Discharge limit setting support system, discharge limit setting support method, discharge limit setting support program, and recording medium

Abstract

To obtain a discharge limit setting support system, a discharge limit setting support method, a discharge limit setting support program, and a recording medium that enable electric vehicles to be used more reliably as transportation vehicles for purposes necessary for the daily lives of vehicle users, even during power outages in buildings. [Solution] The processing unit 11 creates setting data. The setting data includes multiple options and multiple recommended values ​​for each option calculated in response to the multiple options as candidates for the battery discharge limit. Based on the movement history of the electric vehicle 3 during normal operation, the processing unit 11 designates multiple locations as multiple locations where the electric vehicle 3 will regularly travel during normal operation. Based on the travel distance required for the electric vehicle 3 for each use of the electric vehicle 3 identified by the multiple options, the processing unit 11 calculates multiple recommended values ​​for each option.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a discharge lower limit value setting support system, a discharge lower limit value setting support method, a discharge lower limit value setting support program, and a recording medium.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power supply control device having a function of charging a drive battery mounted on an electric vehicle and a function of supplying power from the drive battery to a load device of a building.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional power supply control device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a power outage occurs in a building, power is supplied from the drive battery to the load devices of the building. However, even during a power outage in a building, it may be necessary to use the electric vehicle as a vehicle for moving to maintain the life of the vehicle user. In this case, if too much power in the drive battery is used for the load devices of the building, the remaining amount of power in the drive battery may become excessively small, and there is a risk that the electric vehicle cannot be used as a vehicle for moving for the life of the vehicle user.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to obtain a discharge lower limit value setting support system, a discharge lower limit value setting support method, a discharge lower limit value setting support program, and a recording medium that can more reliably use an electric vehicle as a vehicle for moving for purposes necessary for the life of a vehicle user even during a power outage in a building.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The discharge limit setting support system relating to this disclosure comprises a processing unit that creates setting data including multiple options for identifying the intended use of an electric vehicle when it is disconnected from a V2H system capable of supplying power from the battery mounted on the electric vehicle to a building and used as a mobile vehicle during a building power outage, and multiple recommended values ​​for each option calculated in response to the multiple options as candidates for the battery discharge limit when the V2H system supplies power to the building, and a data transmission unit that transmits the setting data to the V2H system. The processing unit designates multiple locations as multiple designated locations based on the electric vehicle's movement history during normal times, and designates one of the multiple designated locations as the destination of the electric vehicle during a power outage, determined by the intended use of the electric vehicle identified by the multiple options. The processing unit calculates multiple recommended values ​​for each option based on the required travel distance of the electric vehicle for each intended use of the electric vehicle identified by the multiple options. In a V2H system where the setting data has been set, one of the multiple options becomes selectable, and when one of the multiple options is selected, the recommended value, which is the recommended value for each option corresponding to the selected option, is set as the battery discharge limit. Furthermore, the discharge limit setting support method relating to this disclosure includes a data creation step to create setting data that includes multiple options for identifying the intended use of an electric vehicle when it is disconnected from a V2H system capable of supplying power from the battery mounted on the electric vehicle to a building and used as a mobile vehicle during a building power outage, and multiple recommended values ​​for each option calculated in response to the multiple options as candidates for the battery discharge limit when the V2H system supplies power to the building, and a data transmission step to transmit the setting data to the V2H system. In the data creation step, based on the electric vehicle's movement history during normal times, multiple locations that are the regular destinations of the electric vehicle during normal times are designated as multiple designated locations, and among the multiple designated locations, the designated locations necessary for the electric vehicle's use identified by the multiple options are designated as destinations for the electric vehicle during a power outage, and multiple recommended values ​​for each option are calculated based on the electric vehicle's travel distance required for each use identified by the multiple options. In the V2H system where the setting data has been set, one of the multiple options becomes selectable, and when one of the multiple options is selected, the recommended value, which is the recommended value for each option corresponding to the selected option, is set as the battery discharge limit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, electric vehicles can be used more reliably as transportation vehicles for purposes necessary for the daily lives of vehicle users, even during power outages in buildings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a functional block diagram showing the discharge lower limit setting support system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of driving data recorded in the driving database of the memory unit. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a stay data table created by the data creation unit in Figure 1. [Figure 4]This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a lifestyle data table created by the data creation unit in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a recommended value table created by the data creation unit in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a calculation table created from the lifestyle data table in Figure 4. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of setting data created from the recommended value table in Figure 5. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display screen when setting the battery discharge limit in a V2H system where the setting data in Figure 7 has been configured. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the discharge lower limit setting support method by the discharge lower limit setting support system. [Figure 10] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the procedure for setting the battery discharge limit in the V2H system. [Figure 11] This is a configuration diagram showing a first example of a processing circuit that realizes the functions of the data creation unit, storage unit, and data transmission unit according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] This diagram shows a second example of a processing circuit that implements the functions of the data creation unit, storage unit, and data transmission unit according to Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the discharge limit setting support system according to Embodiment 1. The discharge limit setting support system 1 is connected to a V2H (Vehicle to Home) system 2 installed in a building not shown.

[0010] The V2H system 2 can be connected to an electric vehicle 3. The electric vehicle 3 is equipped with a battery (not shown) capable of storing power.

[0011] When the electric vehicle 3 is connected to the V2H system 2, by performing a charging operation on the V2H system 2, the V2H system 2 can supply power from the building to the battery of the electric vehicle 3. When power is supplied to the battery of the electric vehicle 3 by the V2H system 2, the battery of the electric vehicle 3 is charged and the amount of electric power stored in the battery increases. When a power outage occurs in the building, even if a charging operation is performed on the V2H system 2, the battery of the electric vehicle 3 is not charged.

[0012] Also, when the electric vehicle 3 is connected to the V2H system 2, by performing a discharging operation on the V2H system 2, the V2H system 2 can supply power from the battery of the electric vehicle 3 to the building. When power is supplied from the battery of the electric vehicle 3 to the building, the battery of the electric vehicle 3 discharges and the remaining amount of power stored in the battery decreases.

[0013] The electric vehicle 3 can be used as a moving vehicle that travels to a place away from the building by being disconnected from the V2H system 2. When the electric vehicle 3 is used as a moving vehicle, the electric power stored in the battery of the electric vehicle 3 is consumed by the running of the electric vehicle 3, and the remaining amount of power stored in the battery decreases.

[0014] When the electric vehicle 3 is disconnected from the V2H system 2 and used as a moving vehicle, the running data indicating the moving history of the electric vehicle 3 is collected by the vehicle management system 4. The vehicle management system 4 collects the running data by sequentially detecting the location of the electric vehicle 3 over time. The vehicle management system 4 sequentially transmits the collected running data to the discharge lower limit value setting support system 1.

[0015] The discharge lower limit value setting support system 1 is a system that supports setting the discharge lower limit value of the battery when supplying power from the battery of the electric vehicle 3 to the building in the V2H system 2. The discharge lower limit value of the battery is a value indicating the remaining amount of power stored in the battery of the electric vehicle 3 that is prohibited from being supplied to the building. When the electric vehicle 3 is used as a vehicle for movement, even if the remaining amount of power stored in the battery falls below the discharge lower limit value of the battery, the power of the battery can be consumed for the running of the electric vehicle 3.

[0016] The discharge lower limit value setting support system 1 has a processing unit 11 and a data transmission unit 12. The discharge lower limit value setting support system 1 receives the running data transmitted by the vehicle management system 4 by the processing unit 11.

[0017] The processing unit 11 has a data creation unit 111 and a storage unit 112. When the processing unit 11 receives running data from the vehicle management system 4, the data creation unit 111 records the running data in the running database stored in the storage unit 112.

[0018] The data creation unit 111 creates setting data based on the running data recorded in the storage unit 112, that is, the movement history of the electric vehicle 3.

[0019] The setting data is data for setting the discharge lower limit value of the battery in the V2H system 2. The setting data includes a plurality of options and recommended values for each of the plurality of options.

[0020] The plurality of options are options for specifying the assumed use of the electric vehicle 3 used as a vehicle for movement during a power outage. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, a plurality of different usage periods are individually indicated by the plurality of options as the number of days when it is necessary to use the electric vehicle 3 as a vehicle for movement during a power outage. Also, in the present embodiment, maintaining the state in which the electric vehicle 3 can be used as a vehicle for movement during each usage period indicated by the plurality of options is specified as the use of the electric vehicle 3.

[0021] The recommended values ​​for each of the multiple options are values ​​calculated for each of the multiple options as candidates for the minimum battery discharge value to be set in the V2H system 2. The recommended values ​​for each of the multiple options are calculated for each of the multiple options as candidates for the minimum battery discharge value to ensure the amount of power required for each application identified by the multiple options. Therefore, in this embodiment, the recommended values ​​for each option are calculated as candidates for the minimum battery discharge value to ensure the amount of power required to make the electric vehicle 3 usable as a mobile vehicle during each of the usage periods indicated in the multiple options.

[0022] The data transmission unit 12 transmits the configuration data created by the data creation unit 111 to the V2H system 2. When the V2H system 2 receives the configuration data, the configuration data is set in the V2H system 2.

[0023] The V2H system 2 is equipped with a display unit 21. Once the V2H system 2 has been configured with setting data, it can display multiple options included in the setting data on the display unit 21, corresponding to multiple recommended values ​​for each option.

[0024] When setting the battery discharge limit in the V2H system 2, multiple options included in the setting data are displayed on the display unit 21, corresponding to the recommended values ​​for each option, based on the operation of an input device such as a remote control, mouse, or keyboard. On the display unit 21, the option corresponding to the operation of the input device can be selected from among the multiple options.

[0025] When one of several options is selected, V2H System 2 adopts the recommended value for the selected option as the recommended value and sets it as the lower limit of battery discharge. As a result, V2H System 2 sets the recommended value required for the application specified by the selected option as the lower limit of battery discharge.

[0026] A V2H system 2, which has a set lower discharge limit for the battery, will stop supplying power from the battery to the building when the remaining power in the battery of the electric vehicle 3 decreases to a value that matches the lower discharge limit of the battery.

[0027] Here, Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of driving data recorded in the driving database of the storage unit 112 in Figure 1. The driving data recorded in the storage unit 112 is data that shows the location information of the electric vehicle 3 in association with date and time information. The location information of the electric vehicle 3 includes information indicating the address that identifies the location of the electric vehicle 3. The date and time information includes information indicating the year, month, day, time, and day of the week.

[0028] The movement history of electric vehicle 3 is shown by the relationship between the location information and date / time information of electric vehicle 3 in the driving data. Therefore, the driving data is recorded in the driving database as data indicating the movement history of electric vehicle 3.

[0029] The data creation unit 111 creates setting data based on the driving data recorded in the storage unit 112, specifically the driving data from normal times when the building is not experiencing a power outage, i.e., the movement history of the electric vehicle 3 during normal times.

[0030] The data creation unit 111 uses driving data for a certain period under normal conditions, such as one month or six months, to create the setting data. The data creation unit 111 sequentially creates a stay data table, a lifestyle data table, and a recommended value table from the driving data under normal conditions, and then creates the setting data.

[0031] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a stay data table created by the data creation unit 111 in Figure 1. The stay data table records information on the place of stay, the duration of stay, the distance traveled, the type of facility, and repeated stays, all associated with date and time information.

[0032] The location information identifies multiple locations where the electric vehicle 3 has stayed for a certain standard time or longer under normal circumstances. In this embodiment, locations where the electric vehicle 3 has stayed for 5 minutes or more are considered the electric vehicle 3's locations. The data creation unit 111 extracts location information that identifies locations where the electric vehicle 3 has stayed for a certain standard time or longer from the driving data as location information, and records the extracted location information in a location data table in association with date and time information. In the location data table shown in Figure 3, the date and time when the electric vehicle 3 began staying at each location is indicated by the date and time information.

[0033] The stay time information is information that indicates the duration of stay for the electric vehicle 3 at each location identified by the stay location information. The data creation unit 111 calculates the duration of stay for the electric vehicle 3 at each location identified by the stay location information from the driving data, and records the calculated stay time information in the stay data table as stay time information, associating it with the date and time information.

[0034] The travel distance information indicates the distance traveled by the electric vehicle 3 to each of the locations identified by the location information. The data creation unit 111 calculates the travel distance of the electric vehicle 3 from the location identified by the location information or the home to the next location to be visited, using driving data, and records the information indicating the travel distance of the electric vehicle 3 as travel distance information in the stay data table, associating it with the date and time information.

[0035] Facility genre information is information indicating the genre of facilities located at each location identified by the location information. The data creation unit 111 transmits the location information to the map information service 5 on the internet and receives facility genre information corresponding to the location information as a response from the map information service 5. When the map information service 5 receives the location information from the data creation unit 111, it searches for the genre of facilities located at each location identified by the location information using an electronic map and transmits the facility genre information obtained from the search to the data creation unit 111. The data creation unit 111 records the facility genre information received from the map information service 5 in the stay data table, associating it with date and time information. In the stay data table shown in Figure 3, facility genres such as hospitals, supermarkets, cram schools, highway service areas, and train stations are shown.

[0036] The recurring stay information indicates whether the electric vehicle 3 makes regular stays at each stay location identified by the stay location information under normal circumstances. The data creation unit 111 identifies whether the electric vehicle 3 makes regular stays at each stay location based on the relationship between the stay location information and the date and time information, and records the identified recurring stay information in the stay data table in association with the date and time information. The vehicle user's home is excluded from the stay locations where the electric vehicle 3 makes regular stays. In the stay data table shown in Figure 3, the recurring stay information is recorded by marking each stay location where the electric vehicle 3 makes regular stays with a circle.

[0037] The places where electric vehicle 3 regularly stays during normal times are the places where electric vehicle 3 regularly travels during normal times. Therefore, the places where electric vehicle 3 regularly stays during normal times can be considered the main destinations of electric vehicle 3 that are minimally necessary for the life of a vehicle user who uses electric vehicle 3 as a means of transportation. The data creation unit 111 creates a lifestyle data table regarding the main destinations of electric vehicle 3 in the life of a vehicle user from the stay data table.

[0038] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a lifestyle data table created by the data creation unit 111 in Figure 1. When creating a lifestyle data table, the data creation unit 111 designates multiple locations where the electric vehicle 3 regularly stays during normal times, based on the repeated stay information and the stay location information. That is, when creating a lifestyle data table, the data creation unit 111 designates multiple locations where the electric vehicle 3 regularly travels during normal times, based on the stay data table.

[0039] Furthermore, the data creation unit 111 extracts from the stay data table multiple events in which the electric vehicle 3 travels to each of several designated locations as individual destinations during normal operation, and records the extracted events in the lifestyle data table. Accordingly, the data creation unit 111 identifies several designated locations based on the driving data showing the movement history of the electric vehicle 3, and records in the lifestyle data table multiple events in which each of the identified designated locations is an individual destination for the electric vehicle 3. The lifestyle data table shown in Figure 4 records nine events related to the regular travel of the electric vehicle 3 during normal operation.

[0040] The lifestyle data table records information such as designated location, frequency, distance traveled, and facility type for each of multiple events.

[0041] The designated location information is information that indicates multiple designated locations where the electric vehicle 3 regularly stays during normal times. In other words, the designated location information is information that indicates multiple designated locations where the electric vehicle 3 regularly travels during normal times. The data creation unit 111 records the designated locations where the electric vehicle 3 traveled in each of the multiple events as designated location information in the lifestyle data table.

[0042] The periodic information is information that indicates the period in which the electric vehicle 3 regularly stays at a designated location during normal times, as a regular travel period, and is associated with each designated location. In other words, the periodic information indicates the period in which a designated location becomes the regular destination of the electric vehicle 3 during normal times, as a regular travel period, and is associated with each designated location. The data creation unit 111 records the periodic information for each designated location in the lifestyle data table for each of the multiple events, associating it with the designated location information.

[0043] The data creation unit 111 identifies events whose regular movement cycle is determined by the day of the week as day-of-the-week designated events, and events other than day-of-the-week designated events as non-day-of-the-week designated events. The lifestyle data table shown in Figure 4 records eight day-of-the-week designated events as well as one non-day-of-the-week designated event.

[0044] The periodic information includes day-of-the-week information and non-day-of-the-week information. The day-of-the-week information indicates the day of the week that determines the regular movement cycle for each day-of-the-week specified event. The non-day-of-the-week information indicates the set date that determines the regular movement cycle for non-day-of-the-week events.

[0045] The data creation unit 111 extracts day-of-the-week information for each day-of-the-week specified event from the stay data table, and also extracts non-day-of-the-week information for non-day-of-the-week specified events from the stay data table. The data creation unit 111 records the day-of-the-week information and non-day-of-the-week information in the lifestyle data table in association with the regular travel cycle.

[0046] The travel distance information and facility genre information are information that indicates the travel distance and facility genre corresponding to the specified location for each event, from the travel distance information and facility genre information in the stay data table. The data creation unit 111 extracts the travel distance information and facility genre information corresponding to the specified location for each event from the stay data table, and records the extracted information in the lifestyle data table in association with the specified location information and periodicity information.

[0047] The multiple events recorded in the lifestyle data table relate to the regular movement of the electric vehicle 3 during normal times, and therefore can be said to reflect the lifestyle of the vehicle user who uses the electric vehicle 3. Accordingly, it can be said that the lifestyle data table records information regarding the use of the electric vehicle 3 in accordance with the vehicle user's lifestyle.

[0048] The data creation unit 111 creates a recommended value table from the lifestyle data table.

[0049] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a recommended value table created by the data creation unit 111 in Figure 1. The recommended value table records required distance information, required power consumption information, and recommended value information for each option, associated with multiple usage periods shown for multiple options.

[0050] The required distance information is information that shows the required distance for the electric vehicle 3 to travel for the number of days in the usage period indicated in the options, and is associated with each usage period. The data creation unit 111 calculates the required distance for the electric vehicle 3 to travel for each day in each usage period from the lifestyle data table, and records the calculated required distance for the electric vehicle 3 in the recommended value table, associating it with each usage period.

[0051] The required power information is information that shows the amount of power required for the electric vehicle 3 to travel the required distance, in relation to each usage period shown in the options. The data creation unit 111 calculates the required power from the required distance for the electric vehicle 3 corresponding to each option, and records the calculated required power in the recommended value table in relation to each usage period shown in each option.

[0052] The recommended value information for each option shows multiple recommended values ​​for each option as candidates for the battery discharge limit, associated with each usage period indicated for each option. Each recommended value for each option is the battery's set lower limit value, which is set in advance by the electric vehicle 3 manufacturer, plus the required power amount calculated for each option. The recommended value table shown in Figure 5 records each recommended value for each option, shown as a percentage of the battery capacity. The data creation unit 111 calculates each recommended value for each option by adding the required power amount calculated for each option to the battery's set lower limit value, which is set in advance by the manufacturer, and records the calculated recommended value for each option in the recommended value table, associated with each option. In other words, the data creation unit 111 calculates multiple recommended values ​​for each option based on the distance traveled by the electric vehicle 3 required for each use of the electric vehicle 3 specified by the multiple options, i.e., the distance required for each usage period, and records the calculated multiple recommended values ​​for each option in the recommended value table.

[0053] The data creation unit 111 calculates the relationship between the required distance for the electric vehicle 3 and each usage period by using a calculation table created from the lifestyle data table. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a calculation table created from the lifestyle data table in Figure 4. The data creation unit 111 determines, for each day of the week, the events in which the electric vehicle 3 may be used as a vehicle for transportation, based on the days of the week specified in each day-of-the-week event and the regular travel cycle in each event within the lifestyle data table. Non-day-of-the-week events are events in which the electric vehicle 3 may be used as a vehicle for transportation on any day of the week in the first week.

[0054] Furthermore, the data creation unit 111 extracts the individual travel distance of the electric vehicle 3 for each event from the lifestyle data table as calculation travel distance. Using the calculation travel distance extracted from the lifestyle data table, the data creation unit 111 calculates the total travel distance of the electric vehicle 3 for events determined for each day of the week as the total distance for each day of the week. The data creation unit 111 assigns the day of the week with the longest total distance to the option indicating a 1-day usage period, and sequentially assigns the days of the week that follow the day with the longest total distance to the options indicating usage periods of 2 days or more.

[0055] In the calculation table shown in Figure 6, Saturday is assigned to the option representing a 1-day usage period, and each day of the week that follows Saturday is sequentially assigned to the options representing usage periods of 2 to 7 days. The day-of-the-week designated event, where the regular travel cycle is determined by the second Monday, is an event in which electric vehicle 3 may be used as a vehicle for travel on the first Monday of the week.

[0056] Furthermore, the data creation unit 111 records the total distance traveled by the electric vehicle 3 on the day of the week assigned to the option indicating a one-day usage period in the calculation table as the required distance for the electric vehicle 3 corresponding to the option indicating a one-day usage period. Therefore, in the calculation table shown in Figure 6, the total distance traveled by the electric vehicle 3 on Saturday is recorded as the required distance for the electric vehicle 3 corresponding to the option indicating a one-day usage period.

[0057] Furthermore, the required distance for the electric vehicle 3 corresponding to each option representing a usage period of 2 to 7 days is calculated by sequentially adding the total distance of the electric vehicle 3 on the days of the week assigned to each option to the required distance for the electric vehicle 3 corresponding to the option representing a usage period of 1 day. As a result, the data creation unit 111 records the required distance for the electric vehicle 3 corresponding to each option representing a usage period of 2 to 7 days in a calculation table.

[0058] Furthermore, the required distance for electric vehicle 3 corresponding to options indicating a usage period longer than 7 days is calculated by adding the total distance of electric vehicle 3 for each day of the week for the number of days exceeding 7 days to the required distance of electric vehicle 3 corresponding to the option indicating a usage period of 7 days. For example, in the calculation table shown in Figure 6, the required distance for electric vehicle 3 corresponding to the option indicating 10 days is calculated by adding the required distance of electric vehicle 3 corresponding to the option indicating 3 days to the required distance of electric vehicle 3 corresponding to the option indicating 7 days. However, the total distance of electric vehicle 3 for the two events in the lifestyle data table where the regular travel cycle is 1 month is already incorporated into the required distance of electric vehicle 3 corresponding to the option indicating 3 days in the first week, and is therefore excluded from the additional required distance. In this way, the data creation unit 111 records the required distance of electric vehicle 3 corresponding to each option in the calculation table.

[0059] Specifically, the data creation unit 111 calculates the required distance for the electric vehicle 3 to travel for each of the multiple usage periods shown in the options, based on the days of the week on which the specified location is the destination of the electric vehicle 3 in the day-of-the-week specified event, the cycles on which the specified location is the destination of the electric vehicle 3 in each of the multiple events, and the distance traveled by the electric vehicle 3 in each of the multiple events.

[0060] The data creation unit 111 identifies the designated destinations for the electric vehicle 3 so that the electric vehicle 3 can be used as a vehicle for transportation during each usage period, based on the relationship between the designated locations for each event shown in Figure 4 and the usage periods shown for each option in Figure 6. Specifically, the data creation unit 111 identifies the designated locations from among the multiple designated locations, which are determined by the intended use of the electric vehicle 3 as identified by the multiple options, based on the lifestyle data table shown in Figure 4 and the calculation table shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, the data creation unit 111 uses the designated locations identified for each usage period shown for each option as the destinations for the electric vehicle 3 during power outages.

[0061] The data creation unit 111 creates setting data by extracting multiple recommended values ​​for each of the multiple options from the recommended value table.

[0062] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of configuration data created from the recommended value table in Figure 5. As described above, the configuration data includes multiple options that individually represent multiple different usage periods. In addition, the configuration data includes recommended values ​​for multiple options, corresponding to multiple options as candidate values ​​for the battery discharge limit.

[0063] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the screen of the display unit 21 when setting the battery discharge limit in the V2H system 2 with the setting data set in Figure 7. When setting the battery discharge limit in the V2H system 2 with the setting data set, multiple options included in the setting data are displayed on the display unit 21 corresponding to the recommended values ​​for each option. A confirmation button is also displayed on the display unit 21.

[0064] The vehicle user selects one of several options displayed on the display unit 21 by operating the input device, and then presses the confirm button. This selects the option chosen by the vehicle user. Therefore, in the V2H system 2, the vehicle user can select one of several options.

[0065] Furthermore, in V2H System 2, when one of several options is selected, the recommended value for the selected option is adopted as the recommended value, and this recommended value is set as the lower limit of battery discharge.

[0066] Next, we will describe a discharge limit setting support method in which the discharge limit setting support system 1 assists in setting the discharge limit of the battery installed in the electric vehicle 3 in the V2H system 2. Figure 9 is a flowchart of the discharge limit setting support method by the discharge limit setting support system 1 shown in Figure 1. The discharge limit setting support method includes a data creation step and a data transmission step.

[0067] The data creation step involves creating the configuration data shown in Figure 7 based on driving data that represents the movement history of the electric vehicle 3 during normal operation. When creating the configuration data in the data creation step, in step S1, the processing unit 11 receives driving data from the vehicle management system 4. As a result, the driving data is recorded in the driving database stored in the storage unit 112. Once driving data for a certain period or longer has been recorded in the driving database, the processing unit 11 proceeds to step S2.

[0068] In step S2, the data creation unit 111 of the processing unit 11 creates the stay data table shown in Figure 3 based on the driving data recorded in the driving database. After this, the processing of the processing unit 11 proceeds to step S3.

[0069] In step S3, the data creation unit 111 identifies multiple designated locations that serve as regular destinations for the electric vehicle 3 during normal times from the stay data table, and extracts multiple events to create the lifestyle data table shown in Figure 4. After this, the processing unit 11 proceeds to step S4.

[0070] In step S4, the data creation unit 111 creates a recommended value table, as shown in Figure 5, from the lifestyle data table. The recommended value table records each usage period shown for each option, associated with multiple recommended values ​​for each option. In step S4, the data creation unit 111 calculates the required distance for the electric vehicle 3 to travel for each usage period shown for each of the multiple options from the lifestyle data table, and calculates multiple recommended values ​​for each option based on the required distance for each usage period of the electric vehicle 3. After this, the processing unit 11 proceeds to step S5.

[0071] In step S5, the data creation unit 111 creates the setting data shown in Figure 7 from the recommended value table. In this way, the data creation unit 111 creates the setting data in the data creation step.

[0072] In the data transmission step, the data transmission unit 12 transmits the configuration data created in the data creation step to the V2H system 2. The V2H system 2 then receives the configuration data. Upon receiving the configuration data, the V2H system 2 is configured with the configuration data. This enables the V2H system 2 to set the lower discharge limit of the battery.

[0073] Next, the procedure for setting the minimum discharge value of the battery installed in the electric vehicle 3 using the V2H system 2 will be described. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for setting the minimum discharge value of the battery using the V2H system 2 shown in Figure 1. When setting the minimum discharge value of the battery using the V2H system 2, in step S11, the vehicle user operates an input device, and the V2H system 2 displays multiple options, each representing a different usage period, on the display unit 21, corresponding to recommended values ​​for each option. As a result, the setting screen shown in Figure 8 is displayed on the display unit 21.

[0074] Subsequently, in step S12, the V2H system 2 determines whether or not one of the multiple options has been selected by the vehicle user through operation of the input device. If no option has been selected, the V2H system 2 repeatedly determines whether or not an option has been selected until an option is selected.

[0075] If one of several options is selected, the V2H system 2 adopts the recommended value for the selected option from the configuration data as the recommended value, and sets the recommended value as the battery discharge limit in the V2H system 2. In this way, the battery discharge limit corresponding to the usage period indicated in the option selected by the vehicle user is set in the V2H system 2. This prevents the battery's remaining power from falling below the battery discharge limit due to power supply from the battery to the building, and ensures that the battery has enough power to use the electric vehicle 3 as a mobile vehicle for the usage period selected by the vehicle user.

[0076] In this discharge limit setting support system 1, the data creation unit 111 of the processing unit 11 creates setting data. The setting data includes multiple options that individually indicate multiple different usage periods as the number of days the electric vehicle 3 needs to be used as a vehicle for mobility during a power outage, and multiple recommended values ​​for each option that are calculated in response to the multiple options as candidates for the discharge limit of the electric vehicle 3's battery. Based on driving data that shows the movement history of the electric vehicle 3 during normal times, the data creation unit 111 designates multiple locations that are regular destinations for the electric vehicle 3 during normal times. The data creation unit 111 also designates one of the multiple designated locations, determined by the intended use of the electric vehicle 3 as identified by the multiple options, as the destination for the electric vehicle 3 during a power outage. Based on the distance the electric vehicle 3 needs to travel for each of the usage periods individually indicated in the multiple options, the data creation unit 111 calculates the multiple recommended values ​​for each option.

[0077] Therefore, configuration data can be set in the V2H system 2, and the vehicle user can select one of several options included in the configuration data. As a result, the V2H system 2 can set the recommended value for each option, which corresponds to the usage period indicated in the option selected by the vehicle user, as the lower discharge limit of the battery. Consequently, even during a building power outage, the battery can supply power to the building while ensuring that the battery has enough power to use the electric vehicle 3 as a vehicle for the usage period indicated in the option selected by the vehicle user. This makes it possible to use the electric vehicle 3 as a vehicle for purposes necessary for the vehicle user's life more reliably, even during a building power outage.

[0078] Furthermore, the data creation unit 111 identifies multiple events in which the electric vehicle 3 travels to multiple designated locations, each of which is a separate destination, based on driving data showing the electric vehicle 3's movement history during normal operation. Among these multiple events, the data creation unit 111 designates events in which the cycle of the electric vehicle 3 traveling to a designated location is determined by the day of the week as day-of-the-week designated events. The data creation unit 111 also calculates the required travel distance for the electric vehicle 3 for each of the multiple usage periods based on the day of the week in which the electric vehicle 3 travels to a designated location in a day-of-the-week designated event, the cycle in which the electric vehicle 3 travels to a designated location in each of the multiple events, and the travel distance of the electric vehicle 3 in each of the multiple events.

[0079] Therefore, even during power outages in buildings, it is possible to more reliably suppress any inconvenience that may arise when using electric vehicles 3 as vehicles for transportation.

[0080] Furthermore, in this discharge lower limit setting support method, setting data is created in the data creation step. In the data creation step, based on driving data showing the movement history of the electric vehicle 3 under normal conditions, multiple locations that serve as regular destinations for the electric vehicle 3 under normal conditions are designated as multiple specified locations. In addition, in the data creation step, among the multiple specified locations, the designated location determined by the intended use of the electric vehicle 3, identified by multiple options, is designated as the destination for the electric vehicle 3 during a power outage. In the data creation step, recommended values ​​for each of the multiple options are calculated based on the distance the electric vehicle 3 needs to travel during the usage period individually indicated for each of the multiple options.

[0081] Therefore, configuration data can be set in the V2H system 2, and the vehicle user can select one of several options included in the configuration data. As a result, the V2H system 2 can set the recommended value for each option, which corresponds to the usage period indicated in the option selected by the vehicle user, as the lower discharge limit of the battery. Consequently, even during a building power outage, the battery can supply power to the building while ensuring that the battery has enough power to use the electric vehicle 3 as a vehicle for transportation during the usage period indicated in the option selected by the vehicle user. This makes it possible to use the electric vehicle 3 as a vehicle for purposes necessary for the vehicle user's life more reliably, even during a building power outage.

[0082] The discharge limit setting support program according to Embodiment 1 is a program that causes a computer to execute the discharge limit setting support method according to Embodiment 1.

[0083] Furthermore, the recording medium according to Embodiment 1 is a computer-readable recording medium that stores a discharge limit setting support program that causes a computer to execute the discharge limit setting support method according to Embodiment 1.

[0084] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the data creation unit 111 creates multiple options that individually indicate multiple different usage periods. However, the data creation unit 111 may also create multiple options that individually indicate multiple designated locations as destinations for the electric vehicle 3 during a power outage. In this case, the destinations of the electric vehicle 3 are specified by the multiple options as the individual designated locations shown in each option, which is the intended use of the electric vehicle 3. In this case, the travel distance of the electric vehicle 3 required for each intended use of the electric vehicle 3 specified by the multiple options, i.e., the required distance of the electric vehicle 3, is the travel distance of the electric vehicle 3 with the designated locations shown in each option as individual destinations. In this case, only one option may be selectable from the multiple options, or two or more options may be selectable simultaneously.

[0085] In this way, during a building power outage, it is possible to select only one of several designated locations as the destination for the electric vehicle 3, thereby increasing the flexibility of how the electric vehicle 3 can be used as a vehicle for transportation during a power outage. This allows the electric vehicle 3 to be used as a vehicle for transportation depending on the situation during a power outage. For example, during a power outage, one can choose to go to the hospital but not to cram school. Also, for example, during a power outage, it becomes unnecessary to reserve power in the battery for unnecessary destinations for the electric vehicle 3, and the amount of power supplied from the battery to the building can be increased.

[0086] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, it is not possible to secure the minimum amount of power supplied from the electric vehicle 3's battery to the building in the battery. However, the control of the V2H system 2 may be set so that the amount of power to be secured in the building can be stored in the battery. In this case, the data transmission unit 12 transmits decision data, which includes the amount of power to be secured in the building as the building's secured amount, to the V2H system 2 along with the setting data. In this case, the V2H system 2, with the decision data set, can detect the remaining amount of power stored in the battery as the detected power remaining amount. Moreover, in this case, if the effective power amount obtained by subtracting the recommended value adopted by the selection of an option from the detected power remaining amount is less than the building's secured amount, the V2H system 2 refuses to set the recommended value adopted as the battery's discharge limit.

[0087] In this way, a minimum amount of power can be secured in the battery to supply the building, and power can be more reliably supplied from the battery to appliances such as refrigerators, where power supply is a priority in the building. This makes it possible to maintain life in the building more reliably and extend the period during which life can be maintained.

[0088] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the display unit 21 is provided on the V2H system 2. However, the display unit 21 may be provided at a separate location away from the V2H system 2.

[0089] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, a selection can be made from among the multiple options displayed on the display unit 21 by operating the input device. However, the screen of the display unit 21 may be a touch panel screen, and the selection can be made by operating the touch panel screen.

[0090] Furthermore, the functions of the data creation unit 111, storage unit 112, and data transmission unit 12 according to Embodiment 1 are realized by a processing circuit. Figure 11 is a configuration diagram showing a first example of a processing circuit that realizes each of the functions of the data creation unit 111, storage unit 112, and data transmission unit 12 according to Embodiment 1. The processing circuit 100 in the first example is dedicated hardware.

[0091] Furthermore, the processing circuit 100 may include, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0092] Figure 12 is a configuration diagram showing a second example of a processing circuit that realizes the functions of the data creation unit 111, storage unit 112, and data transmission unit 12 according to Embodiment 1. The processing circuit 200 of the second example includes a processor 201 and a memory 202.

[0093] In the processing circuit 200, the functions of the data creation unit 111, the storage unit 112, and the data transmission unit 12 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 202. The processor 201 realizes the functions of the data creation unit 111, the storage unit 112, and the data transmission unit 12 by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory 202.

[0094] A program stored in memory 202 can be said to cause the computer to execute the procedures or methods described above. Here, memory 202 refers to non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). Magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidiscs, DVDs, etc., also fall under the category of memory 202.

[0095] Furthermore, some of the functions of the data creation unit 111, storage unit 112, and data transmission unit 12 described above may be implemented using dedicated hardware, while others may be implemented using software or firmware.

[0096] Thus, the processing circuit can realize the above-described functions of the data creation unit 111, storage unit 112, and data transmission unit 12 through hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0097] The configurations shown in the embodiments described above are merely examples of the content of this disclosure. The embodiments can be combined with other known technologies. Some parts of the configurations of the embodiments can be omitted or modified without departing from the gist of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 1 Discharge lower limit setting support system, 2 V2H system, 3 Electric vehicle, 11 Processing unit, 12 Data transmission unit.

Claims

1. A processing unit that creates setting data including multiple options for identifying the intended use of an electric vehicle that is disconnected from a V2H system capable of supplying power from the battery mounted on the electric vehicle to a building and used as a mobile vehicle during a power outage in the building, and multiple recommended values ​​for each of the multiple options calculated in accordance with the multiple options as candidate lower discharge values ​​for the battery when the V2H system supplies power to the building, A data transmission unit that transmits the aforementioned configuration data to the V2H system. Equipped with, The processing unit, based on the electric vehicle's movement history during normal times, designates multiple locations as multiple designated locations where the electric vehicle will regularly travel during normal times, and among these multiple designated locations, designates a location determined by the electric vehicle's intended use as identified by the multiple options as the electric vehicle's destination during a power outage. Based on the travel distance required for each of the multiple options for the electric vehicle's intended use, the processing unit calculates recommended values ​​for each of the multiple options. In the V2H system in which the setting data has been set, one of the multiple options becomes selectable, and when one of the multiple options is selected, the recommended value for the selected option, which is the recommended value for that option, is set as the lower discharge limit of the battery in the discharge limit setting support system.

2. The processing unit creates a plurality of options that individually indicate a plurality of different usage periods as the number of days for which the electric vehicle as a mobile vehicle is required to be used during a power outage. The discharge lower limit setting support system according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit identifies a plurality of events in which the electric vehicle moves to each of the plurality of designated locations as an individual destination, based on the movement history of the electric vehicle during normal times, and among the plurality of events, the event in which the period in which the designated location becomes the destination of the electric vehicle is determined by the day of the week is designated as a day-of-the-week designated event, and calculates the distance the electric vehicle needs to travel for each of the plurality of usage periods based on the day of the week in which the designated location becomes the destination of the electric vehicle in the day-of-the-week designated event, the period in which the designated location becomes the destination of the electric vehicle in each of the plurality of events, and the distance the electric vehicle travels in each of the plurality of events.

3. The discharge lower limit setting support system according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit creates the plurality of options that individually indicate the plurality of designated locations as destinations for the electric vehicle during a power outage.

4. The data transmission unit transmits to the V2H system, together with the setting data, determination data that includes the amount of electricity to be secured in the building as the building's secured amount. A discharge limit setting support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the V2H system on which the judgment data has been set is capable of detecting the remaining amount of power stored in the battery as the detected remaining power amount, and if the amount of effective power obtained by subtracting the recommended value from the detected remaining power amount is less than the amount secured by the building, the recommended value is not set as the discharge limit of the battery.

5. A data creation step to create setting data that includes multiple options for identifying the intended use of an electric vehicle, which is disconnected from a V2H system capable of supplying power from the battery mounted on the electric vehicle to a building and used as a mobile vehicle during a power outage in the building, and multiple recommended values ​​for each option calculated in accordance with the multiple options as candidate lower discharge values ​​for the battery when the V2H system supplies power to the building; A data transmission step of transmitting the aforementioned configuration data to the V2H system. Equipped with, In the data creation step, based on the electric vehicle's movement history during normal times, multiple locations that serve as the electric vehicle's regular destinations during normal times are designated as multiple designated locations, and among these multiple designated locations, the designated locations necessary for the electric vehicle's use as identified by the multiple options are designated as the electric vehicle's destination during a power outage, and recommended values ​​for each of the multiple options are calculated based on the distance the electric vehicle needs to travel for each of the electric vehicle's uses as identified by the multiple options. In the V2H system in which the setting data has been set, one of the multiple options becomes selectable, and when one of the multiple options is selected, the recommended value for adoption, which is the recommended value for the selected option, is set as the lower discharge limit of the battery.

6. A discharge lower limit setting support program that causes a computer to execute the discharge lower limit setting support method described in claim 5.

7. A computer-readable recording medium that stores a discharge limit setting program that causes a computer to execute the discharge limit setting support method described in claim 5.

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