Charging control system

Abstract

The present invention provides a charging control system that can suitably control charging while taking into account the charge level of a mobile device. [Solution] The system comprises a charging facility 20 that can charge multiple electric vehicles 10 that are mobile using the charged electricity while connected, a charging amount calculation unit that calculates the required charging amount for each of the multiple electric vehicles 10 to reach full charge, a priority setting unit that sets the priority order of the electric vehicles 10 to be charged based on the required charging amount, and a charging control unit that can execute control to stop charging the electric vehicle 10 with the lowest priority among the multiple electric vehicles 10 being charged when the amount of purchased electricity exceeds a threshold indicating the upper limit of the amount of electricity that can be purchased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology of a charging control system for a moving body movable by charged electric power.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technology for controlling the charging of a moving body movable by electric power has been known. For example, it is as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for sequentially charging batteries mounted on a plurality of electric vehicles at or below the contract power. In the method described in Patent Document 1, when the total charging power of the batteries of each electric vehicle connected to the charger exceeds the contract power, the charger is controlled to stop charging the battery of the electric vehicle last connected to the charger.

[0004] Here, among a plurality of electric vehicles, it is considered that the electric vehicle used for the longest time is connected to the charger last. In the method described in Patent Document 1, since the battery mounted on the electric vehicle used for the longest time is expected to have a small charge amount, the charging of the battery, which is likely to have its charge amount insufficient, is stopped first. Therefore, a technology for suitably performing the charging control of the battery in consideration of the charge amount of the battery of the moving body 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 has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide a charging control system that can suitably control charging while taking into account the amount of charge of a mobile body. [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 provides a charging device that can charge multiple mobile bodies that are movable by charged power while connected; a charge amount calculation unit that calculates a required charge amount for each of the multiple mobile bodies, indicating the amount of charge needed to fully charge them; a priority setting unit that sets the priority order of the mobile bodies to be charged based on the required charge amount; and a charge control unit that can execute control to stop charging the mobile bodies with the lowest priority among the multiple mobile bodies being charged when the amount of purchased power exceeds a threshold indicating the upper limit of the amount of power that can be purchased.

[0009] Claim 2 comprises a usage time acquisition unit for acquiring the usage time of the mobile body and an outside temperature information acquisition unit for acquiring outside temperature information, wherein the charge amount calculation unit calculates the required charge amount based on the usage time and the outside temperature.

[0010] Claim 3 comprises an identification information acquisition unit that acquires information that can identify the mobile body connected to the charging equipment, and a connection detection unit that can detect the connection and disconnection of the mobile body to the charging equipment, wherein the usage time acquisition unit acquires the time from when the connection detection unit detects the disconnection of the mobile body from the charging equipment to when the connection detection unit detects the connection to the charging equipment, for the mobile body identified by the identification information acquisition unit, as the usage time.

[0011] Claim 4 comprises a remaining required charge acquisition unit that acquires the remaining required charge amount, which is the remaining charge amount relative to the required charge amount of the mobile body being charged by the charging equipment, and a first priority changing unit that changes the set priority so that the priority of the mobile body with a large remaining required charge amount is increased.

[0012] Claim 5 comprises: a minimum charge amount acquisition unit that acquires a minimum charge amount indicating the lowest possible charge amount based on information on the past charge amounts of the mobile body; and a second priority changing unit that changes the already set priority so that the mobile body being charged by the charging equipment and whose charge amount is less than the minimum charge amount has a higher priority in order of decreasing charge amount. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The present invention provides the following effects:

[0014] In the present invention, charging can be suitably controlled by taking into consideration the amount of charge on the mobile body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the configuration of a charging control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing the charging process using a charging control system. [Figure 3] A schematic plan view showing an electric vehicle and charging equipment. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the processing flow performed by the charging control system. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the process for calculating the required charge amount. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the initial priority setting process. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating the process for calculating the number of devices that can be charged. [Figure 8](a) Flowchart showing the first charging control process. (b) Flowchart showing the second charging control process. [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the priority recheck process. **Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention**

[0016] A charging control system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention controls charging of an electric vehicle 10. In this embodiment, an example of applying the charging control system 1 to a business office that manages a plurality of electric vehicles 10 will be described. The business office purchases power from an electric power company having a grid power source, and consumes the purchased power in equipment (power facilities) that uses power. The charging control system 1 includes an electric vehicle 10, a charging facility 20, and a control unit 30.

[0017] The electric vehicle 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is an automobile (EV: Electric Vehicle) that runs using a motor driven by electric power as a drive source. As shown in FIG. 3, the charging control system 1 includes a plurality of (six in this embodiment) electric vehicles 10. Each electric vehicle 10 is used by a user (for example, a staff member of the business office). The electric vehicle 10 includes a storage battery 11 and a beacon slave unit 12.

[0018] The storage battery 11 shown in FIG. 1 supplies power for the electric vehicle 10 to run. The storage battery 11 can charge power and can discharge the charged power to drive the motor. The storage battery 11 is composed of, for example, a lithium-ion battery or the like.

[0019] The beacon slave unit 12 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is a device (transmitter) that transmits a signal that can be received by a beacon master unit 22 described later. The beacon slave unit 12 is mounted at a predetermined position of the electric vehicle 10. An identification ID, which is information capable of identifying the beacon slave unit 12, is set in the beacon slave unit 12.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, each electric vehicle 10 is parked in one of the six parking spaces A through F at the business premises. However, each electric vehicle 10 is not parked in a designated parking space, but rather in any of the parking spaces A through F.

[0021] The charging equipment 20 shown in Figures 1 to 3 charges the batteries 11 of each electric vehicle 10 with power from the grid. The charging equipment 20 is included in the power equipment of the business premises. The charging equipment 20 according to this embodiment can charge three electric vehicles 10. As shown in Figure 3, the charging equipment 20 is installed near parking spaces A to F. In the example shown, two charging equipment 20 are placed near parking spaces A to C and parking spaces D to F, respectively. The charging equipment 20 is equipped with a charging cable 21 and a beacon master unit 22.

[0022] The charging cable 21 is connected to the electric vehicle 10 for power supply. Three charging cables 21 are provided for each charging facility 20. As shown in Figure 2, a charging outlet 21a for connection to the electric vehicle 10 is provided at the end of the charging cable 21. When the charging outlet 21a is connected to the electric vehicle 10, the battery 11 can be charged.

[0023] In this embodiment, each charging cable 21 is to be used in a predetermined parking space. That is, in this embodiment, one of the multiple charging cables 21 is to be used only for an electric vehicle 10 parked in one parking space (for example, parking space A), and not for use in other parking spaces.

[0024] The beacon master unit 22 is a device (receiver) that receives signals transmitted by the beacon slave units 12. One beacon master unit 22 is provided for each charging facility 20. The beacon master unit 22 receives signals from the beacon slave units 12 of each of the three electric vehicles 10 parked in each of the three parking spaces (parking spaces A-C, parking spaces D-F).

[0025] The beacon master unit 22 can detect the identification ID of the beacon slave unit 12. The beacon master unit 22 can also detect the distance to the beacon slave unit 12 based on the signal received from the beacon slave unit 12. In Figure 3, the dashed lines show the distances between the beacon slave unit 12 of each electric vehicle 10 parked in each parking space and the beacon master unit 22. Note that the distances detectable by a single beacon master unit 22 (the distances to the three beacon slave units 12) are all different.

[0026] The charging equipment 20 can acquire the identification ID of the beacon slave unit 12 detected by the beacon master unit 22, as well as information on the distance to the beacon slave unit 12. The charging equipment 20 can also detect whether the charging outlet 21a of the charging cable 21 is connected to or disconnected from the electric vehicle 10 based on whether or not power is supplied to the electric vehicle 10. In addition, the charging equipment 20 can detect the power supplied to the battery 11 of the electric vehicle 10 (charging power), whether the battery 11 is fully charged, and the time taken for charging (charging time).

[0027] The control unit 30 is capable of processing various types of information. The control unit 30 includes a processing unit such as a CPU and a memory device. The control unit 30 includes a communication unit that can communicate with the charging equipment 20. The control unit 30 is managed, for example, by the manager of the business premises. A general personal computer or server can be used as the control unit 30. By communicating with the charging equipment 20, the control unit 30 can control the operation of the charging equipment 20 (by issuing commands to start or stop charging).

[0028] Furthermore, the control unit 30 can communicate with the charging equipment 20 to obtain information regarding the charging of the electric vehicle 10 connected to the charging cable 21 via the charging equipment 20. Specifically, the control unit 30 can obtain information such as the identification ID of the beacon slave unit 12 detected by the charging equipment 20, the distance to the beacon slave unit 12, the connection (or disconnection) to the electric vehicle 10, the charging power, whether it is fully charged, and the charging time. The control unit 30 can also obtain information on power equipment at other facilities of the business premises (for example, the operating time and the amount of power consumed). The control unit 30 stores each of the above-mentioned acquired information in a storage device.

[0029] The configuration of the charging control system 1 has been described above. In the charging control system 1, the battery 11 of the electric vehicle 10 can be charged by connecting the charging outlet 21a of the charging cable 21 of the charging equipment 20 to the electric vehicle 10 parked in the parking space. For example, when the user of the electric vehicle 10 has finished using the electric vehicle 10 for the day, the user connects the charging outlet 21a of the charging cable 21 to the electric vehicle 10 parked in the parking space. When the user starts using the electric vehicle 10 the next day, for example, the user disconnects the charging outlet 21a of the charging cable 21 from the electric vehicle 10 and uses the electric vehicle 10.

[0030] The control unit 30 can issue a start-up instruction and a stop-up instruction to the charging equipment 20 at a predetermined timing. Hereinafter, the time period from when the start-up instruction is issued until when the stop-up instruction is issued will be referred to as the "charging time period". The above charging time period can be set based on the usage patterns of the electric vehicles 10 and the price of electricity. For example, the charging time period can be a time when each electric vehicle 10 is not in use (the time period when the charging outlet 21a is connected from the end of use of each electric vehicle 10 until the start of use), and a time period when the price of electricity in the wholesale electricity market, as described later, is relatively low (for example, the time period from night to early morning).

[0031] The following describes the control performed by the charging control system 1 (control unit 30). The charging control system 1 according to this embodiment can control the charging of the electric vehicle 10, taking into account the demand value, which is a value related to the electricity rate contract, and the amount of bids in the wholesale electricity market.

[0032] More specifically, electricity consumers (businesses in this embodiment) are charged electricity fees for the electricity they purchase from the power company. One of the contract terms for electricity charges is the demand-based pricing system. The demand-based pricing system is a system in which the contracted power for each month is determined based on the larger of the maximum demand value (maximum power consumption) for that month and the maximum power consumption over the past 11 months. Here, the demand value refers to the average power consumption within a defined time period of 30 minutes (demand period), and the maximum value of this demand value is called the maximum demand value. Therefore, in order to suppress electricity charges under the demand-based pricing system, it is desirable to devise ways to lower the maximum demand value.

[0033] Furthermore, electricity consumers (businesses) purchase electricity through the wholesale electricity market. In this embodiment, businesses purchase electricity in the one-day-ahead market (spot market) within the wholesale electricity market. The one-day-ahead market is a market where electricity is traded the day before actual supply and demand. In the one-day-ahead market, transactions take place for 48 products (48 time slots) which are divided into 30-minute units (demand time units). When purchasing electricity from the wholesale electricity market, the bid amount and the unit price for one time slot are determined every 30 minutes. If the amount of electricity purchased exceeds the bid amount, an imbalance charge may be incurred according to the difference between the amount of electricity purchased and the bid amount.

[0034] The charging control system 1 according to this embodiment can control the charging of the electric vehicle 10 from the standpoint of reducing the maximum demand value and suppressing the occurrence of imbalance charges due to exceeding the bid amount.

[0035] The following describes the processes that the charging control system 1 performs in its control. As shown in Figure 4, the charging control system 1 (control unit 30) performs the following processes: "required charge amount calculation process S100", "initial priority setting process S200", "number of chargeable vehicles calculation process S300", "charging control process S400", and "priority review process S500".

[0036] Below, we will first explain each step of the required charge amount calculation process S100 using the flowchart in Figure 5. The required charge amount calculation process S100 is a process that calculates the required charge amount, which indicates the amount of charge needed for the battery 11 of the electric vehicle 10 to be fully charged.

[0037] The required charge amount calculation process S100 is performed for each electric vehicle 10. The required charge amount calculation process S100 is performed, for example, at the time when the electric vehicle 10 is to be used during the day. The control unit 30 can estimate that the use of the electric vehicle 10 has started when it detects, for example, the disconnection of the charging outlet 21a to the electric vehicle 10 (that the charging outlet 21a has been unplugged).

[0038] In step S101, the control unit 30 determines whether or not it has detected a connection to the charging outlet 21a for the electric vehicle 10. If the control unit 30 determines that it has detected a connection to the charging outlet 21a, it proceeds to the process in step S102. On the other hand, if the control unit 30 determines that it has not detected a connection to the charging outlet 21a, it repeatedly executes the process in step S101.

[0039] In step S102, the control unit 30 obtains the identification ID of the electric vehicle 10 connected to the charging outlet 21a of the charging equipment 20. In this embodiment, the control unit 30 also obtains distance information between the beacon slave unit 12 of the electric vehicle 10 and the beacon master unit 22 of the charging equipment 20, and based on the distance information, it can determine which electric vehicle 10 with which identification ID is connected to which charging outlet 21a of the charging cable 21.

[0040] In other words, the control unit 30 has pre-stored information on the distance of each electric vehicle 10's beacon slave unit 12 to the beacon master unit 22 of the charging equipment 20, assuming that an electric vehicle 10 is parked in each parking space. By comparing the distance information acquired in this process with the stored distance information, the control unit 30 can determine which parking space the electric vehicle 10 is parked in, and consequently, which charging cable 21's charging outlet 21a is connected to which electric vehicle 10 equipped with which identification ID's beacon slave unit 12. Thus, in this embodiment, by combining the identification ID and the distance of the beacon slave unit 12 to the beacon master unit 22, the electric vehicle 10 can be identified in a simple manner.

[0041] Furthermore, in the process of step S102, the control unit 30 stores in its storage device information indicating the time (communication time) when the electric vehicle 10 with the identification ID was connected to the charging outlet 21a and communication took place with the charging equipment 20. After executing the process of step S102, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process of step S103.

[0042] In step S103, the control unit 30 obtains the previous communication time (the time when the charging outlet 21a was disconnected) of the electric vehicle 10 with the identification ID from the storage device and calculates the usage time of the electric vehicle 10. Specifically, the control unit 30 calculates the usage time of the electric vehicle 10 as the period from the previous communication time to the communication time obtained in step S102. In this way, in this embodiment, the usage time of the electric vehicle 10 can be estimated in a simple manner based on the communication time. After executing the process in step S103, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process in step S104.

[0043] In step S104, the control unit 30 calculates an estimated value of the required charge amount based on estimation data including the usage time of the electric vehicle 10. In this embodiment, a learning model is used to estimate the required charge amount based on the estimation data (see Figure 2). The estimation data in this embodiment includes the ambient temperature. Here, ambient temperature refers to the ambient temperature during the usage time (for example, the average temperature during the usage time). In step S104, the control unit 30 acquires information on the ambient temperature. As ambient temperature information, the control unit 30 can use values ​​acquired from, for example, a thermometer mounted on the charging equipment 20 or the electric vehicle 10. Alternatively, values ​​obtained from an external weather information service (for example, a public weather agency) can also be used as ambient temperature information.

[0044] The learning model is described below. The learning model is created using machine learning. Specifically, the learning model is generated by learning the relationship between the usage time of the electric vehicle 10, the outside temperature, and the amount of charge after charging is complete (completed charge amount), which are the training data. Here, the completed charge amount refers to the amount of charge accumulated from the time charging of the electric vehicle 10 starts until charging is complete (for example, until the battery 11 is fully charged).

[0045] In this embodiment, the charging control system 1 calculates the required charge amount in the required charge amount calculation process S100, but this may not be the amount of charge that can actually fully charge the battery 11. In other words, even if the required charge amount is charged, the battery 11 may not reach full charge. In this case, the battery 11 may be charged by more than the required charge amount. In this embodiment, even if the battery 11 does not reach full charge, if more than the required charge amount is charged as described above, the amount of charge that would have been received if charging had been completed without reaching full charge is included in the completed charge amount.

[0046] The learning model is stored in the memory of the control unit 30. Various machine learning methods can be used to generate the learning model, such as decision trees, neural networks, and random forests.

[0047] Furthermore, in the learning of the above learning model, if an electric vehicle 10 is associated with a specific person, such as an individual or department, learning can be performed for each vehicle. However, if any person, not a specific individual, uses an electric vehicle 10, learning can be performed without distinguishing between vehicles.

[0048] According to the learning model described above, an estimated value of the required charge amount for the electric vehicle 10 can be automatically calculated based on the estimation data (the usage time of the electric vehicle 10 calculated in step S103, and the outside temperature). This allows for a suitable estimation of the required charge amount even when it is difficult to obtain information on the driving distance of the electric vehicle 10. In this embodiment, since the outside temperature is included in the estimation data, the estimated value of the required charge amount can be calculated considering, for example, the use of air conditioners, which consume more power in summer and winter. This improves the accuracy of the estimation of the required charge amount. The control unit 30 stores the estimated value of the required charge amount in the memory device. After executing the process in step S104, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process in step S105.

[0049] In step S105, the control unit 30 determines whether the battery 11 was fully charged during the previous charge of the electric vehicle 10 (for example, the charge the previous day). If the control unit 30 determines that the battery 11 was fully charged during the previous charge, it terminates the required charge amount calculation process S100. On the other hand, if the control unit 30 determines that the battery 11 was not fully charged during the previous charge, it proceeds to the process in step S106.

[0050] In step S106, the control unit 30 calculates the remaining charge amount of the electric vehicle 10 from the previous charge and adds the remaining charge amount to the estimated required charge amount calculated in step S104. Here, the remaining charge amount refers to the amount of energy remaining until a full charge is achieved in the previous charge, which did not reach full charge. The control unit 30 can calculate the remaining charge amount by subtracting the amount of charge that was actually charged in the previous charge from the required charge amount for the previous charge. The control unit 30 stores the value obtained by adding the remaining charge amount to the required charge amount calculated in step S104 as the estimated corrected required charge amount in the memory. After executing the process in step S106, the control unit 30 terminates the required charge amount calculation process S100.

[0051] The required charge amount calculation process S100 has been explained above. The control unit 30 performs the required charge amount calculation process S100 described above for all (6) electric vehicles 10. After performing the required charge amount calculation process S100 for all electric vehicles 10, the control unit 30 performs the initial priority setting process S200. The control unit 30 can also perform the initial priority setting process S200 for electric vehicles 10 if there are any that have not yet had the required charge amount calculation process S100 performed, after a predetermined time has passed (for example, when it is getting close to the time to start charging).

[0052] Next, we will explain each step of the initial priority setting process S200 using the flowchart in Figure 6. The initial priority setting process S200 is the process of initially setting the charging priority for each electric vehicle 10.

[0053] In step S201, the control unit 30 obtains the required charge amount for each electric vehicle 10 calculated in the required charge amount calculation process S100. After executing the process in step S201, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process in step S202.

[0054] In step S202, the control unit 30 sets a priority order for each electric vehicle 10 in descending order of required charge amount (the higher the required charge amount, the higher the priority). If there are multiple electric vehicles 10 with the same required charge amount, the control unit 30 sets the priority order so that the electric vehicle 10 with the longer usage time has a higher priority. After executing the process in step S202, the control unit 30 terminates the initial priority setting process S200.

[0055] The initial priority setting process S200 has been described above. As shown in Figure 4, after executing the initial priority setting process S200, the control unit 30 executes the charging control process S400. Here, as will be described later, the "number of chargeable devices" calculated in the charging control process S300 is used in the charging control process S400.

[0056] The following describes the charging capacity calculation process S300. The charging capacity calculation process S300 calculates the number of electric vehicles 10 that can be charged based on the total power demand of the business site. The following describes each step of the charging capacity calculation process S300 using the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0057] In step S301, the control unit 30 estimates the total power demand of the business premises for that day. That is, the control unit 30 estimates (predicts) the total power demand of the power equipment, including the charging equipment 20. The total power demand mentioned above is the power demand within the electricity rate contract. The control unit 30 estimates the total power demand of the power equipment based, for example, on past power demand data of the power equipment or data on conditions related to power demand (e.g., weather information). For the estimation of power demand, for example, a learning model that has learned the relationship between power demand and conditions related to power demand can be used. The method for estimating power demand is not limited to the example described above, and various methods can be adopted. After executing the process in step S301, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process in step S302.

[0058] In step S302, the control unit 30 acquires information on the bid amount (purchase bid amount) determined when purchasing electricity from the wholesale electricity market. At this time, the control unit 30 acquires information on the purchase bid amount for the day (48 time slots). The purchase bid amount information can be input into the control unit 30 by an administrator using an appropriate input means, for example. After executing the process in step S302, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process in step S303.

[0059] In steps S303 and S304, the control unit 30 calculates the amount of charge that can be charged (step S303) and, based on the amount of charge that can be charged, calculates the number of units that can be charged (step S304). The control unit 30 repeatedly performs the processes in steps S302 and S303 every 30 minutes during the charging period.

[0060] Here, the amount of chargeable electricity is the amount of electricity purchased (purchase bid amount) that can be used to charge each electric vehicle 10. In step S303, the control unit 30 calculates the total amount of chargeable electricity for each demand period (30 minutes, 1 period) (the amount of chargeable electricity for multiple electric vehicles 10) by subtracting the total power demand estimated in step S301 (power demand for 1 period) from the purchase bid amount (purchase bid amount for 1 period) obtained in step S302. After executing the process in step S303, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process in step S304.

[0061] In step S304, the control unit 30 calculates the number of electric vehicles 10 that can be charged (total number of chargeable vehicles) by dividing the total charge amount calculated in step S303 by the charge amount of one electric vehicle 10.

[0062] The control unit 30 repeats the processes of steps S303 and S304 during the charging period, and then terminates the charging capacity calculation process S300.

[0063] The following describes each step of the charging control process S400 using the flowchart in Figure 8. The charging control process S400 is a process that controls the start or stop of charging based on the priority of each electric vehicle 10. The charging control process S400 is executed every demand period (30 minutes, 1 frame) during the charging time period. The charging control process S400 includes the first charging control process S400A shown in Figure 8(a) and the second charging control process S400B shown in Figure 8(b).

[0064] The following will first describe the process of the first charge control process S400A shown in Figure 8(a). The first charge control process S400A is executed at the timing when the 30-minute (1 frame) demand time limit begins.

[0065] In step S401, the control unit 30 starts charging the electric vehicles 10 according to the number of vehicles that can be charged calculated in the number of vehicles that can be charged calculation process S300, based on the set priority order. That is, if the number of vehicles that can be charged is 4, the control unit 30 starts charging the 4 electric vehicles 10 in order of priority. In this case, the control unit 30 controls the charging equipment 20 to start charging the electric vehicles 10 that it has decided to charge as described above. After executing the process in step S401, the control unit 30 terminates the first charging control process S400A.

[0066] Next, the processing of the second charging control process S400B shown in Figure 8(b) will be explained. The second charging control process S400B is executed during each 30-minute (1 frame) demand period. That is, the second charging control process S400B is executed continuously (repeatedly) during each demand period, from the end of the first charging control process S400A until the end of that demand period.

[0067] In step S402, the control unit 30 determines whether the amount of electricity purchased during the demand period (purchased electricity amount) exceeds a preset threshold. Here, the threshold is an upper limit of the amount of electricity purchased, set from the perspective of lowering the maximum demand value and suppressing the occurrence of imbalance charges due to exceeding the bid amount. In this embodiment, from the perspective of lowering the maximum demand value, an upper limit of the target demand value (demand upper limit) is set, and the threshold is set to a value less than or equal to the demand upper limit. In this embodiment, the threshold is set to less than or equal to the amount of electricity based on the bid amount in the wholesale electricity market.

[0068] If the control unit 30 determines that the amount of electricity purchased for the demand period exceeds the threshold, it proceeds to the process in step S403. On the other hand, if the control unit 30 determines that the amount of electricity purchased for the demand period does not exceed the threshold, it terminates the second charge control process S400B.

[0069] In step S403, the control unit 30 stops charging the electric vehicle 10 with the lowest priority among the electric vehicles 10 currently being charged. After executing the process in step S403, the control unit 30 terminates the second charging control process S400B.

[0070] According to the charging control process S400 described above, during the charging period, the system monitors whether the amount of purchased electricity exceeds the threshold, and if the amount of purchased electricity exceeds the threshold, it can stop charging the electric vehicle 10 with the lowest priority to reduce the amount of purchased electricity. This helps to suppress increases in demand values ​​and the occurrence of charges due to exceeding the bid amount.

[0071] Next, we will explain the priority review process S500. The priority review process S500 is a process that reviews the priority of the electric vehicles 10 for each demand period (30 minutes, 1 time slot). The priority review process S500 is executed before the start of each demand period during the charging time period. Below, we will explain each step of the priority review process S500 using the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0072] In step S501, the control unit 30 obtains the remaining required charge amount for each of the electric vehicles 10 to be charged. Here, the remaining required charge amount is the amount of charge remaining until the required charge amount calculated in the required charge amount calculation process S100 is reached. The control unit 30 can calculate the remaining required charge amount by subtracting the amount of charge that has been charged up to the present time during the charging period from the required charge amount. After executing the process in step S501, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process in step S502.

[0073] In step S502, the control unit 30 resets the priority order, starting with the electric vehicles 10 with the largest remaining charge. After executing the process in step S502, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process in step S503.

[0074] In step S503, the control unit 30 determines whether or not there are electric vehicles 10 that are estimated not to be fully charged during the charging period. The control unit 30 can make the above determination based on the remaining time until the end of the charging period, the remaining required charge amount for each electric vehicle 10, and the amount of power supplied by the charging equipment 20. If the control unit 30 determines that there are electric vehicles 10 that are estimated not to be fully charged during the charging period, it proceeds to the process in step S504. On the other hand, if the control unit 30 determines that there are no electric vehicles 10 that are estimated not to be fully charged during the charging period, it terminates the priority review process S500.

[0075] In step S504, the control unit 30 obtains the minimum charge amount for each of the electric vehicles 10 to be charged, and for electric vehicles 10 whose charge amount is less than the minimum charge amount, it prioritizes them in order from the lowest charge amount to the highest priority. Here, the minimum charge amount is the amount of charge estimated to be the minimum required when the electric vehicle 10 is used next time (for example, the next day). The control unit 30 can calculate an estimated value of the minimum charge amount by learning from past charging data. To calculate the estimated value of the minimum charge amount, a learning model that has learned the relationship between past charging data and conditions related to the charge amount can be used.

[0076] In step S504, it is possible to adopt a configuration that does not interrupt the priority order for electric vehicles 10 that are estimated to be able to secure the minimum charge amount by the end of the charging time period. Also, for example, if the usage trends are biased for each electric vehicle 10, the minimum charge amount can be assigned according to the vehicle. After executing the process in step S504, the control unit 30 terminates the priority review process S500.

[0077] According to the priority review process S500 described above, if it is not possible to fully charge all of the electric vehicles 10 to be charged during the charging period, it is possible to ensure that each electric vehicle 10 has a minimum charge level.

[0078] Furthermore, if the electric vehicle 10 is not fully charged within the pre-set charging time period, depending on the next usage time of the electric vehicle 10, it may be possible to continue charging at a time after the end of the charging time period (for example, early morning). In this case, the control unit 30 can continue charging during a time when electricity prices are relatively low. However, in this case, if the amount of electricity purchased exceeds the threshold mentioned above due to the continuation of charging, the control unit 30 can stop charging.

[0079] The control performed by the charging control system 1 has been described above. According to the control performed by the charging control system 1, the system sets a priority order for the electric vehicles 10 (batteries 11) by considering the estimated required charge amount, remaining required charge amount, and minimum charge amount for each of the multiple electric vehicles 10 (batteries 11), and performs control to prioritize charging of the electric vehicle 10 with the highest priority, thereby enabling the multiple electric vehicles 10 to be charged effectively.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the charging control system 1 of this embodiment, the amount of charge (required charge, etc.) of the electric vehicle 10 can be estimated in a simple manner based on information obtainable from the charging equipment 20. In other words, in this embodiment, the amount of charge (required charge, etc.) of the electric vehicle 10 can be estimated using information obtainable from the charging equipment 20, such as the timing of connecting the charging outlet 21a to the electric vehicle 10, the power supplied to the electric vehicle 10 (charging power), whether the battery 11 is fully charged, the distance to the beacon slave unit 12 installed on the electric vehicle 10, and the identification ID of the beacon slave unit 12, rather than information that cannot be directly obtained from the charging equipment 20, such as the actual amount of charge (storage amount) of the battery 11 of the electric vehicle 10, the driving distance of the electric vehicle 10, and the identification of the electric vehicle 10 itself.

[0081] The control methods performed by the charging control system 1 are not limited to the examples described above. For example, in the example described above, the required charge amount calculation process S100 was shown to identify the electric vehicle 10 and estimate the usage time based on information from beacons (beacon slave unit 12, beacon master unit 22) and information detecting the connection of the charging outlet 21a, but the system is not limited to the examples described above.

[0082] For example, by linking a management system capable of managing the use (reservations, etc.) of multiple electric vehicles 10 with the charging control system 1, it is possible to calculate the charge amount (required charge amount, etc.) of the electric vehicles 10 using information that cannot be directly obtained from the charging equipment 20. Specifically, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the charge amount (required charge amount, etc.) of the electric vehicle 10 is calculated based on the mileage of the electric vehicle 10 and the actual charge amount of the battery 11, using a management system capable of managing the mileage of the electric vehicle 10 and the charge amount (storage amount) of the battery 11. In this case, the charge amount of the electric vehicle 10 can be calculated based on information entered into the management system by the user of the electric vehicle 10 (destination, whether charging is being done during use, charge amount of the battery 11, etc.). In this case, the control unit 30 can calculate an estimated value of the mileage based on the entered destination information and calculate the charge amount of the electric vehicle 10 based on the above mileage value.

[0083] Furthermore, it is possible to link the operation system for performing operations related to charging the electric vehicle 10 (operation of the charging equipment 20) with the charging control system 1. As the above operation system, for example, a system that allows charging operations to be performed using a terminal such as a smartphone can be adopted. In this case, the user can input the number of the charging cable 21 (charging outlet 21a) of the charging equipment 20 and the amount of charge stored in the battery 11 of the electric vehicle 10 into the operation system. With the above configuration, it is possible to identify the vehicle and calculate the amount of charge of the electric vehicle 10 based on information from the electric vehicle 10, without making estimations using information from beacons (beacon slave unit 12, beacon master unit 22) or usage time.

[0084] As described above, the charging control system 1 according to this embodiment is A charging facility 20 that can charge multiple electric vehicles 10 (mobile units) that are powered by stored electricity while connected to the system, A charge amount calculation unit (control unit 30) calculates the required charge amount (step S104) for each of the multiple electric vehicles 10, which indicates the amount of charge needed to reach full charge. A priority setting unit (control unit 30) sets the priority order of the electric vehicles 10 to be charged based on the required charge amount (step S202), A charging control unit (control unit 30) is capable of executing control (steps S402, S403) to stop charging the electric vehicle 10 with the lowest priority among multiple electric vehicles 10 that are currently being charged when the amount of electricity purchased exceeds a threshold indicating the upper limit of the amount of electricity that can be purchased, It is equipped with the following features.

[0085] By configuring the system in this way, charging can be controlled appropriately while taking into account the charge level of the electric vehicles 10. Specifically, by setting a priority order for the electric vehicles 10 to be charged based on the required charge level, and by controlling the system to prioritize charging the electric vehicles 10 with the highest priority, multiple electric vehicles 10 can be charged appropriately.

[0086] Furthermore, the charging control system 1 is A usage time acquisition unit that acquires the usage time of the electric vehicle 10 (step S103), An outside temperature information acquisition unit (control unit 30) acquires outside temperature information, It is equipped with, The charge amount calculation unit (control unit 30) The required charge amount is calculated based on the usage time and the ambient temperature (step S104).

[0087] By configuring the system in this way, it is possible to suitably estimate the required charge amount even when it is difficult to obtain information on the driving range of the electric vehicle 10. Furthermore, by estimating the required charge amount using the outside temperature, it is possible to make estimates that take into account the use of air conditioners, which consume more power in summer and winter, for example, thereby improving the accuracy of the required charge amount estimation.

[0088] Furthermore, the charging control system 1 is An identification information acquisition unit (control unit 30) acquires information that can identify the electric vehicle 10 connected to the charging equipment 20 (step S102), A connection detection unit (charging equipment 20) capable of detecting the connection and disconnection of the electric vehicle to the charging equipment 20, It is equipped with, The aforementioned usage time acquisition unit (control unit 30) For the electric vehicle 10 identified by the identification information acquisition unit (control unit 30), the time from when the connection detection unit (charging equipment 20) detects the disconnection of the connection to the charging equipment 20 until when the connection detection unit (charging equipment 20) detects the connection to the charging equipment 20 is acquired as the usage time (step S103).

[0089] By configuring it in this way, it becomes possible to easily identify the electric vehicle 10, which is the information required to estimate the amount of charge needed, and to estimate the usage time of the electric vehicle 10 in a simple manner.

[0090] Furthermore, the charging control system 1 is The remaining required charge amount acquisition unit (control unit 30) acquires the remaining required charge amount, which is the amount of charge remaining relative to the required charge amount of the electric vehicle 10 being charged by the charging equipment 20 (step S501), The first priority changing unit (control unit 30) changes the set priority so that the electric vehicle 10 with a large remaining charge amount has a higher priority (step S502), It is equipped with the following features.

[0091] By configuring it in this way, the priority of the electric vehicles 10 can be changed based on the remaining required charge amount, thereby allowing multiple electric vehicles 10 to be charged more effectively.

[0092] Furthermore, the charging control system 1 is Based on past charge information of the electric vehicle 10, a minimum charge amount acquisition unit (control unit 30) acquires a minimum charge amount indicating the minimum charge amount, The electric vehicle 10 being charged by the charging equipment 20, and whose charge level is less than the minimum charge level, is given priority in order of increasing charge level by the second priority change unit (control unit 30) (step S504). It is equipped with the following features.

[0093] By configuring it in this way, the priority of the electric vehicles 10 can be changed based on the minimum charge level, thereby allowing multiple electric vehicles 10 to be charged more effectively.

[0094] In this embodiment, the control unit 30 is one implementation of a charge amount calculation unit, a priority setting unit, a charge control unit, an outside temperature information acquisition unit, an identification information acquisition unit, an usage time acquisition unit, a remaining required charge amount acquisition unit, a minimum charge amount acquisition unit, a first priority change unit, and a second priority change unit. Furthermore, the electric vehicle 10 according to this embodiment is one form of a mobile device. Furthermore, the charging equipment 20 according to this embodiment is one form of the connection detection unit.

[0095] As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been explained. However, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

[0096] For example, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the threshold value in step S402 of the charging control process S400 is set to a value that is not more than the demand upper limit value and not more than the amount of electric power based on the bidding amount in the power selling market. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode, and the above threshold value may be set to a value not more than either the demand upper limit value or the bidding amount.

[0097] Also, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which an electric vehicle 10 (EV: Electric Vehicle) is adopted as an example of the moving body. However, the moving body is not limited to the above example, and it is also possible to adopt a plug-in hybrid car (PHEV) having a motor and an internal combustion engine. Further, the moving body is not limited to automobiles, and various moving bodies that can move by charged electric power such as electric motorcycles, electric scooters, electric kick scooters, and electric bicycles can be adopted.

[0098] Also, the power consumer of the charging control system 1 is not limited to a business establishment, and various power consumers can be adopted.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0099] 1 Charging control system 10 Electric vehicle 20 Charging equipment 30 Control unit

Claims

1. A charging system that can charge multiple mobile objects that are powered by stored electricity while connected to it, A charge amount calculation unit calculates the required charge amount for each of the multiple aforementioned mobile bodies, which indicates the amount of charge needed to reach full charge. A priority setting unit sets the priority order of the mobile bodies to be charged based on the required charge amount, A charging control unit capable of executing control to stop charging a mobile unit with a lower priority among multiple mobile units being charged when the amount of purchased electricity exceeds a threshold indicating the upper limit of the amount of electricity that can be purchased, A charging control system equipped with the following features.

2. A usage time acquisition unit that acquires the usage time of the aforementioned mobile body, An outside temperature information acquisition unit that acquires outside temperature information, It is equipped with, The aforementioned charge amount calculation unit, Based on the usage time and the ambient temperature, the required charge amount is calculated. The charging control system according to claim 1.

3. An identification information acquisition unit that acquires information that can identify the mobile body connected to the charging equipment, A connection detection unit capable of detecting the connection and disconnection of the mobile body to the charging equipment, It is equipped with, The aforementioned usage time acquisition unit, For the mobile body identified by the identification information acquisition unit, the time from when the connection detection unit detects the disconnection from the charging equipment until when the connection detection unit detects the connection to the charging equipment is acquired as the usage time. The charging control system according to claim 2.

4. A remaining required charge acquisition unit acquires the remaining required charge amount, which is the remaining charge amount relative to the required charge amount of the mobile body being charged by the charging equipment, A first priority changing unit that changes the set priority so that the priority of the mobile body with a large remaining required charge amount is increased, Equipped with, The charging control system according to claim 1.

5. A minimum charge amount acquisition unit acquires a minimum charge amount that indicates the minimum charge amount based on information on the past charge amount of the aforementioned mobile body, A second priority changing unit modifies the already set priority order so that, for the mobile bodies being charged by the charging equipment, those with a charge amount less than the minimum charge amount have a higher priority in order of increasing charge amount. Equipped with, The charging control system according to claim 1.

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