Energy management system

Abstract

To provide an energy management system that can manage battery usage more effectively while reducing the computational load. [Solution] In the policy setting process, the control unit 110 of the energy management system 1 sets the following policies for charging: a first policy for periods within the target period where the predicted demand value is equal to or greater than a first reference value; a second policy for periods where the predicted demand value is less than the first reference value but equal to or greater than a second reference value; and a policy below the second reference value for periods where the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value. In the schedule creation process, periods where the first policy is set are not set as charging periods, and periods where the second policy is set can be set as charging periods. Furthermore, periods where the policy below the second reference value is set take precedence over periods where the second policy is set when setting the charging period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to an energy management system including a charging device capable of charging a battery.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to efficiently operate various devices with limited power such as contract power, management has been carried out. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that calculates periods when power is surplus or deficit with respect to contract power based on a power demand plan, a solar power generation plan, and an operation plan of an electric vehicle, and controls charging and discharging of the electric vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, for example, for a target range having a complex power demand including various devices such as a charging device for charging a battery, it may be difficult to calculate an optimal battery charging schedule while suppressing the power used below a predetermined reference value. Further, even if it can be calculated, the load of the calculation may be high and it may take a long time for the calculation. That is, it has been difficult to manage so as to more appropriately utilize the battery while reducing the load of the calculation.

[0005] The disclosed technology aims to provide an energy management system that can be managed to more appropriately utilize the battery while reducing the load of the calculation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the disclosed technology comprises a battery, a charging device capable of charging the battery, and a control unit, wherein the control unit can perform the following actions: policy setting, which sets a policy regarding charging by the charging device for a future target period; schedule creation, which can create a schedule that sets a charging period for charging the battery by the charging device while keeping the power demand value used in the target area including the charging device below a preset first reference value, based on the policy set by the policy setting; and control of the charging device based on the schedule, wherein the policy setting is such that the predicted demand value, which is a predicted value of the demand value during the target period, is equal to or greater than the first reference value. This energy management system sets a first policy for periods where the predicted demand value is below the first baseline and above a pre-set second baseline value that is lower than the first baseline value. It also sets a second policy for periods where the predicted demand value is below the second baseline value. In scheduling, periods within the target period where the first policy is set are not set as charging periods, while periods where the second policy is set can be set as charging periods. The system prioritizes setting periods where the below-second baseline policy is set as charging periods over periods where the second policy is set.

[0007] In this energy management system, policy settings allow for uniform policy configuration based on predicted demand values. Furthermore, scheduling allows for setting charging periods based on the configured policy. Therefore, the calculations involved in policy setting and scheduling are not computationally intensive, unlike calculations for optimizing charging periods. Additionally, the policy... Based on this, the battery can be charged appropriately. Therefore, this energy management system can manage the battery to be used more efficiently while reducing the computational load. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the disclosed technology, an energy management system is provided that can be managed to reduce the computational load while making more appropriate use of the battery. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows the overall configuration of the energy management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart of the energy management process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of the policy setting process according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows examples of predicted demand values ​​and predicted power generation. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates an example schedule that includes the set policies, charging periods, and discharging periods. [Figure 6] This diagram is used to illustrate other examples of policies that are set. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates an example of a schedule created when charging the batteries of multiple vehicles, based on policies set in other examples. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of the energy management process according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosed technology will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. First, a first embodiment, which is one of the embodiments, will be described, and then a second embodiment, which is different from the first embodiment, will be described.

[0011] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 shows an energy management system 1 according to this embodiment. The energy management system 1 comprises a commercial power supply 2 that supplies power to a target area 4 and a control device 100. Specifically, the target area 4 is, for example, a company's office or commercial facility. The target area 4 may also be a region such as a smart city. The target area 4 includes charging devices 10. Figure 1 shows two charging devices 10 included in the target area 4: a first charging device 10A and a second charging device 10B.

[0012] In this embodiment, the scope 4 includes load equipment 20. Load equipment 20 is equipment that operates using electricity supplied from the commercial power source 2, and is other than the charging device 10. Specifically, load equipment 20 includes, for example, air conditioners, elevators, lighting, PCs, machine tools, etc. Load equipment 20 may be one of the above specific examples, or it may include more than one of them.

[0013] In this embodiment, the charging device 10 can charge the battery 35 using power supplied from a commercial power source 2. In this embodiment, the battery 35 is an on-board battery installed in the vehicle 30. In other words, the battery 35 in this embodiment is the power source of the vehicle 30. The battery 35 supplies power to various parts of the vehicle 30 as the vehicle 30 is used, such as by driving. Therefore, the remaining battery capacity of the battery 35 decreases as the vehicle 30 is used.

[0014] The charging device 10 in this embodiment is a charge / discharge device that can both charge and discharge the battery 35 of the connected vehicle 30. Specifically, the charging device 10 can charge the battery 35 during the charging period and discharge the battery 35 during the discharge period outside of the charging period. The energy management system 1 will use the power discharged from the battery 35 to power other devices in the target range 4, i.e., other charging devices. It can supply power to device 10 and load equipment 20.

[0015] The energy management system 1 of this embodiment has a power generation unit 3 in addition to the commercial power supply 2 as a power supply source for the target range 4. The power generation unit 3 is capable of generating power based on natural energy. Specifically, the power generation unit 3 of this embodiment is a photovoltaic power generation system that can generate power by sunlight. Note that the power generation unit 3 may be a system capable of generating power based on natural energy other than sunlight, such as a wind power generation system.

[0016] Note that FIG. 1 shows two charging devices 10 and two vehicles 30 equipped with batteries 35, respectively. However, the numbers of the charging devices 10 and the vehicles 30 can be appropriately changed. Specifically, the numbers of both the charging device 10 and the vehicle 30 may be one, or may be three or more. Also, the number of the charging devices 10 and the number of the vehicles 30 may be the same or different.

[0017] The control device 100 has a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120. The control unit 110 can control the charging device 10. The storage unit 120 is a memory in which various programs including an operating system (OS) and various data are stored. The buffer included in the control unit 110 is also an example of a memory. Information used for controlling the charging device 10 is stored in the storage unit 120. The control device 100 is, for example, a computer such as a server. The control unit 110 has a demand value prediction unit 111, a generated power prediction unit 112, a reference value setting unit 113, a policy setting unit 114, a schedule creation unit 115, and a charge / discharge control unit 116.

[0018] The demand value prediction unit 111 can perform a demand value prediction process for calculating a predicted demand value, which is a predicted value of the demand value of the power used in the target range 4 for a target period, which is a future period. Specifically, the demand value is an instantaneous value of the power consumption in the target range 4 or an average power consumption in the target range 4 over a predetermined period such as 30 minutes. The demand value prediction unit 111 can calculate the predicted demand value based on weather prediction information in the target period, information such as the power used in the target range 4 in the past, and the like.

[0019] The power generation prediction unit 112 can perform a power generation prediction process for calculating a predicted power generation, which is a predicted value of the power generation by the power generation unit 3 for the target period. Specifically, the predicted power generation is the instantaneous value of the power generation by the power generation unit 3 or the average power generation by the power generation unit 3 in a predetermined period such as 30 minutes. The power generation prediction unit 112 can calculate the predicted power generation based on the weather prediction information in the target period, information such as the power generated by the power generation unit 3 in the past, and the like.

[0020] The reference value setting unit 113 can perform a reference value setting process for setting a first reference value and a second reference value. In this embodiment, the first reference value is an administrative demand value determined as the maximum value allowed as a demand value. Therefore, the first reference value is set based on the contract power related to the commercial power supply 2 and the like. The second reference value is a value predetermined to be lower than the first reference value. The second reference value can be calculated, for example, by subtracting an estimated predicted demand error value, which is estimated as an error of the predicted demand value with respect to the actual demand value, from the first reference value. Also, for example, the second reference value can be calculated by subtracting an estimated maximum charging power value, which is estimated as the maximum value of the power supplied to the charging device 10 that is charging the battery 35 during the charging period, from the first reference value. The second reference value in this embodiment is calculated by subtracting the smaller value of the estimated predicted demand error value and the estimated maximum charging power value from the first reference value.

[0021] The policy setting unit 114 can perform a policy setting process for setting a policy related to charging by the charging device 10. The policy setting unit 114 sets a policy for the target period based on each value such as the predicted demand value, the first reference value, and the second reference value.

[0022] The schedule creation unit 115 can perform a schedule creation process that sets a schedule for the charging period of the battery 35 by the charging device 10, based on the policy set by the policy setting process. A schedule can be created for each battery 35 or for each charging device 10. In this configuration, where the battery 35 is mounted on a vehicle 30, a schedule can also be created for each vehicle 30. In the schedule creation process, the schedule creation unit 115 creates a schedule so that the demand value in the target range is kept below the first reference value. In addition, the schedule creation unit 115 in this configuration creates a schedule so that the charging capacity stored in the battery 35 of the vehicle 30 remains within the range of less than or equal to the upper limit of the charging capacity and greater than or equal to the lower limit of the charging capacity.

[0023] The upper and lower limits of the charging capacity can be predetermined. In this configuration, the upper limit of the charging capacity is set to 100% of the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery 35. The lower limit of the charging capacity is set to 30% of the SOC of the battery 35. In other words, the schedule creation unit 115 creates a schedule so that the SOC of the battery 35 remains within the range of 100% or less and 30% or more.

[0024] The charge / discharge control unit 116 controls the charging device 10 based on the schedule created in the schedule creation process. Specifically, if a charging period is set in the schedule, the charge / discharge control unit 116 charges the battery 35 using the charging device 10 during that charging period. Also, if a discharging period is set in the schedule, the charge / discharge control unit 116 discharges the battery 35 using the charging device 10 during that discharging period.

[0025] The period for calculating each predicted value and creating the charging / discharging schedule can be, for example, set as starting at 0:00 the day after these processes are performed, and lasting for 24 hours from that start time. The start time and length of the period can be changed as appropriate.

[0026] The memory unit 120 stores the first reference value, the second reference value, information necessary for calculating each predicted value, thresholds used for each judgment, etc. The information stored in the memory unit 120 may be updated as needed.

[0027] Furthermore, if there are multiple charging devices 10 and vehicles 30, the control unit 110 can understand the correspondence between the charging device 10 and the batteries 35 of the vehicles 30 that can be charged by that charging device 10. Specifically, for example, the vehicles 30 to which each charging device 10 is connected during charging are predetermined. Also, for example, when a charging device 10 and a vehicle 30 are connected in a way that allows charging, the control unit 110 can obtain information from one of the charging devices 10 or the other vehicle 30. Also, for example, the correspondence between the charging device 10 and the batteries 35 of the vehicles 30 that can be charged by that charging device 10 may be input as appropriate by operating the control device 100.

[0028] The energy management system 1 in this embodiment includes a vehicle reservation device 50. The vehicle reservation device 50 is a device that allows users to input reservations for the use of a vehicle 30. Reservations can be made for multiple vehicles 30. The vehicle reservation device 50 is, for example, a computer or a smartphone. There may be multiple vehicle reservation devices 50.

[0029] In the energy management system 1, multiple charging devices 10 and a vehicle reservation device 50 are connected to the control device 100 via a network 5 such as the Internet. Therefore, for example, the charge / discharge control unit 116 of the control device 100 can control each of the multiple charging devices 10. Also, for example, reservation information for a vehicle 30 input by the vehicle reservation device 50 is stored in the storage unit 120 of the control device 100. The reservation information includes reservations for the use of the vehicle 30. This includes the reserved usage period. The connection method for each device to network 5 may be either wired or wireless.

[0030] Next, the procedure for the control unit 110 of the control device 100 to create a schedule related to the charging period will be explained using Figures 2 and 3. In this embodiment, when the control unit 110 creates a schedule, it performs the energy management process (S11) shown in Figure 2. The control unit 110 performs the energy management process daily, for example, at a predetermined time. Specifically, for example, the control unit 110 performs the energy management process at 16:00 every day. Note that the energy management process may be performed as needed. In the energy management process (S11), the control unit 110 performs the following for the target period: power generation forecasting process (S21), demand value forecasting process (S22), reference value setting process (S23), policy setting process (S24), and schedule creation process (S25).

[0031] In the power generation forecasting process (S21), the power generation forecasting unit 112 calculates the predicted power generation of the power generation unit 3 for the target period. In the power generation forecasting process (S21), the power generation forecasting unit 112 calculates the predicted power generation for each of the multiple divided periods obtained by dividing the target period. The divided periods are, for example, periods obtained by dividing the 24-hour target period into 30-minute or 1-hour intervals.

[0032] In the demand value prediction process (S22), the demand value prediction unit 111 calculates the predicted demand value for the target range 4 during the target period. The calculation of the predicted demand value in the demand value prediction process (S22) does not take into account the power related to the charging device 10 which is the subject of the schedule creation process (S25). Specifically, in this embodiment, the demand value prediction process (S22) calculates the predicted demand value of the load equipment 20 in the target range 4. In the demand value prediction process (S22), the demand value prediction unit 111 calculates the predicted demand value for each of the multiple divided periods of the target period, similar to the power generation prediction process (S21).

[0033] In the reference value setting process (S23), the reference value setting unit 113 sets the first reference value and the second reference value. For example, predetermined values ​​can be stored in the storage unit 120 as the first and second reference values, and these values ​​can be used. The values ​​stored in the storage unit 120 as predetermined values ​​for the first and second reference values ​​may be different for each predetermined period, for example. Specifically, for example, the value of the second reference value during the night may be higher than the value of the second reference value during the day. Alternatively, for example, the first and second reference values ​​may be calculated values ​​calculated according to each predicted value. Specifically, for example, the second reference value may be determined based on a calculation that calculates a higher value during high-power generation periods than during low-power generation periods compared to high-power generation periods. If a configuration is adopted in which the values ​​of the first and second reference values ​​can fluctuate during the target period, they can be set for multiple divided periods obtained by dividing the target period, similar to the power generation forecasting process (S21). Furthermore, for example, the first reference value and the second reference value may be input as appropriate by operating the control device 100.

[0034] In the policy setting process (S24), the policy setting unit 114 sets a policy based on the various determinations shown in Figure 3. Specifically, in the policy setting unit process (S23) of this embodiment, it first determines whether the predicted demand value is equal to or greater than the first criterion value (S41). If the predicted demand value is equal to or greater than the first criterion value (YES in S41), the first policy is set (S45).

[0035] If the predicted demand value is less than the first threshold (NO in S41), it is determined whether the predicted demand value is equal to or greater than the second threshold (S42). If the predicted demand value is equal to or greater than the second threshold (YES in S42), the second policy is set (S46).

[0036] If the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value (NO in S42), it is determined whether the predicted power generation is less than the power generation threshold (S43). If the predicted power generation is less than the power generation threshold (YES in S43), the third policy is set (S47). In this embodiment, the power generation threshold is a predetermined value and is stored in the storage unit 120. The power generation threshold may be a value calculated according to each predicted value. The power generation threshold may also be input as appropriate by operating the control device 100.

[0037] If the predicted power generation is equal to or greater than the power generation threshold (NO in S43), it is determined whether there is surplus power in the predicted power generation (S44). If there is no surplus power in the predicted power generation (NO in S44), the fourth policy is set (S48). On the other hand, if there is surplus power in the predicted power generation (YES in S44), the fifth policy is set (S49). In this embodiment, surplus power is the portion of the predicted power generation that is classified as power that will not be used at the time of the determination. Surplus power can be determined based on, for example, the contracted power related to commercial power source 2, the predicted demand value, the predicted power generation, etc. The threshold for determining whether surplus power is generated may be, for example, a predetermined value stored in the memory unit 120. Alternatively, for example, the threshold for surplus power may be input as appropriate by operating the control device 100.

[0038] Furthermore, the policy setting process (S24), similar to the power generation forecasting process (S21), is performed for each of the multiple divided periods obtained by dividing the target period. As a result, in this form of policy setting process (S24), one of the policies from the 1st policy to the 5th policy is set for each divided period.

[0039] In the policy setting process (S24), the policy setting unit 114 sets the first policy for periods when the predicted demand value is equal to or greater than the first reference value. The policy setting unit 114 sets the second policy for periods when the predicted demand value is less than the first reference value but equal to or greater than the second reference value. The policy setting unit 114 sets the third policy for periods when the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value and the predicted power generated by the power generation unit 3 is less than the power generation threshold. The policy setting unit 114 sets the fourth policy for periods when the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value, the predicted power generated is equal to or greater than the power generation threshold, and it is predicted that no surplus power will be generated in the predicted power generation. The policy setting unit 114 sets the fifth policy for periods when the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value, the predicted power generated is equal to or greater than the power generation threshold, and it is predicted that surplus power will be generated in the predicted power generation.

[0040] Policies 1 through 5 are all policies related to charging by the charging device 10. Policies 1 through 5 indicate a degree of reluctance towards charging by the charging device 10, with policies closer to policy 1 being the most reluctant. Specifically, in this embodiment, the energy management system 1 will not perform charging by the charging device 10 during the period when policy 1 is set. Furthermore, in this embodiment, where the charging device 10 can discharge the battery 35, the charging device 10 can discharge the battery 35 during the period when policy 1 is set.

[0041] On the other hand, if any of the second through fifth policies are set, charging by the charging device 10 is possible. Furthermore, the third policy indicates a greater willingness to charge by the charging device 10 than the second policy. The fourth policy indicates a greater willingness to charge by the charging device 10 than the third policy. The fifth policy indicates a greater willingness to charge by the charging device 10 than the fourth policy.

[0042] In the schedule creation process (S25), a schedule is created for the target period in which the charging period of the battery 35 by the charging device 10 is determined, based on the policy set in the policy setting process (S24). Specifically, in the schedule creation process (S25), Within the specified period, the division period to which the first policy is set is not set as the charging period, and any division period to which one of the second through fifth policies is set can be set as the charging period. Furthermore, in the schedule creation process (S25), the division period to which the third policy is set takes precedence over the division period to which the second policy is set and is set as the charging period. The division period to which the fourth policy is set takes precedence over the division period to which the third policy is set and is set as the charging period. The division period to which the fifth policy is set takes precedence over the division period to which the fourth policy is set and is set as the charging period. In addition, in the schedule creation process (S25) of this configuration, the division period to which the first policy is set can be set as the discharge period.

[0043] For example, if a battery 35 requires one divided period as a charging period, and there are divided periods set for each of the policies from the first to the fifth, the schedule creation process (S25) sets one of the divided periods set for the fifth policy as the charging period. In other words, in this form of energy management system 1, a policy is first set for each divided period in the target period, and then the charging period is set based on the set policy. Therefore, the energy management system 1 does not have a high load such as calculations for optimizing the charging period. In addition, by charging the battery 35 with the charging device 10 based on the set policy, the battery 35 can be used appropriately.

[0044] In addition, during the schedule creation process (S25), if, for example, the battery 35 does not need to be charged, or if the vehicle 30 is not connected to the charging device 10, the charging period will not be set in the created schedule.

[0045] Next, a specific example of the energy management process performed in the energy management system 1 of this embodiment will be described. First, the first example will be described. The first example is one in which the battery 35 is charged during periods when there is a margin relative to the first reference value for the power used by the load equipment 20, and the battery 35 is discharged during periods when there is no margin. Figure 4 relating to the first example shows an example of the predicted demand value X and predicted power generation Y for a target period of one day. In Figure 4, the vertical axis is power, and the horizontal axis is the time in the target period. As shown on the horizontal axis, the target period in the example of Figure 4 is one day starting from 0:00.

[0046] The predicted demand value X is for load equipment 20, calculated by the demand value prediction process. The predicted power generation Y is the power generated by the power generation unit 3, calculated by the power generation prediction process. The predicted demand value X for load equipment 20 is high in the morning and evening, and lower around noon than at night. Also, the predicted power generation of the power generation unit 3, which is a solar power generation system, is high around noon.

[0047] Figure 4 shows the first reference value A, the second reference value B, the power generation threshold C, and the surplus determination threshold D. The predicted demand value X rises to between the first reference value A and the second reference value B in the morning. Also, the predicted demand value X rises to a value higher than the first reference value A in the evening. The predicted power generation Y starts to rise from the morning and is above the power generation threshold C by midday. The predicted power generation Y starts to fall in the early afternoon and is below the power generation threshold C. Furthermore, the predicted demand value X is below the surplus determination threshold D around midday when it is low. And, during the period when the predicted demand value X is below the surplus determination threshold D, the predicted power generation Y is high. From this, in the example in Figure 4, it is determined that during the period when the predicted demand value X is below the surplus determination threshold D, surplus power that is not used by the load equipment 20 is generated in the predicted power generation Y. As shown in Figure 4, it can be seen that the policy can be easily determined uniformly based on the predicted demand value X, the first criterion value A, the second criterion value B, and so on.

[0048] Figure 5 shows the results of the policy setting and schedule creation processes performed based on the example of predicted demand value X and predicted power generation Y shown in Figure 4. The "Policy" column in Figure 5 shows the results of the policy setting process for each hourly division period. The set policies are less inclined towards charging in the morning and evening when the predicted demand value X is high. In particular, the least inclined policy, Policy 1, is set for the period from 16:00 to 18:00 when the predicted demand value X is above the first reference value A. On the other hand, a more inclined policy towards charging is set for the midday division period when the predicted demand value X is low and the predicted power generation Y is high. In particular, the most inclined policy, Policy 5, is set for the period from 10:00 to 13:00 when surplus power is generated.

[0049] Furthermore, in the "Vehicle Reservation" column of Figure 5, the reservation period for the vehicle 30 is indicated by a circle ("○"). Note that the example in Figure 5 shows the reservation period for one vehicle 30. During the vehicle 30's reservation period, it is determined that the vehicle 30 is not connected to the charging device 10, and therefore the vehicle 30's battery 35 cannot be charged or discharged. On the other hand, during the divided periods other than the reservation period, the vehicle 30 is connected to the charging device 10, and therefore the vehicle 30's battery 35 can be charged or discharged. In other words, the vehicle 30's battery 35 during the divided periods other than the reservation period can be determined to be a rechargeable battery that can be charged by the charging device 10. Furthermore, the vehicle 30's battery 35 during the divided periods other than the reservation period can be determined to be a dischargeable battery that can be discharged by the charging device 10.

[0050] In Figure 5, the "Charging" column indicates the divided periods for charging vehicle 30 with a circle ("○"). The divided periods marked with a circle ("○") in the "Charging" column are charging periods set by the scheduling process based on the configured policy and vehicle reservation. Specifically, among the divided periods to which the most proactive 5th policy is set, those that are not usage reservation periods are given priority over other divided periods and are set as charging periods.

[0051] Furthermore, if the SOC of battery 35 cannot be charged to 100% using only the charging period related to policy 5, a portion of the split period to which policy 2, policy 3, or policy 4 is set, that is not a usage reservation period, can be set as the charging period. In the example in Figure 5, a portion of the split period to which policy 4 is set, that is not a usage reservation period, is set as the charging period.

[0052] The "Discharge" column indicates the divided periods for discharging vehicle 30 with a "○". The divided periods marked with a "○" in the "Discharge" column are discharge periods set by the schedule creation process based on the configured policy and vehicle reservation. In Figure 5, the divided periods for which the first policy is configured, and for which no vehicle reservation has been made, are set as discharge periods. These charging and discharging periods, set for the target period, constitute the schedule created by the schedule creation process.

[0053] Furthermore, the "SOC" column in Figure 5 shows the predicted S progression of the battery 35's State of Charge (SOC). The predicted S progression is designed so that at the end of the charging period, the battery 35's charge capacity is below the upper limit of its charge capacity (SOC of 100%). In addition, the predicted S progression is designed so that at the end of the discharging period, the battery 35's charge capacity is above the lower limit of its charge capacity (SOC of 30%).

[0054] Below the predicted trend S, the lower limit trend SL is shown. Here, the discharge rate and charge rate of the battery 35 by the charging device 10 can be calculated from the specifications of the charging device 10 and the battery 35. Also, the degree of decrease in the state of charge of the battery 35 due to the driving of the vehicle 30 is calculated from the vehicle This can be estimated from reservation information for both vehicles 30, vehicle specifications, and information obtained during past use of the vehicle 30. Specifically, the degree of decrease in the battery 35's SOC can be calculated, for example, using a mileage index value that indicates the vehicle 30's mileage and the vehicle 30's energy consumption. As the mileage index value, for example, the reservation period included in the reservation information can be used. Alternatively, if the reservation information includes a planned mileage, that planned mileage can also be used as the mileage index value. Weather forecast information may also be included in the calculation of the degree of decrease in the battery 35's SOC. The lower limit transition SL is calculated by calculation as the transition in SOC at which the battery 35's SOC reaches 30% at 18:00, which is the end of the discharge period.

[0055] Furthermore, above the predicted trend S, the upper limit trends SH1 and SH2 are shown. Upper limit trends SH1 and SH2 are calculated based on the SOC (State of Charge) changes at which the battery 35 reaches 100% at the end of the charging period. Upper limit trend SH1 is for the charging period from 8:00 to 9:00. Upper limit trend SH2 is for the charging period from 12:00 to 14:00. Note that since upper limit trend SH2 changes at a higher value than upper limit trend SH1, only a portion of it is shown.

[0056] The predicted trend S is created for SOC within a range where it is below the upper limit and above the lower limit. When there are multiple upper limits, the lowest upper limit is used; when there are multiple lower limits, the highest lower limit is used. Therefore, in the example in Figure 5, the predicted trend S is created for SOC within a range where it is below the upper limit SH1 and above the lower limit SL. It can be seen that by controlling the charging and discharging of the battery 35 based on the predicted trend S created in this way, the battery 35 can be properly managed. In the schedule creation process, the upper and lower limits are first created, the predicted trend is created based on these, and the charging and discharging periods are finally set based on the created predicted trend.

[0057] During the charging period associated with the created schedule, the battery 35 is charged using the surplus power available in the target area 4. This ensures that during the charging period, power can be stored within the target area 4 while maintaining a margin of available power. In particular, during the charging period associated with the fifth policy, power can be stored while suppressing the waste of power generated by the power generation unit 3. During the discharge period, the power stored in the battery 35 is discharged and supplied to the target area 4. This allows for the use of power in the target area 4 exceeding the upper limit of the contracted power for the commercial power source 2 during the discharge period. Thus, the battery 35 is being utilized appropriately.

[0058] For vehicles 30 not shown in Figure 5, the charging and discharging periods can be set as appropriate based on the policies set for the divided periods. Specifically, for vehicles 30 not shown in Figure 5, if a charging period is required instead of setting the divided period for which the first policy is set as the charging period, the schedule should be created by setting the divided period for which any of the second to fifth policies is set as the charging period. In the schedule creation process, the charging period should be set with the priority in the order of fifth policy, fourth policy, third policy, and second policy. In the schedule creation process, the discharging period can also be set as appropriate for the divided period for which the first policy is set.

[0059] Next, we will explain the second example. The second example is one in which multiple charging devices 10 charge the batteries 35 of multiple vehicles 30. In this second example, the target period is one day starting from 10pm.

[0060] Figure 6 shows the "policies" set by performing a policy setting process for each divided period of the target period related to the second example. Figure 6 also shows the reservation period for use of multiple vehicles 30 within the divided period. The reservation period is a period defined within the target period, during which the vehicle reservation device 50 can set a reservation for the use of vehicle 30. In other words, if a reservation for vehicle 30 is set for a divided period within the reservation period, that period becomes the reservation period. The reservation period can be set for each of the multiple vehicles.

[0061] In the second example, the pre-use period, which is shown as a period before the reservation period, and the post-use period, which is shown as a period after the reservation period, are not set for use for vehicle 30. Therefore, both the pre-use period and the post-use period are non-use periods for which no reservation period has been set.

[0062] Furthermore, the "Priority" column in Figure 6 shows the priority of each division period. "Priority" is the priority order for setting a charge period for multiple division periods. The "Priority" values ​​are assigned in the order of Policy 5, Policy 4, and Policy 3, with Policy 5 having the highest priority and Policy 3 having the lowest priority. In Figure 6, the highest priority value is "1," and higher values ​​indicate lower priority. Note that in the second example, the division periods for which Policy 2 and Policy 1 are set are not set as charge periods. Note that in the second example, the division period for which Policy 2 is set may also be set as a charge period.

[0063] Figure 7 shows an example of how the charging period for each vehicle 30 in the second example is defined. The "Policy" and "Priority" columns in Figure 7 show the "Policy" and "Priority" columns from Figure 6, rearranged in order of priority.

[0064] In the second example, vehicle 30 includes vehicles 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30G, 30H, 30I, 30J, 30K, and 30L. Of these vehicles 30A through 30L, vehicles 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30G, 30H, 30I, and 30J are reserved vehicles with a reserved usage period set for the target period. On the other hand, vehicles 30K and 30L are unreserved vehicles with no reserved usage period set for the target period.

[0065] The graph at the bottom of Figure 7 shows the divided periods set as the charging periods for each vehicle 30. In the graph of Figure 7, the vertical axis is power and the horizontal axis is the divided period. The thick dashed line in the graph indicates the second reference value. The height of the second reference value is shown based on the difference between the second reference value and the predicted demand value for each divided period. In other words, the height of the second reference value in the graph represents the rechargeable power that can be used to charge the battery 35 of vehicle 30 in each divided period.

[0066] In the second example, the charging period for each vehicle 30 is set such that the demand value, considering the power used to charge the battery 35 by the charging device 10, is less than the second reference value. Therefore, the number of vehicles 30 that can be charged differs depending on the division period. Specifically, for example, in a division period with priority "1" where the fifth policy is set, the available power allows for charging of the batteries 35 of eight vehicles 30. Also, for example, in a division period with priority "7" where the third policy is set, the available power allows for charging of the batteries 35 of five vehicles 30.

[0067] Furthermore, in the scheduling process, a charging period is set for the batteries 35 of reserved vehicles (30A-30J) during the pre-use period. This ensures that the batteries 35 of reserved vehicles (30A-30J) reach a high State of Charge (SOC) before use. Of the reserved vehicles 30A to 30J, which vehicle 30 will be given priority for charging can be determined based on the start time and length of the reserved usage period, which can be obtained from the reservation information for each vehicle 30. Alternatively, the priority order for charging vehicles 30 may be determined by considering the State of Charge (SOC) value of the battery 35 at the start of the pre-use period. The SOC value of the battery 35 at the start of the pre-use period can be estimated, for example, based on the length of the previous reserved usage period. In the example in Figure 7, the reserved vehicles 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30G, 30H, 30I, and 30J have the highest charging priority in this order.

[0068] Furthermore, in the schedule creation process, for vehicles 30K and 30L that are not reserved, no charging period is set for their batteries 35 during the pre-use period. This is because the need to charge the batteries 35 during the pre-use period is lower for non-reserved vehicles than for reserved vehicles. This allows reserved vehicles to be charged during the pre-use period with priority over non-reserved vehicles. For vehicles 30K and 30L that are not reserved, a charging period is set during the period when reservations are possible. Therefore, the batteries 35 of vehicles 30K and 30L that are not reserved can also be maintained at a high SOC value.

[0069] However, if there is sufficient power during the pre-use period, such as when there are few reserved vehicles with charging periods set during that period, the charging period for non-reserved vehicles may be set during the pre-use period. Specifically, for example, in the divided period for priority "15" with the third policy set, no charging period is set for any of the reserved vehicles 30A to 30J. Therefore, the charging periods for non-reserved vehicles 30K and 30L may be set for the divided period for priority "15" with the third policy set. In the example in Figure 7, the divided period for priority "15" is reserved as a backup for the charging period of reserved vehicles. This allows the divided period for priority "15" to be used as a charging period even if the charging of reserved vehicles cannot be carried out according to schedule.

[0070] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment different from the above embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, policy settings may be performed multiple times. In this embodiment, the parts that differ from the above embodiment will be described. Parts that are not described can be the same as in the above embodiment.

[0071] The energy management system 1 in this embodiment includes a plurality of charging devices 10. The energy management system 1 also includes a plurality of vehicles 30 whose batteries 35 can be charged by the plurality of charging devices 10. In this embodiment, the number of charging devices 10 included in the energy management system 1 is n. The value of n is a natural number of 2 or greater. Each charging device 10 is assigned a management number. Specifically, each of the plurality of charging devices 10 is assigned an identification number from 1 to n. More specifically, for example, the first charging device 10A is assigned identification number 1, and the second charging device 10B is assigned identification number 2. The identification number of each charging device 10 is stored in the storage unit 120. The control unit 110 can also keep track of the vehicles 30 that are connected to each charging device 10 in a chargeable manner.

[0072] In this embodiment, the control unit 110 performs the energy management process (S12) shown in Figure 8 when creating a schedule. In the energy management process (S12) in this embodiment, first, the target number t is set to "1" (S41). The target number t is the identification number of the charging device 10 for which a schedule is to be created in the schedule creation process S25.

[0073] After step S41, a power generation prediction process (S21) is performed, and then it is determined whether the target number t is greater than the maximum value n of the identification numbers assigned to the charging device 10 (S42). If the target number t is greater than the maximum value n of the identification numbers (YES in S42), this process The reasoning is complete.

[0074] If the target number t is less than or equal to the maximum value n of the identification numbers (NO in S42), the demand value prediction process (S22), the reference value setting process (S23), the policy setting process (S24), and the schedule creation process (S25) are performed, 1 is added to the target number t (S43), and the process proceeds to step S42. In other words, the demand value prediction process (S22), the reference value setting process (S23), the policy setting process (S24), and the schedule creation process (S25) are performed as many times as there are identification numbers n. Furthermore, in the demand value prediction process (S22) and the schedule creation process (S25), the target of each process differs depending on the value of the target number t.

[0075] Specifically, in the demand value prediction process (S22), the demand value prediction unit 111 of this embodiment calculates the predicted demand value by considering the power related to the charging device 10 whose identification number is less than the target number t. That is, for example, in the first demand value prediction process (S22) when the target number t is "1", the predicted demand value is calculated by considering the power related to the load equipment 20 in the target range 4. In the first demand value prediction process (S22), the power related to the charging device 10 is not considered. Also, for example, in the second demand value prediction process (S22) when the target number t is "2", the predicted demand value is calculated by considering the power related to the first charging device 10A with identification number 1, in addition to the load equipment 20 in the target range 4. Therefore, for example, if a charging period is set for the first charging device 10A with identification number 1, the second demand value prediction process (S22) will calculate a different value than the first demand value prediction process (S22).

[0076] In the reference value setting process (S23), the reference value setting unit 113 in this embodiment sets a first reference value and a second reference value, similar to the embodiment described above. If the reference value setting process (S23) calculates the first reference value and the second reference value based on the predicted demand value, different values ​​may be calculated each time.

[0077] In the policy setting process (S24), the policy setting unit 114 in this embodiment sets a policy in the same manner as in the embodiment described above. However, the policy set will differ depending on, for example, the predicted demand value. That is, for example, if a charging period is set for the first charging device 10A with identification number 1, a different policy may be set in the second policy setting process (S24) than in the first policy setting process (S24).

[0078] In the schedule creation process (S25), the schedule creation unit 115 in this configuration creates a schedule for the charging device 10 with the same identification number as the target number t, based on the policy set in the policy setting process (S24).

[0079] In other words, in the energy management processing (S12) of this embodiment, first, as a demand value prediction processing (S22), a first demand value prediction processing is performed to calculate a first predicted demand value that does not take into account the power related to the group of charging devices consisting of multiple charging devices 10. Next, as a policy setting processing (S24), a first policy setting processing is performed based on the first demand value prediction processing. Next, as a schedule creation processing (S25), a first schedule creation processing is performed to create a schedule based on the first policy setting processing, targeting the first charging device 10A, which is one of the charging devices 10 in the group of charging devices. Furthermore, as a demand value prediction processing (S22), a second demand value prediction processing is performed to calculate a second predicted demand value that takes into account the power related to the first charging device 10A in the schedule created in the first schedule creation processing, and does not take into account the power related to the second charging device 10B, which is a charging device 10 other than the first charging device 10A in the group of charging devices. Next, as a policy setting process (S24), a second policy setting process is performed based on the second demand value prediction process. Next, as a schedule creation process (S25), a second schedule creation process is performed targeting the second charging device 10B among the charging device group, and a schedule is created based on the second policy setting process. First charging device The same procedure can be followed even if there are other charging devices 10 besides 10A and the second charging device 10B.

[0080] If a schedule is created for many charging devices 10 based on a common policy, the charging periods may overlap, potentially leading to excessively high demand values ​​during the overlapping divided periods. In contrast, this configuration allows for the creation of schedules with sequentially set charging periods for multiple charging devices 10, while appropriately reviewing the charging policies. Therefore, situations where the charging periods of many charging devices 10 overlap can be avoided.

[0081] Furthermore, the identification number assigned to the charging device 10 for energy management processing may be a different value for each charging device 10. Alternatively, different identification numbers may be assigned to multiple groups, each composed of multiple charging devices 10. Also, if the charging device 10 includes both charge / discharge devices and standard charging devices, the policy setting and schedule creation processes should be performed first for the charge / discharge devices, and then for the standard charging devices after the schedule creation process for the charge / discharge devices is complete. Charge / discharge devices tend to have a greater impact on the predicted demand value than standard charging devices because the discharge period can be set. Therefore, performing the schedule creation process for the charge / discharge devices first allows for more appropriate utilization of the battery 35. While this embodiment describes energy management processing based on the identification number of the charging device 10, the energy management processing may also be performed based on the identification number of the vehicle 30 or the battery 35.

[0082] As described in detail above, the energy management system 1 according to the above embodiment comprises a battery 35, a charging device 10, and a control unit 110. The control unit 110 performs energy management processing for a future target period. The energy management processing includes policy setting processing and schedule creation processing. In the policy setting processing, a policy related to charging by the charging device 10 is set. In the schedule creation processing, a schedule is created that sets the charging period for charging the battery 35 by the charging device 10 based on the policy set in the policy setting processing. Furthermore, in the schedule creation processing, a schedule is created so that the demand value of the power used in the target range 4 is kept below the first reference value. In addition, the charging device 10 is controlled based on the created schedule. Moreover, in the policy setting processing, for divided periods into multiple periods obtained by dividing the target period, a first policy is set for divided periods in which the predicted demand value, which is a predicted value of the demand value, is equal to or greater than the first reference value. For divided periods in which the predicted demand value is less than the first reference value and equal to or greater than the second reference value, a second policy is set. For split periods where the predicted demand value is less than the second threshold value, the "less than second threshold value" policy, which is one of the third, fourth, or fifth policies, is set. Then, in the schedule creation process, split periods to which the first policy is set are not set as charging periods. On the other hand, split periods to which the second policy is set can be set as charging periods. Furthermore, split periods to which the "less than second threshold value" policy (one of the third, fourth, or fifth policies) is set are given priority over split periods to which the second policy is set, and are set as charging periods. In the policy setting process related to this energy management system 1, policies can be set uniformly based on the predicted demand value. Then, in the schedule creation process, charging periods can be set based on the set policies. For this reason, the calculations related to the policy setting process and the schedule creation process are not computationally intensive, such as calculations for optimizing charging periods. Furthermore, the battery 35 can be charged appropriately based on the policies.Therefore, an energy management system 1 is realized that can manage the battery 35 to be used more appropriately while reducing the computational load.

[0083] Furthermore, the energy management system 1 according to the above embodiment includes a power generation unit 3 capable of generating electricity based on natural energy. In the policy setting process, the control unit 110 sets a third policy for divided periods within the target period where the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value and the predicted power generated by the power generation unit 3 is less than the power generation threshold. The third policy is one of the policies below the second reference value. In addition, for divided periods where the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value and the predicted power generated by the power generation unit 3 is equal to or greater than the power generation threshold, the control unit 110 sets a policy that is either the fourth policy or the fifth policy, which is equal to or greater than the power generation threshold. The policy that is equal to or greater than the power generation threshold is one of the policies below the second reference value. In the schedule creation process, the energy management system 1 prioritizes divided periods within the target period where the policy equal to or greater than the power generation threshold is set over divided periods where the third policy is set, and sets them as charging periods. As a result, the energy management system 1 can utilize the power generated by the power generation unit 3 as charging power for the battery 35. In other words, the energy management system 1 can control the battery 35 to be used more appropriately while reducing the computational load.

[0084] Furthermore, in the policy setting process, the control unit 110 according to the above embodiment sets a fourth policy for division periods within the target period where the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value, the predicted power generated by the power generation unit 3 is equal to or greater than the second reference value, and it is predicted that no unused surplus power will be generated from the predicted power generation. In addition, a fifth policy is set for division periods where the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value, the predicted power generated by the power generation unit 3 is equal to or greater than the second reference value, and it is predicted that surplus power will be generated from the predicted power generation. The fourth and fifth policies are one of the power generation threshold-above policies. Then, in the schedule creation process, the division periods for which the fifth policy is set are prioritized over the division periods for which the fourth policy is set, and are set as charging periods. As a result, the energy management system 1 can utilize surplus power generated by the power generation unit 3 that is not used for other purposes as charging power for the battery 35. In other words, the energy management system 1 can control the battery 35 to be used more appropriately while reducing the computational load.

[0085] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative and do not limit the disclosed technology in any way. Therefore, the disclosed technology can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from its essence.

[0086] For example, in the above embodiment, the battery that can be charged by the charging device was described as an on-board battery mounted in a vehicle. However, the battery is not limited to an on-board battery; for example, it may be a stationary battery. In this case, the stationary battery and the charging device may be in the form of an integrated energy storage system. Also, for example, the charging device is not limited to one that can both charge and discharge the battery, but may be one that can only charge the battery. Furthermore, for example, the batteries that can be charged by the charging device may include both on-board batteries and stationary batteries.

[0087] For example, in the schedule creation process, if there are multiple division periods with the same policy set, the control unit of the energy management system may prioritize the division period with the lowest electricity rates in the contract for commercial power supply when setting the charging period.

[0088] For example, if, during the target period, the control unit of the energy management system generates surplus power from the power generation unit that cannot be fully charged into the battery, it may be possible to set a discharge period before the segmented period in which the surplus power generated will occur, in which the accumulated amount of surplus power will be discharged from the battery in advance. The discharge period for discharging the surplus power from the battery will be determined according to the specifications of the charging device and the battery. It can be set based on the rate. Also, if there is no division period set with the first policy before the division period in which non-charged surplus power occurs, or if the amount of non-charged surplus power cannot be fully discharged by the division period in which the first policy is set, the division period in which the second policy is set may be set as the discharge period. For example, if there is no division period set with the first policy before the division period in which non-charged surplus power occurs, or if the amount of non-charged surplus power cannot be fully discharged by the division period in which the first policy is set, a policy change process may be performed to change the division period in which the second policy is set to the first policy. Then, the division period that has been changed to the first policy by the policy change process may be set as the discharge period.

[0089] Furthermore, the energy management systems described in the above embodiments may be capable of coordinating with each other across multiple systems. Specifically, for example, if there are multiple coordinating energy management systems, it is possible for these systems to share each other's policies while resolving any power surpluses or shortages. Specifically, for example, the discharged power from a battery during a discharge period in one energy management system can be supplied to the load equipment of another energy management system. This allows for, for example, the periods of surplus power and periods of power shortage among multiple coordinating energy management systems to be reduced to periods where neither surplus power nor power shortage occurs. Also, when multiple energy management systems are coordinating, it may not be possible to supply the power generated by the power generation unit of one energy management system to the scope of another energy management system. In such cases, the division period set as the fifth policy in one energy management system can be shared with other energy management systems as if the fourth policy were set.

[0090] Furthermore, for example, if the scope of the energy management system includes charging devices that are not supplied with power generated by the power generation unit, and the policy setting process for those charging devices determines that a split period for setting the fifth policy will occur, then the fourth policy may be set instead of the fifth policy during that split period. This prevents charging devices that cannot be charged by the power generated by the power generation unit from having a charging period based on the fifth policy set.

[0091] For example, the scope of the energy management system may include signage equipment that displays the power used for charging and discharging the charging device. For example, the signage equipment related to the charging device may display information during the discharge period related to the first policy and the charging period related to the fifth policy, but not during the divided periods related to the other policies. For example, during the discharge period related to the first policy, the signage equipment related to the charging device may display a "discharging" indicator to show that the battery is being discharged by the charging device. For example, during the charging period related to the fifth policy, the signage equipment related to the charging device may display a "charging" indicator to show that the battery is being charged by the charging device. For example, the signage equipment related to the charging device may have a battery installed. Furthermore, for a battery installed in such signage equipment, if the schedule creation process determines that a divided period for setting the second, third, and fourth policies occurs, the charging period may not be set during that divided period. On the other hand, for a battery installed in signage equipment, the schedule creation process may allow setting a discharge period during a divided period for which the first policy is set. This resolves power shortages within the target area. Furthermore, for batteries installed in signage equipment, the scheduling process may allow setting a charging period within the divided period for which the fifth policy is set. This allows surplus power within the target area to be used to charge the batteries installed in the signage equipment, and then that charged power can be utilized.

[0092] For example, the control unit of the energy management system may, in the policy setting process, set a first policy for periods within the target period where the predicted demand value is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, set a second policy for periods where the predicted demand value is less than the first threshold value but equal to or greater than a second threshold value, and set a third policy for periods where the predicted demand value is less than a second threshold value. Furthermore, in this example, the control unit may, in the schedule creation process, not set periods within the target period where the first policy is set as charging periods, set periods where the second policy is set as charging periods, and set periods where the third policy is set as charging periods, prioritizing them over periods where the second policy is set. In addition, the control unit may, in the policy setting process, set a fourth policy for periods within the target period where the predicted demand value is less than a second threshold value and the predicted power generation is equal to or greater than a generation threshold value. Furthermore, in this case, in the schedule creation process, in addition to the above example, the control unit may set the period in the target period for which the fourth policy is set as the charging period, prioritizing it over the period for which the third policy is set. Also, in the policy setting process, in addition to the above example, the control unit may set the fifth policy for the period in the target period for which the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value, the predicted power generation is equal to or greater than the power generation threshold, and it is predicted that there will be surplus power that will not be used in the predicted power generation. Furthermore, in this case, in the schedule creation process, in addition to the above example, the control unit may set the period in the target period for which the fifth policy is set as the charging period, prioritizing it over the period for which the fourth policy is set.

[0093] Furthermore, the hardware configuration and database configuration, such as the memory unit that stores the various pieces of information, described in detail above are merely examples; any configuration that can realize each function is acceptable.

[0094] Furthermore, the disclosed technology described above includes the following means 1 to means 11. [Means 1] Battery and A charging device capable of charging the aforementioned battery, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, Regarding future target periods, Policy setting for setting a policy related to charging by the aforementioned charging device, Based on the policy set by the aforementioned policy settings, a schedule can be created that sets a charging period for charging the battery by the charging device, while keeping the power demand value used in the target area, including the charging device, below a preset first reference value. Control of the charging device based on the aforementioned schedule is possible, In the aforementioned policy settings, within the aforementioned target period, For periods in which the predicted demand value, which is the predicted value of the aforementioned demand value, is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the first policy is set. For periods when the predicted demand value is less than the first threshold value and greater than or equal to a second threshold value that is set to a value lower than the first threshold value, a second policy shall be set. For periods in which the predicted demand value is less than the second threshold value, a policy of "less than the second threshold value" is set. In creating the aforementioned schedule, of the aforementioned target period, The period during which the first policy is set is not set as the charging period. The period during which the second policy is set can be set as the charging period. An energy management system that sets the period during which the policy of being below the second standard value is set as the charging period, taking precedence over the period during which the second policy is set.

[0095] [Means 2] The energy management system described in means 1, Equipped with a power generation unit capable of generating electricity based on natural energy, The control unit, In the aforementioned policy settings, within the aforementioned target period, For periods when the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value, and the predicted power generation value, which is the predicted power generation value by the power generation unit, is less than a predetermined power generation threshold, a third policy, which is one of the policies below the second reference value, is set. For periods when the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value and the predicted power generation is equal to or greater than the power generation threshold, one of the policies below the second reference value, namely the power generation threshold or greater policy, is set. In creating the aforementioned schedule, of the aforementioned target period, An energy management system that sets the period during which the power generation threshold policy is set to be higher as the charging period, prioritizing it over the period during which the third policy is set.

[0096] [Means 3] The energy management system described in means 2, The control unit, In the aforementioned policy settings, within the aforementioned target period, For periods when the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value, the predicted power generation is equal to or greater than the power generation threshold, and no unused surplus power is predicted to be generated from the predicted power generation, a fourth policy, which is one of the power generation threshold-above policies, is set. For the period during which the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value, the predicted power generation is equal to or greater than the power generation threshold, and surplus power is predicted to occur in the predicted power generation, a fifth policy, which is one of the power generation threshold-above policies, is set. In creating the aforementioned schedule, of the aforementioned target period, An energy management system that sets the period for which the fifth policy is set as the charging period, prioritizing it over the period for which the fourth policy is set.

[0097] [Means 4] The energy management system described in means 3, The control unit, In creating the aforementioned schedule, An energy management system that sets the charging period for a rechargeable battery if there is a rechargeable battery that can be charged by the charging device during the period in which the fifth policy is set.

[0098] [Means 5] An energy management system according to any of the means 1 to means 4, The control unit, In creating the aforementioned schedule, An energy management system that creates a schedule such that the value of the battery's charge capacity during the set charging period becomes less than or equal to a predetermined upper limit of charge capacity at the end of the charging period.

[0099] [Means 6] An energy management system according to any of means 1 to means 5, The charging device includes a charge / discharge device capable of discharging the battery, The control unit, In creating the aforementioned schedule, If, during the period in which the first policy is set, there is a dischargeable battery which is a battery that can be discharged by the charge / discharge device, then a discharge period for discharging the dischargeable battery shall be set. An energy management system capable of supplying power discharged from the dischargeable battery during the discharge period to the target range.

[0100] [Means 7] The energy management system described in means 6, The control unit, In creating the aforementioned schedule, An energy management system that creates a schedule such that the value of the charge capacity of the dischargeable battery for which the discharge period is set becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit of charge capacity at the end of the discharge period.

[0101] [Means 8] An energy management system according to any of the means 1 to means 7, The aforementioned charging device comprises multiple devices, The control unit, As a demand value prediction for calculating the aforementioned predicted demand value, a first demand value prediction is performed to calculate a first predicted demand value, which is the predicted demand value that does not take into account the power related to the group of charging devices consisting of multiple charging devices. As the policy setting, a first policy setting is made based on the first demand value forecast. As part of the schedule creation process, a first schedule creation is performed targeting the first charging device, which is a part of the charging device group, and creating the schedule based on the first policy setting. As the demand value prediction, a second demand value prediction is performed, which calculates a second predicted demand value that takes into account the power related to the first charging device in the schedule created in the first schedule creation, and does not take into account the power related to the second charging device, which is a charging device other than the first charging device among the charging device group. As the aforementioned policy setting, a second policy setting is made based on the second predicted demand value. An energy management system that performs a second schedule creation, which creates the schedule for the second charging device based on the second policy setting, as the basis for the schedule creation.

[0102] [Means 9] An energy management system according to any of means 1 to means 8, The aforementioned battery is an energy management system that includes an on-board battery installed in a vehicle.

[0103] [Means 10] An energy management system according to any of means 1 to means 8, The aforementioned batteries include on-board batteries installed in multiple vehicles. The aforementioned charging device comprises multiple devices, The control unit, For each of the aforementioned vehicles, the period during which it is reserved for use Obtain the usage reservation period, In creating the aforementioned schedule, With respect to the onboard battery of the reserved vehicle for which the aforementioned usage reservation period has been set, if there is a pre-use period prior to the aforementioned usage reservation period during the non-use period for the reserved vehicle for which the aforementioned usage reservation period has not been set, the charging period can be set during the pre-use period. An energy management system that, for the onboard battery of a non-reserved vehicle, which is a vehicle for which the aforementioned reservation period for use has not been set, may not set the charging period during the pre-use period for the reserved vehicle.

[0104] [Means 11] A charging system according to any of the means 1 to means 10, An energy management system in which the second reference value is the value obtained by subtracting from the first reference value the smaller of the value estimated as the error between the predicted demand value and the demand value, and the value estimated as the maximum value of the power supplied to the charging device during the charging period. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 1: Energy Management System 3: Power Generation Department 4: Scope 10: Charging device 30: Vehicles 35: Battery 110: Control Unit A: First reference value B: Second reference value C: Power generation threshold X: Predicted demand value Y: Predicted power generation

Claims

1. Battery and A charging device capable of charging the aforementioned battery, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, Regarding future target periods, Policy setting for setting a policy related to charging by the aforementioned charging device, Based on the policy set by the aforementioned policy settings, a schedule creation system is available that can create a schedule for charging the battery by the charging device while keeping the power demand value used in the target area, including the charging device, below a preset first reference value. Control of the charging device based on the aforementioned schedule is possible, In the aforementioned policy settings, within the aforementioned target period, For periods in which the predicted demand value, which is the predicted value of the aforementioned demand value, is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the first policy is set. For periods when the predicted demand value is less than the first threshold value and greater than or equal to a second threshold value that is set to a value lower than the first threshold value, a second policy is set. For periods in which the predicted demand value is less than the second threshold value, a policy of "less than the second threshold value" is set. In creating the aforementioned schedule, of the aforementioned target period, The period during which the first policy is set is not set as the charging period. The period during which the second policy is set can be set as the charging period. An energy management system that sets the period during which the policy of being below the second standard value is set as the charging period, with priority given to the period during which the second policy is set.

2. An energy management system according to claim 1, Equipped with a power generation unit capable of generating electricity based on natural energy, The control unit, In the aforementioned policy settings, within the aforementioned target period, For periods when the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value, and the predicted power generation value, which is the predicted power generation value by the power generation unit, is less than a predetermined power generation threshold, a third policy, which is one of the policies below the second reference value, is set. For periods when the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value and the predicted power generation is equal to or greater than the power generation threshold, one of the policies below the second reference value, namely the power generation threshold or greater policy, is set. In creating the aforementioned schedule, of the aforementioned target period, An energy management system that sets the period during which the power generation threshold policy is set to be higher as the charging period, prioritizing it over the period during which the third policy is set.

3. An energy management system according to claim 2, The control unit, In the aforementioned policy settings, within the aforementioned target period, For periods when the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value, the predicted power generation is equal to or greater than the power generation threshold, and no unused surplus power is predicted to be generated from the predicted power generation, a fourth policy, which is one of the power generation threshold-above policies, is set. For the period during which the predicted demand value is less than the second reference value, the predicted power generation is equal to or greater than the power generation threshold, and surplus power is predicted to occur in the predicted power generation, a fifth policy, which is one of the power generation threshold-above policies, is set. In creating the aforementioned schedule, of the aforementioned target period, An energy management system that sets the period for which the fifth policy is set as the charging period, prioritizing it over the period for which the fourth policy is set.

4. An energy management system according to claim 3, The control unit, In creating the aforementioned schedule, An energy management system that sets the charging period for a rechargeable battery if there is a rechargeable battery that can be charged by the charging device during the period in which the fifth policy is set.

5. An energy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The control unit, In creating the aforementioned schedule, An energy management system that creates a schedule such that the value of the battery's charge capacity during the set charging period becomes less than or equal to a predetermined upper limit of charge capacity at the end of the charging period.

6. An energy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The charging device includes a charge / discharge device capable of discharging the battery, The control unit, In creating the aforementioned schedule, If, during the period in which the first policy is set, there is a dischargeable battery which is a battery that can be discharged by the charge / discharge device, then a discharge period for discharging the dischargeable battery shall be set. An energy management system capable of supplying power discharged from the dischargeable battery during the discharge period to the target range.

7. An energy management system according to claim 6, The control unit, In creating the aforementioned schedule, An energy management system that creates a schedule such that the value of the charge capacity of the dischargeable battery for which the discharge period is set becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit of charge capacity at the end of the discharge period.

8. An energy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aforementioned charging device comprises multiple devices, The control unit, As a demand value prediction for calculating the aforementioned predicted demand value, a first demand value prediction is performed to calculate a first predicted demand value, which is the aforementioned predicted demand value that does not take into account the power related to the group of charging devices consisting of multiple charging devices. As the policy setting, a first policy setting is made based on the first demand value forecast. As part of the schedule creation process, a first schedule creation is performed targeting the first charging device, which is a part of the charging device group, and creating the schedule based on the first policy setting. As the demand value prediction, a second demand value prediction is performed to calculate a second predicted demand value, which is the predicted demand value that takes into account the power related to the first charging device in the schedule created in the first schedule creation, and does not take into account the power related to the second charging device, which is a charging device other than the first charging device among the charging device group. As the aforementioned policy setting, a second policy setting is made based on the second predicted demand value. An energy management system that performs a second schedule creation, which creates the schedule based on the second policy setting for the second charging device as the basis for the schedule creation.

9. An energy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aforementioned battery is an energy management system that includes an on-board battery installed in a vehicle.

10. An energy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aforementioned batteries include on-board batteries installed in multiple vehicles. The aforementioned charging device comprises multiple devices, The control unit, For each of the aforementioned vehicles, the reserved usage period within the aforementioned target period is obtained, In creating the aforementioned schedule, With respect to the onboard battery of the reserved vehicle for which the aforementioned usage reservation period has been set, if there is a pre-use period prior to the aforementioned usage reservation period during the non-use period for the reserved vehicle for which the aforementioned usage reservation period has not been set, the charging period can be set during the pre-use period. An energy management system that, for the onboard battery of a non-reserved vehicle, which is a vehicle for which the aforementioned reservation period for use has not been set, may not set the charging period during the pre-use period for the reserved vehicle.

11. A charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An energy management system in which the second reference value is the value obtained by subtracting from the first reference value the smaller of the value estimated as the error between the predicted demand value and the demand value, and the value estimated as the maximum value of the power supplied to the charging device during the charging period.

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