Server device, system and operation method

Abstract

To efficiently use electric power purchased by a community.SOLUTION: A server device includes a communication unit and a control unit that performs communication via the communication unit. The control unit receives, from a vehicle that is driven with power of a battery, operation information about an operation of the vehicle, and transmits, to the vehicle or a charging / discharging device, information about a charging / discharging plan that is based on the operation information and includes a charging / discharging timing of the vehicle and a charging / discharging place in a community for charging the battery with a prescribed power purchased by the community so that the charging / discharging plan is carried out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server device, a system, and an operating method. [Background technology]

[0002] In communities managed by local governments, companies, etc., a community EMS (Energy Management System) is being developed that manages power generation by power generation facilities distributed within the community, power supply by the power grid of the power company, and power demand occurring within the community as a whole. In order to supply power that matches the power demand within the community, various technologies have been proposed for predicting the amount of power consumption in the community. The power load that consumes power includes not only various facilities installed within the community, but also electric vehicles that move within the community. Patent Document 1 proposes a technology for predicting the charging timing, charging location, etc. of electric vehicles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-42383 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When purchasing electricity from a power company on a community basis through a power purchase agreement, if there is a surplus or shortage of purchased electricity, inefficiencies arise, such as the payment of imbalance fees and the purchase of additional electricity at a higher cost.

[0005] In view of the above, the present disclosure relates to a server device and the like that enables efficient consumption of the amount of electricity purchased in a community. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The server device in the present disclosure is a server device having a communication unit and a control unit that communicates via the communication unit, wherein the control unit receives operation information regarding the operation of a vehicle powered by battery power from the vehicle, and transmits information about a charge and discharge plan including the charging and discharging timing of the vehicle based on the operation information and the charging and discharging locations within the community to the vehicle or the charging and discharging device to charge the battery with a specified amount of electricity purchased in the community, thereby executing the charge and discharge plan.

[0007] The system disclosed herein is a system having a vehicle powered by battery power, a charging / discharging device that charges and discharges the battery, and a server device that communicates with the vehicle and the charging / discharging device, wherein the server device receives operation information from the vehicle regarding the operation of the vehicle and sends information on a charging / discharging plan including charging / discharging timing of the vehicle based on the operation information and charging / discharging locations within the community, in order to charge the battery with a specified amount of electricity purchased in the community, and the vehicle or the charging / discharging device receives the information on the charging / discharging plan and executes the charging / discharging plan.

[0008] A system operation method in the present disclosure is a method for operating a system having a vehicle powered by battery power, a charging / discharging device that charges and discharges the battery, and a server device that communicates with the vehicle and the charging / discharging device, and includes a step in which the server device receives operation information regarding the operation of the vehicle from the vehicle, and sends information on a charge / discharge plan including charging / discharging timings of the vehicle based on the operation information and charging / discharging locations within the community, in order to charge the battery with a specified amount of electricity purchased in the community, and a step in which the vehicle or the charging / discharging device receives the charge / discharge plan information and executes the charge / discharge plan. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the server device and the like of the present disclosure, it becomes possible to efficiently consume the power purchased in the community. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a configuration of an information processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of a server device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a charge / discharge device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of the information processing system. [Figure 6A] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the server device. [Figure 6B] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the server device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The following describes the embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system in an embodiment. The information processing system 1 is a system for supporting efficient consumption of electricity purchased by a community from an electric power company. In the following, a community is an arbitrary block or area managed by a local government, a company, or the like. The information processing system 1 includes one or more server devices 10, a vehicle 12 driven by battery power, and an energy resource 13 in the community, which are connected to each other via a network 11 so as to be able to communicate information with each other. The energy resource 13 includes a charging / discharging device 14 for charging / discharging power to the vehicle 12, and a power load 15 and a distributed power source 16 distributed in the community. The power consumed by the energy resource 13 is supplied from a grid 18 or is provided by the distributed power source 16.

[0013] The server device 10 is, for example, a server computer belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system, and operates as a CEMS (Community EMS) server and a vehicle information server that manages information related to the vehicle 12. The vehicle 12 is a passenger car or a multi-purpose vehicle that has a control and communication function and is driven by battery power, such as an electric vehicle (BEV; Battery Electric Vehicle), a hybrid vehicle (HEV; Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV; Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The network 11 is, for example, the Internet, but also includes an ad-hoc network, a LAN, a metropolitan area network (MAN), or other networks, or any combination of these. The charging / discharging device 14 is a charging / discharging station installed in the community, includes a charging / discharging stand to which the vehicle 12 is electrically connected, and is configured to be able to communicate with the server device 10 via the network 11. The power load 15 is an electrical appliance, lighting, air conditioning equipment, etc. installed in a residence, commercial facility, etc., excluding the vehicle 12. The distributed power sources 16 include power generation devices using alternative energy such as solar power and wind power, fuel cells, storage batteries, etc. The operations of the power loads 15 and the distributed power sources 16 are managed or controlled by power conditioners, smart meters, etc. that are connected to the network 11 and configured to be capable of communicating information. Information regarding the operations of the power loads 15 and the distributed power sources 16 is transmitted and received between the server device 10 and the power conditioners, smart meters, etc. via the network 11.

[0014] In this embodiment, the server device 10 receives operation information from the vehicle 12 driven by battery power regarding the operation of the vehicle 12, and transmits information on a charge / discharge plan including the timing of charging / discharging the vehicle 12 based on the operation information and a charging / discharging location within the community to the vehicle 12 or the charging / discharging device 14 to execute the charge / discharge plan in order to charge the battery with a predetermined power purchased by the community. The charging / discharging location is the location of the charging / discharging device 14. This enables more efficient consumption of the power purchased by the community.

[0015] 2 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the server device 10. The server device 10 has a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a control unit 23, an input unit 25, and an output unit 26. The server device 10 is, for example, a single computer. Alternatively, the server device 10 may be composed of two or more computers that are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate information and operate in cooperation with each other. In that case, the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is appropriately arranged in the two or more computers.

[0016] The communication unit 21 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface. The communication unit 21 receives information used in the operation of the server device 10, and transmits information obtained by the operation of the server device 10. The server device 10 is connected to the network 11 by the communication unit 21, and communicates information with the vehicle 12 or the charging / discharging device 14 via the network 11.

[0017] The storage unit 22 includes, for example, one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these, functioning as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM). The RAM is, for example, a static RAM (SRAM) or a dynamic RAM (DRAM). The ROM is, for example, an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM). The storage unit 22 stores information used in the operation of the server device 10 and information obtained by the operation of the server device 10.

[0018] The control unit 23 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination of these. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The control unit 23 executes information processing related to the operation of the server device 10 while controlling each part of the server device 10.

[0019] The input unit 25 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, or a microphone that accepts voice input. The input unit 25 accepts an operation to input information used in the operation of the server device 10, and sends the input information to the control unit 23.

[0020] The output unit 26 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The output unit 26 outputs information obtained by the operation of the server device 10.

[0021] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by executing a control program in a processor included in the control unit 23. The control program is a program for making a computer execute processing of steps included in the operation of the server device 10, thereby making the computer realize functions corresponding to the processing of those steps. In other words, the control program is a program for making a computer function as the server device 10. Also, some or all of the functions of the server device 10 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 23. Also, the control program may be stored in a non-transitory recording / storage medium readable by the server device 10, and read by the server device 10 from the medium.

[0022] In this embodiment, storage unit 22 stores in advance information such as map information of an area including a community, and information on the location of charging / discharging device 14 within the community.

[0023] FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the vehicle 12. The vehicle 12 has a battery 38 and a drive unit 39 driven by the power of the battery 38, and travels when the drive unit 39 is driven. The battery 38 is, for example, a lithium ion battery. The drive unit 39 has a motor for driving the drive wheels, the braking mechanism, and the like, and a control circuit thereof. The vehicle 12 further has a control device 30 having a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, a positioning unit 34, an input unit 35, and an output unit 36, and a detection unit 37. The control device 30 includes, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and the like. The control device 30 may be configured by two or more devices including a communication device. The communication device includes, for example, a DCM (Data Communication Module) and the like. The control device 30 may also be configured to include a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone terminal, a navigation device, and the like. The detection unit 37 has sensors for detecting the remaining capacity of the battery 38, the temperature of the motor of the drive unit 39, a current value, and the like. The individual components are connected to each other or to other devices and apparatuses of the vehicle 12 via an in-vehicle network conforming to a standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network) so as to be able to communicate information with each other or with other apparatuses and devices of the vehicle 12.

[0024] The details of each part of the control device 30 are as follows.

[0025] The communication unit 31 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interfaces are interfaces compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation). The communication unit 31 receives information used in the operation of the control unit 33, and transmits information obtained by the operation of the control unit 33. The control unit 33 is connected to the network 11 by the communication unit 31 via a mobile communication base station, and communicates information with other devices via the network 11.

[0026] The memory unit 32 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memories are, for example, RAM or ROM. The RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. The ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The memory unit 32 functions as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The memory unit 32 stores information used in the operation of the control unit 33 and information obtained by the operation of the control device 30.

[0027] The control unit 33 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination of these. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit 33 executes information processing related to the operation of the vehicle 12.

[0028] The positioning unit 34 includes one or more Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. The GNSS includes at least one of the Global Positioning System (GPS), the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), BeiDou, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), and Galileo. The positioning unit 34 acquires position information of the vehicle 12 and transmits the information to the control unit 33.

[0029] The input unit 35 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, or a microphone that accepts voice input. The input interface may further include a camera that captures a captured image or an image code, or an IC card reader. The input unit 35 accepts an operation by a user to input information used for the operation of the control unit 33, and sends the input information to the control unit 33.

[0030] The output unit 36 ​​includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit 36 ​​outputs information obtained by the operation of the control unit 33 to, for example, a user or a driver.

[0031] The functions of the control unit 33 are realized by executing a control program on a processor included in the control unit 33. The control program is a program for making a computer execute processing of steps included in the operation of the control unit 33, thereby making the computer realize functions corresponding to the processing of those steps. In other words, the control program is a program for making a computer function as the control unit 33. In addition, some or all of the functions of the control unit 33 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 33.

[0032] The control unit 33 stores operation information related to the operation of the vehicle 12 in the memory unit 32. The operation information includes the date, position information and time, the time of connection to the charging station, the battery remaining amount, the history of the amount of power consumption, the guide route set in the navigation, and the like. The history is recorded at any period of, for example, several seconds to several hours. The control unit 33 also stores the driver's personal information in the memory unit 32. The driver's personal information includes information for identifying the driver, such as the name and address. The control unit 33 accepts the driver's personal information input by the driver once via the input unit 35 and stores it in the memory unit 22.

[0033] 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the charging / discharging device 14. The charging / discharging device 14 includes a communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, a control unit 43, and a charging / discharging unit 48.

[0034] The communication unit 41 has a communication module compatible with a wired or wireless LAN standard, a module compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, 5G, etc. The charging / discharging device 14 is connected to the network 11 by the communication unit 41 via a nearby router device or a mobile communication base station, and communicates information with the server device 10, etc. via the network 11.

[0035] The memory unit 42 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memories are, for example, RAM or ROM. The RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. The ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The memory unit 42 functions as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The memory unit 42 stores information used in the operation of the control unit 43 and information obtained by the operation of the control unit 43.

[0036] The control unit 43 has, for example, one or more general-purpose processors such as a CPU, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or one or more dedicated processors specialized for a specific process. Alternatively, the control unit 43 may have one or more dedicated circuits such as an FPGA, an ASIC, or the like. The control unit 43 generally controls the operation of the charging / discharging device 14 by operating according to a control / processing program or operating according to an operating procedure implemented as a circuit. The control unit 43 transmits and receives various information to and from the server device 10, etc. via the communication unit 41, and executes the operation according to this embodiment.

[0037] The input unit 45 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, or a microphone that accepts voice input. The input interface may further include a camera that captures a captured image or an image code, or an IC card reader. The input unit 45 accepts an operation to input information used for the operation of the control unit 43, and sends the input information to the control unit 43.

[0038] The output unit 46 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit 46 outputs information obtained by the operation of the control unit 43.

[0039] The functions of the control unit 43 are realized by a processor included in the control unit 43 executing a control program. The control program is a program for causing the processor to function as the control unit 43. In addition, some or all of the functions of the control unit 43 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 43.

[0040] The charge / discharge unit 48 includes a charge / discharge station having a connector and a power supply cable connected to an inlet of the vehicle 12, a switch for opening and closing a connection of a power line to the power load 15 of the energy resource 13 or the grid 18, a battery or a capacitor for storing electricity, etc. The charge / discharge unit 48 performs switching in response to an instruction from the control unit 43, and is capable of charging the battery 38 of the vehicle 12 with power supplied from the grid 18, and supplying power discharged from the battery 38 of the vehicle 12 to the power load 15 of the energy resource 13 or the grid 18.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information processing system 1. FIG. 5 shows a procedure of the coordinated operation by the server device 10, the vehicle 12, the charging / discharging device 14, and the energy resource 13 other than the charging / discharging device 14. In FIG. 5, various power loads 15 and distributed power sources 16 are collectively treated. The transmission and reception of information by the energy resource 13 in FIG. 5 is performed by a power conditioner, a smart meter, or the like that manages or controls the various power loads 15 and the distributed power sources 16. In addition, in FIG. 5, steps related to various information processing of the server device 10, the vehicle 12, and the charging / discharging device 14 are performed by the respective control units 23, 33, and 43. In addition, steps related to the transmission and reception of various information of the server device 10, the vehicle 12, and the charging / discharging device 14 are performed by the respective control units 23, 33, and 43 transmitting and receiving information to each other via the communication units 21, 31, and 41, respectively. In server device 10, vehicle 12, and charging / discharging device 14, control units 23, 33, and 43 respectively store the information transmitted and received in storage units 22, 32, and 42 as appropriate. Furthermore, control units 33 and 43 of vehicle 12 and charging / discharging device 14 respectively accept input of various information through input units 35 and 45, and output various information through output units 36 and 46.

[0042] The procedure of FIG. 5 may be performed, for example, at any time before the opening of the power purchasing market each day.

[0043] In step S500, the vehicle 12 transmits operation information to the server device 10. The operation information includes date, location information and time, connection time to a charging station, remaining battery level, history of power consumption, etc., guided route, and driver personal information. The operation information is transmitted to the server device at any timing, for example, any time before the start of the power purchasing market on each day.

[0044] In step S502, charging / discharging device 14 transmits power information to server device 10. The power information is a history of the amount of power consumed and the amount of power supplied by charging / discharging device 14, for example, over the most recent one to several days. The amount of power consumed is the amount of power supplied from grid 18 and consumed for charging vehicle 12. The amount of power supplied is the amount of power supplied to energy resource 13 by discharging battery 38 of vehicle 12.

[0045] In step S503, the energy resource 13 transmits power information to the server device 10. The power information is, for example, a history of the power consumption by the power load 15 and the power supply amount by the distributed power source 16 for the most recent one to several days. The power consumption amount is the amount of power supplied from the grid 18 and consumed by the power load 15. The power supply amount is the amount of power supplied to the energy resource 13 by generating power using a power generation device included in the distributed power source 16 or discharging a storage battery.

[0046] In step S504, the server device 10 creates or updates a charge / discharge plan for the vehicle 12 and the charge / discharge device 14, using the information received from the vehicle 12, the charge / discharge device 14, and the energy resource 13. Here, the detailed procedure of step S504 will be described with reference to Figures 6A and 6B.

[0047] 6A and 6B are flow charts showing the operation procedure performed by the control unit 23 of the server device 10 for creating or updating a charge / discharge plan.

[0048] In step S600 of FIG. 6A, the control unit 23 predicts the charging demand for each vehicle 12. The charging demand includes the charging amount, charging timing, and charging location for each vehicle 12. The control unit 23 predicts the charging amount and charging timing for each vehicle 12 based on the operation information using an arbitrary algorithm. For example, the control unit 23 predicts the driving route from the history of location information included in the operation information or a guided route. When making the prediction, the control unit 23 may take into account the characteristics of the day of the week. The driving route is, for example, a route for commuting to work or school, a route for traveling for business, etc. In addition, the control unit 23 derives the power consumption per unit distance from the distance of the past driving route and the transition of the remaining battery charge, and predicts the transition of the remaining battery charge from the distance of the predicted driving route and the most recent remaining battery charge using the result. Furthermore, the control unit 23 derives the remaining battery charge at which the driver determines that charging is necessary (for convenience, referred to as the remaining charge required) from the past connection time to the charging station and the remaining battery charge at that time. Furthermore, the control unit 23 predicts the time when the most recent battery remaining amount will reach the required charging amount as the charging timing, and derives the charging amount for bringing the required charging amount to a full charging state. Then, the control unit 23 derives the position of the charging / discharging device 14 that can be reached from the predicted driving route by the charging timing as the charging location. Alternatively, the control unit 23 may predict the optimal charging amount, charging timing, and charging location using a prediction model obtained by machine learning using the operation information of the vehicle 12 and the power information of the charging / discharging device 14 as teacher data.

[0049] In step S602, the control unit 23 predicts power consumption by the power load 15. The prediction of power consumption includes, for example, power consumption for each time period of one to several hours. The control unit 23 predicts power consumption based on power information from the energy resource 13 using any algorithm. For example, the control unit 23 predicts power consumption by taking into account the past transition of power consumption and day of the week characteristics. The power consumption by the power load 15 is, for example, power that cannot be covered by power from the distributed power source 16 and is supplied from the grid 18 and consumed. Alternatively, the control unit 23 may predict power consumption by the power load 15 using a prediction model obtained by machine learning using the power information from the energy resource 13 as training data.

[0050] In step S604, the control unit 23 creates a power consumption time table. The control unit 23 sums up the charge amount in the charging demand of one or more vehicles 12 and the power consumption amount by the power load 15 for each time period, and creates a power consumption time table for the entire community.

[0051] In step S606, the control unit 23 determines whether or not there is a time period in the power consumption timetable where the power consumption exceeds a standard. The standard is the power that can be consumed for each time period, and is obtained, for example, by dividing the amount of power to be purchased proportionally among the time periods. If the standard is not exceeded in any time period (No in step S606), the control unit 23 proceeds to step S626 in FIG. 6B. On the other hand, if the standard is exceeded in any time period (Yes in step S606), the control unit 23 proceeds to step S608.

[0052] In step S608, the control unit 23 searches for vehicles 12 for which the charging timing or the amount of charge can be changed among the charging demands of the vehicles 12. For example, the control unit 23 simulates the transition of the remaining battery charge when the charging timing is advanced or delayed for each vehicle 12, and determines that the charging timing can be changed if the vehicle can travel on the subsequent travel route with the remaining battery charge after charging, and that the charging timing cannot be changed if the vehicle cannot travel. Here, the travel route for which travel is determined whether or not the vehicle can travel includes, for example, a route to another charging / discharging device 14 in addition to the predicted travel route. Furthermore, the control unit 23 simulates the transition of the remaining battery charge when the amount of charge is changed for each vehicle 12, and determines that the amount of charge can be changed if the vehicle can travel on the subsequent travel route with the changed amount of charge, and that the amount of charge cannot be changed if the vehicle cannot travel.

[0053] If there is no vehicle 12 for which the charging timing or the charging amount can be changed (No in step S610), the control unit 23 proceeds to step S616 in Fig. 6B. On the other hand, if there is a vehicle 12 for which the charging timing or the charging amount can be changed (Yes in step S610), the control unit 23 proceeds to step S612.

[0054] In step S612, the control unit 23 changes the charging timing or the charging amount of the vehicle 12 for which the charging timing or the charging amount is changeable.

[0055] In step S614 in Fig. 6B, the control unit 23 determines whether the exceedance of the standard of the power consumption is resolved in the power consumption timetable after changing the charging timing or the charging amount of the vehicle 12. If the exceedance of the standard is resolved (Yes in step S614), the control unit 23 proceeds to step S626. On the other hand, if the exceedance is not resolved (No in step S614), the control unit 23 proceeds to step S616.

[0056] In step S616, the control unit 23 searches for vehicles 12 that can discharge among the vehicles 12. For example, the control unit 23 simulates the transition of the remaining battery charge when the battery 38 is discharged for each vehicle 12 during a time period in which the power consumption exceeds a reference value. At this time, the control unit 23 executes the simulation using an arbitrary number of patterns of discharge amounts. The control unit 23 determines that the vehicle 12 can discharge if it is capable of traveling the subsequent travel route with the remaining battery charge after discharging, or can travel and charge in another time period, and determines that the vehicle 12 cannot discharge if not. For example, the control unit 23 may shift the peak by temporarily charging power using the remaining capacity space of the battery 38 while securing the remaining battery charge required for traveling the predicted travel route, and discharging the battery 38 at the peak of power consumption of the entire community.

[0057] If there is no vehicle 12 capable of discharging (No in step S618), the control unit 23 proceeds to step S624. On the other hand, if there is a vehicle 12 capable of discharging (Yes in step S618), the control unit 23 proceeds to step S620.

[0058] In step S620, the control unit 23 incorporates a schedule of discharge by the vehicle 12 capable of discharging into the power consumption time table.

[0059] In step S622, control unit 23 determines whether the exceedance of the standard of power consumption has been resolved in the power consumption timetable after the scheduled discharge by vehicle 12 has been incorporated. If the exceedance has not been resolved (No in step S622), control unit 23 proceeds to step S624. On the other hand, if the exceedance of the standard has been resolved (Yes in step S622), control unit 23 proceeds to step S626.

[0060] In step S624, the control unit 23 executes a process for adding purchased power. In this case, the standard in the power consumption timetable is exceeded, and the exceeding of the standard is not resolved even if either or both of the charging timing or the charging amount are changed and / or a discharge schedule is incorporated, so that the control unit 23 executes a process for adding purchased power to cover the excess. This makes it possible to purchase power at a lower cost than when additional power is purchased after the power purchase market ends.

[0061] In step S626, the control unit 23 determines a charge / discharge plan for each vehicle 12 based on the power consumption timetable. The charge / discharge plan for the vehicle 12, i.e., the charge / discharge timing, charge / discharge amount, and charge / discharge location, is determined in any of the following cases: when no exceedance of the standard occurs in the initial power consumption timetable, when an exceedance occurs and the exceedance of the standard is resolved by changing the charge timing or charge amount, or by incorporating a discharge schedule, or when the exceedance of the standard is not resolved and purchased power is added.

[0062] In step S628, the control unit 23 uses the determined charge / discharge plan to update the prediction model for predicting the charging demand of the vehicle 12. By doing so, it is possible to improve the prediction accuracy.

[0063] Returning to FIG. 5, in step S505, the server device 10 transmits information on the charge / discharge plan to the vehicle 12. The charge / discharge plan includes information on the charge / discharge timing, the charge / discharge amount, and the charge / discharge location. The vehicle 12 presents the information on the charge / discharge plan to the driver, thereby encouraging the driver to execute the charge / discharge plan. The vehicle 12 may provide route guidance to the driver by incorporating the charge / discharge timing and the charge / discharge location into the guidance route.

[0064] In step S506, the server device 10 transmits information about the charge / discharge plan to the charge / discharge device 14 specified as the charge / discharge location in the charge / discharge plan. If the charge / discharge location is a parking lot or the like and the charging timing arrives while the vehicle is parked, the server device 10 transmits the charge / discharge plan to the charge / discharge device 14 installed in the parking lot and causes the charge / discharge device 14 to perform charging / discharging in accordance with the charge / discharge plan.

[0065] In step S507, the vehicle 12 and the charging / discharging device 14 charge or discharge the vehicle 12. Step S507 may be performed before or after the end of the power purchase market. For example, when the driver moves the vehicle 12 to a designated charging / discharging location and connects the vehicle 12 to the charging / discharging device 14 at the charging / discharging timing, the vehicle 12 and the charging / discharging device 14 charge or discharge the vehicle 12. The charging / discharging device 14 may notify the driver of the arrival of the charging / discharging timing by outputting an image or sound. Alternatively, when the charging / discharging timing arrives while the vehicle 12 is parked in a parking lot or the like, the driver parks the vehicle 12 with the vehicle 12 connected to the charging / discharging device 14, and the vehicle 12 and the charging / discharging device 14 charge or discharge when the charging / discharging timing arrives.

[0066] The information processing system 1 can execute the procedures of Fig. 5 and Fig. 6A and 6B any number of times, for example, before the power purchasing market ends. Even when the vehicle 12 starts moving and is moving, the server device 10 acquires operation information of the vehicle 12 at any time and updates the predicted charging demand, making it possible to update the charging and discharging plan to one that conforms to the actual power consumption of the vehicle 12. In addition, the vehicle 12 can be charged and discharged multiple times a day, for example. In this way, by leveling out the amount of power consumption required for charging the vehicle 12 and the timing of power consumption, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the power consumed exceeds the power purchased from the grid 18 for the entire community, making it possible to consume more efficiently.

[0067] In addition, server device 10 may create not only a charge / discharge plan for the current day of vehicle 12 but also a charge / discharge plan for the next day and thereafter, and transmit the method of the charge / discharge plan to vehicle 12 and charge / discharge device 14.

[0068] In addition, the server device 10 may obtain information on the power supply margin of the distributed power source 16 as power information from the energy resource 13, and if the peak in power consumption for the entire community cannot be resolved by charging and discharging in the vehicle 12 alone, the server device 10 may send an instruction to supply power to the distributed power source 16.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, the processing and control programs that regulate the operation of the control unit 33 of the vehicle 12 and the control unit 43 of the charging / discharging device 14 may be stored in the memory unit 22 of the server device 10 or in a memory unit of another server device and downloaded to each device via the network 11, or may be stored in a non-transitory recording and storage medium that is readable by each device and read from the medium by each device.

[0070] In the above, the embodiment has been described based on the drawings and examples, but it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and corrections are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each means, each step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple means, steps, etc. can be combined into one or divided into one. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1. Information Processing Systems 10. Server device 11 Network 12 Vehicles 13 Energy Resources 14 Charge / discharge device 15 Power load 16 Distributed power supply 18 strains 21, 31, 41 Communications Department 22, 32, 42 storage section 23, 33, 43 Control section 25, 35, 45 Input section 26, 36, 46 Output section 34 Positioning unit 37 Detection unit 38 Battery 39 Drive unit 48 Charge / discharge section

Claims

1. The Communications Department and A server device having a control unit that performs communication by the communication unit, the control unit receives operation information from a vehicle driven by battery power, the information including information on a remaining battery charge of the vehicle and information on a travel route, and transmits information on a charge / discharge plan including charging / discharging locations within the community on the travel route and charging / discharging timings of the vehicle at the charging / discharging locations to the vehicle or a charging / discharging device at the charging / discharging locations to execute the charge / discharge plan, in order to charge the battery with predetermined power purchased in the community. Server device.

2. In claim 1, The operation information further includes information on a remaining battery charge of the vehicle. Server device.

3. In claim 1, The information on the travel route includes a guide route and a history of the travel route. Server device.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, the control unit creates the charge / discharge plan by taking into account the predetermined amount of power consumption due to a power load in the community. Server device.

5. A system including a vehicle driven by power from a battery, a charging / discharging device that charges and discharges the battery, and a server device that communicates with the vehicle and the charging / discharging device, the server device receives from the vehicle operation information including information on the remaining battery charge of the vehicle and information on a driving route, and transmits information on a charge / discharge plan including charging / discharging locations within the community on the driving route and charging / discharging timings of the vehicle at the charging / discharging locations, in order to charge the battery with predetermined power purchased in the community; The vehicle or the charging / discharging device receives information about the charging / discharging plan and executes the charging / discharging plan. system.

6. In claim 5, The operation information further includes information on a remaining battery charge of the vehicle. system.

7. In claim 5, The information on the travel route includes a guide route and a history of the travel route. system.

8. In any one of claims 5 to 7, the server device creates the charge / discharge plan by taking into account the predetermined amount of power consumption due to a power load in the community. system.

9. A method for operating a system including a vehicle driven by power from a battery, a charging / discharging device that charges and discharges the battery, and a server device that communicates with the vehicle and the charging / discharging device, comprising: the server device receiving from the vehicle operation information including information on the remaining battery charge of the vehicle and information on the driving route of the vehicle, and transmitting information on a charging / discharging plan including charging / discharging locations within the community on the driving route and charging / discharging timings of the vehicle at the charging / discharging locations, in order to charge the battery with a predetermined power purchased in the community; receiving information of the charge / discharge plan, and executing the charge / discharge plan, The method of operation includes:

10. In claim 9, The operation information further includes information on a remaining battery charge of the vehicle. How it works.

11. In claim 9, The information on the travel route includes a guide route and a history of the travel route. How it works.

12. In any one of claims 9 to 11, the server device creates the charge / discharge plan by taking into account the predetermined amount of power consumption due to a power load in the community. How it works.

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