Charging system

Abstract

This invention provides a charging system that can reduce electricity costs associated with charging devices used by users while they are out, while also preventing devices from running out of charge. [Solution] The control device 20 (charging schedule creation unit) sets a first charging period, which is a period of time when the electric vehicle 2 can be charged, and a second charging period, which is a period of time when the electric vehicle 2 can be charged, but whose end time is later than the end time of the first charging period (step S12). In the first charging period, the scheduled charging periods are set in order from the period with the lowest electricity rate so that the amount of charge to the first target charge value (step S16) can be secured (step S17). In the second charging period, the scheduled charging periods are set in order from the period with the lowest electricity rate so that the amount of charge to the second target charge value (step S16), which is greater than the first target charge value, can be secured (step S17).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of a charging system for charging devices such as electric vehicles used when a user goes out.

Background Art

[0002] In order to suppress the electricity cost for charging an electric vehicle (EV), it is desirable to charge during a time period when the electricity price per unit is low. For this reason, conventionally, instead of starting charging immediately after the electric vehicle is connected to the power supply cable, a method of shifting the charging time period to a time period when the electricity price per unit is low is used (Patent Document 1).

[0003] However, in the case of normal charging, it is difficult for the charging section provided in the building to grasp the remaining charge amount of the electric vehicle. Therefore, when the electric vehicle is connected to the power supply cable, it is impossible to directly grasp how much time is required until full charge. For this reason, when the prediction of the usage plan of the electric vehicle is greatly off, the departure time of the electric vehicle may be met in a state where the charging of the electric vehicle is not sufficient, and the charge amount may be insufficient.

[0004] Therefore, a charging system that can achieve both reduction of the electricity cost for charging a device such as an electric vehicle used when a user goes out and avoidance of insufficient charging of the device is desired.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] This invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide a charging system that can achieve both a reduction in electricity costs for charging devices used by users when they are out and about, and a avoidance of insufficient charge for those devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The problems that this invention aims to solve are as described above, and the means for solving these problems will now be explained.

[0008] In other words, claim 1 comprises a charging unit capable of charging the battery of a device used when the user is out, and a charging schedule creation unit that creates a charging schedule by the charging unit based on the electricity rate per unit for different time periods, wherein the charging schedule creation unit sets a first charging period which is a period during which the device can be charged, and a second charging period which is a period during which the device can be charged and whose end time is later than the end time of the first charging period, sets the scheduled charging periods in order from the period with the lowest electricity rate per unit so that a first charging target value can be secured in the first charging period, and sets the scheduled charging periods in order from the period with the lowest electricity rate per unit so that a second charging target value, which is greater than the first charging target value can be secured in the second charging period.

[0009] In claim 2, the charging schedule creation unit sets the end time of the first charging period based on the earliest departure time of the device within the most recent predetermined period.

[0010] In claim 3, the charging schedule creation unit predicts the next charge usage of the device and sets the first charging target value to a value obtained by subtracting the remaining charge of the device before charging begins from the predicted next charge usage.

[0011] In claim 4, the first charging time period includes a first charging time period, the second charging time period includes a second charging time period whose end time is later than the end time of the first charging time period, and a third charging time period whose end time is later than the end time of the second charging time period, the first charging target value includes a first charging target value, and the charging schedule creation unit sets the scheduled charging time periods in order from the time periods with the lowest electricity rates so that a charging amount of a second charging target value greater than the first charging target value can be secured in the second charging time period, and sets the scheduled charging time periods in order from the time periods with the lowest electricity rates so that a charging amount of a third charging target value greater than the second charging target value can be secured in the third charging time period.

[0012] In claim 5, the charging schedule creation unit sets the end time of the second charging time period based on the average departure time of the equipment over the most recent predetermined period.

[0013] In claim 6, the charging schedule creation unit predicts the next charge usage of the device and sets the second charging target value to the predicted next charge usage.

[0014] In claim 7, the charging schedule creation unit sets the third charging target value to a value at which the device is fully charged. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The present invention provides the following effects:

[0016] Claim 1 makes it possible to achieve both a reduction in electricity costs for charging devices used by the user when they are out, and to avoid insufficient charge of such devices.

[0017] Claim 2 makes it possible to better avoid insufficient charge of the device.

[0018] In claim 3, it is possible to ensure the remaining charge amount planned to be used next time.

[0019] In claim 4, it is possible to further achieve both reduction of the electricity cost for charging the device used when the user goes out and avoidance of insufficient charging of the device.

[0020] In claim 5, it is possible to further avoid insufficient charging of the device.

[0021] In claim 6, regardless of the remaining charge amount before the start of charging, it is possible to ensure the remaining charge amount planned to be used next time.

[0022] In claim 7, it is possible to further avoid insufficient charging of the device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of a charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Flowchart showing charge control. [Figure 3] Diagram showing an example of the remaining charge amount of an electric vehicle and the JPEX unit price by time zone. [Figure 4] Diagram showing an example of the remaining charge amount of an electric vehicle in the “minimum” pattern. [Figure 5] Diagram showing an example of the remaining charge amount of an electric vehicle in the “average” pattern. [Figure 6] Diagram showing an example of the remaining charge amount of an electric vehicle in the “most advantageous” pattern.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, the charging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0025] A charging system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention charges the battery of a device used by the user when they are out (a device used in a location away from a charging station). In this embodiment, the charging system 1 charges the battery of an electric vehicle 2 (EV). The charging system 1 creates a charging schedule for the electric vehicle 2 and charges the electric vehicle 2 based on the created charging schedule. The charging system 1 comprises a charging device 10 and a control device 20.

[0026] The charging device 10 is used to charge the electric vehicle 2. The charging device 10 is installed in a building such as a house, for example, on the exterior wall near a garage. The charging device 10 is equipped with an outlet to which a power supply cable 11 for charging the electric vehicle 2 is connected. By connecting one end of the power supply cable 11 to the outlet of the charging device 10 and the other end of the power supply cable 11 to the charging port of the electric vehicle 2, the electric vehicle 2 can be made ready for charging.

[0027] In this embodiment, the storage capacity of the battery of the electric vehicle 2 is assumed to be 40 [kWh], and the output from the charging device 10 is assumed to be 6 [kW].

[0028] The control device 20 controls the power supply from the charging device 10. The control device 20 creates a charging schedule for the electric vehicle 2 based on the usage status of the electric vehicle 2 and the electricity rate per unit (JPEX price) for each time of day. The electricity rate per unit of day is calculated using the price for every 30 minutes (48 time slots per day) (see Figure 3, etc.). The electricity rate per unit of day may be a fixed value or a predicted value. The control device 20 carries out charging of the electric vehicle 2 from the charging device 10 according to the created charging schedule.

[0029] Specifically, the control device 20 creates a charging schedule for the electric vehicle 2 in three patterns (stages): "minimum," "average," and "most advantageous." First, in the "minimum" pattern, the control device 20 sets the planned charging time and amount for the electric vehicle 2 so that at least the amount of charge intended for use the following day is secured by the earliest possible time when the electric vehicle 2 is likely to depart the following day, taking into account the predicted charge level of the electric vehicle 2 when it returns home on the current day. Next, in the "average" pattern, the control device 20 sets the planned charging time and amount for the electric vehicle 2 so that the amount of charge intended for use the following day is secured more reliably, without relying on the predicted charge level of the electric vehicle 2 when it returns home on the current day. Finally, in the "most advantageous" pattern, the control device 20 sets the planned charging time and amount for the electric vehicle 2 so that the electric vehicle 2 is fully charged.

[0030] Furthermore, the control device 20 is equipped with a storage unit capable of storing various types of data. The storage unit stores past data on the return time and departure time of the electric vehicle 2. The return time of the electric vehicle 2 is obtained based on the time when the electric vehicle 2 was connected to the power supply cable 11. The departure time of the electric vehicle 2 is obtained based on the time when the connection between the electric vehicle 2 and the power supply cable 11 was disconnected. The storage unit also stores past data on the amount of charge supplied from the charging device 10 to the electric vehicle 2.

[0031] The charging control of electric vehicle 2 will be explained below using the flowchart shown in Figure 2. The charging control shown in Figure 2 is started before the electric vehicle 2's usual return time (for example, 6 PM) and is executed once a day.

[0032] In step S11, the control device 20 determines whether the power supply cable 11 from the charging device 10 is connected to the electric vehicle 2. If the control device 20 determines that the power supply cable 11 from the charging device 10 is connected to the electric vehicle 2 (YES in step S11), it proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if the control device 20 determines that the power supply cable 11 from the charging device 10 is not connected to the electric vehicle 2 (NO in step S11), it executes the process in step S11 again.

[0033] In step S12, the control device 20 sets the charging time period. In this process, the control device 20 sets multiple charging time periods based on data of the electric vehicle 2's past departure times (the time when the connection between the electric vehicle 2 and the power supply cable 11 was disconnected). Here, "charging time period" means the time period during which the electric vehicle 2 can be charged by the charging device 10, or in other words, the time period from the time of return home on the day to the scheduled departure time the following day.

[0034] In this embodiment, the control device 20 sets the charging time period for each of the three patterns: "minimum," "average," and "most favorable."

[0035] The charging time period for the "minimum" pattern (hereinafter referred to as the "first charging time period") is set to the time period with the earliest end time compared to the other patterns ("average" and "most favorable"). The first charging time period is set, for example, to the time period until the earliest departure time in the most recent predetermined period.

[0036] The charging time period for the "average" pattern (hereinafter referred to as the "second charging time period") is set to a time when the end time is later than the "minimum" pattern and earlier than the "most advantageous" pattern. The second charging time period is set, for example, to the time period up to the average departure time (the average of past departure times) in the most recent predetermined period.

[0037] The charging time slot for the "most advantageous" pattern (hereinafter referred to as the "third charging time slot") is set to the latest time slot compared to the other patterns ("minimum" and "average"). The third charging time slot is set to a time slot that is later than the average departure time in the most recent predetermined period (for example, the latest departure time in the most recent period, or a few hours (minutes) before that).

[0038] Figure 3 shows an example of the first, second, and third charging time slots. In Figure 3 and the examples shown in Figures 4 to 6 below, it is assumed that the time of return home on the day (the time when the power supply cable 11 is connected to the electric vehicle 2) is 18:00. In Figure 3 and the examples shown in Figures 4 to 6 below, the "first charging time slot" is set from 18:00 to 6:00 the next day, the "second charging time slot" is set from 18:00 to 9:00 the next day, and the "third charging time slot" is set from 18:00 to 12:00 the next day.

[0039] After performing the processing in step S12, the control device 20 proceeds to step S13.

[0040] In step S13, the control device 20 predicts the charge usage for the day. Here, "charge usage" refers to the amount of charge used by the electric vehicle 2 (the amount of electricity used by the electric vehicle 2). In other words, "charge usage for the day" is the amount of electricity used by the electric vehicle 2 from the departure time to the return time on that day. The charge usage for the day is predicted using machine learning or the like based on past performance such as charge amounts. Hereinafter, the predicted value of charge usage will be referred to as "predicted charge usage". The control device 20 cannot directly obtain the remaining charge of the electric vehicle 2, but it can obtain when the battery of the electric vehicle 2 has been fully charged (i.e., the amount of charge until it is fully charged). The control device 20 can learn charge usage by working backward from the amount of charge on the day following the day when it was fully charged.

[0041] After performing the processing in step S13, the control device 20 proceeds to step S14.

[0042] In step S14, the control device 20 estimates the remaining charge of the electric vehicle 2 at the time of returning home that day. Hereinafter, the estimated remaining charge at the time of returning home that day will be referred to as the "estimated remaining charge". The estimated remaining charge is calculated by the following formula 1.

[0043] Estimated remaining charge = (Estimated remaining charge at departure on the day) - (Predicted charge usage on the day) ... Equation 1

[0044] Note that the "predicted charge usage for the day" in Equation 1 is obtained in step S13. Also, the "estimated remaining charge at departure on the day" is obtained in step S21 or S22, described later, in the charge control performed the previous day. Note that when the charge control shown in Figure 3 is performed for the first time, the estimated remaining charge at departure on the day may be entered by the user. In this embodiment, the "estimated remaining charge" is assumed to be 10 [kWh].

[0045] After performing the processing in step S14, the control device 20 proceeds to step S15.

[0046] In step S15, the control device 20 predicts the charge usage for the following day. The charge usage for the following day is predicted using machine learning or the like based on past performance data such as charge amount. In this way, the predicted charge usage for the following day is obtained. In this embodiment, the "predicted charge usage for the following day" is assumed to be 25 [kWh].

[0047] After performing the processing in step S15, the control device 20 proceeds to step S16.

[0048] In step S16, the control device 20 sets the charging target value. Here, the "charging target value" refers to the target amount of charge for the electric vehicle 2, or in other words, the amount of electricity that should be charged to the electric vehicle 2 by the time of departure the next day. The charging target value is set for each of the three patterns: "minimum," "average," and "most advantageous." Hereinafter, the charging target value in the "minimum" pattern will be referred to as the "first charging target value," the charging target value in the "average" pattern will be referred to as the "second charging target value," and the charging target value in the "most advantageous" pattern will be referred to as the "third charging target value."

[0049] The first charging target value (the charging target value in the "minimum" pattern) is calculated by the following equation 2.

[0050] First charging target value = (Predicted charge usage for the next day) - (Estimated remaining charge) ... Equation 2

[0051] Note that the "predicted charge usage for the next day" in Equation 2 is obtained in step S15. Also, the "estimated remaining charge" is obtained in step S14. In the example shown in Figure 4, the first charging target value is set to 15kWh, which is the value obtained by subtracting the estimated remaining charge (10kWh) from the predicted charge usage for the next day (25kWh). Thus, in the "minimum" pattern, the first charging target value is set so that at least the predicted charge usage for the next day is secured. Note that the first charging target value may also be set to a value obtained by adding a predetermined value (for example, 5[kWh]) to the value calculated in Equation 2 above (for example, 20[kWh]) to allow for a margin.

[0052] Furthermore, the second charging target value (the charging target value in the "average" pattern) is calculated by the following equation 3.

[0053] Second charging target value = predicted charge usage for the next day... Equation 3

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 5, the second charging target value is set to 25kWh, which is the predicted charge usage for the following day. Thus, in the "average" pattern, the second charging target value is set so that the charge usage for the following day is secured, regardless of the remaining charge when returning home on the current day.

[0055] Furthermore, the third charging target value (the charging target value in the "most advantageous" pattern) is set to the value at which electric vehicle 2 is fully charged. Specifically, the third charging target value is calculated by the following formula 4.

[0056] Third charging target value = (storage capacity) - (estimated remaining charge) ... Equation 4

[0057] In Equation 4, "storage capacity" refers to the storage capacity of the battery of electric vehicle 2. "Estimated remaining charge" is obtained in step S14. In the example shown in Figure 6, the third charging target value is set to 30kWh, which is the value obtained by subtracting the estimated remaining charge (10kWh) from the storage capacity (40kWh) of electric vehicle 2. Thus, in the "most advantageous" pattern, the third charging target value is set so that electric vehicle 2 is fully charged.

[0058] After performing the processing in step S16, the control device 20 proceeds to step S17.

[0059] In step S17, the control device 20 creates a charging schedule that minimizes the electricity cost for charging in each of the "minimum," "average," and "most advantageous" patterns.

[0060] Specifically, the control device 20 first sets the scheduled charging time periods in the first charging-available time period, starting with the time periods with the lowest electricity rates, so as to ensure that the amount of charge reaches the first charging target value (step S16). Hereinafter, the scheduled charging time period in the "minimum" pattern will be referred to as the "first scheduled charging time period." Since the output from the charging device 10 is 6 [kW], if the first charging target value is 15 [kWh], then the five time slots (2 hours and 30 minutes) selected in order of the lowest electricity rates are set as the first scheduled charging time period.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 4, the first scheduled charging time slot is set to the period from 11:00 PM on the day to 1:30 AM the following day, which is the time slot with the lowest electricity rates within the first available charging time slot (from 6 PM on the day to 6 AM the following day).

[0062] Next, the control device 20 sets the scheduled charging time periods in the second charging period, starting with the time periods with lower electricity rates (excluding the first scheduled charging time period), so that the total charge amount in the first scheduled charging time period, when added together, reaches the second target charging value (step S16). Hereinafter, the scheduled charging time period in the "average" pattern will be referred to as the "second scheduled charging time period".

[0063] Since the output from the charging device 10 is 6 [kW], if the second charging target value is 25 [kWh], the amount of charge during the second scheduled charging period will be 10 [kWh], which is the second charging target value (25 [kWh]) minus the amount of charge during the first scheduled charging period (15 [kWh]). Since the output from the charging device 10 is 6 [kW] and the amount of charge during the second scheduled charging period is 10 [kWh], the four time slots selected in order of the lowest electricity rates are set for the second scheduled charging period.

[0064] In the example shown in Figure 5, the second charging period (from 6 PM on the day to 9 AM the following day), specifically the period from 7 AM to 9 AM the following day when electricity rates are lowest, is set as the second charging period.

[0065] Next, the control device 20 sets the charging schedule in the third charging period, starting with the period with the lowest electricity rates (excluding the first and second scheduled charging periods), so that the total charging amount in the first and second scheduled charging periods, combined with the charging amount in the second scheduled charging period, can reach the third charging target value (step S16). Hereinafter, the charging schedule in the "most advantageous" pattern will be referred to as the "third scheduled charging period".

[0066] Since the output from the charging device 10 is 6 [kW], if the target value for the third charge is 30 [kWh], the amount of charge during the third scheduled charging time will be 5 [kWh], which is the third charge target value (30 [kWh]) minus the amount of charge during the first scheduled charging time (15 [kWh]) and the amount of charge during the second scheduled charging time (10 [kWh]). Since the output from the charging device 10 is 6 [kW] and the amount of charge during the third scheduled charging time is 5 [kWh], the two time slots selected in order of the lowest electricity rates are set for the third scheduled charging time.

[0067] In the example shown in Figure 6, the third charging period (from 6 PM on the day to 12 PM the following day), specifically the period from 11 AM to 12 PM the following day when the electricity rate is cheapest, is set as the third charging period.

[0068] In the examples shown in Figures 4 to 6, the charging time slots are set to be arranged chronologically in the order of the first, second, and third charging time slots. However, depending on the electricity rates for each time slot, they may not be arranged in this order.

[0069] In step S18, the control device 20 starts charging the electric vehicle 2 according to the charging schedule (step S17). If it is determined in step S19, which will be described later, that the electric vehicle 2 has departed, the charging of the electric vehicle 2 according to the charging schedule ends at that point.

[0070] Specifically, the control device 20 controls the charging device 10 to charge the electric vehicle 2 during the first scheduled charging time slot, which is the first scheduled charging time slot to arrive in each scheduled charging time slot in this embodiment. In the example shown in Figures 4 to 6, the electric vehicle 2 is charged from the charging device 10 at an output of 6 kW during the time period from 11:00 PM on the day to 1:30 AM the following day. As a result, 15 kWh of power is charged to the electric vehicle 2 by 1:30 AM the following day. If the remaining charge at the time of returning home on the day is 10 kWh, the remaining charge of the electric vehicle 2 will become 25 kWh.

[0071] This ensures that even if the user of electric vehicle 2 departs before the second scheduled charging time (7:00 to 9:00 the following day), they can secure at least the amount of charge they plan to use the following day (predicted charge usage for the next day). Therefore, it is possible to avoid a charge shortage for electric vehicle 2. In addition, since charging takes place during times when electricity rates are lower, electricity costs can be reduced.

[0072] Next, the control device 20 controls the charging device 10 to charge the electric vehicle 2 during the second scheduled charging time period that follows the first scheduled charging time period in this embodiment. In the example shown in Figures 4 to 6, the electric vehicle 2 is charged (9 kWh) from the charging device 10 at an output of 6 kW during the time period from 7:30 to 9:00 the following day, which is the cheapest time period for electricity rates (the first, second, and third cheapest electricity rates), and the remaining charge (1 kWh) is carried out during the time period from 7:00 to 7:30 the following day, which is the next cheapest time period for electricity rates (the fourth cheapest electricity rates).

[0073] As a result, a total of 10 kWh will be charged during the second scheduled charging period (7:00 to 9:00 the following day). Combined with the amount charged during the first scheduled charging period (15 kWh), a total of 25 kWh of electricity will be charged to electric vehicle 2 by 9:00 the following day. If the remaining charge upon returning home on the same day is 10 kWh, the remaining charge of electric vehicle 2 will be 35 kWh.

[0074] This ensures that even if electric vehicle 2 departs before the third scheduled charging time (11:00 to 12:00 the following day), it can reliably secure the amount of charge needed for the following day (predicted charge usage for the next day), regardless of the remaining charge level of electric vehicle 2 upon returning home on the same day. In other words, even if there is a fluctuation in the estimated remaining charge level in step S14, the predicted charge usage for the next day can be secured. Therefore, insufficient charge for electric vehicle 2 can be avoided. Furthermore, since charging is performed during times when electricity rates are lower, electricity costs can be reduced.

[0075] Next, the control device 20 controls the charging device 10 to charge the electric vehicle 2 during the third scheduled charging time period, which follows the second scheduled charging time period in this embodiment. In the example shown in Figures 4 to 6, the electric vehicle 2 is charged (3 kWh) from the charging device 10 at an output of 6 kW during the time period from 11:30 to 12:00 the following day, which is the cheapest time period for electricity rates (the first cheapest time period for electricity rates), and the remaining charge (2 kWh) is carried out during the time period from 11:00 to 11:30 the following day, which is the second cheapest time period for electricity rates.

[0076] As a result, a total of 5 kWh of charge is taken during the third scheduled charging period (11:00 to 12:00 the following day). In this way, the amount of charge taken during the first scheduled charging period (15 kWh) and the amount of charge taken during the second scheduled charging period (10 kWh) are added together, and a total of 30 kWh of power is charged to the electric vehicle 2 by 12:00 the following day. If the remaining charge when returning home on the same day is 10 kWh, the remaining charge of the electric vehicle 2 will be fully charged (40 kWh). However, if the actual remaining charge when returning home on the same day is less than the estimated remaining charge (step S14), and the vehicle does not reach full charge during the third scheduled charging period, the control device 20 will continue charging beyond the third scheduled charging period until the vehicle is actually fully charged.

[0077] This allows electric vehicle 2 to be fully charged if its departure time is relatively late. Furthermore, since charging takes place during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, electricity costs can be reduced.

[0078] After performing the processing in step S18, the control device 20 proceeds to step S19.

[0079] In step S19, the control device 20 determines whether the electric vehicle 2 has departed. The control device 20 determines that the electric vehicle 2 has not yet departed if the charging port of the electric vehicle 2 is connected to the power supply cable 11 from the charging device 10. On the other hand, the control device 20 determines that the electric vehicle 2 has already departed if the charging port of the electric vehicle 2 is not connected to the power supply cable 11 from the charging device 10.

[0080] If the control device 20 determines that the electric vehicle 2 has departed (YES in step S19), it proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if the control device 20 determines that the electric vehicle 2 has not departed (NO in step S19), it executes the process in step S18 again.

[0081] In step S20, the control device 20 determines whether the electric vehicle 2 has actually been charged to full capacity. If the control device 20 determines that the electric vehicle 2 has actually been charged to full capacity (YES in step S20), it proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if the control device 20 determines that the electric vehicle 2 has not actually been charged to full capacity (NO in step S20), it proceeds to step S22.

[0082] In step S21, the control device 20 updates the remaining charge information stored in the memory unit to full charge.

[0083] Meanwhile, in step S22, the control device 20 updates the remaining charge information stored in the memory unit by adding the actual charge amount (step S18) to the remaining charge at the time of connection to the power supply cable 11 (when returning home).

[0084] The remaining charge information updated in step S21 or S22 is used in step S14 of the charging control performed on the following day. After performing the processing in step S21 or S22, the control device 20 terminates the charging control shown in Figure 2.

[0085] As described above, the charging system 1 according to this embodiment can achieve both a reduction in electricity costs for charging the electric vehicle 2 and avoidance of insufficient charge for the electric vehicle 2.

[0086] Specifically, if you try to charge electric vehicle 2 to the required level by an earlier possible departure time (for example, 6:00 AM), you can avoid running out of charge, but you may need to charge during times when electricity rates are relatively high. This would increase the cost of electricity for charging. On the other hand, if you try to charge electric vehicle 2 to the required level by a normal or later planned departure time (for example, 9:00 AM), you may end up running out of charge if you need to leave earlier and the charging is not completed.

[0087] In contrast, the charging system 1 according to this embodiment charges the electric vehicle 2 during the first charging period (for example, until 6:00 the next day) to ensure sufficient charge remaining for use the following day (predicted charge usage for the next day). Here, the end time of the first charging period (6:00 the next day) is set to the earliest departure time in the most recent predetermined period, so even if departing relatively early, insufficient charge can be avoided. Furthermore, charging during periods when electricity rates are relatively high can be avoided, thereby suppressing an increase in electricity costs.

[0088] In the charging system 1, the electric vehicle 2 is charged with the predicted charge usage for the following day during the second charging period (for example, until 9:00 the next day), which has a later end time than the first charging period. This ensures that the electric vehicle 2 is charged with the amount of charge planned for the next day, regardless of the remaining charge before charging begins (when returning home on the same day).

[0089] In the charging system 1, charging is performed so that the electric vehicle 2 is fully charged during the third charging period (for example, until 12:00 the following day), which has a later end time than the second charging period. This makes it easier to avoid insufficient charging on days with fewer time constraints for departure, and also increases the possibility of charging during times when electricity rates are lower, thus further reducing the electricity costs associated with charging.

[0090] As described above, the charging system 1 according to this embodiment is A charging device 10 (charging unit) capable of charging the battery of an electric vehicle 2 (a device used when the user is out), A control device 20 (charging schedule creation unit) creates a charging schedule for the charging device 10 based on the electricity rate per unit for different time periods, It is equipped with, The control device 20 (charging schedule creation unit) A first charging period (first charging period) is set, which is a period during which the electric vehicle 2 can be charged, and a second charging period (second charging period) is set, which is a period during which the electric vehicle 2 can be charged, but whose end time is later than the end time of the first charging period (step S12). In the aforementioned first charging-possible time period, in order to secure the amount of charge corresponding to the first charging target value (step S16), the scheduled charging time periods are set in order from the time period with the lowest electricity rate (step S17). In the second charging-possible time period, the charging schedule is set in order from the time period with the lowest electricity rate (step S17) so that a charging amount equal to the second charging target value (step S16), which is greater than the first charging target value, can be secured.

[0091] This configuration makes it possible to achieve both a reduction in electricity costs for charging electric vehicle 2 and avoidance of insufficient charge for electric vehicle 2.

[0092] Furthermore, the control device 20 (charging schedule creation unit) The end time of the first charging period is set based on the earliest departure time of the electric vehicle within the most recent predetermined period (step S12).

[0093] This configuration makes it easier to avoid running out of charge in electric vehicle 2.

[0094] Furthermore, the control device 20 (charging schedule creation unit) The amount of charge used by the electric vehicle 2 the following day (next time) is predicted (step S15), The first charging target value is set to the value obtained by subtracting the remaining charge of the electric vehicle 2 before charging begins from the predicted charge usage for the following day (step S16).

[0095] This configuration ensures that sufficient battery charge is available for the next use.

[0096] Furthermore, the first charging time period is, Including the first charging period, The second charging time period is: The system includes a second charging period whose end time is later than the end time of the first charging period, and a third charging period whose end time is later than the end time of the second charging period (step S12), The aforementioned first charge target value includes the first charge target value, The aforementioned charging schedule creation unit, In the second charging time period, the charging schedule is set in order from the time period with the lowest electricity rate so that a second charging target value, which is larger than the first charging target value, can be secured (step S17). In the third charging-possible time period, the charging schedule is set in order from the time period with the lowest electricity rate so that a charging amount greater than the second charging target value for the third charging target value can be secured (step S17).

[0097] This configuration makes it possible to better achieve both a reduction in electricity costs for charging electric vehicle 2 and avoidance of insufficient charge for electric vehicle 2.

[0098] Furthermore, the control device 20 (charging schedule creation unit) The end time of the second charging period is set based on the average departure time of the electric vehicle during the most recent predetermined period.

[0099] This configuration makes it easier to avoid running out of charge in electric vehicle 2.

[0100] Furthermore, the control device 20 (charging schedule creation unit) The amount of charge used by the electric vehicle 2 the following day is predicted (step S15), The second charging target value is set to the predicted charging usage for the following day (step S16).

[0101] This configuration ensures that the battery level for the next use is secured, regardless of the battery level before charging begins.

[0102] Furthermore, the control device 20 (charging schedule creation unit) The third charging target value is set to a value that results in the electric vehicle 2 being fully charged (step S16).

[0103] This configuration makes it easier to avoid running out of charge in electric vehicle 2.

[0104] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as described in the claims.

[0105] For example, in this embodiment, the charging system 1 is designed to charge an electric vehicle 2, but the charging target of the charging system 1 may also be other devices equipped with a battery that are used by the user when going out, such as an electric scooter or a mobile battery.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the charging time period and charging target value are set by dividing them into three patterns (stages): "minimum," "average," and "most favorable." However, the charging time period and charging target value may be set in two of these patterns (stages). For example, the charging time period and charging target value may be set by dividing them into two patterns: "minimum" and "most favorable," or by dividing them into two patterns: "average" and "most favorable." Alternatively, the charging time period and charging target value may be set by dividing them into four or more patterns.

[0107] Furthermore, when creating a charging schedule (step S17), a demand suppression constraint may be added, and the scheduled charging time period may be set so that the maximum demand value does not exceed a predetermined value. This makes the system compatible with demand suppression.

[0108] Furthermore, the processing performed by the control device 20 does not necessarily have to be performed by the control device 20 alone; for example, it may be performed in cooperation with (outsourced to) the control device of another system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1 Charging System 2 Electric vehicles 10 Charging device 20 Control device

Claims

1. A charging unit capable of charging the battery of a device used by the user when they are out, A charging schedule creation unit creates a charging schedule for the charging unit based on the electricity rate per unit for different time periods, It is equipped with, The aforementioned charging schedule creation unit, A first charging period is set, which is a period during which the device can be charged, and a second charging period is set, which is a period during which the device can be charged, but whose end time is later than the end time of the first charging period. In the first charging time period, the charging schedule is set in order from the time period with the lowest electricity rate so that the amount of charge to the first target charge can be secured. In the second charging time period, the scheduled charging time periods are set in order from the time period with the lowest electricity rate so that a second charging target value, which is greater than the first charging target value, can be secured. Charging system.

2. The aforementioned charging schedule creation unit, The end time of the first charging period is set based on the earliest departure time of the device within the most recent predetermined period. The charging system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned charging schedule creation unit, Predict the next charge usage of the aforementioned device, The first charging target value is set to the value obtained by subtracting the remaining charge of the device before charging begins from the predicted next charge usage amount. The charging system according to claim 2.

4. The first charging time period is, Including the first charging period, The second charging time period is, This includes a second charging period whose end time is later than the end time of the first charging period, and a third charging period whose end time is later than the end time of the second charging period. The first charge target value includes the first charge target value, The aforementioned charging schedule creation unit, In the second charging time period, the scheduled charging time periods are set in order from the time period with the lowest electricity rate so that a charging amount greater than the first charging target value can be secured. In the aforementioned third charging time period, the scheduled charging time periods are set in order from the time period with the lowest electricity rates so that a charging amount greater than the second charging target value for the third charging target value can be secured. The charging system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned charging schedule creation unit, The end time of the second charging period is set based on the average departure time of the equipment over the most recent predetermined period. The charging system according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned charging schedule creation unit, Predict the next charge usage of the aforementioned device, The second charging target value is set to the predicted next charging amount. The charging system according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned charging schedule creation unit, The third charging target value is set to the value at which the device is fully charged. A charging system according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

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