Charge control system, charge control device, charge control method, and charge control program

Abstract

To provide a charging control system, a charging control device, a method, and a program which, when charging a plurality of electric vehicles, efficiently charge each electric vehicle without exceeding a set upper limit value of a current and while minimizing a surplus of usable power.SOLUTION: In the charging control system, the information processing device 300 functioning as the charging control device specifies the remaining power value of the available current by comparing the value of the already used current with the upper limit value indicated by the set current information when receiving the periodic connection from each charger 200, and determines the value of the charging current of the charger 200 so as to increase the value of the charging current of the charger 200 when the specified remaining power value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value and to decrease the value of the charging current of the charger 200 when the remaining power value is smaller than the threshold value. The determined value of the charging current is transmitted to the charger 200 to control charging of the electric vehicle by the charger 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charge control system, a charge control device, a charge control method, and a charge control program. Regarding the topic. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the introduction of electric vehicles has been promoted in order to realize a low-carbon society. In addition, devices and services for charging electric vehicles are also being provided. A technology for efficiently charging a large number of electric vehicles has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-154651 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the control master unit transmits difference information indicating the current margin to multiple Each control slave unit receives the difference information and the control slave unit controls it. The charging current of each charger is increased or decreased based on the current reference value of each charger. In this case, each slave unit may change the charging current without considering the changes made by other slave units. Based on the difference information sent from the control master unit, the charging current of the multiple chargers it controls is calculated. Therefore, each slave device must change the Change the charging current of the charger it controls without considering the total charging current, including the charging current. Therefore, even if the change amount of the charging current is the minimum current setting value, The total charging current of the multiple chargers controlled by each of the slave devices is the available current. This may cause problems if the total charging current exceeds the maximum value of the available If the maximum current value is exceeded, the control master unit sends differential information indicating this to each control slave unit. Each slave device then reduces the charging current of each charger based on the difference information. As a result, the total charging current falls below the maximum value, resulting in a large excess capacity. The following problem may also occur.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and when charging a plurality of electric vehicles, It does not exceed the set upper limit of the current and minimizes the available power margin. At the same time, we will develop a charging control system, charging control device, and charging control system for efficiently charging each electric vehicle. The present invention aims to provide a charging control method and a charging control program. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The charging control system consists of a charging control device that manages the charging current of the electric vehicle charger and one Each charger transmits a predetermined time to the charging control device via the network. A connection part that periodically connects at intervals, and when connected to the charging control device by the connection part a charging unit that performs charging based on a value of a charging current instructed by a charge control device; The charge control device includes a setting information acquisition unit, a specification unit, a determination unit, and a charge control unit. The setting information acquisition unit acquires setting current information that is the upper limit of the available charging current. When a periodic connection is received from each charger, the current value already used and the setting By comparing with the upper limit indicated by the current information, the available current margin value is calculated. If the spare capacity value identified by the identifying unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the determining unit: The charging current value of the charger is increased, and if the remaining capacity value is smaller than the threshold, the charging current value of the charger is increased. The charging control unit determines the value of the charging current of the charger so as to reduce the value of the charging current. The value of the charging current determined by the determination unit is transmitted to the charger, and the charger determines whether or not the charging current is being supplied. Controlling charging of electric vehicles.

[0007] The charging control device can accept connections from a plurality of electric vehicle chargers, and each charger The charging control device includes a setting information acquisition unit, a specification unit, a determination unit, and a charging The setting information acquisition unit acquires setting current information, which is an upper limit of the available charging current. When the identification unit receives a periodic connection from each charger, it acquires information about the charger that is already in use. By comparing the current value being used with the upper limit indicated by the set current information, The determining unit determines a possible current margin value. The determining unit determines whether the margin value determined by the determining unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. If the value is equal to or greater than the threshold, the charging current value of the charger is increased, and if the remaining capacity value is smaller than the threshold, If so, determine the value of the charging current of the charger so as to decrease the value of the charging current of the charger. The charge control unit transmits the value of the charging current determined by the determination unit to the charger. , and controls charging of the electric vehicle by the charger.

[0008] The charging control method is capable of accepting connections from a plurality of electric vehicle chargers, and each charger The charging control method is performed by a charging control device that manages the charging current of the battery. The method includes a setting information step, a specifying step, a determining step, and a charge control step. The acquisition step acquires set current information, which is the upper limit of the available charging current. When the charger accepts a periodic connection, the charger checks the current already in use and By comparing with the upper limit indicated by the set current information, the available current margin can be calculated. The determining step determines whether the margin value determined in the determining step is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. If the value is above the threshold, increase the charging current value of the charger. If the value is below the threshold, determines the value of the charging current of the charger so as to decrease the value of the charging current of the charger; The charge control step controls the charger to use the value of the charging current determined in the determination step. The charger transmits the signal to control charging of the electric vehicle.

[0009] The charge control program is configured to cause the information processing device to function as the charge control device. It is done. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The charging control device acquires set current information, which is the upper limit of the available charging current. When the control device receives a periodic connection from each charger, it checks the value of the current already in use. By comparing the current limit with the upper limit indicated by the set current information, the remaining available current is If the identified available power value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the charging control device The value of the charging current of the charger is increased, and if the remaining capacity value is smaller than the threshold value, the charging current of the charger is increased. The charging control device determines the value of the charging current of the charger so as to reduce the value of the charging current. The determined charging current value is transmitted to the charger, and the electric vehicle is charged by the charger. This allows the current limit to be set when charging multiple electric vehicles. The goal is to operate each electric vehicle efficiently without exceeding the target value and while minimizing the available power reserve. It can be charged automatically. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a charger. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an external server. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control unit of the information processing device. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process executed by the charging control system. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating how charging by a plurality of chargers is controlled by a charging control system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. The rates may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual rates.

[0013] <System configuration> First, a system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a plurality of electric vehicles 100 (electric vehicles 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, 100f ... 00b, ..., 100x), a plurality of chargers 200 (chargers 200a, 200b, ..., 200 x) is configured by an information processing device 300, an external server 400, and a user terminal 500. Each electric vehicle 100 and each charger 200 are connected by a dedicated charging cable. The charger 200, the information processing device 300, the external server 400, and the user terminal 500 are connected to each other via a network such as the Internet so that they can communicate with each other. The connections between the components are not limited to the above examples, and the components may be connected to each other by any method. The charger 200 and the information processing device 300 constitute a charging control system. do.

[0016] Each component will be described in detail below.

[0017] <100 Electric Vehicles> The electric vehicle 100 is a vehicle that can run using the power charged by the charger 200. The electric vehicle 100 is a so-called electric vehicle ( It can be a hybrid vehicle that can run on energy other than electricity. The type of electric vehicle 100 is not particularly limited, and may be one-wheeled, two-wheeled, or the like. , cars with three, four, or five or more wheels, motorcycles, scooters, kick scooters, It may be any vehicle, such as a skateboard.

[0018] <Charger 200> The charger 200 is a charging device for charging the battery of the electric vehicle 100. Chargers are installed in key user homes, offices, various stores, parking lots, etc. The chargers 200 can be controlled remotely via a network. The charger 200 may be installed within a charging spot (an area where the charger 200 is installed), or may be installed at multiple locations separated from each other. The charging stations may be installed in different charging spots.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the charger 200. As shown in FIG.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the charger 200 includes a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, a communication unit 230, and and a charging unit 240. The components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. In addition, each component is directly connected to the information processing device 300 via a network without going through a bus. may be connected to

[0021] The control unit 210 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In accordance with the program, the control of each of the above-mentioned components and various arithmetic processing are executed.

[0022] The storage unit 220 is a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various programs and data in advance. ly Memory), RAM ( It is equipped with a Random Access Memory (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0023] The communication unit 230 is an interface for communicating with other terminals and devices via a network. The communication unit 230 is, for example, a device for transmitting and receiving various data to and from the information processing device 300. To believe.

[0024] The charging unit 240 receives power supplied via a household outlet (for example, 200V) or the like. The electric vehicle 100 is controlled by the current value transmitted and set by the information processing device 300. Charge the battery.

[0025] When the electric vehicle 100 is connected to the charging unit 240, the communication unit 230 functions as a connection unit. The information processing device 300 is periodically connected at predetermined time intervals via the network. The electric appliance 200 sets the first time interval when the charging unit 240 is performing charging. When the device is connected to the information processing device 300 and charging is not being performed by the charging unit 240, connects to the information processing device 300 at a second time interval that is longer than the first time interval.

[0026] When charging is being performed by the charging unit 240, the charger 200 is connected to the communication unit 240 as described above. When the information processing device 300 is connected via 230, the charging current The charging unit 240 receives an instruction regarding the charging voltage from the information processing device 300. Charging of the electric vehicle 100 is performed based on the value of the current.

[0027] <Information processing device 300> The information processing device 300 provides a charge control service that appropriately controls the charger 200. The information processing device 300 is a server provided by a company or the like. , which functions as a charge control device.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information processing device 300. As shown in FIG.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 300 includes a control unit 310, a storage unit 320, a communication unit 33, and a 0 and an operation display unit 340. Each component is connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. It continues.

[0030] The control unit 310, the storage unit 320, and the communication unit 330 of the information processing device 300 are configured as follows: Since the configuration is similar to the corresponding configuration of the charger 200, a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0031] The operation display unit 340 displays various information and receives input from the user. The device is configured for operating the device, and is, for example, configured with a touch panel display. The display unit 340 includes a liquid crystal display, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, and It may be configured by a combination of the above.

[0032] The storage unit 320 includes the control unit 310, a setting information acquisition unit, a specification unit, a determination unit, a charging control unit, A program that functions as a change unit, timing setting unit, power amount acquisition unit, and calculation unit. The memory unit 320 also stores the program for executing the processes of the above units. For example, the storage unit 320 stores information about one charging spot. Indicates the upper limit of the charging current that can be used at a single charging spot or at multiple different charging spots separated by a distance. The storage unit 320 may store set current information, which is a value of the available current. The storage unit 3 may also store information indicating a threshold value of the available capacity for determining whether or not there is a capacity available. 20 includes increase step information indicating the increase width when increasing the charging current of the charger 200, or or increase rate information indicating the increase rate, decrease step information indicating the decrease width when decreasing, and decrease rate The storage unit 320 may also store information such as a rate of decline indicating the charger 2 according to the remaining capacity value. Table information for determining the degree of change when changing the charging current of 00 is also stored. The storage unit 320 also stores the upper limit value of the charging current output by each charger 200. The information processing device 300 may also store information about the upper and lower limits of the charger. The function of this will be described in detail later.

[0033] <External Server 400> The external server 400 is powered by a power generation system that uses natural energy such as solar power generation. This is a server that stores and provides information about the amount of electricity being output.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the external server 400. As shown in FIG.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the external server 400 includes a control unit 410, a storage unit 420, a communication unit 43, and a 0 and an operation display unit 440. Each component is connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. It continues.

[0036] The external server 400 includes a control unit 410, a storage unit 420, a communication unit 430, and an operation display unit. Since each component of 440 is the same as the corresponding component of the information processing device 300, a duplicated description will not be given. is omitted.

[0037] <User terminal 500> The user terminal 500 is a smartphone used by a user who charges the electric vehicle 100. These are information terminals such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and notebook PCs.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the user terminal 500. As shown in FIG.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, the user terminal 500 includes a control unit 510, a storage unit 520, a communication unit 53, and a 0 and an operation display unit 540. Each component is connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. It continues.

[0040] A control unit 510, a storage unit 520, a communication unit 530, and an operation display unit of the user terminal 500 Each component of the information processing device 540 is the same as the corresponding component of the information processing device 300, so a duplicated description will not be given. is omitted.

[0041] <Functions of information processing device 300> FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control unit of the information processing device.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, the information processing device 300 includes a CPU of a control unit 310 that stores data in a storage unit 320. The setting information acquisition unit 311 reads the stored program and executes the process. Identification unit 312, determination unit 313, charge control unit 314, change unit 315, timing setting unit 31 6, functions as a power amount obtaining unit 317 and a calculation unit 318.

[0043] The setting information acquisition unit 311 acquires setting current information, which is a value indicating the upper limit of the available charging current. You will benefit.

[0044] When the identification unit 312 receives a periodic connection from each charger 200, the identification unit 312 identifies the information processing device The value of the current already used by each charger 200 connected to the device 300 and the set current By comparing the information with the upper limit, the available current margin can be determined. do.

[0045] If the spare capacity value identified by the identifying unit 312 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the determining unit 313 If the remaining capacity value is smaller than the threshold value, the charging current value of the charger 200 is increased. The value of the charging current of the charger 200 is determined so as to decrease the value of the charging current of the charger 200. Determine.

[0046] The charging control unit 314 determines the value of the charging current determined by the determination unit 313 and 00 to control the charging of the electric vehicle 100 by the charger 200.

[0047] The setting information acquisition unit 311 acquires an increase amount indicating the increase width when increasing the charging current of the charger 200. step information and decreasing step information indicating the decreasing width when decreasing the charging current of the charger 200. In this case, the determination unit 313 may acquire the charging information instructed to the charger 200. The current value is acquired, and if the available power value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the charger 200 is instructed to The charge current value is calculated by adding the increase amount indicated by the increase step information to the charge current value. If the available capacity value is smaller than the threshold, the charging current value of 200 may be determined. The unit 313 decreases the charging current value instructed to the charger 200 by the decreasing step information. The value of the charging current of the charger 200 may be determined by subtracting the decrease width indicated by the arrows.

[0048] The setting information acquisition unit 311 also indicates the rate of increase when increasing the charging current of the charger 200. and decrease rate information indicating the decrease rate when the charging current of the charger 200 is decreased. In this case, the determination unit 313 may acquire the charging current instructed to the charger 200. If the margin value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the increase rate indicated by the increase rate information is is applied to the charge current value instructed to the charger 200, and the charger 2 If the available capacity value is smaller than the threshold, the determining unit 313 indicates the value of the charging current instructed to the charger 200, which is indicated by the decrease rate information. The value of the charging current of the charger 200 may be determined by applying a ramp-down rate.

[0049] The change unit 315 changes the degree of change when changing the charging current of the charger 200 according to the remaining capacity value. In this case, the determination unit 313 determines the value of the charging current instructed to the charger 200. If the margin value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the fluctuation determined by the change unit 315 is The value of the charging current instructed to the charger 200 is increased based on the degree of The value of the charging current of the electric appliance 200 may be determined. Also, if the available capacity value is smaller than the threshold value, The charger 200 is instructed to change the charger 200 based on the degree of change determined by the change unit 315. Alternatively, the value of the charging current of the charger 200 may be determined by decreasing the value of the charging current.

[0050] The setting information acquisition unit 311 acquires information relating to the upper limit of the charging current output by each charger 200. In this case, the determination unit 313 may further acquire charger upper limit information. The information may further be taken into consideration to determine the value of the charging current for each charger 200 .

[0051] The timing setting unit 316 determines when the plurality of chargers 200 are to be connected to the information processing device 300. The connection timing of each charger 200 is set so that the connection timing is different from each other.

[0052] The power amount acquisition unit 317 acquires the power output by the power generation system using natural energy. Get information about the quantity.

[0053] The calculation unit 318 calculates the amount of power used for charging based on the amount of power acquired by the power amount acquisition unit 317. In this case, the setting information acquisition unit 311 calculates the upper limit of the charging current that can be used. The set current information can be obtained based on the upper limit value calculated by 8.

[0054] <System processing flow> Figure 7 is a sequence chart showing the processing steps executed by the charging control system. The processes executed by each component shown in FIG. 7 are stored in the memory of each component as programs. The CPU of the control unit controls each unit to execute the program.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 7, each charger 200 (200a, 200b, . . . , 200x) has a pre-recorded It is determined whether or not the predetermined time interval stored in the memory unit 220 has elapsed (step S2 01). The charger 200 is being charged by the charging unit 240 of the charger 200. In this case, the first time interval is used as the predetermined time interval. 00 indicates that charging is not being performed by the charging unit 240 of the charger 200. The predetermined time interval is a second time interval that is longer than the first time interval. For example, the first time interval is a relatively short time of about several tens of seconds, and the second time interval is a relatively long time of about several minutes. In this embodiment, the first time interval is 30 seconds, and the second time interval is 10 seconds. The time interval is explained as 5 minutes.

[0056] If the predetermined time interval has not elapsed (step S201: NO), the charger 200 Wait until a predetermined time interval has elapsed.

[0057] If the predetermined time interval has elapsed (step S201: YES), the charger 200 charging information including various information related to charging by the device 200 is acquired and sent to the information processing device 300. (Step S202).

[0058] For example, when each charger 200 is turned on and begins to be used, the charger 200 0, and from that point on, the count of the specified time interval begins. Basically, each charger 200 is connected to the information processing device 300 at a different timing. A plurality of chargers 200 are connected to the information processing device 300 at the same time. In this case, the information processing device 300 uses a queue to accept connections from each charger 200. Here, the information processing device 300 sequentially executes the necessary processing. The connection timing of each charger 200 is set to be different from that of the information processing device 300. The plurality of chargers 200 may be connected at the set connection timing. After connecting to the information processing device 300, the information processing device 300 is reconnected at predetermined time intervals. Therefore, the information processing device 300 will be connected at different times thereafter.

[0059] The charging information includes identification information for identifying the charger 200, the status of the charger 200 (charging status), status information indicating whether the charger 20 is in operation, in standby, etc., instructed by the information processing device 300, The charging information includes information indicating the value of the charging current, which is set to 0. The information may include information indicating the value of the effective current and information indicating the power.

[0060] The information processing device 300 acquires the charging information transmitted from the charger 200 (step S 301).

[0061] The information processing device 300 identifies the available current margin (step S302). Specifically, the information processing device 300 receives the target charging information acquired in the process of step S301. The charging information of the charger 200 and the charging information set in the other chargers 200 stored in the storage unit 320 are stored. Based on the information about the charging current, the value of the current being used is obtained. The device 300 stores the value of the current currently being used and the set current information in the storage unit 320. The available charge current is calculated by comparing it with the upper limit of the available charging current stored in the Identify the flow margin value.

[0062] The information processing device 300 determines the charging current of the target charger 200 based on the identified remaining capacity value. For example, the information processing device 300 determines whether the available capacity value is greater than a predetermined threshold. If the value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the charging current value of the target charger 200 is increased, and the remaining capacity value is set to a predetermined threshold. If it is smaller than the value, the value of the charging current of the target charger 200 is reduced.

[0063] For example, the information processing device 300 may set the increase width when increasing the charging current of the charger 200. and a descending step indicating the amount of decrease when the charging current of the charger 200 is decreased. Step information is received and recorded by input from the user via the user terminal 500. In this case, the information processing device 300 may store the available capacity value in advance in the storage unit 320. If the value is equal to or greater than the specified value, the charge current is increased by a stepping up instruction to the charger 200. The value of the charging current of the charger 200 may be determined by adding the increase amount indicated by the information. Furthermore, if the remaining capacity value is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the information processing device 300 Subtract the decrease amount indicated by the decrease step information from the charge current value specified in 00. The value of the charging current of the charger 200 may be determined by the above.

[0064] Alternatively, the information processing device 300 may set the rate of increase when increasing the charging current of the charger 200. The increase rate information indicating the increase rate and the decrease rate indicating the decrease rate when the charging current of the charger 200 is reduced are input to the user. The data is received as an input from the user via the user terminal 500 and stored in advance in the storage unit 320. In this case, the information processing device 300 may store the remaining capacity value when the remaining capacity value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. is the rate of increase indicated by the rate of increase information of the charging current instructed to the charger 200. The value of the charging current of the charger 200 may be determined by applying the information When the remaining capacity value is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the information processing device 300 instructs the charger 200 The charge current value is reduced by applying the fall rate indicated by the fall rate information. The value of the charging current of the charger 200 may be determined.

[0065] Alternatively, the information processing device 300 varies the charging current of the charger 200 according to the remaining capacity value. For example, the information processing device 300 may change the degree of fluctuation in response to the available capacity value. Table information that varies the range of increase, the range of decrease, the rate of increase, and the rate of decrease is stored in advance. By doing so, the degree of fluctuation of the charging current may be varied depending on the remaining capacity value. The management device 300 uses a calculation formula or rule that causes the degree of fluctuation of the charging current to differ depending on the remaining capacity value. By storing the value, the degree of fluctuation of the charging current may be varied depending on the available capacity value. The information processing device 300 also generates a trained model that has been machine-learned using a large amount of training data. By using this, the degree of fluctuation of the charging current may be varied depending on the remaining capacity value. In this case, if the available capacity value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the information processing device 300 The value of the charging current instructed to the charger 200 is increased, and the charging of the charger 200 is accelerated. Further, when the available capacity value is greater than a predetermined threshold, the information processing device 300 may determine the value of the current. If it is smaller, the value of the charging current instructed to the charger 200 is changed based on the degree of fluctuation. In the above example, the charging current value of the charger 200 may be determined by decreasing the charging current value. The information processing device 300 determines whether the remaining capacity value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and then calculates the fluctuation degree of the charging current. Although an example of changing the threshold value has been described, the information processing device 300 may change the threshold value by comparing the Instead, the degree of fluctuation of the charging current may be changed according to the remaining capacity value.

[0066] The information processing device 300 determines the upper limit of the charging current output by the charger 200. This allows the information processing device 300 to Determine the charging current of the charger 200 taking into consideration the upper limit of the charging current output by 0. It is possible.

[0067] The information processing device 300 calculates the value of the charging current determined in the process of step S303 as follows: By transmitting the charging current information to the target charger 200, The value of the charging current is indicated to the

[0068] The target charger 200 performs the following based on the value of the charging current instructed by the information processing device 300: Charging of the electric vehicle 100 is performed (step S203). The time it takes from sending charging information to device 300 to receiving an instruction on charging current is It takes approximately 1 second.

[0069] <Processing example> For example, at a certain charging spot, the upper limit of the available charging current is 70A. The chargers 200 are set to three types, ie, chargers 200a to 200c. An example of the operation of the system will be described below using the case where each charger 20 is connected to the charger 300. The upper limit of the charging current output by 0 is set to 32A, and the lower limit is set to 6A. In addition, the upward step information is 4A, the downward step information is 6A, and the threshold of the reserve value is First, two chargers, charger 200a and charger 200b, are set to 3A. is connected to the information processing device 300 and charging starts first, and then the charger 200c is connected. This section explains the cases where this is the case.

[0070] <Example of early stage processing> First, the charger 200a and the charger 200b are sequentially started to be used. When the charger 200a and the charger 200b are connected to the information processing device 300 in sequence, the charger 200a and the charger 200b are connected to the information processing device 300 in sequence. The charging current of each charger 200b is set to the lower limit of 6 A. When the charger 200a and the charger 200b are connected to the information processing device 300 at predetermined time intervals, Since the force value is sufficiently greater than the threshold, an increase in the charging current is instructed based on the rising step information. As a result, the charging current of each of the chargers 200a and 200b is At this point, the current flowing through the charging spot increases to 32A, which is the upper limit for the 200. The current value used is 64A. The degree of fluctuation is varied depending on the reserve capacity value. Therefore, for example, if the reserve capacity is large, the rate of increase in charging current is increased. Charging can be done efficiently.

[0071] At this stage, the charger 200c starts to be used, and the charger 200c is connected to the information processing device 300. When connected to Charger 2, the available capacity is 6A, which is the upper limit of 70A minus the 64A currently in use. The charging current of 00c is set to the lower limit of 6A. At this point, The current used is 70A.

[0072] <Example of processing in the first cycle after three chargers are connected> Next, the charger 200a connects to the information processing device 300 after a predetermined time interval has elapsed. The current used at the charging spot is 70A, and the available capacity is 0A. Therefore, since the available capacity value is smaller than the threshold value of 3A, the information processing device 300 The charging current of the appliance 200a is reduced by 6A based on the descending step information and determined to be 26A. At this point, the current being used at the charging spot is 64A.

[0073] Next, the charger 200b connects to the information processing device 300 after a predetermined time interval has elapsed. The current used at the charging spot is 64A, and the remaining capacity is 6A. Therefore, since the available capacity value is equal to or greater than the threshold value of 3 A, the information processing device 300 The charging current of charger 200b is increased by 4A based on the rising step information. Since the charging current of 00b is already 32 A, which is the upper limit of the charger 200, 00 determines the charging current of the charger 200b to be 32A, taking into account the charger upper limit information. At this point, the current being used at the charging spot is 64A.

[0074] Next, the charger 200c connects to the information processing device 300 after a predetermined time interval has elapsed. The current used at the charging spot is 64A, and the available capacity is 6A. Therefore, since the available capacity value is equal to or greater than the threshold value of 3 A, the information processing device 300 The charging current of the battery 200c is increased by 4A based on the rising step information. The processing device 300 determines the charging current of the charger 200c to be 10 A. At this point, the charging stage The current value used in the pot is 68A.

[0075] <Example of processing for the second round after three chargers are connected> Next, the charger 200a connects to the information processing device 300 after a predetermined time interval has elapsed. The current used at the charging spot is 68A, and the remaining capacity is 2A. Therefore, since the available capacity value is smaller than the threshold value of 3A, the information processing device 300 The charging current of the appliance 200a is reduced by 6A based on the descending step information and determined to be 20A. At this point, the current being used at the charging spot is 62A.

[0076] Next, the charger 200b connects to the information processing device 300 after a predetermined time interval has elapsed. The current used at the charging spot is 62A, and the available capacity is 8A. Therefore, since the available capacity value is equal to or greater than the threshold value of 3 A, the information processing device 300 The charging current of charger 200b is increased by 4A based on the rising step information. Since the charging current of 00b is already 32 A, which is the upper limit of the charger 200, 00 determines the charging current of the charger 200b to be 32A, taking into account the charger upper limit information. At this point, the current being used at the charging spot is 62A.

[0077] Next, the charger 200c connects to the information processing device 300 after a predetermined time interval has elapsed. The current used at the charging spot is 62A, and the available capacity is 8A. Therefore, since the available capacity value is equal to or greater than the threshold value of 3 A, the information processing device 300 The charging current of the battery 200c is increased by 4A based on the rising step information. The processing unit 300 determines the charging current of the charger 200c to be 14 A. At this point, the charging stage The current value used in the pot is 66A.

[0078] <Example of processing in the third cycle after three chargers are connected> Next, the charger 200a connects to the information processing device 300 after a predetermined time interval has elapsed. The current used at the charging spot is 66A, and the available capacity is 4A. Therefore, since the available capacity value is equal to or greater than the threshold value of 3 A, the information processing device 300 The charging current of the device 200a is increased by 4A based on the rising step information, and is determined to be 24A. At this point, the current being used at the charging spot is 70A.

[0079] Next, the charger 200b connects to the information processing device 300 after a predetermined time interval has elapsed. The current used at the charging spot is 70A, and the available capacity is 0A. Therefore, since the available capacity value is smaller than the threshold value of 3A, the information processing device 300 The charging current of the appliance 200b is reduced by 6A based on the descending step information and determined to be 26A. At this point, the current being used at the charging spot is 64A.

[0080] Next, the charger 200c connects to the information processing device 300 after a predetermined time interval has elapsed. The current used at the charging spot is 64A, and the available capacity is 6A. Therefore, since the available capacity value is equal to or greater than the threshold value of 3 A, the information processing device 300 The charging current of the charger 200c is increased by 4A based on the rising step information. The charging current is determined to be 18A. At this point, the current used at the charging spot is The value is 68A.

[0081] After that, the same process is repeated to increase the upper limit of the charging current that can be used for charging. Within this range, the charging current of each charger 200 is autonomously adjusted, and multiple chargers 200 are used to It can efficiently charge as many as 100 electric vehicles.

[0082] <Example> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing how charging by a plurality of chargers is controlled by a charging control system. is.

[0083] The upper and lower tables show the results of charging at a certain charging spot (garage or parking lot), Six chargers 200 are connected to the information processing device 300, and each charger 200 is equipped with an electric automatic The figure shows the results of charging the electric vehicles 100 as they are connected one after another. The time when the electric vehicle 100 arrives at the charging spot and connects to the charging station, and the time when each electric vehicle 100 arrives at the charging spot and connects to the charging station The time to disconnect from the charger 200 to leave depends on the usage status of each electric vehicle 100. The amount of charging power required by each electric vehicle 100 also differs depending on the vehicle. It varies depending on the usage of the car 100.

[0084] The table above shows an example where the upper limit of the available charging current is set to 200A. The table below shows an example where the upper limit of the available charging current is set to 100A. The table on the left shows the amount of charging energy required for each charger 200 and the connection time of the electric vehicle 100. and the disconnection time, the connection time during which the electric vehicle 100 is connected, It shows the charging time during which charging is in progress and the percentage of charging time relative to the connected time. The graph shows the connection time of the electric vehicle 100 to each charger 200, the charging time of the electric vehicle 100, and the The time when charging is running (dark gray), the time when the electric vehicle 100 is connected but not charging, 10A shows the time when the electric vehicle 100 is not connected (light grey), and the time when the electric vehicle 100 is disconnected (light grey).

[0085] When the upper limit is 200A, charging six devices is faster than when the upper limit is 100A. Although the charging is completed, the electric vehicle 100 is connected to the charger 200 and charging is not being performed. In fact, the charging schedule when the upper limit is 200A is When the upper limit is 100A, the charging time ratio is 35%, while when the upper limit is 100A, the charging time ratio is 24%. That is, by setting the upper limit to 100 A, each electric vehicle 100 can be charged. By effectively utilizing the time when the device 200 is connected, the peak of power usage can be alleviated and power efficiency can be improved. In addition, the upper limit of the set current has been further reduced from 100A to 70A. Alternatively, even if the current is set to 50A, the electric vehicles 100 can be connected to the charger 200 one by one. This allows for effective use of available charging times and efficient charging of each electric vehicle. Cut.

[0086] In the above example, the upper limit of the charging current that can be used for charging is set in advance as set current information. Although the description has been given assuming that the information is stored in the storage unit 320, this is not limiting. For example, The information processing device 300 accesses the external server 400 and uses natural energy such as solar power generation. and acquiring information about the amount of power output by a power generation system using the energy. The upper limit of the charging current that can be used for charging may be calculated based on the amount of power. The information processing device 300 can acquire and use the calculated upper limit value as set current information. Cut.

[0087] As described above, the charging control system of this embodiment is The charging device includes an information processing device 300 that manages the charging current and one or more chargers 200. The device 200 periodically transmits the information to the information processing device 300 via the network at predetermined time intervals. When the information processing device 300 is connected to the The information processing device 300 performs charging based on the value of the upper limit of the available charging current. The information processing device 300 acquires set current information, which is the periodic connection information from each charger 200. When a connection is accepted, the current value already in use and the upper limit indicated by the set current information are used. The available current margin is determined by comparing the available current margin with the limit value. 0 is set to the value of the charging current of the charger 200 when the specified available capacity value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. If the available capacity value is smaller than the threshold, the value of the charging current of the charger 200 is decreased. The information processing device 300 determines the value of the charging current of the charger 200 so as to reduce the The determined value of the charging current is transmitted to the charger 200, and the charger 200 controls the charging current. This allows the charging of multiple electric vehicles to be controlled by the set While minimizing the available power reserve, each Electric vehicles can be charged efficiently.

[0088] According to the charging control system of this embodiment, a plurality of chargers 200 are connected to the information processing device 300. By simply connecting the chargers and setting the upper limit of the available current, each charger 200 periodically processes information. The battery is connected to the management device 300, and charging is performed by obtaining a charging current according to the power margin value. Therefore, the charging current of each charger 200 is autonomously controlled within the range of the upper limit of the available charging current. The charging speeds of the electric vehicles 100 are adjusted to be efficient by the multiple chargers 200. This can be done.

[0089] Furthermore, it can reduce peak power usage, easing the tightness of the power supply. It is possible.

[0090] Conventionally, for example, when a user installs multiple chargers 200 at a charging spot, It was necessary to significantly increase the number of amperes contracted with the power supplier to match the peak usage. According to the charging control system of this embodiment, the upper limit of the current is set, and the available power is The charging current of the plurality of chargers 200 can be efficiently adjusted within the range of the amount of charge. Therefore, it is possible to drive multiple electric vehicles1 without significantly increasing the contract amperage. 00 can be efficiently charged.

[0091] Furthermore, the information processing device 300 may be configured to calculate a voltage that indicates the increase width when increasing the charging current of the charger 200. The rising step information and the falling step information indicating the falling width when the charging current of the charger 200 is reduced are The information processing device 300 further acquires charging information instructed to the charger 200. The current value is acquired, and if the available power value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the charger 200 is instructed to The information processing device adds the increase width indicated by the increase step information to the value of the charging current stored in the storage device. When the remaining capacity value is smaller than the threshold value, the charger 300 stops the charging operation instructed to the charger 200. The falling width indicated by the falling step information is subtracted from the current value. The increase or decrease of the charging current of the charger 200 can be appropriately adjusted by any increase or decrease range. can.

[0092] The information processing device 300 also detects the rate of increase when increasing the charging current of the charger 200. The charge current of the charger 200 is reduced by the increase rate information and the decrease rate information. The information processing device 300 further acquires the value of the charging current instructed to each charger 200. If the margin value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the increase rate indicated by the increase rate information is used. The charge current is increased by applying the command to the charger 200. 0 is the charging current instructed to the charger 200 when the available capacity value is smaller than the threshold value. The value is decreased by applying the decrease rate indicated by the decrease rate information. The charge current of 00 can be adjusted appropriately by any rate of increase or decrease. do.

[0093] Furthermore, the information processing device 300 varies the charging current of the charger 200 according to the remaining capacity value. The information processing device 300 determines the degree of fluctuation in the charging time instructed to each charger 200. If the reserve current value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the value is calculated based on the determined degree of fluctuation. The charger 200 is instructed to increase the value of the charging current based on the information processing device 30. 0, if the remaining capacity value is smaller than the threshold, the charger 2 is This reduces the charging current value indicated by 00. This reduces the degree of fluctuation according to the remaining capacity value. For example, when the reserve capacity is large, the degree of increase in the charging current can be By increasing the power consumption and minimizing the available power reserve, charging can be performed efficiently. In addition, when the remaining capacity is small, the rate of increase in charging current is reduced. By finely adjusting the charging current of each charger 200, efficient charging can be achieved. It is possible.

[0094] Furthermore, the information processing device 300 determines the upper limit of the charging current output by each charger 200. The charger upper limit information is acquired, and the charge current value is calculated by taking the charger upper limit information into consideration. This allows the charger 200 to perform charging while taking into consideration the upper limit of the current that can be output. Therefore, it is possible to avoid placing an excessive load on the charger 200 while improving the performance of the charger 200. This maximizes the battery's capacity, allowing for efficient and safe charging.

[0095] Furthermore, when charging is being performed by the charging unit 240, the charger 200 The device is connected to the information processing device 300 at regular intervals, and charging is performed by the charging unit 240. If not, the information processing device 300 is connected at a second time interval longer than the first time interval. As a result, while the charger 200 is performing charging, The charger 200 can be connected to the information processing device 300 to adjust the charging current. Charging by the charger 200 can be efficiently performed. While the above is not being executed, the charger 200 is connected to the information processing device 300 at relatively long time intervals. By connecting them, it is possible to reduce waste of processing resources and power consumption.

[0096] Furthermore, the information processing device 300 is configured such that a plurality of chargers 200 are connected to the information processing device 300. The timing is set to be different for each charger 200. The information processing device 300 is connected to the charging current determined based on the available power at that time. By performing charging using this method, each electric vehicle 100 can be charged efficiently.

[0097] The information processing device 300 also uses a power generation system that uses natural energy. The information processing device 300 acquires information about the amount of power that is used. The upper limit of the charging current that can be used for charging is calculated, and the set current information is set based on the calculated upper limit. This allows the amount of power output from solar power generation etc. to be monitored, as it fluctuates depending on the situation. Even when charging using a power system, the amount of power that can be used is determined based on the amount of power output. The upper limit of the charging current can be set. Even when charging multiple electric vehicles using the same system, the upper limit of the available current is set. The goal is to operate each electric vehicle efficiently without exceeding the target value and while minimizing the available power reserve. It can be charged automatically.

[0098] A plurality of chargers 200 may be installed in one charging spot. For example, public transport depots such as bus and taxi depots and various other businesses that use multiple vehicles are used. The charging spots are garages of businesses, parking lots of stores and homes, etc. A plurality of chargers 20 installed at charging spots 0 to the information processing device 300 and set the upper limit of the available current. The current limit is not exceeded and the available power margin is minimized. This allows for efficient charging of multiple electric vehicles.

[0099] Furthermore, multiple chargers 200 may be installed in multiple different charging spots that are spaced apart. This allows multiple chargers 200 to be connected regardless of where the chargers 200 are installed. Therefore, when charging, the current limit is not exceeded and the battery is usable. This allows for efficient charging while minimizing the remaining power. Virtual Power Plant (VPP) , a case where a predetermined amount of power is supplied to a plurality of different charging spots that are separated from each other may be considered. Even in such cases, multiple chargers installed in different charging spots that are far apart can be used. When charging with 200, the current limit set by the battery must not be exceeded. Charging can be performed efficiently while minimizing the available excess power.

[0100] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and each modification. Various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0101] For example, the information processing device 300 may be the same as those described separately in the above-described embodiment and each modification. The processes described above can be executed in any suitable combination.

[0102] The system 1 also includes an electric vehicle 100, a charger 200, an information processing device 300, The external server 400 and the user terminal 500 are configured as follows: It may contain other components or may contain some of the above components. It's not necessary.

[0103] Furthermore, the functions of each component may be realized by other components. Some of the functions described as being possessed by the management device 300 are also included in the electric vehicle 100 and the charger 20. 0, an external server 400, or a user terminal 500. Good too.

[0104] Also, an electric vehicle 100, a charger 200, an information processing device 300, an external server 400, and user terminal 500 may each be composed of multiple devices, or It may be configured as a single device.

[0105] The processing in the system according to the embodiment described above is performed in accordance with the sequence chart It may include steps other than the steps mentioned above, or may include some of the steps mentioned above. The order of steps is not limited to that of the above embodiment. Each step may be combined with other steps to be performed as a single step; It may be executed as part of another step, or may be divided into multiple steps. stomach.

[0106] In addition, some steps in the above sequence chart may be omitted, and other steps may be omitted. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously, and some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. The process may be divided into multiple steps and executed.

[0107] The means and method for performing various processes in the system according to the above-described embodiment are It can be realized either by hardware circuitry or by a programmed computer. The program can be stored on a flexible disk or a CD-ROM. The present invention may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a microcomputer. It may also be provided online via a network such as a computer. - A program recorded on a readable recording medium is usually stored in a memory such as a hard disk. The above program is also available as a standalone application software. It may be provided as a function of the system or may be incorporated into the software of the device. good. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 system, 100(100a, 100b, …, 100x) electric vehicles, 200(200a, 200b,…, 200x) charger, 210 control section, 220 storage section, 230 Communications Department, 240 live parts, 300 information processing device, 310 control section, 311 setting information acquisition unit, 312 Specific Department; 313 Decision Division, 314 charging control unit, 315 Changes Division, 316 timing setting unit, 317 Electric energy acquisition section, 318 Calculation Unit, 320 storage section, 330 Communications Department, 340 Operation display section, 400 External Server, 410 control section, 420 storage section, 430 Communications Department, 440 Operation display section, 500 user terminals, 510 control section, 520 storage section, 530 Communications Department, 540 Operation display section.

Claims

1. a charging control device that manages the charging current of the electric vehicle charger; one or more of the chargers; Each of the chargers is A connection that periodically connects to the charging control device via a network at predetermined time intervals. The sequel and When the connection unit is connected to the charge control device, the charge control device instructs a charging unit that performs charging based on a value of a charging current, The charging control device a setting information acquisition unit that acquires setting current information that is an upper limit value of a usable charging current; When a periodic connection is received from each of the chargers, the value of the current already used and the previous By comparing the set current information with the upper limit value, the available current is a specifying unit that specifies a spare capacity value; When the remaining capacity value identified by the identification unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the charger If the remaining capacity value is smaller than the threshold value, the charging current value of the charger is increased. a determination unit that determines a value of a charging current of the charger so as to reduce the value of the charging current; The value of the charging current determined by the determination unit is transmitted to the charger, a charging control unit that controls charging of the electric vehicle by the device; A charging control system having:

2. The setting information acquisition unit is configured to acquire an increase status indicating an increase width when increasing the charging current of the charger. and decrease step information indicating a decrease width when reducing the charging current of the charger. Get more, The determination unit acquires a value of a charging current instructed to the charger, and determines whether the remaining capacity is a predetermined value. If the charging current is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the charging current is increased to the value instructed to the charger. If the increase indicated by the information is added and the margin value is smaller than the threshold value, The charging current value indicated by the descending step information is 2. The charging control system according to claim 1, wherein the value of the charging current of the charger is determined by subtracting the falling width. Tem.

3. The setting information acquisition unit acquires increase rate information indicating an increase rate when increasing the charging current of the charger. and further acquires information indicating a rate of decrease when reducing the charging current of the charger. 、 The determination unit acquires a value of a charging current instructed to each of the chargers, and determines whether the remaining capacity is a predetermined value. If the increase rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the increase rate indicated by the increase rate information is applied to the charger. If the charging current is increased by applying the charge current to the specified value, and the charging current is increased by applying the charge current to the specified value, the charging current is increased by applying the charge current to the specified value. In this case, the value of the charging current instructed to the charger is 2. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the value of the charging current of the charger is determined by applying a fall rate. Control system.

4. A variable that determines the degree of fluctuation when varying the charging current of the charger according to the remaining capacity value. further having a further portion, The determination unit acquires a value of a charging current instructed to each of the chargers, and determines whether the remaining capacity is a predetermined value. If the value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the change unit changes the value based on the degree of fluctuation determined by the change unit. The value of the charging current instructed to the charger is increased, and the remaining capacity value is smaller than the threshold value. In this case, the charger is instructed to change the charger based on the degree of change determined by the change unit.

2. The charging current value of the charger according to claim 1, wherein the charging current value of the charger is determined by decreasing the charging current value of the charger. Charging control system.

5. The setting information acquisition unit acquires charging information relating to an upper limit value of a charging current output by each of the chargers. Obtain more electrical appliance limit information, The determination unit determines the value of the charging current by further taking into consideration the charger upper limit value information. The charging control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The connection portion of the charger is connected to a first The charging control device is connected at time intervals, and charging is not being performed by the charging unit. If the battery is not connected to the charging control device, the charging control device is connected to the charging control device at a second time interval that is longer than the first time interval. The charging control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The plurality of chargers are connected to the charge control device at different timings.

5. The charging control system according to claim 1, further comprising a timing setting unit for setting the Tem.

8. Obtaining information on the amount of power output by a power generation system using natural energy an electric power amount acquiring unit; A charging power available for charging is calculated based on the amount of power acquired by the power amount acquisition unit. a calculation unit that calculates an upper limit value of the flow, The setting information acquisition unit acquires the setting information based on the upper limit value calculated by the calculation unit.

5. The charging control system according to claim 1, wherein current information is acquired.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a plurality of the chargers are installed in one charging spot. On-board charging control system.

10. Claims 1 to 4: The plurality of chargers are installed in a plurality of different charging spots spaced apart from each other.

10. The charging control system according to claim 9, wherein

11. It can accept connections from multiple electric vehicle chargers and manage the charging current of each charger. A charge control device comprising: a setting information acquisition unit that acquires setting current information that is an upper limit value of a usable charging current; When a connection is accepted from each of the chargers at a predetermined interval, the amount of current already used is The available current is determined by comparing the value with the upper limit indicated by the set current information. a determination unit that determines a current margin value that can be used; When the remaining capacity value identified by the identification unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the charger If the remaining capacity value is smaller than the threshold value, the charging current value of the charger is increased. a determination unit that determines a value of a charging current of the charger so as to reduce the value of the charging current; The value of the charging current determined by the determination unit is transmitted to the charger, a charging control unit that controls charging of the electric vehicle by the device; A charging control device having the same.

12. It can accept connections from multiple electric vehicle chargers and manage the charging current of each charger. A charge control method executed by a charge control device, a setting information acquisition step of acquiring setting current information that is an upper limit value of a usable charging current; When a connection is accepted from each of the chargers at a predetermined interval, the amount of current already used is The available current is determined by comparing the value with the upper limit indicated by the set current information. a determining step of determining a current headroom value that can be determined; If the spare capacity value identified in the identifying step is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, The value of the charging current of the charger is increased, and if the remaining capacity value is smaller than the threshold value, the charging determining a value of the charging current of the charger so as to reduce the value of the charging current of the charger; and, The value of the charging current determined in the determining step is transmitted to the charger. a charge control step of controlling charging of the electric vehicle by the charger; A charge control method including:

13. A charge control program for causing an information processing device to function as the charge control device according to claim 11. Grams.

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