Charging control system, power supply system, charging control method and program

Abstract

The problem addressed in this disclosure is to control the total amount of electricity supplied to electric vehicles so that it does not exceed the amount of electricity that can be received from the power source. [Solution] The charging control system 10 comprises an acquisition unit 111, a switching control unit 114, an allocation unit 112, and a selection unit 113. When two or more EV charging devices 3 are assigned priority levels, the selection unit 113 selects one or more EV charging devices 3 to supply power from among the two or more EV charging devices 3 based on each priority level, so as to satisfy a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is that the sum of the rated outputs corresponding to each of the two or more EV charging devices 3 does not exceed a predetermined value. The switching control unit 114 controls one or more switches 250 corresponding to the selected one or more EV charging devices 3 to connect to the power source, and controls the other switches 250 to disconnect from the power source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a charging control system, a power supply system, a charging control method, and a program, and more particularly relates to a charging control system, a power supply system, a charging control method, and a program for controlling charging of electric vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a charging control system that can charge a plurality of electric vehicles as evenly as possible using a single charger (EV charging device) is known (see Patent Document 1). Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-74776 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a predetermined space such as a parking lot, a plurality of EV charging devices are installed, and charging may be performed for a plurality of electric vehicles. In this case, it is necessary to perform control such that the total amount of electric power supplied to each electric vehicle does not exceed the amount of electric power that can be received from the supply source.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a charging control system, a power supply system, a charging control method, and a program capable of performing control such that the total amount of electric power supplied to electric vehicles does not exceed the amount of electric power that can be received from the supply source. Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A charging control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an acquisition unit, a switching control unit, an allocation unit, and a selection unit. The acquisition unit acquires start information relating to the start of supplying power to an electric vehicle using one of a plurality of EV charging devices, each of which is located in a predetermined space and has a set rated output. The switching control unit controls a plurality of switches, each corresponding to one of the plurality of EV charging devices, which switch between connecting and disconnecting the corresponding EV charging device and the power source. When the acquisition unit acquires the start information, the allocation unit assigns a priority order for power supply to the EV charging device that will supply power, based on the start information, from among the plurality of EV charging devices. When a priority order has been assigned to two or more of the plurality of EV charging devices, the selection unit selects one or more EV charging devices to supply power from among the two or more EV charging devices based on the priority order assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices, in order to satisfy a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is that the sum of the rated outputs corresponding to each of the two or more EV charging devices does not exceed a predetermined value. The switching control unit controls one or more switches from the plurality of switches that correspond to the one or more EV charging devices selected by the selection unit to connect to the power source, and controls the other switches to disconnect from the power source.

[0007] A power supply system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises the charging control system, the plurality of EV charging devices, and the plurality of switches.

[0008] A charging control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition step, a switching control step, an assignment step, and a selection step. In the acquisition step, start information relating to the start of supplying power to an electric vehicle using one of a plurality of EV charging devices provided in a predetermined space and each having a set rated output is acquired. In the switching control step, a plurality of switches, each corresponding to one of the plurality of EV charging devices, are controlled to switch between connecting and disconnecting the corresponding EV charging device and the power source. In the assignment step, if the start information is acquired in the acquisition step, a priority order for power supply is assigned to the EV charging device that will supply power, obtained from the start information, among the plurality of EV charging devices. In the selection step, if a priority order has been assigned to two or more of the plurality of EV charging devices, one or more EV charging devices that will supply power are selected from the two or more EV charging devices based on the priority order assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices, so as to satisfy a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is that the sum of the rated outputs corresponding to each of the two or more EV charging devices does not exceed a predetermined value. In the switching control step, the system controls one or more switches from the plurality of switches that correspond to the one or more EV charging devices selected in the selection step to connect to the power source, and controls the other switches to disconnect from the power source.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing a computer system to execute the charging control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, the total amount of electricity supplied to electric vehicles can be controlled so as not to exceed the amount of electricity that can be received from the power source. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a power supply system equipped with a charging control system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the charging control system described above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the allocation process performed by the charging control system described above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the charging control process performed by the charging control system described above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first specific example of the operation of the charging control system described above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second specific example of the operation of the charging control system described above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. Various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not depart from the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0013] (Embodiment) The charging control system 10 and power supply system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

[0014] (1) Overview As shown in Figure 1, the power supply system 1 according to this embodiment comprises a control server 11 as a charging control system 10, a plurality of EV (Electric Vehicle) charging devices 3, and a plurality of switches 250.

[0015] Each of the multiple EV charging devices 3 supplies power to an electric vehicle 4 that has a battery for driving a motor. That is, the multiple EV charging devices 3 charge the battery of the electric vehicle 4 that is connected to them. Here, when it is necessary to describe the multiple EV charging devices 3 individually, they will be referred to as EV charging devices 3a, 3b, and 3c. Similarly, when it is necessary to describe the multiple electric vehicles 4 individually, they will be referred to as electric vehicles 4a, 4b, and 4c. The multiple electric vehicles 4 are, for example, electric vehicles (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle) or plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle).

[0016] The multiple switches 250 are, for example, electromagnetic relays, and each corresponds to one of the multiple EV charging devices 3. Each of the multiple switches 250 switches the connection and disconnection between the corresponding EV charging device 3 and the power supply. The power supply is, for example, a commercial AC power supply PS1. Of the multiple switches 250, switches 250a and 250b are installed in the distribution board 2, which will be described later. Of the multiple switches 250, switch 250c is installed in the EV charging device 3c.

[0017] The control server 11, which functions as the charging control system 10, is configured to communicate with the information terminal 5 via a network NT1 such as the Internet. The information terminal 5 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet device, or a personal computer.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the control server 11 includes an acquisition unit 111, a switching control unit 114, an allocation unit 112, and a selection unit 113. The acquisition unit 111 acquires start information. The start information is information relating to the start of power supply to an electric vehicle 4 using any one of a plurality of EV charging devices 3 that are provided in a predetermined space and each have a rated output set therefor. The switching control unit 114 controls a plurality of switches 250. When the acquisition unit 111 acquires the start information, the allocation unit 112 allocates a power supply priority to the EV charging device 3 that performs power supply obtained from the start information among the plurality of EV charging devices 3. When priorities are allocated to two or more EV charging devices 3 among the plurality of EV charging devices 3, the selection unit 113, based on the priorities allocated to each of the two or more EV charging devices 3, selects one or more EV charging devices 3 that perform power supply from among the two or more EV charging devices 3 such that a predetermined condition is satisfied. Here, the predetermined condition is that the total value of the rated outputs respectively corresponding to the two or more EV charging devices 3 to which priorities are allocated does not exceed a predetermined value. The switching control unit 114 controls, among the plurality of switches 250, one or more switches 250 corresponding to the one or more EV charging devices 3 selected by the selection unit 113 to connect to a power supply source (commercial AC power supply PS1), and controls other switches 250 to disconnect from the power supply source. Here, the rated output indicates the amount of power that the EV charging device 3 can supply within a predetermined period of time (for example, one hour), and is expressed in kilowatts (kW).

[0019] According to this configuration, one or more EV charging devices 3 that perform power supply are selected from among two or more EV charging devices 3 based on the priorities allocated to each of the two or more EV charging devices 3 such that the total value of the rated outputs respectively corresponding to the two or more EV charging devices 3 to which priorities are allocated does not exceed a predetermined value. This makes it possible to perform control such that the amount of power supplied to the electric vehicle 4 does not exceed the amount of power that can be received from the power supply source.

[0020] The plurality of EV charging devices 3 and the commercial AC power supply PS1 are connected via the distribution board 2. The distribution board 2 includes a main breaker 21 and a plurality of branching devices 22. Here, when it is necessary to individually describe the plurality of branching devices 22, they are referred to as branching devices 22a, 22b, and 22c.

[0021] Further, the distribution board 2 includes at least one measuring instrument 260 among the plurality of measuring instruments 260. Here, when it is necessary to individually describe the plurality of measuring instruments 260, they are referred to as measuring instruments 260a, 260b, and 260c. In the present embodiment, the distribution board 2 includes the measuring instrument 260a and the measuring instrument 260b.

[0022] The distribution board 2 includes at least one switch 250 among the plurality of switches 250 (here, two switches 250a and 250b). Note that the switch 250a is included in the branching device 22a.

[0023] Further, in the present embodiment, the power supply system 1 includes the plurality of measuring instruments 260. Here, when it is necessary to individually describe the plurality of measuring instruments 260, they are referred to as measuring instruments 260a, 260b, and 260c. The plurality of measuring instruments 260 are in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of EV charging devices 3. Each of the plurality of measuring instruments 260 measures electric power (electric energy) supplied to the corresponding EV charging device 3 among the plurality of EV charging devices 3. Among the plurality of measuring instruments 260, the measuring instruments 260a and 260b are provided inside the distribution board 2. Among the plurality of measuring instruments 260, the measuring instrument 260c is provided in the EV charging device 3c. Further, the measuring instruments 260a and 260b are configured to be communicable with the control server 11 via the network NT1.

[0024] When the measuring instrument 260a receives switching control information related to control of the switch 250a, it operates the switch 250a to connect or disconnect the EV charging device 3a and the commercial AC power supply PS1 based on the received switching control information.

[0025] When measuring instrument 260b receives switching control information related to the control of switch 250b, it operates switch 250b to connect or disconnect the EV charging device 3b and the commercial AC power supply PS1 based on the received switching control information.

[0026] (2) Composition (2.1) Main circuit breaker and branch devices The main circuit breaker 21 is connected to the commercial AC power supply PS1 and multiple branch devices 22. The main circuit breaker 21 outputs the power supplied from the commercial AC power supply PS1 to the multiple branch devices 22.

[0027] Multiple branching devices 22 receive power from the commercial AC power supply PS1 via the main circuit breaker 21 and supply it to the connected EV charging device 3.

[0028] Branching device 22a includes a switch 250a and a branch breaker 220 that has a leakage current detection function and supplies power from the commercial AC power supply PS1 to the EV charging device 3. Branching devices 22b and 22c also include branch breakers (not shown) that have a leakage current detection function and supply power from the commercial AC power supply PS1 to the EV charging device 3.

[0029] Furthermore, the multiple branch devices 22 of the distribution board 2 may all be branch devices with the same configuration as branch device 22a, or they may all be branch devices with the same configuration as branch device 22b or branch device 22c.

[0030] (2.2)EV charging device Multiple EV charging devices are installed in a predetermined space. This predetermined space is, for example, a parking lot in an apartment building. Each of the multiple EV charging devices 3 is electrically connected to an electric vehicle 4 and supplies power to the battery of the connected electric vehicle 4 to charge the battery of the electric vehicle 4.

[0031] Of the multiple EV charging devices 3, EV charging device 3a includes an EV outlet 31. When connecting EV charging device 3a to an electric vehicle 4a, one end of a detachable first cable is attached to the EV outlet 31, and the other end is attached to the electric vehicle 4a, thereby electrically connecting EV charging device 3a and the battery of the electric vehicle 4a. Once charging is complete, the first cable is removed from the electric vehicle 4a, and then the first cable is removed from the EV outlet 31.

[0032] Of the multiple EV charging devices 3, EV charging device 3b is equipped with a second cable that can be attached to and detached from the electric vehicle 4b. When connecting EV charging device 3b and electric vehicle 4b, the end of the second cable is attached to the electric vehicle 4b, thereby electrically connecting EV charging device 3b and the battery of electric vehicle 4b. Once charging is complete, the second cable is removed from electric vehicle 4a.

[0033] Of the multiple EV charging devices 3, EV charging device 3c is equipped with a third cable that can be attached to and detached from the electric vehicle 4c. When connecting the EV charging device 3c and the electric vehicle 4c, the end of the third cable is attached to the electric vehicle 4c, thereby electrically connecting the EV charging device 3c and the battery of the electric vehicle 4c. Once charging is complete, the third cable is removed from the electric vehicle 4c. The EV charging device 3c also includes a measuring instrument 260c, a switch 250c, and a communication unit 270. The communication unit 270 is configured to communicate with the control server 11 via the network NT1.

[0034] When the EV charging device 3c receives switching control information related to the control of the switch 250c, it operates the switch 250c to connect or disconnect the EV charging device 3c from the commercial AC power supply PS1 based on the received switching control information.

[0035] Furthermore, all of the multiple EV charging devices 3 may be branch devices with the same configuration as EV charging device 3a, or all of them may be branch devices with the same configuration as EV charging device 3b, or all of them may be branch devices with the same configuration as EV charging device 3b.

[0036] (2.3) Control Server Here, we will describe in detail the configuration of the control server 11 as part of the charging control system 10.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the control server 11 includes a communication unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a control unit 103.

[0038] The control server 11 has, for example, a computer system having one or more processors and memory. The computer system functions as a control unit 103 by having the processor execute a program stored in memory. The program executed by the processor is, in this case, pre-recorded in the computer system's memory, but it may also be provided by being recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, or by being provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0039] The communication unit 101 has a communication interface for communicating with the information terminal 5, measuring instruments 260a and 260b, and EV charging device 3c via the network NT1.

[0040] The memory unit 102 is composed of a device selected from ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), etc.

[0041] The memory unit 102 stores multiple rated outputs corresponding to each of the multiple EV charging devices 3, associating them with a device identifier for identifying the corresponding EV charging device 3.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 103 includes an acquisition unit 111, an allocation unit 112, a selection unit 113, a switching control unit 114, and a modification unit 115.

[0043] The acquisition unit 111 acquires start information. The start information is information regarding the start of power supply to the electric vehicle 4 using one of a plurality of EV charging devices 3, each located in a predetermined space and having a set rated output. Here, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the start information from the information terminal 5. The start information includes a device identifier assigned to the EV charging device 3 used to charge the electric vehicle 4 (and its battery).

[0044] The acquisition unit 111 further acquires stop information regarding the cessation of power supply from the EV charging device 3 that is supplying power to the electric vehicle 4 among the multiple EV charging devices 3. Here, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the stop information from the information terminal 5. The stop information includes the device identifier assigned to the EV charging device 3 that stops charging the electric vehicle 4 (or its battery).

[0045] When the acquisition unit 111 acquires start information, the allocation unit 112 assigns a power supply priority to the EV charging device 3 among the multiple EV charging devices 3 that will supply power based on the start information. The allocation unit 112 assigns a power supply priority to the EV charging device 3 corresponding to the device identifier included in the start information. For example, the priority is represented by a positive integer. The value representing the highest priority is "1", and the priority decreases as the value increases.

[0046] When the allocation unit 112 assigns a priority to each of the two or more EV charging devices 3, it assigns a priority to each of the two or more EV charging devices 3 in a manner that the priority decreases according to the order in which it obtained two or more start information corresponding to each of the two or more EV charging devices 3.

[0047] Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 111 acquires start information while charging is in progress according to priority, the allocation unit 112 assigns the lowest priority to the EV charging device 3 corresponding to the acquired start information. In other words, when one or more EV charging devices 3 are charging according to the priority assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices 3, and the acquisition unit 111 acquires start information corresponding to an EV charging device 3 other than the two or more EV charging devices 3 to which priority has been assigned, the allocation unit 112 assigns the lowest priority to the other EV charging device 3.

[0048] When two or more of the multiple EV charging devices 3 have been assigned priority levels, the selection unit 113 selects one or more EV charging devices 3 to supply power from among the two or more EV charging devices 3, based on the priority levels assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices 3, in order to satisfy a predetermined condition. Here, the predetermined condition is that the sum of the rated outputs corresponding to each of the two or more EV charging devices 3 to which priority levels have been assigned does not exceed a predetermined value. Here, the predetermined value is, for example, the maximum amount of power based on the maximum current flowing through the main breaker 21, that is, the maximum amount of power that can be received from the power source.

[0049] The selection unit 113 obtains the rated output corresponding to each of the two or more device identifiers corresponding to the two or more EV charging devices 3 to which priority has been assigned from the storage unit 102. The selection unit 113 selects one or more EV charging devices 3, including the EV charging device 3 with the highest priority, such that the sum of the obtained rated outputs does not exceed a predetermined value. In this case, when the selection unit 113 selects two or more EV charging devices 3, the priority levels of the two or more EV charging devices 3 are consecutive.

[0050] Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 111 acquires stop information, the selection unit 113 selects one or more EV charging devices 3 to supply power from the remaining EV charging devices 3, excluding the EV charging device corresponding to the stop information, from among the two or more EV charging devices 3 to which priority has been assigned, based on the priority of each of the remaining EV charging devices 3, in order to satisfy predetermined conditions. In other words, when stop information is acquired, the selection unit 113 selects one or more EV charging devices 3 to supply power in order to satisfy predetermined conditions, based on the priority of the remaining EV charging devices 3, excluding the EV charging device 3 corresponding to the stop information, from among all the EV charging devices 3 to which priority has been assigned. Specifically, when the acquisition unit 111 acquires stop information, the selection unit 113 selects one or more EV charging devices 3 to supply power in order to satisfy predetermined conditions, based on the priority changed by the modification unit 115.

[0051] The switching control unit 114 controls multiple switches 250. The switching control unit 114 controls one or more switches 250 corresponding to one or more EV charging devices 3 selected by the selection unit 113 to connect to the commercial AC power supply PS1, and controls the other switches 250 to disconnect from the power supply.

[0052] When the switching control unit 114 controls the switch 250 to connect to the commercial AC power supply PS1, it transmits switching control information indicating an instruction to connect to the commercial AC power supply PS1 to the corresponding measuring instrument 260a, 260b or EV charging device 3c. When the switching control unit 114 controls the switch 250 to disconnect from the commercial AC power supply PS1, it transmits switching control information indicating an instruction to disconnect from the commercial AC power supply PS1 to the corresponding measuring instrument 260a, 260b or EV charging device 3c. When the switching control unit 114 controls the switch 250 corresponding to an EV charging device 3 to which no priority has been assigned, it may transmit switching control information indicating an instruction to disconnect from the commercial AC power supply PS1 to the corresponding measuring instrument 260a, 260b or EV charging device 3c.

[0053] At this time, the measuring instruments 260a, 260b and the EV charging device 3c operate to connect or disconnect the corresponding switch 250 to the power source based on the received switching control information. As a result, the switching control unit 114 can transmit the switching control information to the measuring instruments 260a, 260b and the EV charging device 3c, thereby controlling the corresponding switch 250 to connect or disconnect the power source.

[0054] The modification unit 115 periodically changes the priority assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices based on predetermined rules. For example, the modification unit 115 changes the priority assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices based on predetermined rules at intervals of 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours. The modification unit 115 changes the priority if there is an EV charging device 3 among the two or more EV charging devices that has not been selected by the selection unit 113. Here, the predetermined rule is to make the priority of the EV charging device 3 that has been assigned the highest priority among the two or more EV charging devices 3 the lowest priority, and to raise the priority of at least some of the remaining EV charging devices 3 among the two or more EV charging devices 3.

[0055] In other words, the modification unit 115, based on a predetermined rule, sets the priority of the EV charging device 3 with the highest priority to the lowest priority among two or more EV charging devices 3 that have been assigned priority levels. Furthermore, based on a predetermined rule, the modification unit 115 raises the priority values ​​of at least some of the remaining EV charging devices 3 among two or more EV charging devices 3 that have been assigned priority levels. At this time, if there is an EV charging device 3 (first EV charging device) that has not been charged before the priority change and has the lowest priority, and there is another EV charging device 3 (second EV charging device) that has been charged before the priority change and is not currently being charged, the modification unit 115 sets the priority of the first EV charging device higher than the priority of the second EV charging device. In other words, if there are two or more EV charging devices 3 that have not been selected by the selection unit 113, the modification unit 115 changes the priority so that the EV charging devices 3 that have not yet been charged will be selected preferentially in the next cycle and beyond. Specifically, the modification unit 115 changes the priority of the first EV charging device so that it is next in priority to the EV charging device 3, which is one position earlier in the sequence in which it received start information for the first EV charging device.

[0056] The modification unit 115 determines whether a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour) has elapsed. If it determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, the modification unit 115 determines whether there are any EV charging devices 3 that have not been selected by the selection unit 113. If it determines that there are EV charging devices 3 that have not been selected by the selection unit 113, the modification unit 115 changes the priority assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices based on a predetermined rule. If it determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, the modification unit 115 does not change the priority. Also, if it determines that there are no EV charging devices 3 that have not been selected by the selection unit 113, the modification unit 115 does not change the priority.

[0057] When the acquisition unit 111 acquires stop information, the modification unit 115 changes the priority of some of the remaining EV charging devices 3, excluding the EV charging device corresponding to the stop information, out of the two or more EV charging devices 3 to which priority has been assigned. Specifically, the modification unit 115 changes the priority of one or more EV charging devices 3 that have been assigned a lower priority than the EV charging device corresponding to the stop information. For example, the modification unit 115 specifically increases the priority value of one or more EV charging devices 3 that have been assigned a lower priority than the EV charging device corresponding to the stop information.

[0058] (2.4) Information terminals The information terminal 5 is configured to communicate with the control server 11 via the network NT1.

[0059] Information terminal 5 has, for example, a computer system having one or more processors and memory. The computer system realizes the functions of information terminal 5 by having the processor execute a program stored in memory. The program executed by the processor is, in this case, pre-recorded in the computer system's memory, but it may also be provided by being recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, or by being provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

[0060] When the information terminal 5 starts charging the electric vehicle 4, it obtains the device identifier of the EV charging device 3 to which the electric vehicle 4 is connected. For example, a QR code (registered trademark) containing the device identifier of the EV charging device 3 is displayed on the outer surface of the casing of the EV charging device 3, and the information terminal 5 obtains the device identifier of the EV charging device 3 by reading the QR code (registered trademark).

[0061] The information terminal 5 transmits the start information, including the acquired device identifier, to the control server 11 via the network NT1.

[0062] When the information terminal 5 terminates charging of the electric vehicle 4, it transmits stop information, including the device identifier, to the control server 11 via the network NT1.

[0063] (3) Operation This section describes the operation of the control server 11.

[0064] (3.1) Allocation process The allocation process performed by the control server 11 will be explained using Figure 3.

[0065] The acquisition unit 111 acquires start information (step S1).

[0066] When the acquisition unit 111 acquires start information in step S1, the allocation unit 112 assigns a power supply priority to the EV charging device 3 that will supply power based on the start information among the multiple EV charging devices 3 (step S2). At this time, if the allocation unit 112 acquires two or more pieces of start information corresponding to two or more EV charging devices 3, it assigns a power supply priority to each of the two or more EV charging devices that will supply power, in order of the order in which the start information was acquired, with the priority decreasing accordingly.

[0067] Furthermore, if the allocation unit 112 acquires start information corresponding to an EV charging device 3 other than the two or more EV charging devices 3 that have been assigned priority levels while one or more EV charging devices 3 are charging, the allocation unit 112 assigns the lowest priority level to the other EV charging device 3.

[0068] (3.2) Charging control processing The charging control process performed by the control server 11 will be explained using Figure 4.

[0069] The selection unit 113 performs a first selection process (step S101). If two or more EV charging devices 3 have been assigned priority levels, the selection unit 113 selects one or more EV charging devices 3 to supply power from among the two or more EV charging devices 3 based on the priority levels assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices 3, in order to satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0070] The control unit 103 of the control server 11 performs charging processing (step S102). Specifically, the switching control unit 114 controls one or more switches 250 corresponding to the one or more EV charging devices 3 selected by the selection unit 113 in step S102, from among the multiple switches 250, to connect them to the commercial AC power supply PS1. Furthermore, the switching control unit 114 controls the other switches 250 that were not selected by the selection unit 113 in step S102 to disconnect them from the power supply.

[0071] The modification unit 115 determines whether a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour) has elapsed (step S103).

[0072] If it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S103), the modification unit 115 determines whether or not there is an EV charging device 3 that was not selected in the selection unit 113 (step S104).

[0073] If the selection unit 113 determines that there are EV charging devices 3 that have not been selected ("Yes" in step S104), the modification unit 115 performs the first modification process (step S105). The modification unit 115 changes the priority assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices based on predetermined rules. Specifically, based on predetermined rules, the modification unit 115 sets the priority of the EV charging device 3 that was assigned the highest priority to the lowest priority among the two or more EV charging devices 3 that have been assigned priorities. Furthermore, based on predetermined rules, the modification unit 115 increases the priority values ​​of at least some of the remaining EV charging devices 3 among the two or more EV charging devices 3 that have been assigned priorities.

[0074] When the processing in step S105 is completed, the selection unit 113 performs a second selection process (step S106). As the second selection process, the selection unit 113 selects one or more EV charging devices 3 from among the two or more EV charging devices 3 to supply power, based on the modified priority order assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices 3 so as to satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0075] If the modification unit 115 determines that there are no EV charging devices 3 that are not selected by the selection unit 113 ("No" in step S104), the process returns to step S102. In other words, the charging process continues without changing the priority.

[0076] If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in step S103), the modification unit 115 determines whether charging has finished or not (step S107). Specifically, the modification unit 115 determines whether the acquisition unit 111 has acquired stop information.

[0077] If the acquisition unit 111 determines that it has acquired stop information, the modification unit 115 performs a second modification process (step S108). When the acquisition unit 111 acquires stop information, the modification unit 115 changes the priority of some of the remaining EV charging devices 3, excluding the EV charging device corresponding to the stop information, out of the two or more EV charging devices 3 to which priority has been assigned. Specifically, the modification unit 115 changes the priority of one or more EV charging devices 3 that have been assigned a lower priority than the EV charging device 3 corresponding to the stop information.

[0078] When the processing in step S108 is completed, the selection unit 113 performs the second selection process (step S106).

[0079] (4) Specific examples (4.1) First specific example Here, we will explain a specific example of changing the priority when performing charging control for the electric vehicle 4, using Figure 5.

[0080] In the first specific example, seven EV charging devices 3 are installed within a designated space (a parking lot of an apartment building). Here, to identify the seven EV charging devices 3, they are referred to as EV charging devices A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. In Figure 5, the numbers in parentheses below each EV charging device represent the rated output of the EV charging device. For example, the rated output of EV charging device A is 3kW. The rated output of EV charging device B is 6kW. Here, the predetermined value is set to 20kW. Furthermore, the control server 11 is assumed to perform processing related to changing the priority every hour.

[0081] In Figure 5, the white-bordered squares labeled "Charging" indicate that the corresponding EV charging device 3 is charging during that time period. The squares marked with a dot indicate that the corresponding EV charging device is not in the charging order during that time period, i.e., it is "on standby." The numbers in parentheses in each square represent the priority level of the corresponding EV charging device. Furthermore, the white-bordered squares marked with a "-" indicate that the corresponding EV charging device 3 has not been assigned a priority level.

[0082] At 18:00, the control server 11 acquires five start-up pieces of information corresponding to EV charging devices A through E. Here, EV charging device A is assigned priority "1", EV charging device B is assigned priority "2", EV charging device C is assigned priority "3", EV charging device D is assigned priority "4", and EV charging device E is assigned priority "5". At this time, the sum of the rated outputs of EV charging devices A through E is 21 kW, which exceeds the predetermined value (20 kW). Therefore, the selection unit 113 of the control server 11 selects EV charging devices A through D from among EV charging devices A through E so that the sum of the rated outputs does not exceed the predetermined value (20 kW). The control server 11 controls each of the switch 250s corresponding to EV charging devices A through D, each to which an electric vehicle 4 is connected, so that each of the switch 250s corresponding to EV charging devices A through D is connected to the commercial AC power supply PS1. In other words, at 18:00, EV charging devices A to D begin charging the four electric vehicles 4 connected to each of them (see Figure 5).

[0083] In Figure 5, the acquisition unit 111 acquires start information corresponding to EV charging device F between 18:00 and 19:00. In this case, although not shown in the figure, priority "6" is assigned to EV charging device F based on the order in which the start information was acquired. At 19:00, the control server 11 decides whether or not to perform processing related to changing the priority. At this point, there are unselected EV charging devices E and F, that is, there are EV charging devices E and F in standby mode, so the modification unit 115 performs the first modification processing. The modification unit 115 changes the priority of EV charging devices A to F based on predetermined rules. As a result, at 19:00, priority "6" is assigned to EV charging device A, priority "1" to EV charging device B, priority "2" to EV charging device C, priority "3" to EV charging device D, priority "4" to EV charging device E, and priority "5" to EV charging device F. The selection unit 113 selects EV charging devices B to E from among EV charging devices A to F based on priority, such that the sum of the rated outputs does not exceed a predetermined value.

[0084] In Figure 5, the acquisition unit 111 acquires start information corresponding to the EV charging device G between 19:00 and 20:00. In this case, although not shown in the figure, priority "7" is assigned to the EV charging device G based on the order in which the start information was acquired.

[0085] At 20:00, the control server 11 decides whether or not to perform processing related to changing the priority. At this point, there are unselected EV charging devices A, F, and G, that is, there are EV charging devices A, F, and G that are in standby mode, so the change unit 115 changes the priority. At this time, there is an EV charging device G that has not been charged before the priority change and has the lowest priority, and there is another EV charging device A that has been charged before the priority change and is not currently being charged, so the priority of EV charging device G is set higher than the priority of EV charging device A. As a result, at 20:00, EV charging device A is assigned priority "6", EV charging device B is assigned priority "7", EV charging device C is assigned priority "1", EV charging device D is assigned priority "2", EV charging device E is assigned priority "3", EV charging device F is assigned priority "4", and EV charging device G is assigned priority "5". Based on the priority, the selection unit 113 selects EV charging devices C to F from EV charging devices A to G so that the sum of the rated outputs does not exceed a predetermined value.

[0086] At 21:00, the control server 11 decides whether or not to perform processing related to changing the priority. At this point, there are unselected EV charging devices A, B, and G, that is, there are EV charging devices A, B, and G that are in standby mode, so the change unit 115 performs the first change processing. At this point, start information corresponding to each of the EV charging devices A to G has been acquired. That is, electric vehicles 4 are connected to all of the EV charging devices A to G. Therefore, after 20:00, the control server 11 does not acquire any new start information. In this case, the change unit 115 changes the priority of the EV charging devices A to F based on a predetermined rule. As a result, at 21:00, EV charging device A is assigned priority "5", EV charging device B is assigned priority "6", EV charging device C is assigned priority "7", EV charging device D is assigned priority "1", EV charging device E is assigned priority "2", EV charging device F is assigned priority "3", and EV charging device G is assigned priority "4". The selection unit 113 selects EV charging devices D to G from among EV charging devices A to G based on priority, such that the sum of the rated outputs does not exceed a predetermined value.

[0087] From then on, every hour at 0 minutes past the hour, such as at 22:00 and 23:00, the control server 11 performs processing related to the change in priority and selects one or more EV charging devices to perform charging based on the changed priority.

[0088] (4.2) Second specific example Here, we will explain, using Figure 6, a different example from the first example, of changing the priority when performing charging control for the electric vehicle 4.

[0089] In the second specific example, similar to the first example, seven EV charging devices A to G are installed within a designated space (a parking lot of an apartment building). Also, in Figure 5, the numbers in parentheses below each EV charging device represent the rated output of the EV charging device, similar to the first example. Furthermore, here, the predetermined value is set to 20kW. In addition, the control server 11 is assumed to perform processing related to changing the priority every hour.

[0090] In Figure 6, a white-bordered square labeled "Charging" indicates that the corresponding EV charging device 3 is "charging" during that time period. A square marked with a dot indicates that the corresponding EV charging device is "on standby" during that time period. The number in parentheses in each square represents the priority level of the corresponding EV charging device. Furthermore, a white-bordered square marked with a "-" indicates that the corresponding EV charging device has not been assigned a priority level.

[0091] In Figure 6, the operation of the process related to the change in priority from 18:00 to 20:00 is the same as in the first specific example, so the explanation is omitted here.

[0092] In the second specific example, at 20:00, EV charging device A is assigned priority "6", EV charging device B is assigned priority "7", EV charging device C is assigned priority "1", EV charging device D is assigned priority "2", EV charging device E is assigned priority "3", EV charging device F is assigned priority "4", and EV charging device G is assigned priority "5". Based on the priority, the selection unit 113 selects EV charging devices C to F from EV charging devices A to G so that the sum of the rated outputs does not exceed a predetermined value.

[0093] In Figure 6, between 20:00 and 21:00, when the acquisition unit 111 of the control server 11 acquires stop information corresponding to EV charging device D, the modification unit 115 performs a second modification process. The modification unit 115 changes the priority of some of the remaining EV charging devices, excluding EV charging device D which corresponds to the stop information, from among EV charging devices A to G to which priority has been assigned. Specifically, the modification unit 115 changes the priority of EV charging devices E to G which have been assigned a lower priority than the priority of EV charging device D. For example, the modification unit 115 changes the priority of EV charging device E to "2", the priority of EV charging device F to "3", and the priority of EV charging device G to "4". The modification unit 115 also changes the priority of EV charging device A to "5" and the priority of EV charging device B to "6". The selection unit 113 selects one or more EV charging devices to supply power to satisfy predetermined conditions, based on the priority of the remaining EV charging devices from EV charging devices A to G, excluding EV charging device D which corresponds to the stop information. In this case, the selection unit 113 selects EV charging devices C, E, F, and G as the EV charging devices to supply power. As a result, the switch 250 corresponding to EV charging device D disconnects EV charging device D from the commercial AC power supply PS1. The switches 250 corresponding to EV charging devices C, E, F, and G each connect EV charging device D to the commercial AC power supply PS1.

[0094] At 21:00, the control server 11 decides whether or not to perform processing related to changing the priority. At this point, there are unselected EV charging devices A and B, that is, there are EV charging devices A and B that are in standby, so the change unit 115 performs the first change processing. The change unit 115 changes the priority of EV charging devices A-C and E-G based on predetermined rules. As a result, at 21:00, EV charging device A is assigned priority "4", EV charging device B is assigned priority "5", EV charging device C is assigned priority "6", EV charging device E is assigned priority "1", EV charging device F is assigned priority "2", and EV charging device G is assigned priority "3". Note that charging by EV charging device D has finished, so no priority is assigned to EV charging device D. Based on the priority, the selection unit 113 selects EV charging devices A, E, and G from among EV charging devices A to G so that the sum of the rated outputs does not exceed a predetermined value.

[0095] In Figure 6, between 21:00 and 22:00, the acquisition unit 111 of the control server 11 acquires start information corresponding to the EV charging device D. In this case, the allocation unit 112 assigns the lowest priority to the EV charging device D. Here, the allocation unit 112 assigns priority "7" to the EV charging device D.

[0096] At 22:00, the control server 11 decides whether or not to perform processing related to changing the priority. At this point, there are unselected EV charging devices B and C, that is, there are EV charging devices B and C that are on standby, so the change unit 115 performs the first change processing. The change unit 115 changes the priority of EV charging devices A to G based on predetermined rules. As a result, at 22:00, EV charging device A is assigned priority "3", EV charging device B is assigned priority "4", EV charging device C is assigned priority "5", EV charging device D is assigned priority "6", EV charging device E is assigned priority "7", EV charging device F is assigned priority "1", and EV charging device G is assigned priority "2". Based on the priority, the selection unit 113 selects EV charging devices A, B, F, and G from among EV charging devices A to G so that the sum of the rated outputs does not exceed a predetermined value.

[0097] From then on, every hour at 0 minutes past the hour, such as at 23:00 and 24:00, the control server 11 performs processing related to the change in priority and selects one or more EV charging devices to perform charging based on the changed priority.

[0098] (5) Advantages As described above, the charging control system 10 of this embodiment comprises an acquisition unit 111, a switching control unit 114, an allocation unit 112, and a selection unit 113. The acquisition unit 111 acquires start information. The start information is information relating to the start of supplying power to an electric vehicle 4 using one of a plurality of EV charging devices 3, each of which is located in a predetermined space and has a set rated output. The switching control unit 114 controls a plurality of switches 250, each corresponding to one of the plurality of EV charging devices 3, which switch between connecting and disconnecting the corresponding EV charging device 3 and the power supply source. When the acquisition unit 111 acquires start information, the allocation unit 112 assigns a power supply priority to the EV charging device 3 that will supply power based on the start information obtained from the plurality of EV charging devices 3. When a priority is assigned to two or more of the plurality of EV charging devices 3, the selection unit 113 selects one or more EV charging devices 3 to supply power from the two or more EV charging devices 3 based on the priority assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices 3, in order to satisfy a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is that the sum of the rated outputs corresponding to each of the two or more EV charging devices 3 does not exceed a predetermined value. The switching control unit 114 controls one or more switches 250 corresponding to the one or more EV charging devices 3 selected by the selection unit 113 to connect to the power supply, and controls the other switches 250 to disconnect from the power supply.

[0099] In this configuration, one or more EV charging devices 3 are selected to supply power from among the two or more EV charging devices 3, based on the priority assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices 3, so that the sum of the rated outputs corresponding to each of the two or more EV charging devices 3, each assigned a priority, does not exceed a predetermined value (specified value). This allows control so that the total amount of electricity supplied to the electric vehicle 4 does not exceed the amount of electricity that can be received from the power source.

[0100] (6) Variant The following are examples of modifications. These modifications can be applied in appropriate combinations with the above-described embodiments.

[0101] (6.1) Variation 1 In the above embodiment, the control server 11 is configured to acquire start information and stop information from the information terminal 5, but the configuration is not limited to this.

[0102] The control server 11 may obtain start information and stop information from the EV charging device 3, the electric vehicle 4, and other devices.

[0103] (6.2) Variation 2 The start and stop information may include an identifier that identifies the information terminal 5.

[0104] For example, the start information includes the device identifier and the information terminal identifier. The stop information includes the information terminal identifier.

[0105] In this case, when the control server 11 obtains start information, it stores the device identifier included in the start information and the information terminal identifier in a predetermined storage area until it obtains stop information. When the control server 11 obtains stop information, it obtains the device identifier corresponding to the information terminal identifier included in the obtained stop information from the predetermined storage area. The control server 11 controls the switch 250 corresponding to the EV charging device 3 of the obtained device identifier so that it disconnects the EV charging device 3 of the obtained device identifier from the commercial AC power supply PS1.

[0106] (6.3) Modification 3 Each EV charging device 3 is configured to be electrically connected to a commercial AC power supply PS1, but the configuration is not limited to this.

[0107] Each EV charging device 3 may be electrically connected to a solar power generation system or to a battery installed in the facility.

[0108] (6.4) Modification 4 In the above embodiment, the modification unit 115 is configured to set the priority of the first EV charging device to a higher priority than the second EV charging device if there is a first EV charging device with the lowest priority that has not been charged before the priority change, and there is a second EV charging device that has been charged before the priority change but is not currently being charged. However, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0109] If there are two or more EV charging devices 3 that have not been selected in the selection unit 113, the modification unit 115 may raise the priority of each of those two or more EV charging devices 3 by one, regardless of whether or not the second EV charging device exists.

[0110] For example, in Figure 5, at 20:00, the modification unit 115 may assign priority "5" to EV charging device A, priority "7" to EV charging device B, priority "1" to EV charging device C, priority "2" to EV charging device D, priority "3" to EV charging device E, priority "4" to EV charging device F, and priority "6" to EV charging device G.

[0111] (6.5) Variation 5 If the acquisition unit 111 acquires start information for an EV charging device 3 other than the two or more EV charging devices 3 to which priority has been assigned while one or more EV charging devices 3 are charging, the assignment unit 112 is configured to assign the lowest priority to the other EV charging device 3. However, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0112] If, while one or more EV charging devices 3 are charging, the acquisition unit 111 acquires start information corresponding to an EV charging device 3 other than the two or more EV charging devices 3 to which priority has been assigned, the assignment unit 112 may assign priority to the other EV charging device 3 in the order in which the start information was acquired.

[0113] For example, in Figure 5, the acquisition unit 111 acquires start information corresponding to EV charging device G between 19:00 and 20:00. At this time, before acquiring start information corresponding to EV charging device G, the acquisition unit 111 acquires start information corresponding to EV charging device F. In modified example 5, the allocation unit 112 assigns the next priority level after the priority level assigned to EV charging device F to EV charging device G. That is, the allocation unit 112 assigns priority level "6" to EV charging device G. Furthermore, the allocation unit 112 changes the priority level of EV charging device A from "6" to "7". At 20:00, the modification unit 115 changes the respective priority levels of EV charging devices A to G. As a result, EV charging device A is assigned priority "6", EV charging device B is assigned priority "7", EV charging device C is assigned priority "1", EV charging device D is assigned priority "2", EV charging device E is assigned priority "3", EV charging device F is assigned priority "4", and EV charging device G is assigned priority "5".

[0114] (Other variations) The above embodiments are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. The above embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as they achieve the objectives of this disclosure.

[0115] Furthermore, functions similar to those of the charging control system 10 may be embodied in a charging control method, a computer program, or a non-temporary recording medium on which a program is stored. A charging control method according to one embodiment includes an acquisition step, a switching control step, an assignment step, and a selection step. In the acquisition step, start information is acquired. The start information is information relating to the start of supplying power to an electric vehicle 4 using one of a plurality of EV charging devices 3, each of which is located in a predetermined space and has a set rated output. In the switching control step, a plurality of switches 250 are controlled, each corresponding to one of the plurality of EV charging devices 3, to switch between the connection and disconnection between the corresponding EV charging device 3 and the power source. In the assignment step, if start information is acquired in the acquisition step, a power supply priority is assigned to the EV charging device 3 that will supply power based on the start information obtained from the plurality of EV charging devices 3. In the selection step, if a priority is assigned to two or more of the plurality of EV charging devices 3, one or more EV charging devices 3 that will supply power are selected from the two or more EV charging devices 3 based on the priority assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices 3, so as to satisfy predetermined conditions. The predetermined condition is that the sum of the rated outputs corresponding to each of the two or more EV charging devices 3 to which priority has been assigned does not exceed a predetermined value. In the switching control step, the system controls one or more switches 250 corresponding to the one or more EV charging devices 3 selected in the selection step to connect to the power source, and controls the other switches 250 to disconnect from the power source. A program according to one embodiment is a program for causing a computer system to function as the charging control method described above.

[0116] The charging control system 10 in this disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and memory as hardware. The functions of the charging control system 10 in this disclosure are realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system consists of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuits such as ICs or LSIs referred to here are named differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) that are programmed after the manufacture of LSIs, or logic devices that allow for the reconfiguration of junction relationships or circuit compartments within LSIs, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated onto a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0117] Furthermore, it is not essential for the charging control system 10 to have multiple functions integrated into a single housing; the components of the charging control system 10 may be distributed across multiple housings. In addition, at least some of the functions of the charging control system 10 may be implemented by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0118] (summary) As described above, the charging control system (10) of the first embodiment comprises an acquisition unit (111), a switching control unit (114), an allocation unit (112), and a selection unit (113). The acquisition unit (111) acquires start information. The start information is information relating to the start of supplying power to an electric vehicle (4) using one of a plurality of EV charging devices (3) installed in a predetermined space, each having a set rated output. The switching control unit (114) controls a plurality of switches (250) that correspond to each of the plurality of EV charging devices (3) and switch between connecting and disconnecting the corresponding EV charging device (3) and the power supply source (e.g., commercial AC power supply PS1). When the acquisition unit (111) acquires start information, the allocation unit (112) assigns a power supply priority to the EV charging device (3) that will supply power based on the start information obtained from the plurality of EV charging devices (3). If two or more EV charging devices (3) among the multiple EV charging devices (3) are assigned priority levels, the selection unit (113) selects one or more EV charging devices (3) to supply power from among the two or more EV charging devices (3) based on the priority levels assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices (3) so as to satisfy a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is that the sum of the rated outputs corresponding to each of the two or more EV charging devices (3) does not exceed a predetermined value. The switching control unit (114) controls one or more switches (250) among the multiple switches (250) to connect to the power source for the one or more EV charging devices (3) selected by the selection unit (113), and controls the other switches (250) to disconnect from the power source.

[0119] According to this embodiment, the total amount of electricity supplied to the electric vehicle (4) can be controlled so as not to exceed the amount of electricity that can be received from the power source.

[0120] In the second embodiment of the charging control system (10), the system further comprises a modification unit (115) in the first embodiment. The modification unit (115) periodically changes the priority assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices (3) based on predetermined rules.

[0121] According to this embodiment, two or more electric vehicles (4) to be charged can be charged evenly.

[0122] In the third embodiment of the charging control system (10), in the second embodiment, the modification unit (115) makes a modification if there is an EV charging device (3) among the two or more EV charging devices (3) that has not been selected by the selection unit (113).

[0123] According to this embodiment, two or more electric vehicles (4) to be charged can be charged evenly.

[0124] In the fourth embodiment of the charging control system (10), in the third embodiment, the prescribed rule is to set the priority of the EV charging device (3) that has been assigned the highest priority among two or more EV charging devices (3) to the lowest priority, and to raise the priority of at least some of the remaining EV charging devices (3) among two or more EV charging devices (3).

[0125] According to this embodiment, it is possible to reliably and evenly charge two or more electric vehicles (4) that are to be charged.

[0126] In the fifth embodiment of the charging control system (10), in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the allocation unit (112) assigns the lowest priority to the other EV charging device (3) when, while one or more EV charging devices (3) are charging, the acquisition unit (111) acquires start information corresponding to an EV charging device (3) other than the two or more EV charging devices (3) to which priority has been assigned.

[0127] According to this embodiment, two or more electric vehicles (4) to be charged can be charged evenly.

[0128] In the sixth embodiment of the charging control system (10), in any of the first to fifth embodiments, the acquisition unit (111) further acquires stop information regarding the cessation of power supply at an EV charging device (3) among a plurality of EV charging devices (3) that is supplying power to an electric vehicle (4). When the acquisition unit (111) acquires stop information, the selection unit (113) selects one or more EV charging devices (3) to supply power from the remaining EV charging devices (3) excluding the EV charging device (3) corresponding to the stop information, based on the priority order of each of the remaining EV charging devices (3), in order to satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0129] According to this embodiment, two or more electric vehicles (4) to be charged can be charged evenly.

[0130] In the seventh embodiment of the charging control system (10), in any of the first to sixth embodiments, the acquisition unit (111) acquires start information from the information terminal (5).

[0131] According to this configuration, start information can be obtained from an external source.

[0132] The eighth embodiment of the power supply system (1) comprises a charge control system (10) according to any of the first to seventh embodiments, a plurality of EV charging devices (3), and a plurality of switches (250).

[0133] According to this embodiment, the total amount of electricity supplied to the electric vehicle (4) can be controlled so as not to exceed the amount of electricity that can be received from the power source (for example, commercial AC power supply PS1).

[0134] The charging control method of the ninth embodiment includes an acquisition step, a switching control step, an assignment step, and a selection step. In the acquisition step, start information is acquired. The start information is information relating to the start of supplying power to an electric vehicle (4) using one of a plurality of EV charging devices (3) installed in a predetermined space, each having a set rated output. In the switching control step, a plurality of switches (250) are controlled, each corresponding to one of the plurality of EV charging devices (3), which switches between the connection and disconnection between the corresponding EV charging device (3) and the power supply source (e.g., commercial AC power supply PS1). In the assignment step, if start information is acquired in the acquisition step, a priority order for power supply is assigned to the EV charging device (3) that will supply power from among the plurality of EV charging devices (3) based on the start information. In the selection step, if a priority order is assigned to two or more of the plurality of EV charging devices (3), one or more EV charging devices (3) that will supply power are selected from among the two or more EV charging devices (3) based on the priority order assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices (3) so as to satisfy predetermined conditions. The predetermined condition is that the sum of the rated outputs corresponding to each of the two or more EV charging devices (3) does not exceed a predetermined value. In the switching control step, the system controls one or more switches (250) corresponding to the one or more EV charging devices (3) selected in the selection step to connect to the power supply, and controls the other switches (250) to disconnect from the power supply.

[0135] According to this embodiment, the total amount of electricity supplied to the electric vehicle (4) can be controlled so as not to exceed the amount of electricity that can be received from the power source.

[0136] The program of the tenth embodiment is a program that causes a computer system to execute the charging control method of the ninth embodiment.

[0137] According to this embodiment, the total amount of electricity supplied to the electric vehicle (4) can be controlled so as not to exceed the amount of electricity that can be received from the power source (for example, commercial AC power supply PS1). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0138] 1. Power supply system 3,3a,3b,3c EV charging equipment 4, 4a, 4b, 4c Electric vehicles 5. Information terminals 10. Charging control system 11 Control Server 111 Acquisition Department 112 Allocation Section 113 Selection Section 114 Switching Control Unit 115 Changes 250, 250a, 250b, 250c Switch PS1 Commercial AC power supply

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires start information regarding the start of power supply to an electric vehicle using one of several EV charging devices installed in a predetermined space, each with a set rated output, A switching control unit controls a plurality of switches, each corresponding to one of the plurality of EV charging devices, which switch between connecting and disconnecting the corresponding EV charging device and the power supply source. When the acquisition unit acquires the start information, the assignment unit assigns the power supply priority to the EV charging device that provides the power supply based on the start information among the plurality of EV charging devices, When the priority order is assigned to two or more of the aforementioned plurality of EV charging devices, the system includes a selection unit that selects one or more of the aforementioned two or more EV charging devices to supply power, based on the priority order assigned to each of the aforementioned two or more EV charging devices, in order to satisfy predetermined conditions. The aforementioned predetermined condition is that the sum of the rated outputs corresponding to each of the two or more EV charging devices does not exceed a predetermined value. The switching control unit controls one or more switches among the plurality of switches that correspond to the one or more EV charging devices selected by the selection unit to connect to the power source, and controls the other switches to disconnect from the power source. Charging control system.

2. The system further includes a modification unit that periodically changes the priority assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices based on predetermined rules. The charging control system according to claim 1.

3. The modification unit performs the modification when there is an EV charging device among the two or more EV charging devices that has not been selected by the selection unit. The charging control system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned prescribed rule is to set the priority of the EV charging device that has been assigned the highest priority among the two or more EV charging devices to the lowest priority, and to raise the priority of at least some of the remaining EV charging devices among the two or more EV charging devices. The charging control system according to claim 3.

5. The allocation unit, while one or more EV charging devices are charging according to the priority assigned to each of the two or more EV charging devices, if the acquisition unit acquires start information corresponding to an EV charging device other than the two or more EV charging devices to which the priority has been assigned, assigns the lowest priority to the other EV charging device. The charging control system according to claim 1.

6. The acquisition unit further acquires stop information regarding the cessation of power supply in the EV charging device that is supplying power to the electric vehicle among the plurality of EV charging devices. When the acquisition unit acquires the stop information, the selection unit selects one or more EV charging devices to supply power from the remaining EV charging devices, excluding the EV charging device corresponding to the stop information, based on the priority order of each of the remaining EV charging devices, in order to satisfy the predetermined conditions. The charging control system according to claim 1.

7. The acquisition unit acquires the start information from the information terminal. The charging control system according to claim 1.

8. A charging control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The aforementioned plurality of EV charging devices, The system comprises the aforementioned plurality of switches, Power supply system.

9. An acquisition step to acquire start information regarding the start of power supply to an electric vehicle using one of several EV charging devices installed in a predetermined space, each with a set rated output, A switching control step that controls a plurality of switches, each corresponding to one of the plurality of EV charging devices, which switch between connecting and disconnecting the corresponding EV charging device and the power supply source, When the start information is obtained in the acquisition step, the assignment step involves assigning the power supply priority to the EV charging device that provides the power supply, which is determined from the start information, among the plurality of EV charging devices. If the priority order is assigned to two or more of the aforementioned plurality of EV charging devices, the process includes a selection step of selecting one or more of the aforementioned two or more EV charging devices to supply power, based on the priority order assigned to each of the aforementioned two or more EV charging devices, in order to satisfy predetermined conditions. The aforementioned predetermined condition is that the sum of the rated outputs corresponding to each of the two or more EV charging devices does not exceed a predetermined value. In the switching control step, control is performed to connect one or more switches corresponding to the one or more EV charging devices selected in the selection step to the power source, and to disconnect the other switches from the power source. Charging control method.

10. A program for causing a computer system to execute the charging control method described in claim 9.

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