Power systems and electric vehicles

Abstract

This will enable electric vehicles to quickly participate in power supply adjustments. [Solution] The power system 1 comprises power equipment 5 and an electric vehicle 6. Power equipment 5 includes a power supply unit and a storage unit. The power supply unit receives transmitted power from the electric vehicle 5 and supplies power to the power grid PG during a first period and a subsequent second period, which are periods in which power supply adjustments are performed. The storage unit stores grid code information. The electric vehicle 6 comprises a storage device and a control device. When the first period begins, the control device acquires grid code information from power equipment 5 and controls the transmitted power during the first period according to the acquired grid code information. The control device stores the acquired grid code information in the storage device and, if predetermined conditions indicating that the electric vehicle 6 has remained stationary for a third period are met, controls the transmitted power during the second period according to the grid code information in the storage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power system and an electric vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-22311 (Patent Document 1) discloses a system connection system. This system includes an electric vehicle, power facilities, and a connection device. The electric vehicle includes a power storage device. The power facilities include a power conversion device that discharges the power storage device. The connection device connects the power grid and the power facilities.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When an electric vehicle participates in power supply adjustment in the power grid, it transmits power to the power facilities. The power facilities receive this power and supply power to the power grid. When the electric vehicle participates in power supply adjustment as described above, first, the electric vehicle obtains grid code information indicating the rule of power supply to the power grid from the power facilities through communication. Then, the electric vehicle can appropriately participate in power supply adjustment by controlling the transmission power to the power facilities according to the obtained grid code information. However, it may take a lot of time for communication for the electric vehicle to obtain grid code information from the power facilities. As a result, the timing of starting the output of the transmission power from the electric vehicle to the power facilities may be delayed, so the timing of starting power supply from the power facilities to the power grid may be delayed. In this case, there is a possibility that the electric vehicle cannot participate in power supply adjustment quickly.

[0005] This disclosure has been made to solve the problems described above, and its purpose is to provide a power system and electric vehicles that enable electric vehicles to quickly participate in power supply coordination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The power system of this disclosure comprises a power facility and an electric vehicle. The power facility is connected to a power grid. The power facility includes a power supply unit and a storage unit. The power supply unit receives transmitted power from the electric vehicle and supplies power to the power grid during a first period and a subsequent second period, which are periods during which power supply adjustments are performed in the power grid. The storage unit stores grid code information indicating the rules for supplying power from the power supply unit to the power grid. The electric vehicle comprises a storage device, a communication device, a power output device, and a control device. The communication device communicates with the power facility. The power output device outputs transmitted power to the power facility. When the first period begins, the control device obtains grid code information from the power facility via the communication device and controls the transmitted power during the first period according to the obtained grid code information. The control device stores the obtained grid code information in the storage device, and when the second period begins and predetermined conditions are met indicating that the electric vehicle has been stationary for a third period from the end of the first period to the start of the second period, the control device controls the transmitted power during the second period according to the grid code information in the storage device.

[0007] With the above configuration, if an electric vehicle remains stationary for the third period and participates in power supply adjustment during the second period, the transmitted power during the second period is performed according to the grid code information in the storage device. Since the same power equipment is used in the first and second periods when the electric vehicle has remained stationary for the third period, the grid code information in the storage device is the appropriate grid code information to be used in the second period. Therefore, the electric vehicle does not need to acquire grid code information again from the power equipment in order to participate in power supply adjustment during the second period. In other words, the communication process to acquire grid code information at the start of the second period can be omitted. As a result, the output of transmitted power from the electric vehicle to the power equipment in the second period starts earlier by the time it would have taken for this communication process. As a result, power supply from the power equipment to the power grid starts earlier, allowing the electric vehicle to quickly participate in power supply adjustment during the second period.

[0008] In a certain phase, the power equipment further includes a power cable for transmitting power and a connector attached to the power cable. The electric vehicle further includes an inlet to which the connector is connected. The given conditions include the condition that the connector remains connected to the inlet over a third period.

[0009] In a certain phase, the electric vehicle further includes a shift lever. The predetermined conditions include the condition that the range of the shift lever remains fixed in the parking range for a third period.

[0010] In a certain phase, the memory unit further stores identification information of the power equipment. The control unit obtains identification information of the first equipment, which is the power equipment receiving transmitted power during the first period, from the first equipment via a communication device, and obtains identification information of the second equipment, which is the power equipment receiving transmitted power during the second period, from the second equipment via a communication device. If the identification information of the second equipment is the same as the identification information of the first equipment, the control unit controls the power transmitted to the second equipment during the second period according to the grid code information of the memory device.

[0011] With the above configuration, if the identification information of the second equipment is the same as the identification information of the storage device, the power transmitted from the electric vehicle to the second equipment is controlled according to the grid code information of the storage device. As a result, even if the electric vehicle moves after the first period and then participates in power supply adjustment during the second period, it can quickly participate in power supply adjustment during the second period.

[0012] In certain scenarios, grid code information includes predetermined threshold values ​​for the frequency or voltage of the power grid, which the power supply unit uses to limit the power supply.

[0013] The electric vehicle of this disclosure outputs transmission power to power equipment that supplies power to the power grid during periods of power supply adjustment in the power grid. The electric vehicle comprises a memory device, a communication device, a power output device, and a control device. The communication device communicates with the power equipment. The power output device outputs transmission power to the power equipment. When the first period, which is a period of power supply adjustment, begins, the control device acquires grid code information from the power equipment via the communication device and controls the transmission power during the first period according to the acquired grid code information. The grid code information is information that indicates the rules for supplying power from the power equipment to the power grid. The control device stores the acquired grid code information in the memory device, and when the second period, which is a period of power supply adjustment after the first period, begins, and predetermined conditions are met indicating that the electric vehicle has been stationary for a third period from the end of the first period to the start of the second period, the control device controls the transmission power during the second period according to the grid code information in the memory device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, electric vehicles can quickly participate in power supply adjustments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is an overall configuration diagram of a power system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the power equipment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the vehicle. [Figure 4] It is a diagram illustrating the data stored in the storage device. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for exemplifying the adjustment period in the embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart exemplifying the procedure of the processing executed by the vehicle and the power facility in the embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart exemplifying the procedure of the processing executed by the vehicle and the power facility in the embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart exemplifying the procedure of the processing executed by the vehicle and the power facility in Modification 2. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart exemplifying the procedure of the processing executed by the vehicle and the power facility in Modification 2.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated. Each of the embodiments and its modifications may be combined with each other as appropriate.

[0017] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a power system according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the power system 1 includes a household electrical system 2, 12, a power management system 3, a modem 4a, a router 4b, power facilities 5A, 5B, 5C, a vehicle 6, and a server 8.

[0018] The household electrical system 2 includes a meter 10, a distribution board 20, a solar power generation system 30, and home appliances 40.

[0019] Meter 10 outputs and displays various measurement values (e.g., current value and voltage value) of the power exchanged between the household electrical system 2 and the power grid PG. The distribution board 20 includes a main relay 22 and sub-relays 24, 26, 28.

[0020] The main relay 22 is turned on and off to switch the electrical connection state between the household electrical system 2 and the power grid PG. The sub-relay 24 is turned on and off to switch the electrical connection state between the distribution board 20 and the solar power generation system 30. The sub-relay 24 is turned on and off to switch the electrical connection state between the distribution board 20 and the household appliances 40. The sub-relay 28 is turned on and off to switch the electrical connection state between the distribution board 20 and the power facilities 5. In the following description, each of the main relay 22 and the sub-relays 24, 26, 28 is assumed to be in the on state.

[0021] The power management system 3 is operated by the power transmission and distribution company that manages the power grid PG. The power management system 3 is provided to adjust the power supply and demand in the power grid PG. For example, it determines the period during which power supply adjustment (described later) is carried out. The power management system 3 communicates with the power facilities 5A, 5B, 5C via the modem 4a and the router 4b, and transmits information indicating the above period to these power facilities, for example. Each of the power facilities 5A, 5B, 5C is also referred to as "power facility 5". The power facility 5 corresponds to an example of the "power facility" in the present disclosure.

[0022] Power equipment 5A is connected to the power grid PG through the household electrical system 2. Power equipment 5A is connected to vehicle 6 through a power cable. Vehicle 6 is an electric vehicle such as a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), or a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV). Vehicle 6 can function as a Distributed Energy Resource (DER) to supply power to the power grid PG through power equipment 5, such as power equipment 5A. Power equipment 5A receives power supplied from the power grid PG via the household electrical system 2 and supplies power to vehicle 6, or receives power transmitted from vehicle 6 and supplies power to the power grid PG via the household electrical system 2.

[0023] Server 8 sends a participation request PR to vehicle 6. The participation request PR is a signal requesting vehicle 6 to participate in power supply adjustment in the power grid PG. Power supply adjustment refers to adjusting the amount of power supplied in the power grid PG, and a specific example is adjusting the amount of power supplied to the power grid PG from multiple distributed energy sources (not shown), including vehicle 6. The period during which power supply adjustment is carried out is also called the "adjustment period". The participation request PR includes information indicating the adjustment period during which power supply adjustment is scheduled to be carried out. The participation request PR may also be a signal requesting vehicle 6 to immediately participate in power supply adjustment.

[0024] The household electrical system 12 is the same as the household electrical system 2, except that it does not include the solar power generation system 30. Power equipment 5B is the same as power equipment 5A, except that it is connected to the power grid PG through the household electrical system 12. Power equipment 5C is the same as power equipment 5A, except that it is connected directly to the power grid PG without going through the household electrical system. Each of power equipment 5B and 5C, like power equipment 5A, can receive power transmitted from the vehicle 6 and supply power to the power grid PG.

[0025] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the power equipment 5. Referring to Figure 2, the power equipment 5 includes power cables 51a, 51b, a charging / power supply unit 52, sensors 54A, 54B, communication units 55A, 55B, a communication line 56, a connector 57, a storage unit 58, and a control unit 59.

[0026] Power cable 51a is connected to the power grid PG via the household electrical system 2 and transmits the power supply FP from the power equipment 5 to the power grid PG. Power cable 51b transmits the transmission power TP output from the vehicle 6.

[0027] The charging / power supply unit 52 includes a relay 53. The relay 53 is switched on and off to switch the electrical connection state (connected / disconnected) between the power grid PG and the power equipment 5. In this example, when the relay 53 is in the ON state, the transmission power TP is supplied to the power grid PG as the power supply power FP. The charging / power supply unit 52 may further include a power converter. In this case, the power converter converts the transmission power TP and outputs the power supply power FP as the converted power. During the adjustment period, the charging / power supply unit 52 receives the transmission power TP from the vehicle 6 and supplies the power supply power FP to the power grid PG. This allows the charging / power supply unit 52 to function as a power supply unit that supplies power to the power grid PG.

[0028] Sensors 54A and 54B measure the voltage and current of the power supply FP, respectively. Communication unit 55A communicates with the power management system 3 via router 4b and modem 4a. Communication unit 55B communicates with vehicle 6 via communication line 56, for example, by CAN (Controller Area Network) communication. Communication unit 55B sends a start command INS to vehicle 6. The start command INS is a command signal that instructs vehicle 6 to immediately start outputting the transmission power TP to the power equipment 5, for example. The start command INS is transmitted at a timing indicated by information sent from the power management system 3 to the power equipment 5 via modem 4a and router 4b. Connector 57 is an electrical plug attached to the power cable 51b and communication line 56.

[0029] The memory unit 58 is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores grid code information (GC), identification information (ID), and adjustment period information (ATI).

[0030] The grid code information GC indicates the rules for supplying power from the charging / power supply unit 52 to the power grid PG. The grid code information GC is predetermined to stabilize the power quality (e.g., frequency or voltage) of the power grid PG. The grid code information GC includes information indicating a predetermined reference range for the above frequency or voltage. This information further includes a predetermined threshold value (corresponding to the upper limit of the above reference range) for the above frequency or voltage, which the charging / power supply unit 52 uses to limit the power supply to the power grid PG. This point will be explained in more detail later.

[0031] The grid code information (GC) further contains a great deal of information about various items. The grid code information (GC) is defined for each power equipment 5 and is immutable for the power equipment 5 in which it is stored. The grid code information (GC) may differ depending on the surrounding environment of the power equipment 5 in which it is stored. For example, the grid code information (GC) may differ depending on whether the power equipment 5 in which it is stored is connected to a household electrical system, and whether this household electrical system includes a solar power generation system (30). In this example, the grid code information (GC) for power equipment 5A, 5B, and 5C are different from each other.

[0032] The Identification Information ID corresponds to the information used to identify the power equipment 5. The Identification Information ID may differ depending on the power equipment 5 in which it is stored. Therefore, the Identification Information IDs of power equipment 5A, 5B, and 5C are different from each other. The Adjustment Period Information (ATI) indicates the start and end times of the period in which power supply adjustments are implemented. The Adjustment Period Information (ATI) is determined based on information transmitted from the power management system 3 through the modem 4a and router 4b.

[0033] The control unit 59 is a control circuit that controls the charging / power supply unit 52 and the communication units 55A and 55B. The control unit 59 exchanges various information with the outside of the power equipment 5 (e.g., the power management system 3 or the vehicle 6) through the communication units 55A and 55B. The control unit 59 controls the charging / power supply unit 52 according to, for example, the measured values ​​of sensors 54A and 54B and the grid code information GC. In one example, if the frequency or voltage of the power grid PG exceeds the aforementioned threshold during power supply (excess power supply at the power grid PG), the control unit 59 controls the charging / power supply unit 52 to limit the power supply to the power grid PG. Limiting the power supply may be, for example, stopping the power supply by turning off the relay 53. Alternatively, limiting the power supply may be issuing a command to the vehicle 6 to reduce the transmitted power TP. If the charging / power supply unit 52 includes a power converter, limiting the power supply may be reducing the output power of this power converter. By restricting power supply as described above, excessive frequency or voltage fluctuations in the power grid (PG) during the adjustment period can be prevented.

[0034] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of vehicle 6. Referring to Figure 3, vehicle 6 includes an inlet 60, a power storage device 61, a charger / discharger 62, power lines 65a, 65b, sensors 66A, 66B, and a charge / discharge control unit 67. Vehicle 6 further includes a communication device 70, a communication line 71, a shift lever 72, an operating member 73, a vehicle speed sensor 74, a GPS (Global Positioning System) 75, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 76, a storage device 77, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 78.

[0035] The connector 57 of the power equipment 5 is connected (inserted) into the inlet 60. The inlet 60 outputs a signal PISW. The signal PISW indicates the connection status between the connector 57 and the inlet 60. The signal PISW switches between a logic high level and a logic low level, for example, depending on whether the connector 57 is connected to the inlet 60. The energy storage device 61 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery, which stores power for the vehicle 6 to run.

[0036] The charge / discharge unit 62 includes an inverter 63 and a charge / discharge relay 64. The inverter 63 is a bidirectional power converter including a plurality of switching elements (not shown). When the charge / discharge relay 64 is on, the inverter 63 converts the DC power (discharge power) supplied from the energy storage device 61 through the power line 65b into AC power and outputs the converted power. The converted power is output to the power equipment 5 as transmission power TP through the charge / discharge relay 64, the power line 65a, and the inlet 60. The energy storage device 61 and the charge / discharge unit 62 correspond to an example of a “power output device” in this disclosure.

[0037] Sensors 66A and 66B measure the current and voltage of the converted power transmitted in the power line 65a, respectively. The charge / discharge control unit 67 controls the inverter 63 and the charge / discharge relay 64.

[0038] The communication device 70 is configured to communicate with the power equipment 5 via the communication line 71. The communication device 70, for example, receives a start command INS from the power equipment 5 and sends a request signal RQ to the power equipment 5. The request signal RQ is a signal requesting the power equipment 5 to send its grid code information GC to the vehicle 6. The communication device 70 is also configured to receive a join request PR from the server 8. The shift lever 72 is configured to switch the shift range of the vehicle 6 according to the operation of the vehicle 6. The shift range includes the N (neutral) range, R (reverse) range, D (drive) range, B (brake) range, and P (parking) range.

[0039] The operating member 73 is operated by the user to apply the parking brake (handbrake) of the vehicle 6. The vehicle speed sensor 74 measures the speed of the vehicle 6. The GPS 75 acquires location information of the vehicle 6, indicating its current position. The HMI 76 receives input from the user for various operations and displays various screens. The storage device 77 is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD or SSD, and stores various data.

[0040] Figure 4 is an example of the data stored in the storage device 77. Referring to Figure 4, the storage device 77 stores adjustment period information 105, operation history information 110, 115, vehicle speed history information 120, location information history 125, connection history information 130, and grid code information 135.

[0041] The adjustment period information 105 indicates the adjustment period (specifically, its start and end times) in which vehicle 6 is scheduled to participate in power supply adjustment. The adjustment period information 105 may be determined by user operation using HMI 76, or it may be determined as information on the adjustment period indicated by the participation request PR. The adjustment period information 105 also includes information indicating the period (specifically, its start and end times) of power supply adjustment in which vehicle 6 has already participated.

[0042] The operation history information 110 represents the operation history of the shift lever 72. Specifically, the operation history information 110 indicates whether the shift range was N range, R range, D range, B range, or P range at each time point in the most recent period. The most recent period is the period from a predetermined time (e.g., 3 hours) before the current time to the current time.

[0043] The operation history information 115 represents the operation history of the operating member 73. Specifically, the operation history information 115 indicates whether or not the parking brake was applied, associated with each time period in the most recent timeframe.

[0044] The vehicle speed history information 120 represents the history of measurements taken by the vehicle speed sensor 74 during the most recent period. The location information history 125 represents the history of the location information of the vehicle 6 during the most recent period. The connection history information 130 represents the history of the signal PISW level during the most recent period. The grid code information 135 will be described later.

[0045] Referring again to Figure 3, the ECU78 includes memory and a processor (neither of which are shown). The memory includes ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM stores the program executed by the processor. The RAM functions as working memory. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which performs various arithmetic operations according to the above program.

[0046] The ECU 78 is configured to communicate with the charge / discharge control unit 67. The ECU 78 exchanges various information with external equipment of the vehicle 6, such as the power equipment 5 or the server 8, through the communication device 70. For example, when the adjustment period in which the vehicle 6 participates in power supply adjustment begins, the ECU 78 obtains grid code information GC from the power equipment 5 through the communication device 70 and communication line 71. The ECU 78 receives information indicating user operation from the HMI 76. The charge / discharge control unit 67 and the ECU 78 are also referred to as the "control device (control circuit) 79".

[0047] During the adjustment period, the charge / discharge control unit 67 controls the transmitted power TP according to the grid code information GC acquired by the ECU 78. For example, the charge / discharge control unit 67 turns on the charge / discharge relay 64 and controls the inverter 63 according to the threshold value of the grid code information GC of the power equipment 5 and the measured values ​​of sensors 66A and 66B. In one example, the charge / discharge control unit 67 determines the frequency or voltage of the power grid PG based on the measured values ​​of these sensors and controls the output power of the inverter 63 so that the determined frequency or voltage is less than the threshold value of the grid code information GC of the power equipment 5.

[0048] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the adjustment period in the embodiment. Referring to Figure 5, period T1 (first period) corresponds to the period from time t1 to t2. When time t1 arrives and period T1 begins, the ECU 78 acquires grid code information GC of the power equipment 5 from the power equipment 5 via the communication device 70. The charge / discharge control unit 67 controls the transmitted power TP during period T1 according to the grid code information GC thus acquired. For example, if the frequency or voltage of the power grid PG exceeds a threshold, the charge / discharge control unit 67 reduces the output power of the inverter 63 or turns off the charge / discharge relay 64. During period T1, the charging / power supply unit 52 of the power equipment 5 basically receives transmitted power TP from the vehicle 6 and supplies power FP to the power grid PG.

[0049] Period T2 (second period) corresponds to the period from time t3 to t4 and represents the period of power supply adjustment after period T1. Period TA corresponds to the period from time t2 to t3 and represents the period from the end of period T1 to the start of period T2. If vehicle 6 participates in power supply adjustment in period T2 after period T1, the charging / power supply unit 52 of power equipment 5 receives transmitted power TP from vehicle 6 and supplies power FP to the power grid PG. Information indicating times t1, t2, t3, and t4 is included in the adjustment period information ATI, 105, respectively. Time t1 and t3 may be defined as the time when power equipment 5 sends a start command INS to vehicle 6, the time when vehicle 6 receives the start command INS from power equipment 5, or the time when vehicle 6 receives a participation request PR from server 8.

[0050] For vehicle 6 to participate in power supply adjustment, the charge / discharge control unit 67 is required to control the transmitted power TP according to the grid code information GC of the power equipment 5, from the viewpoint of stabilizing the power quality of the power grid PG. However, as mentioned above, the grid code information GC contains a lot of information. Therefore, it may take a lot of communication time for the ECU 78 to obtain the grid code information GC from the power equipment 5 via the communication device 70. As a result, the timing of the start of output of the transmitted power TP from vehicle 6 to power equipment 5 may be delayed, which may cause a delay in the timing of the start of power supply from power equipment 5 to the power grid PG. In this case, vehicle 6 may not be able to quickly participate in power supply adjustment during the adjustment period.

[0051] Therefore, the control device 79 according to this embodiment is equipped with a configuration to address such problems. Specifically, the ECU 78 of the control device 79 acquires grid code information GC from the power equipment 5 at the start of period T1 as described above, and stores the acquired grid code information GC as grid code information 135 (Figure 4) in the storage device 77 (first storage process). Then, the charge / discharge control unit 67 of the control device 79 controls the transmitted power TP during period T2 according to the grid code information 135 in the storage device 77 if the predetermined conditions are met, indicating that (1) period T2 has started and (2) the vehicle 6 has remained stationary throughout period TA. These predetermined conditions are also called "stationary conditions". Specific examples of stationary conditions will be described later.

[0052] If vehicle 6 has remained stationary throughout period TA, it will participate in power supply adjustment using the same power equipment 5 (e.g., power equipment 5A) during periods T1 and T2. In this case, the grid code information GC to be used during period T2 is the same as that used during period T1.

[0053] According to the first storage process and power transmission in accordance with the grid code information 135, if the vehicle 6 is stationary over period TA and participates in power supply adjustment during period T2, the transmitted power TP during period T2 is controlled according to the grid code information 135. If the vehicle 6 has been stationary over period TA, the same power equipment 5 (power equipment 5A in this example) is used for power supply adjustment in periods T1 and T2. Therefore, the grid code information 135 stored in the memory device 77 by the first storage process is suitable grid code information to be used in period T2. Consequently, the ECU 78 does not need to acquire grid code information GC again from power equipment 5 (5A) at the start of period T2 in order for the vehicle 6 to participate in power supply adjustment during period T2. In other words, the communication process for acquiring grid code information GC at the start of period T2 can be omitted. As a result, the output of transmitted power TP from the vehicle 6 to power equipment 5 in period T2 starts earlier by the time required for this communication process. As a result, the supply of power FP from power equipment 5 to power grid PG begins early, allowing vehicle 6 to quickly participate in power supply adjustments during period T2.

[0054] The stationary condition is, for example, the first condition that the connector 57 remains connected to the inlet 60 throughout the period TA. In this case, the ECU 78 determines whether this condition is met according to the adjustment period information 105 and the connection history information 130. If the first condition is met, the connector 57 has not been disconnected during the period TA, and therefore the vehicle 6 is considered to have remained stationary and not driven during the period TA. Thus, the first condition appropriately indicates that the vehicle 6 has remained stationary throughout the period TA.

[0055] The charge / discharge control unit 67 controls the transmitted power TP in the same manner as described above during the kth adjustment period (k≧3) after period T2. For example, consider the case where (3) the kth adjustment period has started and (4) a predetermined condition has been met indicating that the vehicle 6 has remained stationary for the period from the end of period T1 to the start of the kth adjustment period (for example, the condition that the connector 57 has remained connected to the inlet 60). In this case as well, the charge / discharge control unit 67 controls the transmitted power TP during the kth adjustment period according to the grid code information 135 in the storage device 77, without acquiring the grid code information GC from the power equipment 5 at the start of the kth adjustment period.

[0056] Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts illustrating the steps of the processing performed by the vehicle 6 and power equipment 5 in this embodiment. This flowchart begins when the ECU 78 detects the connection (plugging) of the connector 57 to the inlet 60 based on the signal PISW. Hereinafter, steps will be abbreviated as "S".

[0057] Referring to Figure 6, the ECU 78 determines whether the adjustment period has started (S100). In this example, the ECU 78 determines whether the start time of the adjustment period has arrived according to the adjustment period information 105. This adjustment period is period T1 (Figure 5), and the start time is time t1. If time t1 has not yet arrived (NO in S100), the ECU 78 waits until time t1 arrives. If time t1 arrives (YES in S100), the ECU 78 requests the power equipment 5 to transmit grid code information GC to the vehicle 6 (S104). In a specific example, the ECU 78 transmits a request signal RQ to the power equipment 5 via the communication device 70. In this example, the request signal RQ is transmitted to the power equipment 5A.

[0058] When the control unit 59 of the power equipment 5 receives a request signal RQ through the communication device 58B, it transmits grid code information GC to the vehicle 6 (S206).

[0059] When the ECU 78 receives (acquires) grid code information GC through the communication device 70, it stores the acquired grid code information GC as grid code information 135 (Figure 4) in the storage device 77 (S108). The charge / discharge control unit 67 controls the transmitted power TP according to the grid code information 135 (S115). The control unit 59 of the power equipment 5 controls the supplied power FP according to the grid code information GC in the storage unit 58 (S217). Subsequently, when the end time of period T1 (time t2) arrives, the charge / discharge control unit 67 of the vehicle 6 stops outputting the transmitted power TP to the power equipment 5 by turning off the charge / discharge relay 64 (S120). After that, the processing of the vehicle 6 proceeds to S130 (Figure 7). The control unit 59 of the power equipment 5 also stops supplying the supplied power FP to the power grid PG by turning off the relay 53 (S225). After that, the processing of the power equipment 5 proceeds to S235 (Figure 7).

[0060] Referring to Figure 7, the control unit 59 of the power equipment 5 determines whether the adjustment period after period T1 has started (S235). In this example, the control unit 59 determines whether the start time of the adjustment period after period T1 has arrived according to the adjustment period information ATI. This adjustment period is period T2, and its start time is time t3. If time t3 has not yet arrived (NO in S235), the control unit 59 waits until time t3 arrives. If time t3 has arrived (YES in S235), the processing of the power equipment 5 proceeds to S250.

[0061] The ECU 78 of vehicle 6 determines whether the adjustment period (period T2) after period T1 has started according to the adjustment period information 105 (S130). If time t3 has not yet arrived (NO in S130), the ECU 78 waits until time t3 arrives. If time t3 arrives (YES in S130), the ECU 78 determines whether the aforementioned static condition has been met (S140).

[0062] If the stationary condition is met (YES in S140), the vehicle 6 participates in power supply adjustment using the same power equipment 5 (power equipment 5A in this example) during periods T1 and T2. Therefore, the charge / discharge control unit 67 controls the transmitted power TP according to the grid code information 135 stored in the memory device 77 in S108 (S142).

[0063] If the stationary condition is not met (NO in S140), vehicle 6 has already participated in power supply adjustment using power equipment 5A during period T1, and will participate in power supply adjustment using another power equipment 5 (e.g., power equipment 5B or 5C) during period T2. Therefore, ECU 78 erases the grid code information 135 in the storage device 77 (S143). Then, ECU 78 requests the other power equipment 5 (e.g., power equipment 55B or 5C) to send grid code information GC to vehicle 6 (S144). Specifically, ECU 78 sends a request signal RQ to this power equipment 5. As a result, as will be described later, vehicle 6 can obtain new grid code information GC from this power equipment 5. Consequently, vehicle 6 can appropriately participate in power supply adjustment using this power equipment 5.

[0064] The control unit 59 of the power equipment 5 determines whether or not it has received a request signal RQ from S235 within a predetermined time (S250). If the control unit 59 has received the request signal RQ (YES in S250), it transmits the grid code information GC of the power equipment 5 to the vehicle 6 (S252). If the control unit 59 has not received the request signal RQ (NO in S250), or after S252, the control unit 59 controls the power supply FP according to the grid code information GC in the storage unit 58 (S254). Thereafter, when the end time of period T2 (time t4) arrives, the control unit 59 stops supplying power supply FP to the power grid PG (S262).

[0065] After S144, when the vehicle 6's ECU 78 receives (acquires) new grid code information GC from the power equipment 5, it controls the transmitted power TP according to the acquired grid code information GC (S158). The ECU 78 stores this acquired grid code information GC as new grid code information 135 in the storage device 77. After S142 and S158, when time t4 arrives, the charge / discharge control unit 67 stops outputting the transmitted power TP to the power equipment 5 (S160).

[0066] In the above, the ECU 78 may perform the determination processes S110 and S130 depending on whether or not it has received a participation request PR from the server 8 via the communication device 70, requesting the vehicle 6 to immediately participate in power supply adjustment. For example, in S110, the ECU 78 determines that period T1 has started when it receives this participation request PR. Similarly, in S130, the ECU 78 determines that period T2 has started when it receives this participation request PR.

[0067] Alternatively, the ECU 78 may perform the determination processes in S110 and S130 depending on whether or not it has received a start command INS from the power equipment 5 via the communication device 70. For example, in S110, the ECU 78 determines that period T1 has started when it receives a start command INS. Similarly, in S130, the ECU 78 determines that period T2 has started when it receives a start command INS.

[0068] Alternatively, the ECU 78 may perform the determination processes in S110 and S130 depending on whether a user operation instructing the HMI 76 to immediately start outputting the transmission power TP to the power equipment 5 has been performed. For example, in S110, the ECU 78 determines that period T1 has started when this user operation was performed. Similarly, in S130, the ECU 78 determines that period T2 has started when this user operation was performed.

[0069] As described above, according to the embodiment, if the quiescent condition is met at the start of period T2, the transmitted power TP is controlled according to the grid code information 135 in the storage device 77. Therefore, the ECU 78 does not need to acquire grid code information again from the power equipment 5 in order for the vehicle 6 to participate in power supply adjustment during period T2. In other words, the communication process for acquiring grid code information GC at the start of period T2 is omitted. As a result, the output of transmitted power TP from the vehicle 6 to the power equipment 5 during period T2 starts earlier by the time it would have taken for this communication process. Consequently, the timing of the start of power supply from the power equipment 5 to the power grid PG starts earlier. Thus, the vehicle 6 can quickly participate in power supply adjustment during period T2.

[0070] [Example 1] The static condition may be any of the second through fifth conditions shown below.

[0071] The second condition is that the shift range remains fixed in the P range throughout the period TA. The ECU 78 determines whether the second condition is met according to the adjustment period information 105 and the operation history information 110. When the shift range is in the P range, the vehicle 6 is stationary. Therefore, the second condition appropriately indicates that the vehicle 6 has been stationary throughout the period TA.

[0072] The third condition is that the parking brake of the vehicle 6 is applied using the operating member 73 (parking brake state) and this state continues throughout the period TA. The ECU 78 determines whether the third condition is met according to the adjustment period information 105 and the operation history information 115. When the vehicle 6 is in the parking brake state, the vehicle 6 is stationary. Therefore, the third condition appropriately indicates that the vehicle 6 has been stationary throughout the period TA.

[0073] The fourth condition may also be that the measurement value of the vehicle speed sensor 74 remains zero throughout the period TA. The ECU 78 determines whether the fourth condition is met according to the adjustment period information 105 and the vehicle speed history information 120. The measurement value of the vehicle speed sensor 74 reflects whether the vehicle 6 is stationary or not. Therefore, the fourth condition appropriately indicates that the vehicle 6 has been stationary throughout the period TA.

[0074] The fifth condition may be that the amount of variation in the position of vehicle 6, as indicated by the vehicle 6's position information, during period TA is less than a predetermined minute amount. The ECU 78 determines whether the fifth condition is met according to the adjustment period information 105 and the position information history 125. The position information reflects whether vehicle 6 is stationary or not. Because the position information may contain errors in its accuracy, the position of vehicle 6 indicated by the position information may fluctuate slightly. However, if this amount of position fluctuation is less than the above minute amount, it is highly likely that vehicle 6 is actually stationary. Therefore, the fifth condition appropriately indicates that vehicle 6 has been stationary throughout period TA.

[0075] [Differentiation 2] In this modified example 2, the power equipment 5 that receives transmitted power TP during period T1 and supplies power to the power grid PG is also referred to as the "first equipment". Similarly, the power equipment 5 that receives transmitted power TP during period T2 and supplies power to the power grid PG is also referred to as the "second equipment".

[0076] In the embodiment and its modification 1, if the quiescent condition is met at the start of period T2, the control device 79 performs the first storage process and power transmission according to the grid code information 135. In contrast, in this modification 2, the control device 79 determines whether the first equipment and the second equipment are the same or not according to the identification information of these equipment. Then, if the control device 79 determines that these equipment are the same, it performs the first storage process and power transmission according to the grid code information 135.

[0077] The ECU 78 determines whether the second equipment is identical to the first equipment as follows: First, when period T1 begins, the ECU 78 obtains the identification information ID (Figure 2) of the first equipment from the first equipment via the communication device 70 and stores it in the storage device 77 (second storage process). Then, when period T2 begins, the ECU 78 obtains the identification information ID of the second equipment from the second equipment via the communication device 70. The ECU 78 determines whether the second equipment is identical to the first equipment based on whether the obtained identification information ID of the second equipment is identical to the identification information ID of the first equipment stored in the storage device 77 by the second storage process.

[0078] For example, if it is determined that the first and second equipment are the same (for example, if both of these equipment are power equipment 5A), the charge / discharge control unit 67 controls the transmitted power TP during period T2 according to the grid code information 135 stored in the storage device 77 by the first storage process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first and second equipment are not the same (for example, if the first equipment is power equipment 5A and the second equipment is power equipment 5B (or 5C)), the ECU 78 acquires the grid code information GC from the second equipment at the start of period T2. The charge / discharge control unit 67 then controls the transmitted power TP during period T2 according to the grid code information GC thus acquired. The ECU 78 stores this acquired grid code information GC as new grid code information 135 in the storage device 77.

[0079] If vehicle 6 participates in power supply adjustment using the same power equipment 5 during periods T1 and T2 (i.e., the second equipment is the same as the first equipment), the grid code information 135 stored in the storage device 77 by the first storage process is suitable grid code information that should also be used during period T2. In this case, vehicle 6 does not need to acquire the grid code information GC again from the second equipment at the start of period T2.

[0080] According to this modified example 2, if the identification information ID of the second equipment is the same as the identification information ID stored in the storage device 77 by the second storage process, the power transmission TP from the vehicle 6 to the second equipment during period T2 is controlled according to the grid code information 135. For example, after the vehicle 6 participates in power supply adjustment using the power equipment 5 during period T1, the connector 57 may be unplugged from the inlet 60 during period TA and the vehicle 6 may move somewhere. By controlling the power transmission TP as described above, even if the vehicle 6 moves in this way and the vehicle 6 participates in power supply adjustment using the same power equipment 5 as in period T1 during period T2, the output of power transmission TP from the vehicle 6 to this power equipment 5 starts early during period T2. As a result, the vehicle 6 can quickly participate in power supply adjustment during period T2.

[0081] Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating the procedures performed by the vehicle 6 and power equipment 5 in Modification 2. Referring to Figure 8, this flowchart differs from the flowchart in Figure 6 of the embodiment in that S101 and S102 are added. In other respects, the flowchart in Figure 8 is basically the same as the flowchart in Figure 6. Therefore, a detailed explanation will not be repeated.

[0082] When period T1 begins (YES in S100), ECU 78 requests the first equipment to transmit identification information ID to vehicle 6 (S101). In a specific example, ECU 78 sends a transmission request rq for identification information to the first equipment. In this example, the first equipment is assumed to be power equipment 5A. The control unit 59 of the first equipment responds to the transmission request rq and transmits the identification information ID of the first equipment to vehicle 6 (S202). When ECU 78 receives (acquires) the identification information ID transmitted from the first equipment, it stores this identification information ID in the storage device 77 (S103). Subsequently, S104~S120 and S206~S225 are executed.

[0083] Referring to Figure 9, this flowchart differs from the flowchart in Figure 7 of the embodiment in that S137 and S238 are added, and S141 is executed in place of S140. In other respects, the flowchart in Figure 9 is basically the same as the flowchart in Figure 7. Therefore, a detailed explanation will not be repeated.

[0084] When period T2 begins (YES in S130), ECU 78 requests the second equipment to transmit identification information ID to vehicle 6 (S137). Specifically, ECU 78 sends a transmission request rq for identification information to the second equipment. The control unit 59 of the second equipment responds to the transmission request rq and transmits the second equipment's identification information ID to vehicle 6 (S238). When ECU 78 receives (acquires) the identification information ID from the second equipment, it determines whether this identification information ID is the same as the identification information ID stored in the storage device 77 in S103 (S141).

[0085] If these identification information IDs are the same, for example, if both the first and second equipment are power equipment 5A (YES in S141), the charge / discharge control unit 67 controls the transmitted power TP according to the grid code information 135 in the storage device 77 (S142). If these identification information IDs are different, for example, if the first equipment is power equipment 5A and the second equipment is power equipment 5B or 5C (NO in S141), the ECU 78 erases the grid code information 135 in the storage device 77 (S143) and sends a request signal RQ to the second equipment (S144). The subsequent processing is the same as in the example in Figure 7.

[0086] As described above, according to this modified example, even if vehicle 6 moves after period T1 and then participates in power supply adjustment during period T2, vehicle 6 can quickly participate in power supply adjustment during period T2. [Other variations] In the above, the transmitted power TP is output by the inverter 63 using the power of the energy storage device 61. In contrast, if the vehicle 6 is a PHEV or FCEV, its engine may be driven to generate electricity with the vehicle 6's motor (not shown), and this generated electricity may be used to output the transmitted power TP to the power equipment 5. In this case, the engine and motor correspond to an example of the "power output device" in this disclosure.

[0087] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1 Power system, 2, 12 Household electrical system, 5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 55B Power equipment, 6 Vehicle, 8 Server, 20 Distribution board, 52 Power supply unit, 57 Connector, 58 Memory unit, 58B, 70 Communication device, 59 Control unit, 60 Inlet, 61 Energy storage device, 67 Charge / discharge control unit, 72 Shift lever, 73 Operating member, 74 Vehicle speed sensor, 77 Memory device, 79 Control device.

Claims

1. Power equipment connected to the power grid, Equipped with electric vehicles, The aforementioned power equipment is A power supply unit that receives power transmitted from the electric vehicle and supplies power to the power grid during the first period and the subsequent second period, which are periods during which power supply adjustments are carried out in the power grid, It includes a storage unit that stores grid code information indicating the rules for supplying power from the power supply unit to the power grid, The aforementioned electric vehicle is Memory device and A communication device that communicates with the aforementioned power equipment, A power output device that outputs the transmitted power to the aforementioned power equipment, The system includes a control device that, when the first period begins, acquires the grid code information from the power equipment via the communication device and controls the transmitted power during the first period according to the acquired grid code information. The control device is The acquired grid code information is stored in the storage device, A power system that controls the transmitted power during the second period according to the grid code information in the storage device when the second period has started and predetermined conditions have been met indicating that the electric vehicle has been stationary for a third period from the end of the first period to the start of the second period.

2. The power equipment further includes a power cable for transmitting the transmitted power and a connector attached to the power cable, The electric vehicle further includes an inlet to which the connector is connected, The power system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition includes the condition that the connector remains connected to the inlet over the third period.

3. The electric vehicle further includes a shift lever, The power system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition includes the condition that the range of the shift lever remains fixed in the parking range for the duration of the third period.

4. The aforementioned storage unit further stores identification information of the power equipment, The control device is During the first period, the identification information of the first equipment is obtained from the first equipment, which is the power equipment that receives the transmitted power, through the communication device. During the second period, the second equipment, which is the power equipment that receives the transmitted power, acquires the identification information of the second equipment through the communication device. The power system according to claim 1, wherein, when the identification information of the second equipment is the same as the identification information of the first equipment, the power transmitted to the second equipment during the second period is controlled according to the grid code information of the storage device.

5. The power system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the grid code information includes a predetermined threshold value of the frequency or voltage of the power grid for the power supply unit to limit the power supply.

6. An electric vehicle that outputs transmission power to power equipment supplying power to the power grid during a period of power supply adjustment in the power grid, Memory device and A communication device that communicates with the aforementioned power equipment, A power output device that outputs the transmitted power to the aforementioned power equipment, The system includes a control device that, when the first period, which is the period for adjusting the power supply, begins, acquires grid code information from the power equipment via the communication device and controls the transmitted power during the first period according to the acquired grid code information. The aforementioned grid code information is information that indicates the rules for supplying power from the power equipment to the power grid, The control device is The acquired grid code information is stored in the storage device, An electric vehicle that controls the transmitted power during the second period according to the grid code information in the storage device when a second period, which is the power supply adjustment period following the first period, begins, and a predetermined condition is met indicating that the electric vehicle has been stationary for a third period from the end of the first period to the start of the second period.

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