server

Abstract

To keep power demand-supply balance in a power network.SOLUTION: A server 20B creates a power receiving and supplying plan of power supplying mats 80 capable of each receiving power from a vehicle 34 in a non-contact manner and capable of each supplying power to the vehicle 34 in the non-contact manner. The server 20B comprises a communication device 24B and a processing device 26B. The communication device 24 acquires request power amounts requested to be procured for a power network 40. The processing device 26B calculates a power demand-supply unbalance amount in the power network 40, in accordance with power difference between a predicted power amount predicted to be supplied to the power network 40 from each distributed power supply 35 and the request power amount. The power receiving and supplying plan includes information indicating arrangement positions of the power supplying mats 80, and the information indicating receiving power amounts or supplying power amounts of the power supplying mats 80. The processing device 26B creates the power receiving and supplying plan so as to reduce the power demand-supply unbalance amount by the receiving power amounts or the supplying power amounts of the power supplying mats 80 arranged at the arrangement positions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a portable power supply mat capable of contactlessly charging a vehicle or the like has been known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2014-236540 (Patent Document 1) discloses a power transmission coil member including a power transmission coil. The power transmission coil transmits electromagnetic waves for power transmission (power supply) to a power receiving coil mounted on the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-236540 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The power supply mat may be configured to be capable of supplying power to a moving object such as a vehicle in a non-contact manner and to be capable of receiving power from the moving object in a non-contact manner. Therefore, the power supply mat may be used for various purposes.

[0005] An electric utility may enter into an agreement with an aggregator and request the aggregator to procure an amount of power corresponding to the power demand from the power grid (hereinafter, this amount of power is also referred to as the "requested amount of power"). When the aggregator procures the requested amount of power from the power grid using distributed power sources, the balance between power supply and demand is maintained in the power grid. Distributed power sources include electric vehicles that are equipped with batteries and can be charged and discharged, solar power generation devices, stationary batteries, etc.

[0006] The amount of power (hereinafter also referred to as "forecasted amount of power") predicted to be supplied from a distributed power source to the power grid changes over time. Therefore, after an agreement is concluded between an aggregator and the owner of each distributed power source, it may be predicted that the amount of power generated by the distributed power source will not be able to meet the predicted amount of power generation. For example, in the case of photovoltaic power generation, if the weather conditions predicted at the time of the above-mentioned agreement deviate from the weather conditions after the agreement, it is predicted that the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation device will not be able to meet the predicted amount of power generation. As a result, there is a risk of the supply and demand balance of power in the power grid being disrupted.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a server for a power system that can balance power supply and demand in a power grid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A server of the present disclosure creates a power receiving plan for a power supply mat capable of receiving power from a mobile body and supplying power to the mobile body in a non-contact manner. The power supply mat is connected to a power grid. The server includes an acquisition device and a processing device. The acquisition device acquires a requested amount of power that is requested to be procured from the power grid. The processing device calculates an imbalance in power supply and demand in the power grid according to a power difference between a predicted amount of power that is predicted to be supplied to the power grid from a distributed power source different from the mobile body and the requested amount of power. The predicted amount of power changes over time. The power receiving plan includes information indicating the placement position of the power supply mat and information indicating the amount of received power or the amount of supplied power of the power supply mat. The processing device creates the power receiving plan such that the amount of received power or the amount of supplied power of the power supply mat placed at the placement position reduces the imbalance in power supply and demand.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the amount of power procured from the power grid is determined according to the predicted amount of power and the amount of power received or supplied by the power supply mat arranged at the arrangement position. The amount of power received or supplied by the power supply mat at the arrangement position is adjusted so that the amount of power procured from the power grid approaches the required amount of power. As a result, the power supply and demand balance in the power grid can be maintained. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the server for a power system according to the present disclosure, it is possible to balance the power supply and demand in a power grid. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a VGI (Vehicle Grid Integration) system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 11 is a diagram for explaining how a predicted amount of power is calculated when an aggregator server receives a procurement request signal and a confirmation signal. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detailed configuration of a vehicle and a power supply mat. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detailed configuration of a vehicle and a power supply mat. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of management data of the power supply mat. [Figure 6] 11 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of power supply mats are arranged so as to reduce the amount of imbalance between power supply and demand. FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display device of an HMI device when an ECU of a vehicle receives a balance adjustment request signal. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a plan of power P(t) exchanged between a power supply mat and a vehicle in a power supply plan of the power supply mat; FIG. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process associated with placement of a power supply mat. [Figure 10]11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process associated with placement of a power supply mat. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing details of a process for creating a power supply plan for a power supply mat. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing details of a process for determining power P(t). [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process after the power supply mat is placed. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process associated with placement of a power supply mat. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing details of a process for determining a rental mode of a power supply mat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] 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.

[0013] 2. Description of the Related Art Recently, in addition to large-scale power plants (centralized energy resources) operated by electric power companies, distributed energy resources (DERs) are being used in electric power systems.

[0014] A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is realized by using a large number of distributed power sources with advanced energy management technology based on the Internet of Things (IoT). In a VPP, the business that bundles distributed power sources and provides energy management services is called an "aggregator." Power companies enter into contracts with aggregators. When the aggregator procures power from the power grid in accordance with the contents of the contract, the power supply and demand balance is adjusted.

[0015] [Embodiment 1] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a VGI system according to embodiment 1. Referring to Fig. 1, VGI system 1 includes power company E1, a plurality of aggregators E2, distributed power sources 35, vehicles 34A and 34B, and power supply mat management company E3.

[0016] The electric power company E1 includes a server 10, a power plant 11, a power transmission and distribution facility 12, and a power grid 40. The power plant 11 supplies electric power generated by a power generation device to the power transmission and distribution facility 12. The power generation method of the power plant 11 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, thermal power generation, hydroelectric power generation, wind power generation, nuclear power generation, or solar power generation.

[0017] The power transmission and distribution equipment 12 includes a power transmission line, a substation, and a power distribution line. The power transmission and distribution equipment 12 transmits and distributes the power supplied from the power plant 11. The power plant 11 and the power transmission and distribution equipment 12 supply the power to a power grid 40.

[0018] The server 10 requests the procurement of power from a plurality of aggregators E2 (described later in detail) under the jurisdiction of the power company E1 in order to adjust the balance between power supply and demand in the power grid. The server 10 transmits a procurement request signal PRS to a plurality of aggregators E2 (more specifically, aggregators 20A, 20B, and 20C) requesting the procurement of an amount of power for adjusting the balance between power supply and demand in the power grid. The procurement request signal PRS includes a management area for the power procurement, a requested amount of power in the power procurement, and an agreement period between the power company E1 and the aggregator. The agreement period is a period determined by agreement as a period during which the aggregator procures power. The server 10 is also configured to output a confirmation signal PCS (described later) at the time of agreement confirmation, which is after the agreement is made and before the start of the agreement period.

[0019] The distributed power source 35 includes a solar power generation device 32 and a vehicle 33. Instead of or in addition to the solar power generation device 32, equipment for generating renewable energy such as wind power generation, geothermal power generation, or biomass power generation may be used.

[0020] The vehicle 33 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) equipped with a power storage device. The vehicle 33 may be another type of electric vehicle, such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) further equipped with an internal combustion engine. The vehicle 33 includes an inlet. The vehicle 33 can receive power from the power grid 40 through the inlet using a power supply equipment EVSE for vehicles (plug-in charging). The received power is charged into a power storage device of the vehicle 33. The vehicle 33 can also discharge power from the power storage device to the power grid 40 through the inlet using the power supply equipment EVSE.

[0021] The amount of power exchanged between the vehicle 33 and the power grid 40 is determined according to a balance adjustment request signal BAS (described later) depending on the power supply and demand balance in the power grid 40. For example, when there is a power shortage in the power grid 40, the power storage device of the vehicle 33 is discharged, and when there is an excess of power supply in the power grid 40, the power storage device of the vehicle 33 is charged. In this example, one power supply equipment EVSE and one vehicle 33 are shown, but the number of power supply equipment EVSE and the number of vehicles 33 connected to the power supply equipment EVSE are arbitrary.

[0022] The vehicles 34A and 34B are electric vehicles equipped with a power storage device, similar to the vehicle 33. Hereinafter, any one of the vehicles 34A and 34B will also be referred to as the vehicle 34. The vehicles 33, 34A, and 34B are configured to be capable of performing non-contact charging, which charges the power storage device from an external power supply facility in a non-contact manner. In addition, the vehicles 33, 34A, and 34B are configured to be capable of performing non-contact discharging, which discharges the power storage device to an external power supply facility in a non-contact manner. In the first embodiment, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the configurations of the vehicles 33, 34A, and 34B are assumed to be the same, but the vehicles 34A and 34B may not be configured to be capable of performing plug-in charging (i.e., may not be equipped with an inlet). In addition to the vehicles 34A and 34B, there may be another vehicle having a configuration similar to these vehicles. The roles of the vehicles 34A and 34B will be described later.

[0023] The multiple aggregators E2 include aggregators 20A to 20C. Each aggregator is a business that enters into an agreement with the power company E1 and provides the power company E1 with an energy management service. Specifically, each aggregator procures power for the management area during the agreement period by aggregating the amount of power in the power grid in the management area in accordance with a request from the power company E1.

[0024] Each aggregator also has an agreement with an owner of a distributed power source in the management area. The agreement is made so that an amount of power determined by the agreement is supplied from the distributed power source to the power grid. The owner of the distributed power source is requested by an aggregator (e.g., aggregator 20B) to supply the amount of power determined by the agreement to the power grid during the contract period. The aggregators 20A to 20C each include a server 21A to 21C.

[0025] In the following description, the aggregator 20B is used as a representative example among the aggregators 20A to 20C. In this example, the power grid in the management area of ​​the aggregator 20B is the power grid 40. The photovoltaic power generation device 32 and the power supply equipment EVSE are connected to the power grid 40.

[0026] The aggregator 20B, for example, makes an agreement with the owner of the photovoltaic power generation device 32 and the owner of the vehicle 33 to stabilize the balance between power supply and demand. When the aggregator 20B receives a procurement request signal PRS (including information indicating the requested amount of power RE) from the power company E1, the aggregator 20B generates an amount of power in which the requested amount of power RE is divided into n parts. The aggregator 20B allocates the n parts of the amount of power to n distributed power sources (for example, the photovoltaic power generation device 32 and the vehicle 33). The aggregator 20B inquires of the owner of each distributed power source whether or not the allocated amount of power can be supplied to the power grid 40. The owner of each distributed power source predicts whether or not the allocated amount of power can be supplied to the power grid 40 based on a weather forecast or the like at the time of the inquiry. The owner of each distributed power source notifies the aggregator 20B of the prediction result of whether or not the allocated amount of power can be supplied to the power grid 40. The aggregator 20B makes an agreement on power supply with the owner of each distributed power source when it is predicted that the allocated amount of power will be supplied from each distributed power source to the power grid 40. When the allocated amount of power is supplied from each distributed power source to the power grid 40 as agreed upon, the requested amount of power RE is supplied to the power grid 40 as a whole.

[0027] In this way, the aggregator 20B can procure the requested amount of power RE from the power company E1 to the power grid 40 using the distributed power sources 35. This adjusts the balance between power supply and demand in the power grid 40. The aggregator 20B can also procure power from an energy source other than the distributed power sources 35 to the power grid 40 (this will be described in detail later).

[0028] The server 21B of the aggregator 20B includes a storage device 22B, a communication device 24B, and a processing device 26B. The storage device 22B includes a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM) (neither of which are shown). The ROM stores programs executed by the processing device 26B, etc. The RAM temporarily stores data referenced by the processing device 26B, etc.

[0029] The communication device 24B is configured to communicate with a device (e.g., the server 10) external to the server 21B. The communication device 24B acquires, for example, a procurement request signal PRS from the power company E1. The communication device 24B is also configured to transmit a balance adjustment request signal BAS to components (e.g., the photovoltaic power generation device 32 and the vehicle 33) of the distributed power source 35 through a power market server (described later). The balance adjustment request signal BAS is a signal for requesting adjustment of the balance between power supply and demand.

[0030] The processing device 26B includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). When the processing device 26B receives a procurement request signal PRS from the server 10 through the communication device 24B, the processing device 26B executes various processes. As an example, the processing device 26B transmits a balance adjustment request signal BAS to the vehicle 33 through the communication device 24B and the power market server. As a result, the power exchanged between the vehicle 33 and the power grid 40 through the power supply equipment EVSE is adjusted according to the power supply and demand balance in the power grid 40.

[0031] The processing device 26B is also configured to calculate a predicted value of the amount of power (predicted amount of power PE) to be supplied from the distributed power sources 35 to the power grid 40 during the contract period between the power company E1 and the aggregator 20B. Specifically, the processing device 26B calculates the predicted amount of power PE according to various conditions such as a weather forecast, temperature, and a contract indicating an upper limit of the amount of power to be supplied from the distributed power sources 35 to the power grid 40.

[0032] If the above-mentioned various conditions (for example, weather forecast) change between the time the contract is made and the time the contract period starts, the predicted power amount PE (including the predicted value of the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation device 32) will fluctuate. Therefore, it is undesirable that the supply and demand balance in the power grid 40 is disrupted due to the fluctuation of the predicted power amount PE after the contract is made.

[0033] Therefore, the processing device 26B receives a confirmation signal PCS from the server 10 at the time of contract confirmation, which is after the contract is made and before the start of the contract period. The confirmation signal PCS is used to confirm whether the aggregator 20B can actually procure the requested amount of power RE from the power grid 40 at the time of the contract with the power company E1.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining how the predicted amount of power PE is calculated when the server 21B of the aggregator 20B receives a procurement request signal PRS and a confirmation signal PCS.

[0035] At time tA, the processing device 26B of the server 21B receives a procurement request signal PRS (including the requested amount of power RE) from the server 10 of the power company E1 through the communication device 24B. The processing device 26B calculates the predicted amount of power PE0, which is the predicted amount of power PE (including the predicted value of the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation device 32) at time tA, according to the above-mentioned various conditions including the weather forecast at time tA. In this example, the predicted amount of power PE0 is equal to the requested amount of power RE. Therefore, the processing device 26B predicts that the requested amount of power RE can be procured from the power grid 40 during the contract period. Accordingly, a contract is concluded between the power company E1 and the aggregator 20B (to procure the requested amount of power RE from the power grid 40 during the contract period). Then, a contract is concluded between the aggregator 20B and each owner of the distributed power sources 35 (to supply the allocated amount of power to the power grid 40 during the contract period).

[0036] During the period TWC from time tA to time tB, the weather forecast changes (for example, from rain to sunny), causing the predicted value of the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device 32 to change from the predicted value at time tA.

[0037] At time tB (contract confirmation time), the processing device 26B of the server 21B receives a confirmation signal PCS from the server 10 of the power company E1 through the communication device 24B. Time tB is before time tC when the contract period starts. The processing device 26B calculates the predicted power amount PE1, which is the predicted power amount PE (including the predicted value of the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation device 32) at time tB, according to the above-mentioned various conditions including the weather forecast at time tB. In this example, the predicted value of the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation device 32 changes from its predicted value at time tA due to a change in the weather forecast during the period TWC. As a result, the predicted power amount PE1 is not equal to the requested power amount RE (specifically, it is insufficient or excessive with respect to the requested power amount RE).

[0038] In this way, if the weather forecast changes after the contract is concluded, the processing device 26B may predict that it will be difficult to procure the requested amount of power RE from the power grid 40 during the contract period.

[0039] 1 again, the power-supply mat management company E3 can rent out a power-supply mat to the aggregator 20B. The power-supply mat management company E3 includes a server 50, a mobile terminal 58, a warehouse 60, and a delivery vehicle 70.

[0040] The server 50 includes a processing device 52, a storage device 54, and a communication device 56. The processing device 52 includes a processor such as a CPU. The processing device 52 is configured to execute various processes for managing the power supply mats 80A to 80C (described later).

[0041] The storage device 54 stores programs executed by the processing device 52, data referenced by the processing device 52, and the like. As an example, the storage device 54 stores data (management data) indicating the management status of the power supply mats 80A to 80C.

[0042] The communication device 56 is configured to communicate with the server 21B of the aggregator 20B. The communication device 56 is also configured to communicate with a mobile terminal 58 of a delivery person 59 of the power supply mat management company E3. The mobile terminal 58 is, for example, a smartphone including a touch screen.

[0043] The warehouse 60 stores a plurality of power supply mats including power supply mats 80A to 80C. A detailed configuration of the power supply mats will be described with reference to FIG. 3. In this example, three power supply mats 80A to 80C are shown, but the number of power supply mats is not limited. The status (e.g., whether the power supply mat is reserved or not, and its placement position) and type of each power supply mat are associated with a corresponding mat ID (described later). This correspondence is stored in the storage device 54. Hereinafter, any one of the plurality of power supply mats including the power supply mats 80A to 80C will be referred to as a power supply mat 80.

[0044] The processing device 52 can receive a borrowing request (rental request) for the power supply mat 80 through the communication device 56. The borrowing request for the power supply mat 80 includes information indicating the borrowing (rental) period of the power supply mat 80 and the location where the power supply mat 80 is placed (in this example, the location where the power supply mat 80 is used). Hereinafter, the term "borrowing" is used from the perspective of the borrower of the power supply mat 80 (aggregator 20B). On the other hand, the term "rental" is used from the perspective of the lender of the power supply mat 80 (power supply mat management company E3).

[0045] When the processing device 52 receives a request to borrow a power supply mat 80 from the aggregator 20B, it selects a power supply mat 80 (e.g., from among the power supply mats 80A to 80C) that can satisfy the borrowing conditions (e.g., the type of power supply mat 80) specified in the request.

[0046] The processing device 52 judges whether the selected power supply mat 80 is available for rental according to the management data of the power supply mat (details will be described later). When the processing device 52 receives a request to rent a power supply mat from the aggregator 20B and the power supply mat is available for rental, a contract for renting (renting) the power supply mat is automatically established between the power supply mat management company E3 and the aggregator 20B. Then, the processing device 52 decides to rent (rent) the power supply mat 80. After that, the processing device 52 outputs a command to the delivery person 59 to deliver the selected power supply mat 80 to the placement location specified in the rental request. Specifically, the processing device 52 outputs a command to the mobile terminal 58 through the communication device 56 so that a screen for instructing the placement of the power supply mat 80 is displayed on the display device of the mobile terminal 58. The power supply mat management company E3 may request another delivery company to deliver the power supply mat 80.

[0047] The selected power supply mat 80 (multiple options available) is removed from the warehouse 60 by the delivery person 59, loaded onto the delivery vehicle 70, and delivered to the designated placement location for placement. Removal of the power supply mat 80 from the warehouse 60 and loading onto the delivery vehicle 70 may be performed by a robot instead of the delivery person 59.

[0048] 3 and 4 are diagrams showing an example of a detailed configuration of the vehicle 34 (vehicle 33) and the power supply mat 80. FIG.

[0049] 3, the vehicle 34 is an example of a moving object that can be non-contact charged or non-contact discharged using the power supply mat 80. The moving object may be an agricultural machine, a walking robot, a drone, a robot cleaner, or the like.

[0050] The vehicle 34 includes a power storage device 31, an inlet 39, a power transmitting and receiving device 37, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) device 38, a communication device 41, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 36.

[0051] The power storage device 31 is an assembled battery including a plurality of cells. Each cell is a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The power storage device 31 supplies electric power to a motor generator (not shown) for generating driving force for the vehicle 34. This causes the motor generator to drive the driving wheels of the vehicle 34. As a result, the vehicle 34 travels. The power storage device 31 is also configured to store electric power generated by the motor generator. The power storage device 31 may be an electric double layer capacitor.

[0052] The inlet 39 is configured so that a connector of a charging cable CC (see FIG. 4) extending from the power supply equipment EVSE can be inserted into it. When the connector is inserted into the inlet 39, the inlet 39 and the power supply equipment EVSE are electrically connected. This makes it possible to charge and discharge the power storage device 31 using the power supply equipment EVSE.

[0053] 3, the power transmitting and receiving device 37 is disposed on the lower surface of a floor panel that forms the bottom surface of the vehicle 34. A power transmitting and receiving coil unit (not shown) is housed inside the power transmitting and receiving device 37. The power transmitting and receiving coil unit of the vehicle 34 functions as a power receiving coil unit that receives power transmitted from the power transmitting and receiving coil unit 88 of the power supply mat 80 in a non-contact manner. The AC power received by the power transmitting and receiving device 37 is converted to DC power by an inverter (not shown) of the vehicle 34, and then charged into the power storage device 31 (non-contact charging).

[0054] The power transmitting and receiving coil unit of the power transmitting and receiving device 37 of the vehicle 34 also functions as a power transmitting coil unit that transmits power contactlessly to the power transmitting and receiving coil unit 88 of the power supply mat 80. The transmitted power is power discharged from the power storage device 31, and is received by the power transmitting and receiving coil unit 88 of the power supply mat 80 (contactless discharging). Thus, in the present embodiment, the vehicle 34 performs contactless charging or contactless discharging using the power supply mat 80.

[0055] The HMI (Human Machine Interface) device 38 includes a display device and an input device (neither shown). The display device displays a screen for providing various information to the user of the vehicle 34. An example of a screen displayed on the display device will be described later. The input device receives input operations by the user.

[0056] The communication device 41 is configured to communicate with devices external to the vehicle 34. For example, the communication device 41 wirelessly receives a balance adjustment request signal BAS (FIG. 1) from an electricity market server (described later). When plug-in charging of the vehicle 33 is performed, the communication device 41 performs CAN (Controller Area Network) communication with the power supply equipment EVSE.

[0057] The ECU 36 controls each device of the vehicle 34 (for example, the power transmitting and receiving device 37, the HMI device 38, and the communication device 41). As an example, when the communication device 41 receives a balance adjustment request signal BAS, the ECU 36 controls a display device of the HMI device 38 so as to notify the user of the vehicle 34 that an electricity transaction for adjusting the balance between electricity supply and demand has been requested. An example of a screen displayed on the display device will be described later.

[0058] The power supply mat 80 includes a ground unit 81 , a sensor unit 82 , and a control unit 87 .

[0059] The ground unit 81 has a mat shape and is placed on the road surface of the travel lane of the vehicle 34. The ground unit 81 has a length L1 in the traveling direction (X direction) of the vehicle 34, and a length L2 in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction (Y direction). The ground unit 81 is flexible and configured to be rolled up. The ground unit 81 is portable. The ground unit 81 may further include a plurality of drive wheels (not shown). These drive wheels are provided on the road surface side of the ground unit 81. This allows the ground unit 81 itself to move (self-propelled). As a result, the power supply mat 80 can be easily transported.

[0060] The ground unit 81 includes a plurality of power transmitting and receiving coil units 88. Each of the plurality of power transmitting and receiving coil units 88 is configured to be able to supply power to the vehicle 34 in a non-contact manner in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 87 when the vehicle 34 is located above the unit (non-contact power supply). In this case, non-contact charging of the vehicle 34 is performed. On the other hand, each of the plurality of power transmitting and receiving coil units 88 is also configured to be able to receive power from the vehicle 34 in a non-contact manner in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 87 (non-contact power reception). In this case, non-contact discharging of the vehicle 34 is performed.

[0061] The sensor unit 82 detects the position of the vehicle 34 passing over the ground unit 81, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 87. The sensor unit 82 includes, for example, at least one of a camera, a radar, and a LIDAR (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) (none of which are shown). Unlike the example of FIG. 3, each of the multiple power transmitting and receiving coil units 88 may be provided with a sensor (for example, an optical sensor or a weight sensor) for detecting the position of the vehicle 34. In this case, the sensor unit 82 may not be provided.

[0062] The control unit 87 includes a power conversion device 83, a communication device 85, and a control device 84. The power conversion device 83 is electrically connected to an external AC power source PG (typically, a commercial power source). The AC power source PG is electrically connected to the power grid 40. The power conversion device 83 converts the voltage of AC power supplied from the AC power source PG. The power conversion device 83 outputs the converted AC power to a power transmission and reception coil unit 88 selected from the multiple power transmission and reception coil units 88 (i.e., the power transmission and reception coil unit 88 above which the vehicle 34 is located).

[0063] The communication device 85 is configured to communicate with the server 50 of the power supplying mat management company E3. As an example, the communication device 85 receives a control signal CS from the server 50. The control signal CS includes a power supply start command and a power supply stop command from the power supplying mat 80 to the vehicle 34, as well as a command value for the power supply. The control signal CS also includes a power reception start command and a power reception stop command from the vehicle 34 to the power supplying mat 80, as well as a command value for the power reception.

[0064] The control device 84 controls the power conversion device 83 in the following manner in accordance with a command from the server 50. The control device 84 identifies the position of the vehicle 34 based on a detection signal from the sensor unit 82. Then, the control device 84 controls the power conversion device 83 so that AC power is supplied to, for example, the power transmission and reception coil unit 88 that is located below the vehicle 34 among the multiple power transmission and reception coil units 88. This forms an electromagnetic field around the power transmission and reception coil unit 88. As a result, power is transmitted to the power transmission and reception coil unit of the power transmission and reception device 37 of the vehicle 34 (i.e., power is supplied from the power supply mat 80 to the vehicle 34).

[0065] Thereafter, when the vehicle 34 is no longer detected above the power transmitting and receiving coil unit 88, the control device 84 stops the supply of AC power to that power transmitting and receiving coil unit 88. The control device 84 performs this series of controls for each power transmitting and receiving coil unit 88. As a result, even when the vehicle 34 is traveling, power is transmitted contactlessly from the power supply mat 80 (more specifically, the multiple power transmitting and receiving coil units 88 of the ground unit 81) to the vehicle 34. Even when the vehicle 34 is stopped, power can be transmitted contactlessly.

[0066] When the power supply mat 80 receives power from the vehicle 34, the control device 84 executes the following control. When the vehicle 34 is detected above the power supply mat 80, the control device 84 outputs a discharge request to the vehicle 34 through the communication device 85. When the ECU 36 of the vehicle 34 receives the discharge request through the communication device 41, the ECU 36 executes discharge control of the vehicle 34. Specifically, the ECU 36 controls the power transmission and reception device 37 so that the power stored in the power storage device 31 is discharged (transmitted) to the power transmission and reception coil unit 88 of the power supply mat 80 through the power transmission and reception device 37. As a result, power is transmitted contactlessly from the power transmission and reception coil unit of the power transmission and reception device 37 to the power transmission and reception coil unit 88 of the power supply mat 80. As a result, power is supplied from the vehicle 34 to the power supply mat 80 (i.e., the power supply mat 80 receives power from the vehicle 34).

[0067] After that, when the vehicle 34 passes the power supply mat 80, the vehicle 34 is no longer detected above the power supply mat 80. That is, the output of the detection signal from the sensor unit 82 stops. Then, the control device 84 stops outputting the discharge request. This ends the power reception of the power supply mat 80 (power supply from the vehicle 34 to the power supply mat 80).

[0068] The power supply mat 80 is electrically connected to the power grid 40. When wireless power supply from the power supply mat 80 to the vehicle 34 is performed, power is supplied from the power grid 40 to the vehicle 34 through the power supply mat 80. In this case, power consumption in the power grid 40 increases by the amount of power supply in the wireless power supply (corresponding to the amount of power received by the vehicle 34). As a result, the amount of power in the power grid 40 decreases.

[0069] On the other hand, when non-contact discharging is performed from the vehicle 34 to the power supply mat 80 (when non-contact power reception is performed by the power supply mat 80), power is supplied from the vehicle 34 to the power grid 40 through the power supply mat 80. In this case, the power supply in the power grid 40 increases by the amount of power received in the non-contact power reception (corresponding to the amount of power discharged by the vehicle 34). As a result, the amount of power in the power grid 40 increases.

[0070] The received power or fed power of the power feeding mat 80 may be limited by a predetermined upper limit or lower limit. These values ​​are appropriately determined according to the rated performance of the power conversion device 83 and the power transmitting / receiving coil unit 88, for example.

[0071] 5 is a diagram showing an example of management data of the power supply mat 80. Management data 540 is stored in the storage device 54 (FIG. 1) of the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3.

[0072] 5, management data 540 includes ID information 541, reservation information 542A to 542C, and placement information 543A to 543C. Management data 540 may further include data indicating the mat IDs and management states (e.g., reservation state and placement state) of other power supply mats 80 (a plurality of mats are possible).

[0073] The ID information 541 indicates the mat ID of each power supply mat 80 (in this example, the power supply mats 80A to 80C). The ID information 541 indicates that the mat ID of the power supply mat 80A is 00A, the mat ID of the power supply mat 80B is 00B, and the mat ID of the power supply mat 80C is 00C.

[0074] The reservation information 542A to 542C indicate the time transition of the reservation status of the power supply mats 80A to 80C, respectively. The reservation information 542A to 542C are also collectively referred to as reservation information 542. The reservation information 542A indicates that the power supply mat 80A is reserved for a period TRA from time t0 (corresponding to the current time) to time t5 (a time a predetermined time after the current time). The reservation information 542B indicates that the power supply mat 80B is reserved for a period TRB1 from time t0 to time t1 and a period TRB2 from time t2 to time t3. The reservation information 542C indicates that the power supply mat 80C is reserved for a period TRC1 from time t1 to time t2 and a period TRC2 from time t4 to time t5. During the period in which the power supply mat 80 (multiple power supply mats are possible) are reserved, even if a user other than the reserved user requests to borrow (rent) the power supply mat, the power supply mat cannot be lent to that user.

[0075] The arrangement information 543A to 543C indicate the time transition of the arrangement positions of the power supply mats 80 to 80C, respectively. The arrangement information 543A to 543C are also collectively referred to as arrangement information 543. The arrangement information 543A indicates that the arrangement position of the power supply mat 80A is P1 during the period (reservation period) TRA. The arrangement information 543B indicates that the arrangement position of the power supply mat 80B is P2 during the period TRB1 and that the arrangement position of the power supply mat 80B is P3 during the period TRB2. The arrangement information 543C indicates that the arrangement position of the power supply mat 80C is P4 during the period TRC1 and that the arrangement position of the power supply mat 80C is P5 during the period TRC2. During periods other than the reservation period, the arrangement position of each power supply mat 80 is the warehouse 60 (FIG. 1).

[0076] When the processing device 52 of the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 receives a request to rent the power supply mat 80, the processing device 52 reads the management data 540 from the storage device 54. The rental request includes information indicating the designation of the type of the power supply mat 80 and the designation of the rental period of the power supply mat 80. The processing device 52 identifies the mat ID of the power supply mat 80 of the type designated in the rental request among the multiple power supply mats 80 according to the correspondence between the type of the power supply mat 80 and the mat ID. The processing device 52 determines whether the power supply mat 80 having the identified mat ID can be rented during the designated period according to the management data 540 (more specifically, the ID information 541 and the reservation information 542). Specifically, the processing device 52 determines whether the designated period in the rental request overlaps with the period for which the reservation has already been made for the power supply mat 80. For example, if these periods overlap, the power supply mat 80 cannot be rented to a user other than the reserving user. On the other hand, if these periods do not overlap, the power supply mat 80 can be rented out.

[0077] Referring again to FIG. 1, the power company E1 requests the aggregator 20B to procure a requested amount of power RE corresponding to the power demand from the power grid 40 during the contract period. Then, as described with reference to FIG. 2, the predicted amount of power PE predicted to be supplied from the distributed power sources 35 to the power grid 40 during this contract period changes over time (from the predicted amount of power PE0 to the predicted amount of power PE1 in the example of FIG. 2). Therefore, after the contract is concluded between the aggregator 20B and each owner of the distributed power sources 35, it may be predicted that the amount of power generated by the distributed power sources 35 will not be able to satisfy the predicted amount of power generation. As a result, the supply and demand balance of power in the power grid 40 may be disrupted.

[0078] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the server 21B of the aggregator 20B creates a power receiving plan for the power supply mat 80 during the contract period with the power company E1 so as to improve the above problem. Specifically, the communication device 24B acquires the required amount of power RE from the server 10 of the power company E1. The processing device 26B calculates the amount of power supply and demand imbalance (=RE-PE) in the power network 40 according to the power difference between the required amount of power RE and the predicted amount of power PE. The amount of power supply and demand imbalance indicates the degree of imbalance in power supply and demand. The power receiving plan includes information indicating the arrangement position of the power supply mat 80 (corresponding to the arrangement information 543) and information indicating the amount of power received or power supplied by the power supply mat 80 (received power amount information). The received power amount information is generated according to the amount of power supply and demand imbalance (described in detail later). A specific method of generating the arrangement information will also be described later. The processing device 26B creates the above-mentioned power receiving plan so that the amount of imbalance in power supply and demand is reduced by the amount of power received or power fed of the power feeding mat 80 placed at the placement position. In other words, the placement position of the power feeding mat 80 and the amount of power received or power fed of the power feeding mat 80 are determined so that the amount of imbalance in power supply and demand is reduced. In particular, it is preferable that the power receiving plan of the power feeding mat 80 is created so that the amount of imbalance in power supply and demand is eliminated (reduced to zero).

[0079] According to the above configuration, the amount of power predicted to be procured from the power grid 40 during the contract period between the power company E1 and the aggregator 20B is determined according to the predicted power amount PE and the amount of power received or power fed by the power feeding mat 80 arranged at the arrangement position. For example, the amount of power predicted to be procured from the power grid 40 is the total amount of power obtained by subtracting the total amount of power fed by each power feeding mat 80 from the predicted power amount PE. The amount of power received or power fed by each power feeding mat 80 arranged at the arrangement position is adjusted so that the amount of power procured from the power grid 40 approaches the required power amount RE. As a result, the supply and demand balance in the power grid 40 can be maintained. This point will be described in more detail below.

[0080] 6 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of power supply mats 80 are arranged so as to reduce the amount of imbalance between power supply and demand. In the following description, FIGS. 1 to 3 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0081] 6, if the requested energy RE and the predicted energy PE (the predicted energy PE1 in FIG. 2) differ at the time of contract confirmation, the processing device 26B of the server 21B of the aggregator 20B outputs a borrowing request for the power supply mat 80(s) to the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 (FIG. 1) before the contract period starts (during the period from time tB to time tC in FIG. 2). More specifically, the processing device 26B outputs the borrowing request for the power supply mat 80 to the server 50 via the communication device 24B so that the power supply mat 80 is placed at the specified placement position (road R1 in this example) before the contract period starts.

[0082] The processing device 52 of the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 receives the borrowing request through the communication device 56. The processing device 52 then instructs the delivery person 59 (FIG. 1) to place the power supply mat 80 on the road R1. Specifically, the processing device 52 outputs a command to the mobile terminal 58 through the communication device 56 to display a screen showing the instructions to the delivery person 59 (including the placement location of the power supply mat 80). As a result, the power supply mat 80 is taken out of the warehouse 60 by the delivery person 59, loaded into the delivery vehicle 70, delivered to the road R1, and placed on the road R1. Details of a method for determining the number of power supply mats 80 and the like will be described later.

[0083] The processing device 26B of the server 21 of the aggregator 20B transmits a balance adjustment request signal BAS to the vehicle 34 through the communication device 24B and the power market server 95 before outputting a request to borrow the power supply mat 80. More specifically, the processing device 26B outputs a request REQ to the power market server 95 to transmit the balance adjustment request signal BAS to the vehicle 34. The power market server 95 is a server for managing power transactions in the power market. In response to receiving the balance adjustment request signal BAS, the ECU 36 of each vehicle controls the HMI device 38 to display a screen 90 (FIG. 7).

[0084] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device of the HMI device 38 when the ECU 36 of the vehicle 34 receives the balance adjustment request signal BAS.

[0085] In this example, since the requested amount of power RE is larger than PE1 (FIG. 2) at the time of contract confirmation (RE>PE1), the amount of imbalance between power supply and demand corresponds to a power shortage in the power grid 40. Therefore, it is preferable for the power supply mat 80 to receive power from the vehicle 34 to make up for this power shortage. Therefore, the user of the vehicle 34 is inquired as to whether or not to perform power trading for receiving power from the power supply mat 80 (discharging the power storage device 31 of the vehicle 34).

[0086] 7, the screen 90 includes a transaction condition display portion 92 and buttons 94 and 96. The transaction condition display portion 92 indicates the conditions of the power transaction between the user of the vehicle 34 and the aggregator 20B. Specifically, the transaction condition display portion 92 indicates the discharge location (road R1 in this example), the date and time of discharge (a contract period between the aggregator 20B and the user of the vehicle 34), the amount of discharged power (amount of power transaction), and the remuneration in the power transaction when the power storage device 31 of the vehicle 34 is discharged (the power supply mat 80 receives power from the vehicle 34) for the sale of power by the user of the vehicle 34. The amount of power transaction may be determined based on, for example, the amount of discharged power from the power storage device 31 and the power receiving efficiency of the power supply mat 80 (power transmission efficiency of the vehicle 34).

[0087] The button 94 is operated when the user of the vehicle 34 wishes to participate in a bidding for energy trading. When the button 94 is operated by the user, the ECU 35 transmits a signal indicating that a bid has been placed (a bid signal) to the energy market server 95 via the communication device 41. In this embodiment, the user of the vehicle 34A and the user of the vehicle 34B wish to participate in the bidding, and both users become the successful bidders. After receiving the bid signal, the energy market server 95 outputs a request to the vehicle 34 to display a screen indicating the successful bid result (i.e., that the successful bid has been placed) on the HMI device 38. As a result, the successful bid result is notified to the user of the vehicle 34.

[0088] The button 96 is operated when the user does not wish to participate in the bidding for the energy trading. When the button 96 is operated by the user, the bidding for the energy trading is not conducted (the above-mentioned bidding signal is not transmitted). Unlike the present embodiment, if the user of the vehicle 34 operates the button 96, the power storage device 31 of the vehicle 34 is not discharged while the vehicle 34 of the user is traveling on the road R1.

[0089] Referring again to FIG. 6, even if the user of vehicle 34 had planned to travel on road R2 before receiving the balance adjustment request signal BAS, after being notified of the above-mentioned successful bid result, the user changes the travel route of vehicle 34 so that vehicle 34 travels on road R1.

[0090] While the vehicle 34 is traveling on the road R1, each power supply mat 80 receives power from the vehicle 34. As a result, power is supplied from the vehicle 34 to the power grid 40 through the power supply mats 80, in addition to the distributed power sources 35 (FIG. 1). As a result, the imbalance between power supply and demand in the power grid 40 (in this example, the power shortage) is reduced.

[0091] The amount of received power of each power supply mat 80 may be, for example, a value (divided value) obtained by dividing the amount of imbalance in power supply and demand by the number of vehicles 34 (2 in this example for simplicity of explanation). As a result, the amount of imbalance in power supply and demand is eliminated (cancelled) by the sum of the amounts of received power of each power supply mat 80, and becomes zero. Thus, the balance of power supply and demand is maintained in the power grid 40. The number of vehicles exchanging power with the power supply mat 80 may be any number equal to or greater than two.

[0092] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a plan of power P(t) exchanged between the power supply mat 80 and the vehicle 34 in the power supply plan of the power supply mat 80. This power supply plan is created by the processing device 26B after the successful bidder of the power transaction (in this example, the user of the vehicle 34) is determined and before the start time (time t00) of the total contract period TP between the aggregator 20B and the power company E1. In other words, this power supply plan is created during the period from time tB to time tC in FIG. 2. Time t0 corresponds to time tC in FIG. 2. The total contract period TP includes contract periods T1 to T5 as units of contract periods. The length of each of the contract periods T1 to T5 is, for example, 30 minutes. The required amount of energy RE is different for each of these contract periods. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the power P(t) of each power supply mat 80 is the same.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 8, during the agreed period T1 from time t00 to time t01, the required power amount RE is smaller than the predicted power amount PE (RE < PE). This predicted power amount PE corresponds to the predicted power amount PE1 (FIG. 2) at the start of the agreed period. Since the required power amount RE is smaller than the predicted power amount PE, an excess of power supply in the power grid 40 is assumed.

[0094] Therefore, during the agreed period T1, the processing device 26B determines the power P(t) so that each power supply mat 80 supplies power to the vehicle 34. In this example, the power supply power of each power supply mat 80 is represented as positive power P(t) (P(t) > 0). By each power supply mat 80 supplying power to each vehicle 34 using the power in the power grid 40, the power consumption in the power grid 40 increases. The processing device 26B determines the power P(t) (P1 in this example) during the agreed period T1 such that, for example, the total amount of power (P(t) × T1) supplied to each vehicle 34 during the agreed period T1 is equal to the absolute value of the power supply-demand imbalance amount (= RE - PE) (the excess amount of power supply). As a result, the vehicle 34A and the vehicle 34B as a whole receive the excess amount of power supply in the power grid 40. Consequently, the power excess in the power grid 40 can be eliminated.

[0095] During the agreed period T2 from time t01 to time t02, the required power amount RE is equal to the predicted power amount PE (RE = PE) for the processing device 26B. Therefore, during the agreed period T2, it is considered that the required power amount RE is procured from the distributed power source 35 to the power grid 40 and the power supply-demand balance is maintained. Thus, the processing device 26B sets the power P(t) to 0 (P(t) = 0). That is, no power exchange occurs between the power supply mat 80 and the vehicle 34.

[0096] During the agreed period T3 from time t02 to time t03, the required power amount RE is larger than the predicted power amount PE (RE > PE). Therefore, a power shortage in the power grid 40 is assumed.

[0097] Therefore, the processing device 26B determines the power P(t) so that each power supply mat 80 receives power from each vehicle 34 during the contract period T3. In this example, the received power of each power supply mat 80 is expressed as negative power P(t) (P(t)<0). Since the received power of each power supply mat 80 is supplied to the power grid 40, the supply in the power grid 40 increases. For example, the processing device 26B determines the power P(t) (P2 in this example) during the contract period T3 so that the total amount of power (P(t)×T3) that each power supply mat 80 receives from each vehicle during the contract period T3 is equal to the absolute value (power shortage) of the power supply and demand imbalance amount (=RE-PE).

[0098] During the agreement period T4 from time t03 to time t04, similarly to the agreement period T2, the processing device 26B sets the power P(t) to 0 (P(t)=0).

[0099] During the contract period T5 from time t04 to time t05, similarly to the case of the contract period T1, the processing device 26B sets the power P(t) to a positive value (P3 in this example). The power supply and demand imbalance amount (excess amount of power) during the contract period T5 is greater than the power supply and demand imbalance amount (excess amount of power) during the contract period T1. Therefore, the amount of power supplied from the power supply mat 80 to each vehicle 34 during the contract period T5 (P3×T5 in this example) is determined to be greater than the amount of power during the contract period T1 (P1×T1 in this example).

[0100] In this way, the greater the amount of power supply and demand imbalance (in this example, the excess amount of power), the greater the amount of power (or the power supply) supplied from the power supply mat 80 to each vehicle 34. Similarly, the greater the amount of power shortage, the greater the amount of power (or the power received) received by the power supply mat 80 from each vehicle 34. At time t05, the total contract period TP ends.

[0101] 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing an example of a process associated with the placement of the power supply mat 80. This flowchart is executed when the aggregator 20B provides an energy management service to the power company E1. This flowchart shows an example of a process executed in the server 21B of the aggregator 20B, the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3, and the vehicle 34.

[0102] 9, the processing device 26B of the server 21B of the aggregator 20B receives the requested amount of power RE for each contract period (in the example of FIG. 8, the contract period T1, T2, T3, T4, or T5) through the communication device 24B (step S105). The requested amount of power RE and information indicating the contract period are included in the procurement request signal PRS (FIG. 1). The processing device 26B calculates the predicted amount of power PE for each contract period (step S106). At this point in time, the requested amount of power RE and the predicted amount of power PE are assumed to be equal during each contract period. That is, it is assumed that the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ is always predicted to be 0 during the total contract period TP. Therefore, a contract for power procurement is established between the aggregator 20B and the power company E1, as well as the owner of the photovoltaic power generation device 32 and the owner of the vehicle 33 (step S107).

[0103] The processor 26B judges whether the contract confirmation time (time tB in FIG. 2) has arrived, that is, whether the confirmation signal PCS has been received (step S108). The processor 26B calculates the predicted power amount PE for each contract period (step S110), and calculates the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ (=RE-PE) for each contract period (step S111).

[0104] The processor 26B determines whether the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ is always 0 during the total contract period TP (step S115). If the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ is 0 (YES in step S115) as when the processing of step S106 is executed, the processor 26B ends the processing of Fig. 9. In this case, the power supply and demand balance in the power grid 40 is always maintained during the total contract period TP without the need for processing of step S120 and subsequent steps.

[0105] On the other hand, if the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ is no longer 0 due to a change in the weather forecast after the agreement (NO in step S115), the processing device 26B creates a power receiving plan for the power supply mat 80 (step S120). Details of the process of step S120 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. After step S120, the processing device 26B proceeds to step S125.

[0106] The processing device 26B outputs an inquiry as to whether the power supply mat 80 is available for borrowing (renting) during the total contract period TP (step S125). The type of power supply mat 80 and the reservation period are specified in this inquiry. The borrowing (renting) fee per power supply mat 80 is set in advance by the power supply mat management company E3. The inquiry is transmitted to the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 via the communication device 24B. After that, the processing of the server 21B proceeds to step S150.

[0107] The processing device 52 of the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 determines whether or not the above-mentioned inquiry has been received through the communication device 56 (step S230). If the processing device 52 has not received the inquiry (NO in step S230), the processing device 52 executes this determination process until the inquiry is received. On the other hand, if the processing device 52 has received the inquiry (YES in step S230), the processing proceeds to step S235.

[0108] The processing device 52 determines whether or not the specified type of power supply mat 80 can be rented out during the total contract period TP, based on the management data 540 (FIG. 5) stored in the storage device 54 (step S235). Specifically, the processing device 52 determines whether or not an existing reservation period (periods TRA, TRB1, TRB2, TRC1, or TRC2 in FIG. 5) during which a reservation has already been made for the specified type of power supply mat 80 overlaps with the total contract period TP.

[0109] If the power supply mat 80 cannot be rented out during the total contract period TP (NO in step S235), the processing device 52 outputs a notice indicating that the power supply mat 80 cannot be rented out (notice of rental not possible) (step S240). This notice is sent to the server 21B of the aggregator 20B through the communication device 56. Then, the processing of the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 ends. On the other hand, if the power supply mat 80 can be rented out during the total contract period TP (YES in step S235), the processing device 52 outputs a notice indicating that the power supply mat 80 can be rented out (notice of rental possible) (step S245). This notice is sent to the server 21B of the aggregator 20B through the communication device 56. After the processing of step S245, the processing of the server 50 proceeds to step S282 (FIG. 10).

[0110] The processing device 26B of the server 21B of the aggregator 20B determines whether or not a notice that the item is available for lending has been received through the communication device 24B (step S150). If the processing device 26B has not received a notice that the item is available for lending, that is, if the processing device 26B has received a notice that the item is not available for lending (NO in step S150), the processing device 26B ends the processing in Fig. 9. On the other hand, if the processing device 26B has received a notice that the item is available for lending (YES in step S150), the processing device 26B proceeds to step S155 (Fig. 10).

[0111] 10, the processing device 26B solicits bids for power trading through the power market server 95 (step S155). Specifically, information including various conditions for power trading is transmitted to the power market server 95. The power market server 95 outputs a balance adjustment request signal BAS to the vehicle 34 of a user who has made an agreement for power trading with the aggregator 20B so that a screen 90 (FIG. 7) is displayed on the HMI device 38 of the vehicle 34. After step S155, the process of the server 21 of the aggregator 20B proceeds to step S174.

[0112] When the ECU 36 of the vehicle 34 receives the balance adjustment request signal BAS via the communication device 41, the ECU 36 displays the screen 90 for bidding on the display device of the HMI device 38 (step S360). This notifies the user of the vehicle 34 of the trading conditions for electricity.

[0113] Next, the ECU 36 determines whether or not an operation for bidding (a bidding operation) has been performed by the user of the vehicle 34 through the input device of the HMI device 38 (step S365). Specifically, the ECU 36 determines whether or not the button 94 in FIG. 7 has been operated, according to a signal from the HMI device 38.

[0114] If a bidding operation is not performed, for example, if the button 94 is operated (NO in step S365), the ECU 36 outputs a notice indicating no bidding to the server 21 of the aggregator 20B through the electricity market server 95 (step S367). Thereafter, the processing for the vehicle 34 ends.

[0115] When a bidding operation is performed, i.e., when the button 96 is operated (YES in step S365), the ECU 36 executes a bidding for the transaction conditions displayed on the screen 90 (step S370). Specifically, the ECU 36 transmits a bidding signal to the power market server 95 through the communication device 41. Thereafter, the ECU 36 receives a bidding result (i.e., information indicating whether the bidding is successful or not) from the power market server 95 (step S371). The bidding result is also transmitted from the power market server 95 to the server 21 of the aggregator 20B. After the processing of step S367 or S371, the processing of the vehicle 34 ends.

[0116] The processing device 26B of the server 21 of the aggregator 20B determines whether or not there is a bid (step S174). If there is no bid, that is, if a notice of no bid is received or if a bid result indicating that the bid was unsuccessful is received (NO in step S174), the processing of the server 21 ends. On the other hand, if there is a bid (YES in step S174), that is, if a bid result indicating that the bid was successful is received, the processing device 26B transmits a borrowing request (rental request) for the power supply mat 80 to the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 through the communication device 24B (step S180). Thereafter, the processing of the server 21 proceeds to step S190.

[0117] The processing device 52 of the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 judges whether or not a borrowing request for the power supply mat 80 is received from the server 21 of the aggregator 20B through the communication device 56 within a predetermined time (step S282). The borrowing request includes information indicating the location of the power supply mat 80 and the borrowing period (corresponding to the total contract period TP). The predetermined time is, for example, the time from the time when the notice that the power supply mat 80 is available for lending (step S245) is output, and is appropriately determined. If the processing device 52 has not received a borrowing request for the power supply mat 80 (NO in step S282), the processing device 52 ends the process of FIG. 10. On the other hand, if the processing device 52 has received a borrowing request for the power supply mat 80 (YES in step S282), it decides to lend the power supply mat 80 (step S284).

[0118] Next, the processing device 52 updates the management data 540 in the storage device 54 for the power supply mat 80 to be rented out this time (step S285). Specifically, the processing device 52 updates the reservation information 542 so that the power supply mat 80 cannot be rented out to other users during the total contract period TP. Furthermore, the processing device 52 updates the location information 543 so that the location of the power supply mat 80 during the total contract period TP is reflected in the management data 540.

[0119] Next, the processing device 52 instructs the delivery person 59 to place the power supply mat 80 (multiple mats are possible) at the location specified by the placement information 543 (step S286). Specifically, the processing device 52 outputs a request to the mobile terminal 58 through the communication device 56 so that a screen indicating the placement location of the power supply mat 80 is displayed on the display device of the mobile terminal 58 of the delivery person 59. As a result, the screen is displayed on the display device of the mobile terminal 58, and the placement location of the power supply mat 80 is notified to the delivery person 59. As a result, the power supply mat 80 is loaded into the delivery vehicle 70 by the delivery person 59, delivered to the instructed placement location, and placed at this location. After that, the processing device 52 receives a signal indicating that placement of the power supply mat 80 has been completed from the mobile terminal 58 of the delivery person 59 through the communication device 56.

[0120] Next, the processing device 52 outputs an arrangement completion notification indicating the completion of the arrangement of the power supply mat 80 to the server 21 of the aggregator 20B (step S288). After that, the process of the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 ends.

[0121] The processing device 26B of the server 21 of the aggregator 20B determines whether or not a placement completion notification has been received from the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 through the communication device 24B (step S190). If the processing device 26B has not received the placement completion notification (NO in step S190), the processing device 26B executes this determination process until the notification is received. On the other hand, if the processing device 26B has received the placement completion notification (YES in step S190), the processing of FIG. 10 ends.

[0122] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the details of the process for creating a power supply plan for the power supply mat 80 (step S120 in FIG. 9).

[0123] Referring to FIG. 11, the processing device 26B of the server 21 of the aggregator 20B determines the amount of received power RW or the amount of supplied power SW of the power supply mat 80 (multiple cases possible) for each contract period according to the amount of power supply and demand imbalance AQ (step S1200). Specifically, when the amount of power supply and demand imbalance AQ is positive (power shortage), the processing device 26B determines the amount of received power RW for eliminating (reducing) the power shortage. When the amount of power supply and demand imbalance AQ is negative (excessive power supply), the processing device 26B determines the amount of supplied power SW for eliminating (reducing) the excess power supply. The amount of received power RW is the sum of the amounts of received power of each power supply mat 80 during the contract period (in the example of FIG. 8, the contract periods T1, T2, T3, T4, or T5), and the amount of supplied power SW is the sum of the amounts of supplied power of each power supply mat 80 during the contract period. In this example, the amount of received power RW or the amount of supplied power SW is determined to be equal to the absolute value of the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ during the contract period. As a result, the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ becomes zero.

[0124] Next, the placement location of the power supply mat 80 is determined (step S1201). As an example, the processing device 26B acquires information indicating changes in traffic volume on the road (including roads R1 and R2) from an external server (not shown) through the communication device 24B, and determines the placement location according to the acquired result. For example, the processing device 26B may determine the placement location such that the power supply mat 80 is placed on a road with a heavier traffic volume as the amount of received power RW or the amount of power supply SW is larger. This increases the amount of power exchanged between the power supply mat 80 and multiple moving bodies (including the vehicle 34). The placement location is, for example, road R1 (FIG. 6). Information indicating the determined placement location is then transmitted to the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 (step S180 in FIG. 10), and is stored as placement information 543 in the storage device 54 of the server 50 (step S285 in FIG. 10).

[0125] The processing device 26B determines the type of the power supply mat 80 to be placed on the road R1 (step S1202). The type of the power supply mat 80 includes the size of the power supply mat 80 (for example, the area defined by the lengths L1 and L2 in FIG. 3) and the upper limit of the received power or the supplied power.

[0126] The processing device 26B determines the number N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) of the power supply mats 80 to be arranged (step S1204). The number N may be determined according to, for example, the size (area) of the location where the power supply mats 80 are arranged.

[0127] The processing device 26B determines the number M of moving objects to be recruited to participate in the DR (step S1206). The number M of moving objects to be recruited corresponds to the number of moving objects (in this example, the vehicles 34A and 34B) that exchange power with the power supply mat 80 (for example, M=2).

[0128] The processor 26B determines a plan for the power P(t) exchanged between each power supply mat 80 and the moving object (step S1208). Details of the process of step S1208 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0129] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the details of the process for determining the power P(t). In the following description, Fig. 11 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0130] 12, the processing device 26B determines whether the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ is negative for each contract period (step S12080). If the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ is negative (excess power supply in the power grid 40), the processing device 26B determines the power P(t) to be a positive value (for example, P1 or P3 in FIG. 8). In this case, the power supply mat 80 supplies power to a moving body (for example, the vehicle 34).

[0131] On the other hand, when the power demand-supply imbalance amount AQ is positive (power shortage in the power grid 40), the processing device 26B determines the power P(t) to be a negative value (for example, P2 in FIG. 8). In this case, the power supply mat 80 receives power from a moving body (for example, the vehicle 34).

[0132] The amount of received power RW or the amount of supplied power SW, the number N of power supply mats 80, the number of offers M, and the power P(t) are related to each other.

[0133] The value obtained by dividing the amount of received power RW or the amount of power supply SW by the number of offers M corresponds to the average amount of power (average amount of power) exchanged between the vehicle 34 and the power supply mat 80 when one vehicle 34 passes through the N power supply mats 80. The passing time when the vehicle 34 passes through the N power supply mats 80, each having a length L1 (when traveling a distance of L1×N), is determined according to the speed of the vehicle 34 (for example, the legal speed limit on road R1). The processing device 26B then determines the number N, the number of offers M, and the power P(t) so that the time integral of this passing time and the power P(t) corresponds to the average amount of power.

[0134] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing after the placement of the power supply mat 80. This flowchart is executed after the processing device 26B of the server 21 of the aggregator 20B receives a placement completion notification from the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 (after the processing branches to YES in step S190 of Fig. 10).

[0135] 13, the processing device 26B of the server 21 of the aggregator 20B transmits the plan of power P(t) in the power supply plan (FIG. 11) (e.g., the graph in FIG. 8) and information (agreement period information) indicating the agreement period (e.g., agreement periods T1 to T5 in FIG. 8) to the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 via the communication device 24B (step S405). After that, the process of the server 21 proceeds to step S450.

[0136] The processing device 52 of the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 judges whether or not it has received both the plan for power P(t) and the information indicating the contract period through the communication device 56 (step S507). If the processing device 52 has not received both (NO in step S507), it executes this judgment process until it receives both. On the other hand, if the processing device 52 has received both (YES in step S507), it proceeds to step S508.

[0137] The processor 52 determines whether the start time of the total contract period TP (time t00 in the example of FIG. 8) has arrived according to the contract period information (step S508). If the start time of the total contract period TP has not arrived (NO in step S508), the processor 52 executes this determination process until the total contract period TP arrives. On the other hand, if the start time of the total contract period TP has arrived (YES in step S508), the processor 52 advances the process to step S510.

[0138] The processing device 52 outputs a command to start power supplying or receiving power to the power supplying mat 80 according to the plan of power P(t) to the power supplying mat 80 (step S510). For example, the processing device 52 transmits a command to each power supplying mat 80 so that the power supplying power from the power supplying mat 80 to the vehicle 34 during the contracted period T1 becomes P1. Alternatively, the processing device 52 transmits a command to the power supplying mat 80 so that the power receiving power of the power supplying mat 80 during the contracted period T3 becomes P3. The processing device 52 transmits these commands to the power supplying mat 80 as part of the control signal CS (FIG. 3). Thereafter, the processing of the server 50 proceeds to step S525.

[0139] The control device 84 of the power supply mat 80 determines whether or not a power supply or power reception start command has been received through the communication device 85 (step S615). If the control device 84 has not received the start command (NO in step S615), the control device 84 executes this determination process until the start command is received.

[0140] On the other hand, when the control device 84 receives a start command (YES in step S615), it controls the power conversion device 83 so that the power supplying mat 80 (more specifically, the ground unit 81) supplies power to the moving body (e.g., the vehicle 34) or the power supplying mat 80 receives power from the moving body (step S620). Whether power supply or power reception is performed depends on the plan of power P(t) and the current time. For example, in the plan of power P(t), if the power P(t) at the current time is positive, the power supplying mat 80 supplies power. On the other hand, if the power P(t) at the current time is negative, the power supplying mat 80 receives power. Thereafter, the processing of the power supplying mat 80 proceeds to step S640.

[0141] The processing device 52 of the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 judges whether the end time of the total contract period TP (time t05 in the example of FIG. 8) has arrived (step S525). If the end time of the total contract period TP has not arrived (NO in step S525), the processing device 52 executes this judgment process until the end time of the total contract period TP arrives. On the other hand, if the end time of the total contract period TP has arrived (YES in step S525), the processing device 52 outputs a command to end power supply or power reception (step S530). The processing device 52 transmits these commands to the power supply mat 80 as part of the control signal CS (FIG. 3). After that, the processing of the server 50 proceeds to step S535.

[0142] The control device 84 of the power supply mat 80 determines whether or not a command to end power supply or power reception has been received through the communication device 85 (step S640). If the control device 84 has not received the end command (NO in step S640), it continues power reception or power supply until it receives the end command (step S620). On the other hand, if the control device 84 has received the end command (YES in step S640), it ends power reception or power supply (step S645). Thereafter, the processing of the power supply mat 80 ends.

[0143] The processing device 52 of the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 outputs a notification indicating the end of power supply or power reception (step S535). This notification (end notification) is transmitted to the server 21 of the aggregator 20B via the communication device 24B. After that, the processing of the server 50 ends.

[0144] The processing device 26B of the server 21 of the aggregator 20B determines whether or not a notification of the end of power supply or power reception has been received through the communication device 24B (step S540). If the processing device 26B has not received the notification of the end (NO in step S540), it executes this determination process until it receives the notification of the end. On the other hand, if the processing device 26B receives the notification of the end (YES in step S540), it ends the process. Thereafter, the process of the server 21 ends.

[0145] When the amount of power generated by the distributed power sources 35 (FIG. 1) fluctuates due to changes in weather or the like, a situation may be assumed in which the predicted amount of power PE in the power grid 40 exceeds or falls below the required amount of power RE after a contract is concluded between the aggregator 20B and the owner of the distributed power sources 35. According to the present embodiment, even if a moving body (e.g., the vehicle 34) is operating (moving) in such a situation, power is exchanged between the moving body and the power supply mat 80 so that the power supply and demand balance is maintained. As a result, the moving body does not need to stop to charge and discharge the power storage device in order to stabilize the power supply and demand balance (e.g., the vehicle 34 does not need to stop so that a charging plug can be inserted into the inlet 39 of the vehicle 34). Therefore, it is possible to flexibly deal with fluctuations in the power supply and demand balance in the power grid 40.

[0146] [Embodiment 2] In this second embodiment, the processing device 52 of the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 changes the rental mode of the power supply mat 80 in accordance with the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ. The rental mode of the power supply mat 80 is, for example, the rental fee per power supply mat 80 and whether or not the rental of the power supply mat 80 is prohibited. The configuration of the VGI system in this second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the VGI system 1 (FIG. 1) in the first embodiment.

[0147] 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a process associated with the placement of the power supply mat 80. This flowchart is executed when the aggregator 20B provides an energy management service to the power company E1. In this example, the power supply mat 80 is used to supply power to a moving body (vehicle 34).

[0148] This flowchart differs from the flowchart in Fig. 9 in that the processes of steps S112A, S114A, S221A, S222A, and S223A have been added. In other respects, it is similar to the flowchart in Fig. 9.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 14, the processing device 26B of the server 21B of the aggregator 20B transmits the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ (=RE-PE) calculated in step S111 to the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 through the communication device 24B (step S112A).

[0150] When the processing device 52 of the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 receives the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ through the communication device 56 (step S221A), it executes a process for determining the rental mode of the power supply mat 80 (step S222A).

[0151] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the process for determining the rental mode of the power supply mat 80 (step S222A in FIG. 14).

[0152] Referring to FIG. 15, the processing device 52 of the server 50 of the power supply mat management company E3 switches processing depending on the received power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ (step S705).

[0153] For example, when the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ is 0 (AQ=0), that is, when the required power amount RE is equal to the predicted power amount PE, the processor 52 sets the rental fee PR of the power supply mat 80 to the default fee PR0 (PR=PR0) (step S725). After the process of step S725, the process proceeds to step S223A in FIG. 14.

[0154] When the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ is negative (AQ<0), that is, when the required power amount RE is smaller than the predicted power amount PE (when the power supply becomes excessive in the power grid 40), the processing device 52 sets the rental fee PR of the power supply mat 80 to the fee PR1 (PR=PR1) (step S727). The fee PR1 is set to be lower than the default fee PR0 (PR0>PR1). Therefore, it becomes easier for the aggregator 20B to rent the power supply mat 80 than when the rental fee PR is the default fee PR0. Therefore, the number N of the rented power supply mats 80 becomes easier to increase. As a result, the total amount of power supply from the number N of power supply mats 80 to the mobile object (multiple objects are possible) becomes easier to increase. In other words, the total amount of power supply supplied from the power grid 40 to the mobile object through each power supply mat 80 becomes easier to increase. This makes it easier to increase power consumption in the power grid 40. As a result, it becomes easier to eliminate (reduce) the excess power supply in the power grid 40. After the process of step S727, the process proceeds to step S223A in FIG.

[0155] If the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ is positive (AQ>0), that is, if the required power amount RE is greater than the predicted power amount PE (if there is a power shortage in the power grid 40), the processing device 52 proceeds to step S730. Then, the processing device 52 determines whether the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ is equal to or greater than a threshold amount TH (>0) (step S730).

[0156] If the power supply-demand imbalance amount AQ is less than the threshold amount TH (NO in step S730), the processor 52 sets the rental fee PR for the power supply mat 80 to the fee PR2 (PR=PR2) (step S735). The fee PR2 is set to be higher than the default fee PR0 (PR2>PR0). Thus, it becomes more difficult for the aggregator 20B to rent the power supply mat 80 than when the rental fee PR is the default fee PR0. After the process of step S735, the process proceeds to step S223A in FIG. 14.

[0157] If the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ is equal to or greater than the threshold amount TH (YES in step S730), the processor 52 proceeds to step S240 in FIG. 14 (i.e., outputs a notice that lending is not possible). As a result, lending of the power supply mat 80 is prohibited. Therefore, the aggregator 20B cannot borrow the power supply mat 80.

[0158] In this way, when the rental fee PR is reduced from the default fee PR0 to the fee PR2, or when rental of the power supply mat 80 is prohibited, the number N of rented power supply mats 80 is likely to decrease (or is decreased). As a result, the total amount of power supplied from the N number of power supply mats 80 to the mobile object (s) is likely to decrease. In other words, the total amount of power supplied from the power network 40 to the mobile object through the power supply mats 80 is likely to decrease, and therefore power consumption in the power network 40 is likely to be reduced. As a result, power shortages in the power network 40 are likely to be resolved.

[0159] 14, the processing device 52 of the power supply mat management company E3 transmits information indicating the rental status of the power supply mat 80 to the server 21B of the aggregator 20B through the communication device 56 (step S223A). After that, the process of the server 50 proceeds to step S230.

[0160] The processing device 26B of the server 21B of the aggregator 20B receives information indicating the rental status of the power supply mat 80 (the borrowing (rental) fee for the power supply mat 80 and whether the power supply mat 80 is prohibited or not) via the communication device 24B. Then, the processing device 26B determines whether the rental of the power supply mat 80 is prohibited or not according to the above information (step S114A). If the rental of the power supply mat 80 is prohibited (YES in step S114A), the processing device 26B ends the processing of FIG. 14. On the other hand, if the rental of the power supply mat 80 is not prohibited (in step S114A), the processing device 26B proceeds to step S115.

[0161] [Other variations] The aggregator 20B and the power supply mat management company E3 may be the same company. That is, a server device in which the server 21B and the server 50 are integrated may be operated by this company (aggregator and power supply mat management company). In this case, this server device creates a power supply plan (including a plan for power P(t)) for the power supply mat 80 and manages the rental of the power supply mat 80.

[0162] The aggregator 20B and the power company E1 may be the same business. That is, a server device in which the server 21B and the server 10 are integrated may be operated by this business (aggregator and power company). In this case, the business makes an agreement with the owner of the distributed power source 35 (for example, the solar power generation device 32 and the vehicle 33), and the server device manages the amount of power generated by the distributed power source 35 (for example, calculates the predicted power amount PE). Then, the server device predicts the power supply and demand situation in the power grid 40, and calculates the required power amount RE according to the prediction result. This allows the business to deal with fluctuations in the supply and demand balance in the power grid 40 using the power supply mat 80 as in the above-mentioned embodiment. As a result, it is possible to avoid power outages in the power grid 40.

[0163] The requested amount of power RE may be requested from the aggregator 20B by an aggregator higher than the aggregator 20B instead of the power company E1. The higher aggregator is a business entity that provides an energy management service to the power company E1 by aggregating the amounts of power procured by a plurality of aggregators E2. The communication device 24B of the aggregator 20B may obtain the requested amount of power RE from a server of the higher aggregator.

[0164] The processing device 52 may create a power receiving plan so that the number N of power supply mats 80 changes with time, instead of or in addition to the power P(t). For example, when the power supply mat 80 supplies power to a moving object (when the power supply in the power grid 40 is excessive), the processing device 52 creates a power receiving plan so that the number N increases as the power supply and demand imbalance amount AQ increases. This makes it possible to deal with fluctuations in power supply and demand even when a power supply mat 80 configured to have a constant power P(t) is used.

[0165] The processing device 52 may create a plan for the power P(t) so that the power P(t) changes according to the season (for example, spring, summer, fall, and winter). For example, each of the contract periods T1 to T5 (FIG. 8) may be determined according to the season. In this case, the length of each contract period represents the length of a season, and the power P(t) changes each time the season changes.

[0166] 6, the power supply mat 80 may be placed in a parking space instead of the road R2. This allows the vehicle 34 to exchange power with the power supply mat 80 even when the vehicle 34 is stopped.

[0167] Although the vehicle 34 is assumed to be driven by a user, it may be an unmanned (automatic) vehicle. Even in a situation where the road R2 is longer than the road R1 (when the vehicle travels on the road R2, the arrival time at the destination is slower than when the vehicle travels on the road R1), the vehicle 34 travels on the road R2 as long as it can arrive at the destination earlier than the designated time designated by the command for automatic driving. As a result, it is possible to contribute to maintaining the balance between power supply and demand. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 1 VGI system, 10, 21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 50 Server, 20A, 20B, 20C Aggregator, 24B, 41, 56, 85 Communication equipment, 26B, 52 Processing equipment, 32 Photovoltaic power generation equipment, 33, 34, 34A, 34B Vehicle, 35 Distributed power source, 40 Power grid, 80, 80A, 80B, 80C Power supply mat, N number, PE predicted power amount, RE requested power amount, RW received power amount, SW supplied power amount.

Claims

[Claim 1] A server that creates a power supply plan for a power supply mat that is capable of receiving power from a moving object in a non-contact manner and supplying power to the moving object in a non-contact manner, The power supply mat is connected to a power grid, An acquisition device that acquires a requested amount of power that is requested to be procured from the power grid; a processing device that calculates an imbalance between power supply and demand in the power grid according to a power difference between a predicted amount of power that is predicted to be supplied to the power grid from a distributed power source different from the mobile object and the required amount of power, The predicted power amount varies over time; The power supply plan includes information indicating a placement position of the power supply mat and information indicating an amount of power received or power supplied by the power supply mat, The processing device creates the power supply plan so that the amount of imbalance in power supply and demand is reduced by the amount of received power or the amount of supplied power of the power supply mat placed at the placement position.

Images