Power management system

Abstract

Before the electric vehicle arrives at the building, the electric vehicle user cannot know the results of the assessment regarding the amount of charge available for the electric vehicle at the time of charging. [Solution] The power management system 1 manages the power supply to the electric vehicle 3 installed in building 98. If the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at building 98, the control unit determines when the electric vehicle 3 can be charged based on information regarding the operation of the electric vehicle 3. The control unit evaluates the amount of power that can be charged to the electric vehicle 3 based on the power consumption limits in building 98, the charging availability period, and the power consumption within building 98. The control unit transmits the evaluation results to the electric vehicle 3 or to a portable terminal 9 carried by the user of the electric vehicle 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] It relates to a power management system.

Background Art

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-200015), there is a technique for managing the power supply to equipment installed in a building.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In Patent Document 1, before an electric vehicle arrives at a building, the user of the electric vehicle cannot know the result of the evaluation of the chargeable amount to the electric vehicle during the chargeable period. Therefore, there is a problem that, according to the result of the evaluation of the chargeable amount, charging the electric vehicle at a location other than the building, power-saving operation of the electric vehicle, etc. cannot be performed in advance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The power management system of the first aspect manages the power supply to an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle is installed in a building. The power management system includes a control unit. When the electric vehicle has not arrived at the building, the control unit acquires first operation information. The first operation information is information related to the operation of the electric vehicle. When the electric vehicle has not arrived at the building, the control unit determines the chargeable period of the electric vehicle based on the first operation information. When the electric vehicle has not arrived at the building, the control unit evaluates the chargeable amount to the electric vehicle based on the power consumption limit in the building, the chargeable period, and the power consumption in the building. When the electric vehicle has not arrived at the building, the control unit transmits the result of the evaluation to the electric vehicle or a mobile terminal carried by the user of the electric vehicle.

[0005] The first power management system transmits information to the electric vehicle or to the user's mobile device if the electric vehicle has not yet arrived at the building. Therefore, before the electric vehicle arrives at the building, the user can know the results of the assessment regarding the amount of charge available for the electric vehicle at the time of charging. As a result, the user can take steps such as charging the electric vehicle at a location other than the building or operating the electric vehicle in an energy-saving manner in advance, depending on the results of the assessment regarding the amount of charge available.

[0006] The second power management system is the same as the first power management system, in which the control unit transmits the evaluation result to the electric vehicle or mobile terminal when the amount of charge available is less than a predetermined amount.

[0007] The second power management system, with this configuration, can omit the transmission of evaluation results when the charge capacity is sufficient.

[0008] The third power management system is a power management system of the first or second perspective, in which the control unit periodically transmits the evaluation results to an electric vehicle or a mobile terminal.

[0009] From a third perspective, such a power management system can increase the opportunities for electric vehicle users to know the amount of charge available for their electric vehicle at the time of charging before the electric vehicle arrives at the building.

[0010] The fourth power management system is a power management system of any one of the first, third, or fourth perspectives, and the evaluation results include information regarding the amount of charge that can be charged by having a hot water heater installed in the building perform boiling operation before the charging period, or information regarding the amount of charge that can be charged by having an air conditioner installed in the building perform energy-saving operation during the charging period.

[0011] In the fourth aspect of the power management system, if it is possible to have the water heater perform boiling operation before the charging period begins, the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle during the charging period can be increased by having the electric vehicle user perform boiling operation before the charging period begins using a mobile device or the like. Also, if the power management system is possible to have the air conditioner perform energy-saving operation during the charging period, the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle during the charging period can be increased by having the electric vehicle user perform energy-saving operation such as cooling operation with a higher set temperature or heating operation with a lower set temperature during the charging period using a remote controller or the like.

[0012] The power management system of the fifth perspective is a power management system of any one of the first, second, or fourth perspectives, wherein the first operational information includes a first time. The first time is the time when the electric vehicle arrives at the building. The control unit acquires the location information of the electric vehicle and acquires the time when the electric vehicle is predicted to arrive at the building, based on the location information, as the first time. Alternatively, the control unit acquires the time when the electric vehicle is predicted to arrive at the building, based on past times when the electric vehicle has arrived at the building, as the first time. Alternatively, the control unit acquires the time when the electric vehicle is predicted to arrive at the building, input using the input unit, as the first time.

[0013] The power management system of the sixth perspective is a power management system of either the first perspective or the fifth perspective, wherein the first operational information includes a second time. The second time is the time when the electric vehicle departs the building. The control unit obtains the second time as the time when the electric vehicle departs the building, predicted based on past times when the electric vehicle departed the building. Alternatively, the control unit obtains the second time as the time when the electric vehicle departs the building, input using the input unit. Alternatively, the control unit obtains the second time as the time when the electric vehicle departs the building, based on the electric vehicle's operational schedule.

[0014] The power management method for the seventh aspect is performed by a computer. The power management method manages the power supply to the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle is installed in the building. The computer includes a control unit. If the electric vehicle has not yet arrived at the building, the control unit obtains first operational information. The first operational information is information regarding the operation of the electric vehicle. If the electric vehicle has not yet arrived at the building, the control unit determines when the electric vehicle can be charged based on the first operational information. If the electric vehicle has not yet arrived at the building, the control unit evaluates the amount of charge that can be supplied to the electric vehicle based on the power consumption limits in the building, the charging availability period, and the power consumption within the building. If the electric vehicle has not yet arrived at the building, the control unit transmits the evaluation results to the electric vehicle or to a mobile terminal carried by the electric vehicle user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the power management system. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram of an electric vehicle. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram of the hot water supply system. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner. [Figure 5] This is a functional block diagram of the control unit. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the process of the control device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] (1) Overall structure Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the power management system 1. As shown in Figure 1, the power management system 1 manages the power supply to the electric vehicle 3 installed in building 98. Building 98 is further equipped with a control device 2, a hot water heater 4, an air conditioner 5, a converter 6, a distribution board 7, a charging device 8, and household appliances 96 other than the hot water heater 4 and air conditioner 5 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as household appliances 96).

[0017] The power management system 1 has a control device 2. The control device 2 controls the power supply to the water heater 4 and the electric vehicle 3. The control device 2 and the electric vehicle 3 are communicably connected via a network NW1 such as the Internet. The control device 2, the water heater 4, the air conditioner 5, the home appliances 96, and the conversion device 6 are communicably connected via a network NW2 such as a LAN. The distribution board 7 and the water heater 4, the distribution board 7 and the air conditioner 5, the distribution board 7 and the conversion device 6, the distribution board 7 and the home appliances 96, the conversion device 6 and the charging device 8, and the distribution board 7 and the power system 99 are connected via the power line 97 so as to be able to supply power.

[0018] Also, the control device 2 and the mobile terminal 9 carried by the user of the electric vehicle 3 are communicably connected via a network NW1 such as the Internet. The mobile terminal 9 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like. An application for operating the water heater 4 and the air conditioner 5 is installed in the mobile terminal 9 via the control device 2.

[0019] ((two)) Detailed configuration ((two))-((one)) Distribution board The distribution board 7 distributes the AC power supplied from the power system 99 to the water heater 4, the air conditioner 5, the home appliances 96, and the conversion device 6.

[0020] ((two))-((two)) Electric vehicle FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the electric vehicle 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the electric vehicle 3 mainly includes a storage battery 3a, a charging connector 3b, an input unit 32, a display unit 33, and a control unit 39.

[0021] The storage battery 3a is an in-vehicle battery for operating a drive motor and in-vehicle electrical components of the electric vehicle 3. The storage battery 3a is charged when the charging connector 3b is connected to the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8. The input unit 32 is an input interface such as a touch panel of an in-vehicle navigation system. The display unit 33 is an output interface such as a touch panel of an in-vehicle navigation system.

[0022] The control unit 39 controls the operations of each part constituting the electric vehicle 3. The control unit 39 has a control arithmetic unit and a storage device. The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU and a GPU. The storage device is a storage medium such as a RAM, a ROM, and a flash memory. The control arithmetic unit reads and executes the programs stored in the storage device to realize various functions of the electric vehicle 3. Also, the control arithmetic unit can write the arithmetic results into the storage device or read the information stored in the storage device according to the programs.

[0023] The control unit 39 exchanges various information such as control signals and signals regarding various settings with the control device 2 via the network NW1.

[0024] Every time the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is connected to the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8, the control unit 39 acquires the connection time and the charge amount of the storage battery 3a at the connection time, and transmits them to the control device 2.

[0025] Every time the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is removed from the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8, the control unit 39 acquires the removal time and the charge amount of the storage battery 3a at the removal time, and transmits them to the control device 2.

[0026] The control unit 39 periodically (for example, every 30 seconds) acquires the charge amount of the electric vehicle 3 and the position information of the electric vehicle 3, and transmits them to the control device 2.

[0027] The control unit 39 transmits to the control device 2 the charge amount of the electric vehicle 3 at the time when the instruction from the control device 2 is received and the position information of the electric vehicle 3 at the time when the instruction from the control device 2 is received according to the instruction from the control device 2. The position information of the electric vehicle 3 is acquired by a GPS function via the network NW1, for example.

[0028] (2-3) Charging Device The charging device 8 is a device for charging the battery 3a of the electric vehicle 3 with power supplied from the power grid 99 via the converter 6. The charging device 8 has a charging connector 8a. The charging device 8 charges the battery 3a when the charging connector 8a is connected to the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3.

[0029] (2-4) Conversion device The converter 6 can convert DC voltage to AC voltage, or AC voltage to DC voltage, between the power system 99 and the storage battery 3a. For example, the converter 6 converts AC power from the power system 99 to DC power and supplies it to the storage battery 3a.

[0030] (2-5) Hot water supply system The hot water supply system 4 mainly comprises a heat pump unit, a hot water storage unit, and a control unit 49.

[0031] The heat pump unit heats the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit and supplies the heated hot water back to the hot water storage unit. The hot water storage unit stores the heated hot water supplied from the heat pump unit, mixes the stored hot water with water supplied from the shut-off valve, and supplies it to the hot water supply unit and the bathtub. The hot water supply unit is, for example, a faucet and shower. The shut-off valve is connected to an external water source such as a water supply. The shut-off valve is operated to supply water to the hot water storage unit.

[0032] Here, "hot water" refers to at least one of hot water and cold water. Therefore, both water before it is heated by the heat pump unit and water after it has been heated by the heat pump unit are referred to as "hot water."

[0033] (2-5-1) Heat pump unit The heat pump unit mainly comprises a compressor, a water heat exchanger, an expansion valve 413, and an air heat exchanger. The compressor, water heat exchanger, expansion valve 413, and air heat exchanger are connected in a ring by refrigerant piping to form a heat pump cycle. The heat pump unit also has a first control device 419.

[0034] The compressor has a compression mechanism that compresses the refrigerant by driving the compressor motor 411a. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor is sent to the water heat exchanger. The capacity of the heat pump unit can be adjusted by controlling the operating frequency of the compressor motor 411a. The water heat exchanger exchanges heat between the high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor and the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit, heating the hot water. The expansion valve 413 depressurizes the refrigerant that has passed through the water heat exchanger and undergone heat exchange. The air heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant that has been depressurized by passing through the expansion valve 413 and the outside air, heating the refrigerant. Outside air is supplied to the air heat exchanger, for example, by an outside air fan. The refrigerant that has passed through the air heat exchanger and undergone heat exchange is sent to the compressor.

[0035] The first control device 419 controls the operation of each part that constitutes the heat pump unit. The first control device 419 has a control arithmetic unit and a memory device. The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU and a GPU. The memory device is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. The control arithmetic unit reads and executes programs stored in the memory device to realize various functions of the heat pump unit. The control arithmetic unit can also write calculation results to the memory device and read information stored in the memory device according to the program.

[0036] (2-5-2) Hot water storage unit The hot water storage unit mainly comprises a hot water storage tank and a heating pump 424. These elements are connected by piping through which hot water flows. The hot water storage unit also has a second control device 429.

[0037] The hot water storage tank stores hot water. The hot water storage tank is equipped with multiple tank temperature sensors T41. As the density of water changes with temperature, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank forms layers where the upper part is hotter and the lower part is colder. Therefore, by detecting the temperature distribution of the hot water in the hot water storage tank in the vertical direction based on the output signals of the multiple tank temperature sensors T41, the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank (storage volume) can be obtained.

[0038] The second control device 429 controls the operation of each part that constitutes the hot water storage unit. The second control device 429 has a control arithmetic unit and a memory device. The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU and a GPU. The memory device is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. The control arithmetic unit reads and executes programs stored in the memory device to realize various functions of the hot water storage unit. The control arithmetic unit can also write calculation results to the memory device and read information stored in the memory device according to the program.

[0039] (2-5-3) Control Unit The first control device 419 of the heat pump unit and the second control device 429 of the hot water storage unit work together to function as a control unit 49. Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the hot water supply system 4. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 49 is communicatively connected to the compressor motor 411a, the expansion valve 413, the boiling pump 424, and the multiple tank temperature sensors T41.

[0040] The control unit 49 exchanges various information with the control device 2 via the network NW2, including control signals, signals related to measurements from various sensors, and signals related to various settings.

[0041] The control unit 49 periodically (for example, every 30 seconds) acquires operating data such as the rotational speed of the compressor motor 411a, the opening degree of the expansion valve 413, the rotational speed of the boiling pump 424, the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank, the measured values ​​of the multiple tank temperature sensors T41, and the power consumption, and transmits this data to the control device 2. The power consumption may be the measured value of a power meter installed in the hot water supply system 4, or it may be calculated using a predetermined formula with respect to the rotational speed of the compressor motor 411a and the rotational speed of the boiling pump 424.

[0042] The control unit 49 performs the boiling operation based on instructions from the remote controller of the hot water supply unit 4 or from the control unit 2. The boiling operation is the operation in which the heat pump unit heats the hot water in the hot water storage tank. In the boiling operation, the boiling pump 424 is driven, and the hot water in the hot water storage tank is guided to the water heat exchanger and heated. The hot water heated in the water heat exchanger is returned to the hot water storage tank. In this way, in the boiling operation, the hot water in the hot water storage tank is heated in the water heat exchanger while being circulated. The control unit 49 performs the boiling operation by controlling the compressor, expansion valve 413, and boiling pump 424. The control unit 49 controls the rotation speed of the compressor motor 411a and the opening degree of the expansion valve 413 to adjust the capacity of the heat pump unit and the temperature of the hot water heated in the water heat exchanger (outlet temperature), etc. The control unit 49 controls the rotation speed of the boiling pump 424 to adjust the hot water temperature, the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank, and the flow rate of hot water supplied to the hot water storage tank (storage flow rate).

[0043] (2-6) Air conditioners The air conditioner 5 comprises a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle and provides air conditioning to the target space within the building 98. It has an indoor unit 51, an outdoor unit 52, and a control unit 59. The indoor unit 51 and the outdoor unit 52 are connected by liquid refrigerant connecting pipes and gas refrigerant connecting pipes, forming a refrigerant circuit.

[0044] (2-6-1) Indoor unit The indoor unit 51 is installed, for example, on the ceiling of the target space. The indoor unit 51 mainly comprises an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan, an indoor temperature sensor T51, and an indoor control unit 519.

[0045] The indoor heat exchanger facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through it and the air in the target space. The indoor fan draws air from the target space into the indoor unit 51, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger, and supplies the drawn-in air to the target space. The indoor fan is driven by the indoor fan motor 512m. The indoor temperature sensor T51 measures the temperature of the air in the target space.

[0046] The indoor control unit 519 controls the operation of each component of the indoor unit 51. The indoor control unit 519 has a control arithmetic unit and a memory device. The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU and a GPU. The memory device is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. The control arithmetic unit reads and executes programs stored in the memory device to realize various functions of the indoor unit 51. The control arithmetic unit can also write calculation results to the memory device and read information stored in the memory device according to the program.

[0047] (2-6-2) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 52 is installed, for example, on the roof of the building 98. The outdoor unit 52 mainly comprises a compressor, a flow path switching valve 522, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor expansion valve 524, an outdoor fan, an outdoor temperature sensor T52, and an outdoor control unit 529.

[0048] The compressor draws in low-pressure refrigerant from the suction pipe, compresses the refrigerant using a compression mechanism, and discharges the compressed refrigerant through the discharge pipe. The compressor's compression mechanism is driven by the compressor motor 521m. The flow path switching valve 522 is a mechanism that switches the refrigerant flow path between a first state and a second state. During cooling operation, the flow path switching valve 522 sets the refrigerant flow path to the first state. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the refrigerant circuit in the order of the outdoor heat exchanger, outdoor expansion valve 524, and indoor heat exchanger, and returns to the compressor. In the first state, the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. During heating operation, the flow path switching valve 522 sets the refrigerant flow path to the second state. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the refrigerant circuit in the order of the indoor heat exchanger, outdoor expansion valve 524, and outdoor heat exchanger, and returns to the compressor. In the second state, the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser. The outdoor heat exchanger facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through it and the outdoor air of building 98. The outdoor expansion valve 524 is a mechanism for regulating the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit. The outdoor fan supplies outdoor air of building 98 to the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan is driven by the outdoor fan motor 526m. The outdoor temperature sensor T52 measures the temperature of the outside air of building 98.

[0049] The outdoor control unit 529 controls the operation of each component of the outdoor unit 52. The outdoor control unit 529 has a control arithmetic unit and a memory device. The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU and a GPU. The memory device is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. The control arithmetic unit reads and executes programs stored in the memory device to realize various functions of the outdoor unit 52. The control arithmetic unit can also write calculation results to the memory device and read information stored in the memory device according to the program.

[0050] (2-6-3) Control Unit The indoor control unit 519 of the indoor unit 51 and the outdoor control unit 529 of the outdoor unit 52 work together to function as a control unit 59. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the air conditioner 5. As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 59 is communicatively connected to the indoor fan motor 512m, indoor temperature sensor T51, compressor motor 521m, flow path switching valve 522, outdoor expansion valve 524, outdoor fan motor 526m, and outdoor temperature sensor T52.

[0051] The control unit 59 exchanges various information with the control device 2 via the network NW2, including control signals, signals related to measurements from various sensors, and signals related to various settings.

[0052] The control unit 59 periodically (for example, every 30 seconds) acquires operating data such as the rotational speed of the indoor fan motor 512m, the measured value of the indoor temperature sensor T51, the rotational speed of the compressor motor 521m, the state of the flow path switching valve 522, the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 524, the rotational speed of the outdoor fan motor 526m, the measured value of the outdoor temperature sensor T52, and power consumption, and transmits this data to the control device 2. The power consumption may be the measured value of a power meter installed in the air conditioner 5, or it may be calculated using a predetermined formula with respect to the rotational speed of the indoor fan motor 512m, the rotational speed of the compressor motor 521m, and the rotational speed of the outdoor fan motor 526m.

[0053] The control unit 59 performs cooling or heating operation based on instructions from the remote controller of the air conditioner 5 or from the control device 2. When the control unit 59 receives an instruction to start cooling or heating operation, it switches the flow path switching valve 522 to the first state or the second state. The control unit 59 then adjusts the rotation speed of the indoor fan motor 512m, the rotation speed of the compressor motor 521m, the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 524, and the rotation speed of the outdoor fan motor 526m, etc., so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger (evaporation temperature or condensation temperature) reaches the temperature corresponding to the set temperature.

[0054] (2-7) Control device The control device 2 is installed, for example, in a computer room within building 98. The control device 2 may also be installed, for example, on the cloud. Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the control device 2. As shown in Figure 5, the control device 2 mainly includes a storage unit 21, an input unit 22, a display unit 23, a communication unit 24, and a control unit 29.

[0055] The memory unit 21 is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. The memory unit 21 stores programs executed by the control unit 29 and data necessary for program execution. The communication unit 24 includes network interface equipment for communicating with the electric vehicle 3 and the mobile terminal 9 via the network NW1, and network interface equipment for communicating with the water heater 4, the air conditioner 5, and the converter 6 via the network NW2. The input unit 22 is an input interface such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel. Various commands and information for the control device 2 can be input using the input unit 22. The display unit 23 is an output interface such as a monitor and touch panel. The display unit 23 can display various data stored in the memory unit 21.

[0056] (2-7-1) Control Unit The control unit 29 is a processor such as a CPU and GPU. The control unit 29 reads and executes programs stored in the memory unit 21 and realizes various functions of the control device 2. The control unit 29 can also write calculation results to the memory unit 21 and read information stored in the memory unit 21 according to the program.

[0057] The control unit 29 exchanges various information, such as control signals and signals related to various settings, with the electric vehicle 3 and the mobile terminal 9 via the network NW1. The control unit 29 also exchanges various information, such as control signals and signals related to various settings, with the water heater 4, air conditioner 5, home appliance 96, and converter 6 via the network NW2.

[0058] Each time the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is connected to the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8, the control unit 29 obtains the time of connection and the charge level of the battery 3a at that time from the electric vehicle 3 and stores them in the storage unit 21.

[0059] Each time the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is disconnected from the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8, the control unit 29 obtains the time of disconnection and the charge level of the battery 3a at the time of disconnection from the electric vehicle 3 and stores them in the storage unit 21.

[0060] The control unit 29 periodically acquires the charge level of the electric vehicle 3 and the location information of the electric vehicle 3 from the electric vehicle 3 and stores them in the storage unit 21.

[0061] The control unit 29 periodically acquires operating data from the hot water heater 4 and stores it in the storage unit 21.

[0062] The control unit 29 periodically acquires operating data from the air conditioner 5 and stores it in the storage unit 21.

[0063] The control unit 29 periodically acquires operating data of the home appliance 96 from the home appliance 96, including the power consumption of the home appliance 96 (for example, the measured value from a power meter installed on the home appliance 96), and stores it in the storage unit 21.

[0064] The control unit 29 instructs the hot water supply unit 4 to perform a boiling operation based on instructions from the input unit 22 or the mobile terminal 9. The control unit 29 also instructs the air conditioner 5 to perform a cooling or heating operation based on instructions from the input unit 22 or the mobile terminal 9.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 29 has, as functional blocks, an acquisition unit 291, a certification unit 292, an evaluation unit 293, and a transmission unit 294.

[0066] (2-7-1) Acquisition department The acquisition unit 291 acquires the first operational information D1 if the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at the building 98. In this embodiment, the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at the building 98 if the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is not connected to the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8. The electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at the building 98 if, for example, the location of the electric vehicle 3 in the current time location information and the location of the building 98 are separated by a predetermined distance. For example, the acquisition unit 291 acquires the current time location information of the electric vehicle 3 from the electric vehicle 3. The location information of the building 98 is stored in the storage unit 21 in advance, for example, using the input unit 22. The acquisition unit 291 stores the acquired first operational information D1 in the storage unit 21.

[0067] The first operational information D1 is information relating to the operation of the electric vehicle 3. The first operational information D1 is, for example, information relating to when the electric vehicle 3 can be charged. The information relating to when the electric vehicle 3 can be charged is, for example, the charging time period desired by the user. In this embodiment, the first operational information D1 includes a first time and a second time.

[0068] The first time is the time when the electric vehicle 3 arrives at building 98. In this embodiment, the time when the electric vehicle 3 arrives at building 98 is the time when the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is connected to the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8. The time when the electric vehicle 3 arrives at building 98 may be, for example, the time when the position of the electric vehicle 3 in the location information and the position of the building 98 in the location information are within a predetermined distance.

[0069] The acquisition unit 291 acquires the current location information of the electric vehicle 3 and uses this location information to predict the time when the electric vehicle 3 will arrive at the building 98, which is then acquired as the first time. The acquisition unit 291 uses the current location information of the electric vehicle 3 and the location information of the building 98 to predict the time when the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 will be connected to the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8.

[0070] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 291 may acquire as the first time the electric vehicle 3 is predicted to arrive at the building 98 based on past actual arrival time information of the electric vehicle 3. For example, the acquisition unit 291 may use the connection time acquired from the electric vehicle 3 each time the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is connected to the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8 as past actual arrival time information of the electric vehicle 3.

[0071] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 291 may acquire the time when the electric vehicle 3, input using the input unit 32, arrives at the building 98 as the first time.

[0072] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 291 may acquire the time when the electric vehicle 3 arrives at the building 98, which is input using the input interface of the mobile terminal 9, as the first time.

[0073] The second time is the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from building 98. In this embodiment, the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from building 98 is the time when the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is disconnected from the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8.

[0074] The acquisition unit 291 acquires a second time, which is the time when the electric vehicle 3 is predicted to depart from building 98, based on past times when the electric vehicle 3 departed from building 98. For example, the acquisition unit 291 stores the time each time the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is disconnected from the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8, as a past time when the electric vehicle 3 departed from building 98.

[0075] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 291 may acquire the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from the building 98, which is input using the input unit 32, as a second time.

[0076] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 291 may acquire the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from the building 98, which is input using the input interface of the mobile terminal 9, as a second time.

[0077] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 291 may acquire the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from the building 98 based on the electric vehicle 3's operating schedule as a second time. The electric vehicle 3's operating schedule is stored in the storage unit 21 in advance, for example, using the input unit 22.

[0078] (2-7-2) Certification Department If the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at the building 98, the certification unit 292 determines the time when the electric vehicle 3 can be charged based on the first operational information D1. In this embodiment, the certification unit 292 determines the period from the first time included in the first operational information D1 to the second time included in the first operational information D1 as the time when the electric vehicle 3 can be charged. For example, if the first operational information D1 is a charging time period desired by the user, the certification unit 292 determines the charging time period desired by the user as the time when the electric vehicle 3 can be charged.

[0079] (2-7-3) Evaluation Department If the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at the building 98, the evaluation unit 293 evaluates the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 based on the power consumption limits in the building 98, the charging availability period, and the power consumption inside the building 98. In this embodiment, if the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at the building 98, the evaluation unit 293 evaluates (calculates) the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 during the charging availability period based on the power consumption limits in the building 98, the charging availability period, and the power consumption inside the building 98.

[0080] In this embodiment, the power consumption limit in building 98 is the amount of electricity that can be consumed in building 98 per unit time (e.g., 1 minute). The power consumption limit in building 98 may also be, for example, the capacity of the circuit breaker. The power consumption limit in building 98 is stored in the storage unit 21 in advance, for example, using the input unit 22.

[0081] In this embodiment, the power consumption within the building 98 is the power consumption of the first equipment installed within the building 98. The first equipment includes a water heater 4, an air conditioner 5, and a home appliance 96.

[0082] For example, the evaluation unit 293 first divides the charging period into intervals of unit time. Next, the evaluation unit 293 calculates the amount of electricity that can be consumed in the building 98 during the charging period by summing up the amounts of electricity that can be consumed in the building 98 during each interval using power consumption limits. Next, the evaluation unit 293 calculates the power consumption of the first equipment during the charging period by summing up the power consumption of the first equipment during each interval. The power consumption of the first equipment in each interval is the sum of the power consumption of the water heater 4 in each interval, the power consumption of the air conditioner 5 in each interval, and the power consumption of the home appliance 96 in each interval. The power consumption of the water heater 4 in each interval is predicted using the power consumption in each interval included in the past operating data of the water heater 4. The power consumption of the air conditioner 5 in each interval is predicted using the power consumption in each interval included in the past operating data of the air conditioner 5. The power consumption of the home appliance 96 in each interval is predicted using the power consumption in each interval included in the past operating data of the home appliance 96. Finally, the evaluation unit 293 calculates the amount of electricity that can be charged to the electric vehicle 3 during the charging period by subtracting the power consumption of the first device during the charging period from the amount of electricity that can be consumed in the building 98 during the charging period.

[0083] The evaluation unit 293 outputs the evaluation results. The evaluation results are information regarding charging the electric vehicle 3, based on an evaluation of the amount of charge that can be charged to the electric vehicle 3. The evaluation results include, for example, the amount of charge that can be charged to the electric vehicle 3 at the time when charging is possible.

[0084] (2-7-4) Transmitter If the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at the building 98, the transmitting unit 294 transmits the evaluation results to the electric vehicle 3 or the mobile terminal 9. The transmitting unit 294 may periodically transmit the evaluation results to the electric vehicle 3 or the mobile terminal 9 while the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at the building 98.

[0085] (3) Processing An example of the processing performed by the control device 2 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 6. As a prerequisite, we assume that the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at building 98.

[0086] As shown in step S1, the control device 2 obtains a first time, which is the time when the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is connected to the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8, and a second time, which is the time when the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is disconnected from the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8.

[0087] After completing step S1, as shown in step S2, the control device 2 determines the period from the first time to the second time as the period during which the electric vehicle 3 can be charged.

[0088] After completing step S2, as shown in step S3, the control device 2 evaluates (calculates) the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 during the charging period, based on the power consumption limit in the building 98, the charging period, and the power consumption within the building 98. The control device 2 outputs the evaluation results, including the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 during the charging period.

[0089] After completing step S3, the control device 2 transmits the evaluation results to the electric vehicle 3 or the mobile terminal 9, as shown in step S4.

[0090] (4) Features (4-1) Conventional technologies exist for managing the power supply to equipment installed in buildings. However, with conventional technologies, electric vehicle users cannot know the results of an assessment of the amount of charge available for their electric vehicle at the time of charging before the electric vehicle arrives at the building. Therefore, they cannot take measures such as external charging or power-saving operation of the electric vehicle in advance based on the results of the assessment of the amount of charge available.

[0091] The power management system 1 of this embodiment manages the power supply to the electric vehicle 3. The electric vehicle 3 is installed in building 98. The power management system 1 includes a control unit 29. If the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at building 98, the control unit 29 acquires first operational information D1. The first operational information D1 is information relating to the operation of the electric vehicle 3. If the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at building 98, the control unit 29 determines the time when the electric vehicle 3 can be charged based on the first operational information D1. If the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at building 98, the control unit 29 evaluates the amount of charge that can be supplied to the electric vehicle 3 based on the power consumption limit in building 98, the time when charging is possible, and the power consumption within building 98. If the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at building 98, the control unit 29 transmits the evaluation result to the electric vehicle 3 or to a mobile terminal 9 carried by the user of the electric vehicle 3.

[0092] In this embodiment, the power management system 1 transmits information to the electric vehicle 3 or to a portable terminal 9 carried by the user of the electric vehicle 3 if the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at the building 98. Therefore, before the electric vehicle 3 arrives at the building 98, the user of the electric vehicle 3 can know the result of the evaluation regarding the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 at the time of charging. As a result, the user of the electric vehicle 3 can, in advance, charge the electric vehicle 3 at a location other than the building 98 and operate the electric vehicle 3 in an energy-saving manner, depending on the result of the evaluation regarding the amount of charge that can be added.

[0093] (4-2) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 29 periodically transmits the evaluation results to the electric vehicle 3 or the mobile terminal 9.

[0094] As a result, the power management system 1 can increase the opportunities for the user of the electric vehicle 3 to know the amount of charge available for the electric vehicle 3 at the time of charging before the electric vehicle 3 arrives at building 98.

[0095] (4-3) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, the first operational information D1 includes a first time. The first time is the time when the electric vehicle 3 arrives at building 98. The control unit 29 acquires the location information of the electric vehicle 3 and acquires the time when the electric vehicle 3 is predicted to arrive at building 98 using the location information as the first time. Alternatively, the control unit 29 acquires the time when the electric vehicle 3 is predicted to arrive at building 98 based on past times when the electric vehicle 3 arrived at building 98 as the first time. Alternatively, the control unit 29 acquires the time when the electric vehicle 3 is predicted to arrive at building 98 input using the input unit 32 as the first time.

[0096] (4-4) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, the first operational information D1 includes a second time. The second time is the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from building 98. The control unit 29 acquires the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from building 98, predicted based on past times when the electric vehicle 3 departed from building 98, as the second time. Alternatively, the control unit 29 acquires the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from building 98, input using the input unit 32, as the second time. Alternatively, the control unit 29 acquires the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from building 98, based on the electric vehicle 3's operational schedule, as the second time.

[0097] (4-5) In this embodiment, the power management method is performed by the power management system 1 (computer). The power management method manages the power supply to the electric vehicle 3. The electric vehicle 3 is installed in building 98. The power management system 1 includes a control unit 29. If the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at building 98, the control unit 29 acquires first operational information D1. The first operational information D1 is information relating to the operation of the electric vehicle 3. If the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at building 98, the control unit 29 determines the time when the electric vehicle 3 can be charged based on the first operational information D1. If the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at building 98, the control unit 29 evaluates the amount of charge that can be supplied to the electric vehicle 3 based on the power consumption limit in building 98, the time when charging is possible, and the power consumption within building 98. If the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at building 98, the control unit 29 transmits the evaluation result to the electric vehicle 3 or to a portable terminal 9 carried by the user of the electric vehicle 3.

[0098] The power management method of this embodiment transmits to the electric vehicle 3 or to a portable terminal 9 carried by the user of the electric vehicle 3 if the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at the building 98. Therefore, before the electric vehicle 3 arrives at the building 98, the user of the electric vehicle 3 can know the result of the evaluation regarding the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 at the time when charging is possible. As a result, the user of the electric vehicle 3 can, in advance, charge the electric vehicle 3 at a location other than the building 98 and operate the electric vehicle 3 in an energy-saving manner, etc., according to the result of the evaluation regarding the amount of charge that can be added.

[0099] (5) Variant (5-1) Variation 1A The transmitting unit 294 may transmit the evaluation results to the electric vehicle 3 or the mobile terminal 9 if the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 during the charging period is less than a predetermined amount.

[0100] As a result, the power management system 1 can omit transmitting the evaluation results if the amount of charge available for the electric vehicle 3 during the charging period is sufficient.

[0101] The predetermined amount is, for example, the amount obtained by subtracting the charge amount of the electric vehicle 3 at the first time point from the target charge amount of the electric vehicle 3 at the second time point. The target charge amount of the electric vehicle 3 at the second time point is stored in the storage unit 21 in advance, for example, using the input unit 22. The charge amount of the electric vehicle 3 at the first time point is predicted, for example, using the location information of the electric vehicle 3 at the current time, the location information of the building 98, and the charge amount of the electric vehicle 3 at the current time. The acquisition unit 291 acquires the charge amount of the electric vehicle 3 at the current time from the electric vehicle 3.

[0102] Furthermore, the evaluation results may include the difference (shortfall) between the amount of charge that can be added to electric vehicle 3 during the charging period and a predetermined amount.

[0103] As a result, users of electric vehicle 3 can know in advance the amount of electricity to be charged by charging electric vehicle 3 at a location other than building 98, and the amount of electricity to be saved by operating electric vehicle 3 in an energy-saving manner.

[0104] Furthermore, the transmitting unit 294 may transmit the evaluation results to the electric vehicle 3 or the mobile terminal 9, regardless of the difference between the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 at the time it is available for charging and a predetermined amount. In this case, the evaluation results may include information on whether or not a predetermined amount can be charged.

[0105] (5-2) Variation 1B The evaluation results may include information regarding the amount of charge that can be charged by having the hot water heater 4 installed in the building 98 perform boiling operation before the time when charging is possible, or information regarding the amount of charge that can be charged by having the air conditioner 5 installed in the building 98 perform energy-saving operation during the time when charging is possible.

[0106] The evaluation unit 293 uses, for example, the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank from the current time to the first time, and the measured values ​​of multiple tank temperature sensors T41, which are included in the past operating data of the hot water heater 4, to output as an evaluation result the amount of charge that can be charged to the electric vehicle 3 at the time when charging is possible, by having the hot water heater 4 perform a boiling operation before the time when charging is possible.

[0107] The evaluation unit 293 uses, for example, the temperature of the outside air of the building 98 during the charging period, obtained from the weather forecast, to output as an evaluation result the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 during the charging period by having the air conditioner 5 perform energy-saving operation during the charging period.

[0108] As a result, the power management system 1 informs the user of the electric vehicle 3 of the amount of charge that can be charged by having the hot water heater 4 perform boiling operation before the time when charging is possible, before the electric vehicle 3 arrives at the building 98. This allows the user of the electric vehicle 3 to decide whether or not to have the hot water heater 4 perform boiling operation before the time when charging is possible using a mobile terminal 9 or the like. In addition, the power management system 1 informs the user of the electric vehicle 3 of the amount of charge that can be charged by having the air conditioner 5 perform energy-saving operation when charging is possible, before the electric vehicle 3 arrives at the building 98. This allows the user of the electric vehicle 3 to decide whether or not to have the air conditioner 5 perform energy-saving operation, such as cooling operation with a raised set temperature or heating operation with a lower set temperature, when charging is possible using a remote controller for the air conditioner 5.

[0109] Including information regarding the amount of charge that can be charged by having the water heater 4 perform boiling operation before the charging period, or information regarding the amount of charge that can be charged by having the air conditioner 5 perform energy-saving operation during the charging period, in the evaluation results is particularly effective in Modification 1A when the amount of charge that can be charged to the electric vehicle 3 during the charging period is less than a predetermined amount.

[0110] (5-3) Modification 1C In this embodiment, the control unit 29 acquired the power consumption of the hot water heater 4, which was measured or calculated by the hot water heater 4. However, the control unit 29 may also calculate the power consumption of the hot water heater 4. For example, the control unit 29 may calculate it using a predetermined formula, using the rotational speed of the compressor motor 411a and the rotational speed of the boiling pump 424, which are included in the operating data of the hot water heater 4.

[0111] In this embodiment, the control unit 29 acquired the power consumption of the air conditioner 5, which was measured or calculated by the air conditioner 5. However, the control unit 29 may also calculate the power consumption of the air conditioner 5. For example, the control unit 29 may use the rotational speed of the indoor fan motor 512m, the rotational speed of the compressor motor 521m, and the rotational speed of the outdoor fan motor 526m, etc., which are included in the operating data of the air conditioner 5, to calculate it using a predetermined formula.

[0112] (5-4) Modification 1D In this embodiment, the power consumption of the hot water heater 4 in each section of the rechargeable period was predicted using the power consumption in each section included in the past operating data of the hot water heater 4. However, the power consumption of the hot water heater 4 in each section may also be predicted using the rotational speed of the compressor motor 411a and the rotational speed of the boiling pump 424 in each section, which are included in the operation schedule of the hot water heater 4. The operation schedule of the hot water heater 4 is stored in the storage unit 21 in advance using, for example, the input unit 22.

[0113] In this embodiment, the power consumption of the air conditioner 5 in each section of the rechargeable period was predicted using the power consumption in each section included in the past operating data of the air conditioner 5. However, the power consumption of the air conditioner 5 in each section may also be predicted using the rotational speed of the indoor fan motor 512m, the rotational speed of the compressor motor 521m, and the rotational speed of the outdoor fan motor 526m in each section, which are included in the operation schedule of the air conditioner 5. The operation schedule of the air conditioner 5 is stored in the storage unit 21 in advance using, for example, the input unit 22.

[0114] (5-5) While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0115] 1. Power management system, computer 3. Electric vehicles 4. Hot water supply system 5. Air conditioner 9 Mobile devices 29 Control Unit 32 Input section 98 Buildings D1 First Operational Information [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0116] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-200015

Claims

1. A power management system (1) for managing the supply of power to an electric vehicle (3) installed in a building (98), A control unit (29) is provided, The control unit, if the electric vehicle has not arrived at the building, First operational information (D1) regarding the operation of the electric vehicle is obtained, Based on the first operational information, the charging period for the electric vehicle is determined. Based on the power consumption limits in the building, the charging availability period, and the power consumption within the building, an evaluation is performed regarding the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle. The results of the evaluation are transmitted to the electric vehicle or to a mobile terminal (9) carried by the user of the electric vehicle. Power management system (1).

2. The control unit transmits the evaluation result to the electric vehicle or the mobile terminal when the chargeable amount is less than a predetermined amount. The power management system (1) according to claim 1.

3. The control unit periodically transmits the evaluation results to the electric vehicle or the mobile terminal. The power management system (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The results of the above evaluation are, Information regarding the amount of charge that can be charged, obtained by causing the hot water supply system (4) installed in the building to perform a boiling operation before the aforementioned charging period, Information regarding the amount of charge that can be charged, by causing the air conditioner (5) installed in the building to perform energy-saving operation during the period when charging is possible, including, The power management system (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The first operational information includes the first time the electric vehicle arrives at the building, The control unit, The location information of the electric vehicle is acquired, and the time at which the electric vehicle will arrive at the building is predicted using the location information, The time the electric vehicle is expected to arrive at the building, based on the past time the electric vehicle arrived at the building, or The time at which the electric vehicle will arrive at the building, which is input using the input unit (32), This is obtained as the first time, The power management system (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The first operational information includes a second time when the electric vehicle departs from the building, The control unit, The time at which the electric vehicle will depart the building, predicted based on the past time at which the electric vehicle departed the building, The time at which the electric vehicle departs the building, as input using the input unit (32), The time at which the electric vehicle departs the building, based on the electric vehicle's operating schedule, This is obtained as the second time, The power management system (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A power management method performed by a computer (1) for managing the power supply to an electric vehicle (3) installed in a building (98), The computer includes a control unit (29), The control unit, if the electric vehicle has not arrived at the building, First operational information (D1) regarding the operation of the electric vehicle is obtained, Based on the first operational information, the charging period for the electric vehicle is determined. Based on the power consumption limits in the building, the charging availability period, and the power consumption within the building, an evaluation is performed regarding the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle. The results of the evaluation are transmitted to the electric vehicle or to a mobile terminal (9) carried by the user of the electric vehicle. Power management methods.

Images