CHARGING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, CHARGING MANAGEMENT METHOD, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

To provide a charging management system, a power management system, a charging management method and a program, which can manage power transferred between an electric vehicle and each of two facilities the electric vehicle goes to and fro.SOLUTION: A charging management system 2 includes an information acquisition unit 2a and an information notification unit 2b. The information acquisition unit 2a acquires, as charging information, the information of charging a storage battery B1 to drive an electric vehicle EV1 with a charger 4 provided at a workplace F1 to charge the storage battery B1. The information notification unit 2b is configured to be communicable with a presentation device 3 to be used by a user of a residence F2 which becomes the destination of the electric vehicle EV1 leaving the workplace F1. Based on a charge information signal Y14, the information notification unit 2b generates the information of preferential electric energy, which is electric energy available at the residence F2 using the storage battery B1, as priority information, to notify the presentation device 3 of the preferential information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charge management system, a power management system, a charge management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power management device that utilizes a battery of a vehicle electrically connected to a facility.

[0003] The power management device manages power within a facility configured to allow electrical connection of a vehicle equipped with a battery. The power management device includes an instruction means for instructing charging / discharging of the battery, a setting means for setting a target range of the charging rate of the battery when charging / discharging, and a storage means for storing the charging rate of the battery when charging / discharging. The instruction means inhibits an instruction to start discharging from the battery when the charging rate stored in the storage means is equal to or lower than a lower limit of the target range, and inhibits an instruction to start charging the battery when the charging rate is equal to or higher than an upper limit of the target range. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-150767 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A vehicle (electric vehicle) equipped with a battery (storage battery) can travel between a first facility and a second facility by being driven by a human. However, the above-mentioned power management device (power management system) manages the power exchanged between the vehicle and one facility, but cannot manage the power exchanged between the vehicle and each of the two facilities that the vehicle travels between.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a charging management system, a power management system, a charging management method, and a program that can manage the power exchanged between an electric vehicle and two facilities between which the electric vehicle travels. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Books A charging management system according to one embodiment of the disclosure includes an information acquisition unit, an information notification unit, and a charging control unit. The information acquisition unit acquires, as charging information, information related to charging of a storage battery by a charging device provided in a first facility for charging the storage battery for driving an electric vehicle. The information notification unit is configured to be able to communicate with a presentation device used by a user of a second facility that is a destination of the electric vehicle departing from the first facility. The charging control unit generates a charging instruction signal that instructs the charging device to charge the storage battery based on a history of the amount of electricity consumed in the second facility, and transmits the charging instruction signal to the charging device. The information notification unit generates, as priority information, information related to a priority amount of power that is an amount of power that can be used in the second facility using the storage battery, based on the charging information, and notifies the presentation device of the priority information.

[0008] A power management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described charge management system and the above-described presentation device, and the presentation device presents the priority information received from the charge management system.

[0009] BooksA charging management method according to one embodiment of the disclosure includes an information acquisition step, an information notification step, and a charging control step. The information acquisition step acquires, as charging information, information related to charging of a storage battery by a charging device provided in a first facility for charging the storage battery for driving an electric vehicle. The information notification step performs communication with a presentation device used by a user of a second facility that is a destination of the electric vehicle departing from the first facility. The charging control step generates a charging instruction signal that instructs the charging device to charge the storage battery based on a history of the amount of electricity consumed in the second facility, and transmits the charging instruction signal to the charging device. The information notification step generates, based on the charging information, information related to a priority amount of power that is an amount of power that can be used in the second facility using the storage battery, as priority information, and notifies the presentation device of the priority information.

[0010] A program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer system to execute the above-described charge management method. Effect of the Invention

[0011] As described above, the present disclosure has an advantage in that it is possible to manage power exchanged between an electric vehicle and two facilities between which the electric vehicle travels. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a power management system including a charge management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing a normal operation of the power management system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an operation during charging in the power management system according to the above embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The following embodiments generally relate to a charging management system, a power management system, a charging management method, and a program. More specifically, the embodiments relate to a charging management system, a power management system, a charging management method, and a program that manage power exchanged between an electric vehicle and two facilities between which the electric vehicle travels.

[0014] The following embodiment is merely an example of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0015] (1) Overview of the Power Management System FIG. 1 shows a power management system 1 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the first facility is a workplace F1, and the second facility is a residence F2. An employee working at the workplace F1 lives in the residence F2, and uses an electric vehicle EV1 to commute between the workplace F1 and the residence F2. That is, the employee drives the electric vehicle EV1 to travel between the workplace F1 and the residence F2. The electric vehicle EV1 is a car equipped with a rechargeable battery (secondary battery) as a storage battery B1. The electric vehicle EV1 travels by driving an electric motor using the stored power of the storage battery B1. That is, the storage battery B1 is a storage battery for driving the electric vehicle EV1. The storage battery B1 includes a lithium ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a lead storage battery, or the like.

[0016] In this disclosure, the "electric vehicle" is configured to be equipped with a storage battery B1 and to run using electric energy stored in the equipped storage battery B1. The electric vehicle EV1 may run not only by the output of an electric motor, but also by combining the output of an engine and the output of an electric motor. Examples of the electric vehicle EV1 include an electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, an electric motorcycle, an electrically assisted bicycle, and the like.

[0017] The power management system 1 includes a charging management system 2 and a presentation device 3. Preferably, the power management system 1 further includes a charging device 4.

[0018] The charging management system 2, the presentation device 3, and the charging device 4 are communicatively connected to an external network NT1 including the Internet, and the charging management system 2 can communicate with each of the presentation device 3 and the charging device 4. The presentation device 3 is provided in a residence F2, and presents priority information received from the charging management system 2. The charging device 4 is provided in a workplace F1, and charges a storage battery B1 of an electric vehicle EV1 present in the workplace F1.

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferable that at least one of a home controller 51, an EMS (Energy Management System) 52, a vehicle information database 53, and a vehicle identification system 54 be communicatively connected to the external network NT1.

[0020] The home controller 51 is installed in the house F2 and constitutes a so-called HEMS (Home Energy Management System) controller.

[0021] The EMS 52 transmits a demand notification to the charge management system 2 based on the balance between the demand and supply of power in the power grid that supplies power to an area including the workplace F1. The charge management system 2 can control the charging of the storage battery B1 by the charging device 4 based on the demand notification.

[0022] The vehicle information database 53 stores various histories, such as position information of the electric vehicle EV1 and SOC (State Of Charge) information of the storage battery B1 mounted on the electric vehicle EV1, as vehicle history information.

[0023] The vehicle identification system 54 identifies, as a vehicle to be charged, the electric vehicle EV1 equipped with the storage battery B1 being charged by the charging device 4. For example, the vehicle identification system 54 generates, as vehicle identification information, at least one of the registration number and the model of the vehicle to be charged.

[0024] (2) Charging management system 1 includes an information acquisition unit 2a and an information notification unit 2b. The information acquisition unit 2a communicates with the charging device 4 in the workplace F1, the in-home controller 51, the EMS 52, the vehicle information database 53, and the vehicle identification system 54 via an external network NT1. The information notification unit 2b communicates with the presentation device 3 in the residence F2 via the external network NT1.

[0025] The information acquisition unit 2a acquires, as charging information, information related to charging of the storage battery B1 by the charging device 4 provided in the workplace F1 for charging the storage battery B1 for driving the electric vehicle EV1. The information notification unit 2b is configured to be able to communicate with the residence F2 that is the destination of the electric vehicle EV1 departing from the workplace F1. The information notification unit 2b generates, as priority information, information related to a priority amount of power that is the amount of power that can be used at the residence F2 using the storage battery B1 based on the charging information, and notifies the presentation device 3 of the priority information. Such a charging management system 2 can manage power exchanged between the electric vehicle EV1 and the workplace F1 and residence F2 between which the electric vehicle EV1 travels.

[0026] Preferably, the charging management system 2 further includes a charging control unit 2c. The charging control unit 2c communicates with the charging device 4 in the workplace F1 via an external network NT1. The charging control unit 2c generates a charging instruction signal that instructs the charging device 4 to charge the storage battery B1, and transmits the charging instruction signal to the charging device 4.

[0027] The charge management system 2 preferably includes a computer system such as a microcomputer. In this case, the charge management system 2 realizes some or all of the functions of the information acquisition unit 2a, the information notification unit 2b, and the charge control unit 2c by the computer system executing a program stored in the memory. The computer includes a processor that operates according to the program as a main hardware configuration. The type of the processor is not important as long as it can realize the function by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Here, it is called an IC or an LSI, but the name changes depending on the degree of integration, and it may be called a system LSI, a VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or an ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). A field programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or a reconfigurable logic device that can reconfigure the connection relationship inside the LSI or set up the circuit partition inside the LSI, can also be used for the same purpose. The multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or provided on multiple chips. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable ROM, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive. The program may be stored in the non-transitory recording medium in advance, or may be supplied to the non-transitory recording medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet. Such a computer system is, for example, configured with a server device. At least some of the functions of the computer system may be realized by cloud computing technology.

[0028] (3) Presentation device The presentation device 3 is a device used by a resident of the house F2, and includes a display unit 3a including a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electro-luminescence (OEL) display, and an audio output unit 3b including a speaker. For example, the presentation device 3 is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a HEMS monitor, or an intercom terminal used by a resident of the house F2.

[0029] The presentation device 3 is configured to be able to communicate with the charge management system 2 via the external network NT1, and can receive various information from the information notification unit 2b of the charge management system 2. The display unit 3a displays image data including the various information received from the information notification unit 2b. The audio output unit 3b outputs audio data including the various information received from the information notification unit 2b.

[0030] The presentation device 3 is also configured to be able to communicate with a home controller 51 via a home network installed in the house F2, and can receive various types of information from the home controller 51. The display unit 3a displays image data including the various types of information received from the home controller 51. The audio output unit 3b outputs audio data including the various types of information received from the home controller 51.

[0031] (4)Charging device The charging device 4 can charge the storage battery B1 mounted on the electric vehicle EV1 using electric power from a power source such as a commercial power source or a distributed power source (solar cell, storage battery, fuel cell, wind power generator, etc.).

[0032] Specifically, the charging device 4 includes a power conversion unit that converts power from a power source such as a commercial power source or a distributed power source into charging power, and a charging cable that constitutes a power supply path that transmits the charging power output by the power conversion unit. A charging connector that is detachably connected to a power supply port (charging inlet) of the electric vehicle EV1 is provided at the end of the charging cable. When the charging connector is connected to the power supply port of the electric vehicle EV1, the charging device 4 starts charging the storage battery B1 and continues charging until the SOC (State Of Charge) of the storage battery B1 reaches a target value.

[0033] In this embodiment, the charging device 4 is configured to be able to communicate with the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1, and can receive a charging instruction signal from a charging control unit 2c of the charging management system 2. When the charging device 4 receives a charging instruction signal from the charging control unit 2c, the charging device 4 charges the storage battery B1 based on the received charging instruction signal. For example, the charging device 4 sets a target value of the SOC of the storage battery B1 based on the charging instruction signal. Note that, if there is no charging instruction signal, the charging device 4 can charge the storage battery B1 by its own settings.

[0034] When the charging device 4 completes charging of the storage battery B1, the charging device 4 generates charging information such as the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery B1 at the time of completion of charging (remaining capacity) and the amount of power supplied from the charging device 4 to the storage battery B1 (charge amount). The charging device 4 also stores unique identification information previously assigned to the charging device 4 as a charging device ID (charging device identification information). The charging device 4 then transmits a charging information signal Y14 (see FIG. 3) in which the charging information is associated with the charging device ID to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1.

[0035] (5) In-house controller The home controller 51 is installed in the house F2 and constitutes a so-called HEMS controller.

[0036] Specifically, the home controller 51 is communicatively connected to the home network of the home F2, and visualizes the flow of electricity in the home F2 (amount of electricity purchased, sold, generated, and stored) and monitors and controls the equipment in the home F2 (e.g., lighting fixtures, air conditioning equipment, security equipment, etc.).

[0037] Furthermore, the electric vehicle EV1 used by the employee residing in the house F2 to commute to the workplace F1 is given identification information such as a registration number in advance as a vehicle ID (vehicle identification information). The home controller 51 stores the vehicle ID data of the electric vehicle EV1 corresponding to the house F2.

[0038] Then, the home controller 51 transmits a home information signal Y1 (see FIG. 2) that associates home information such as the flow of power in the house F2 and the status of devices in the house F2 with the vehicle ID to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1.

[0039] (6)EMS EMS52 constitutes a Building Energy Management System (BEMS), a Factory Energy Management System (FEMS), or a Community Energy Management System (CEMS), and manages the demand and supply of electricity in the area's power system to adjust the demand and supply of electricity within the area. The BEMS area is a building including workplace F1, the FEMS area is a factory including workplace F1, and the CEMS area is a region including workplace F1.

[0040] For example, the EMS 52 performs forecasting, planning, and control of power demand and supply in the area, and performs power peak cutting and peak shifting by demand response.The EMS 52 then transmits a demand response signal (hereinafter abbreviated as a DR signal) to each power consumer in the area via the external network NT1, requesting the consumer to suppress or increase the power demand, or to increase or decrease the amount of power sold.Each power consumer adjusts the power demand and the amount of power sold in response to the DR signal.

[0041] (7) Vehicle information database The electric vehicle EV1 can communicate with the vehicle information database 53 via the external network NT1 by performing wireless communication using a wireless LAN (Local Network System) or a mobile communication network. The electric vehicle EV1 stores a vehicle ID such as a registration number that is assigned in advance to the electric vehicle EV1. The electric vehicle EV1 transmits the vehicle ID, storage battery information including the SOC of the storage battery B1, position information using a GPS (Global Positioning System), mileage information, and the like, as vehicle information Y2 (see FIG. 2) to the vehicle information database 53.

[0042] When the vehicle information database 53 receives the vehicle information Y2, it stores the storage battery information, position information, mileage information, etc. in association with each vehicle ID. That is, the vehicle information database 53 stores each history of the SOC of the storage battery B1, the position of the electric vehicle EV1, the mileage of the electric vehicle EV1, etc. as vehicle history information Y3. Then, the vehicle information database 53 transmits the vehicle history information Y3 (see FIG. 2) including the vehicle information Y2 to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1.

[0043] (8) Vehicle Identification System At the workplace F1, the charging device 4 is installed in a parking lot for electric vehicles EV1, and charges the electric vehicles EV1 parked in the parking lot. The vehicle identification system 54 has a function of identifying the electric vehicle EV1 being charged by the charging device 4.

[0044] Specifically, the vehicle identification system 54 includes a camera, and the camera is disposed at a position where the license plate (automobile registration number plate) of the electric vehicle EV1 is captured. When the charging device 4 starts charging, the camera captures an image of the electric vehicle EV1 parked in the parking lot. That is, the camera captures an image of the electric vehicle EV1 being charged by the charging device 4. The vehicle identification system 54 identifies the vehicle ID (registration number) of the electric vehicle EV1 by performing image processing on the captured image of the electric vehicle EV1, and generates the identification result as vehicle identification information. The vehicle identification system 54 also stores the charging device ID that is assigned to the charging device 4 in advance. Therefore, the vehicle identification system 54 associates (links) the charging device ID of the charging device 4 with the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1 being charged by the charging device 4, and stores them.

[0045] Furthermore, the vehicle identification system 54 may include a communication device that communicates with an on-board device installed in a vehicle that uses an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System). In this case, the communication device of the vehicle identification system 54 communicates with the on-board device of the electric vehicle EV1 parked in the parking lot, thereby acquiring data such as the registration number of the electric vehicle EV1 from the electric vehicle EV1.

[0046] Then, the vehicle identification system 54 transmits a vehicle identification signal Y11 (see FIG. 3) in which the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1 is associated with the charging device ID of the charging device 4 to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1.

[0047] (9) Power management and charging management Hereinafter, the power management operation of the power management system 1 and the charge management operation of the charge management system 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.

[0048] (9.1) Normal time 2, the charging management system 2 normally acquires various pieces of information periodically or when an event occurs from the home controller 51, the EMS 52, and the vehicle information database 53. Note that the timing and order in which the charging management system 2 acquires the various pieces of information from the home controller 51, the EMS 52, and the vehicle information database 53 are not limited to a specific form and may vary as appropriate.

[0049] Specifically, the home controller 51 transmits a home information signal Y1 to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1. The home information signal Y1 is information in which home information such as the flow of power in the house F2 and the state of devices in the house F2 is associated with the vehicle ID. The flow of power includes a history of the amount of power purchased, sold, generated, and stored in the house F2. The state of the devices includes a history of operation, stop, and various settings of devices (e.g., lighting fixtures, air conditioners, security devices, etc.) in the house F2. The information acquisition unit 2a of the charging management system 2 receives the home information signal Y1 via the external network NT1. Thus, the charging management system 2 can grasp the history of the amount of electricity (power or amount of power) consumed in the house F2 based on the home information. Furthermore, the charging management system 2 can associate the state of the devices with the history of the amount of electricity consumed in the house F2 based on the home information. Furthermore, the charging management system 2 can grasp the correspondence between the home information and the vehicle ID.

[0050] The electric vehicle EV1 sets vehicle information Y2 including the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1, storage battery information of the storage battery B1 mounted on the electric vehicle EV1, and position information and travel distance information of the electric vehicle EV1. The electric vehicle EV1 transmits the vehicle information Y2 to the vehicle information database 53 via the external network NT1. The vehicle information database 53 accumulates the vehicle information Y2 received from the electric vehicle EV1 and stores a plurality of pieces of vehicle information Y2 sequentially received as vehicle history information Y3. The vehicle information database 53 periodically transmits the vehicle history information Y3 to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1. The information acquisition unit 2a of the charging management system 2 receives the vehicle history information Y3 via the external network NT1. Thus, the charging management system 2 can grasp the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1, the amount of stored power and the degree of deterioration of the storage battery B1, and the travel route and travel distance of the electric vehicle EV1 based on the vehicle history information Y3.

[0051] The EMS 52 transmits a DR signal Y4, which requests suppression or increase of power demand in the power grid, or an increase or decrease of the amount of power sold, to the charge management system 2 via the external network NT1. The information acquisition unit 2a of the charge management system 2 receives the DR signal Y4 via the external network NT1.

[0052] As described above, the charging management system 2 normally receives the home information signal Y1, the vehicle history information Y3, and the DR signal Y4 via the external network NT1. The home information signal Y1 includes home information associated with the vehicle ID (such as the flow of power in the house F2 and the state of devices in the house F2). The vehicle history information Y3 includes each history such as battery information, location information, and mileage information in addition to the vehicle ID. The DR signal Y4 is a signal requesting a reduction or increase in power demand or an increase or decrease in the amount of power sold, and is a signal for preventing imbalance between power demand and supply in an area including the workplace F1.

[0053] (9.2) When charging The power management operation and the charge management operation when the charging device 4 charges the storage battery B1 of the electric vehicle EV1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0054] First, when the electric vehicle EV1 is parked in a parking lot of the workplace F1, the vehicle identification system 54 identifies the electric vehicle EV1 and generates a vehicle identification signal Y11 of the electric vehicle EV1 (S1). Then, the vehicle identification system 54 transmits the vehicle identification signal Y11 to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1. The vehicle identification signal Y11 includes information that associates the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1 with the charging device ID of the charging device 4. The information acquisition unit 2a of the charging management system 2 receives the vehicle identification signal Y11 via the external network NT1.

[0055] That is, the charging management system 2 normally acquires an in-home information signal Y1 and vehicle history information Y3, and acquires a vehicle identification signal Y11 when the electric vehicle EV1 is parked in a parking lot of the workplace F1. Each of the in-home information signal Y1, the vehicle history information Y3, and the vehicle identification signal Y11 includes the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1, and the in-home information and the vehicle history information are linked to the common vehicle ID. That is, the charging management system 2 can link the in-home information and the vehicle history information to the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1.

[0056] (9.2.1) Charge control When the charging connector of the charging device 4 is connected to the power supply port of the electric vehicle EV1 parked in a parking lot and charging operation is performed (S2), the charging device 4 transmits a charging start request Y12 to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1. When the charging control unit 2c of the charging management system 2 receives the charging start request Y12, it generates a charging instruction signal Y13 that instructs the charging device 4 to charge the storage battery B1. The charging instruction signal Y13 includes, for example, data of a target value of SOC of the storage battery B1.

[0057] Specifically, when an employee finishes working at workplace F1, he or she drives electric vehicle EV1 from workplace F1 to return home to house F2. Electric vehicle EV1 is equipped with a storage battery B1, and the stored power of storage battery B1 can be used at house F2. Therefore, before returning home from workplace F1 to house F2, the employee charges storage battery B1 using charging device 4. It is preferable that house F2 is provided with a charger / discharger (V2H: Vehicle to Home) that can transmit power in both directions between electric vehicle EV1 and a power conditioner of house F2, and the stored power of storage battery B1 is used via the charger / discharger.

[0058] Here, the charging management system 2 can link the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1 with the in-house information and the vehicle history information as described above. Then, the charging control unit 2c sets the electric vehicle EV1 with the vehicle ID notified by the vehicle identification signal Y11 as the vehicle to be charged, and can predict the amount of power consumed at the house F2 within a predetermined period after the completion of charging based on the in-house information (in this case, the in-house information of the house F2) corresponding to the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle EV1. That is, the charging control unit 2c can refer to the in-house information of the house F2 and predict the amount of power consumed at the house F2 within a predetermined period after the completion of charging based on the history of the amount of electricity (power or amount of power) consumed at the house F2. For example, the charging control unit 2c predicts the amount of power consumed at the house F2 during the period from when the employee returns home to the house F2 to the next commute based on the history of the amount of electricity consumed at the house F2. The charging control unit 2c can estimate the employee's return home time and work start time based on the in-house information, and predicts the amount of power consumed at the house F2 using the estimated results of the return home time and work start time.

[0059] Next, the charging control unit 2c obtains a target value of the SOC of the storage battery B1 so that the amount of stored power is sufficient to cover a predetermined ratio (part or all) of the predicted value of the amount of power. Then, the charging control unit 2c generates a charging instruction signal Y13 including data of the target value of the SOC, and transmits the charging instruction signal Y13 to the charging device 4 via the external network NT1. Upon receiving the charging instruction signal Y13, the charging device 4 starts charging the storage battery B1, and continues charging until the SOC (State Of Charge) of the storage battery B1 reaches the target value (S3). When charging of the storage battery B1 is completed, the employee removes the charging connector of the charging device 4 from the power supply port of the electric vehicle EV1, and drives the electric vehicle EV1 to return home from the workplace F1 to the residence F2. Therefore, the charging management system 2 can charge the storage battery B1 according to the amount of power consumed at the residence F2, and can improve the charging efficiency of the storage battery B1 at the workplace F1.

[0060] It is preferable that the charging control unit 2c determines a target value for the SOC of the storage battery B1 so that, in addition to the amount of power allocated to the residence F2, the amount of power required for the electric vehicle EV1 to make one round trip between the workplace F1 and the residence F2 can be secured.

[0061] In addition, another information terminal such as the presentation device 3 may receive a target SOC value for the storage battery B1 through operation by a resident of the house F2 (including the employee mentioned above), and transmit a charging instruction signal including data of the input SOC target value to the charging device 4 via the external network NT1.

[0062] When the charge management system 2 receives a DR signal Y4 (see FIG. 2) from the EMS 52, the charge control unit 2c generates a charge instruction signal Y13 in response to the DR signal Y4 to instruct the charging device 4 to charge the storage battery B1. In this case, the charge instruction signal Y13 is a signal for preventing imbalance between the demand and supply of electricity in the area including the workplace F1.

[0063] For example, when the power demand in the area including the workplace F1 approaches the maximum power supply, the DR signal Y4 requests a reduction in the power demand in the area, and the charging instruction signal Y13 instructs the charging current of the storage battery B1 to be reduced below normal.

[0064] Moreover, when the demand for power in the area becomes too low, the DR signal Y4 requests that the demand for power in the area be increased, and the charging instruction signal Y13 instructs that the charging current of the storage battery B1 be made larger than usual.

[0065] In addition, when the amount of power generated by distributed power sources such as solar panels, wind power generation devices, and geothermal power generation devices in the area becomes excessively large, the DR signal Y4 requests an increase in the power demand in the area, and the charging instruction signal Y13 instructs the charging current of the storage battery B1 to be made larger than usual.

[0066] Therefore, the charge management system 2 can balance the demand and supply of electricity in an area including the workplace F1.

[0067] It is preferable that the charging control unit 2c includes, in the charging instruction signal Y13, information on the time period during which the charging device 4 charges the storage battery B1 based on the electricity rate plan applied to the workplace F1. For example, assume that an employee who has come to the workplace F1 works at the workplace F1 with the electric vehicle EV1 parked in a parking lot. In this case, the charging control unit 2c generates the charging instruction signal Y13 that indicates a time period during the employee's working hours when the electricity rate is low as the charging execution time period. Therefore, the charging cost by the charging device 4 can be reduced.

[0068] (9.2.2) Information Notification When charging of the storage battery B1 of the electric vehicle EV1 is completed, the charging device 4 generates a charging information signal Y14 and transmits the charging information signal Y14 to the charging management system 2 via the external network NT1. The charging information signal Y14 is information related to the charging performed by the charging device 4 on the storage battery B1 of the electric vehicle EV1, such as information on the amount of stored power in the storage battery B1 at the time charging is completed and the charging amount, which is the amount of power increased by this charging.

[0069] The information notifying unit 2b of the charge management system 2 receives the charge information signal Y14 from the charge device 4. That is, the information notifying unit 2b acquires the charge information signal Y14 from the charge device 4 (S4).

[0070] The information notification unit 2b generates information on a priority amount of power, which is an amount of power that can be used in the house F2 using the storage battery B1, as priority information Y15, based on the charge information signal Y14. The information notification unit 2b notifies the presentation device 3 of the priority information Y15 via the external network NT1. That is, the information notification unit 2b determines, as the priority amount of power, the amount of power that can be consumed in the house F2 out of the amount of charge in the storage battery B1.

[0071] Specifically, the information notification unit 2b sets a part of the amount of stored power in the storage battery B1 as the amount of prioritized power. The amount of prioritized power is, for example, the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the amount of power required for the electric vehicle EV1 to make one round trip between the workplace F1 and the house F2 from the amount of stored power in the storage battery B1. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the amount of power used in the house F2 after ensuring the amount of power used to drive the electric vehicle EV1.

[0072] Furthermore, the information notifying unit 2b may set a part of the amount of electricity charged by the charging device 4 (the increase in the amount of electricity stored by the current charging) out of the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery B1 as the prioritized amount of electricity. In this case, the prioritized amount of electricity is the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the amount of electricity required for the electric vehicle EV1 to make one round trip between the workplace F1 and the house F2 from the amount of electricity charged by the charging device 4.

[0073] In addition, since the storage battery B1 can also be charged by a charger / discharger in the house F2, the priority amount of energy may be a remaining amount obtained by subtracting from a part of the amount of energy charged by the charging device 4 or a part of the amount of energy stored in the storage battery B1 an amount of energy required for the electric vehicle EV1 to travel from the workplace F1 to the house F2.

[0074] The presentation device 3 receives the priority information Y15 via the external network NT1. If the priority information Y15 includes image data, the display unit 3a displays the priority information Y15. If the priority information Y15 includes audio data, the audio output unit 3b outputs the priority information Y15 as audio. That is, the presentation device 3 presents the priority information Y15 to the resident of the house F2. By seeing or hearing the priority information Y15 presented by the presentation device 3, the resident of the house F2 can recognize the priority amount of power that can be consumed in the house F2 among the amount of power stored in the storage battery B1 of the electric vehicle EV1 that has returned home. Therefore, the resident of the house F2 can discharge only the priority amount of power among the amount of power stored in the storage battery B1 and use it for the devices in the house F2. In this case, it is preferable that the home controller 51 automatically controls the flow of power in the house F2 so that only the priority amount of power is discharged among the amount of power stored in the storage battery B1.

[0075] Furthermore, in the house F2, if the entire amount of the priority energy is not consumed by the time the electric vehicle EV1 is used to go to work, it is preferable to store the remaining amount of the priority energy in the power storage device installed in the house F2. Therefore, the entire amount of the priority energy can be effectively utilized in the house F2.

[0076] For example, suppose that the house F2 is equipped with a charger / discharger for charging and discharging the storage battery B1 of the electric vehicle EV1, and a power storage device capable of storing the electric power of the commercial power source, the distributed power source, and the storage battery B1. In this case, the home controller 51 can predict the fluctuation of the power consumption in the house F2 based on the history of the amount of electricity consumed in the house F2 and the state of each device. The home controller 51 also stores data on the amount of commuting power consumed by the electric vehicle EV1 during commuting between the workplace F1 and the house F2. The home controller 51 also stores schedule information of employees, and can predict the amount of business power consumed by the electric vehicle EV1 during work at the workplace F1 based on the schedule information. Therefore, the home controller 51 automatically charges and discharges the storage battery B1 based on the predicted results of the fluctuation of the power consumption in the house F2, the amount of commuting power, and the amount of business power. The house F2 also preferentially uses the priority amount of power stored in the storage battery B1. As a result, when using power from a commercial power source, a distributed power source, and the storage battery B1, it is possible to improve the efficiency of power usage.

[0077] Furthermore, it is preferable that the information notifying unit 2b notifies the presentation device 3 of the priority information Y15 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of charging of the storage battery B1 by the charging device 4. For example, the information notifying unit 2b notifies the presentation device 3 of the priority information Y15 before the time required for the electric vehicle EV1 to return home has elapsed after the completion of charging of the storage battery B1 by the charging device 4 (i.e., before the electric vehicle EV1 arrives at the house F2). Therefore, the resident of the house F2 can recognize the priority amount of power that can be consumed at the house F2 before the electric vehicle EV1 arrives at the house F2.

[0078] As described above, the computer system included in the charging management system 2 executes a charging management method including an information acquisition step S4 and an information notification step S5 (see FIG. 3). The information acquisition step S4 acquires, as a charging information signal Y14, information related to charging of the storage battery B1 by the charging device 4 provided in the workplace F1 for charging the storage battery B1 for driving the electric vehicle EV1. The information notification step S5 performs communication with the presentation device 3 used by a resident (a user of the second facility, including the employee himself / herself and the employee's family) of the residence F2 that is the destination of the electric vehicle EV1 departing from the workplace F1. The information notification step S5 generates, based on the charging information signal Y14, information related to a priority amount of power that is an amount of power that can be used in the residence F2 using the storage battery B1, as priority information Y15, and notifies the presentation device 3 of the priority information Y15.

[0079] Thus, the above-described charging management system 2 can manage the electric power exchanged between the electric vehicle EV1 and each of the two facilities (workplace F1 and residence F2) through which the electric vehicle EV1 travels.

[0080] Furthermore, the home F2 can use the power charged in the storage battery B1 at the workplace F1. In this case, if the workplace F1 has a contract with an electric power company for high-voltage bulk power reception, the unit price of the power used by the charging device 4 will be lower than the unit price of the power at the home F2, which has an individual contract (low-voltage contract). Therefore, the workplace F1 can charge the resident of the home F2 for the cost of the priority power used at the home F2, thereby reducing the electricity bill for the home F2.

[0081] In this embodiment, the electric vehicle EV1 equipped with the storage battery B1 is used as a carrier for carrying electric power. The resident of the house F2 can use the electric power supplied to the workplace F1 at low cost in the house F2. This increases the options for electric power used in the house F2, and improves the efficiency of electric power use.

[0082] (10) Variations The vehicle information Y2 (see FIG. 2) may not include storage battery information such as the SOC of the storage battery B1. In this case, the information notifying unit 2b estimates the storage battery information such as the SOC of the storage battery B1 based on the position information and the mileage information of the electric vehicle EV1 included in the vehicle history information Y3.

[0083] Furthermore, the charging device 4 may obtain storage battery information such as the SOC of the storage battery B1 from the electric vehicle EV1 and notify the charging management system 2. Communication between the charging device 4 and the electric vehicle EV1 is achieved by wired communication via a charging cable of the charging device 4, or by wireless communication. The wireless communication may be, for example, wireless communication conforming to standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zig Bee (registered trademark), or low-power radio that does not require a license (specified low-power radio), or infrared communication.

[0084] The charge management system 2 may manage the charging of the storage batteries B1 of the multiple electric vehicles EV1 that travel between the multiple workplaces F1 and the multiple residences F2.

[0085] In addition, the first facility is not limited to the workplace F1 and may be a facility other than the workplace F1. The second facility is not limited to the residence F2 and may be a facility other than the residence F2. Examples of the facility include an apartment building, a detached house, a factory, an office building, a commercial building, and a store.

[0086] Further, the storage battery B1 of the electric vehicle EV1 is charged at least at the workplace F1, which is the first facility, and can also be charged at a residence F2, a charging station, or the like, other than the workplace F1.

[0087] Furthermore, instead of the home controller 51, a charger / discharger for the electric vehicle EV1, a smart meter, a current meter in a distribution board, or the like installed in the house F2 may generate a home information signal Y1 (see FIG. 2) in which home information is associated with the vehicle ID, and transmit the home information signal Y1 to the charging management system 2. For example, the smart meter transmits the home information signal Y1 to the charging management system 2 via route C among the communication routes of the smart meter. In other words, the source of the home information signal Y1 in the house F2 is not limited to a specific device.

[0088] (11) Summary As described above, the charging management system (2) of the first aspect according to the embodiment includes an information acquisition unit (2a) and an information notification unit (2b). The information acquisition unit (2a) acquires, as charging information (Y14), information related to charging of the storage battery (B1) by the charging device (4) provided in the first facility (F1) for charging the driving storage battery (B1) of the electric vehicle (EV1). The information notification unit (2b) is configured to be able to communicate with a presentation device (3) used by a user of a second facility (F2) that is the destination of the electric vehicle (EV1) departing from the first facility (F1). The information notification unit (2b) generates, based on the charging information (Y14), information related to a priority amount of power that is an amount of power that can be used in the second facility (F2) using the storage battery (B1), as priority information (Y15), and notifies the priority information (Y15) to the presentation device (3).

[0089] The above-described charging management system (2) can manage electric power exchanged between the electric vehicle (EV1) and the first facility (F1) and the second facility (F2) through which the electric vehicle (EV1) travels.

[0090] In the charging management system (2) of the second aspect according to the embodiment, in the first aspect, the first facility (F1) is preferably a workplace where an employee of the first facility (F1) drives an electric vehicle (EV1) to commute from the second facility (F2). The second facility (F2) is preferably a residence where an employee drives an electric vehicle (EV1) to return home from the first facility (F1).

[0091] In the above-mentioned charging management system (2), the power charged at the workplace (F1) is transported to the house (F2) by the electric vehicle (EV1), which increases the options for power used at the house (F2). As a result, the efficiency of power usage can be improved.

[0092] In the charge management system (2) of the third aspect of the embodiment, in the first or second aspect, it is preferable that the information notification unit (2b) sets the priority amount of electric energy to a value smaller than a value obtained by subtracting an amount of electric energy required for the electric vehicle (EV1) that has departed from the first facility (F1) to travel back and forth between the second facility (F2) and the stored amount of electric energy in the storage battery (B1) when charging by the charging device (4) is completed.

[0093] The above-described charging management system (2) can secure the amount of electric power used in the second facility (F2) after securing the amount of electric power used to drive the electric vehicle (EV1).

[0094] In the charge management system (2) of the fourth aspect of the embodiment, in any one of the first to third aspects, it is preferable that the information notification unit (2b) notifies the presentation device (3) of the priority information (Y15) within a predetermined time after the charging of the storage battery (B1) by the charging device (4) is completed.

[0095] The above-described charging management system (2) enables a person at the second facility (F2) to recognize the preferential amount of power that can be consumed at the second facility (F2) before the electric vehicle (EV1) arrives at the second facility (F2).

[0096] The charge management system (2) of a fifth aspect according to the embodiment is preferably in any one of the first to fourth aspects, further including a charge control unit (2c). The charge control unit (2c) generates a charge instruction signal (Y13) for instructing the charger (4) to charge the storage battery (B1) based on a history of the amount of electricity consumed in the second facility (F2), and transmits the charge instruction signal (Y13) to the charger (4).

[0097] The above-mentioned charging management system (2) can charge the storage battery (B1) according to the amount of electricity consumed in the second facility (F2), thereby improving the charging efficiency of the storage battery (B1) in the first facility (F1).

[0098] It is preferable that the charge management system (2) of a sixth aspect according to the embodiment further includes a charge control unit (2c) in any one of the first to fourth aspects. The charge control unit (2c) generates a charge instruction signal (Y13) that instructs the charger (4) to charge the storage battery (B1) based on a balance between the demand and supply of electricity in an area including the first facility (F1), and transmits the charge instruction signal (Y13) to the charger (4).

[0099] The above-described charging management system (2) can balance the supply and demand of electric power in an area including the first facility (F1).

[0100] In the seventh aspect of the charge management system (2) according to the embodiment, in the fifth or sixth aspect, it is preferable that the charge control unit (2c) includes, in the charge instruction signal (Y13), information on the time period during which the charge device (4) charges the storage battery (B1), based on the electricity rate plan applied to the first facility (F1).

[0101] The above-described charge management system (2) can reduce the cost of charging using the charger (4).

[0102] A power management system (1) according to an eighth aspect of the embodiment includes a charge management system (2) according to any one of the first to seventh aspects and a presentation device (3). The presentation device (3) presents priority information (Y15) received from the charge management system (2).

[0103] The above-described power management system (1) can manage power exchanged between the electric vehicle (EV1) and the first facility (F1) and the second facility (F2) through which the electric vehicle (EV1) travels.

[0104] The charging management method of the ninth aspect of the embodiment includes an information acquisition step (S4) and an information notification step (S5). The information acquisition step (S4) acquires, as charging information (Y14), information related to charging of a storage battery (B1) for driving an electric vehicle (EV1) by a charging device (4) provided in a first facility (F1) for charging the storage battery (B1). The information notification step (S5) performs communication with a presentation device (3) used by a user of a second facility (F2) that is a destination of the electric vehicle (EV1) departing from the first facility (F1). The information notification step (S5) generates, based on the charging information (Y14), information related to a priority amount of power that is an amount of power that can be used in the second facility (F2) using the storage battery (B1), as priority information (Y15), and notifies the priority information (Y15) to the presentation device (3).

[0105] The above-described charging management method can manage power exchanged between the electric vehicle (EV1) and the first facility (F1) and the second facility (F2) through which the electric vehicle (EV1) travels.

[0106] A program according to a tenth aspect of the embodiment causes a computer system to execute the charge management method according to the ninth aspect.

[0107] The above-mentioned program can manage electric power exchanged between the electric vehicle (EV1) and the first facility (F1) and the second facility (F2) through which the electric vehicle (EV1) travels. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Power Management System 2. Charging management system 2a Information acquisition section 2b Information Notification Department 2c Charging control unit 3 Presentation device 4 Charging device EV1 Electric vehicle B1 storage battery F1 Workplace (Facility 1) F2 Housing (2nd facility) Y13 Charging instruction signal Y14 Charging information signal Y15 Priority Information S4 Information acquisition step S5 Information notification step

Claims

1. An information acquisition unit that acquires, as charging information, information regarding charging of a storage battery by a charging device provided in a first facility for charging the storage battery for driving an electric vehicle; an information notification unit configured to be able to communicate with a presentation device used by a user of a second facility that is a destination of the electric vehicle departing from the first facility; a charge control unit that generates a charge instruction signal that instructs the charging device to charge the storage battery based on a history of the amount of electricity consumed in the second facility, and transmits the charge instruction signal to the charging device; The information notification unit generates, as priority information, information regarding a priority amount of power that is an amount of power that can be used in the second facility using the storage battery, based on the charging information, and notifies the presentation device of the priority information. Charging management system.

2. The first facility is a workplace where an employee of the first facility drives the electric vehicle to commute from the second facility, The second facility is a residence where the employee drives the electric vehicle to return home from the first facility. The charge management system of claim 1.

3. The information notification unit sets the priority amount of power to a value smaller than a value obtained by subtracting an amount of power required for the electric vehicle that has departed from the first facility to travel back and forth between the second facility and the stored amount of power in the storage battery when charging by the charging device is completed. The charge management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The information notification unit notifies the presentation device of the priority information until a predetermined time has elapsed since the charging of the storage battery by the charging device is completed. The charge management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The charging control unit includes in the charging instruction signal information about a time period during which the charging device charges the storage battery based on an electricity rate plan applied to the first facility. The charge management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A charging management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The presentation device, The presentation device presents the priority information received from the charging management system. Power management system.

7. An information acquisition step of acquiring, as charging information, information regarding charging of a storage battery for driving an electric vehicle by a charging device provided in a first facility for charging the storage battery; an information notification step of communicating with a presentation device used by a user of a second facility that is a destination of the electric vehicle departing from the first facility; a charge control step of generating a charge instruction signal for instructing the charging device to charge the storage battery based on a history of the amount of electricity consumed in the second facility, and transmitting the charge instruction signal to the charging device; The information notification step generates, as priority information, information regarding a priority amount of power that is an amount of power that can be used in the second facility using the storage battery, based on the charging information, and notifies the presentation device of the priority information. Charging management method.

8. A computer system that executes the charging management method according to claim 7. program.

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