POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM, POWER SUPPLY LANE, POWER SUPPLY EQUIPMENT, SERVER, VEHICLE, POWER SUPPLY FEE SETTING DEVICE, AND POWER SUPPLY FEE SETTING METHOD

Abstract

To provide a power supply system capable of contributing to expanding the application of platooning by giving a vehicle an incentive to run as the leading vehicle in a platoon.SOLUTION: A power supply facility 300 supplies electric power to a vehicle in motion without contact. In the calculation of charges when the power supply facility 300 supplies the electric power to vehicles traveling in a platoon 400, the power supply unit price applied to the top vehicle 100A of the platoon 400 is set lower than the power supply unit price applied to the vehicles 100B and 100C that follow the platoon 400.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply system, a power supply lane, a power supply facility, a server, a vehicle, a power supply fee setting device, and a power supply fee setting method. [Background technology]

[0002] As a technology for forming a platoon with multiple vehicles, known as platoon driving, JP 2020-64572 A (Patent Document 1) describes a vehicle control device and a driving assistance device for properly platooning while reducing the communication load between vehicles.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, when a vehicle travels autonomously in a power supply lane in which a power supply device is installed, vehicle information is transmitted from the vehicle to a driving assistance device via the power supply device. Furthermore, platoon information created by the driving assistance device using the vehicle information is received by the vehicle control device, allowing the vehicles to travel in an appropriate platoon in accordance with the platoon information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-64572 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When vehicles are traveling in a convoy, the lead vehicle in the convoy is subjected to wind pressure equivalent to that experienced when traveling alone, while the following vehicles are subjected to lower wind pressure than when traveling alone. Therefore, by actively promoting convoy traveling, it is possible to reduce the energy consumed by vehicles as a whole in society.

[0006] On the other hand, driving as the lead vehicle in a convoy is expected to place psychological pressure on the driver, so if each vehicle tries to avoid being the lead vehicle, it will be difficult to drive in a convoy.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a power supply system that can contribute to expanding the application of platooning by providing an incentive to drive as the lead vehicle in a platoon, and the power supply lanes, power supply equipment, server, and vehicles that constitute the power supply system, as well as a power supply fee setting device and a power supply fee setting method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A power supply system according to the present disclosure includes a power supply facility that supplies power to a traveling vehicle in a non-contact manner, and a server that manages power supply to the vehicle by the power supply facility, and includes a platoon information creation unit, a power supply record creation unit, and a power supply fee setting unit. The platoon information creation unit creates platoon information related to platooning of vehicles to be supplied with power by the power supply facility. The platoon information includes information indicating whether the vehicle to be supplied with power is platooning or not, and information identifying whether the vehicle is a leading vehicle when platooning is being performed. The power supply record creation unit creates a power supply record from the power supply facility to the vehicles to be supplied with power. The power supply fee setting unit sets a power supply fee based on a unit price of the amount of power supply set using the platoon information of the vehicles to be supplied with power and the power supply record. The power supply fee setting unit sets a first unit price of the amount of power supply to the leading vehicle lower than a second unit price of the amount of power supply to at least one following vehicle included in the platoon including the leading vehicle.

[0009] According to the above power supply system, the power supply price applied to the lead vehicle in the platoon can be set lower than that of the following vehicles in the platoon, thereby providing an incentive for the lead vehicle to travel as the lead vehicle in the platoon.

[0010] In the power supply system, when there are multiple following vehicles, the power supply fee setting unit can set the second unit price for each of the following vehicles so that the price becomes higher the further back the following vehicle is located in the platoon.

[0011] In this way, the power supply price for the following vehicles can be set according to the benefits they receive from platooning, ensuring fairness and providing an incentive for vehicles to travel as the lead vehicle in the platoon.

[0012] 3. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the power supply fee setting unit sets the first unit price lower than a basic unit price of the amount of power supply applied to power supply target vehicles not engaged in platooning. Further, the power supply fee setting unit can set the second unit price higher than the basic unit price.

[0013] In this way, the power supply cost applied to the lead vehicle in the platoon can be set lower than that of a vehicle traveling alone (not traveling in platoon), thereby increasing the incentive to travel as the lead vehicle in the platoon.

[0014] In the power supply system, the electricity fee setting unit can set the first unit price and the second unit price so that the difference between the basic unit price and the first unit price is equivalent to the sum of the difference between the second unit price and the basic unit price for at least one following vehicle.

[0015] In this way, the funds for the preferential power supply price applied to the leading vehicle can be secured by setting the power supply price for the following vehicles that benefit from the preferential power supply price in the same train.

[0016] In a power supply system, when the power supply from the power supply equipment to the vehicles is limited to a first power value, the power supply to the leading vehicle is increased from the first power value, while the power supply to at least one following vehicle and the power supply to the target vehicles that are not traveling in a convoy can be set to less than the first power value.

[0017] In this way, in a situation where the amount of power supplied by the power supply facility is limited, the leading vehicle can be given priority in power supply, thereby increasing the incentive for the leading vehicle in the platoon to travel as the leading vehicle.

[0018] In the power supply system, the vehicle includes a platoon information creation unit, and the target vehicle transmits the platoon information to the power supply equipment and then receives power from the power supply equipment. Furthermore, the server or the power supply equipment includes a power supply fee setting unit that sets a unit price of the power supply from the power supply equipment to the target vehicle using the platoon information transmitted from the target vehicle to the power supply equipment.

[0019] With this configuration, by creating platoon information on the vehicle side and collecting the platoon information via the power supply equipment, it is possible to operate a power supply system that reduces the processing load on the server and the power supply equipment and increases the incentive for the vehicle to travel as the lead vehicle in the platoon.

[0020] In the power supply system, the vehicle includes a communication module, a detector, and a control device. The communication module performs short-range wireless communication with other vehicles and nearby power supply equipment, and wide-area wireless communication with a server via a communication network. The detector detects a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle. The control device operates as a platoon information creation unit by creating platoon information using a detection result of the preceding vehicle by the detector and information received from a vehicle following the vehicle by short-range wireless communication. The power supply equipment includes a communication device and a first processing device. The communication device performs short-range wireless communication with a power supply target vehicle, and wide-area wireless communication with a server via a communication network. The first processing device operates as a power supply record creation unit by creating a power supply record based on a detection value of the power supply power when power is supplied to the power supply target vehicle. The communication device receives vehicle identification information and platoon information from the communication module of the power supply target vehicle before power supply starts, and transmits the vehicle identification information, platoon information, and power supply record of the power supply target vehicle to the server after power supply ends. The server includes a second processing device that operates as a power supply fee setting unit by setting a unit price of the amount of power supply for the power supply target vehicle by using the vehicle identification information and the platoon information of the power supply target vehicle received from the power supply facility.

[0021] With this configuration, platoon information can be created by short-range wireless communication between vehicles, and information necessary for setting power supply fees can be collected by short-range wireless communication between the vehicles and the power supply equipment, and wide-area wireless communication between the server and the power supply equipment. As a result, the processing load on the server and the power supply equipment can be reduced, and the power supply system can be efficiently operated to increase the incentive for vehicles to run as the lead vehicle in the platoon.

[0022] In the power supply system, a control device of a vehicle creates a power reception record including the amount of power received when power is supplied from the power supply equipment, and a communication module transmits the vehicle identification information and the power reception record to a server after power supply is completed. The power supply record of a vehicle to be supplied with power is created by comparing the power supply record created by the power supply equipment with the power reception record created by the vehicle.

[0023] In this way, the power supply fee can be set accurately, reflecting the actual power supply efficiency between the power supply facility and the vehicle to be supplied with power.

[0024] The power supply lane according to the present disclosure is provided with power supply equipment included in any one of the power supply systems described above.

[0025] Using the above-mentioned power supply lane, a power supply system can be configured to increase the incentive for vehicles to travel as the lead vehicle in a platoon.

[0026] The power supply equipment according to the present disclosure is used in any one of the power supply systems described above, and includes a communication device and a processing device. The communication device performs short-range wireless communication with a target vehicle and wide-area wireless communication with a server via a communication network. The processing device operates as a power supply history creation unit by creating a power supply history based on a detection value of the power supply power when power is supplied to the target vehicle. After power supply is completed, the communication device transmits vehicle identification information and platoon information of the target vehicle to the power supply fee setting unit.

[0027] According to the above-mentioned power supply equipment, a power supply system can be configured to increase the incentive to drive as the lead vehicle in a platoon by realizing the functions of the power supply history creation unit through the exchange of information using short-range wireless communication between the vehicle to be powered and wide-area wireless communication with a server.

[0028] A server according to the present disclosure is a server used in any one of the above power supply systems, and includes a communication device and a processing device. The communication device communicates with each of the vehicles and the power supply equipment via a communication network. The processing device operates as a power supply fee setting unit using the platoon information of the power supply target vehicles created by the platoon information creation unit and the power supply record of the power supply target vehicles from the power supply record creation unit.

[0029] According to the above server, a power supply system can be configured that increases the incentive to run as the lead vehicle in a platoon by having the server realize the function of the power supply fee setting unit through the exchange of information between the vehicle and the power supply equipment using wide-area wireless communication.

[0030] A vehicle according to the present disclosure is a vehicle that is charged while traveling by any one of the power supply systems described above, and includes a communication module, a detector, and a control device. The communication module performs short-range wireless communication with other vehicles and nearby power supply equipment, and wide-area wireless communication with a server via a communication network. The detector detects a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle. The control device operates as a platoon information creation unit by creating platoon information using the detection result of the preceding vehicle by the detector and information received from a vehicle following the vehicle by short-range wireless communication.

[0031] According to the above vehicle, by realizing the functions of the platoon information creation unit through the exchange of information between vehicles using short-range wireless communication, it is possible to configure a power supply system that reduces the processing load on the server and power supply equipment and increases the incentive to run as the lead vehicle in the platoon.

[0032] A power supply fee setting device according to the present disclosure is a power supply fee setting device in a power supply system including a power supply facility that supplies power to a traveling vehicle in a non-contact manner and a server that manages power supply to the vehicle by the power supply facility, and includes a power supply unit price setting unit and a power supply fee calculation unit. The power supply unit price setting unit sets a unit price of the amount of power supplied to the target vehicle based on platoon information related to the platooning of the target vehicle by the power supply facility. The power supply fee calculation unit calculates the power supply fee from the power supply facility to the target vehicle based on the unit price set by the power supply unit price setting unit and the power supply record for the target vehicle. The platoon information includes information indicating whether the target vehicle is running in platooning, and information identifying whether the vehicle is a leading vehicle when running in platooning. The power supply unit price setting unit sets a first unit price of the amount of power supplied to the leading vehicle lower than a second unit price of the amount of power supplied to at least one following vehicle included in the platoon including the leading vehicle.

[0033] The power supply fee method according to the present disclosure is a power supply fee method in a power supply system including a power supply facility that supplies power to vehicles in a non-contact manner while the vehicles are traveling and a server that manages power supply to the vehicles by the power supply facility, and includes the steps of acquiring platoon information related to platooning of the vehicles to be powered from the power supply facility, setting a unit price of the amount of power to be supplied to the vehicles to be powered based on the acquired platoon information, and calculating a power supply fee from the power supply facility to the vehicles to be powered based on the set unit price and the power supply record of the vehicles to be powered. The platoon information includes information indicating whether the vehicles to be powered are running in platooning and information identifying whether the vehicles are the leading vehicles when running in platooning. The setting step sets a first unit price of the amount of power to be supplied to the leading vehicle lower than a second unit price of the amount of power to be supplied to at least one following vehicle included in the platoon including the leading vehicle.

[0034] According to the power supply fee setting device and power supply fee setting method disclosed herein, the power supply price applied to the lead vehicle in a platoon can be set lower than that of the following vehicles in the platoon, thereby providing an incentive to drive as the lead vehicle in the platoon. Effect of the Invention

[0035] According to the present disclosure, by providing benefits in terms of power supply fees to the lead vehicle in a platoon, an incentive to travel as the lead vehicle in the platoon can be given, thereby contributing to expanding the application of platooning. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the vehicle shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a vehicle and a server in more detail. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of contactless power supply during travel by a power supply facility. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a conceptual plan view illustrating an example of the arrangement of power supply equipment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating vehicle platooning. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of creating procession information. [Figure 8] 8 is a table showing formation information indicated by the leading flag, the following flag, and the count value shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating power supply condition setting control in the power supply system according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is an operation sequence diagram when a vehicle is externally charged by a power supply facility in the power supply system according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for setting an electricity supply fee in a server. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of preferential power supply conditions for a leading vehicle in a platoon. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and their description will not be repeated.

[0038] (Power supply system configuration) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a vehicle power supply system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 1, the power supply system 1 includes a vehicle 100, a server 200, and a power supply facility 300. The vehicle 100 and the power supply facility 300 are configured to be able to communicate with the server 200 through a communication network 10 such as the Internet. Note that the server 200 and the power supply facility 300 may be directly connected for communication by a communication line, but hereinafter, the server 200 and the power supply facility 300 will be described as communicating with each other via the communication network 10.

[0039] Vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle equipped with a rechargeable power storage device (not shown) for driving, such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Furthermore, in this embodiment, vehicle 100 is configured to enable charging of the power storage device with electric power from outside the vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as "external charging"). Specifically, vehicle 100 is provided with a configuration (described later) for externally charging the on-board power storage device with electric power from power supply equipment 300.

[0040] The server 200 has information about the vehicle 100 (described later), map information (the latest road information, etc.), and information about the power supply equipment (group) 300 (power supply method, installation location, etc.). Detailed configurations of the vehicle 100 and the server 200 will be described later.

[0041] Typically, the power supply equipment 300 includes a contact-type power supply equipment (not shown) that supplies power to the vehicle 100 through an electrical connection using a power supply cable, and a non-contact power supply equipment that supplies power to the vehicle 100 by electromagnetic energy using power transmission coils 320 provided in various locations, but in the present embodiment, the power supply equipment 300 is described as meaning the non-contact power supply equipment. That is, the power supply equipment 300 can supply power to the vehicle 100 while it is running.

[0042] The vehicle 100 and the power supply facility 300 are formed to be able to communicate in both directions via a communication path 14 using short-range wireless communication. Furthermore, between the vehicles 100, a vehicle-to-vehicle communication path 12 using short-range wireless communication is formed. The short-range wireless communication refers to communication with a shorter communication distance than wide-area wireless communication described later, and specifically refers to communication with a communication distance of less than 10 m, for example. As the short-range wireless communication, various short-distance wireless communication with a short communication distance can be used, and for example, communication conforming to any communication standard (for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark)) established by IEEE, ISO, IEC, etc. is used. In addition, as a technology for performing short-range wireless communication, for example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), DSRC (dedicated Short Range Communication), etc. are used.

[0043] In contrast, the vehicle 100 and the power supply facility 300 communicate with the server 200 by wide-area wireless communication. Wide-area wireless communication has a longer communication distance than narrow-area wireless communication, and specifically, the communication distance is, for example, about 10 [m] to 10 [km]. As the wide-area wireless communication, various wireless communication with a long communication distance can be used, and for example, communication conforming to any communication standard such as 4G, LTE, 5G, WiMAX (registered trademark) established by 3GPP and IEEE can be used.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of vehicle 100 shown in Fig. 1. With reference to Fig. 2, vehicle 100 includes a power storage device 110, a system main relay (SMR), a power control unit (PCU) 120, a motor generator 130, a power transmission gear 135, and drive wheels 140.

[0045] The power storage device 110 is a power storage element configured to be rechargeable. The power storage device 110 includes, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery or a nickel metal hydride battery, and a power storage element such as an electric double layer capacitor. The power storage device 110 stores electric power for generating a driving force for traveling by the motor generator 130, and supplies the stored electric power to the PCU 120 when the system main relay SMR is in an on state. The power storage device 110 also outputs detection values ​​of the voltage, current, and temperature of the power storage device 110 detected by sensors (not shown) to the ECU 170.

[0046] The system main relay SMR is provided on the pair of power lines PL, NL between the power storage device 110 and the PCU 120. The system main relay SMR switches between an on state and an off state in accordance with a control signal from the ECU 170.

[0047] The PCU 120 includes a power conversion device such as a converter and an inverter (neither of which are shown). The PCU 120 is controlled by the ECU 170, and converts DC power received from the power storage device 110 into AC power for driving the motor generator 130. The PCU 120 also converts AC power generated by the motor generator 130 when braking the vehicle 100 into charging power for the power storage device 110, and outputs the power to the power storage device 110.

[0048] The motor generator 130 is an AC rotating electric machine, for example a permanent magnet type synchronous motor equipped with a rotor in which a permanent magnet is embedded. The motor generator 130 is driven by AC power from the PCU 120 to generate driving force for running, and the driving force for running is transmitted to the driving wheels 140 through the power transmission gear 135. In addition, when the vehicle 100 is braked, the motor generator 130 can generate electricity by the rotational force of the driving wheels 140.

[0049] Vehicle 100 further includes a power receiving coil 160, a charging circuit 165, and a charging relay RY2 for receiving power from power supply equipment 300 (FIG. 1). Vehicle 100 further includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 170, a navigation device 180, and a communication module 190.

[0050] The power receiving coil 160 is configured to be able to receive power contactlessly through an electromagnetic field from a power transmitting coil 320 (FIG. 1) of a contactless power supply equipment 300, and receives power supplied from the power supply equipment 300 when external charging (contactless charging) is performed in which the power supply equipment 300 charges the power storage device 110. The charging circuit 165 converts the AC power received by the power receiving coil 160 into charging power for the power storage device 110. For example, the charging circuit 165 can be configured by a combination of a rectifier circuit (not shown) that rectifies an AC voltage generated in the power receiving coil 160, and a DC / DC converter (not shown) that converts the output voltage of the rectifier circuit to a DC voltage level suitable for charging the power storage device 110.

[0051] Charging relay RY2 is provided in an electric path between charging circuit 165 and power storage device 110, and is controlled to an on state by ECU 170 when non-contact charging by non-contact power feeding equipment 300 is performed.

[0052] The vehicle 100 may further include an inlet 150, a charger 155, and a charging relay RY1 for receiving power from a contact-type power supply facility (not shown).

[0053] Inlet 150 is configured to be connectable to a connector provided on a power supply cable of a contact-type power supply equipment (not shown), and receives power supplied from the contact-type power supply equipment. Charger 155 is controlled by ECU 170, and converts power input from inlet 150 into power capable of charging power storage device 110 when external charging (contact charging) is performed in which power storage device 110 is charged by contact-type power supply equipment (not shown) connected to inlet 150. Charging relay RY1 is provided in an electric path between charger 155 and power storage device 110, and is controlled to an on state by ECU 170 when contact charging by the contact-type power supply equipment is performed.

[0054] For example, when AC power is supplied from a contact-type power supply facility, the charger 155 is configured by an AC / DC converter. However, when DC power is supplied from a contact-type power supply facility (not shown) (DC contact charging), the vehicle 100 does not need to include the charger 155.

[0055] ECU 170 receives signals from various sensors and outputs control signals to the various devices, and controls vehicle 100 and the various devices. ECU 170 executes various controls (driving control, braking control, steering control, etc.) related to the running of vehicle 100. When external charging is performed by power feeding equipment 300 (FIG. 1), ECU 170 turns on charging relay RY2 and executes contactless charging for charging power storage device 110 using power receiving coil 160 and charging circuit 165.

[0056] The navigation device 180 displays on a display the travel route from the current location of the vehicle 100 to the set destination. The navigation device 180 displays the current location of the vehicle 100, the location of the set destination, and the travel route from the current location to the destination. In addition to the information related to the travel route described above, the display (not shown) of the navigation device 180 can also display various information acquired through communication with the server 200.

[0057] The communication module 190 is an in-vehicle Data Communication Module (DCM) and is configured to have the above-mentioned functions of wide-area wireless communication and short-range wireless communication. That is, the vehicle 100 can use the communication module 190 to communicate data (information) bidirectionally with each of the other vehicles 100, the power supply equipment 300, and the server 200.

[0058] 3 is a block diagram for explaining in more detail the configuration of the vehicle 100 and the server 200. Note that, regarding the vehicle 100, only the ECU 170, the communication module 190, and the sensor group 185 (described later) will be explained.

[0059] 3, the vehicle 100 further includes a sensor group 185. The ECU 170, the communication module 190, and the sensor group 185 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via an in-vehicle network 195 such as a CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0060] The ECU 170 includes a processor 171 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory 172, and an input / output buffer 173. The memory 172 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), not shown. The processor 171 loads a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes the program. Various processes executed by the ECU 170 are described in the program stored in the ROM.

[0061] ECU 170 controls the devices so that vehicle 100 is in a desired state in response to signals from each sensor of sensor group 185. For example, ECU 170 controls PCU 120 (FIG. 2) to execute various controls for driving vehicle 100. ECU 170 also receives detection values ​​of the voltage and current of power storage device 110, and calculates the SOC (State Of Charge) of power storage device 110 based on these detection values.

[0062] Furthermore, when the power receiving coil 160 can receive power from the power transmitting coil 320 of the power supply equipment (non-contact type) 300, the ECU 170 turns on the charging relay RY2 and activates the charging circuit 165 to charge the power storage device 110 with the power received from the non-contact power supply equipment 300 by the power receiving coil 160. At this time, the ECU 170 can calculate, from the detected values ​​of the voltage and current of the power storage device 110, the actual values ​​of the received power [W] from the power supply equipment 300 and the received power amount [J] obtained by integrating the received power.

[0063] Furthermore, the ECU 170 can also control the PCU 120 and a steering device (not shown) to execute various controls to realize automatic driving of the vehicle 100. Note that automatic driving basically means driving in which driving operations such as acceleration, deceleration, and steering of the vehicle 100 are executed without the driver's driving operations.

[0064] For this reason, the vehicle 100 may be equipped with a sensor group 185 that detects the external and internal conditions of the vehicle 100. The sensor group 185 includes an external sensor 186 and an internal sensor 187. The external sensor 186 is a sensor configured to detect the external conditions of the vehicle 100. The internal sensor 187 is a sensor configured to detect information according to the traveling state of the vehicle 100, as well as a steering operation, an accelerator operation, and a brake operation.

[0065] The external sensor 186 includes, for example, a camera, a radar, a LIDAR (Laser Imaging Detection And Ranging), and the like (none of which are shown in the figure). The camera captures an image of the external situation of the vehicle 100, and outputs image information related to the external situation of the vehicle 100 to the ECU 170. The radar transmits radio waves (for example, millimeter waves) to the periphery of the vehicle 100, receives the radio waves reflected by the obstacle, and detects the obstacle. The radar then outputs the distance to the obstacle and the direction of the obstacle as obstacle information related to the obstacle to the ECU 170. The LIDAR transmits light (typically ultraviolet light, visible light, or near infrared light) to the periphery of the vehicle 100, and receives the light reflected by the obstacle to measure the distance to the reflection point, and detects the obstacle. The LIDAR outputs, for example, the distance to the obstacle and the direction of the obstacle as obstacle information to the ECU 170.

[0066] The internal sensor 187 includes, for example, a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a yaw rate sensor, and the like (none of which are shown). The vehicle speed sensor is provided on the wheels of the vehicle 100 or on a drive shaft that rotates integrally with the wheels, detects the rotation speed of the wheels, and outputs vehicle speed information including the speed of the vehicle 100 to the ECU 170. The acceleration sensor includes, for example, a longitudinal acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100 and a lateral acceleration sensor that detects the lateral acceleration of the vehicle 100, and outputs acceleration information including both accelerations to the ECU 170. The yaw rate sensor detects the yaw rate (rotational angular velocity) around the vertical axis of the center of gravity of the vehicle 100. The yaw rate sensor is, for example, a gyro sensor, and outputs yaw rate information including the yaw rate of the vehicle 100 to the ECU 170.

[0067] In this embodiment, the vehicle 100 does not necessarily have to be limited to a configuration equipped with an automatic driving function, and it is possible to apply the power supply fee setting based on the platoon information, which will be described later, regardless of whether the vehicle is in a fully automatic driving state, a manual driving state by the driver, or a driving state in which only a portion of the driving control is automated (for example, auto cruise control on a highway, etc.).

[0068] 1, the communication module 190 of the vehicle 100 can form a bidirectional inter-vehicle communication path 12 with the communication module 190 of another vehicle 100# by short-range wireless communication. Furthermore, the communication module 190 can also form a bidirectional communication path 14 with the communication device 330 of the power supply equipment 300 located nearby by short-range wireless communication. Furthermore, the communication module 190 of the vehicle 100 can form a bidirectional communication path with the server 200 via the communication network 10 by wide-area wireless communication.

[0069] When the vehicle 100 is to be externally charged using the non-contact power supply equipment 300, in response to a user instruction, a request for external charging while traveling using the non-contact power supply equipment 300, and the required power Prq [W] or the required amount of energy Wrq [J] are transmitted in advance from the vehicle 100 to the server 200 together with identification information of the vehicle 100 (e.g., a vehicle ID).

[0070] The server 200 includes a communication device 210, a storage device 220, and a processing device 230. The communication device 210 is configured to be able to perform bidirectional data communication with each of the communication module 190 of the vehicle 100 and the communication device 330 of the power supply facility 300 through the communication network 10 by wide-area wireless communication.

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, in the power supply system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to exchange information in both directions between vehicles 100, between the vehicles 100 and the power supply equipment 300, between the vehicles 100 and the server 200, and between the server 200 and the power supply equipment 300, using wide-area wireless communication or short-range wireless communication.

[0072] The storage device 220 includes a map information database (DB) 221, a vehicle information database (DB) 222, and a power supply facility database (DB) 223. The map information DB 221 stores data on the latest road map. The vehicle information DB 222 stores various information on the vehicle 100.

[0073] Specifically, the vehicle information DB 222 stores vehicle information transmitted from the vehicle 100 in association with vehicle identification information (hereinafter also simply referred to as vehicle ID) acquired from the vehicle 100. The vehicle information includes location information (current location / destination) of the vehicle 100, vehicle model, information related to a request for external charging (presence or absence of request, requested power amount), and information related to the power supply record from the power supply equipment 300 described below to the vehicle 100. The vehicle information DB 222 stores vehicle IDs and vehicle information linked to the vehicle IDs for multiple vehicles 100.

[0074] The power supply equipment DB 223 stores information on the power supply equipment 300 (FIG. 1) installed at multiple locations. For example, the power supply equipment DB 223 stores the location information, power supply specifications, etc. of each power supply equipment 300 in association with an ID assigned to each power supply equipment.

[0075] The map information DB 221 and the power supply facility DB 223 are periodically updated with the latest information. When a destination is set in the vehicle 100 and vehicle information is acquired from the vehicle 100, the vehicle information DB 222 is updated based on the acquired vehicle information.

[0076] The processing device 230 includes a processor 231 such as a CPU, a memory 232, and an input / output buffer 233. The memory 232 includes a ROM and a RAM, not shown. The CPU 231 loads a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes the program. Various processes to be executed by the processing device 230 are described in the program stored in the ROM.

[0077] As part of the various processes, the processing device 230 executes the following processes based on various information in the map information DB 221, the vehicle information DB 222, and the power supply equipment DB 223 in response to an external charging request from the vehicle 100 while the vehicle is traveling. When the processing device 230 receives an external charging request together with a vehicle ID from the vehicle 100, it extracts power supply equipment (group) 300 located on the planned driving route of the vehicle 100 from the current location of the vehicle 100 or from the current location and destination.

[0078] Next, the processing device 230 uses the communication device 210 to transmit to each of the extracted power supply facilities 300 (communication devices 330) a vehicle ID for identifying the vehicle 100 to be supplied with power and the amount of power required by the vehicle 100. Each power supply facility 300 registers the transmitted vehicle ID and the amount of power required in a power supply target list.

[0079] When the power supply facility 300 completes the registration in the power supply target list, the power supply facility 300 transmits a notification of the registration to the server 200. In response to this, the server 200 transmits information (such as location information) of the power supply facility (group) 300 that is scheduled to supply power to the vehicle 100. In the vehicle 100, the navigation device 180 can provide driving guidance using the transmitted power supply schedule.

[0080] FIG. 4 shows a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of contactless power supply during travel by a power supply facility. 4, the power supply facility 300 includes a plurality of power transmission coils 320 installed in a power supply lane, power converters (inverters) 325 arranged corresponding to the plurality of power transmission coils 320, respectively, a communication device 330 also shown in Fig. 3, and a processing device 340. The number of power transmission coils 320 included in the power supply facility 300 is arbitrary.

[0081] The power converter 325 receives power from a power source (not shown) and outputs, to the power transmitting coil 320, an alternating current for forming an electromagnetic field around the power transmitting coil 320. The power transmitting coil 320 and the power receiving coil 160 of the vehicle 100 are coupled through the electromagnetic field, so that power can be transmitted from the power supply equipment 300 to the vehicle 100 in a non-contact manner.

[0082] The processing device 340 includes a processor 341 such as a CPU, and a memory 342. The memory 342 includes a ROM and a RAM, not shown. The CPU 341 loads a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it. The program stored in the ROM describes various processes to be executed by the processing device 340. Furthermore, the memory 342 stores the above-mentioned power supply target list created based on information transmitted from the server 200.

[0083] In the power supply facility 300, the communication device 330 receives a vehicle ID transmitted by short-range wireless communication from the vehicle 100 (communication module 190). The processing device 340 can determine whether the vehicle 100 with the vehicle ID is a power supply target by checking the received vehicle ID against the power supply target list stored in the memory 342.

[0084] Then, during a period in which the communication device 330 receives the vehicle ID of the vehicle 100 to be supplied with power by short-range wireless communication, the processing device 340 controls the power converter 325 to a power transmission active state in which an AC current is supplied to the power transmitting coil 320. During other periods, the power converter 325 releases the power transmission active state and stops supplying an AC current to the power transmitting coil 320. When the power receiving coil 160 is positioned above the power transmitting coil 320 during the power transmission active state, power is supplied from the power supply equipment 300 to the vehicle 100.

[0085] In addition, by controlling the amplitude of the AC current of the transmitting coil 320 in the power transmission active state, it is also possible to control the power Psd [W] supplied from the transmitting coil 320 and the amount of power supplied Wsd [J] according to the required power Prq [W] or the required amount of power Wrq [J] from the vehicle 100 to be powered.

[0086] When the communication device 330 becomes unable to receive the vehicle ID of the vehicle 100 to be supplied with power via short-range wireless communication, the processing device 340 recognizes the end of power supply to the vehicle 100 and generates a power supply record for the vehicle 100. For example, the power supply record includes the results of the power supply power Psd [W], the power supply time Tsd [s], and the amount of power supply Wsd [J]. The power supply record is associated with the vehicle ID and transmitted from the communication device 330 via wide-area wireless communication. As a result, the server 200 can receive the power supply record for each vehicle 100 identified by the vehicle ID every time power supply is performed by each power supply facility 300.

[0087] FIG. 5 shows a conceptual plan view illustrating an example of the arrangement of power supply equipment 300. In FIG. 5, some of the lanes 50 to 52 on which vehicles travel can be power supply lanes 50, 51 in which power supply equipment 300 is embedded. That is, the vehicle 100 travels on the power supply lanes 50, 51 in which the power supply equipment 300 is installed, and is externally charged while traveling. The remaining lane 52 is operated as a non-power supply lane that does not supply power to the vehicle 100. A road having such power supply lanes 50, 51 can also be operated as a dedicated road for entering and exiting by passing through a specified gate, for example.

[0088] In the vehicle 100, using information (such as location information) of the power supply equipment (group) 300 that is scheduled to supply power from the server 200, the navigation device 180 can output driving guidance that encourages the vehicle 100 to travel in the power supply lanes 50, 51. Alternatively, in the vehicle 100 to which automatic driving is applied, the automatic driving can be controlled so that the vehicle 100 travels in the power supply lanes 50, 51.

[0089] (Regarding formation information) FIG. 6 shows a conceptual diagram illustrating platooning.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 6, a platoon 400 is formed by a plurality of vehicles 100A to 100C traveling in succession with an inter-vehicle distance shorter than a predetermined distance.

[0091] The convoy 400 includes a vehicle 100A located at the front (hereinafter also referred to as the "leading vehicle") and vehicles 100B and 100C (hereinafter also referred to as the "following vehicles") following the vehicle 100A. Among the following vehicles, the vehicle 100C located at the rearmost position is also referred to as the rearmost vehicle.

[0092] The wind pressure 101A that the leading vehicle 100A receives while traveling is the same as when each vehicle 100 is traveling alone. On the other hand, the wind pressures 101B and 101C that the following vehicles 100B and 100C receive while traveling are smaller than the wind pressure when each vehicle is traveling alone.

[0093] Therefore, the sum of the energy consumed by the vehicles 100A-100C while traveling is smaller when the vehicles 100A-100C travel in platoon 400 than when each of the vehicles 100A-100C travels independently. This reduction in energy consumption corresponds to a reduction in the running resistance of the following vehicles 100B, 100C. As a result, it is expected that proactively promoting platooning will reduce energy consumption while vehicles are traveling throughout society.

[0094] On the other hand, it is expected that driving as the lead vehicle of the platoon 400 will give the driver a psychological feeling of pressure. For this reason, if each vehicle 100 drives in a way that avoids being the lead vehicle, it will become difficult to drive in the platoon.

[0095] Therefore, in this embodiment, a technique will be described that contributes to expanding the application of platooning by providing an incentive for driving as the lead vehicle of the platoon 400. First, in order to provide such an incentive, it is required to create information showing the track record related to platooning (hereinafter also referred to as "platoon information").

[0096] Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for creating platoon information. In the example of Fig. 7, each vehicle 100 creates platoon information using the vehicle-to-vehicle communication described in Fig. 1. That is, the control process of step S100 including steps S110 to S180 shown in Fig. 7 can be executed at regular intervals determined in advance by the ECU 170 of each vehicle 100. That is, the ECU 170 corresponds to one embodiment of a "control device" of the vehicle 100.

[0097] 7, ECU 170 determines in step S110 whether or not a vehicle (a preceding vehicle) is detected within a certain distance ahead of the vehicle. The determination in step S110 can be performed based on a detection result of a camera, a radar, a LIDAR, or the like included in external sensor 186.

[0098] First, a process will be described when there is a preceding vehicle, that is, when the vehicle itself is included in the platoon and is not the leading vehicle.

[0099] When a leading vehicle is detected (YES in S110), ECU 170 sets the leading flag Fld=0 in step S120, and determines in step S130 whether a vehicle (following vehicle) is detected within a certain distance behind the vehicle.

[0100] If no following vehicle is detected (NO in S130), ECU 170 sets a following flag Fbk=0 indicating whether or not there is a vehicle following the vehicle of the vehicle in step S140, and sets a count value Nbk of the number of following vehicles in the platoon to 1 in step S142. Next, in step S150, ECU 170 transmits vehicle information including at least the vehicle ID and count value Nbk from communication module 190 to the preceding vehicle by short-range wireless communication. The vehicle information transmitted in step S150 is received by the preceding vehicle detected in step S110 by vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0101] In contrast, when a following vehicle is detected (YES determination in S130), ECU 170 sets the following flag Fbk=1 in step S144. Furthermore, in step S146, ECU 170 extracts count value Nbk from the vehicle information transmitted from the following vehicle in the above-mentioned step S150, and in step S148, increments the extracted count value Nbk by 1. Next, ECU 170 proceeds to the process of step S150, and transmits vehicle information including at least the incremented count value Nbk and the vehicle IDs (host vehicle and following vehicle) to the preceding vehicle of the host vehicle detected in step S110 by short-range wireless communication.

[0102] In addition, when the external sensor 186 includes a camera or radar facing the rear of the vehicle, the determination in step S130 can be performed based on the detection result of the camera, etc. Alternatively, the determination in step S130 can be performed depending on whether or not the vehicle information transmitted from the following vehicle in the above-mentioned step S150 has been received.

[0103] Next, a process to be performed when no preceding vehicle is present will be described. When no preceding vehicle is detected in step S110 (determination of NO in S110), ECU 170 sets the head flag Fld to 1 in step S160, and determines whether or not a following vehicle is detected in step S170, which is similar to step S130.

[0104] When a following vehicle is detected (YES determination in S170), ECU 170 sets the following flag Fbk=1 in step S172, and extracts the count value Nbk from the vehicle information received from the following vehicle in step S174. On the other hand, when a following vehicle is not detected (NO determination in S170), ECU 170 sets the following flag Fbk=0 in step S180.

[0105] FIG. 8 is a table showing formation information indicated by the leading flag Fld, the following flag Fbk, and the count value Nbk shown in FIG.

[0106] As shown in Figure 8, when the vehicle is the lead vehicle (Fld = 1) and there is no following vehicle (Fbk = 0), it is indicated that the vehicle is not platooning but is traveling alone.

[0107] On the other hand, if the host vehicle is the leading vehicle (Fld=1) and there is a following vehicle (Fbk=1), it is indicated that the host vehicle is the leading vehicle of the platoon.

[0108] Also, when the vehicle is not the leading vehicle (Fld=0), it is indicated that the vehicle is traveling as part of a platoon and is not the leading vehicle (i.e., the following vehicle). In particular, when both the leading flag Fld and the following flag Fbk are "0", it is indicated that the vehicle is located at the very end of the platoon and traveling in a platoon.

[0109] As can be seen from the flowchart in Figure 7, the count value Nbk is initially set to Nbk = 1 in the last vehicle in the platoon (Fld = Fbk = 0) (step S142), and is incremented by 1 in the following vehicles in the platoon (Fld = 0, Fbk = 1) and transmitted sequentially to the preceding vehicle. Therefore, it can be seen that the count value Nbk received by the leading vehicle in the platoon (Fld = 1, Fbk = 1) from the vehicle following the leading vehicle indicates the number of following vehicles in the platoon. In other words, (Nbk + 1) indicates the number of vehicles in the platoon.

[0110] (Power supply fee setting based on platoon information) FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating power supply fee setting control in the power supply system according to this embodiment.

[0111] 9, the power supply system 1 includes a platoon information creation unit 510, a power supply record creation unit 520, and a power supply fee setting unit 530. The platoon information creation unit 510 can be typically realized by each vehicle 100 setting a leading flag Fld, a following flag Fbk, and a count value Nbk in accordance with the control process of step S100 (FIG. 7). The platoon information includes, for each vehicle 100, information indicating whether or not platooning is being performed, and position information during platooning (at least information on whether or not the vehicle is a leading vehicle), and preferably includes the number of vehicles forming the platoon.

[0112] Incidentally, the platoon information can also be created from information acquired by cameras (not shown) arranged on the lanes or information on the current position of each vehicle 100 collected by the server 200 or the power supply facility 300. In this case, the platoon information creation unit 510 can be realized by the server 200 or the power supply facility 300. On the other hand, the platoon information can be created by each vehicle 100 through the control process in Fig. 7 using vehicle-to-vehicle communication, etc., thereby reducing the processing load on the server 200 and the power supply facility 300.

[0113] The power supply record creating unit 520 creates a power supply record to a power supply target vehicle when the power supply equipment 300 supplies power to the vehicle 100. As described above, the power supply record includes the power supply date and time, the power supply power Psd [W], the power supply time Tsd [s], and the power supply amount Wsd [J], and is created in association with the vehicle ID. That is, the function of the power supply record creating unit 520 can be realized by the processing device 340 of the power supply equipment 300.

[0114] Furthermore, the power supply record may be created based on the power reception record on the vehicle 100 side. The power reception record includes the power reception date and time, the power received from the power supply equipment 300 [W], and the actual value of the amount of power received [J] obtained by integrating the received power. In this case, the function of the power supply record creating unit 520 can be realized by the ECU 170 of the vehicle 100.

[0115] Alternatively, the power supply history creating unit 520 can create the power supply history by comparing the power supply history at the power supply equipment 300 with the power receiving history at the vehicle 100 and making necessary corrections based on the comparison result. In this case, the function of the power supply history creating unit 520 can be realized by further using the server 200.

[0116] The power supply fee setting unit 530 includes a power supply unit price setting unit 531 and a power supply fee calculation unit 532. The power supply unit price setting unit 531 sets the unit price of the amount of power [J] supplied from the power supply equipment 300 to the vehicle 100 (vehicle to be supplied with power) based on the platoon information from the platoon information creation unit 510 in a manner that gives preferential treatment to the leading vehicle in the platoon. The power supply fee calculation unit 532 calculates the power supply fee from the power supply equipment 300 to the vehicle 100 (vehicle to be supplied with power) based on the unit price [￥ / J] set by the power supply unit price setting unit 531 and the power supply record (including the amount of power supplied [J]).

[0117] FIG. 10 shows an example of an operation sequence when vehicle 100 is externally charged by power feeding equipment 300 in the power feeding system according to this embodiment.

[0118] 10 , it is assumed that vehicle 100 has previously transmitted a request for power supply from power supply equipment 300 while traveling to server 200. In response to this, server 200 transmits the vehicle ID and requested amount of power of the vehicle to be supplied with power to power supply equipment 300 via communication network 10 in step S410. As a result, the vehicle ID of vehicle 100 is registered in the power supply target list of power supply equipment 300.

[0119] Vehicle 100 creates platoon information in step S100 shown in Fig. 7. As a result, the platoon information is updated in each vehicle 100 to reflect the current driving conditions. Furthermore, vehicle 100 transmits vehicle information including the vehicle ID and the platoon information from communication module 190 by short-range wireless communication in step S200. In vehicle 100, the processes of steps S100 and S200 are repeatedly executed. For example, the processes of steps S100 and S200 can be repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals.

[0120] When the vehicle 100 and the power supply equipment 300 approach each other, data communication by short-range wireless communication becomes possible between the communication module 190 of the vehicle 100 and the communication device 330 of the power supply equipment 300. When the power supply equipment 300 receives the vehicle information transmitted from the vehicle 100 in step S200, the power supply equipment 300 determines in step S310 whether or not the vehicle information of the vehicle to be supplied with power has been received. For example, the determination in step S310 is performed by comparing the received vehicle ID with a power supply target list held in the power supply equipment 300.

[0121] When the power supply equipment 300 receives the vehicle information of the power supply target vehicle through short-range wireless communication (YES in S310), the power supply equipment 300 controls the power converter 325 to the above-mentioned power transmission active state in step S320. As a result, the power transmission coil 320 is supplied with an AC current and forms an electromagnetic field.

[0122] When short-range wireless communication with the communication device 330 becomes possible, the vehicle 100 recognizes the approach to the power supply equipment 300 and a YES determination is made in step S210. When a YES determination is made in step S210, the vehicle 100 is set to a power receiving active state in step S220. Specifically, in the configuration of FIG. 2, the charging circuit 165 is set to an active state, and the charging relay RY2 is controlled to an on state.

[0123] In the power supply equipment 300, in the power transmission active state (S320), when the vehicle 100 enters a power receiving zone, i.e., an area where power transmission is possible between the power receiving coil 160 and the power transmitting coil 320, actual power supply from the power transmitting coil 320 begins (step S340).

[0124] On the vehicle 100 side, in step S230, a power receiving operation is executed. Specifically, the transmitted power from the power transmitting coil 320 is received by the power receiving coil 160, and the charging circuit 165 uses the AC power received by the power receiving coil 160 to charge the power storage device 110.

[0125] The power supply equipment 300 continues to be in the active power transmission state until the short-range wireless communication with the vehicle 100 is interrupted. That is, when the vehicle 100 moves away from the power supply equipment 300 to a distance where the short-range wireless communication is interrupted, the power supply equipment 300 judges YES in step S350 and terminates the power supply to the vehicle 100 in step S360 by canceling the active power transmission state. When the power supply equipment 300 terminates the power supply, it creates a record of power supply to the vehicle 100 in step S370. The created power supply record is transmitted to the server 200 from the communication device 330 via the communication network 10 by using wide-area wireless communication together with the vehicle information (including the vehicle ID and platoon information) of the vehicle to be supplied with power received in S310.

[0126] When the short-range wireless communication with the power supply equipment 300 is interrupted, the vehicle 100 determines in step S240 that power reception has ended. When power reception ends (YES in S240), the vehicle 100 cancels the active power reception state in step S250. Specifically, the charging circuit 165 is stopped, and the charging relay RY2 is controlled to an off state. Furthermore, the vehicle 100 creates a power reception record based on power supply from the power supply equipment 300 in step S260. The created power reception record may be transmitted from the communication module 190 to the server 200 via the communication network 10 by using wide-area wireless communication.

[0127] When the power supply record is received from the power supply facility 300, the server 200 determines YES in step S420 and proceeds to steps S430 and S440. In step S430, the server 200 stores the platoon information and the power supply record in association with the vehicle ID (identification information) of the vehicle to be supplied with power.

[0128] As described above, in step S420, the power reception record of the vehicle 100 that is the power supply target, which is paired with the power supply record, may be further received. In this case, the power reception record of the vehicle 100 is further stored in the server 200 in association with the vehicle ID (identification information) and the power supply record of the power supply target vehicle.

[0129] In S440, the server 200 uses the platoon information to set the power supply fee so as to give preferential treatment to the leading vehicle in the platoon.

[0130] Fig. 11 shows a flowchart for explaining an example of the process of setting the power supply fee in S440 in Fig. 10. For example, the process shown in Fig. 11 is executed every time the power supply record is received from each vehicle 100.

[0131] 11, in step S441, the server 200 acquires platoon information and power supply records associated with the vehicle ID of the vehicle 100 (power supply target vehicle) for which the power supply fee is set. As described above, based on the platoon information, it is possible to determine at least whether or not the vehicle 100 was running in a platoon when power was supplied by the power supply equipment 300, and whether or not the vehicle was the leading vehicle during the platooning.

[0132] In step S442, the server 200 determines whether the vehicle 100 was participating in the platooning based on the platoon information acquired in step S441. If the vehicle 100 was not participating in the platooning (NO in S442), in step S444, the power supply unit price of the vehicle 100 is set to the basic unit price P0.

[0133] If the vehicle 100 was participating in a platoon (YES in S442), the server 200 determines in S446 whether the vehicle 100 was the leading vehicle in the platoon based on the platoon information acquired in S441.

[0134] For the leading vehicle (when YES is determined in S446), the server 200 sets the preferential unit price P1 for the leading vehicle as the power supply unit price for the vehicle to be power-supplied in S447. On the other hand, for the following vehicle in the platoon (when NO is determined in S446), the server 200 sets the unit price P2 for the following vehicle as the power supply unit price for the vehicle to be power-supplied in S448.

[0135] FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of preferential power supply conditions for the leading vehicle in a platoon.

[0136] 12, in Example 1, the unit price P1 applied to the leading vehicle (vehicle 100A) is set lower than the basic unit price P0, while the unit price P2 applied to the following vehicles (vehicles 100B, 100C) is set equal to the basic unit price P0. This makes it possible to provide an incentive for the leading vehicle to run as a leading vehicle by treating the power supply fee more favorably than other vehicles.

[0137] Alternatively, as in Example 2, it is possible to set a difference in unit price between the following vehicles, and as shown in Fig. 2, it is also possible to set the unit price higher for the vehicle located further back among multiple following vehicles (vehicles 100B, 100C). For example, the unit price P2# applied to vehicle 100C (the rearmost vehicle) is set higher than the unit price P2 (P2>P1) applied to vehicle 100B (the middle vehicle). Alternatively, when there are multiple middle vehicles, it is also possible to set the unit price applied to the middle vehicles in stages so that the unit price is set higher the further back they are located.

[0138] It is also possible to set the power supply unit price of each vehicle 100 in the platoon so that the preferential portion of the unit price applied to the leading vehicle is borne by at least one following vehicle in the same platoon.

[0139] As shown in Example 3, when a common unit price P2 is set for each of multiple following vehicles (vehicles 100B, 100C), the unit price P1 applied to the leading vehicle (vehicle 100A) is expressed as P1 = P0 - Nbk · α, using the difference α between the unit price P2 and the basic unit price P0, and the number of following vehicles Nbk in the platoon.

[0140] Alternatively, as in Example 2, if there is a difference in unit price between multiple following vehicles (vehicles 100B, 100C), the reduction in unit price P1 applied to the lead vehicle (vehicle 100A) from the basic unit price P0 can be set to be equal to the sum of the differences (increases) from the basic unit price P0 for all of these following vehicles.

[0141] That is, as shown in Example 4, when the unit price applied to the middle vehicle 100B of a platoon formed of three vehicles is P2=P0+α and the unit price applied to the last vehicle 100C of the platoon is P2#=P0+β (β>α), the unit price applied to the lead vehicle (vehicle 100A) can be set to P1=P0-(α+β).

[0142] In this way, in Examples 3 and 4, among multiple vehicles 100 traveling in the same convoy, the preferential treatment (reduced unit price) for the lead vehicle can be covered by setting the unit prices of the following vehicles, thereby securing funds to give preferential treatment to the lead vehicle.

[0143] Alternatively, preferential treatment for the leading vehicle in the platoon can be realized by means of something other than the power supply price. Specifically, as shown in Example 5, when the power supply power Pw by the power supply equipment 300 is limited, the power supply power Pw1 of the leading vehicle (vehicle 100A) in the platoon can be set to be larger than that of the following vehicles (vehicles 100B and 100C), thereby realizing preferential treatment for the leading vehicle.

[0144] In Example 5, a case is assumed in which the power supply Pw is limited due to a temperature rise or the like of a semiconductor element constituting the power converter 325 of the power supply equipment 300. In such a case, in a situation in which the power supply Pw can be temporarily relaxed (for example, when the amount of temperature rise is not so large), the power supply Pw2 to the following vehicle is set to a value equal to or less than a limit value according to the amount of temperature rise, while the power supply Pw1 to the leading vehicle can be set so that Pw1 is greater than the limit value in a manner that temporarily relaxes the limit.

[0145] 11 again, in step S449, the server 200 calculates the charge for power supply to the target vehicle based on the unit price [￥ / J] set using the platoon information in steps S442 to S448 and the amount of power supply [J] included in the power supply record. The amount of power supply [J] used at this time is set using the power supply record of the power supply equipment 300 and / or the power reception record of the vehicle 100, as described above.

[0146] 11 for setting the power supply fee may be executed for each vehicle 100 each time the power supply record is received as described above, but it may also be executed by reading out the platoon information and the power supply record stored for a certain period (e.g., one week or one month) corresponding to the billing period of the power supply fee. In this way, the power supply fee can be calculated for each vehicle 100 each time the power supply record is received or at certain intervals.

[0147] The processing in steps S442 to S448 in Fig. 11 can configure one embodiment of the power supply unit price setting unit 531 in Fig. 9. Similarly, the processing in step S449 in Fig. 11 can configure one embodiment of the power supply fee calculation unit 532 in Fig. 9.

[0148] 10 again, in step S450, server 200 can transmit the result of the power supply fee setting (including the setting of the power supply unit price) in step S440 to vehicle 100 each time. In vehicle 100, when the preferential unit price for the leading vehicle in the platoon is applied in step S270, the driver can be notified using the display of navigation device 180 or the like. This is expected to increase motivation to drive as the leading vehicle.

[0149] In this way, according to this embodiment, the power supply conditions (power supply unit price or power supply, etc.) when power is supplied from power supply equipment 300 to vehicle 100 can be set to give more preferential treatment to the lead vehicle in the platoon than to other vehicles, thereby providing an incentive to drive as the lead vehicle in the platoon, thereby contributing to expanding the application of platooning.

[0150] 11 may be executed by a device other than the server 200. For example, by increasing the functionality of the processing device 340 of the power supply facility 300, the power supply facility 300 may be provided with the functionality of the power supply fee setting unit 530 (FIG. 9).

[0151] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The technical scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 1 power supply system, 10 communication network, 12 inter-communication path, 14 communication path, 50, 51 lane (power supply lane), 52 lane (unpowered lane), 100 vehicle, 100A leading vehicle, 100B following vehicle (middle), 100C following vehicle (rear end), 101A to 101C wind pressure, 110 power storage device, 130 motor generator, 135 power transmission gear, 140 drive wheel, 150 inlet, 155 charger, 160 receiving coil, 165 charging circuit, 171, 231, 341 processor, 172, 232, 342 memory, 173, 233 input / output buffer, 180 navigation device, 185 sensor group, 186 external sensor, 187 internal sensor, 190 communication module, 195 In-vehicle network, 200 server, 210, 330 communication device, 220 storage device, 230, 340 processing device, 300 power supply equipment, 320 power transmission coil, 325 power converter, 400 platoon, 510 platoon information creation unit, 520 power supply record creation unit, 530 power supply fee setting unit, 531 power supply unit price setting unit, 532 power supply fee calculation unit, Fbk trailing flag, Fld leading flag, NL, PL power line pair, Nbk count value (number of trailing vehicles), P0 basic unit price, P1 unit price (leading vehicle), P2, P2♯ unit price (following vehicle), P2 unit price for following vehicles, RY1, RY2 charging relay, SMR system main relay.

Claims

1. A power supply system including a power supply facility that supplies power to a traveling vehicle in a wireless manner and a server that manages power supply to the vehicle by the power supply facility, a platoon information creation unit that creates platoon information related to platooning of vehicles to be powered by the power supply facility; a power supply record creation unit that creates a power supply record from the power supply facility to the power supply target vehicle; a power supply fee setting unit that sets a power supply fee based on a unit price of the power supply amount set using the platoon information of the power supply target vehicles and the power supply record, The platoon information includes information indicating whether the power supply target vehicle is performing the platoon traveling and information identifying whether the power supply target vehicle is a leading vehicle when performing the platoon traveling, The power supply fee setting unit sets a first unit price of the amount of power to be supplied to the lead vehicle lower than a second unit price of the amount of power to be supplied to at least one following vehicle included in a platoon including the lead vehicle.

2. The power supply system according to claim 1 , wherein when there are multiple following vehicles, the power supply fee setting unit sets the second unit price for each of the following vehicles so that the price increases toward the rear of the vehicle in the platoon.

3. The power supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power supply fee setting unit sets the first unit price to be lower than a basic unit price of the amount of power supply applied to the power supply target vehicles that are not performing the platooning.

4. The power supply system according to claim 3 , wherein the power supply fee setting unit sets the second unit price higher than the basic unit price.

5. The power supply system according to claim 4, wherein the power supply fee setting unit sets the first unit price and the second unit price so that a difference between the basic unit price and the first unit price is equivalent to a sum of a difference between the second unit price and the basic unit price for the at least one following vehicle.

6. The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, when the power supply from the power supply equipment to the vehicles is limited to a first power value, the power supply to the leading vehicle is relaxed below the first power value, while the power supply to the at least one following vehicle and the power supply to the target vehicle that is not performing the platooning are set to be equal to or lower than the first power value.

7. The vehicle includes the platoon information creation unit, The power supply target vehicle transmits the platoon information to the power supply facility, and then receives power from the power supply facility; The server or the power supply facility includes the power supply fee setting unit, The power supply fee setting unit uses the platoon information transmitted from the target vehicle to the power supply equipment to set a unit price of the power supply from the power supply equipment to the target vehicle. The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The vehicle is a communication module for performing short-range wireless communication with other vehicles and the power supply equipment in the vicinity and wide-area wireless communication with the server via a communication network; A detector for detecting a preceding vehicle traveling ahead of the vehicle; a control device that operates as the platoon information creation unit by creating the platoon information using a detection result of the preceding vehicle by the detector and information received from a vehicle following the preceding vehicle via the short-range wireless communication, The power supply facility includes: a communication device for executing the short-range wireless communication with the target vehicle and the wide-area wireless communication with the server via the communication network; a first processing device that operates as the power supply history creation unit by creating the power supply history based on a detection value of the power supply power during power supply to the power supply target vehicle, the communication device receives vehicle identification information and the platoon information from the communication module of the power supply target vehicle before starting power supply, and transmits the vehicle identification information, the platoon information, and the power supply record of the power supply target vehicle to the server after power supply is completed; The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the server includes a second processing device that operates as the power supply fee setting unit by setting a unit price of the amount of power supply for the power supply of the target vehicle using the vehicle identification information and the platoon information of the target vehicle received from the power supply equipment.

9. The control device of the vehicle creates a power reception record including a power reception amount when power is supplied from the power supply facility, the communication module transmits the vehicle identification information and the power receiving record to the server after the power supply is completed; The power supply system according to claim 8 , wherein the power supply history of the power supply target vehicle is created by comparing the power supply history created by the power supply facility with a power receiving history created by the vehicle.

10. A power supply lane in which the power supply equipment included in the power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is provided.

11. A power supply facility used in the power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a communication device for performing short-range wireless communication with the target vehicle and wide-area wireless communication with the server via a communication network; a processing device that operates as the power supply record creation unit by creating the power supply record based on a detection value of the power supply power during power supply to the power supply target vehicle, The communication device transmits vehicle identification information of the vehicle to be powered and the platoon information to the power supply fee setting unit after power supply is completed.

12. A server used in the power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A communication device for communicating between the vehicle and each of the power supply facilities via a communication network; A server comprising: a processing device that operates as the power supply fee setting unit using the platoon information of the power supply target vehicle created by the platoon information creation unit and the power supply history of the power supply target vehicle from the power supply history creation unit.

13. A vehicle that is charged while traveling by the power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a communication module for performing short-range wireless communication with other vehicles and the power supply equipment in the vicinity and wide-area wireless communication with the server via a communication network; A detector for detecting a preceding vehicle traveling ahead of the vehicle; a control device that operates as the platoon information creation unit by creating the platoon information using the detection result of the preceding vehicle by the detector and information received from a vehicle following the vehicle via the short-range wireless communication.

14. A power supply fee setting device in a power supply system including a power supply facility that supplies power to a traveling vehicle in a wireless manner and a server that manages power supply to the vehicle by the power supply facility, a power supply unit price setting unit that sets a unit price of the amount of power to be supplied to the power supply target vehicles based on platoon information related to the platooning of the power supply target vehicles by the power supply facility; a power supply fee calculation unit that calculates a power supply fee from the power supply equipment to the power supply target vehicle based on the unit price set by the power supply unit price setting unit and a power supply record for the power supply target vehicle, The platoon information includes information indicating whether the power supply target vehicle is performing the platoon traveling and information identifying whether the power supply target vehicle is a leading vehicle when performing the platoon traveling, The power supply unit price setting unit sets a first unit price of the amount of power supply to the lead vehicle lower than a second unit price of the amount of power supply to at least one following vehicle included in a convoy including the lead vehicle.

15. A power supply fee method in a power supply system including a power supply facility that supplies power to a traveling vehicle in a wireless manner and a server that manages power supply to the vehicle by the power supply facility, acquiring platoon information related to platooning of vehicles to be powered from the power supply facility; setting a unit price of the amount of power supply to the power supply target vehicle based on the acquired platoon information; A step of calculating a charge for power supply from the power supply equipment to the power supply target vehicle based on the set unit price and a power supply record for the power supply target vehicle, The platoon information includes information indicating whether the power supply target vehicle is performing the platoon traveling and information identifying whether the power supply target vehicle is a leading vehicle when performing the platoon traveling, A power supply fee setting method, in which the setting step sets a first unit price of the amount of power supply to the lead vehicle lower than a second unit price of the amount of power supply to at least one following vehicle included in a convoy including the lead vehicle.

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