Mobile charging system and server realized by transporting secondary batteries

Abstract

To propose a new energy supply method.SOLUTION: A house is supplied with power by a secondary battery (solid battery). An electricity delivery vehicle includes a built-in secondary battery (moving battery) and autonomously moves. The house measures a charging rate of the solid battery and transmits it to a server. The server instructs the standby electricity delivery vehicle to start when the charging rate of the solid battery in the house is less than a power supply threshold value. When receiving the start instruction, the electricity delivery vehicle sets the house as a target point, automatically starts moving, connects the solid battery of the house and the built-in moving battery when arriving the house, and supplies power to the solid battery from the moving battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the supply of electric energy, and in particular to a technique for supplying electric energy by transporting secondary batteries. [Background technology]

[0002] With the population increasing and the accompanying rapid increase in energy consumption, there is growing interest in a "sustainable society." A sustainable society can be defined as a society that conserves the global environment, passes it on to future generations, and is able to meet the needs of the current generation.

[0003] In order to realize a sustainable society, there is a need to actively utilize natural energy sources, such as solar power, wind power, geothermal power, etc. Currently, cities of the future are being envisioned that will achieve an optimal mix of a wide variety of power generation sources, including natural energy, based on regional characteristics, while consuming as much energy as possible locally produced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5360157 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Furthermore, many developed countries are facing the problem of aging infrastructure, such as power transmission networks. In order to remodel cities, it will also be necessary to reconstruct the power transmission network. Aerial power lines mar the city's landscape. On the other hand, burying the power lines underground (removing utility poles) will increase construction costs even more. In countries like Japan, which are prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, the risk of the power transmission network being cut off must also be taken into consideration.

[0006] The present invention was completed based on the recognition of the above problems, and its main object is to propose a new method for supplying energy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A mobile charging system in one embodiment of the present invention includes a home powered by a first secondary battery, a mobile body capable of moving autonomously and incorporating a second secondary battery, and a server connected to the home and the mobile body via a communications network. The house includes a battery management unit that measures the charging rate of the first secondary battery, and a communication unit that transmits battery information including the charging rate to a server. The server includes a receiving unit that receives battery information from the house, and a transmitting unit that transmits a departure instruction to the waiting mobile object when the charging rate indicated in the battery information falls below a first threshold. The mobile body includes a drive mechanism for moving the mobile body, a receiving unit for receiving a departure instruction, a movement control unit for setting the house as a target point and instructing the drive mechanism to move when the departure instruction is received, and a battery management unit for supplying power from the second secondary battery to the first secondary battery when the mobile body reaches the house.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mobile body includes a drive mechanism that has a built-in second secondary battery and moves the device using the second secondary battery as a power source, a receiving unit that receives a departure instruction specifying a house from a server, a route calculation unit that, when the departure instruction is received, refers to map information and calculates a route from the current location to the house, a movement control unit that controls the drive mechanism according to the calculated route, and a battery management unit that, when the mobile body reaches the house, supplies power from the built-in second secondary battery to a first secondary battery installed in the house. The movement control unit controls the drive mechanism to return from the house to a predetermined return point after power is supplied to the first secondary battery.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, a server is connected via a communication network to both a home powered by a first secondary battery and a mobile object that has a second secondary battery built in and is capable of moving autonomously. The server includes a receiving unit that receives battery information including the charging rate of the first secondary battery from the house, and a transmitting unit that transmits a departure instruction to a waiting mobile object specifying the house as a target point when the charging rate indicated in the battery information falls below a first threshold value.

[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, a mobile charging system includes a plurality of residences powered by a first secondary battery, a plurality of mobile bodies capable of moving autonomously and incorporating a second secondary battery, and a server connected to the plurality of residences and the plurality of mobile bodies via a communication network. The house includes a battery management unit that measures a charging rate of the first secondary battery, and a communication unit that transmits the first battery information including the charging rate together with a house ID to a server. The server includes a first receiving unit that receives first battery information from each of the multiple residences, a second receiving unit that receives second battery information including a charging rate of the second secondary battery from each of the multiple mobile objects, a first determination unit that determines whether or not there is a residence in which the charging rate indicated in the first battery information is less than a first threshold, a second determination unit that determines whether or not there is a mobile object in which the charging rate indicated in the second battery information is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold, and a transmitting unit that, when there is a residence in which the charging rate of the first secondary battery is less than the first threshold, transmits a departure instruction specifying the residence to any of the multiple waiting mobile objects in which the charging rate of the second secondary battery is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold. The mobile body includes a drive mechanism for moving the mobile body, a receiving unit for receiving a departure instruction, a route calculation unit for referring to map information when the departure instruction is received and calculating a route from a current location to a house specified by the departure instruction, a movement control unit for controlling the drive mechanism according to the calculated route, and a battery management unit for supplying power from a built-in second secondary battery to a first secondary battery installed in the house when the specified house is reached. A movement control unit of the moving object controls the drive mechanism so as to return from the house to a predetermined return point after power is supplied to the first secondary battery. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize the supply of energy by a distribution method. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a mobile charging system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of supplying power by an electric delivery vehicle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an electric delivery vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a house. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a server. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of residential electricity consumption information. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a data structure diagram of housing forecast information. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of vehicle information. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a process in which a server determines whether or not an electric delivery vehicle needs to start. [Figure 10] 10 is a flow chart showing the process of an electric delivery vehicle when a dispatch instruction is received. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing the process of an electric delivery vehicle after power supply is terminated. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a data structure diagram of housing adjustment information. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a data structure diagram of town adjustment information. [Figure 14] 1 is a data structure of weather adjustment information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a mobile charging system 100. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the mobile charging system 100 is operated in a town with a population of several hundred to several thousand people. This town aims to locally produce and locally consume energy, particularly electrical energy.

[0014] The mobile charging system 100 includes a power supply system 104 and a power consumption system 106. The power supply system 104 corresponds to a producer of electric energy. The power consumption system 106 includes a plurality of residences 400. The residences 400 correspond to consumers of electric energy. Each residence 400 is equipped with a relatively large secondary battery (first secondary battery) (hereinafter, also referred to as a "stationary battery"). The residences 400 obtain the electric energy required within the home from the stationary battery.

[0015] The power supply system 104 includes a power plant 102, a server 300, and a plurality of electric delivery vehicles 200. The power plant 102 is a collection of one or more power generation sources. The power plant 102 includes power generation sources using natural energy such as solar power generation, geothermal power generation, biomass power generation, and wind power generation. The power generation sources included in the power plant 102 do not need to be concentrated in one place, and may be distributed throughout the city. Furthermore, the power plant 102 may include existing power plants such as thermal power plants, hydroelectric power plants, and nuclear power plants in addition to power generation using natural energy.

[0016] The electric delivery vehicle 200 is an unmanned autonomous vehicle. The electric delivery vehicle 200 has a relatively small built-in secondary battery (second secondary battery) (hereinafter, also referred to as a "mobile battery"). The electric delivery vehicle 200 has a vehicle height of, for example, about 0.5 to 1.2 meters, and travels at a low speed of about 3 to 10 kilometers per hour. The electric delivery vehicle 200 also has an imaging function using a camera, a position detection function using a GPS (Global Positioning System), and a communication function. The electric delivery vehicle 200 is connected to the power plant 102 via a power supply line 108, and charges the built-in mobile battery. The power supply line 108 may be supplied with power not only from the power plant 102 inside the town, but also from a power plant outside the town as a backup. Hereinafter, the place where the electric delivery vehicle 200 receives power supply from the power supply line 108 is referred to as a "standby area."

[0017] The server 300 periodically receives first battery information including the remaining battery level (charging rate) of the fixed battery from the residence 400 via a wireless or wired communication network. The first battery information indicates the usage state of electric energy in the residence 400, such as a residence ID for identifying the residence 400, the battery capacity of the fixed battery, the remaining battery level of the fixed battery, and the amount of power consumption in the residence 400 (amount of decrease in the remaining battery level per unit period). The server 300 instructs any electric delivery vehicle 200 in the waiting area to start, targeting the residence 400 with a low remaining battery level.

[0018] Upon receiving the departure command, electric delivery vehicle 200 drives itself to the designated house 400. When electric delivery vehicle 200 arrives at house 400, the built-in mobile battery is connected to the fixed battery of house 400, and power is supplied from the mobile battery to the fixed battery. After power supply, electric delivery vehicle 200 automatically returns to the waiting area. Note that power supply from the mobile battery to the fixed battery may be performed by known wireless power supply such as a magnetic field resonance method.

[0019] Hereinafter, "power consumption of a fixed battery in a certain residence 400 during a certain time period W (e.g., 10:00-11:00 on Friday) is X (%)" means that the remaining battery level of the fixed battery dropped by X (%) during this time period. However, if the fixed battery is charged by a mobile battery during this time period W, the power consumption of this residence during the same time period W is treated as "N / A (Non Available)." The residence 400 notifies the server 200 of the time when it was charged as part of the first battery information.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of power supply by an electric delivery vehicle 200. The server 300 selects electric delivery vehicles 200 in the standby area whose remaining battery power of the mobile battery is equal to or greater than a threshold (hereinafter referred to as the "start threshold") as dispatch candidates. Hereinafter, such electric delivery vehicles 200 that are dispatch candidates will be referred to as "Standby Vehicles (S vehicles)." Hereinafter, the explanation will be given assuming that the start threshold (fourth threshold) is 90(%).

[0021] The server 300 selects, as a power supply candidate, a home 400 in which the charging rate of the fixed battery is below a threshold (hereinafter referred to as the "power supply threshold") from among a plurality of homes 400. Hereinafter, such a home 400 that is a power supply candidate will be referred to as an "R home (Requesting Home)." The following description will be given assuming that the basic setting of the power supply threshold (first threshold) is 30(%). The power supply threshold may be variable, but details will be described later.

[0022] The server 300 transmits the house ID of the R residence (house 400 whose fixed battery has a remaining battery charge less than the first threshold (power supply threshold)) to the S vehicle (electric delivery vehicle 200 whose mobile battery has a remaining battery charge equal to or greater than the fourth threshold (start threshold)). The S vehicle stores in advance map information of the town and address information of each house 400. The server 300 periodically transmits (multicasts) the latest map information and address information to all electric delivery vehicles 200, thereby updating the data of the electric delivery vehicles 200. The electric delivery vehicle 200 (S vehicle) calculates a travel route to the R residence based on the house ID, map information, and address information, and starts traveling to the R residence. FIG. 2 shows the travel routes of the electric delivery vehicle 200a (S vehicle) when the target point is the house 400j (R residence), and the electric delivery vehicle 200b (S vehicle) when the target point is the house 400k (R residence).

[0023] The electric delivery vehicle 200 is small and slow, so it can travel in pedestrian lanes. The electric delivery vehicle 200 is equipped with a camera, and will slow down or stop if there is an obstacle such as a person within a certain range from the vehicle. When the electric delivery vehicle 200 reaches an intersection, it captures the pedestrian signal and travels across the crosswalk after confirming that the signal is green.

[0024] It is also possible to provide a dedicated lane for electric delivery vehicle 200 to travel in. Alternatively, driving instruction lines such as white lines may be drawn on the ground, and electric delivery vehicle 200 may travel along these driving instruction lines.

[0025] A plurality of beacons may be buried in the ground, and the electric delivery vehicle 200 may travel according to a guide signal from the beacons. The electric delivery vehicle 200 may receive a guide signal including a beacon ID from the beacon, and may recognize the current location of the vehicle by checking the beacon ID against map information in which the positions of the beacon IDs are registered in advance.

[0026] The electric delivery vehicle 200 in this embodiment is expected to travel a maximum distance of 1.6 kilometers one way and 3.2 kilometers round trip by autonomous driving.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an electric delivery vehicle 200. Each component of electric delivery vehicle 200 is realized by hardware including computing units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various co-processors, storage devices such as memory and storage, and wired or wireless communication lines connecting them, and software stored in the storage devices and supplying processing instructions to the computing units. Computer programs may be composed of device drivers, an operating system, various application programs located at higher layers than those, and libraries that provide common functions to these programs. Electric delivery vehicle 200 further includes hardware mechanisms for electric drive such as a drive mechanism 206 and a secondary battery 208 (mobile battery). Each block described below does not represent a hardware configuration but represents a functional block. The same applies to the functional block diagrams of the house 400 (FIG. 4) and the server 300 (FIG. 5).

[0028] The electric delivery vehicle 200 includes a communication unit 202 , a data processing unit 204 , a driving mechanism 206 , a secondary battery 208 (mobile battery), a camera 210 and a data storage unit 212 . The communication unit 202 is responsible for communication processing with the server 300 and the like via a wired or wireless communication network. The data storage unit 212 stores various data. The camera 210 is the "eye" of the electric delivery vehicle 200 and captures images of the outside. In addition, the electric delivery vehicle 200 may be equipped with other sensors such as a distance measuring sensor. The data processing unit 204 executes various processes based on the data acquired by the communication unit 202, the camera 210, and the like and the data stored in the data storage unit 212. The drive mechanism 206 is a mechanism for driving the electric delivery vehicle 200. The secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) is connected to the fixed battery and the power supply line 108 via the charging / discharging connection port 214. The secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) is charged by receiving electrical energy from the power supply line 108 via the charging / discharging connection port 214. The secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) also supplies electrical energy to the fixed battery via the charging / discharging connection port 214. The secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) also functions as a power source for the driving mechanism 206 etc. The data processing unit 204 also functions as an interface between the communication unit 202, the camera 210, the data storage unit 212, the driving mechanism 206 and the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery).

[0029] The communication unit 202 includes a transmission unit 216 that transmits data to an external device such as the server 300, and a reception unit 218 that receives data from the external device. The transmission unit 216 periodically transmits second battery information to the server 300. The second battery information includes information indicating the usage status of electric energy in the electric delivery vehicle 200, such as a vehicle ID that identifies the electric delivery vehicle 200 and the remaining battery level (charging rate) of the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery). The transmission unit 216 also transmits vehicle status information of the electric delivery vehicle 200 as appropriate. The vehicle status information includes the current location, moving speed, working status, etc. of the electric delivery vehicle 200.

[0030] The drive mechanism 206 includes a motor 228 and wheels 230. The motor 228 rotates the wheels 230 using electric energy supplied from a secondary battery 208 (mobile battery). The motor 228 controls the rotation speed and direction of the wheels 230 according to instructions from the movement control unit 222.

[0031] The data processing unit 204 includes a route calculation unit 220 , a movement control unit 222 , and a battery management unit 224 . The route calculation unit 220 refers to map information stored in the data storage unit 212 and calculates a travel route from the current location to the destination location. The travel control unit 222 controls the travel of the electric delivery vehicle 200 by sending a control signal to the drive mechanism 206 according to the travel route. In addition, when the camera 210 detects an obstacle within a predetermined distance, the travel control unit 222 adjusts the travel speed and travel direction of the electric delivery vehicle 200 to avoid a collision. The battery management unit 224 periodically measures the remaining battery power of the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery). In addition, when the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) is connected to a fixed battery of the house 400, the battery management unit 224 controls charging from the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) to the fixed battery.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a house 400 . The house 400 includes a secondary battery 404 (fixed battery), a charge control device 406, a distribution board 402, a charge / discharge connection port 414, and a plurality of electric appliances 408. The electric appliances 408 are various power consumers such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, and a dishwasher. The plurality of electric appliances 408 are connected to the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery) via the distribution board 402. The distribution board 402 is connected to the charge / discharge connection port 414. The secondary battery 404 (fixed battery) is connected to the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) of the electric delivery vehicle 200 via the distribution board 402 and the charge / discharge connection port 414. The secondary battery 404 (fixed battery) is charged by being supplied with electric energy from the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) of the electric delivery vehicle 200 via the charge / discharge connection port 414 and the distribution board 402. The secondary battery 404 (fixed battery) also supplies electric energy to each electric appliance 408 via the distribution board 402.

[0033] The charging control device 406 includes a communication unit 410 and a battery management unit 412 . The communication unit 410 is responsible for communication processing with the server 300 and the like via a wireless or wired communication network. The communication unit 410 includes a transmission unit 416 that transmits data to an external device such as the server 300, and a reception unit 418 that receives data from the external device. The transmission unit 416 periodically transmits first battery information (described above) to the server 300. The battery management unit 412 controls charging and discharging of the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery), and periodically measures the remaining battery power of the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery).

[0034] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the server 300. The server 300 includes a communication unit 302 , a data processing unit 304 , and a data storage unit 306 . The communication unit 302 is responsible for communication processing with the electric delivery vehicle 200 and the like via a wireless or wired communication network. The data storage unit 306 stores various data. The data processing unit 304 executes various processes based on the data acquired by the communication unit 302 and the data stored in the data storage unit 306. The data processing unit 304 also functions as an interface between the communication unit 302 and the data storage unit 306.

[0035] The communication unit 302 includes a transmission unit 308 that transmits data to an external device such as the electric delivery vehicle 200, and a reception unit 310 that receives data from the external device. The transmission unit 308 transmits a departure instruction, which will be described later, to the electric delivery vehicle 200 in accordance with an instruction from the dispatch determination unit 312.

[0036] The receiving unit 310 includes a first receiving unit 318 , a second receiving unit 320 and a weather acquisition unit 322 . The first receiving unit 318 receives the first battery information from the house 400. The second receiving unit 320 receives the second battery information from the electric delivery vehicle 200. The weather acquiring unit 322 acquires weather information from an external weather information site via the Internet. The weather information in this embodiment is the probability of snowfall provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

[0037] The data processing unit 304 includes a dispatch determination unit 312 , a trend analysis unit 314 and a consumption prediction unit 316 . The dispatch determination unit 312 determines whether or not the electric delivery vehicle 200 needs to be dispatched. The dispatch determination unit 312 includes a first determination unit 324 and a second determination unit 326. The first determination unit 324 determines whether or not there is an R residence that needs charging by the electric delivery vehicle 200. The second determination unit 326 determines whether or not there is an S vehicle that can be dispatched to the R residence. The method of identifying the R residence and the S vehicle will be described in detail later. The trend analysis unit 314 analyzes the power consumption trend for each residence 400. The power consumption trend of the residence 400 is information indicating the power consumption (the degree of decrease in the remaining battery power) for each residence 400 and for each time period (individual consumption information). The details of the power consumption trend of the residence 400 will be described later with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. The trend analysis unit 314 also analyzes the power consumption trend of multiple residences 400, in other words, the entire town. The power consumption trend of the entire town is also information indicating the power consumption (the degree of decrease in the remaining battery power) for each time period for the entire town (total consumption information). Details will be described later with reference to Fig. 13. The consumption prediction unit 316 predicts the remaining power in the future based on the power consumption tendency, that is, on past data related to power consumption.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a data structure diagram of the residential power consumption information 170. As shown in FIG. The home power consumption information 170 is stored in the data storage unit 306 of the server 300. As described above, the home 400 is identified by a home ID. The transmission unit 416 of the home 400 transmits the first battery information to the server 300 periodically (for example, every hour). The trend analysis unit 314 of the server 300 records the current remaining battery level of the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery) in the home 400 by referring to the first battery information. In addition, the trend analysis unit 314 tally up the power consumption (degree of decrease in remaining battery level) for each home 400 and for each predetermined time period (for example, each time period).

[0039] The residential power consumption information 170 in FIG. 6 shows the power consumption tendency of each residential house on Friday. For example, according to the first battery information collected from the residential house 400 with residential ID=H01 (hereinafter, referred to as “residential house 400(H01)”), the power consumption of “June 12th (Friday) 15:00-16:00” was 15%; the power consumption of “June 19th (Friday) 15:00-16:00” was 10%; and the power consumption of “June 26th (Friday) 15:00-16:00” was 5%. The tendency analysis unit 314 obtains the average power consumption based on the data of the last few Fridays. When the above-mentioned three days are targeted, the tendency analysis unit 314 calculates the power consumption (individual power consumption tendency) of the residential house 400(H01) for “Friday 16:00-17:00” as 10%.

[0040] If the power consumption for the same time period on Friday, June 19th is "N / A", the average value is calculated from the data for the last three Fridays (5th, 12th, and 26th), including the power consumption for Friday, June 5th, one week before Friday, June 12th. The tendency analysis unit 314 updates the corresponding column of the home power consumption information 170 every time it calculates the latest power consumption for "Friday 15:00-16:00" from the home 400 (H01). The same applies to other days of the week, other time periods, and other homes 400. By such a control method, the home power consumption information 170 registers the average power consumption of the home 400 for each day of the week and time period. The home power consumption information 170 makes it possible to know when and how much power each home 400 tends to consume. The consumption prediction unit 316 predicts the remaining battery power of each home 400 in the future based on the home power consumption information 170 (described later).

[0041] According to the residence power consumption information 170, the power consumption of the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery) in the residence 400 (H01) is 10(%) on average from 15:00 to 16:00 on Friday. On the other hand, the power consumption of the residence 400 (H02) during the same time period is 30(%). Therefore, it can be seen that the residence 400 (H02) lives a lifestyle that consumes more power than the residence 400 (H01) during the period from 15:00 to 16:00 on Friday. Hereinafter, a prescribed time period, such as "Friday 15:00 to 16:00", registered in the residential power consumption information 170 will be referred to as a "prescribed period." The length of the prescribed period in this embodiment is one hour, but can be set arbitrarily.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a data structure diagram of the housing forecast information 120. As shown in FIG. The home prediction information 120 is stored in the data storage unit 306 of the server 300. The consumption prediction unit 316 predicts the future remaining battery power based on the home power consumption information 170. The home prediction information 120 indicates a predicted value of the remaining battery power of each home 400 in the near future.

[0043] Assume that the current time is "Friday 14:50" and the current remaining battery level of the house 400 (H01) is 90(%). According to the house prediction information 120 in FIG. 7, if there is no new charging of the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery), the remaining battery level is predicted to drop to 80(%) one hour later at 17:50. According to the house power consumption information 170 in FIG. 6, the power consumption of the house 400 (H01) in "Friday 15:00-16:00" is predicted to be about 10(%). In this case, in predicting the remaining battery level one hour later, the consumption prediction unit 316 adopts 10(%) of the specified period "Friday 15:00-16:00" which overlaps most with the time period "Friday 14:50 (current time)-15:50 (one hour later)". The power consumption prediction unit 316 predicts the remaining battery charge one hour from now to be 80% by subtracting the predicted power consumption of 10% from the current remaining battery charge of 90%.

[0044] Similarly, for the time period "Friday 15:50 (1 hour later) to 16:50 (2 hours later)" when predicting the remaining battery level in two hours for the house 400 (H01), 30(%) is used based on the data for the specified period "Friday 16:00 to 17:00" of 170 in Fig. 6. In this case, the remaining battery level of the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery) is predicted to be 50(%) (=80-30) at 16:50, two hours later.

[0045] The trend analysis unit 314 tabulates the amount of power consumption for each residence 400. The trend analysis unit 314 calculates the average amount of power consumption for each specified period of time for each residence 400. This tabulated data on the amount of power consumption indicates a power consumption trend.

[0046] The first determination unit 324 determines that the house 400 whose current remaining battery charge is below the power supply threshold (30(%)) is the "R house." According to FIG. 7, the house 400 (H04) is the R house because its remaining battery charge is below the power supply threshold. In this case, the first determination unit 324 starts the electric delivery vehicle 200 (S vehicle) toward the house 400 (H04). The same is true for the house 400 (H05).

[0047] Since the battery level of the house 400 (H08) is 40(%) (above the power supply threshold), the house 400 (H08) is not an R house. However, based on the past power consumption trends, it is predicted that the battery level will drop significantly from 40(%) to 10(%) after one hour. Therefore, the house 400 (H08) may become an R house after one hour.

[0048] The remaining battery level of the house 400 (H03) is 50% (above the power supply threshold), and it is predicted that the remaining battery level will be 32% (above the power supply threshold) after one hour. From the past power consumption trend, it is predicted that the remaining battery level of the house 400 (H03) will drop from 32(%) to 10(%) after two hours. Therefore, there is a possibility that the house 400 (H03) will become an R house after two hours. The power supply threshold may be a fixed value, or may be variable based on the power consumption trend. In the following, first, in order to clarify the basic concept of the present invention, it is assumed that the power supply threshold is a fixed value. An embodiment in which the power supply threshold is changed will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and subsequent figures.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a data structure diagram of the vehicle information 130. As shown in FIG. The vehicle information 130 is stored in the data storage unit 306 of the server 300. As described above, the electric delivery vehicle 200 is identified by a vehicle ID. The transmitter 216 of the electric delivery vehicle 200 periodically transmits the second battery information to the server 300.

[0050] The second determination unit 326 updates the vehicle information 130 every time it receives the second battery information. In addition, the electric delivery vehicle 200 appropriately transmits vehicle status information indicating the status of the electric delivery vehicle 200, such as while moving from the waiting area to the house 400, when it arrives at the house 400 and starts supplying power, etc. According to the vehicle information 130 in Fig. 8, the electric delivery vehicle 200 (M01) is waiting in the waiting area, and the remaining battery power of the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) is 75(%).

[0051] The electric delivery vehicle 200 has four states: "standby," "moving," "power supply," and "return." "Standby" indicates that the electric delivery vehicle 200 is waiting in a waiting area, connected to the power supply line 108, and charging the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery). "Moving" indicates that the electric delivery vehicle 200 has left the waiting area and is moving toward the house 400. "Power supply" indicates that the electric delivery vehicle 200 has arrived at the house 400 and is charging the secondary battery 404 (stationary battery) of the house 400. "Return" indicates that the electric delivery vehicle 200 has finished power supply and is moving toward the waiting area (return point).

[0052] As described above, the second determination unit 326 determines an electric delivery vehicle 200 in a "standby" state with the remaining battery charge of the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) equal to or greater than the departure threshold (90(%)) as an "S vehicle." According to the vehicle information 130 in FIG. 8, the electric delivery vehicle 200 (M05) and the electric delivery vehicle 200 (M06) are S vehicles. When the R residence is present, the dispatch determination unit 312 instructs the electric delivery vehicle 200 (M05) or the electric delivery vehicle 200 (M06) to depart.

[0053] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process in which the server 300 determines whether or not the electric delivery vehicle 200 needs to start. The process shown in FIG. 9 is executed each time the server 300 receives first battery information from any of the residences 400. First, the first determination unit 324 of the server 300 updates the record of the remaining battery level in the residence power consumption information 170 each time the server 300 receives first battery information from a residence 400 (S10). The first battery information includes the current remaining battery level of the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery) of the residence 400. The trend analysis unit 314 periodically receives the first battery information to recalculate the decrease in the remaining battery level for each specified period, i.e., the amount of power consumption for each specified period. In the same manner, the trend analysis unit 314 also updates data related to the power consumption trend for the entire town.

[0054] The first determination unit 324 determines whether the residence 400 has a remaining battery charge below the power supply threshold, i.e., the R residence (S12). If it is not the R residence (N in S12), the process ends. If it is the R residence (Y in S12), the second determination unit 326 determines whether there is an electric delivery vehicle 200 whose remaining battery charge is equal to or greater than the departure threshold and in a "standby" state, i.e., an S vehicle (S14). The electric delivery vehicle 200 also periodically transmits second battery information and vehicle status information, and the second determination unit 326 updates the vehicle information 130 as appropriate.

[0055] If there is no S vehicle (N in S14), the process ends. If there is an S vehicle (Y in S14), the second judgment unit 326 selects the S vehicle (S16). If there are multiple S vehicles, the second judgment unit 326 selects the S vehicle with the largest remaining battery power. The dispatch judgment unit 312 transmits a departure instruction to the selected S vehicle, including the house ID of the house 400 (R house) that will be the charging destination (S18). In addition, the second judgment unit 326 updates the vehicle information 130 by changing the status of the departing S vehicle from "standby" to "moving" (S20).

[0056] For example, suppose that the house 400(H05) is identified as the R house to be charged, and the electric delivery vehicle 200(M06) is selected as the departure target. At this time, the transmission unit 308 transmits a departure instruction including the house ID=H05 to the electric delivery vehicle 200(M06). The address of each house 400 is registered in advance in the electric delivery vehicle 200(M06). The electric delivery vehicle 200(M06) starts moving to the house 400(H05) based on the map information. The second reception unit 320 also receives vehicle status information from the electric delivery vehicle 200(M06) when the electric delivery vehicle 200(M06) arrives at the house 400(H05) or when the electric delivery vehicle 200(M06) finishes supplying power at the house 400(H05). The second determination unit 326 updates the vehicle information 130 every time the second battery information or vehicle status information is received.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the process of the electric delivery vehicle 200 when a call instruction is received. The process in FIG. 10 is executed when a waiting electric delivery vehicle 200 receives a departure instruction from server 300. The departure instruction includes the house ID of R house, which is the target point. The route calculation unit 220 of electric delivery vehicle 200 references the address information and sets the specified R house as the destination. Next, the route calculation unit 220 references map information and calculates a travel route to R house (S30). The travel route is calculated by a method similar to the technology used in general car navigation systems.

[0058] Next, the electric delivery vehicle 200 calculates the distance from the current location (waiting area) to the destination (R residence) based on the map information (S32). The battery management unit 224 sets a "return threshold (second threshold)" according to the calculated distance (S34). The longer the distance, the higher the return threshold is set. Although details will be described later, when the electric delivery vehicle 200 charges the residence 400, if the remaining battery level of the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) falls below the return threshold, the electric delivery vehicle 200 starts returning to the waiting area even if the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery) is not fully charged. The farther the destination, in other words, the longer the travel distance, the more of the electric energy stored in the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) is consumed as kinetic energy of the electric delivery vehicle 200. By setting the return threshold higher when the travel distance is long, the electric energy required for the electric delivery vehicle 200 to return to the waiting area from the residence 400 can be secured.

[0059] After setting the return threshold, the electric delivery vehicle 200 starts to automatically move toward the house 400 (R house) (S36). When the electric delivery vehicle 200 arrives at the house 400, the charge / discharge connection port 214 of the electric delivery vehicle 200 and the charge / discharge connection port 414 of the house 400 are connected. The connection mechanism of the charge / discharge connection ports 214, 414 may be the same as known technology such as a plug-in type. After the connection, the battery management unit 224 of the electric delivery vehicle 200 charges the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery) by passing a current from the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) to the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery). When the battery management unit 412 of the house 400 is fully charged, it notifies the electric delivery vehicle 200 that charging is complete. In addition, as described above, the battery management unit 224 of the electric delivery vehicle 200 measures the remaining battery level of the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery). The battery management unit 224 completes the power supply to the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery) when the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery) is fully charged or when the remaining battery power of the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) is less than the return threshold.

[0060] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the process of the electric delivery vehicle 200 after power supply is terminated. The process of FIG. 11 is executed after the power supply is completed. The battery management unit 224 of the electric delivery vehicle 200 disconnects the charge / discharge connection port 414 of the house 400 from the charge / discharge connection port 214 of the electric delivery vehicle 200 (S40). Next, the route calculation unit 220 searches for a travel route from the current position to the waiting area (main point) (S42). The travel control unit 222 automatically moves the electric delivery vehicle 200 according to the calculated travel route (S44). At this time, the transmission unit 216 of the electric delivery vehicle 200 notifies the server 300 of the start of the return as vehicle status information (S46). When the server 300 receives the notification of the start of the return, it changes the status of the electric delivery vehicle 200 from "power supply" to "return."

[0061] After this, the electric delivery vehicle 200 returns to the waiting area. After arriving at the waiting area, the battery management unit 224 connects the charge / discharge connection port 214 to the power supply line 108. The second determination unit 326 of the server 300 changes the state of the electric delivery vehicle 200 from "return" to "standby." The secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) of the electric delivery vehicle 200 is charged by the power supply line 108.

[0062] [Power supply threshold adjustment method 1 (residential adjustment)] The power supply threshold may be a fixed value or may be a variable value. The first determination unit 324 may adjust the power supply threshold for each house 400 and for each time period based on the power consumption tendency of each house 400. Hereinafter, such a method of adjusting the power supply threshold will be referred to as "house adjustment."

[0063] FIG. 12 is a data structure diagram of the housing adjustment information 140. As shown in FIG. The home adjustment information 140 is stored in the data storage unit 306 of the server 300. When home adjustment is performed, the first determination unit 324 adjusts the power supply threshold according to the power consumption tendency of the home 400. In other words, the first determination unit 324 adjusts the power supply threshold based on the home power consumption information 170 indicating the power consumption tendency of the home 400. The power supply threshold is initially set to a base value of 30(%). If the average decrease in the remaining battery level after one hour calculated based on past data, in other words, the expected power consumption, is 20(%) or more, the first determination unit 324 adds 20(%) as a first correction value to the base value. Similarly, if the power consumption after two hours is 20(%) or more, the first determination unit 324 further adds 10(%) as a second correction value. The home adjustment information 140 indicates the power supply threshold after home adjustment for each home 400.

[0064] For example, assume that the current time is 15:50. Referring to the home prediction information 120 in Fig. 7, the home 400 (H01) has a power consumption of 10(%) after one hour and 30(%) after two hours. Therefore, the first determination unit 324 adjusts the power supply threshold of the home 400 (H01) to 40(%) (=30+0+10). If the current battery remaining amount of the home 400 (H01) is 90(%), this is greater than the adjusted power supply threshold (40%), and therefore the first determination unit 324 does not determine that the home 400 (H01) is an R home.

[0065] The current battery remaining amount of the house 400 (H03) is 50(%), the power consumption after one hour is 18(%), and the power consumption after two hours is 22(%). The first determination unit 324 adjusts the power supply threshold of the house 400 (H03) to 60(%) (=30+20+10). Since the current battery remaining amount of 50(%) of the house 400 (H03) is less than the power supply threshold (60(%)) after the house adjustment, the first determination unit 324 determines the house 400 (H03) to be an R house. Although the current battery remaining amount of the house 400 (H03) is sufficient, it is predicted that a large amount of power will be consumed after one hour and two hours. Therefore, the first determination unit 324 increases the power supply threshold to have the electric delivery vehicle 200 head to the house 400 (H03) earlier.

[0066] According to this control method, even if the current battery level is sufficient, a power shortage at the home 400 can be prevented by dispatching an electric delivery vehicle 200 to the home 400 where there is a possibility that the power consumption will increase in the near future.

[0067] The trend analysis unit 314 calculates the power consumption during a specified period based on the difference between the remaining battery charge at the start and end of the specified period. However, if the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery) receives power from the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) during the specified period, the data is excluded from the calculation (N / A).

[0068] [Power supply threshold adjustment method 2 (town adjustment)] The first determination unit 324 may adjust the power supply thresholds of all the homes 400 collectively according to the power consumption trends of the entire plurality of homes 400, in other words, the entire town. Hereinafter, such a method of adjusting the power supply thresholds is referred to as "town adjustment."

[0069] FIG. 13 is a data structure diagram of the town adjustment information 150. As shown in FIG. The city adjustment information 150 is stored in the data storage unit 306 of the server 300. When performing city adjustment, the trend analysis unit 314 compiles the power consumption trends of the entire city for each day of the week and each time period from the first battery information obtained from the multiple residences 400. When performing city adjustment, the first determination unit 324 adjusts the power supply thresholds of all the residences 400 collectively according to the power consumption trends of the entire city.

[0070] The city adjustment information 150 is information that indicates the results of tallying up power consumption trends in the entire city. For example, according to the city adjustment information 150, for "1:00 to 2:00 a.m. on Sunday," the remaining battery power of the secondary batteries 404 (fixed batteries) in the entire city, in other words, the remaining battery power of each of the multiple homes during the same time period, drops by an average of 3 (%). Hereinafter, such an average power consumption per unit time in the entire city is referred to as "city power consumption." The tendency analysis unit 314 recalculates the city power consumption each time the first battery information is acquired, and updates the city adjustment information 150. However, the tendency analysis unit 314 excludes the homes 400 that received power during measurement from the calculation targets.

[0071] More specifically, when the average power consumption in the same time period of the house 400 (H01), the house 400 (H02), and the house 400 (H03) are 5(%), 6(%), and 7(%) respectively, the average power consumption of these three houses 400 is 6(%). In this way, the trend analysis unit 314 calculates the city power consumption by averaging the power consumption of each of the multiple houses 400 in the same time period.

[0072] In the city adjustment, the power supply threshold value is initially set to a base value of 30(%). If the city power consumption one hour later is 20(%) or more (third threshold), the first judgment unit 324 adds 10(%) to the base value as a first correction value. Similarly, if the city power consumption two hours later is 20(%) or more, it further adds 5(%) as a second correction value.

[0073] For example, assume that the current date and time is 23:45 on Friday. According to the town adjustment information 150, the town power consumption is expected to be 30(%) in the time period including "Saturday 0:45" one hour later. The town power consumption is expected to be 15(%) in the time period including "Saturday 1:45" two hours later. In this case, the first judgment unit 324 adjusts the power supply threshold of all the houses 400 to 40(%) (=30+10). If the current remaining battery level of the house 400(H09) is 50(%), this house 400(H09) is not an R house. On the other hand, if the current remaining battery level of the house 400(H10) is 35(%), the house 400(H10) is an R house.

[0074] In the above explanation, control based on the power consumption tendency of the entire town has been described, but for example, the entire town may be divided into multiple blocks and similar control may be performed for each block. Alternatively, a group consisting of multiple houses may be set up and similar control may be performed within this group.

[0075] According to this control method, the power consumption trend of the entire town is referenced, and electric delivery vehicles 200 can be dispatched early to homes 400 that are likely to experience a power shortage in the near future. In other words, during times when power consumption is high across the entire town, the power supply threshold is high, and electric delivery vehicles 200 will be dispatched relatively frequently.

[0076] The residential adjustment and the town adjustment may be combined. For example, for the house 400 (H10), the power supply threshold is adjusted by the first correction value and the second correction value based on the residential adjustment. Then, the first determination unit 324 may further adjust the power supply threshold after the residential adjustment by the first correction value and the second correction value based on the town adjustment. Alternatively, the first determination unit 324 may set the average value of the power supply threshold calculated by the residential adjustment and the power supply threshold calculated by the town adjustment as a new power supply threshold.

[0077] [Weather adjustment of power supply threshold] The first determination unit 324 may adjust the power supply threshold value depending on the weather. Hereinafter, such a method of adjusting the power supply threshold value will be referred to as "weather adjustment."

[0078] FIG. 14 shows the data structure of the weather adjustment information 160. The weather adjustment information 160 is stored in the data storage unit 306 of the server 300. In the weather adjustment, the weather acquisition unit 322 acquires weather information from an external weather forecast site. The weather information in this embodiment is the probability of snowfall announced by the Japan Meteorological Agency. In the weather adjustment method, the power supply threshold is adjusted when the probability of snowfall in the near future satisfies a predetermined condition (weather condition).

[0079] The weather adjustment information 160 defines in advance an adjustment value for the power supply threshold based on the probability of future snowfall. For example, if the probability of snowfall one hour from now is less than 30(%), the adjustment value is "0". If the probability of snowfall one hour from now is 30(%) or more and less than 40(%), the adjustment value is "10". The base value of the power supply threshold is set to 30(%). If the weather information indicates that the probability of snowfall one hour from now is 35(%), the first judgment unit 324 sets the power supply threshold to 40(%) (=30+10).

[0080] For example, assume that the probability of snowfall one hour from now is 45% and the probability of snowfall two hours from now is 35%. According to the weather adjustment information 160 in Fig. 14, the respective adjustment values ​​are "15" and "5". In this case, the first determination unit 324 adjusts the power supply threshold to 50% (=30+15+5).

[0081] When there is a possibility of snowfall, the power supply threshold is increased, so that the electric delivery vehicle 200 can be dispatched early. As a result, it becomes easier to avoid in advance the risk that the electric delivery vehicle 200 will not be able to be dispatched due to future snowfall.

[0082] Residential adjustment and weather adjustment may be combined. Similarly, town adjustment and weather adjustment may be combined. In addition, the power supply threshold may be adjusted by combining residential adjustment, town adjustment, and weather adjustment. The combination method is arbitrary.

[0083] [Summary] The mobile charging system 100 has been described above based on the embodiment. According to this embodiment, electricity is transported by the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) built into the electric delivery vehicle 200, making it possible to eliminate the need for power transmission lines. The number of electric delivery vehicles 200 can be adjusted according to the size of the town and the power demand, making it easier to adjust the costs required for the development and construction of social infrastructure. The electric delivery vehicle 200 is basically intended to travel within a relatively small area called a "town." Since long-distance travel is not intended, the electric energy consumption of the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) associated with the movement of the electric delivery vehicle 200 can be suppressed.

[0084] Power transmission lines entail transmission losses. In particular, transmission losses tend to be large during long-distance power transmission. Aerial power transmission lines tend to spoil the scenery, and there are many cases where power transmission lines are avoided as much as possible from the viewpoint of nature conservation. Landscape measures are also important in protecting tourism resources, and it is said that scenery also has a large impact on real estate value. For this reason, the potential value of not using power transmission lines is very large. It is expected that residents will become accustomed to the electric delivery vehicles 200 as they slowly patrol the city. It is expected that the electric delivery vehicles 200 will blend into the scenery of daily life, just like buses and streetcars. Of course, the system is not limited to a method of distributing electricity only by the electric delivery vehicles 200, and power transmission lines and the electric delivery vehicles 200 may coexist. For example, an introduction method in which the number of electric delivery vehicles 200 is increased while gradually reducing the number of power transmission lines is also conceivable.

[0085] The electric delivery vehicle 200 uses the built-in secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) not only as a power source for the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery), but also as a power source for the electric delivery vehicle 200 itself. The electric delivery vehicle 200 can be controlled to reliably return to the waiting area after finishing supplying power to the house 400 by adjusting the return threshold according to the travel distance.

[0086] The trend analysis unit 314 analyzes the power consumption trend of the residence 400. The first determination unit 324 sets the power supply threshold high when it is expected that power consumption will increase in the near future. According to this control method (home adjustment), even if the current battery remaining power of the residence 400 is sufficient, it is possible to preemptively respond to future power demand by dispatching the electric delivery vehicle 200 early.

[0087] Similarly, the server 300 may analyze the power consumption trends of multiple homes 400, i.e., the entire town, and set the power supply threshold high when it is expected that the power demand will increase in the near future (town adjustment). Also, by setting the power supply threshold high when a worsening of the weather, such as snowfall, is predicted, the electric delivery vehicle 200 can be dispatched early to prevent a situation in which electric energy cannot be delivered.

[0088] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples, and the components can be modified without departing from the gist of the present invention. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples. In addition, some components can be deleted from all the components shown in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples.

[0089] [Variations] In the present embodiment, the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery) of the house 400 is described as the object to be charged. In addition to the house 400, an electric vehicle, an electric propulsion ship, an electric aircraft, and the like may also receive power from the electric delivery vehicle 200.

[0090] In this embodiment, a model has been described in which electricity is delivered from a power plant 102 in a town to each house 400 by an electric delivery vehicle 200. A plurality of power plants 102 may be distributed in various locations, and the electric delivery vehicles 200 may be distributed near the power plants 102. For example, when a house 400 (H01) installs a solar panel on its roof, the house 400 (H01) itself may become an electricity supplier. An electric delivery vehicle 200 (M01) is loaned to the house 400 (H01) in advance. The solar panel charges the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery) of the house 400 (H01) and the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) of the electric delivery vehicle 200 (M01). When the remaining battery power of both the secondary battery 404 (fixed battery) and the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) becomes equal to or exceeds a threshold, the electric delivery vehicle 200 (M01) becomes an S vehicle. The server 300 may dispatch this electric delivery vehicle 200 (M01) to other residences 400 as needed.

[0091] The electricity may be delivered not only by self-driving cars, but also by a drone equipped with a secondary battery 208 (mobile battery), or by a robot equipped with a secondary battery 208 (mobile battery).

[0092] The server 300 may remotely control the electric delivery vehicles 200. For example, the server 300 may refer to map information, instruct the electric delivery vehicles 200 on a route, and remotely control the speed and direction of the electric delivery vehicles 200. Beacons may be embedded in the ground, and the server 300 may transmit a vehicle ID and a direction signal to each beacon. When the electric delivery vehicles 200 detect a direction signal intended for the electric delivery vehicles 200, the electric delivery vehicles 200 control their direction of travel according to the direction signal. According to this control method, the server 300 can control each electric delivery vehicle 200 through the beacons.

[0093] After charging is complete, the electric delivery vehicle 200 may travel around the city instead of waiting in the waiting area. The electric delivery vehicle 200 periodically transmits its current location together with its vehicle ID to the server 300 as vehicle status information. When the server 300 detects the R residence, it may identify the electric delivery vehicle 200 traveling near the R residence and dispatch the electric delivery vehicle 200 to the R residence. After charging is complete at the R residence, the electric delivery vehicle 200 returns to the waiting area and again charges the secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) from the power supply line 108.

[0094] In this embodiment, a method has been described in which the power consumption tendency of the entire town is recorded in the town adjustment information 150, and the power supply threshold is adjusted based on the town adjustment information 150. As a variation, a part of the town, for example, several households may be defined as a unit block, and the server 300 may analyze the power consumption tendency for each unit block. When an increase in power consumption is predicted in a certain unit block, the server 300 may adjust the power supply threshold only for the houses 400 belonging to that unit block.

[0095] For example, suppose that a town is divided into unit blocks D1 to D5. Town adjustment information 150 is prepared for each of the unit blocks D1 to D5. When the tendency analysis unit 314 receives the first battery information from the house 400, it recalculates the average power consumption for the entire unit block to which the house 400 belongs, and updates the town adjustment information 150. For example, when the power consumption in the unit block D1 is predicted to be high in a certain specified period W, the first judgment unit 324 adjusts the power supply threshold of all the houses belonging to the unit block D1. According to this control method, by predicting the power demand in a unit smaller than the entire town, it is possible to determine whether or not the electric delivery vehicle 200 needs to be dispatched. For example, in some unit blocks, a large power consumption may occur during a specific time period on a specific day of the week due to the holding of an event. By predicting the power demand in a unit smaller than the town, it becomes easier to more appropriately control the power supply threshold.

[0096] In this embodiment, the future power consumption is predicted based on the average power consumption. For example, the tendency analysis unit 314 collects the power consumption (actual measurement values) of a certain house 400 from 12:00 to 13:00, and calculates the average value of the collected power consumption (actual measurement values) as the predicted value of the power consumption during this time period. The average value is not limited to the average value, and the median value may also be used. Furthermore, the consumption prediction unit 316 may predict the future power consumption by multivariate analysis using input parameters such as the time period, the day of the week, the number of people in the household, etc., for example, a prediction model such as a neural network.

[0097] The first determination unit 324 may execute the home adjustment and the town adjustment independently and in parallel. For example, the basic power supply threshold of the home 400 (H01) is T1. The first determination unit 324 changes the power supply threshold T1 of the home 400 (H01) to T2A based on the home adjustment. On the other hand, the first determination unit 324 changes the power supply threshold T1 of the home 400 (H01) to T2B based on the town adjustment. As a result, the home 400 (H01) has two types of power supply thresholds, T2A and T2B. The first determination unit 324 may dispatch the electric delivery vehicle 200 to the home 400 (H01) when the remaining battery level of the home 400 (H01) falls below either one of the power supply thresholds T2A and T2B. Alternatively, the first determination unit 324 may dispatch the electric delivery vehicle 200 to the home 400 (H01) when the remaining battery charge of the home 400 (H01) falls below both the power supply thresholds T2A and T2B. The first determination unit 324 may dispatch the electric delivery vehicle 200 to the home 400 (H01) when the remaining battery charge of the home 400 (H01) falls below the average value of the power supply thresholds T2A and T2B.

[0098] When the amount of power consumption (average value based on past performance) in a future time period (prescribed period) in the town (or unit block) is large, the first determination unit 324 may increase the power supply threshold. According to this control method, electric delivery vehicles 200 can be proactively dispatched when power consumption is predicted to be high in the entire town. This makes it easier to prevent homes 400 from suffering from power shortages.

[0099] When the power consumption (average value based on past performance) in a future time period (specified period) in a street (or unit section) is large, conversely, the first determination unit 324 may decrease the power supply threshold value. Alternatively, when an increase in power consumption is predicted and the number of S vehicles is less than or equal to a predetermined number, the first determination unit 324 may decrease the power supply threshold value. According to such a control method, it is possible to prioritize the charging of the electric delivery vehicle 200 in preparation for a large future power demand.

[0100] In a street (or unit section), let the actual value of the past street power consumption in a certain time period be P1. Also, let the street power consumption in the same time period be P2. When P1 < P2, in other words, when the latest street power consumption is larger than the past power consumption trend, the first determination unit 324 may increase the power supply threshold value for each house 400. For example, when the past five-week average street power consumption P1 (average value) for "Friday, 12:00 - 13:00" was 10 (%) but the latest power consumption P2 (latest value) for the entire street for "Friday, 12:00 - 13:00" is 40 (%), the first determination unit 324 increases the power supply threshold value for each house 400. When the street power consumption is larger than the past power consumption trend, in other words, when the power consumption is larger than expected, it becomes easier to prevent a power shortage in the house 400 by dispatching the electric delivery vehicle 200 earlier.

[0101] In a street (or unit section), let the actual value of the past street power consumption in a certain time period be P1. Also, let the latest street power consumption in the same time period be P2. When P1 < P2, in other words, when the latest street power consumption is less than the past power consumption trend, the first determination unit 324 may decrease the power supply threshold value for each house 400. Alternatively, when the power consumption is less than in the past and the number of S vehicles is less than or equal to a predetermined number, the first determination unit 324 may decrease the power supply threshold value. According to such a control method, it is possible to prioritize the charging of the electric delivery vehicle 200 rather in preparation for a future power shortage risk.

[0102] When the amount of power generated by the power plant 102 is equal to or greater than the threshold, or when the number of S vehicles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the first determination unit 324 may increase the power supply threshold. When there is a surplus of electricity, the power supply threshold may be increased to actively dispatch electric delivery vehicles 200, thereby preventing surplus power from being generated. Conversely, when the amount of power generated by the power plant 102 is equal to or less than the threshold, or when the number of S vehicles is equal to or less than the predetermined number, the server 300 may decrease the power supply threshold.

[0103] In the present embodiment, the power supply threshold is adjusted based on the probability of snowfall. However, the server 300 may adjust the power supply threshold based on the probability of rainfall or forecast wind force, in addition to snow.

[0104] The first determination unit 324 may increase the power supply threshold when a worsening of weather, such as snowfall, rainfall, or strong winds, is predicted, thereby proactively dispatching the electric delivery vehicle 200 before the weather worsens. Conversely, when a worsening of weather is predicted, the first determination unit 324 may control the electric delivery vehicle 200 to be refrained from dispatching by lowering the power supply threshold, in preparation for the worsening of weather.

[0105] When improved weather, such as clear skies, is predicted, the first determination unit 324 may increase the power supply threshold. Since the amount of solar power generation is predicted to increase, the dispatch determination unit 312 may proactively dispatch electric delivery vehicles 200 in this case. Conversely, when improved weather is predicted, the power supply threshold may be decreased. Since the amount of power generation is predicted to increase, in this case, as many electric delivery vehicles 200 as possible may be kept on standby so that more electric delivery vehicles 200 can be charged.

[0106] In the present embodiment, the balance between dispatch and standby of the electric delivery vehicle 200 is controlled by increasing or decreasing the power supply threshold. As a modified example, the electric delivery vehicle 200 may be dispatched or the dispatch may be canceled when a predetermined condition is met without adjusting the power supply threshold. For example, when future power consumption in a certain residence 400 is expected to be equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the dispatch determination unit 312 may dispatch the electric delivery vehicle 200 regardless of the remaining battery power of the residence 400. Alternatively, when snowfall is expected, the electric delivery vehicle 200 may be dispatched regardless of the remaining battery power of the residence 400. Furthermore, the dispatch determination unit 312 of the electric delivery vehicle 200 may cancel the dispatch of the electric delivery vehicle 200 in bad weather such as snowfall.

[0107] When the first determination unit 324 increases the power supply threshold, the electric delivery vehicle 200 becomes more likely to be recognized as an R residence. In other words, the higher the power supply threshold, the more aggressively the electric delivery vehicle 200 will be powered. The first determination unit 324 may adjust the departure threshold instead of the power supply threshold. When the departure threshold decreases, the electric delivery vehicle 200 becomes more likely to be recognized as an S vehicle. Therefore, the lower the departure threshold, the more aggressively the electric delivery vehicle 200 will be powered. The first determination unit 324 may adjust the departure frequency of the electric delivery vehicle 200 by adjusting both or one of the power supply threshold and the departure threshold.

[0108] When the electric delivery vehicle 200 gets lost, breaks down, or is unable to reach the house 400 by the scheduled time, the transmitter 216 of the electric delivery vehicle 200 may transmit an alarm signal. When the receiver 310 of the server 300 receives the alarm signal, it may send another electric delivery vehicle 200 to the house 400 (the R house) instead. In addition, when such a trouble occurs, the abnormality notification unit (not shown) of the electric delivery vehicle 200 may turn on a built-in lamp. A person near the electric delivery vehicle 200 may notify the operator of the server 300 that there is an electric delivery vehicle 200 with a malfunction. Creating a situation where a resident helps the electric delivery vehicle 200 is considered to be effective in promoting coexistence between the resident and the electric delivery vehicle 200.

[0109] The house 400 may be powered by a fuel cell. In this case, the server 300 may cause the methanol to be delivered by an autonomous vehicle.

[0110] For each of the multiple types of power supply lines 108, the amount of carbon dioxide emission per unit of power generation may be set as a "carbon index." The higher the carbon index of a power plant, the higher the electricity rate may be set. For example, assume that the carbon indexes of the power plants 102A, 102B, and 102C are 2:5:10. When the power generation ratio of the power plants 102A, 102B, and 102C in a certain time period T is 5:3:2, the carbon index in the time period T is 4.5 (=2×0.5+5×0.3+10×0.2). The electricity rate for the time period T is set to an amount proportional to the carbon index of 4.5. As a result, the house 400 supplied with power by the electric delivery vehicle 200 pays an electricity rate proportional to the carbon index of 4.5 if the electric energy supplied from the electric delivery vehicle 200 is charged in the time period T.

[0111] This control method can keep electricity bills low during times when natural energy generation is most prevalent. This can encourage consumers to change the way they use electricity in line with the natural environment (power generation environment). This is believed to lead to the establishment of a lifestyle in harmony with nature.

[0112] In addition, homes 400 close to the power plant 102 will have lower electricity rates because the electric delivery vehicle 200 has to travel a shorter distance. This provides benefits to people who live close to the power plant 102, and is also effective in encouraging the dispersion of the power plants 102 in the city. Furthermore, this may increase the real estate value of land close to the power plant 102.

[0113] In this embodiment, the server 300 is a fixedly installed computer that sends commands to the multiple electric delivery vehicles 200. As a modified example, one of the multiple electric delivery vehicles 200 may have the functions of the server 300. Hereinafter, such an electric delivery vehicle 200 is referred to as an "L vehicle (Leader Vehicle)". The L vehicle, like the electric delivery vehicle 200 shown in FIG. 3, has a built-in secondary battery 208 (mobile battery) and has various functions such as a communication unit 202, a data processing unit 204, a driving mechanism 206, a camera 210, a data storage unit 212, and a charging / discharging connection port 214. The L vehicle also has the functions of the communication unit 302, the data processing unit 304, and the data storage unit 306 as the server 300 shown in FIG. 5.

[0114] The L vehicle, as the server 300, collects first battery information from each house 400. It also collects second battery information from other electric delivery vehicles 200. When the remaining battery power of a house 400 falls below the power supply threshold, the L vehicle selects an electric delivery vehicle 200 (S vehicle) to be dispatched to the house 400. The options at this time include the L vehicle itself. When a vehicle other than the L vehicle is selected, a departure instruction is sent to the selected house 400. On the other hand, when the L vehicle itself is selected, the L vehicle departs toward the electric delivery vehicle 200. The L vehicle can always receive the first battery information and the second battery information by wireless communication, regardless of whether it is moving or charging. For example, when the L vehicle detects a new R house while charging a certain house 400, it selects the S vehicle and instructs the selected S vehicle to depart by wireless communication. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 100 Mobile charging system, 102 Power plant, 104 Power supply system, 106 Power consumption system, 108 Power supply line, 120 Residential forecast information, 130 Vehicle information, 140 Residential adjustment information, 150 Town adjustment information, 160 Weather adjustment information, 170 Residential power consumption information, 200 Electric delivery vehicle, 202 Communication unit, 204 Data processing unit, 206 Drive mechanism, 208 Secondary battery, 210 Camera, 212 Data storage unit, 214 Charge / discharge connection port, 216 Transmitter, 218 Receiver, 220 Route calculation unit, 222 Movement control unit, 224 Battery management unit, 228 Motor, 230 Wheel, 300 Server, 302 Communication unit, 304 Data processing unit, 306 Data storage unit, 308 Transmitter, 310 Receiver, 312 Dispatch decision unit, 314 Trend analysis unit, 316, consumption prediction unit, 318, first receiving unit, 320, second receiving unit, 322, weather acquisition unit, 324, first determination unit, 326, second determination unit, 400, house, 402, distribution board, 404, secondary battery, 406, charge control device, 408, electrical equipment, 410, communication unit, 412, battery management unit, 414, charge / discharge connection port, 416, transmission unit, 418, reception unit

Claims

1. a home to which power is supplied from a first secondary battery and a mobile object having a second secondary battery built therein and capable of moving autonomously are both connected via a communication network; a first receiving unit that receives first battery information including a charging rate of the first secondary battery from the house; a transmitter that transmits, when the charging rate indicated in the first battery information becomes less than a first threshold, a departure instruction that designates the house as a destination point to the waiting mobile object; a trend analysis unit that records individual consumption information indicating a power consumption trend in the house based on the first battery information; A dispatch determination unit that changes the first threshold value according to the individual consumption information, The first receiving unit receives the first battery information from each of a plurality of homes; The trend analysis unit further records overall consumption information indicating an overall power consumption trend of the plurality of residences, The server is characterized in that the dispatch determination unit changes the first threshold value in accordance with the overall consumption information.

2. a home to which power is supplied from a first secondary battery and a mobile object having a second secondary battery built therein and capable of moving autonomously are both connected via a communication network; a first receiving unit that receives first battery information including a charging rate of the first secondary battery from the house; a second receiving unit that receives second battery information including a charging rate of a second secondary battery from each of the plurality of moving objects; a second determination unit that determines whether or not there is a waiting mobile object whose charging rate indicated in the second battery information is equal to or higher than a fourth threshold; a transmitter that transmits, when the charging rate indicated in the first battery information becomes less than a first threshold, a departure instruction that designates the house as a destination point to the waiting mobile object; a dispatch determination unit that changes the first threshold based on the number of the mobile objects in standby when the charging rate of the second secondary battery is equal to or higher than the fourth threshold, The server is characterized in that the dispatch determination unit increases the first threshold when there are a predetermined number or more of mobile bodies on standby whose charging rate of the second secondary battery is equal to or higher than the fourth threshold.

3. A second receiving unit that receives second battery information including a charging rate of a second secondary battery from each of a plurality of mobile objects; a first determination unit that determines whether or not there is a home whose charging rate indicated in the first battery information is less than the first threshold; a second determination unit that determines whether or not there is a moving object whose charging rate indicated in the second battery information is equal to or higher than a fourth threshold value, The server described in claim 1, characterized in that when there is a house where the charging rate of the first secondary battery is below the first threshold, the transmission unit transmits a departure instruction specifying the house to any one of a plurality of waiting mobile objects whose charging rate of the second secondary battery is equal to or higher than the fourth threshold.

4. Further comprising: a first determination unit that determines whether or not there is a house whose charging rate indicated in the first battery information is less than the first threshold value; The server described in claim 2, characterized in that when there is a house where the charging rate of the first secondary battery is below the first threshold, the transmission unit transmits a departure instruction specifying the house to any one of a plurality of waiting mobile objects whose charging rate of the second secondary battery is equal to or higher than the fourth threshold.

5. The house; The moving body; The server according to claim 1 or 2, The house is: a battery management unit that measures a charging rate of the first secondary battery; a communication unit that transmits the first battery information to the server; The moving body is A drive mechanism for moving the moving body; A receiving unit that receives the departure instruction; a movement control unit that, when the departure instruction is received, sets the house as a target point and instructs the drive mechanism to move; a battery management unit that supplies power from the second secondary battery to the first secondary battery when the mobile object reaches the house.

6. the battery management unit of the mobile object further measures a charging rate of the second secondary battery, and determines whether or not the charging rate of the second secondary battery becomes less than a second threshold value while power is being supplied to the first secondary battery; The mobile charging system according to claim 5, characterized in that the movement control unit of the mobile body sets a return point and instructs the drive mechanism to move when the charging rate becomes less than the second threshold value.

7. the drive mechanism of the moving body is driven by the second secondary battery as a power source, The mobile charging system according to claim 6 , wherein the battery management unit of the mobile object changes the second threshold value depending on a distance from the house to the return point.

8. The server, A weather acquisition unit that acquires weather information, The mobile charging system described in claim 5, characterized in that the dispatch determination unit of the server refers to the weather information, and when the weather predicted in the third period satisfies a specified weather condition, changes the first threshold value in a fourth period prior to the third period.

9. the server is configured to incorporate a second secondary battery and to be movable; A drive mechanism for moving the server; A movement control unit that instructs the drive mechanism to move; a battery management unit that supplies power from the second secondary battery to the first secondary battery when the server arrives at the house, the dispatch determination unit of the server selects either the server or the moving object as a departure target when the charging rate indicated in the first battery information is less than the first threshold value; The mobile charging system according to claim 5 , wherein the mobile control unit of the server sets the house as a destination point when the server is selected as a starting target.

10. The house; The moving body; The server according to claim 1, The house is: a battery management unit that measures a charging rate of the first secondary battery; a communication unit that transmits the first battery information to the server; The moving body is A drive mechanism for moving the moving body; A receiving unit that receives the departure instruction; a movement control unit that, when the departure instruction is received, sets the house as a target point and instructs the drive mechanism to move; a battery management unit that supplies power from the second secondary battery to the first secondary battery when the moving object reaches the house, The server, a consumption prediction unit that predicts an amount of electricity consumption in the plurality of houses in a first future period according to the total consumption information; A mobile charging system characterized in that the dispatch determination unit of the server increases the first threshold during a second period prior to the first period when a predicted value of power consumption during the first period is equal to or greater than a third threshold.

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