but represents the estimated power situation for a future time period derived in relation to the determination of whether or not to transmit request information Q1. Note that, in the embodiment, the server 12 derives data indicating the estimated power situation for a future time period, such as the data shown in graph L1, but other information processing devices may derive such data.

[0042] Note that the flow by which the information processing device 41 acquires the request information Q1 is not limited to transmission of the request information Q1 from the server 12 to the information processing device 41. For example, an algorithm that automatically causes the information processing device 41 to acquire information corresponding to the request information Q1 in response to the information being made public on a site where the information processing device 41 functions as an energy trading market may be included in a software program executed and processed by the information processing device 41. Acquisition of such information is realized by, for example, an automatic crawling algorithm using RSS (Rich Site Summary), but is not limited to this, and the specific acquisition method can be changed as appropriate.

[0043] The aggregator 4 acquires information from the user U of the EV 5 to determine the power supply and demand adjustment capacity that can be secured to respond to the request information Q1. Specifically, schedule information is collected from the user U of the EV 5 via the terminal 6. The schedule information is information indicating the planned use of the EV 5. In FIG. 4, users U1 and U2 are illustrated as examples of the user U of the EV 5, but schedule information may be collected from more users U. For example, five users U are assumed in FIGS. 5, 6, 8, 9, 14, and 15 described below. That is, the first to fifth resources shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 8, 9, 14, and 15 are batteries 51 owned by the EVs 5 of different users U. In FIG. 4, the schedule information transmitted by the information processing unit 61 from the terminal 6 of user U1 is referred to as schedule information R1, and the schedule information transmitted by the information processing unit 61 from the terminal 6 of user U2 is referred to as schedule information R2.

[0044] In addition, the schedule information may be sent actively via terminal 6 by user U's proactive action, or may be sent by the information processing unit 61 of terminal 6 as a reply from user U to a request to input schedule information sent from the information processing device 41 of aggregator 4 to user U's terminal 6.

[0045] Schedule information such as the schedule information R1 and R2 includes information indicating the identification information 53 of the EV 5 owned by each user U and information indicating the time periods during which the EV 5 can be connected to the EV stand 7 without being used as either a vehicle or a power source. More specifically, the schedule information includes, for example, usage information indicating "time periods during which the EV 5 cannot be used as a charging / discharging power source connected to the EV stand 7" because the EV 5 is used by the user U as a vehicle or for other purposes. The aggregator 4 considers the time periods other than the "time periods during which the EV 5 cannot be used as a charging / discharging power source connected to the EV stand 7" indicated by the usage information included in the schedule information as "time periods during which the EV 5 can be connected to the EV stand 7."

[0046] It should be noted that a margin may be set between the "time period during which EV 5 cannot be used as a charging / discharging power source connected to the EV stand 7" and the "time period during which EV 5 can be connected to the EV stand 7." For example, when usage information indicating that EV 5 is scheduled to be used from 1:00 PM on a certain day is obtained, the information processing device 41 of the aggregator 4 sets the "time period during which EV 5 can be connected to the EV stand 7" to be until 12:00 PM on that certain day. That is, in this example, a one-hour margin is set between the "time period during which EV 5 can be connected to the EV stand 7." In this embodiment, a one-hour margin is set between the "time period during which EV 5 cannot be used as a charging / discharging power source connected to the EV stand 7" and the "time period during which EV 5 can be connected to the EV stand 7."

[0047] The aggregator 4 acquires information supporting each of the schedule information items R1 and R2 from the EV 5. Specifically, the aggregator 4 acquires, via the EV stand 7, the identification information 53 of the EV 5 and information indicating the remaining charge capacity of the battery 51 as confirmation information. In FIG. 4, the confirmation information for the EV 5 owned by user U1 is shown as confirmation information R11, and the information flow from the CSMS 71 to the information processing device 41 is shown as transfer information R12. The confirmation information R11 and the transfer information R12 function as information supporting the schedule information R1. In FIG. 4, the confirmation information for the EV 5 owned by user U2 is shown as confirmation information R21, and the information flow from the CSMS 71 to the information processing device 41 is shown as transfer information R22. The confirmation information R21 and the transfer information R22 function as information supporting the schedule information R1.

[0048] In order to use the EV 5 as a charging / discharging power source, the EV 5 needs to be connected to the EV stand 7. In this embodiment, the EV 5 is treated as being connected to the EV stand 7 during times when it is not in use.

[0049] Based on schedule information such as schedule information R1 and R2 and supporting information such as transfer information R12 and R22, the information processing device 41 of the aggregator 4 transmits (bids) information indicating the amount of charging / discharging that can be performed in response to the request indicated by the request information Q1 and the time period during which such charging / discharging can be performed, within the range of the charging / discharging capacity that can be secured by the battery 51 of the EV 5 that can be managed by the aggregator 4, as response information A1 to the server 12 of the electric power company 1.

[0050] The timing at which the information processing device 41 acquires schedule information such as schedule information R1 and R2 and supporting information such as transfer information R12 and transfer information R22 may be any timing prior to the first time BL1, such as before the request information Q1, simultaneously with the request information Q1, or after the request information Q1. FIG. 4 shows an example in which schedule information R1 and transfer information R12 are acquired before the request information Q1, and schedule information R2 and transfer information R22 are acquired after the request information Q1. Hereinafter, when information R is referred to, it refers collectively to individual schedule information such as schedule information R1 and R2 and supporting information for the individual schedule information.

[0051] After the first time BL1 and before the second time BL2, which is the start timing of the time slot for which power supply and demand adjustment is requested in the request information Q1, approval information Q2 for the correspondence information A1 is transmitted from the server 12 of the electric power company 1 to the information processing device 41 of the aggregator 4. The approval information Q2 includes information indicating the amount of charging and discharging adopted (successful bid) for which time slot. Specifically, the approval information Q2 includes first information and second information. The first information indicates the amount of charging and discharging requested of the aggregator. The second information includes information indicating the time slot during which the amount of charging and discharging indicated by the first information should be performed. The charge amount indicated by the first information is set within the range of the amount of charging and discharging indicated by the correspondence information A1. The time slot indicated by the second information is set within the range of the time slot indicated by the correspondence information A1. In other words, the approval information Q2 does not make a request from the electric power company 1 to the aggregator 4 that exceeds the amount indicated by the correspondence information A1. Note that, in the description of the embodiment, for the purpose of easy understanding, the correspondence information A1 will be treated as having been approved as is by the approval information Q2. 5, which will be described later, the first information indicates "power consumption of 6 kW per hour," and the second information indicates a time period of "10:00 to 15:00." Note that the request information Q1 and the approval information Q2 are generated, for example, through manual input operations into the server 12 by an administrator of the server 12, but may also be generated automatically by the server 12 based on a software program algorithm prepared in advance and information on the forecast of power supply and demand adjustment of the power grid PG collected under the management of the electric power company 1.

[0052] After the second time BL2, the aggregator 4 issues a command to the EV 5 to execute a plan according to the charge / discharge amount and time period indicated by the approval information Q2. In the description of the embodiment, the plan according to the charge / discharge amount and time period indicated by the correspondence information A1 is executed as the plan according to the charge / discharge amount and time period indicated by the approval information Q2. If at least one of the charge / discharge amount and time period differs between the approval information Q2 and the correspondence information A1, the one indicated by the approval information Q2 takes precedence. Specifically, the information processing device 41 outputs a command signal. The command signal is transmitted from the information processing device 41 of the aggregator 4 to the ECU 52 of the EV 5 via the CSMS 71 of the EV stand 7. The command signal functions as a command to control the charge / discharge performed by the battery 51 of the EV 5 under the control of the ECU 52. The command signal includes information indicating the amount of power to be charged or discharged. In FIG. 4, a command signal C1 is transmitted from the information processing device 41 to the CSMS 71 as a command signal for the ECU 52 of the EV 5 owned by the user U1. The signal flow of the command signal C1 transmitted from the CSMS 71 to the ECU 52 and the charging and discharging performed under the control of the ECU 52 in response to the signal are shown as charge and discharge control C11. The command signal C2 is transmitted from the information processing device 41 to the CSMS 71 as a command signal for the ECU 52 of the EV 5 owned by the user U2. The signal flow of the command signal C2 transmitted from the CSMS 71 to the ECU 52 and the charging and discharging performed under the control of the ECU 52 in response to the signal are shown as charge and discharge control C21. The control of charging and discharging of the battery 51 by the ECU 52 is performed by executing the command signal transmitted from the CSMS 71 and is subordinate to the CSMS 71. The CSMS 71 of the EV stand 7 is responsible for managing the charging and discharging control between the battery 51 and the power grid PG. These command signals cause a plan (for example, correspondence information A1) to be implemented in accordance with the amount of charge / discharge and the time period indicated by the approval information Q2. In other words, the approval information Q2 functions as a trigger for the information processing device 41 to output a command signal.

[0053] In this way, the information processing device 41 functions as an information processing device that controls the operation of multiple EV stands 7 based on schedule information, which is information transmitted from the terminal 6 associated with the EV 5 and indicates when the EV 5 is scheduled to be used, and information indicating the remaining charge capacity of the battery 51 obtained through the EV stand 7 functioning as a charging / discharging facility. The EV 5 is associated with the terminal 6 because information indicating the identification information 53 of the EV 5 is included in the schedule information transmitted from the terminal 6.

[0054] The information processing device 41 automatically generates the correspondence information A1 and the command signals C1 and C2 based on a software program algorithm prepared in advance and the collected schedule information and supporting information. Various data referenced during execution of the software program, such as information indicating the lower operational limit values ​​described below, are stored in a storage device provided in the information processing device 41 or in an external storage device accessible to the information processing device 41 via communications or the like. While an administrator of the information processing device 41 may manually change part of the information related to the power supply and demand adjustment plan included in the correspondence information A1 generated by the information processing device 41 for some reason, such manual operation is not essential for the information processing device 41 to generate the correspondence information A1.

[0055] Next, with reference to Figures 5 to 9, we will explain the power supply and demand adjustment plan created by the aggregator 4 as the corresponding information A1 when the increased DR based on the first time zone DR1 shown in Figure 3 is set to the request information Q1 described with reference to Figure 4.

[0056] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing information necessary for an electricity supply and demand adjustment plan to respond to upward DR. Fig. 5 and Fig. 8, which will be described later, illustrate a first resource, a second resource, a third resource, a fourth resource, and a fifth resource. The first resource, the second resource, the third resource, the fourth resource, and the fifth resource are batteries 51 of EVs 5 under the management of the aggregator 4, respectively.

[0057] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the term "resource" hereinafter refers collectively to the batteries 51 of the EVs 5 under the control of the information processing device 41. That is, the first resource, second resource, third resource, fourth resource, and fifth resource are all resources. Here, the "time period during which the EVs 5 can be connected to the EV stand 7" described above is referred to as the available time period. Only during the available time period, the information processing device 41 can control the consumption of power from the power grid PG by charging the resources, the supply of power to the power grid PG by discharging the resources, and standby without charging or discharging the resources. The resources are handled individually for each of the multiple resources, i.e., the batteries 51 of the multiple EVs 5.

[0058] As shown in the "EV Usage Schedule Information" column, the EVs 5 functioning as the first, second, and third resources shown in Figures 5, 6, 8, and 9 are scheduled to be connected to the EV stand 7 all day. In other words, the first, second, and third resources are in available time slots all day. This is also indicated by the schedule information from the terminal 6 of the user U who owns these EVs 5.

[0059] 5 and 6, EV 5, which functions as the fourth resource, is scheduled to be used as a vehicle from 1:00 PM and is scheduled to be connected to EV stand 7 before 1:00 PM. In other words, EV 5, which functions as the fourth resource, is refused by user U of EV 5 from being used for power supply and demand adjustment after 1:00 PM, but is permitted before 1:00 PM to the extent that it does not interfere with the use of EV 5 after 1:00 PM, and can be said to be in an available time slot. This can also be said to be indicated by the schedule information from terminal 6 of user U who owns EV 5.

[0060] 5 and 6, EV 5, which functions as the fifth resource, is scheduled to be operated as a vehicle until 12:00 and is scheduled to be connected to EV stand 7 after 12:00. In other words, EV 5, which functions as the fifth resource, is refused by user U of EV 5 from being used in power supply and demand adjustment before 12:00, but is permitted to be used in power supply and demand adjustment after 12:00, and can be said to be in an available time slot. This can also be said to be indicated by the schedule information from user U on terminal 6 owned by EV 5.

[0061] In the description with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 8, and 9, it is assumed that the maximum charging capacities of the first resource, the second resource, the third resource, the fourth resource, and the fifth resource are 40 kWh. In the description with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, it is assumed that the remaining charging capacities are 30 kWh for the first resource, 20 kWh for the second resource, 10 kWh for the third resource, and 30 kWh for the fourth resource. This information is determined from supporting information contained in information Ra or information Rb, which will be described later. Information Ra and information Rb are information R obtained before the generation of the plan, which will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9.

[0062] In the description with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, as indicated by the request information Q11 in the "Request Information" column, it is assumed that a request is made to intentionally consume 6 kW per hour from the power grid PG as an upward DR for five hours from 10:00 to 15:00. That is, the five hours from 10:00 to 15:00 are the time period during which the upward DR occurs (the upward DR period). Furthermore, the request information Q11 can be considered as request information Q1 indicating the upward DR. Furthermore, in the description with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, it is assumed that, as response information A1 to comply with the request information Q11, charging control of the first resource, the second resource, the third resource, the fourth resource, and the fifth resource is planned under the management of the information processing device 41. In FIG. 6, which will be described later, the response information A11 is shown as a specific example of the response information A1 planned in this manner. Thus, FIG. 5 shows information that the information processing device 41 can acquire before generating a power supply and demand adjustment plan to comply with the upward DR.

[0063] 6 is a diagram showing a power supply and demand adjustment plan for responding to an upward DR. As described above, since consumption of 6 kW per hour is required, the information processing device 41 generates a plan to allocate 6 kW to a resource that can consume power by charging within the upward DR period among the first resource, the second resource, the third resource, the fourth resource, and the fifth resource.

[0064] The information processing device 41 determines the resources to be charged during the upward DR period and the amount of charge for each resource based on the first rule, the second rule, the third rule, and the fourth rule.

[0065] The first rule is a rule that prioritizes charging of battery 51 of EV 5 that is scheduled to start being used as a vehicle during the upward DR period, to the period before the start of use as a vehicle.

[0066] The second rule is a rule that sets a higher charge amount for the battery 51 with the largest chargeable amount among the batteries 51 of the EVs 5 that are not scheduled to be used as vehicles during the upward DR period.

[0067] FIG. 7 shows an example of a rule for setting a higher charge amount for a battery 51 with a larger chargeable capacity. In FIG. 7 and FIG. 20 (described later), three batteries 51 that can be charged during the upward DR period are designated as batteries B1, B2, and B3. When comparing the remaining charge capacities before the upward DR period, battery B1 has the lowest, battery B3 has the highest, and battery B2 is intermediate between batteries B1 and B3. In FIGS. 7 and 20, before the upward DR period, the dotted rectangles indicate the remaining charge capacity of the batteries, the open rectangles indicate the chargeable capacity of the batteries, and the overall rectangle formed by connecting the dotted rectangles and the open rectangles indicates the maximum charge capacity of the batteries. Also, in FIGS. 7 and 20, the state before the upward DR period is set as the starting point of the time course, and the states of the batteries transition in the order of "Phase 1," "Phase 2," and "Phase 3" as time passes after the upward DR period begins.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 7, the information processing device 41 sets a higher charge amount for the battery 51 with the larger chargeable amount. Specifically, the information processing device 41 calculates the chargeable amount for each battery from the relationship between the maximum charge capacity and the remaining charge capacity of each battery. When the chargeable amounts of batteries B1, B2, and B3 shown in Fig. 7 are compared relative to each other, battery B1 has the highest charge amount, battery B3 has the lowest charge amount, and battery B2 is intermediate between battery B1 and battery B3. The information processing device 41 sets a higher charge amount for the battery 51 with the larger chargeable amount.

[0069] Here, it is assumed that the time between "before the upward DR period" and "Phase 1," between "Phase 1" and "Phase 2," and between "Phase 2" and "Phase 3" shown in Fig. 7 are the same. In this case, in the example shown in Fig. 7, it can be said that the information processing device 41 sets a higher charge amount per unit time for the battery 51 with a larger chargeable amount. In "Phase 1," "Phase 2," and "Phase 3," the progress of battery charging after the start of the upward DR period due to the allocation of charge amount is indicated by a rectangle with a darker dot pattern than the dot pattern indicating the remaining charge capacity "before the upward DR period" and a hollow dashed arrow within the rectangle.

[0070] Furthermore, in FIG. 7, the charge amount is allocated according to the ratio of the chargeable amounts of the multiple batteries. That is, the difference in charge amount between "Phase 1," "Phase 2," and "Phase 3" in FIG. 7 corresponds to the ratio of the chargeable amounts of the multiple batteries "before the upward DR period." This prevents some batteries from becoming fully charged before other batteries. In FIG. 7, batteries B1, B2, and B3 are all fully charged at the time of "Phase 3." By preventing some batteries from becoming fully charged before other batteries in this way, even if some of the multiple batteries become unusable for some reason at some point during the upward DR period, a significant decrease in the potential power consumption capacity of the multiple batteries as a whole can be prevented. As an example, assume that the charge amount is allocated such that some batteries are fully charged first and other batteries are fully charged later. Under this assumption, the degree of decrease in the potential power consumption capacity of the multiple batteries as a whole varies depending on whether the unavailable battery is "a battery that is not yet very charged" or "a battery that is almost fully charged." Under this assumption, if a "battery that has not yet fully charged" becomes unavailable, the degree of decrease in the potential power consumption capability of the multiple batteries as a whole will be greater. On the other hand, if the charge amount is allocated according to the ratio of the chargeable capacities of the multiple batteries, such a variation in the decrease in the potential power consumption capability will not occur regardless of which battery becomes unavailable. Therefore, by allocating the charge amount according to the ratio of the chargeable capacities of the multiple batteries, even if some of the multiple batteries become unavailable unexpectedly for some reason at some point during the upward DR period, it is possible to prevent a significant decrease in the potential power consumption capability of the multiple batteries as a whole.

[0071] The third rule is a rule that treats the battery 51 of an EV 5 that is scheduled to end its use as a vehicle during the upward DR period as a resource for the available time period after the scheduled end time of use. A battery 51 that can be used as a resource after the scheduled end time of use is considered to be a battery 51 of an EV 5 that is not scheduled to be used as a vehicle during the upward DR period only for the time period after the scheduled end time of use. Note that if the above-mentioned margin is set, the margin is applied between the scheduled end time of use and the start timing of the available time period.

[0072] The fourth rule is a rule that sets a predetermined lowest level of remaining charge capacity as a standard (operational lower limit) and gives top priority to charging the battery 51 with a remaining charge capacity lower than the operational lower limit so that the remaining charge capacity is equal to or greater than the operational lower limit. In the embodiment, the operational lower limit is set to one-fourth of the maximum charge capacity of the battery 51, that is, 10 kWh, but the specific remaining charge capacity that is set as the operational lower limit may be any capacity less than the maximum charge capacity.

[0073] In Figure 6, between 10:00 and 12:00, the hourly power consumption, i.e., the charge amount of battery 51, is allocated as follows: 0.5 kW to the first resource, 1 kW to the second resource, 1.5 kW to the third resource, and 3 kW to the fourth resource. Here, the fourth resource is allocated the largest amount due to rule 2. In Figure 6, half of the 6 kW of power consumption per hour requested as the increased DR, or 3 kW, is allocated to the fourth resource.

[0074] The reason why the allocation amount for the third resource is larger than those for the first resource and the second resource, and the allocation amount for the second resource is larger than that for the first resource is due to the second rule described with reference to FIG. 7. Specifically, as of 10:00, the chargeable amounts for the first resource are 10 kWh, the second resource is 20 kWh, and the third resource is 30 kWh. In other words, when expressed as a ratio of the chargeable amounts, the first resource:the second resource:the third resource is 1:2:3. The information processing device 41 allocates the remaining half of the 6 kW per hour of power consumption, or 3 kW, to the first resource, the second resource, and the third resource, which are available resources excluding the fourth resource, to which a charge amount is allocated with higher priority according to the second rule, in accordance with this ratio.

[0075] The fourth resource cannot be charged after 12:00 because EV5, which has battery 51 functioning as the fourth resource, is scheduled to be used as a vehicle from 13:00 and because of the margin mentioned above. Therefore, power consumption due to charging of the fourth resource will no longer occur after 12:00. After 12:00, based on the second rule, the information processing device 41 allocates a power consumption of 6 kW per hour to resources that are still available after 12:00 and that can consume power by charging. In FIG. 6, the first resource, second resource, and third resource correspond to resources that are still available after 12:00 and that can consume power by charging.

[0076] 6, from 12:00 to 15:00, 1 kW is allocated to the first resource, 2 kW is allocated to the second resource, and 3 kW is allocated to the third resource as the amount of power consumed per hour, i.e., the amount of charge of the battery 51. Such allocation is based on the second rule.

[0077] The fifth resource becomes a resource in the available time slot from 13:00 onward because the vehicle usage time of EV5, which has battery 51 functioning as the fifth resource, is scheduled to end at 12:00. However, the remaining charge capacity of the fifth resource cannot be specifically determined until the completion of the schedule. In other words, the power consumption capacity of the fifth resource is unknown until the completion of the schedule. For resources with unknown power consumption capacity, such as the fifth resource, an operation plan is created that takes these unknowns into account. Such considerations are reflected in the implementation of the information processing algorithm (e.g., a software program algorithm) executed by the information processing device 41. As an example, the information processing device 41 generates a plan that does not anticipate the consumption of power using resources that become available midway through the first time slot DR1. Figure 6 illustrates correspondence information A11 generated by an algorithm to which such an example is applied. That is, in the correspondence information A11, although the fifth resource is available from 13:00 to 15:00, power consumption due to charging the fifth resource is not planned.

[0078] It is also possible to generate correspondence information A11 that assumes power consumption using resources that will become available from the middle of the first time slot DR1. In this case, a provisional decision to set in stone at the planning stage the issue of "what level of power consumption capability the resources that will become available from the middle of the first time slot DR1 have" can be provisionally decided based on likelihood control, which will be described later, for example.

[0079] Furthermore, the specific numerical values ​​of the charge amounts for each resource may be changed as appropriate within the range that satisfies the power consumption required during the upward DR period and the first, second, third, and fourth rules. In addition, in the explanation with reference to Fig. 6, the ratio of the chargeable amounts is used when allocating the charge amounts under the second rule, but the charge amounts may be allocated according to other priorities.

[0080] Furthermore, the correspondence information A11 is a plan within a range that does not cause power consumption to exceed the requested consumption amount. Here, the requested consumption amount is the power consumption amount requested in the request information Q11. Note that the power consumption amount due to resources available under the control of the information processing device 41 may be less than the requested consumption amount. This is because the upper limit of power consumption that can be planned based on resources available under the control of the information processing device 41 may be less than the requested consumption amount. Conversely, even if the power consumption that can be planned based on resources available under the control of the information processing device 41 exceeds the requested consumption amount, the information processing device 41 does not plan power consumption that exceeds the requested consumption amount.

[0081] Next, with reference to Figure 8, we will explain the power supply and demand adjustment plan and its example that the aggregator 4 creates as response information A1 when the downward DR for the second time zone DR2 shown in Figure 3 is the request information Q1 described with reference to Figure 4.

[0082] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing information necessary for an electricity supply and demand adjustment plan to respond to a downward DR. EV 5, which functions as a fourth resource in Figs. 8 and 9, is scheduled to be operated as a vehicle from 20:00 and is scheduled to be connected to the EV stand 7 before 20:00. EV 5, which functions as a fifth resource in Figs. 8 and 9, is scheduled to be operated as a vehicle until 19:00 and is scheduled to be connected to the EV stand 7 after 19:00. It can be said that these schedules are indicated by the schedule information from the terminal 6 of user U who owns these EVs 5.

[0083] 8 and 9, it is assumed that the dischargeable amount at 17:00 is 10 kWh for the first resource, 20 kWh for the second resource, and 0 kWh for the third resource. This information is determined from supporting information included in information Rb. The dischargeable amount from the battery 51 during the downward DR period is set so that the remaining charge capacity of the battery 51 does not fall below the lower operational limit. In the embodiment, as described above, since the lower operational limit is 10 kWh, the value of the dischargeable amount from each resource is a value obtained by subtracting 10 (kWh) from the remaining charge capacity (kWh) of each resource.

[0084] In the description with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, as indicated by the request information Q12 in the "Request Information" column, a request is made to supply 3 kW per hour to the power grid PG as a downward DR for five hours from 17:00 to 22:00. That is, the five hours from 17:00 to 22:00 are the time period during which a downward DR occurs (the downward DR period). Furthermore, the request information Q11 can be considered as request information Q1 indicating an upward DR. Furthermore, in the description with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, it is assumed that discharge control of the first resource, the second resource, the third resource, the fourth resource, and the fifth resource is planned under the management of the information processing device 41 as response information A1 for responding to the request information Q12. In FIG. 9, which will be described later, response information A12 is shown as a specific example of the response information A1 planned in this manner. Furthermore, FIG. 8 shows information that the information processing device 41 can acquire before generating a power supply and demand adjustment plan for responding to the downward DR.

[0085] 9 is a diagram showing a power supply and demand adjustment plan for dealing with a downward DR. In the embodiment, the information processing device 41 determines the amount of discharge from the battery 51 within a range of discharge amounts that does not cause the remaining charge capacity of the battery 51 to fall below a predetermined minimum charge capacity (for example, an operational lower limit), and generates correspondence information A1 that functions as a power supply plan. Specifically, the information processing device 41 determines, based on the fifth rule, the sixth rule, and the seventh rule, the resources to be discharged during the downward DR period in the power supply plan and the discharge amount of each resource.

[0086] The fifth rule is a rule that excludes the battery 51 of the EV 5 that is scheduled to start being used as a vehicle during the downward DR period from the dischargeable batteries 51.

[0087] The sixth rule is a rule that sets the battery 51 of the EV 5 that is scheduled to end its use as a vehicle during the downward DR period as the battery 51 that can be used as a resource after the scheduled end time of use. The battery 51 that can be used as a resource after the scheduled end time of use is regarded as the battery 51 of the EV 5 that is not scheduled to be used as a vehicle during the downward DR period only for the time period after the scheduled end time of use.

[0088] For the battery 51 of an EV 5 that is scheduled to both start and end its use as a vehicle during the reduction DR period, the applicable rule may vary depending on whether the scheduled start time or the scheduled end time of use is closer to the "end time of the reduction period." For example, if the scheduled start time of use is closer to the "end time of the reduction period" than the scheduled end time of use, the fifth rule is applied. If the scheduled end time of use is closer to the "end time of the reduction period" than the scheduled start time of use, the sixth rule is applied in such a way that the battery 51 of the EV 5 is considered to be an EV that is not scheduled to be used as a vehicle during the reduction DR period only during the time period after the scheduled end time of use that is closest to the "end time of the reduction period." By applying the fifth and sixth rules in this manner, it is possible to prevent discharge from the battery 51 during the time period before the start of use as a vehicle, and to allow discharge from the battery 51 to begin after use as a vehicle ceases.

[0089] The seventh rule is a rule that sets a larger discharge amount for the battery 51 with the largest dischargeable amount among the batteries 51 of the EV 5 that is not scheduled to be used as a vehicle during the downward DR period.

[0090] 8, 1 kW is allocated to the first resource and 2 kW is allocated to the second resource as the amount of power supply per hour, i.e., the amount of discharge of battery 51, from 17:00 to 20:00. Here, the reason why the amount allocated to the second resource is greater than that of the first resource is due to the seventh rule.

[0091] The fourth resource is excluded from the target of discharge by rule 5 because EV5, which has battery 51 functioning as the fourth resource, is scheduled to be used as a vehicle from 20:00. In addition, the third resource is not the target of discharge because the dischargeable amount is 0 kWh.

[0092] The fifth resource becomes available as a resource after 20:00 because the time that EV5, which has battery 51 functioning as the fifth resource, is scheduled to end as a vehicle at 19:00 and the aforementioned margin is taken into account. However, the dischargeable capacity of the fifth resource cannot be specifically determined until the completion of the schedule. In other words, the power supply capacity of the fifth resource is unknown until the completion of the schedule. For resources with unknown power consumption capacities, such as the fifth resource, an operation plan is created that takes these unknowns into account. Such considerations are reflected in the implementation of the information processing algorithm (e.g., a software program algorithm) executed by the information processing device 41. As an example, the information processing device 41 generates a plan that does not assume the supply of power using resources that become available midway through the first time slot DR1. FIG. 9 illustrates correspondence information A12 generated by an algorithm to which such an example is applied. That is, in the correspondence information A12, although the fifth resource is available from 22:00 to 22:00, no power supply by discharging from the fifth resource is planned.

[0093] It is also possible to generate correspondence information A12 that assumes the supply of power using resources that will become available from the middle of the second time slot DR2. In this case, a provisional decision to set in stone at the planning stage the issue of "what level of power supply capacity the resources that will become available from the middle of the second time slot DR2 have" can be provisionally decided based on likelihood control, which will be described later, for example.

[0094] Furthermore, the correspondence information A12 is a plan within a range that does not exceed the requested supply amount. Here, the requested supply amount is the amount of power supply requested in the request information Q12. Note that the amount of power supply available from resources under the control of the information processing device 41 may be less than the requested supply amount. This is because the upper limit of the amount of power supply that can be planned based on resources available under the control of the information processing device 41 may be less than the requested supply amount. Conversely, even if the amount of power supply that can be planned based on resources available under the control of the information processing device 41 exceeds the requested supply amount, the information processing device 41 does not plan a power supply that exceeds the requested supply amount.

[0095] Although it is outside the downward DR period, charging of the battery 51 of the EV 5 functioning as the fourth resource is performed before the start of the downward DR period and is not performed during the downward DR period. Such charging control before the start of the downward DR period may also be incorporated into the correspondence information A1 as control to prevent charging of the battery 51 during the downward DR period when power supply to the power grid PG is required and a reduction in power consumption is required.

[0096] Furthermore, the specific numerical value of the amount of discharge from each resource may be changed as appropriate within the range that satisfies the amount of power supply required during the downward DR period and the fifth, sixth, and seventh rules.

[0097] Note that if, when generating the correspondence information A1, a response to an upward DR as described with reference to FIG. 6 is implemented on the premise that all the chargeable capacity of the batteries 51 under the management of the aggregator 4 will be utilized, the charging control based on the correspondence information A1 may fail if an unexpected event occurs. Specifically, such a failure may occur if an EV 5 is used as a vehicle unexpectedly, or if one of the batteries 51 or the EV stand 7 breaks down. Similarly, if, when generating the correspondence information A1, a response to a downward DR as described with reference to FIG. 8 is implemented on the premise that all the dischargeable capacity of the batteries 51 under the management of the aggregator 4 will be utilized, the discharging control based on the correspondence information A1 may fail if an unexpected event occurs.

[0098] Therefore, in the embodiment, a plan for charge / discharge control of the battery 51 is generated based on the correspondence information A1 with a margin for the potential. The potential here refers to the chargeable amount of the EV5 in response to an upward DR and the dischargeable amount of the EV5 in response to a downward DR. In other words, the correspondence information A1 is generated on the assumption that not all of the potential will be used, so that the correspondence information A1 can be fully realized even if a portion of the battery 51 that was expected to be used for implementing the charge / discharge plan at the time the correspondence information A1 was generated is lost. One method for setting this margin is, for example, likelihood. Below, as an example of an explanation of likelihood, a case will be described in which the chargeable amount of the EV5 in response to an upward DR is treated as potential.

[0099] First, the maximum potential identified by acquiring schedule information regarding the use of EVs 5, such as schedule information R1 and R2, is calculated, i.e., the total chargeable capacity. Next, a likelihood function is applied to the calculated total chargeable capacity. In this case, this likelihood function is applied to determine the actual usable chargeable capacity out of the maximum (100%) chargeable capacity that can be included in the schedule to be used in the correspondence information A1. By applying the likelihood function, the actual chargeable capacity used in the execution of the plan based on the correspondence information A1 becomes less than the maximum (100%) chargeable capacity. Note that this likelihood function is set not simply based on whether a certain battery 51 is usable or not, but also on factors such as the chargeable capacity of some batteries 51 being different from the planned capacity even if they are not completely unusable. The specific nature of this likelihood function is determined, for example, based on prior simulations or actual cases. Note that when setting the likelihood function, it is possible to take into account "unplanned additional chargeable capacity that becomes available," but this is not recommended from the perspective of reliability of plan execution.

[0100] The above has explained the likelihood when the chargeable amount of EV5 in response to an upward DR is treated as a potential. However, when the dischargeable amount of EV5 in response to a downward DR is treated as a potential, the "chargeable amount" in the above explanation of the likelihood can be read as the "dischargeable amount."

[0101] The margin may be set by other methods than the likelihood. For example, the maximum value of the potential may be set to 100%, or a predetermined value less than 100% (e.g., 80%) may be set as the "actually available potential" when generating the correspondence information A1.

[0102] The process flow by the information processing device 41 until the completion of the generation of the plan triggered by the request information Q1 described above, that is, the completion of the generation of the correspondence information A1, will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 10 to 13. First, the process flow when the request information Q1 is request information for an upward DR will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

[0103] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of generating response information A1 triggered by request information Q1, which is request information for an increased DR. First, the request information Q1, which is request information for an increased DR, is transmitted from the server 12 of the electric power company 1, and the information processing device 41 acquires the request information Q1 (step S1). The information processing device 41 acquires schedule information regarding the use of the EV 5, such as schedule information R1 and R2, in order to identify the charging capacity required to respond to the request information Q1 (step S2). Next, the information processing device 41 performs processing to generate response information A1 for the increased DR and a consumption plan (step S3).

[0104] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process included in step S3 shown in Fig. 10. First, the information processing device 41 calculates the chargeable amount, as the adopted charge amount, in terms of a likelihood function, with the total chargeable amount of each battery 51 of the multiple EVs 5 indicated by the schedule information obtained in the process of step S2 as the upper limit (step S21).

[0105] Next, the information processing device 41 calculates the chargeable amount per unit time as "adopted charge amount / n" based on the upward DR period indicated by the request information Q1 obtained in the processing of step S1 (step S22). Here, the unit time is, for example, one hour, but is not limited to this and is arbitrary. In the explanation with reference to FIG. 5 above, the time length of the upward DR period is five hours, so when the unit time is one hour, n=5.

[0106] The information processing device 41 also sets priorities based on the first to third rules described above. Specifically, as described as the first rule, the information processing device 41 prioritizes charging the batteries 51 of EVs 5 that are scheduled to start using as vehicles during the upward DR period over charging the period before the EVs start using as vehicles (step S23). As described as the second rule, the information processing device 41 sets a higher charge amount for the batteries 51 of EVs 5 that are not scheduled to be used as vehicles during the upward DR period and that have a larger chargeable capacity (step S24). As described as the third rule, the information processing device 41 sets the batteries 51 of EVs 5 that are scheduled to stop using as vehicles during the upward DR period as the batteries 51 that can be used as resources after the scheduled end time of use (step S25). The processing of steps S23 to S25 does not necessarily have to be performed in this order; what is important is that the scheduled charge amount is appropriately assigned to each battery 51 of multiple EVs 5 in terms of the priority of charge control.

[0107] After steps S23 to S25, the information processing device 41 allocates the chargeable capacity per unit time for each of n unit times obtained by dividing the upward DR period into unit times based on the number of batteries 51 available within each unit time and the chargeable capacity of each battery 51 (step S26). The process of step S26 is performed to accommodate the chargeable capacity, which is not necessarily constant throughout the upward DR period. As described with reference to FIG. 5 , some EVs 5 are used as vehicles during the upward DR period, and other EVs 5 are stopped using them as vehicles and connected to EV stands 7 during the upward DR period. This means that the chargeable capacity may increase or decrease during the upward DR period. Therefore, the process of step S26 is performed to confirm that the amount of power consumption requested in the request information Q1 can be consumed even when viewed per unit time.

[0108] The information processing device 41 determines whether the allocation of the chargeable amount per unit time is established as a likelihood function for all (n times) unit times during the upward DR period (step S27). That is, a check is made to see whether there is any unit time for which the allocation of the chargeable amount per unit time established by the processing of step S26 is not established. Even if the allocation of the chargeable amount per unit time is established, if 100% or a proportion very close to 100% of the chargeable amount is used up in some or all unit times, it will be difficult to respond to an unexpected situation. Therefore, the likelihood is also applied to the processing of step S27.

[0109] In the process of step S27, if it is determined that there is a unit time for which the allocation of the chargeable amount per unit time does not hold true in terms of the likelihood function (step S27; No), a process of reducing the chargeable amount per unit time is performed (step S28). The amount by which the chargeable amount is reduced in one process of step S28 is arbitrary, but it is assumed that the process reduces the chargeable amount by a certain percentage (e.g., 5%) of the chargeable amount per unit time calculated in the process of step S22, for example. If the process of step S28 is performed multiple times, the chargeable amount per unit time calculated in the process of step S22 will be reduced by a percentage obtained by multiplying the certain percentage by the number of times step S28 is performed. After the process of step S28, the process returns to the process of step S26.

[0110] If it is determined in the process of step S27 that the allocation of the chargeable amount per unit time is established as a likelihood function for all (n) unit times during the upward DR period (step S27: Yes), correspondence information A1 for the upward DR that reflects the latest chargeable amount per unit time and a consumption plan are generated (step S29). That is, the allocation of the chargeable amount per unit time based on the number of batteries 51 available within each unit time and the chargeable amount of each battery 51 for each of the n unit times obtained by dividing the upward DR period by unit time, as determined by the latest process of step S26, is generated as a power consumption plan for the upward DR period. Furthermore, information indicating the degree and time period of power consumption to be presented to the power company 1 assuming the implementation of the plan is generated as correspondence information A1 to be transmitted from the information processing device 41 to the server 12.

[0111] The plan based on the corresponding information A1 generated in response to the request information Q1 as an upward DR can be said to be a power consumption plan that includes information indicating the amount of power that can be consumed from the power grid PG by charging the battery 51 during a pre-specified first time period (for example, the first time period DR1 in Figure 4) that is less than the first specified amount of power (for example, 6 kWh per hour in Figure 5), based on the request information Q1 indicating a request to consume a first specified amount of power (for example, 6 kWh per hour in Figure 5) from the power grid PG during the first time period.

[0112] 11, the correspondence information A1 for the increased DR generated in the processing of step S3 is transmitted from the information processing device 41 to the server 12 (step S4). If the correspondence information A1 is not approved by the electric power company 1 (step S5; No), the processing ends.

[0113] If the correspondence information A1 transmitted in the process of step S4 is approved by the electric power company 1, i.e., if the approval information Q2 described with reference to FIG. 4 is obtained (step S5; Yes), the information processing device 41 controls the operation of the EV stand 7 to stop charging the battery 51 whose remaining charge capacity is equal to or greater than the operational lower limit at that time (step S6). The process of step S6 is a process for preventing an unexpected loss of chargeable capacity during the upward DR period. However, based on the concept of the fourth rule, in this embodiment, for a battery 51 whose remaining charge capacity is less than the operational lower limit, charging is permitted until it reaches the operational lower limit. Note that, in the processes of steps S2 and S26, for a battery 51 whose remaining charge capacity is already less than the operational lower limit, it is desirable to incorporate into the likelihood function that the remaining charge capacity will increase to within the range equal to or less than the operational lower limit by the start of the upward DR period.

[0114] Next, the flow of processing when the request information Q1 is a downward DR will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0115] 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of generating response information A1 triggered by request information Q1, which is request information for a downward DR. First, the request information Q1, which is request information for a downward DR, is transmitted from the server 12 of the electric power company 1, and the information processing device 41 acquires the request information Q1 (step S41). The information processing device 41 acquires schedule information regarding the use of the EV 5, such as schedule information R1 and R2, in order to identify the charging capacity required to respond to the request information Q1 (step S42). Next, the information processing device 41 performs processing to generate response information A1 for the downward DR and a consumption plan (step S43).

[0116] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the process flow included in step S43 shown in Fig. 12. First, the information processing device 41 excludes the batteries 51 of the EVs 5 that fall under the fifth rule described above from the targets for discharge. Specifically, among the multiple EVs 5 for which schedule information was obtained in the process of step S42, the information processing device 41 excludes the dischargeable amount of the batteries 51 of the EVs 5 that are scheduled to start being used as vehicles during the downward DR period indicated by the request information Q1 obtained in the process of step S41 (step S61).

[0117] Next, the information processing device 41 calculates the dischargeable amount in terms of a likelihood function as the adopted discharge amount, with the sum of the dischargeable amounts of the batteries 51 of each of the multiple EVs 5 indicated in the schedule information obtained in the processing of step S42 and not excluded in the processing of step S61 as the upper limit (step S62).

[0118] Next, the information processing device 41 calculates the adopted discharge amount / m as the dischargeable amount per unit time based on the downward DR period indicated by the request information Q1 obtained in the process of step S41, by setting "downward DR period=unit time×m" (step S63). Since the time length of the downward DR period is 5 hours in the description with reference to Fig. 8 above, when the unit time is 1 hour, m=5.

[0119] Furthermore, the information processing device 41 sets the priority based on the sixth and seventh rules described above. Specifically, as described as the sixth rule, the information processing device 41 sets the battery 51 of the EV 5 whose use as a vehicle is scheduled to end during the downward DR period as the battery 51 that can be used as a resource after the scheduled use end time (step S64).

[0120] Furthermore, as explained as the seventh rule, the information processing device 41 sets a larger discharge amount for the battery 51 of the EV 5 that is not scheduled to be used as a vehicle during the downward DR period and has a larger dischargeable amount (step S65).

[0121] The processing of step S64 and the processing of step S65 do not necessarily have to be in this order, but what is important is that the planned discharge amount is appropriately allocated to the battery 51 of each of the multiple EVs 5 in terms of the priority of discharge control.

[0122] After the processing of steps S64 and S65, the information processing device 41 allocates the dischargeable amount per unit time for each of m unit times obtained by dividing the downward DR period into unit times based on the number of batteries 51 available within each unit time and the dischargeable amount of each battery 51 (step S66). The processing of step S66 is performed to accommodate the dischargeable amount, which is not necessarily constant throughout the downward DR period. As described with reference to FIG. 8 , some EVs 5 are used as vehicles during the downward DR period, and other EVs 5 are stopped using them as vehicles and connected to EV stands 7 during the downward DR period. This means that the dischargeable amount may increase or decrease during the downward DR period. Therefore, the processing of step S66 is performed to confirm that the amount of power requested in the request information Q1 can be supplied even when viewed per unit time.

[0123] The information processing device 41 determines whether the allocation of the dischargeable amount per unit time is established as a likelihood function for all (m times) unit times during the downward DR period (step S67). That is, a check is performed to determine whether there is any unit time for which the allocation of the dischargeable amount per unit time established by the processing of step S66 is not established. Note that even if the allocation of the dischargeable amount per unit time is established, if 100% or a proportion very close to 100% of the dischargeable amount is used up in some or all unit times, it will be difficult to respond to an unexpected situation. Therefore, the likelihood is also applied to the processing of step S67.

[0124] If it is determined in the process of step S67 that there is a unit time for which the allocation of the chargeable amount per unit time does not hold true as a likelihood function (step S67; No), a process of reducing the dischargeable amount per unit time is performed (step S68). The amount by which the chargeable amount is reduced in one process of step S68 is arbitrary, but it is assumed that the process reduces the chargeable amount by a certain percentage (e.g., 5%) of the dischargeable amount per unit time calculated in the process of step S62, for example. If the process of step S68 is performed multiple times, the chargeable amount per unit time calculated in the process of step S62 will be reduced by a percentage obtained by multiplying the certain percentage by the number of times step S68 is performed. After the process of step S68, the process returns to the process of step S66.

[0125] If it is determined in the process of step S67 that the allocation of the dischargeable amount per unit time is likely to hold for all (m) unit times during the downward DR period (step S67: Yes), correspondence information A1 for the downward DR, reflecting the latest dischargeable amount per unit time, and a consumption plan are generated (step S69). That is, the allocation of the dischargeable amount per unit time based on the number of batteries 51 available within each unit time and the dischargeable amount of each battery 51 for each of the m unit times obtained by dividing the upward DR period by unit time, as determined by the latest process of step S66, is generated as a power supply plan for the downward DR period. Furthermore, information indicating the degree and time period of power consumption to be presented to the power company 1 assuming the implementation of the plan is generated as correspondence information A1 to be transmitted from the information processing device 41 to the server 12.

[0126] The plan indicated by the corresponding information A1 generated in response to the request information Q1 as a downward DR can be said to be a power supply plan that includes information indicating the amount of power equal to or less than the second predetermined amount of power that can be supplied to the power grid PG by discharging from the battery 51 during a pre-specified second time period (for example, the second time period DR2 in Figure 4) based on the request information Q1 indicating a request to supply a second predetermined amount of power (for example, 3 kWh per hour in Figure 8) to the power grid PG during the second time period.

[0127] 13, the response information A1 to the down DR generated in the process of step S43 is transmitted from the information processing device 41 to the server 12 (step S44). If the response information A1 is not approved by the electric power company 1 (step S45; No), the process ends.

[0128] If the correspondence information A1 transmitted in the process of step S44 is approved by the electric power company 1, that is, if the approval information Q2 described with reference to Fig. 4 can be obtained (step S45; Yes), the information processing device 41 controls the operation of the EV stand 7 so as to charge the battery 51 that is currently chargeable before the downward DR period (step S46). The process of step S46 is similar to, for example, the charging of the fourth resource before the downward DR period described with reference to Fig. 8.

[0129] In addition, the margin set from a "likelihood function" perspective in the processing of step S21, step S27, step S62, and step S67 may be replaced with a margin set using a method other than the likelihood function (for example, 80% of the above-mentioned potential).

[0130] Next, the implementation of the plan generated as the response information A1 and the response to an unplanned event that occurs during the implementation will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0131] 14 is a diagram showing an example of implementing the response information A1 described with reference to FIG. 6 and responding to an unplanned event that occurs during the implementation. In the description with reference to FIG. 14, it is assumed that EV 5 having battery 51 functioning as the fifth resource finished its operation as a vehicle at 12:00 as scheduled. It is also assumed that the remaining charge capacity of battery 51 when EV 5 was connected to EV stand 7 was 8 kWh.

[0132] After 13:00, when the fifth resource enters the available time slot, the information processing device 41 allocates 6 kW of power consumption per hour to the resource in the available time slot based on the second and third rules. Furthermore, if a new resource that was not expected to be used at the time of generating the correspondence information A1 is below the lower operational limit, the fourth rule is applied with higher priority. In the explanation with reference to FIG. 6, the fifth resource corresponds to this new resource.

[0133] In FIG. 14, between 13:00 and 15:00, the hourly power consumption, i.e., the charge amount of the battery 51, is allocated as follows: 0.1 kW to the first resource, 0.2 kW to the second resource, 0.3 kW to the third resource, and 2.4 kW to the fifth resource. As the remaining charge capacity of the fifth resource at 13:00 is 8 kWh, which is less than the lower operational limit, a larger charge amount is allocated to the fifth resource according to the fourth rule. The charge amounts of the other resources are allocated according to the same concept as the second rule described above. Of the 2.4 kW allocated to the fifth resource, 2 kW is a priority allocation Est that is allocated based on the fourth rule to raise the battery 51 of the fifth resource, which is below the lower operational limit, to or above the lower operational limit.

[0134] 14, the fourth rule is applied after 13:00, but the fourth rule may take precedence over the first, second, and third rules in all time periods during the upward DR period. In the embodiment, the fourth rule takes precedence over the first, second, and third rules in all time periods during the upward DR period.

[0135] As explained with reference to FIG. 14, when a new resource arises that was not expected to be used at the time the corresponding information A1 was generated, the information processing device 41 may modify the corresponding information A11 to generate a new plan within the scope that satisfies the amount of power consumption required by the request information Q11. In FIG. 14, the new plan A110 corresponds to a new plan that is different from the corresponding information A11 shown in FIG. 6.

[0136] In the example shown in FIG. 14, power control is carried out in accordance with the plan based on the correspondence information A11 described with reference to FIG. 6, except for the period from 13:00 to 15:00, which is specifically noted as new plan A110.

[0137] 15 is a diagram showing an example of implementing the response information A1 described with reference to FIG. 9 and responding to an unplanned event that occurs during the implementation. In the explanation with reference to FIG. 15, it is assumed that EV 5 having battery 51 functioning as the fifth resource finished its operation as a vehicle at 19:00 as scheduled. It is also assumed that the remaining charge capacity of battery 51 when EV 5 was connected to EV stand 7 was 31 kWh.

[0138] After 20:00, when the fifth resource enters the available time slot, the information processing device 41 allocates a power supply amount of 3 kW per hour to the resource in the available time slot based on the sixth and seventh rules.

[0139] 15, from 20:00 to 22:00, 0.5 kW is allocated to the first resource, 1 kW is allocated to the second resource, and 1.5 kW is allocated to the fifth resource as the amount of power supply per hour, i.e., the amount of discharge of the battery 51. The amount of discharge of each resource is allocated based on the seventh rule.

[0140] As explained with reference to Figure 15, if a new resource arises that was not expected to be used at the time the corresponding information A1 was generated, the information processing device 41 may modify the corresponding information A11 to generate a new plan within the scope that satisfies the amount of power supply requested in the request information Q11. In Figure 14, the new plan A120 corresponds to a new plan that is different from the corresponding information A12 shown in Figure 9.

[0141] In the example shown in FIG. 15, power control is carried out in accordance with the plan based on the correspondence information A12 described with reference to FIG. 6, except for the period from 20:00 to 22:00, which is specifically noted as new plan A120.

[0142] In the examples shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , a new plan was generated for the case where the fifth resource was added to the resources in the available time slot as scheduled. However, the remaining charge capacity of the battery 51 as the fifth resource was not what was planned at the time of generation of the correspondence information A1 before the approval information Q2, which can be considered an unplanned event. A new plan may also be generated to deal with an unplanned event due to other reasons. For example, a situation may arise in which some of the first, second, and third resources become unavailable for some reason. Even if such an unplanned event occurs, a new plan is generated to allocate power consumption or power supply to the resources in the available time slot that are available after the unplanned event occurs. Such a new plan is highly likely to be established because the above-mentioned margin is set.

[0143] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the process flow for implementing a plan based on the correspondence information A1 generated by the process with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. After the process described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, if an unplanned event occurs in the latest consumption plan generated (step S7; Yes), schedule information regarding the use of the EV 5, reflecting the unplanned event, is acquired (step S8). Examples of such unplanned events include a sudden plan to use the EV 5 notified via the user U's terminal 6, an unintended failure to establish communication with the EV stand 7, an unexpected change in the status of the EV 5 connected to the EV stand 7 (such as an inability to charge, or a notification of a chargeable amount different from the plan), etc. In the case of an unplanned event due to a malfunction or the like, schedule information such as the schedule information R1 and R2 may not be transmitted from an external source. In such cases, the information processing device 41 generates information corresponding to the schedule information reflecting the unplanned event in response to a process such as inputting the relevant information into the information processing device 41 by an administrator of the information processing device 41. Of course, if schedule information reflecting the unexpected event is obtained from the terminal 6 or the EV stand 7, the process of step S8 is completed upon obtaining the schedule information.

[0144] After the process of step S8, a process is performed to generate a consumption plan that reflects the unplanned event (step S9).

[0145] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process included in step S9 shown in FIG. 10. In step S9, the processes of steps S23, S24, and S25, which are included in the process of step S3 described with reference to FIG. 11, are performed, and then step S26 is performed. That is, the processes from step S23 to step S26 are repeated based on the schedule information reflecting the unplanned event obtained in step S8. However, because the correspondence information A1 has already been approved at the time of step S9, the planned chargeable amount per unit time cannot be changed. Therefore, the process of step S27 and step S28, which reduce the chargeable amount per unit time, are not included in step S9. In step S9, after step S26, a consumption plan is generated that reflects the already determined chargeable amount per unit time (step S30). The process of step S30 is highly likely to be successful because the margin of likelihood is ensured by the processes of step S22 and step S27, which are included in the process of step S3 previously performed.

[0146] Unless an unexpected event occurs (step S7; No), the process of step S8 and the process of step S9 are not performed. The information processing device 41 waits until the raising DR period starts (step S10; No), and when an unexpected event occurs (step S7; Yes), the process of step S8 and the process of step S9 are performed.

[0147] After the start timing of the upward DR period, during the upward DR period (step S10; Yes), the information processing device 41 implements the latest consumption plan that has already been generated (step S11). For example, charge control such as that described with reference to FIG. 5 is implemented. The process of step S11 continues unless the upward DR period ends. Note that if the upward DR period has not ended in the process of step S12 (step S12; No), the process proceeds to step S7 because an unexpected event may occur even during the upward DR period. Even in this case, the processes of steps S8 and S9 are performed as described above, and the consumption plan generated in the latest process of step S9 is implemented. When the upward DR period ends in the process of step S12 (step S12; Yes), the implementation of the response information A1 triggered by the request information Q1, which is upward DR request information, is completed, and the process by the information processing device 41 ends.

[0148] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the process flow for implementing a plan based on the correspondence information A1 generated by the process with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. After the process described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, if an unplanned event occurs in the latest consumption plan generated (step S47; Yes), schedule information regarding the use of the EV 5 that reflects the unplanned event is acquired (step S48). Examples of such unplanned events include a sudden planned use of the EV 5 notified via the user U's terminal 6, an unintended failure to establish communication with the EV stand 7, or an unexpected change in the status of the EV 5 connected to the EV stand 7 (e.g., inability to charge, notification of a chargeable amount different from the plan). In the case of an unplanned event such as a malfunction, schedule information such as schedule information R1 and R2 may not be transmitted from an external source. In such cases, the information processing device 41 generates information equivalent to schedule information that reflects the unplanned event. Of course, if schedule information reflecting the unplanned event is obtained from the terminal 6 or the EV stand 7, the process of step S48 is completed upon acquisition of the schedule information.

[0149] After the process of step S48, a process is performed to generate a consumption plan that reflects the unplanned event (step S49).

[0150] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process included in step S49 shown in FIG. 12. In step S49, the processes of steps S61, S64, and S65 included in the process of step S43 described with reference to FIG. 13 are performed, and then step S66 is performed. That is, the process of step S61 and the processes of steps S64 to S66 are repeated based on the schedule information reflecting the unplanned event obtained in step S48. However, because the correspondence information A1 has already been approved at the time of the process of step S49, the planned chargeable amount per unit time cannot be changed. Therefore, the process of step S67 and the process of step S68 to reduce the chargeable amount per unit time are not included in the process of step S49. In step S49, after the process of step S66, a supply plan is generated that reflects the already determined dischargeable amount per unit time (step S70). The process of step S70 is successful with an extremely high probability because a margin of likelihood is ensured by the processes of steps S62 and S67 included in the process of step S43 that was previously performed.

[0151] Unless an unexpected event occurs (step S47; No), the process of step S48 and the process of step S49 are not performed. The information processing device 41 waits until the lowering DR period starts (step S50; No), and when an unexpected event occurs (step S47; Yes), the process of step S48 and the process of step S49 are performed.

[0152] After the start timing of the downward DR period, during the downward DR period (step S50; Yes), the information processing device 41 implements the latest generated supply plan (step S51). For example, discharge control such as that described with reference to FIG. 8 is implemented. The process of step S51 continues unless the downward DR period ends. Note that if the downward DR period has not ended in the process of step S52 (step S52; No), the process proceeds to step S47 because an unexpected event may occur even during the downward DR period. Even in this case, the processes of step S48 and step S49 are performed as described above, and the supply plan generated in the latest process of step S49 is implemented. When the downward DR period ends in the process of step S52 (step S52; Yes), the implementation of the response information A1 triggered by the request information Q1, which is downward DR request information, is completed, and the process by the information processing device 41 ends.

[0153] The rule described with reference to FIG. 7 may be replaced with a rule according to other charging priorities within the scope of satisfying the second rule.

[0154] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example of a rule for setting a larger charge amount for a battery 51 with a larger chargeable amount.

[0155] First, as shown in "Phase 1" in FIG. 20, the information processing device 41 allocates the charge amount (power consumption amount) so as to charge only battery B1, which has the smallest remaining charge capacity, until the remaining charge capacity of battery B1 becomes the same as that of battery B2.

[0156] After the remaining charge capacity of battery B1 becomes the same as that of battery B2, the information processing device 41 allocates the charge amount (power consumption amount) to charge batteries B1 and B2 in parallel to the same degree until the remaining charge capacities of batteries B1 and B2 become the same as that of battery B3, as shown in "Phase 2" in Figure 20.

[0157] After the remaining charge capacities of batteries B1, B2, and B3 become the same, the information processing device 41 allocates the charge amount (power consumption amount) so that batteries B1, B2, and B3 are charged in parallel to the same degree, as shown in "Phase 3" in Figure 20.

[0158] The rule described with reference to Figure 20 can be said to be a rule in which a routine is repeated to charge the battery 51 with the lowest remaining charge capacity among multiple batteries 51 until the remaining charge capacity is equal to the remaining charge capacity of the battery 51 with the next lowest remaining charge capacity, until the remaining charge capacities of all of the multiple batteries 51 are the same, and batteries 51 with the same remaining charge capacity are charged in parallel at the same level.

[0159] 20, the fourth rule is also automatically satisfied because the battery 51 with the lowest remaining charge capacity is charged first, and thus the battery 51 with a remaining charge capacity equal to or greater than the lower operational limit is charged first.

[0160] According to the above-described embodiment, the charge / discharge control system 100 is a charge / discharge control system including an EV stand 7 to which an EV 5 having a battery 51 is connected and which charges / discharges the battery 51 between the EV stand 7 and a power grid PG, and an information processing device 41 that controls the operation of multiple EV stands 7 based on schedule information transmitted from a terminal 6 associated with the battery 51, which indicates the planned use of the battery 51, and information indicating the remaining charge capacity of the battery 51 obtained via the EV stand 7. Based on first request information (request information Q1 for an upward DR) indicating a request to consume a first predetermined amount of power (e.g., 6 kWh per hour) from the power grid PG during a pre-specified first time period (e.g., first time period DR1), the information processing device 41 generates a power consumption plan including information indicating an amount of power equal to or less than the first predetermined amount of power that can be consumed from the power grid PG by charging the battery 51 during the first time period, and based on second request information (request information Q1 for a downward DR) indicating a request to supply a second predetermined amount of power (e.g., 3 kWh per hour) to the power grid PG during a pre-specified second time period (e.g., second time period DR2), the information processing device 41 generates a power supply plan including information indicating an amount of power equal to or less than the second predetermined amount of power that can be supplied to the power grid PG by discharging the battery 51 during the second time period.

[0161] This will enable adjustment of power supply and demand in both power shortages and power surpluses, and will enable adjustment of power supply and demand during specified time periods.

[0162] Furthermore, by having information processing device 41 generate a power supply plan by determining the amount of discharge from battery 51 within a range of discharge amounts that does not cause the remaining charge capacity of battery 51 to fall below a predetermined minimum charge capacity (for example, the above-mentioned lower operational limit), it is possible to ensure a minimum driving distance when EV 5 having battery 51 is used as a vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to both reduce the impact on the operation of EV 5 as a vehicle and generate a power supply plan for a specified time period.

[0163] Furthermore, by generating the power supply plan by the information processing device 41 excluding from the discharge target the battery 51 of the EV 5, which is indicated in the schedule information as being scheduled to begin use as a vehicle during a first time period (e.g., first time period DR1), it is possible to both operate the EV 5 as a vehicle and generate a power supply plan for the specified time period.

[0164] Furthermore, by generating a power consumption plan in which the information processing device 41 gives priority to charging batteries 51 whose remaining charge capacity is less than a predetermined minimum charge capacity (for example, the above-mentioned lower operational limit), a power consumption plan can be generated that not only responds to the first request information (request information Q1 for increased DR) but also ensures that the minimum driving distance can be secured in the event that an EV5 having a battery 51 is used as a vehicle.

[0165] Furthermore, by generating a power consumption plan in which the information processing device 41 gives priority to charging the battery 51 of an EV 5, which is indicated in the schedule information as being scheduled to begin use as a vehicle in a first time period (e.g., first time period DR1), during the time period before the EV 5 begins use as a vehicle, a power consumption plan can be generated that not only responds to the first request information (request information Q1 for increased DR) but also ensures that the driving range of the EV 5 with the battery 51 can be more reliably secured.

[0166] Furthermore, by transmitting the request information Q1 from the server 12 of the electric power company that supplies power to the power grid PG, a request for power supply and demand adjustment and a flow of plans for responding to the request can be realized by information processing, through a processing flow in which response information A1 is sent from the information processing device 41 in response to the request information Q1 from the server 12.

[0167] Furthermore, by having the aggregator 4 use information processing by the information processing device 41 to centrally control the charging and discharging of the batteries 51 of multiple EVs 5 via multiple EV stands 7, a power supply and demand adjustment system for the power grid PG can be realized in which the contract between the power company 1 and the aggregator 4 and the contract between the aggregator 4 and users U who own EVs 5 are separated. In other words, the power company 1 no longer needs to make individual power supply and demand adjustment requests to each user U of multiple EVs 5, simplifying the targets of the requests. Also, it becomes easier to establish a system in which each user U of multiple EVs 5 can receive compensation from the aggregator 4 for providing the batteries 51 of their EVs for power supply and demand adjustment. In this way, by having the aggregator 4 manage the batteries 51 of multiple EVs 5, a smarter power supply and demand adjustment system can be realized.

[0168] The above embodiment is merely an example and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the technical features of the present invention. For example, the schedule information from the terminal 6 may further include additional information specifying the remaining charge capacity (%) of the battery 51 of the EV 5 owned by the user U of the terminal 6 by a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be, for example, the timing at which the EV 5 begins to be used as a vehicle during the DR period, but is not limited to this and may be a time determined for other reasons based on a request from the user U. When the additional information is included in the schedule information, the information processing device 41 applies, when generating the correspondence information A1, an additional rule that prioritizes prohibiting charging or discharging to fill the remaining charge capacity of the battery 51 specified in the additional information.

[0169] In the above-described embodiment, the "first request information indicating a request to consume a first predetermined amount of power from the power grid during a first pre-specified time slot" is exemplified by "request information Q11 indicating a request to consume 6 kW per hour from the power grid PG during a first time slot from 10:00 to 15:00." However, this is merely an example of the first time slot and the first predetermined amount of power, and is not limited thereto. In the above-described embodiment, the "second request information indicating a request to supply a second predetermined amount of power to the power grid during a second pre-specified time slot" is exemplified by "request information Q12 indicating a request to supply 3 kW per hour to the power grid PG during a second time slot from 17:00 to 22:00." However, this is merely an example of the second time slot and the second predetermined amount of power, and is not limited thereto. The first time slot, the first predetermined amount of power, the second time slot, and the second predetermined amount of power may be any time slot and amount of power required for adjusting power supply and demand. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 1. Electric power companies 2. Solar power generation facility 3. Power consumption facilities 4. Aggregators 5 EV 6 Terminals 7. EV stand 12 Servers 41 Information processing equipment 51 Battery 100 Charge and discharge control system A1 Compatibility Information Q1 Request information R1 and R2 schedule information U User

Claims

1. a charging / discharging facility to which an electric vehicle having a battery is connected and which charges / discharges the battery between the electric vehicle and a power grid; a charge / discharge control system including an information processing device that controls operations of a plurality of charging / discharging facilities based on schedule information that is information transmitted from a terminal associated with an electric vehicle and indicates a schedule for using the electric vehicle, and information that indicates a remaining charge capacity of the battery obtained through the charging / discharging facility, The information processing device includes: generating a power consumption plan based on first request information indicating a request to consume a first predetermined amount of power from the power grid during a first time period designated in advance, the power consumption plan including information indicating an amount of power equal to or less than the first predetermined amount of power that can be consumed from the power grid by charging the battery during the first time period; generating a power supply plan including information indicating an amount of power equal to or less than the second predetermined amount of power that can be supplied to the power grid by discharging the battery during a second time period designated in advance, based on second request information indicating a request to supply a second predetermined amount of power to the power grid during the second time period; Charge and discharge control system.

2. the information processing device determines the amount of discharge from the battery within a range of discharge amounts that does not cause the remaining charge capacity of the battery to fall below a predetermined minimum charge capacity, and generates the power supply plan. The charge / discharge control system according to claim 1 .

3. the information processing device generates the power supply plan by excluding from the target of discharge a battery of an electric vehicle that is indicated in the schedule information as being scheduled to start being used as a vehicle during the first time period. The charge / discharge control system according to claim 2 .

4. the information processing device generates the power consumption plan in such a way that charging of the battery whose remaining charge capacity is less than a predetermined minimum charge capacity is given higher priority. The charge / discharge control system according to claim 1 .

5. the information processing device generates the power consumption plan in which charging of a battery of an electric vehicle indicated in the schedule information as being scheduled to start being used as a vehicle in the first time slot is given priority during a time slot before the electric vehicle starts being used as a vehicle. The charge / discharge control system according to claim 4 .

6. The first request information and the second request information are transmitted from a server of an electric power company that supplies power to the power grid. The charge / discharge control system according to claim 1 .

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