Energy delivery systems, energy delivery servers, energy delivery methods, energy delivery programs

Abstract

This invention provides an energy distribution server, system, and method that can flexibly respond to the sudden energy demands of consumers. [Solution] In the energy distribution system 100, the energy distribution server includes an information acquisition unit that acquires request information including the amount of energy that the user requests to be delivered and the destination of an energy storage device that stores energy, energy storage device information including the location information of the energy storage device and the energy storage status indicating the energy storage status, and mobile body information including the location information of a mobile body that delivers the energy storage device and the distance that can be delivered; a distribution plan formulation unit that selects a mobile body that can be delivered to the destination based on the request information and the mobile body information and formulates a distribution plan to the destination of the mobile body; and an output unit that outputs the distribution plan to the mobile body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy delivery system, an energy delivery server, an energy delivery method, and an energy delivery program.

Background Art

[0002] In modern society, energy such as electric power is an important resource that supports the foundation of daily life. In particular, electric power is an indispensable resource that supports the activities of households or businesses, and its demand is further increasing with the popularization of electric vehicles (EVs) and the like, and stable supply of electric power to electric power consumers is required. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a battery delivery system that can reduce power loss in power generation facilities and effectively utilize the power generated by the power generation facilities by delivering batteries charged with surplus power from the power generation facilities to consumers via vehicles.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in areas where power infrastructure is not well developed or at the time of a disaster, sufficient power may not be supplied, which may have a significant impact on daily life and economic activities.

[0005] Areas lacking adequate power infrastructure are those where power supply may not be efficient due to aging infrastructure or transmission losses in the power grid. In areas lacking adequate power infrastructure, a temporary power outage can cause problems such as disrupting irrigation systems in agriculture, impacting crop production, thus creating a sudden need for power. Furthermore, EV users are demanding charging infrastructure that can flexibly respond to sudden charging needs. However, in areas lacking adequate power infrastructure, i.e., areas lacking adequate EV charging infrastructure, if charging becomes necessary during long-distance EV travel, it may be difficult to find a suitable charging station, making travel challenging.

[0006] Furthermore, in the event of a disaster, for example, power outages caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis, or any malfunctions at electric power companies, can disrupt the power supply, leading to serious power shortages at evacuation centers and medical facilities. During a disaster, disruptions in the power supply can lead to life-threatening problems, such as a deterioration of the living conditions of victims or restrictions on the use of medical equipment.

[0007] Patent Document 1 describes a system that can predict the electricity demand of consumers, such as commercial facilities, factories, companies, and private homes, that use electricity supplied from power generation equipment, and deliver batteries charged based on the predicted electricity demand to consumers using a home delivery system. However, as described above, it cannot flexibly respond to the sudden and irregular electricity (energy) demands of important parties.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide an energy delivery server, an energy delivery system, an energy delivery method, and an energy delivery program that can flexibly respond to the sudden energy demands of consumers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the energy delivery server according to this disclosure includes: an information acquisition unit that acquires request information including an energy quantity indicating the amount of energy that the user requests to be delivered and the delivery destination of an energy storage device that stores the energy; energy storage device information including the location information of the energy storage device and the energy storage status indicating the energy storage status; and mobile body information including the location information of a mobile body that delivers the energy storage device and the deliverable distance; a matching unit that selects a mobile body that can be delivered to the delivery destination based on the request information and mobile body information, and selects an energy storage device that satisfies the energy quantity based on the mobile body information, request information, and energy storage device information of the selected mobile body; a delivery plan formulation unit that formulates a delivery plan to the delivery destination of the mobile body based on the location information of the selected mobile body, the location information of the selected energy storage device, and the delivery destination; and an output unit that outputs the delivery plan to the mobile body.

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the energy delivery system according to this disclosure comprises an energy delivery server that manages the delivery status of a mobile body that delivers an energy storage device that stores energy, and a mobile body. The energy delivery server comprises an information acquisition unit that acquires request information including an energy quantity indicating the amount of energy that a user requests to be delivered and the delivery destination of an energy storage device that stores energy, energy storage device information including the location information of the energy storage device and the energy storage status indicating the energy storage status, and mobile body information including the location information of the mobile body that delivers the energy storage device and the deliverable distance, a matching unit that selects a mobile body that can be delivered to the delivery destination based on the request information and mobile body information, and selects an energy storage device that satisfies the energy quantity based on the mobile body information, request information and energy storage device information of the selected mobile body, a delivery plan formulation unit that formulates a delivery plan to the delivery destination of the mobile body based on the location information of the selected mobile body, the location information of the selected energy storage device and the delivery destination, and an output unit that outputs the delivery plan to the mobile body.

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the energy delivery method according to this disclosure comprises the steps of: acquiring request information including an energy quantity indicating the amount of energy that the user requests to be delivered and the delivery destination of an energy storage device that stores energy; acquiring energy storage device information including location information of the energy storage device and energy storage status indicating the energy storage status; acquiring mobile body information including location information of a mobile body that delivers the energy storage device and delivery distance; selecting a mobile body that can be delivered to the delivery destination based on the request information and mobile body information; selecting an energy storage device that satisfies the energy quantity based on the mobile body information of the selected mobile body, the request information, and the energy storage device information; formulating a delivery plan for the mobile body to the delivery destination based on the location information of the selected mobile body, the location information of the selected energy storage device, and the delivery destination; and outputting the delivery plan to the mobile body.

[0012] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the energy delivery program according to this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following steps: acquire request information including an energy quantity indicating the amount of energy that the user requests to be delivered and the delivery destination of an energy storage device that stores the energy; acquire energy storage device information including the location information of the energy storage device and the energy storage status indicating the energy storage status; acquire mobile body information including the location information of a mobile body that delivers the energy storage device and the deliverable distance; select a mobile body that can be delivered to the delivery destination based on the request information and mobile body information; select an energy storage device that will satisfy the energy quantity based on the mobile body information of the selected mobile body, the request information, and the energy storage device information; formulate a delivery plan for the mobile body to the delivery destination based on the location information of the selected mobile body, the location information of the selected energy storage device, and the delivery destination; and output the delivery plan to the mobile body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present disclosure, an effect is achieved that it is possible to flexibly respond to sudden energy demand of a demander. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] [Figure 1] The diagram showing an outline of the energy delivery system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] The diagram showing an example of the configuration of the energy delivery system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] The diagram showing an example of request information according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] The diagram showing an example of mobile object information according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] The diagram showing an example of energy storage device information according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] The diagram showing an example of a delivery plan according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] The diagram showing an example of delivery status information according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] The diagram showing an example of a management screen displayed on an administrator terminal according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] The diagram showing an example of a delivery status confirmation screen displayed on a user terminal according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] The flowchart showing an example of the energy delivery system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] The flowchart showing an example of a matching process in the energy delivery system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] The flowchart showing an example of a delivery plan formulation process in the energy delivery system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] The flowchart showing an example of operation control of a mobile object according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] The diagram showing an example of a software configuration in the energy delivery system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 15] The diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration in the energy delivery system according to Embodiment 1. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0015] Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] <Overview of Energy Delivery System> Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the energy delivery system according to the present embodiment. Here, the overall overview of the energy delivery system 100 will be described using Figure 1. As an energy delivery service, the energy delivery system 100 is used by consumers with energy demand. Details of each configuration of the energy delivery system 100 will be described later.

[0017] The user terminal 1 is a portable terminal device such as a tablet PC or a smartphone owned by an energy consumer. Further, the user terminal 1 is not limited to a portable device, and may be a terminal device such as a desktop PC. The configuration of the user terminal 1 will be described later. Hereinafter, an energy consumer may be referred to as a user.

[0018] The energy delivery server 2 acquires request information indicating energy demand obtained from the user terminal 1 owned by the user, and selects a combination of the mobile object 3 and the energy storage device 4 that matches the acquired request information. Among the results of the selected combinations, the energy delivery server 2 outputs to the user terminal 1 the result that satisfies the condition most suited to the user's demand (for example, the desired delivery time is the shortest). The energy delivery server 2 is constructed in, for example, a cloud environment or an on-premises environment. The cloud environment includes computer resources provided on a cloud service platform. The cloud service platform is provided by a cloud service provider, and includes, for example, PaaS (Platform as a Service) and the like. Details of the configuration of the energy delivery server 2 will be described later.

[0019] Mobile unit 3 delivers the energy storage device 4, described later, to the user's designated location (destination). Mobile unit 3 can be any vehicle capable of delivering cargo including the energy storage device 4, such as a drone, EV, truck, or train. A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle that can fly by remote control or autopilot. Vehicles such as EVs or trucks may be operated by autonomous driving capable of unmanned operation, or they may be operated by a driver or remotely controlled by a human. Mobile unit 3 may be powered by a battery installed in the mobile unit itself, or it may be powered by energy obtained from the energy storage device 4 in lieu of or in addition to the battery. An EV may be powered by a battery installed in the vehicle, or it may be powered by electricity received from the energy storage device 4 in lieu of or in addition to the battery. The configuration of mobile unit 3 will be described later.

[0020] The energy storage device 4 is a device capable of storing energy (including electricity, hydrogen, petroleum, or chemical fuels, etc.) obtained from the energy supply resource 5 described later. The energy storage device 4 is, for example, a removable cartridge-type battery that can be carried on its own. The energy storage device 4 can be charged by attaching it to, for example, a charging terminal for connecting to a charging system that supplies power to the energy supply resource 5 via a DC / DC converter. The energy storage device 4 can be any device capable of storing electricity, such as a lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion battery, flow battery, or solid-state battery. In the case of an EV vehicle, for example, the energy storage device 4 can supply power to the EV vehicle by connecting a connector on the energy storage device 4 to a charging port provided on the EV vehicle body. In the case of a consumer, for example, the energy storage device 4 can supply energy to the consumer by attaching the energy storage device 4 to a power supply terminal provided on the consumer's premises for power connection.

[0021] Energy supply resource 5 is a power generation facility or hydrogen station, etc., that can supply energy such as electricity or hydrogen to the energy storage device 4. Power generation facilities are, for example, facilities owned by power generation companies that generate electricity using fossil fuels, nuclear power, or renewable energy. Power generation facilities may also be regenerative power storage devices that store regenerative power generated while a train is running. Renewable energy refers to facilities that generate electricity using solar power, wind power, hydropower, geothermal power, biomass, etc. A hydrogen station is, for example, a hydrogen station configured to supply hydrogen to a fuel cell vehicle (FCV), and may be on-site or off-site. Facilities may include solar power generation in each household, small water turbines, power generation devices such as vehicles, EV charging terminals, and hydrogen stations, etc.

[0022] The control room 6 is, for example, a base for managing and operating the energy distribution system 100 and providing energy distribution services. The administrator of the control room 6 uses the energy distribution server 2 to monitor the status of the user terminal 1, mobile unit 3, and energy storage device 4. The control room 6 may be connected to the energy distribution server 2 by multiple administrator terminals installed in the control room 6, which are used by administrators who manage the energy distribution service. The administrator terminals can be terminal devices such as tablet PCs (Personal Computers), notebook PCs, desktop PCs, or smartphones, as long as they have a display. The display installed in the control room 6 may be a large multi-screen system combining multiple displays. This improves visibility for administrators and allows for safer management and operation of the energy distribution service.

[0023] Figure 1 outlines an example of energy distribution carried out by the energy distribution system 100, in the order of (1) to (6). Details of energy distribution will be described later.

[0024] In "(1) Commencement of Operation," the mobile unit 3 begins operation in accordance with the delivery instructions (operation instructions) issued by the energy delivery server 2, which has received request information indicating the energy demand obtained from the user terminal 1.

[0025] In "(2) Energy Storage Device Recovery," the mobile unit 3 travels to the location where the energy storage device 4 is located and recovers the energy storage device 4.

[0026] In "(3) Delivery of Energy Storage Device," the mobile unit 3 delivers the energy storage device 4 recovered in (2) to the user at its destination. For example, in Figure 1, the user wants to supply power to the battery of a vehicle that has run out of battery power for energy purposes. In this case, the recovered energy storage device 4 is, for example, a storage battery that stores electricity.

[0027] In "(4) Recovery of spent energy storage device," the mobile unit 3 recovers the spent energy storage device 4, which is the energy storage device 4 after it has been used by the user. While the user is supplying power to the vehicle's battery, the mobile unit 3 may wait at any location and then recover the energy storage device 4 as needed, or the spent energy storage device 4 may be recovered by a mobile unit 3 different from the mobile unit 3 that delivered the energy storage device 4. This allows for flexible coordination with multiple mobile units 3 and improves energy delivery efficiency.

[0028] In "(5) Return of spent energy storage device," the mobile unit 3 returns the spent energy storage device 4 to, for example, the location where it was collected in (2) or to a return point corresponding to the spent energy storage device 4. This allows energy to be stored in the spent energy storage device again. The return location is determined by instructions from the energy distribution server 2.

[0029] In "(6) End of Operation," the mobile unit 3 returns to the point where the operation began or to another corresponding base, similar to the return of the used energy storage device 4 in (5). The return location of the mobile unit 3 is determined by instructions from the energy distribution server 2.

[0030] By repeatedly performing the series of operations described in (1) to (6) above, energy can be flexibly delivered to meet the diverse needs of multiple users with energy demands. This allows energy consumers to freely acquire and utilize energy according to the time, place, and purpose, significantly improving the convenience of their lives.

[0031] <Configuration of the energy distribution system> The overall configuration of the energy distribution system 100 will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the energy distribution system according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, as an example, energy will be referred to as "electricity" and the mobile body as a "drone." From here on, "energy" may be expressed as "electricity," but even if the contents described in the embodiment are replaced with energy other than "electricity," the energy distribution service can still be realized.

[0032] User terminal 1 comprises a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, and an operation unit 13. As described above, user terminal 1 is a terminal device such as a tablet PC or smartphone owned by an energy consumer. User terminal 1 may also be a wearable device such as a smartwatch, smart glasses, or earphones with voice recognition functionality. By allowing the user to transmit request information 231 indicating energy demand via a wearable device, the user can apply for energy supply even in situations where operating a tablet PC or smartphone is difficult, thereby improving user convenience.

[0033] The communication unit 11 is connected to the energy distribution server 2 via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network), or a dedicated line, enabling communication via wired or wireless means.

[0034] The display unit 12 is a display device that shows screens related to energy delivery services, and mainly displays information such as delivery plan information 234 or delivery status information 235 transmitted from the energy delivery server 2 to the user terminal 1. The display unit 12 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL display.

[0035] The operation unit 13 is an input device for inputting information related to energy delivery services, and is mainly used when inputting user request information 231. The operation unit 13 is, for example, an input device such as a touchscreen, keyboard, or mouse provided on the display unit 12.

[0036] The energy delivery server 2 acquires request information indicating energy demand from the user terminal 1 owned by the user, and selects a combination of mobile body 3 and energy storage device 4 that matches the acquired request information. The energy delivery server 2 comprises a communication unit 21, a processing unit 22, and a storage unit 23.

[0037] The communication unit 21 is connected to the user terminal 1, mobile device 3, energy storage device 4, or various other devices and systems via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), wireless telephone network, or wide-area data communication network, or via a dedicated line, etc., enabling communication by wired or wireless means.

[0038] The processing unit 22 comprises an information acquisition unit 221, a matching processing unit 222, a delivery plan formulation unit 223, a monitoring unit 224, and an output unit 225. The processing unit 22 controls the exchange of information between each component of the energy delivery server 2. The processing unit 22 performs processing for the entire energy delivery server 2. The processing unit 22 stores application software in the storage unit 23 for executing the functions of the energy delivery system 100 by executing the functions of each component of the energy delivery server 2. The application software includes an energy delivery program that causes a computer to execute the functions of each component of the energy delivery server 2 as described above. The energy delivery program may be installed for each energy delivery server 2, for example, or it may be implemented as a web application. The processing unit 22 also executes a process to store the information and processing results obtained by executing each process in the storage unit 23.

[0039] The information acquisition unit 221 acquires request information 231, which is information indicating energy demand, i.e., energy delivery requests, input by the user using the user terminal 1, via the communication unit 21. The information acquisition unit 221 acquires mobile body information 232, which indicates information such as the performance of multiple mobile bodies 3, and energy storage device information 233, which indicates information such as the performance of multiple energy storage devices 4. The information acquisition unit 221 acquires various information from the storage unit 23, the mobile bodies 3, the energy storage devices 4, and external servers, etc.

[0040] An example of request information 231 acquired by the information acquisition unit 221 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of request information according to Embodiment 1. Request information 231 is data that includes each of the following items: "Reservation No," "User ID," "Date and Time Information," "User Location Information," "Power Usage (Energy Amount)," "Desired Delivery Time," "Delivery Destination," "Scheduled Return Area," and "Scheduled Return Time." "Reservation No" is a fixed identification number for each energy delivery demand by the user. "User ID" is a fixed identification number for each user. "Date and Time Information" is information indicating the date and time when the user's request for power delivery was made, and may include details such as latitude and longitude information. "User Location Information" indicates the user's own location at the time the request for power delivery was made. "Energy Usage" is information indicating the purpose of use of the electricity that the user wishes to have delivered, and indicates the type of energy. "Energy Amount (Energy Amount)" is information indicating the amount of electricity (energy amount) that the user requests to be delivered, and is the requested energy amount. In this case, for example, the power supply desired by the user is realized by the delivery of a battery (energy storage device 4 or mobile body 3 equipped with an energy supply function described later). "Desired delivery time" is information indicating the date and time when power delivery is desired. "Delivery destination" is information indicating the location where power delivery is desired, and may include details such as latitude and longitude information. Also, the delivery destination may be different from the power delivery request made by the user. "Scheduled return area" is information indicating the location where the used battery will be returned after the delivered power has been used. "Scheduled return time" is information indicating the date and time when the used battery will be returned to the scheduled return area. Request information 231 is merely an example, and may include information indicating other conditions, etc.

[0041] Let's explain an example of using the energy delivery service. In Figure 3, user "bbb" with "Reservation No." "XXX02" wishes to have 2.0kWh of electricity delivered to "△△ Mountain Observatory" as quickly as possible to charge their electric vehicle. In other words, the user's EV vehicle ran out of battery and became unable to move, so they are requesting enough electricity to reach a nearby gas station (which has a charging station) so that they can drive the EV vehicle to that gas station. With this energy delivery service, even if the user's EV vehicle becomes unable to move due to insufficient power, the delivered electricity can be supplied to the EV vehicle, allowing it to continue driving even in environments where there is no nearby charging station.

[0042] The matching processing unit 222 obtains information on multiple mobile bodies 232, information on multiple energy storage devices 233, and request information 221 from the information acquisition unit 221, and selects a combination of mobile body 3 and energy storage device 4. Details of the matching process performed by the matching processing unit 222 will be described later.

[0043] An example of mobile information 232 referenced by the matching processing unit 222 will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of mobile information according to Embodiment 1. Mobile information 232 is data that includes each of the following items: "Mobile ID", "Type", "Load Capacity", "Current Location Information", "Delivery Distance", "Delivery Space", "Reservation Status", and "Charging Status". "Mobile ID" is a fixed identification number for each mobile 3. "Type" is distinguished by the performance or type of the mobile 3, etc., and in the example, they are all drones, but the name of the mobile 3 such as an EV vehicle or truck is registered here. "Load Capacity" is the maximum load capacity that can be carried by each mobile 3, and in the case of a drone, the maximum payload is registered as an example. "Current Location Information" indicates the current location of the mobile 3, and the location information can be obtained by GPS, for example. "Delivery Space" is information that indicates the space required for unloading when the mobile 3 delivers the energy storage device 4 to the user, which is the destination. In the case of a drone, it indicates the landing space. "Reservation status" is information indicating the reservation status of mobile unit 3. "Charging status" is information indicating the remaining charge, for example, when mobile unit 3 operates on electricity. When mobile unit 3 operates on other energy sources, including electricity, it is sufficient to indicate the remaining energy capacity (remaining energy). Furthermore, in mobile unit 3 equipped with an energy supply function described later, the amount of energy includes power energy, which is the amount of energy used to power mobile unit 3, or supply energy, which is the amount of energy used to supply energy by mobile unit 3.

[0044] Let's explain in detail using an example of mobile information 232. In Figure 4, "Drone B" with "Mobile ID" "YYY02" is staying at "△△ Charging Station" and, after recovering the energy storage device 4 with a maximum capacity of "70 kg", can operate up to "10 km" round trip.

[0045] Furthermore, using Figure 4, we will explain mobile body information 232a, which is a modified version of mobile body information 232. The same content as mobile body information 232 shown in Figure 4 will be omitted. Mobile body information 232a differs from mobile body information 232 in that it has items called "maximum power capacity" and "capable power applications". "Maximum power capacity" is information that indicates the maximum amount of power that the mobile body 3 can carry. "Capable power applications" is information that indicates the applications for which the mobile body 3 can supply power to external equipment or facilities (e.g., EV vehicles, consumers, etc.). In other words, a mobile body 3 corresponding to mobile body information 232a is equipped with an energy supply function that allows the mobile body 3 itself to supply power to external equipment or facilities without recovering the energy storage device 4. The matching process for mobile bodies 3 equipped with an energy supply function and mobile bodies 3 not equipped with an energy supply function will be described later.

[0046] An example of mobile device information 232a will be used to explain the details. In Figure 5, "Drone D" with "Mobile Device ID" "YYY04" is staying at "△△ Charging Station" and has a maximum power capacity of "10kWh". Details of the process for determining the operating distance of mobile device 3, which is equipped with an energy supply function, will be described later.

[0047] An example of energy storage device information 233 referenced by the matching processing unit 222 will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of energy storage device information according to Embodiment 1. The energy storage device information 233 is data that includes each of the following items: "Battery ID", "Type", "Charging Capacity", "Weight", "Charging Status", "Location Information", "Reservation Status", and "Recovery Method". Some explanations will be omitted for items that are the same as those for the mobile unit 3. "Battery ID" is a fixed identification number for each energy storage device 4. "Type" is distinguished by the performance or type of the energy storage device 4, and in this example, a battery will be used for explanation, but devices that can store other energies including hydrogen, petroleum, or chemical fuels may also be registered. "Weight" is information indicating the weight of each energy storage device 4. "Charging Status" is energy storage status that indicates the remaining charge of the battery, for example, and shows the energy storage status of the amount of energy stored in the energy storage device 4. "Location Information" indicates the current location information of the energy storage device 4, and location information can be obtained, for example, by GPS. "Reservation Status" is information indicating the reservation status of the energy storage device 4. "Recovery Method" is information indicating the recovery method for each mobile body 3 that the energy storage device 4 corresponds to. For example, if the mobile body 3 is a drone, it is necessary to be able to control the mobile body 3 (drone) and the energy storage device 4 (storage battery, etc.) in a coordinated manner so that they can be attached and detached without human intervention. In other words, Figure 5 shows that each storage battery can be attached and detached by coordinated control with the drone.

[0048] The delivery planning unit 223 formulates the route for the mobile unit 3 to its delivery destination based on the results of the matching process performed by the matching processing unit 222.

[0049] An example of delivery plan information 234 formulated by the delivery plan formulation unit 223 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a delivery plan according to Embodiment 1. Figure 6 is an example of a delivery plan confirmation screen 121 displayed on the user terminal 1, showing the delivery plan formulated by the delivery plan formulation unit 223. Once the matching process by the matching processing unit 222 is completed, the delivery plan formulation unit 223 formulates an operation route from the delivery start position, which is the starting position of the operation of the mobile body 3, to the delivery end position, which is the destination, based on the results of the matching process, the location information of the mobile body 3, the location information of the energy storage device 4, and the delivery destination of the request information 221. The delivery plan confirmation screen 121 shown in Figure 6 visually shows that the mobile body 3, which is a drone, operates to the collection position as a first operation route and operates to the delivery end position as a second operation route. It can be seen that the delivery plan information 234 also shows information corresponding to each item of the request information 221 at the bottom. In Figure 6, the user checks the delivery plan confirmation screen 121 displayed on the user terminal 1, and if it is the desired energy delivery, presses the button to start delivery (Do you want to start this delivery?: Yes). This improves the convenience of the energy delivery service by allowing the user to visually confirm whether the requested energy delivery request has actually been reflected, as well as the delivery method, delivery location, delivery contents, etc. Furthermore, by knowing the relative positions of themselves, the mobile unit 3, and the energy storage device 4, the user can more clearly understand the time and distance required for delivery, leading to improved convenience.

[0050] The monitoring unit 224 performs monitoring processing to allow the user to understand the status of energy delivery by the mobile unit 3. The monitoring unit 224 manages delivery status information 235, which is information indicating the delivery status, such as the current location of at least one of the mobile unit 3 and the energy storage device 4 that delivers energy, and the scheduled time of delivery completion. The monitoring unit 224 generates screens that the user can visually monitor. The monitoring processing performed by the monitoring unit 224 will be described later.

[0051] An example of delivery status information 235 managed by the monitoring unit 224 will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of delivery status information according to Embodiment 1. The delivery status information 235 is data that includes each of the following items: "Delivery ID", "Reservation ID", "User ID", "Mobile Unit ID", "Battery ID", "Delivery Destination", "Delivery Distance", "Current Time", "Delivery Start Time", "Power Recovery Location", "Arrival Time at Power Recovery Location", "Scheduled Delivery Completion Time", and "Power Usage". Explanations of items that are the same as those described above will be omitted. "Delivery ID" is a fixed identification number for each energy delivery. "Delivery Distance" indicates the time when the mobile unit 3 arrives at the delivery destination. The delivery distance is calculated, for example, based on the location information of the mobile unit 3, the location information of the energy storage device 4, and the location information of the delivery destination. "Delivery Start Time" is the time when the mobile unit 3 starts operation and is determined according to the desired delivery time in the request information 231. "Power Recovery Location" corresponds to the location information of the energy storage device information 233. "Time of arrival at power recovery location" indicates the time when mobile unit 3 arrives at the location of energy storage device 4 after starting operation, and is updated as needed depending on the performance and operating status of mobile unit 3. "Estimated delivery completion time" indicates the time when mobile unit 3 arrives at the delivery destination, and is updated as needed depending on the operating status of mobile unit 3.

[0052] The monitoring screen generated by the monitoring unit 224 will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a management screen displayed on an administrator terminal according to Embodiment 1. In Figure 8, a management screen 61 is shown on an administrator terminal provided in the management room 6 in the energy distribution system 100. The monitoring unit 224 generates a management screen 61 showing the distribution status of the mobile unit 3 based on the distribution status information 235. In Figure 8, the management screen 61 is displayed as an energy distribution management system. The management screen 61 includes items such as "Reservation List," "Mobile Unit List," and "Battery List," and allows for centralized management and confirmation of request information 231, mobile unit information 232, energy storage device information 233, etc., respectively. By checking the information, the administrator can always grasp the demand of consumers, the status of the mobile unit 3 and the energy storage device 4, and provide a higher quality energy distribution service.

[0053] The management screen 61 can display information about the mobile unit 3 and energy storage device 4 corresponding to the delivery ID. In the management screen 61 shown in Figure 8, for "Delivery ID: MM01", it is shown that the mobile unit 3 is "Drone B" and the energy storage device 4 is "Battery B". Furthermore, by selecting either Drone B or Battery B on the management screen 61, information regarding the performance or maintenance of the mobile unit 3 or energy storage device 4 may be displayed. By being able to check detailed information about the mobile unit 3 and energy storage device 4 required for energy delivery, administrators can constantly monitor the status of the mobile unit 3 and energy storage device 4, thereby ensuring the continuation of operations while maintaining a consistent quality of service.

[0054] The management screen 61 shown in Figure 8 displays the delivery status for "Delivery ID: MM". The delivery status is a delivery map with the mobile unit 3, energy storage device 4, and delivery destination marked on the map. The markings on the delivery map shown in management screen 61 in Figure 8 indicate the "Delivery Start Location," "Power Recovery Location," and "Delivery Destination," respectively. The delivery status may also display items such as the delivery completion date and time, delivery details, operational status, and delivery destination. By checking the delivery status displayed on management screen 61, administrators can reliably grasp the status of the energy delivery service.

[0055] The delivery status confirmation screen 122 generated by the monitoring unit 224 will be explained using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a delivery status confirmation screen displayed on a user terminal according to Embodiment 1. Figure 9 shows the delivery status confirmation screen 122 displayed on the user terminal 1 of a user using the energy delivery service. The delivery status confirmation screen 122 includes the estimated arrival time, a delivery map similar to the management screen 61, the latest delivery status, and a message function for contacting the administrator with questions or requests, etc., as energy delivery status. By checking the delivery status confirmation screen 122, users can easily understand when and by what route electricity will be delivered, thus improving convenience.

[0056] The output unit 225 outputs information of the results processed and generated by the processing unit 22. The output unit 225 outputs the delivery plan confirmation screen 121, the management screen 61, the delivery status confirmation screen 122, etc., to the administrator terminal or user terminal 1. The output unit 255 also outputs a delivery instruction to the mobile unit 3 via the communication unit 21. If the delivery instruction includes the retrieval of the energy storage device 4, the output unit 255 outputs an attachment / detachment instruction to the energy storage device 4.

[0057] The storage unit 23 stores the above-mentioned request information 231, mobile information 232, energy storage device information 233, delivery plan information 234, and delivery status information 235. The storage unit 23 also acquires and stores various data obtained from other equipment or systems, such as map information or weather information. The mobile information 232 and energy storage device information 233 may be registered in advance by the user or updated as appropriate. Furthermore, when formulating the delivery plan information 234, map information and a predetermined route determined in advance according to the map information may be set and stored in advance. The storage unit 23 may be located outside the energy delivery server 2 and configured to be connectable to the energy delivery server 2 via a network.

[0058] As described above, the mobile unit 3 delivers the energy storage device 4 to the user's designated location (destination). The mobile unit 3 comprises a communication unit 31 and a control unit 32.

[0059] The communication unit 31 is connected to the energy distribution server 2 or various other devices and systems via a network such as a LAN, WAN, wireless telephone network, or wide-area data communication network, or via a dedicated line, etc., enabling communication by wired or wireless means. The mobile unit 3 is configured so that its current location can be known to the energy distribution server 2 via the communication unit 41. This allows the user to know the location information of the mobile unit 3 as it operates.

[0060] The control unit 32 controls each operation of the entire mobile unit 3. Based on the delivery instructions obtained from the energy delivery server 2, the control unit 32 controls the entire mobile unit 3 to deliver energy from the delivery start position to the delivery destination. If the mobile unit 3 is required to retrieve the energy storage device 4 during energy delivery, the control unit 32 controls the mobile unit 3 to operate to the energy storage device 4 retrieval position as a first travel route, and then controls the mobile unit 3 to the delivery end position, which is the delivery destination, as a second travel route. If the mobile unit 3 is required to retrieve the energy storage device 4 during energy delivery, the control unit 32 performs the retrieval operation of the energy storage device 4 after it has arrived at the energy storage device 4 retrieval position, after the attachment / detachment operation described later has been performed.

[0061] The retrieval operation of the control unit 32 will be explained using the example where the mobile body 3 is a drone and the energy storage device 4 is a battery. The retrieval operation is achieved, for example, by connecting or storing the battery, provided that the drone is configured to be connectable to the battery or to be able to store the battery inside the drone. Next, the placement operation in which the mobile body 3 arrives at the destination and places the energy storage device 4 at the user's location will be explained. As described above, once the drone that performed the retrieval operation has started operating the second mobile route and arrived at the delivery destination, the battery can be delivered by separating or unloading the connected or stored battery. In this way, in the case of power delivery by drone, even if land routes are unusable due to the effects of disasters, it is possible to flexibly deliver power (energy) to destinations such as disaster-stricken areas.

[0062] As described above, the energy storage device 4 is a device that can store energy obtained from the energy supply resource 5. The energy storage device 4 comprises a communication unit 41 and a control unit 42.

[0063] The communication unit 41 is connected to the energy distribution server 2 or various other devices and systems via a network such as a LAN, WAN, wireless telephone network, or wide-area data communication network, or via a dedicated line, etc., enabling communication by wired or wireless means. The energy storage device 4 may be configured so that its current location can be known to the energy distribution server 2 via the communication unit 41. This allows the user to know the location information of the energy storage device 4 being delivered.

[0064] The control unit 42 controls each operation of the entire energy storage device 4. For example, the control unit 42 controls charging from the energy supply resource 5 according to the charge level of the energy storage device 4. The energy storage device 4 is controlled to perform attachment and detachment operations from the energy station where it is installed, in accordance with the recovery operation of the mobile body 3. The energy station where the energy storage device 4 is installed is, for example, a charging station equipped with multiple storage batteries that receives power from the energy supply resource 5 and charges the storage batteries. For example, the control unit 42 controls the system to a state where the corresponding storage battery can be removed from the charging station based on attachment and detachment instructions from the energy distribution server 2. Specifically, the energy storage device 4 transmits attachment and detachment instructions to the energy station, causing the energy station to perform attachment and detachment operations on the energy storage device 4. The energy station is configured to communicate with the energy distribution server 2 so that it can perform attachment and detachment operations on the energy storage device 4. When a communication unit installed in an energy station receives a connection / detachment instruction from the energy distribution server 2 and forwards the instruction to the energy storage device 4, the energy storage device 4 does not need to be connected to the energy distribution server 2 in a way that allows communication.

[0065] <Energy distribution system 100 distribution processing> Figure 10 illustrates the flow of the energy distribution process in the energy distribution system 100. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the energy distribution system according to Embodiment 1.

[0066] In step S101, the information acquisition unit 221 of the energy delivery server 2 acquires request information 231 from the user terminal 1 operated by the user via the communication unit 21. The information acquisition unit 221 also acquires mobile body information 232 from the mobile body 3 and energy storage device information 233 from the energy storage device 4 via the communication unit 21. The period for acquiring the mobile body information 232 and the energy storage device information 233 may be determined by a schedule, or it may be set as appropriate by the user, such as acquiring the information whenever the location information and charging status of the mobile body 3 and the energy storage device 4 are updated. The information acquisition unit 221 stores the acquired request information 231, mobile body information 232, and energy storage device information 233 in the storage unit 23.

[0067] In step S102, the matching processing unit 222 of the energy distribution server 2 selects a combination of mobile body 3 and energy storage device 4 based on the request information 231, mobile body information 232, and energy storage device information 233. The processing procedure of the matching processing unit 222 will be described later with reference to Figure 11.

[0068] In step S103, the matching processing unit 222 determines the result of the matching process performed, that is, whether or not there are candidate combinations of the mobile body 3 and the energy storage device 4. If there are combinations, the matching processing unit 222 outputs the combination results to the delivery plan formulation unit 223 (step S103: Yes). If there are no combinations (step S103: No), the matching processing unit 222 uses the output unit 225 to notify the user via the communication unit 21 that there are no combinations (step S110).

[0069] In step S104, the delivery planning unit 223 of the energy delivery server 2 formulates a delivery plan for the mobile unit 3 based on the combination candidates obtained from the matching processing unit 222.

[0070] In step S105, the output unit 225 of the energy delivery server 2 acquires the delivery plan formulated by the delivery plan formulation unit 223 and notifies the user terminal 1 of the delivery plan via the communication unit 21.

[0071] In step S106, the user uses user terminal 1 to decide whether or not to approve the delivery plan obtained from energy delivery server 2. If the user approves the delivery plan, they use user terminal 1 to perform the delivery plan approval operation and notify energy delivery server 2 accordingly (step S106: Yes). If the user does not approve the delivery plan, they use user terminal 1 to perform the delivery plan rejection operation and notify energy delivery server 2 accordingly (step S106: No). In Figure 10, if the user rejects the delivery plan operation, the flow is restarted from the beginning, but the flow may also be terminated.

[0072] In step S107, after obtaining the user's approval result, the energy delivery server 2 uses the output unit 225 to transmit instructions related to the delivery plan to the mobile unit 3 and the energy storage device 4 via the communication unit 21. The instructions related to the delivery plan include the delivery instructions and attachment / detachment instructions mentioned above.

[0073] In step S108, the mobile unit 3 receives delivery instructions from the energy delivery server 2 and operates to its destination according to the delivery instructions. In this embodiment, the mobile unit 3 is assumed to be an unmanned mobile machine, but the operation of the mobile unit 3 may be carried out by a person or by remote operation.

[0074] In step S109, the user performs a receiving operation for the mobile unit 3 or energy storage device 4 using the user terminal 1. The energy delivery server 2 processes the energy delivery as complete, for example, by receiving the receiving operation from the user terminal 1. If there is a discrepancy between the result of the receiving operation received from the user terminal 1 and the location information of the mobile unit 3 or energy storage device 4 in the delivery plan, the energy delivery server 2 can issue an alarm to each user, indicating that at least one of the mobile unit 3 and energy storage device 4 has not been delivered properly. This allows the user to determine that there is an abnormality in the energy delivery system 100, enabling safer service operation to continue.

[0075] <Matching process for energy distribution system 100> Figure 11 illustrates the matching process performed by the matching processing unit 222 of the energy distribution system 100. Figure 11 is a flowchart of the matching process according to Embodiment 1. Figure 11 shows the details of the matching process shown in step S102 of the flowchart in Figure 10.

[0076] In step S201, the matching processing unit 222 acquires mobile body information 232 from the information acquisition unit 221.

[0077] In step S202, the matching processing unit 222 selects whether there are any candidate mobile bodies 3 that satisfy the conditions of the request information 231, based on the request information 231 and the mobile body information 232. For example, the matching processing unit 222 checks whether there is a mobile body 3 that can travel to the distance of the delivery destination specified in the request information 231. If there are candidate mobile bodies 3 in step S202, the process proceeds to step S203 (step S202: Yes). If there are no candidate mobile bodies 3 in step S202, the process terminates because there are no combinations (step S202: No).

[0078] In step S203, the matching processing unit 222 checks whether the mobile body 3 selected in step S202 has an energy supply function. If it does not have an energy supply function, proceed to step S204 (step S203: Yes). If it does have an energy supply function, proceed to step S207 (step S203: No). Step S207 will be explained later.

[0079] In step S204, the matching processing unit 222 acquires energy storage device information 233 from the information acquisition unit 221.

[0080] In step S205, the matching processing unit 222 selects whether there are any candidate energy storage devices 4 that satisfy the conditions of the request information 231, based on the request information 231, the mobile information of the selected mobile body 3, and the energy storage device information 233. For example, the matching processing unit 222 checks whether there is an energy storage device 4 that corresponds to the amount of energy in the request information 231. In addition, the matching processing unit 222 determines whether the energy storage device 4 is within the recoverable distance for the selected mobile body 3. If there are candidate energy storage devices 4 in step S205, the process proceeds to step S206 (step S205: Yes). If there are no candidate energy storage devices 4 in step S205, the process terminates because there are no candidate combinations (step S205: No).

[0081] In step S206, the matching processing unit 222 terminates the flow by considering the selected mobile body 3 and energy storage device 4 as a combination candidate. That is, after the end of this flow, the process proceeds to step S103 shown in Figure 10.

[0082] In step S207, the matching processing unit 222 determines whether the mobile unit 3 equipped with an energy supply function can deliver to the delivery destination indicated in the request information 231. When the mobile unit 3 equipped with an energy supply function operates on a route that retrieves the energy storage device 4, it is necessary to check the deliverable distance because it will perform delivery and energy supply using only the amount of energy installed on the mobile unit 3. The matching processing unit 222 can determine whether the mobile unit 3 equipped with an energy supply function can deliver to the delivery destination using, for example, the following calculation formula.

[0083]

number

[0084] In equation 1, D represents the drone's operational range (km). m This indicates the drone's maximum payload capacity (kWh). d P represents the power demand from the user (kWh). P represents the power consumption rate required for drone flight (kWh / km). Equation 1 is based on the assumption that after subtracting the amount of power the drone needs to supply power to the user, the remaining power is used for flight. The power consumption rate P required for flight varies depending on the drone model and flight conditions, so it is necessary to set a specific value. For example, if the drone is fully charged (fully charged), the drone's maximum payload power (E m ) is 10kWh, and the user has a power request of 5.0kWh (E d If the power consumption rate (P) required for drone flight is 0.5 kWh / km, then the operational range (D) will be 10 km, and the operational range of the drone can be determined. Note that the term "power" in the names of the variables mentioned above can be replaced with "energy". Also, the mobile body 3 equipped with an energy supply function can be rephrased as being equipped with an energy storage device 4.

[0085] In step S207, if the matching processing unit 222 determines that delivery to the destination is possible, it proceeds to step S206 to determine the mobile body 3 (including the energy storage device 4) (step S207: Yes). If the matching processing unit 222 determines that delivery to the destination is not possible, it proceeds to step S204 to check whether there is an energy storage device 4 that the mobile body 3 can deliver to (step S207: No).

[0086] <Processing for formulating a delivery plan for energy distribution system 100> Figure 12 illustrates the delivery plan formulation process performed by the delivery plan formulation unit 223 of the energy delivery system 100. Figure 12 is a flowchart of the delivery plan formulation process according to Embodiment 1.

[0087] In step S301, the delivery planning unit 223 obtains the combination of the mobile body 3 and the selected energy storage device 4 selected by the matching processing unit 222.

[0088] In step S302, the delivery planning unit 223 confirms whether the selected mobile unit 3 has an energy supply function. If the selected mobile unit 3 does not have an energy supply function, the delivery planning unit 223 proceeds to step S303 (step S303: Yes). If the selected mobile unit 3 has an energy supply function, the delivery planning unit 223 proceeds to step S304 (step S302: No).

[0089] In step S303, the delivery planning unit 223 formulates a first route, which is the route from the delivery start position of the mobile body 3 to the energy storage device retrieval position where the energy storage device 4 is installed.

[0090] In step S304, the delivery planning unit 223 formulates a second route, which is the route from the energy storage device retrieval location of the mobile unit 3 to the delivery destination. If the mobile unit 3 was equipped with an energy supply function in step S302 (step S302: Yes), the delivery planning unit 223 only formulates the route from the delivery start location of the mobile unit 3 to the delivery destination. The route from the delivery start location of the mobile unit 3 to the delivery destination is formulated based on the location information of the mobile unit 3, the distance the mobile unit 3 can travel, and the delivery destination in the request information 231, thereby formulating a delivery plan for the mobile unit 3 to its delivery destination. Through the above processing, the delivery planning unit 223 formulates a delivery plan. After the completion of this flow, the process proceeds to step S105 shown in Figure 10.

[0091] <Operation control of mobile objects in energy distribution system 100> Figure 13 illustrates the operation control of the mobile unit 3 of the energy distribution system 100. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the operation control of the mobile unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0092] In step S401, the mobile unit 3 obtains the delivery plan from the energy delivery server 2.

[0093] In step S402, the mobile unit 3 determines whether or not it is necessary to recover the energy storage device 4. If it is necessary to recover the energy storage device 4, the mobile unit 3 proceeds to step S403 (step S402: Yes). If it is not necessary to recover the energy storage device 4, the mobile unit 3 proceeds to step S405 (step S402: No).

[0094] In step S403, the mobile unit 3 travels along a first route, which is the route from the delivery start position to the energy storage device retrieval position where the energy storage device 4 is installed.

[0095] . In step S404, the mobile unit 3 performs the retrieval operation of the energy storage device 4 located at the energy storage device retrieval position. At this time, the energy storage device 4 performs the attachment and detachment operation.

[0096] In step S405, the mobile unit 3, equipped with the recovered energy storage device 4, operates along a second route, which is the route from the energy storage device recovery location to the delivery destination. If the mobile unit 3 does not require the recovery of the energy storage device 4 (step S404: No), in step S405, it operates along the route from the delivery start location to the destination.

[0097] In step S406, the mobile unit 3 delivers energy to the user by separating or unloading the recovered energy storage device 4 at the destination. After this process, the mobile unit 3 performs operational control. After the completion of this flow, the process proceeds to step S109 shown in Figure 10.

[0098] As described above, the energy distribution system 100 can flexibly supply energy to consumers in response to their sudden energy needs, regardless of time or location. Because the energy distribution system 100 can deliver electricity from areas with established power infrastructure to areas without it, it is possible to supply essential electricity to consumers more quickly and continuously than would be possible in terms of the time and cost of developing power infrastructure. The energy distribution system 100 can also respond quickly to sudden charging needs such as EV charging, so EV users or electricity consumers can access electricity without worrying about location or time, improving the convenience of their lives. The energy distribution system 100 can supply energy from afar to areas where electricity supply is insufficient, such as disaster-stricken areas, during disasters, thus greatly contributing to improving the living environment of disaster victims and even to maintaining their lives.

[0099] <Hardware configuration of energy delivery server 2> The hardware configuration of the processing unit 700 according to Embodiment 1 will now be described. The processing unit 700 according to Embodiment 1 corresponds to the processing unit 22 in the energy distribution server 2. Each function of the processing unit 700 according to Embodiment 1 is realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware, or it may be a processing unit that executes a program stored in a storage device.

[0100] When the processing circuit is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit may be a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or a combination thereof. Figure 14 is a diagram showing the configuration in which each function of the processing unit according to Embodiment 1 is realized in hardware. The processing circuit 701 incorporates a logic circuit 701a that realizes the function of the processing unit 700.

[0101] If the processing circuit 701 is a processing unit, the functions of the processing unit 700 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. <Software configuration of energy delivery server 2>

[0102] Figure 15 shows a configuration in which each function of the processing unit 22 according to Embodiment 1 is realized by software. The processing circuit 701 has a processor 702 that executes a program 705, a random access memory 703 used by the processor 702 as a work area, and a storage device 704 that stores the program 705. The processor 702 loads the program 705 stored in the storage device 704 onto the random access memory 703 and executes it, thereby realizing the functions of the processing unit 700. The software or firmware is written in a programming language and stored in the storage device 704. The processor 702 can be a central processing unit, but is not limited to that. The storage device 704 can be a semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The semiconductor memory may be non-volatile memory or volatile memory. In addition to the storage device 704 and semiconductor memory, magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidiscs, or DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) can also be used. The processor 702 may output data such as calculation results to the storage device 704 for storage, or it may store such data in an auxiliary storage device (not shown) via the random access memory 703. By integrating the processor 702, random access memory 703, and storage device 704 onto a single chip, the functions of the processing unit 700 can be realized by a microcomputer.

[0103] The processing circuit 701 realizes the functions of the processing unit 700 by reading and executing the program 705 stored in the memory device 704. The program 705 can also be described as instructing the computer to execute the procedures and methods for realizing the functions of the processing unit 700.

[0104] Furthermore, the processing circuit 701 may implement some of the functions of the processing unit 700 using dedicated hardware, and some of the functions of the processing unit 700 using software or firmware.

[0105] Thus, the processing circuit 701 can realize each of the above-mentioned functions through hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1 User terminal, 11, 21, 31, 41 Communication unit, 12 Display unit, 121 Delivery plan confirmation screen, 122 Delivery status confirmation screen, 13 Operation unit, 2 Energy delivery server, 22 Processing unit, 221 Information acquisition unit, 222 Matching processing unit, 223 Delivery plan formulation unit, 224 Monitoring unit, 225 Output unit, 23 Storage unit, 231 Request information, 232 Mobile unit information, 233 Energy storage device information, 234 Delivery plan information, 235 Delivery status information, 3 Mobile unit, 32, 42 Control unit, 4 Energy storage device, 5 Energy supply resource, 6 Management room, 61 Management screen, Delivery status confirmation screen 122

Claims

1. An information acquisition unit acquires request information including the amount of energy that the user requests to be delivered and the delivery destination of the energy storage device that stores the energy, energy storage device information including the location information of the energy storage device and the energy storage status indicating the energy storage status, and mobile body information including the location information of the mobile body that delivers the energy storage device and the delivery distance. Based on the request information and the mobile body information, select a mobile body that can be delivered to the delivery destination. A matching unit that selects an energy storage device that satisfies the energy amount based on the mobile body information of the selected mobile body, the request information, and the energy storage device information, A delivery planning unit formulates a delivery plan for the mobile body to the delivery destination based on the selected location information of the mobile body, the selected location information of the energy storage device, and the delivery destination. An output unit that outputs the delivery plan to the mobile unit, An energy delivery server equipped with the following features.

2. The matching unit is Based on the aforementioned mobile body information, it is determined whether the mobile body has an energy supply function that supplies energy to external equipment or facilities, and if the mobile body has the energy supply function, Based on the amount of power energy used to propel the mobile body and the amount of energy included in the request information, the operating distance of the mobile body is calculated. Based on the location information of the mobile body, the traversable distance, and the delivery destination, it is determined whether the mobile body can travel to the delivery destination. The aforementioned delivery planning department, If it is determined that the mobile vehicle can travel to the delivery destination, Based on the determined location information of the mobile body and the delivery destination, a delivery plan for the mobile body to the delivery destination is formulated. The energy delivery server according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned delivery planning department, If it is determined that the mobile body equipped with the energy supply function is unable to travel to the delivery destination, A first travel route is defined, which is the route from the starting point of delivery of the mobile body to the location where the energy storage device is recovered, and a second travel route is defined, which is the route from the first travel route to the delivery destination. The energy delivery server according to feature 2.

4. The aforementioned delivery planning department, If the mobile body does not have the energy supply function, A first travel route is defined, which is the route from the starting point of delivery of the mobile body to the location where the energy storage device is recovered, and a second travel route is defined, which is the route from the first travel route to the delivery destination. The energy delivery server according to feature 2.

5. An energy delivery server manages the delivery status of mobile vehicles that deliver energy storage devices that store energy, The moving body comprises, The aforementioned energy delivery server is An information acquisition unit acquires request information including the amount of energy that the user requests to be delivered and the delivery destination of the energy storage device that stores the energy, energy storage device information including the location information of the energy storage device and the energy storage status indicating the energy storage status, and mobile body information including the location information of the mobile body that delivers the energy storage device and the delivery distance. Based on the request information and the mobile body information, select a mobile body that can be delivered to the delivery destination. A matching unit that selects an energy storage device that satisfies the energy amount based on the mobile body information of the selected mobile body, the request information, and the energy storage device information, A delivery planning unit formulates a delivery plan for the mobile body to the delivery destination based on the selected location information of the mobile body, the selected location information of the energy storage device, and the delivery destination. An output unit that outputs the delivery plan to the mobile unit, An energy distribution system equipped with [the following features].

6. The aforementioned moving body is Based on the aforementioned delivery plan, the vehicle operates along the aforementioned route. The energy distribution system according to feature 5.

7. The steps include obtaining request information including the amount of energy that the user requests to be delivered and the delivery destination of the energy storage device that stores the energy, The steps include: acquiring energy storage device information, including location information of the energy storage device and energy storage status indicating the energy storage status; The steps include: acquiring mobile information including location information and delivery distance for the mobile body that delivers the energy storage device; A step of selecting a mobile that can be delivered to the delivery destination based on the request information and the mobile information, A step of selecting an energy storage device that satisfies the amount of energy based on the mobile information of the selected mobile body, the request information, and the energy storage device information, A step of formulating a delivery plan for the mobile body to the delivery destination based on the location information of the selected mobile body, the location information of the selected energy storage device, and the delivery destination, The steps include outputting the delivery plan to the mobile unit, An energy delivery method equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

8. On the computer, The steps include obtaining request information including the amount of energy that the user requests to be delivered and the delivery destination of the energy storage device that stores the energy, The steps include: acquiring energy storage device information, including location information of the energy storage device and energy storage status indicating the energy storage status; The steps include: acquiring mobile information including location information and delivery distance for the mobile body that delivers the energy storage device; A step of selecting a mobile that can be delivered to the delivery destination based on the request information and the mobile information, A step of selecting an energy storage device that satisfies the amount of energy based on the mobile information of the selected mobile body, the request information, and the energy storage device information, A step of formulating a delivery plan for the mobile body to the delivery destination based on the location information of the selected mobile body, the location information of the selected energy storage device, and the delivery destination, The steps include outputting the delivery plan to the mobile unit, An energy delivery program that enables the execution of this program.

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