Charging systems, methods, and programs

Abstract

Generate a charge / discharge schedule that takes charging costs into account. [Solution] The charging system comprises a charging device for performing at least one of charging and discharging of a battery; electricity rate schedule information acquisition means for acquiring electricity rate schedule information, which is information regarding electricity rates for each time period at a point where at least one of the operations of charging and discharging of a battery is performed; and charging schedule information acquisition means for acquiring charging schedule information that indicates, based on the electricity rate schedule information, whether each time period is a charging time when the charging device performs at least one of the operations of charging and discharging, or a non-charging time when the charging and discharging operations are not performed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging system, method, and program.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, charging control systems that allow a plurality of persons to use a single vehicle are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a charging system that determines charging schedules for a plurality of mobile bodies each equipped with a storage battery. However, no consideration was given to charging costs when determining the charging schedules, leaving room for improvement.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above background, and provides a charging system, method, and program capable of generating a charge-discharge schedule that accounts for charge-discharge costs.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a charging device configured to perform at least one of charging and discharging of a battery, and an electricity rate schedule information acquisition unit configured to acquire electricity rate schedule information, which is information related to the electricity rate in each time zone at a location where at least one of charging and discharging operations for the battery is performed A charging system comprising: a charging schedule information acquisition means that acquires charging schedule information indicating, based on the aforementioned electricity rate schedule information, whether each time period is a charging time period in which the charging device is instructed to perform at least one of charging and discharging operations, or a non-charging time period in which neither charging nor discharging operations are performed. It will be provided.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, A method using a charging device for charging and discharging a battery, To obtain electricity rate schedule information, which is information regarding electricity rates for each time period at the point where at least one of the operations of charging and discharging the battery is performed, A method comprising: obtaining charging schedule information based on the aforementioned electricity rate schedule information, which indicates whether each of the aforementioned time periods is a charging time period in which the charging device is instructed to perform at least one of charging and discharging operations, or a non-charging time period in which neither charging nor discharging operations are performed. It will be provided.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, A program that performs a method using a charging device for charging and discharging a battery, To obtain electricity rate schedule information, which is information regarding electricity rates for each time period at the point where at least one of the operations of charging and discharging the battery is performed, Based on the aforementioned electricity rate schedule information, the charging schedule information is obtained that indicates whether each of the aforementioned time periods is a charging time period in which the charging device is instructed to perform at least one of the operations of charging and discharging, or a non-charging time period in which neither charging nor discharging operations are performed. A program that makes a computer execute It will be provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This disclosure provides a charging system, method, and program capable of generating a charge / discharge schedule that takes charge / discharge costs into consideration.

[0009] The effects described above are merely illustrative for the sake of explanation and are not limiting. In addition to, or in lieu of, any other effects described herein or that would be obvious to those skilled in the art may be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the configuration of the charging system 1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the reservation management server device 200-1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the processing sequence executed between the user terminal device 100, the reservation management server device 200-1, the power management server device 200-2, the vehicle 300, and the charging device 400 in the charging system 1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of electricity rate schedule information. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of usage reservation information stored in the memory unit of the reservation management server device 200-1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the minimum remaining charge. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of time-series data for the corrected minimum remaining charge. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of time-series data for the target remaining charge. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a charging schedule as indicated by the charging schedule information. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a charging schedule after the time slots have been swapped. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, common constituent elements in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0012] A charging system 1 according to the present disclosure is, as an example, a system that manages a charging and discharging schedule of an operating device to be used by a user. That is, the charging system is a system that manages at least one of the charging schedule and the discharging schedule of the operating device. Further, the charging system is not limited to the operating device, and may be a system that manages a charging and discharging schedule of a storage battery. That is, the charging system may be a system that manages at least one of the charging schedule and the discharging schedule of the storage battery. The charging system may manage the charging and discharging schedules of both the operating device and the storage battery. In addition, the charging system can adjust the schedule related to the use of the operating device. The operating device is a device that can operate by power supply from a battery. The operating device is, for example, a vehicle. In the following description, a vehicle is taken as an example of the operating device. However, the operating device is not limited to a vehicle.

[0013] Note that, in the present disclosure, the charging system includes at least any one of a user terminal device, a reservation management server device, a power management server device, a vehicle, and a charging device. In the present disclosure, the reservation management server device and the power management server device are described as separate devices, but they can also be used as an integrated server device.

[0014] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the charging system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The charging system 1 includes a user terminal device 100, a reservation management server device 200-1, a power management server device 200-2, a vehicle 300, and a charging device 400. The user terminal device 100, the reservation management server device 200-1, the power management server device 200-2, the vehicle 300, and the charging device 400 are communicably connected to each other via a wireless and / or wired network. The charging system 1 may further include a storage battery (not shown).

[0015] For example, the user terminal device 100 may be a portable terminal device capable of wireless communication as represented by a smartphone. The reservation management server device 200-1 and the power management server device 200-2 store and manage various information necessary for the execution of the charging system 1, which is input at the user terminal device 100, and transmit and receive various information to and from the user terminal device 100. The detailed configuration and processing thereof will be described later.

[0016] In the example of FIG. 1, only one user terminal device 100 is illustrated, but naturally two or more terminal devices may be included. In addition, although only one each of the reservation management server device 200-1 and the power management server device 200-2 is illustrated, naturally two or more of each of the devices may be included.

[0017] The user terminal device 100 may be any device capable of executing the program relating to this disclosure, such as a feature phone, personal digital assistant, PDA, laptop computer, desktop computer, portable game console, or home game console. The user terminal device 100 includes, for example, an output interface, a processor, memory, a communication interface, and an input interface. These components are electrically connected to each other via control lines and data lines. Specifically, the output interface functions as an output unit that outputs to devices such as displays and printers according to instructions from the processor. Such displays are composed of, for example, liquid crystal displays, organic EL displays, or electronic paper. The processor includes a CPU and functions as a control unit that controls other connected components based on various programs stored in memory. The memory includes main memory such as ROM, RAM, and non-volatile memory, and auxiliary memory such as HDD and SSD, and functions as a storage unit. The communication interface functions as a communication unit that sends and receives information to and from a reservation management server device 200-1, etc., installed in a remote location, via a communication processing circuit and an antenna. The input interface consists of a touch panel, hard keys, a camera, a microphone, etc., and functions as an input unit that accepts instructions for executing the program related to this disclosure, as well as operation inputs for registering various information.

[0018] Vehicle 300 typically refers to a vehicle capable of moving by driving its wheels using electricity stored in a battery 301 mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle, but is not limited to such vehicles. For example, the vehicle can be any operating device capable of executing the program according to this disclosure, such as a so-called hybrid vehicle equipped with a battery 301 and an internal combustion engine, an aircraft capable of flying by driving a propeller instead of wheels, or a ship or submersible capable of moving on or underwater by driving a screw instead of wheels. In other words, the operating device is not limited to a mobile vehicle, but may also be various devices in accommodation facilities that operate using a battery installed in a campsite, etc. Furthermore, the operating device is not limited to devices that operate solely on battery power, but also includes devices that operate on both battery power and grid power. In addition, in the charging system 1, vehicle 300 may include multiple vehicles, but each vehicle does not need to be of the same type; they may be different types of vehicles. In addition, in the charging system 1, vehicle 300 includes, for example, a processor, memory, and a communication interface. These components are electrically connected to each other via control lines and data lines. Specifically, the processor consists of a CPU and functions as a control unit that controls the other connected components based on various programs stored in memory. The memory includes main memory such as ROM, RAM, and non-volatile memory, and auxiliary storage such as HDD and SSD, and functions as a storage unit. The communication interface functions as a communication unit that sends and receives information with the charging device 400. Details regarding the sending and receiving of information with the charging device 400 will be described later.

[0019] The charging device 400 is a device for charging batteries and storage batteries mounted on an operating device that is powered by electricity. The charging device 400 is also a device for discharging batteries and storage batteries mounted on the operating device. Here, "battery" is a concept that includes batteries mounted on the operating device and stationary storage batteries. Typically, the charging device 400 is a device that electrically connects a connection terminal on a power cable to the vehicle 300 and transmits power to the battery 301 mounted on the vehicle 300 or receives power discharged by the battery 301, but is not limited to this device. For example, the charging device 400 can suitably be any device capable of exchanging electrical energy with the vehicle 300, such as a device using an induced current method that supplies and discharges power non-contact (or in a state of contact but not fixed connection) using high-frequency electromagnetic waves, or an optical wireless power supply method that propagates the energy that forms the basis of electrical energy using light. Furthermore, in the charging system 1, the charging device 400 includes, for example, a processor, memory, and a communication interface. These components are then electrically connected to each other via control lines and data lines. Specifically, the processor consists of a CPU and functions as a control unit that controls the other connected components based on various programs stored in memory. The memory includes main memory such as ROM, RAM, and non-volatile memory, and auxiliary storage such as HDD and SSD, and functions as a storage unit. The communication interface functions as a communication unit that sends and receives information with the charging device 400. Details regarding the sending and receiving of information with the vehicle 300 will be described later.

[0020] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the reservation management server device 200-1 according to this disclosure. The reservation management server device 200-1 does not need to have all of the components shown in Figure 2; it is possible to omit some components or add other components. Furthermore, the reservation management server device 200-1 may include the components shown in Figure 2 distributed among multiple devices. Although not shown in the diagram, the power management server device 200-2 may have the same configuration as the reservation management server device 200-1, or it may not necessarily have the same configuration as the reservation management server device 200-1.

[0021] The reservation management server device 200-1 includes a processor 212, memory 213, and a communication interface 214. These components are electrically connected to each other via control lines and data lines. A database 215 for storing various information is also connected to the reservation management server device 200-1 via the communication interface 214. However, the database 215 is not necessarily connected to the reservation management server device 200-1.

[0022] The processor 212 includes a CPU and functions as a control unit for controlling other connected components based on various programs stored in the memory 213. The processor 212 may consist of a single CPU or multiple CPUs.

[0023] The memory 213 includes main memory (RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, etc.) and auxiliary storage (HDD, SSD, etc.) and functions as a storage unit. The memory 213 stores instruction commands for executing the application and OS according to this embodiment as programs. Such programs are loaded and executed by the processor 212. The memory 213 (especially the RAM) is also used temporarily to write and read data while the program is being executed by the processor 212.

[0024] The communication interface 214 functions as a communication unit that performs processing such as modulation and demodulation in order to send and receive various information, for example, via a network with user terminal devices 100, etc., or with power management server devices 200-2, etc., via a network. The communication interface 214 communicates with each user terminal device 100, power management server device 200-2, etc., according to the above-mentioned wireless communication method or known wired communication method.

[0025] Figure 3 shows an example of a processing sequence executed between the user terminal device 100, the reservation management server device 200-1, the power management server device 200-2, the vehicle 300, and the charging device 400 in a charging system 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The processing flow in the charging system 1 will be described below with reference to each drawing. The charging system 1 repeatedly executes the processes from step S1 to step S12 shown in Figure 3 at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time interval is, for example, 1 minute, 10 minutes, or 15 minutes. The charging system 1 may also repeatedly execute only a part of the processes shown in Figure 3.

[0026] In the charging system 1, first, the power management server device 200-2 generates electricity rate schedule information at a predetermined timing and transmits it to the reservation management server device 200-1 (step S1). The electricity rate schedule information is information about electricity rates for each time period at a point where at least one of the operations of charging and discharging the battery is performed. The electricity rate schedule information is, for example, information showing the electricity rates supplied to a predetermined area by a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) including a power company. The electricity rate schedule information may include information showing the electricity rate schedules for each of multiple markets. That is, the reservation management server device 200-1 may acquire electricity rate schedule information showing the electricity rate schedule for each market. Electricity rates are expressed, for example, by the rate per unit of energy. The electricity rate schedule includes, for example, information showing the time-series changes in electricity rates over a predetermined period. For example, the electricity rate schedule includes information showing the time-series changes in electricity rates from a predetermined timing to two weeks in advance. The predetermined timing is, for example, the timing at which the power management server device 200-2 generates the electricity rate schedule information. Electricity rates fluctuate, for example, every 15 minutes. In other words, the electricity rate schedule information includes information on electricity rates every 15 minutes. Note that the electricity rate schedule information may also include information indicating the estimated price of electricity. The terms "electricity rate" and "electricity rate schedule" may be used instead of "electricity rate" and "electricity rate schedule."

[0027] Figure 4 shows an example of an electricity bill schedule as indicated by the electricity bill schedule information. In Figure 4, "Time Zone" indicates a 15-minute time zone starting from a predetermined time. For example, if the predetermined time is 8:00 AM, "t0" indicates the time zone from 8:00 AM to 8:15 AM. Similarly, "t1" indicates the time zone from 8:15 AM to 8:30 AM. Thereafter, "t2," "t3," "t4," "t5," "t6," "t7," and "t8" each indicate a predetermined 15-minute time zone.

[0028] The electricity rates in Figure 4 are shown per unit of energy. For example, the rate per unit of energy during the time period "t0" is "34.6" yen. Also, the rate per unit of energy during the time period "t1" is "38.2" yen. Similarly, the electricity rates for "t2", "t3", "t4", "t5", "t6", "t7", and "t8" are "36.5" yen, "40.4" yen, "29.5" yen, "35.9" yen, "40.2" yen, "35.6" yen, and "28.1" yen, respectively. Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 3.

[0029] When electricity bill schedule information is transmitted by the power management server device 200-2, the reservation management server device 200-1 acquires the electricity bill schedule information (step S2). In other words, the reservation management server device 200-1 functions as a means for acquiring electricity bill schedule information. Once the reservation management server device 200-1 acquires the electricity bill schedule information, it stores the electricity bill schedule information in its storage unit.

[0030] On the other hand, the user can make a reservation to use the vehicle 300 at any time using the user terminal device 100 (step S3). A reservation means specifying the vehicle 300 and the time slot to reserve the use of a specific vehicle 300 at a specific time. When making a reservation, for example, the user terminal device 100 may obtain reservation information regarding time slots that are already reserved from the reservation management server device 200-1. In this case, the user terminal device 100 can, for example, use an installed application to display time slots that are not currently reserved on the screen. This allows the user terminal device 100 to accept reservations for time slots that are not currently reserved based on the user's operation.

[0031] When the user terminal device 100 receives a reservation for the vehicle 300, the user terminal device 100 transmits usage information indicating the time period during which the user will use the vehicle 300 to the reservation management server device 200-1. In other words, the usage information includes the user's reservation. When the user terminal device 100 transmits the usage information, the reservation management server device 200-1 acquires the usage information (step S4). In other words, the reservation management server device 200-1 functions as a means for acquiring usage information. When the reservation management server device 200-1 acquires the usage information, the reservation management server device 200-1 updates the usage reservation information stored in the memory unit based on the usage information. The usage information may also include a prediction of the vehicle 300's usage. For example, if, in past usage history, a particular vehicle 300 has been reserved for use every Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the reservation management server device 200-1 may estimate that a reservation will be made during the time period from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Mondays and update the usage reservation information accordingly. In other words, the reservation management server device 200-1 may update the usage forecast information based on the usage forecast. Also, if the past usage history of the vehicles 300 shows that a specific number of vehicles 300 out of several vehicles 300 have been reserved for use during the time period from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Monday, the reservation management server device 200-1 may estimate that a specific number of reservations will be made during the time period from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday and update the usage reservation information accordingly.

[0032] Figure 5 shows an example of usage reservation information stored in the memory unit of the reservation management server device 200-1. The usage reservation information is information related to the usage reservation of vehicle 300. The usage reservation information is information that associates the time slot in which vehicle 300 is reserved with each vehicle ID. For example, Figure 5 shows that vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V1" is reserved for use in time slots "t2", "t3", "t5", and "t6". Also, Figure 5 shows that vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V2" is reserved for use in time slots "t3", "t4", and "t8". Also, Figure 5 shows that vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V3" is reserved for use in time slots "t0" and "t6". Also, Figure 5 shows that vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V4" is reserved for use in time slots "t2" and "t3". Note that one of the time slots shown in the figure may be referred to as a "frame" below. For example, vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V1" has reservations for use in four time slots. Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 3.

[0033] When the reservation management server device 200-1 updates the usage reservation information, the reservation management server device 200-1 obtains the minimum remaining charge amount (step S5). In other words, the reservation management server device 200-1 functions as a means for obtaining the minimum remaining charge amount. The minimum remaining charge amount is the amount of battery charge required for each usage information. In other words, the minimum remaining charge amount is the minimum amount of remaining charge required when the reserved vehicle 300 is used. The minimum remaining charge amount is calculated, for example, based on the number of reserved time slots.

[0034] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the minimum remaining charge. For example, suppose that 10% of the battery's power is consumed when vehicle ID "V1" (vehicle 300) is used in one time slot. As shown in Figure 5, if two consecutive time slots "t2" and "t3" are reserved, the minimum remaining charge immediately before the start of the "t2" time slot is 20%, as shown in Figure 6. Also, as shown in Figure 5, if two consecutive time slots "t5" and "t6" are reserved, the minimum remaining charge immediately before the start of the "t5" time slot is 20%, as shown in Figure 6. Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 3.

[0035] When the reservation management server device 200-1 obtains the minimum remaining charge amount, the reservation management server device 200-1 obtains the corrected minimum remaining charge amount (step S6). In other words, the reservation management server device 200-1 functions as a means for obtaining the corrected minimum remaining charge amount. The corrected minimum remaining charge amount is the charge amount obtained by correcting the minimum remaining charge amount of one usage information per battery based on the minimum remaining charge amount of usage information for a later date and time than the said usage information. In other words, the corrected minimum remaining charge amount is the minimum charge amount required so that one vehicle 300 can be used for multiple vehicle reservations.

[0036] If the charging device 400 can charge the battery by 10% in one time slot, in the example shown in Figure 6, it is not possible to charge the battery to the minimum remaining charge at the start of time slot "t5" in time slot "t4". Therefore, the reservation management server device 200-1 calculates a corrected minimum remaining charge to satisfy the minimum remaining charge at the start of time slot "t5".

[0037] Figure 7 shows an example of the corrected minimum remaining charge. In order to meet the minimum remaining charge at the start of time slot "t5", the minimum remaining charge at the start of time slot "t2" needs to be corrected from 20% to 30%. Therefore, the reservation management server device 200-1 obtains the corrected minimum remaining charge by correcting the minimum remaining charge at the start of time slot "t2" from 20% to 30%. Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 3.

[0038] When the reservation management server device 200-1 obtains the corrected minimum remaining charge, it obtains the target remaining charge (step S7). The target remaining charge is the charge amount obtained by adding a margin to the corrected minimum remaining charge. For example, if the reservation management server device 200-1 calculates the minimum remaining charge and the corrected minimum remaining charge by predicting that the power consumption of vehicle 300 in one reservation slot is 10%, there is a risk that the power consumption in one reservation slot will exceed 10%. In this case, the battery charge may become zero before the end of the "t6" slot shown in Figure 7. In other words, the user may not be able to use vehicle 300 before the end of the reserved time slot. To prevent such a situation from occurring, the reservation management server device 200-1 obtains the target remaining charge by adding a margin to the corrected minimum remaining charge.

[0039] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the target remaining charge. As mentioned above, the target remaining charge is the minimum corrected remaining charge plus a margin. The margin is, for example, 10%. The target remaining charge shown in Figure 8 is the minimum corrected remaining charge shown in Figure 7 plus a 10% margin. However, the amount of the margin is not limited to 10%. Also, the amount of the margin may be predetermined according to each vehicle 300. Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 3.

[0040] When the reservation management server device 200-1 obtains the target remaining charge amount, the reservation management server device 200-1 obtains charging schedule information (step S8). In other words, the reservation management server device 200-1 functions as a means for obtaining charging schedule information. The charging schedule information is information that indicates the charging schedule of the charging device 400. The charging schedule is, for example, information that indicates which vehicle will be charged at which time period. In other words, the charging schedule information includes information that indicates whether each time period is a charging time period in which the charging device 400 performs at least one of charging and discharging operations, or a non-charging time period in which neither charging nor discharging operations are performed.

[0041] The reservation management server device 200-1 calculates charging schedule information based at least on the difference between the remaining charge amount information described later and the corrected minimum remaining charge amount. That is, the reservation management server device 200-1 generates a charging schedule based on the difference between the remaining charge amount of the battery at a given time and the amount of charge required for the use of the vehicle 300 based on the usage reservation. The reservation management server device 200-1 may also generate a charging schedule based on the remaining charge amount information and the target remaining charge amount. Furthermore, the reservation management server device 200-1 may also generate charging schedule information using the usage reservation information. The reservation management server device 200-1 generates a charging schedule so that the vehicle 300 is charged in time slots other than those for which a usage reservation is made. In addition, the reservation management server device 200-1 generates a charging schedule so that the corrected minimum remaining charge amount or the target remaining charge amount for each vehicle 300 is met.

[0042] Figure 9 shows an example of a charging schedule as indicated by the charging schedule information. Figure 9 shows that a charging reservation for vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V1" is made for the "t0" time slot where the electricity charge is "34.6". The reservation management server device 200-1 generates a charging schedule so that vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V1" is charged in the "t0" time slot where there is no reservation for vehicle ID "V1".

[0043] Furthermore, Figure 9 shows that a charging reservation has been made for vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V2" in the time slot "t1" where the electricity charge is "38.2". The reservation management server device 200-1 generates a charging schedule so that vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V2" is charged in the time slot "t1" where no usage reservation for vehicle ID "V2" has been made.

[0044] Furthermore, Figure 9 shows that a charging reservation has been made for vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V3" in time slot "t2" where the electricity charge is "36.5". The reservation management server device 200-1 generates a charging schedule so that vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V3" is charged in time slot "t2" where no usage reservation for vehicle ID "V3" has been made.

[0045] Furthermore, Figure 9 shows that a charging reservation has been made for vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V4" in time slot "t4" where the electricity charge is "29.5". The reservation management server device 200-1 generates a charging schedule so that vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V3" is charged in time slot "t4" where there is no reservation for vehicle ID "V4".

[0046] Furthermore, Figure 9 shows that no charging reservation has been made for time slot "t3," where the electricity charge is "40.4." Similarly, Figure 9 also shows that no charging reservations have been made for time slots "t5," "t6," "t7," and "t8." In other words, the reservation management server device 200-1 generates a charging schedule such that time slots "t3," "t5," "t6," "t7," and "t8" are non-charging periods in which the vehicle 300 is not charged.

[0047] Furthermore, the charging schedule information may include not only the charging schedule for the battery but also the discharging schedule. In this case, the electricity bill schedule described above will include not only the electricity bill for charging but also the electricity bill for discharging. Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 3.

[0048] When the reservation management server device 200-1 obtains the charging schedule information, it transmits the charging schedule information to the charging device 400. As a result, the charging device 400 obtains the charging schedule information (step S9). When the charging device 400 obtains the charging schedule information, it charges the battery of the vehicle 300 (step S10). In addition, when charging the battery of the vehicle 300, the charging device 400 obtains remaining charge amount information from the vehicle 300, which indicates the remaining charge amount of the battery. The remaining charge amount information indicates the amount of electrical energy stored in the battery. The charging device 400 transmits the obtained remaining charge amount information to the reservation management server device 200-1.

[0049] The remaining charge information may include a predicted value of the battery's remaining charge. The remaining charge is predicted, for example, from the vehicle 300's usage reservation and its past usage history. For example, if vehicle 300 is reserved for use every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 10% of the power is consumed each time during that reservation, the reservation management server device 200-1 can predict that the battery's remaining charge after the end of the reserved time slot will be 10% lower than the battery's remaining charge before the reserved time slot. The reservation management server device 200-1 may also predict the battery's remaining charge from the vehicle 300's mileage during a specific time period. Even if the reservation management server device 200-1 cannot obtain remaining charge information from the charging device 400, it may still predict the battery's remaining charge based on at least one of the following: usage information, information regarding charging and non-charging time slots, and information regarding the vehicle 300's mileage.

[0050] When the charging device 400 transmits remaining charge information, the reservation management server device 200-1 acquires the remaining charge information (step S11). In other words, the reservation management server device 200-1 functions as a means for acquiring remaining charge information. The reservation management server device 200-1 stores the acquired remaining charge information in its storage unit.

[0051] Next, the reservation management server device 200-1 swaps the charging time slots (step S12). In other words, the reservation management server device 200-1 functions as a means for swapping charging time slots. Based on the charging schedule information and the electricity rate schedule information, the reservation management server device 200-1 compares the electricity rates of the charging time slots with those of the non-charging time slots for the same period, and if it determines that the electricity rates for the non-charging time slots are cheaper, it swaps the charging time slots with the non-charging time slots. The reservation management server device 200-1 may swap the charging time slots with the non-charging time slots multiple times. For example, the reservation management server device 200-1 may perform the electricity rate comparison again when the acquired remaining charge amount information is updated, or when the acquired usage information is updated. Here, the same period refers to a specific period included in the electricity rate schedule. The specific period is, for example, one day. In this swap, after the swap from the charging time slot to the non-charging time slot has been performed, a swap from the non-charging time slot to the charging time slot may be performed again. Furthermore, the reservation management server 200-1, along with the charging schedule information and electricity rate schedule information, rearranges the charging time slots based on the target remaining charge amount of each vehicle 300. This allows the reservation management server 200-1 to charge each vehicle 300 during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, while still meeting the target remaining charge amount of each vehicle 300.

[0052] The reservation management server device 200-1 compares, for example, the electricity cost for time slot "t4" with the electricity costs for other time slots where vehicle ID "V4" vehicle 300 is not reserved and no other vehicle 300 has a charging reservation (see Figures 5 and 9). The reservation management server device 200-1 then compares, for example, the electricity cost for time slot "t4" with the electricity cost for time slot "t8". In this case, the reservation management server device 200-1 determines that the electricity cost for time slot "t8" is cheaper than the electricity cost for time slot "t4". Therefore, the reservation management server device 200-1 swaps time slot "t4" from a charging time slot to a non-charging time slot for vehicle ID "V4" vehicle 300, and swaps time slot "t8" from a non-charging time slot to a charging time slot. In other words, the reservation management server places a charging reservation for vehicle ID "V4" in time slot "t8" and deletes the charging reservation for time slot "t4".

[0053] Figure 10 shows an example of a charging schedule after the time slots have been swapped. Figure 10 shows a charging schedule in which vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V4" has a charging reservation in the "t8" time slot. Figure 10 also shows that vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V1" has a charging reservation in the "t4" time slot, which will be explained later.

[0054] Furthermore, the reservation management server device 200-1 compares, for example, the electricity cost for time slot "t2" with the electricity cost for other time slots where vehicle ID "V3" vehicle 300 is not reserved and no other vehicle 300 has a charging reservation (see Figures 5 and 9). The reservation management server device 200-1 compares, for example, the electricity cost for time slot "t2" with the electricity cost for time slot "t7". In this case, the reservation management server device 200-1 determines that the electricity cost for time slot "t7" is cheaper than the electricity cost for time slot "t2". Therefore, the reservation management server device 200-1 swaps time slot "t2" from a charging time slot to a non-charging time slot for vehicle ID "V3" vehicle 300, and swaps time slot "t7" from a non-charging time slot to a charging time slot. In other words, as shown in Figure 10, the reservation management server places a charging reservation for vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V3" in time slot "t7" and deletes the charging reservation in time slot "t2".

[0055] Furthermore, the reservation management server device 200-1 compares, for example, the electricity cost for time slot "t1" with the electricity cost for other time slots where vehicle ID "V2" vehicle 300 is not reserved and no other vehicle 300 has a charging reservation (see Figures 5 and 9). The reservation management server device 200-1 compares, for example, the electricity cost for time slot "t1" with the electricity cost for time slot "t5". In this case, the reservation management server device 200-1 determines that the electricity cost for time slot "t5" is cheaper than the electricity cost for time slot "t1". Therefore, the reservation management server device 200-1 switches time slot "t1" from a charging time slot to a non-charging time slot and switches time slot "t5" from a non-charging time slot to a charging time slot for vehicle ID "V2" vehicle 300. In other words, as shown in Figure 10, the reservation management server places a charging reservation for vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V2" in time slot "t5" and deletes the charging reservation in time slot "t1".

[0056] Furthermore, the reservation management server device 200-1 compares, for example, the electricity cost for time slot "t0" with the electricity cost for other time slots where vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V1" is not reserved and no other vehicle 300 has a charging reservation. The reservation management server device 200-1 also compares, for example, the electricity cost for time slot "t0" with the electricity cost for time slot "t4". In this case, the reservation management server device 200-1 determines that the electricity cost for time slot "t4" is cheaper than the electricity cost for time slot "t0". Therefore, the reservation management server device 200-1 switches time slot "t0" from a charging time slot to a non-charging time slot and switches time slot "t4" from a non-charging time slot to a charging time slot for vehicle 300 with vehicle ID "V1". In other words, as shown in Figure 10, the reservation management server device 200-1 places a charge reservation for vehicle ID "V1" in the "t4" slot and deletes the charge reservation in the "t0" slot. In this embodiment, a charge schedule in which multiple vehicles 300 are charged by one charger 400 has been described. However, the reservation management server device 200-1 may also generate a charge schedule in which one vehicle 300 is charged by one charger 400.

[0057] In the embodiment described above, the reservation management server device 200-1 may set time periods that have been swapped from non-charging time periods to charging time periods as time periods in which user use is prohibited. In other words, once a certain time period has been swapped from a non-charging time period to a charging time period, that time period may be fixed as a charging time period. In this case, the reservation management server device 200-1 functions as a means of prohibiting user use. Also, in the embodiment described above, the reservation management server device 200-1 may set portions of the charging time period where the electricity charge is below a predetermined value as time periods in which user use is prohibited, based on the charging schedule information and the electricity charge schedule information. For example, the reservation management server device 200-1 may set time slots where the electricity charge is 30 yen or less as time slots in which user use of the vehicle 300 is prohibited.

[0058] In the embodiment described above, the charging system 1 further comprises a receiving load that consumes power supplied from a supply point, and a renewable energy power source that generates electricity from renewable energy and supplies power to the receiving load and battery. If it is determined that the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power source is greater than or equal to a predetermined value than the amount of electricity consumed by the receiving load during non-charging periods, the system may switch the system, assuming that the electricity charges are less than or equal to a predetermined value. Here, the receiving load refers to various devices that consume electricity. These devices include production machinery in factories and household appliances. The supply point is a predetermined area to which the above electricity rate schedule applies. Renewable energy refers to, for example, energy from solar power generation. In other words, if the amount of electricity generated from renewable energy during a predetermined period is greater than or equal to a predetermined value of the electricity consumption in the predetermined area, the charging system 1 may switch the period from a non-charging period to a charging period. The reservation management server device 200-1 only needs to obtain the power consumption by the receiving load and the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy power source from the power management server device 200-2. Furthermore, the predetermined value for the above electricity charge is, for example, "0".

[0059] In the embodiment described above, the charging system 1 may reduce the amount of power supplied from the supply point during the charging period in order to reduce the amount of power supplied from the supply point, and may not set the charging period during which the amount of power is reduced as a period during which user use is prohibited. In other words, if the charging system 1 reduces the amount of power supplied during a specific period in a predetermined area, it may not prohibit the use of the vehicle 300 during that period. In this case, the reservation management server device 200-1 functions as a means for reducing the amount of power supplied.

[0060] In the embodiment described above, the reservation management server device 200-1 acquires electricity bill schedule information generated by the power management server device 200-2. However, the reservation management server device 200-1 may also acquire electricity bill schedule information that indicates an electricity bill schedule manually entered by a user. Alternatively, the reservation management server device 200-1 may acquire electricity bill schedule information from a storage medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) in which the electricity bill schedule information is stored.

[0061] In the embodiment described above, the charging device 400 charges the battery based on the charging schedule information. However, the charging device 400 may query the reservation management server device 200-1 regarding permission to charge, and the reservation management server device 200-1 may decide whether to permit or deny charging. Based on the decision result from the reservation management server device 200-1, the charging device 400 will either start charging or stop charging.

[0062] The above-described embodiment illustrates a method for reducing electricity costs while ensuring the target remaining charge by replacing charging slots in a charging schedule that meets the target remaining charge with charging slots during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0063] For example, after creating a charging schedule that meets the target remaining charge, the reservation management server device 200-1 may modify the charging schedule so that charging occurs during periods when electricity rates are relatively low and discharging occurs during periods when electricity rates are relatively high. This allows the system to meet the target remaining charge while also obtaining profit (trading profit) based on the difference in electricity rates.

[0064] Furthermore, the reservation management server device 200-1 can also modify the charging schedule to optimize it for the purpose of generating trading profits, by replacing charging slots in the charging schedule with slots with lower electricity rates.

[0065] This type of charge / discharge control can also be applied to batteries or electric vehicles (EVs) that do not require reservation management. When reservation management is not required, it is not possible to set a target remaining charge amount based on individual reservations, so it is sufficient to manage and set it uniformly at predetermined intervals (e.g., 24 hours). Specifically, the target remaining charge amount at 0:00 each day is set to 50%, and a charging and discharging schedule is created to meet this target remaining charge amount while generating profit from buying and selling.

[0066] Furthermore, it's possible to change the target remaining charge amount depending on conditions such as the day of the week or season. For example, you could set the target remaining charge amount at 0:00 every weekday to 50% and to 80% on weekends. You could also adjust the target remaining charge amount to be higher in winter than in summer.

[0067] If you want to make a profit by charging during off-peak hours when electricity rates are low and discharging during off-peak hours when electricity rates are high, one possible method is to set a threshold for electricity rates. If the electricity rate is above that threshold, you should discharge (sell electricity), and if it is below the threshold, you should charge (buy electricity).

[0068] It is also possible to set different threshold values ​​for discharge and charge to determine whether to discharge or charge. For example, you can set thresholds such that you discharge when the electricity price is 20 yen / kWh or higher, and charge when it is less than 10 yen / kWh. This allows you to perform charge and discharge operations that yield more profit from buying and selling.

[0069] Furthermore, it is possible to add conditional distinctions to the threshold used for judgment. For example, different thresholds could be applied to sunny days and rainy days. This would enable more precise charge and discharge control that takes external factors such as weather into account, contributing to the maximization of trading profits.

[0070] Another approach is to obtain the price distribution of electricity rates over the past five days, discharge the battery at the price of the top certain percentage (e.g., the top 20%), and charge it at the price of the bottom certain percentage (e.g., the bottom 20%). Alternatively, the average price of electricity rates over the past five days could be used as a baseline, for example, discharging the battery when it is 120% or more of the average price, and charging it when it is 80% or less. This allows for the setting of thresholds that adapt to daily fluctuations in electricity prices by utilizing historical data.

[0071] It is also possible to apply the same processing using price data from, for example, the previous year or the year before, instead of the past five days.

[0072] Furthermore, if the battery is discharged when electricity rates are higher than a threshold, a problem may arise where it cannot be discharged if electricity rates subsequently rise even higher. Similarly, if the battery is charged when electricity rates are lower than a threshold, it may not be able to be charged if electricity rates subsequently fall even lower. To address these cases and maximize trading profits, one possible approach is to change the threshold according to the remaining charge level.

[0073] Specifically, under normal circumstances, the electricity cost threshold for charging is set to 10 yen / kWh. That is, charging will only occur when the electricity cost is 10 yen / kWh or less. On the other hand, if the remaining charge exceeds 80%, the electricity cost threshold is set to 7 yen / kWh. That is, charging will only occur when the electricity cost is 7 yen / kWh or less. Furthermore, if the remaining charge exceeds 90%, the electricity cost threshold is set to 5 yen / kWh. That is, charging will only occur when the electricity cost is 5 yen / kWh or less.

[0074] Similarly, for discharge, the lower the remaining charge, the higher the threshold for electricity charges when discharging can be set. For example, under normal circumstances, the threshold for electricity charges for discharge is set to 20 yen / kWh. That is, discharge will only occur when the electricity charge is 20 yen / kWh or higher. On the other hand, if the remaining charge is less than 20%, the threshold for electricity charges is set to 23 yen / kWh. That is, discharge will only occur when the electricity charge is 23 yen / kWh or higher. Furthermore, if the remaining charge is less than 10%, the threshold for electricity charges is set to 25 yen / kWh. That is, discharge will only occur when the electricity charge is 25 yen / kWh or higher. In this way, by dynamically adjusting the threshold according to the remaining charge, it is possible to prevent discharging all the power at a low price or charging to full capacity at a high price. This allows for discharging at a higher price and charging at a lower price.

[0075] A better implementation would be to prioritize allocating discharge during the most expensive time slots and charging during the least expensive time slots. For example, one could identify and compare all possible charge / discharge combinations and choose the one that yields the best result. Specifically, one could divide the day into three time slots (morning, noon, and evening), with three options for each slot: "charge," "discharge," and "standby." In this case, there would be 3 x 3 x 3 = 27 possible combinations. The profit from each combination could then be calculated, and the combination that maximizes the profit could be selected. This would allow for further improvement of profitability.

[0076] On the other hand, increasing the number of time periods and options can lead to an explosive increase in the number of combinations, potentially making calculations impractical. To address this, one approach is to define an objective function (e.g., maximizing trading profits) and constraints (e.g., upper limits on battery capacity and charge / discharge speed), and then use an optimization algorithm (mathematical optimization process) to find a solution.

[0077] Specifically, the day is divided into 24 one-hour segments, and the charge and discharge amounts for each segment are set as variables. An objective function is then defined based on the electricity cost for each segment. For example, the objective function could be "Profit = Discharge Amount × Discharge Electricity Cost - Charge Amount × Charging Electricity Cost". Constraints are defined similarly. For example, an upper limit on battery capacity (e.g., 10kWh or less) and a maximum charge / discharge speed (e.g., up to 6kW per hour) can be defined. Based on the defined objective function and constraints, the optimal charge / discharge schedule is calculated using a solver (e.g., Python's PuLP or Gurobi). This allows for obtaining a mathematically optimal solution even with complex constraints, and is expected to generate greater profits. The optimization algorithm can be linear programming, integer programming, dynamic programming, etc.

[0078] As described above, the reservation management server device 200-1 generates a charge / discharge schedule considering predetermined constraints. Furthermore, the reservation management server device 200-1 generates a charge schedule so that the remaining charge of the battery does not become a negative value in calculations. In addition, the reservation management server device 200-1 generates a charge schedule so that the remaining charge of the battery does not exceed the battery's rechargeable capacity in calculations. Moreover, the reservation management server device 200-1 generates a charge schedule so that the monetary benefit from charging and discharging the battery over a predetermined period is maximized.

[0079] As described above, the charging system 1 includes a charging device for charging a battery mounted on an operating device that can be operated by electricity, a charging schedule information acquisition means for acquiring charging schedule information that defines whether each time period is a charging time period or a non-charging time period in which the charging device is operated, an electricity rate schedule information acquisition means for acquiring electricity rate schedule information, which is information regarding electricity rates at each time period at the supply point where the battery is charged, and a charging time period swapping means that compares the electricity rates of the charging time period and the non-charging time period for the same period based on the charging schedule information and the electricity rate schedule information, and swaps the charging time period and the non-charging time period if it is determined that the electricity rates of the non-charging time period are cheaper.Therefore, the charging system 1 can generate a charging schedule that takes charging costs into consideration.As a result, the charging system 1 can charge the battery of the vehicle 300 at a low cost.

[0080] Furthermore, the charging system 1 includes a means for acquiring usage information that indicates the time period during which the user will use the operating device, a means for acquiring the minimum remaining charge amount of the battery required for each piece of usage information, a means for acquiring a corrected minimum remaining charge amount by correcting the minimum remaining charge amount of the usage information for battery 1 based on the minimum remaining charge amount of usage information for a later date and time than the said usage information, and a means for acquiring remaining charge amount information that indicates the remaining charge amount of the battery. The charging schedule information is calculated based on the difference between the remaining charge amount information and the corrected minimum remaining charge amount. The charging time slot swapping means performs a price comparison again when the remaining charge amount information acquired by the remaining charge amount information acquisition means is updated, or when the usage information acquired by the usage information acquisition means is updated. Therefore, even if the remaining charge amount information or usage information is updated, the charging system 1 can swap the charging time slots of the vehicle 300 according to the remaining charge amount or usage information. As a result, the charging system 1 can charge the battery of the vehicle 300 at a low cost.

[0081] Furthermore, the usage information includes user usage predictions. Therefore, even if no usage reservations are made until immediately before the vehicle 300 is used, the charging system 1 can generate charging schedule information that matches the actual usage of the vehicle 300. As a result, the charging system 1 can charge the battery of the vehicle 300 at a low cost.

[0082] Furthermore, the remaining charge information includes a predicted value of the battery's remaining charge. Therefore, even if the charging system 1 cannot obtain a detected value of the battery's remaining charge, it can predict the battery's remaining charge and generate charging schedule information. As a result, the charging system 1 can charge the vehicle 300's battery at a low cost.

[0083] Furthermore, the charging system 1 includes a user usage prohibition means that sets the time period, which has been switched from a non-charging time period to a charging time period by the charging time period switching means, as a time period during which user use is prohibited. Therefore, the charging system 1 can reliably charge the battery of the vehicle 300 during time periods when electricity rates are low.

[0084] Furthermore, the charging system 1 includes a user usage prohibition means that, based on charging schedule information and electricity rate schedule information, sets periods during the charging time when electricity rates are below a predetermined value as periods when user use is prohibited. Therefore, the charging system 1 can reliably charge the battery of the vehicle 300 during periods when electricity rates are low.

[0085] Furthermore, the charging system 1 further comprises a receiving load that consumes electricity supplied from a supply point, and a renewable energy source that generates electricity from renewable energy and supplies it to the receiving load and battery. The charging time switching means performs the switching when it is determined that the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy source is greater than or equal to a predetermined value than the amount of electricity consumed by the receiving load during non-charging time, and the electricity charges are assumed to be less than or equal to a predetermined value. Therefore, the charging system 1 can effectively utilize renewable energy.

[0086] Furthermore, the charging system 1 is further equipped with a means for reducing the amount of charging power during a charging period with the aim of reducing the amount of power supplied from the supply point, and the user use prohibition means does not set the charging period in which the amount of charging power is reduced as a period in which user use is prohibited.Therefore, the charging system 1 can promote the use of the vehicle 300 during the period in which the amount of charging power is reduced.

[0087] Although the embodiments described above explain the processing related to this disclosure, the processing may be carried out in embodiments that combine these embodiments as appropriate. Furthermore, the entity that executes the processing related to this disclosure is not limited to those described above; some or all of the processing may be carried out by different entities.

[0088] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the names given to each device are used merely to distinguish them from one another, and other names may be used depending on the function of each device.

[0089] Furthermore, even if the disclosure includes terms such as "First" or "Second," it does not mean that it is limited to only those two elements. Naturally, it may also include "Third," "Fourth," and more elements.

[0090] The processes and procedures described herein can be implemented not only by means of expressly described herein, but also by software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Specifically, the processes and procedures described herein can be implemented by implementing logic corresponding to the process on media such as integrated circuits, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, magnetic disks, and optical storage. Furthermore, the processes and procedures described herein can be implemented as computer programs and executed by various computers, including terminal devices and server devices.

[0091] Even if it is stated that the processes and procedures described herein are performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, multiple software programs, multiple components, and / or multiple modules. Similarly, even if it is stated that the various types of information described herein are stored in a single memory or storage unit, such information may be distributed and stored in multiple memories within a single device or in multiple memories distributed across multiple devices. Furthermore, the software and hardware elements described herein may be implemented by integrating them into fewer components or by decomposing them into more components. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 100 User terminal devices 200-1 Reservation management server device (processing device) 200-2 Power Management Server Device 300 vehicles 400 Charging device

Claims

1. A charging device for performing at least one of charging and discharging a battery, Electricity charge schedule information acquisition means for acquiring electricity charge schedule information, which is information regarding electricity charges for each time period at a point where at least one of the operations of charging and discharging the battery is performed, A charging system comprising: a means for acquiring charging schedule information that, based on the aforementioned electricity rate schedule information, acquires charging schedule information indicating whether each of the aforementioned time periods is a charging time period in which the charging device is instructed to perform at least one of charging and discharging operations, or a non-charging time period in which charging and discharging operations are not performed.

2. The charging system according to claim 1, further comprising a charging time swapping means that, based on the charging schedule information and the electricity rate schedule information, compares the electricity rates of the charging time period with those of the non-charging time period for the same period, and swaps the charging time period with the non-charging time period if it is determined that the electricity rates of the non-charging time period are cheaper.

3. The means for obtaining the target remaining charge amount of the battery is further provided. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the charging schedule information acquisition means creates the charging schedule information that satisfies the target remaining charge amount, and then modifies the charging schedule so that charging is performed during times when electricity rates are relatively low and discharging is performed during times when electricity rates are relatively high.

4. A means for acquiring usage information that acquires usage information indicating the time period during which the user uses the operating device equipped with the aforementioned battery, A minimum remaining charge amount acquisition means for acquiring the minimum remaining charge amount of the battery required for each of the aforementioned usage information, A means for obtaining a corrected minimum remaining charge amount, which is obtained by correcting the minimum remaining charge amount of the usage information relating to the battery 1 based on the minimum remaining charge amount of the usage information for a later date and time than the usage information, The system includes a means for acquiring remaining charge amount information that indicates the remaining charge amount of the battery, The aforementioned charging schedule information is calculated based on the difference between the remaining charge amount information and the corrected minimum remaining charge amount. The charging time slot switching means is characterized in that it performs the comparison of charges again when the remaining charge amount information obtained by the remaining charge amount information acquisition means is updated, or when the usage information obtained by the usage information acquisition means is updated.

5. The charging system according to claim 4, wherein the usage information includes the user's usage prediction.

6. The charging system according to claim 4, wherein the remaining charge information includes a predicted value of the remaining charge of the battery.

7. The charging system according to claim 1, further comprising a user usage prohibition means that sets a time period that has been swapped from a non-charging time period to a charging time period by the charging time period swapping means as a time period in which user use is prohibited.

8. The charging system according to claim 1, further comprising a user usage prohibition means that, based on the charging schedule information and the electricity charge schedule information, sets a time period during which the electricity charge is below a predetermined value within the charging time period to a time period during which user use is prohibited.

9. A power receiving load that consumes the power supplied from the aforementioned supply point, The system further comprises a renewable energy power source that generates electricity using renewable energy and supplies power to the aforementioned power receiving load and the aforementioned battery, The charging time switching means is characterized in that, when it is determined that the amount of electricity generated by the renewable energy source is greater than or equal to a predetermined value than the amount of electricity consumed by the power receiving load during the non-charging time period, the charging time is switched on the grounds that the electricity charges are less than or equal to a predetermined value.

10. The system further includes a means for reducing the amount of electricity charged during the charging period in order to reduce the amount of electricity supplied from the aforementioned supply point, The charging system according to claim 6, characterized in that the means for prohibiting user use does not set the charging time period during which the amount of charging power is reduced as a time period during which user use is prohibited.

11. A method using a charging device for charging and discharging a battery, To obtain electricity rate schedule information, which is information regarding electricity rates for each time period at the point where at least one of the operations of charging and discharging the battery is performed, A method comprising: obtaining charging schedule information based on the aforementioned electricity rate schedule information, which indicates whether each of the aforementioned time periods is a charging time period in which the charging device is instructed to perform at least one of charging and discharging operations, or a non-charging time period in which the charging and discharging operations are not performed.

12. A program that performs a method using a charging device for charging and discharging a battery, To obtain electricity rate schedule information, which is information regarding electricity rates for each time period at the point where at least one of the operations of charging and discharging the battery is performed, A program that causes a computer to perform the following actions based on the aforementioned electricity rate schedule information: acquire charging schedule information indicating whether each of the aforementioned time periods is a charging time period in which the charging device is to perform at least one of charging or discharging operations, or a non-charging time period in which neither charging nor discharging operations are performed.

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