Server, power interchange system and power interchange method

Abstract

To improve the way in which surplus power of a vehicle is transferred to electricity consumers.SOLUTION: A server includes a first communication unit and a first control unit. The first communication unit acquires information on surplus power from a plurality of vehicles, and acquires information on power demand from a plurality of power consumers. The first control unit performs matching between the information on surplus power and the information on power demand, and generates, based on the matching results, an instruction to a power storage vehicle to recover power from one or more first vehicles selected from the plurality of vehicles and to transfer the recovered power to one or more power consumers selected from the plurality of power consumers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server, a power interchange system, and a power interchange method. [Background technology]

[0002] When an electric vehicle configured to recover regenerative power travels down a slope, if the battery becomes fully charged, the regenerative power generated during travel may not be able to be recovered in the power storage device. For this reason, a system has been proposed that matches a vehicle traveling down a slope with another vehicle traveling up a slope, and generates position information of a junction point for transferring power (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This makes it possible to make effective use of regenerative power. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-77026 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The system disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires that a vehicle generating surplus power and a vehicle requiring power supply pass through the same junction at approximately the same time. However, a vehicle generating surplus power and a vehicle requiring power supply do not necessarily pass through the same route at the same time. If a vehicle to which power can be supplied cannot be found, there may be a case where the surplus regenerative power cannot be effectively utilized.

[0005] In addition, facilities or equipment other than vehicles may require electricity. For example, a welfare facility or the like may wish to donate electricity for financial reasons. In addition, for example, during peak hours of electricity usage, electricity usage may be restricted in a particular facility. In such cases, it is preferable to be able to provide surplus electricity from electric vehicles or the like. However, there is no effective means of connecting vehicles that provide surplus electricity with facilities that have electricity demand.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure, which has been made in light of these points, is to improve the method of supplying surplus power from a vehicle to a power consumer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The server of the present disclosure includes a first communication unit and a first control unit. The first communication unit acquires surplus power information from a plurality of vehicles and acquires power demand information from a plurality of power consumers. The first control unit matches the surplus power information with the power demand information, and generates, based on a result of the matching, an instruction for an energy storage vehicle to recover power from one or more first vehicles selected from the plurality of vehicles and supply the recovered power to one or more power consumers selected from the plurality of power consumers.

[0008] The power interchange system disclosed herein includes a server and a power storage vehicle. The server includes a first communication unit and a first control unit. The first communication unit acquires surplus power information from a plurality of vehicles and acquires power demand information from a plurality of power consumers. The first control unit performs matching between the surplus power information and the power demand information, and generates, based on a result of the matching, an instruction for the power storage vehicle to recover power from one or more first vehicles selected from the plurality of vehicles and supply the recovered power to one or more power consumers selected from the plurality of power consumers. The power storage vehicle includes a second communication unit, a second control unit, and a battery. The second communication unit receives the instruction from the server. The second control unit controls movement of the power storage vehicle so as to receive power from the one or more first vehicles to the battery and supply power from the battery to the one or more power consumers in accordance with the instruction.

[0009] The power interchange method disclosed herein is a power interchange method executed by a server of a power interchange system, and includes acquiring surplus power information from a plurality of vehicles, acquiring power demand information from a plurality of power consumers, matching the surplus power information with the power demand information, and generating, based on a result of the matching, an instruction to an energy storage vehicle to recover power from one or more first vehicles selected from the plurality of vehicles and supply the recovered power to one or more power consumers selected from the plurality of power consumers. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve a method for supplying surplus power of a vehicle to a power consumer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a power interchange system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a server in FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the electric storage vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a form of providing surplus power and a recipient of the power; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage scene of the power interchange system of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of a usage scene of the power interchange system of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by a first vehicle that provides electric power. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by a server. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by an electricity-storage vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings used in the following description are schematic.

[0013] (Overall configuration of the power interchange system) As shown in FIG. 1, a power interchange system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a server 10 and an energy storage vehicle 20.

[0014] The server 10 is a computer such as a personal computer, a workstation, or a general-purpose computer. The functions of the server 10 may be implemented on one computer, or may be distributed and implemented on multiple computers that can communicate with each other via a network 50.

[0015] The power storage vehicle 20 is a vehicle having a power storage function. The power storage vehicle 20 can receive power from the vehicle 30. The power storage vehicle 20 can supply power to the vehicle 30 and a facility 41, etc. The facility 41 includes a commercial facility, a welfare facility, and a public facility. The power storage vehicle 20 may be a vehicle driven by a driver. The power storage vehicle 20 may be a vehicle capable of traveling by autonomous driving. The autonomous driving may include, for example, levels 1 to 5 of autonomous driving defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

[0016] The vehicle 30 is a vehicle that runs at least partially using an electric motor as a power source. The vehicle 30 includes not only electric vehicles (BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles)), but also hybrid vehicles (HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles)) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles)). The vehicle 30 is configured to be capable of supplying power to and receiving power from outside the vehicle. The vehicle 30 may be a vehicle driven by a driver, similar to the power storage vehicle 20. The vehicle 30 may be a vehicle capable of running by automatic driving, similar to the power storage vehicle 20.

[0017] The server 10 acquires surplus power information from a plurality of vehicles 30, and acquires power demand information from a plurality of power consumers 40. The plurality of power consumers 40 includes vehicles 30 requiring a supply of power, facilities 41 requiring a supply of power, etc. In the following, a vehicle 30 that has surplus power and supplies power is referred to as a first vehicle 30A, and a vehicle 30 requiring a supply of power is referred to as a second vehicle 30B. The power consumers 40 can be referred to as power consumers.

[0018] The server 10 matches the first vehicle 30A having information on surplus power with the power consumer 40 (such as the second vehicle 30B and the facility 41) that requires a supply of power. Based on the result of the matching, the server 10 generates an instruction to collect power from the first vehicle 30A and supply power to the power consumer 40. The server 10 transmits this instruction to the power storage vehicle 20, and causes the power storage vehicle 20 to collect and provide power.

[0019] (Server configuration) 2, the server 10 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a storage unit 13. The communication unit 11 is a first communication unit. The control unit 12 is a first control unit.

[0020] The communication unit 11 includes a communication module, and is configured to be able to communicate with the energy storage vehicle 20, the vehicle 30, the facility 41, and the like via the network 50. The communication unit 11 is connected to the network 50 by a wired or wireless communication means. The communication unit 11 can perform processes such as protocol processing related to the transmission and reception of information, modulation of a transmission signal, and demodulation of a received signal.

[0021] The communication unit 11 can acquire information on surplus power from a plurality of first vehicles 30A. The communication unit 11 can acquire information on power demand from a plurality of power consumers 40. The communication unit 11 can transmit, to the power storage vehicle 20, an instruction to recover surplus power from the first vehicles 30A and supply the power recovered from the first vehicles 30A to the power consumers 40.

[0022] The control unit 12 controls the entire server 10 and executes various arithmetic processing. The control unit 12 includes one or more processors. The control unit 12 may include various processors. The processor may include a general-purpose processor that executes a programmed function by loading a specific program, and a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. As the dedicated processor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc. may be adopted. The control unit 12 may further include a memory. The memory can store the program executed by the processor, information during the calculation by the processor, etc.

[0023] The control unit 12 can acquire surplus power information and power demand information via the communication unit 11, and match the acquired surplus power information with the power demand information. Based on a result of the matching, the control unit 12 can generate an instruction to recover power from one or more first vehicles 30A selected from the multiple vehicles 30, and supply the recovered power to one or more power consumers selected from the multiple power consumers 40. The control unit 12 is configured to transmit the generated instruction to the energy storage vehicle 20 via the communication unit 11.

[0024] The storage unit 13 may include at least one of a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, and an optical storage device. The semiconductor storage device may include a volatile memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and a static random access memory (SRAM), and a non-volatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM) and a flash memory. The semiconductor storage device includes a solid state drive (SSD) using a flash memory. The magnetic storage device includes a magnetic tape, a floppy disk (registered trademark), a hard disk, and the like, and a drive device for these. The optical storage device includes, for example, a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), and a Blu-ray (registered trademark), and the like, and a drive device for these.

[0025] The storage unit 13 is configured to store a program executed by the control unit 12, information required for the processing executed by the control unit 12, and information obtained as a result of the execution by the control unit 12. The storage unit 13 stores map information. The map information includes road information and location information of facilities such as parking lots where the power storage vehicle 20 can receive or supply power. The map information includes three-dimensional information including road gradient information. The storage unit 13 may store vehicle information which is information on the vehicles 30 using the power interchange system 1 of the present disclosure. The vehicle information may include information such as the vehicle type, weight, battery capacity, and service usage conditions of each vehicle 30. The storage unit 13 may store information on surplus power of the vehicles 30 registered in the server 10 and information on power demand of the power consumers 40 in the latest state acquired by the server 10.

[0026] (Configuration of the energy storage vehicle) 3, the power storage vehicle 20 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, a battery 24, a position detection unit 25, and an information presentation unit 26. The communication unit 21, the control unit 22, the storage unit 23, the battery 24, the position detection unit 25, and the information presentation unit 26 may be configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network within the power storage vehicle 20, such as a control area network (CAN). The communication unit 21 is a second communication unit. The control unit 22 is a second control unit.

[0027] The communication unit 21 is configured to be able to communicate with the server 10, the vehicle 30, the facility 41, and the like via the network 50. The communication unit 21 is connected to the network 50 by wireless communication means. The wireless communication means may be, for example, a communication means compatible with mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) and 5G (5th Generation), but is not limited thereto. The communication unit 11 can perform processes such as protocol processing related to the transmission and reception of information, modulation of a transmission signal, and demodulation of a reception signal.

[0028] The communication unit 21 is configured to be able to receive instructions from the server 10. The communication unit 21 may be configured to be able to transmit and receive position information between the first vehicle 30A that is the target for collecting power and the second vehicle 30B or the facility 41 that is the target for supplying power, etc.

[0029] The control unit 22 includes one or more processors, similar to the control unit 12 of the server 10. The control unit 22 controls the entire processing performed by the power storage vehicle 20. The control unit 22 periodically notifies the server 10 of the position information of the vehicle itself detected by the position detection unit 25 via the communication unit 21. The control unit 22 causes the information presentation unit 26 to present an instruction received from the server 10 via the communication unit 21. The control unit 22 manages the execution of the instruction received from the server 10. For example, when the control unit 22 completes the collection and provision of power in accordance with the instruction, it may notify the server 10 of the information via the communication unit 21. When the power storage vehicle 20 is an autonomous vehicle, the control unit 22 operates the power storage vehicle 20 in cooperation with ECUs (Electronic Control Units) of each unit of the power storage vehicle 20 in accordance with an instruction from the server 10.

[0030] The memory unit 23 may include at least one of a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, and an optical storage device, similar to the memory unit 13 of the server 10. The memory unit 23 is configured to store the program executed by the control unit 22, information necessary for the processing executed by the control unit 22, and information obtained as a result of the execution by the control unit 22. The memory unit 23 stores map information. The memory unit 23 may store map information at all times. Alternatively, the memory unit 23 may temporarily store map information obtained from the server 10 via the communication unit 21 as necessary.

[0031] The battery 24 is a secondary battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. The battery 24 can store electric energy received from the outside and supply the electric energy to the outside. Any secondary battery can be used as the battery 24. For example, the battery 24 includes, but is not limited to, a lithium ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a sodium ion battery, a magnesium air battery, a lithium air battery, or a zinc air battery. The battery 24 may be an all-solid-state battery. Also, instead of the battery 24, a capacitor such as an electric double layer capacitor can be adopted. The battery 24 of the power storage vehicle 20 is used to temporarily store the electric power collected from the first vehicle 30A until it is supplied to the electric power consumer 40.

[0032] The position detection unit 25 detects the position of the power storage vehicle 20. The position detection unit 25 can obtain information on the latitude and longitude of the current position of the power storage vehicle 20 by using a signal from a receiver compatible with a Global Positioning System (GNSS: Global Navigation Satellite System). The position detection unit 25 may be configured to further obtain altitude information based on the signal from the receiver compatible with the GNSS. The GNSS includes a satellite positioning system using a GPS (Global Positioning System), GLONASS, Galileo, and a quasi-zenith satellite.

[0033] The information presentation unit 26 presents information to the driver of the power storage vehicle 20 by images, sounds, and the like. The information presentation unit 26 includes a display and a speaker. The display may be a known display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display, or an inorganic EL display. The information presentation unit 26 presents, for example, the contents of an instruction received from the server 10 via the communication unit 21. The driver of the power storage vehicle 20 moves the power storage vehicle 20 to a specified position in accordance with the instruction presented by the information presentation unit 26. When the power storage vehicle 20 is an autonomous vehicle and runs unmanned, the information presentation unit 26 is unnecessary.

[0034] (Vehicle configuration) 4, the vehicle 30 using the power interchange system 1 according to the present embodiment includes, as an example, a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, a memory unit 33, a battery 34, a battery remaining gauge 35, an input unit 36, an information presentation unit 37, and a navigation unit 38. The navigation unit 38 also includes a position detection unit 39. The communication unit 31, the control unit 32, the memory unit 33, the battery 34, the battery remaining gauge 35, the input unit 36, the information presentation unit 37, and the navigation unit 38 may be configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network within the vehicle 30, such as a CAN.

[0035] The communication unit 31, like the communication unit 21 of the energy storage vehicle 20, is connected to the network 50 by wireless communication means and executes processing related to communication. The communication unit 31 is configured to be able to communicate with the server 10 via the network 50. The communication unit 31 may be configured to be able to communicate with the energy storage vehicle 20 via the network 50.

[0036] The control unit 32 is configured to include one or more processors, similar to the control unit 22 of the power storage vehicle 20. The control unit 32 may execute dedicated software for using the power interchange system 1.

[0037] When the vehicle 30 is the first vehicle 30A, the control unit 32 determines whether or not surplus power can be provided as described below, and transmits information on the surplus power to the server 10 via the communication unit 31. When the vehicle 30 is the second vehicle 30B, the control unit 32 determines whether or not it is necessary to receive a supply of power, and when it is necessary to receive a supply of power, transmits information on the power demand to the server 10 via the communication unit 31. The vehicle 30 is not fixed to either the first vehicle 30A or the second vehicle 30B, but may change its state between the state of the first vehicle 30A that supplies power and the state of the second vehicle 30B that receives power depending on the situation. The control unit 32 may determine whether power can be supplied or whether it is necessary to receive a supply of power based on the state of charge (SOC) of the battery 34 obtained from the battery fuel gauge 35 and information on the planned route obtained from the navigation unit 38.

[0038] The control unit 32 is also configured to acquire location information of a location where power is supplied to the power storage vehicle 20 or a location where power is received from the power storage vehicle 20 from the server 10 via the communication unit 31. The control unit 32 presents this location information to the driver and passengers of the vehicle 30 via the information presentation unit 37. Hereinafter, the driver and passengers of the vehicle 30 are collectively referred to as users. When the vehicle 30 is an autonomous vehicle, the control unit 32 may cooperate with ECUs (Electronic Control Units) of each part of the vehicle 30 to move the vehicle 30 by autonomous driving to a location indicated in the location information acquired from the server 10.

[0039] The storage unit 33 may include at least one of a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, and an optical storage device, similar to the storage unit 13 of the server 10 and the storage unit 23 of the power storage vehicle 20. The storage unit 33 is configured to store a program executed by the control unit 32, information required for the processing executed by the control unit 32, and information obtained as a result of the execution by the control unit 32. The storage unit 33 may store a program corresponding to the service provided by the power interchange system 1. The storage unit 33 may also store position information of a designated stopping position for power reception or power supply, etc., received from the server 10 via the communication unit 31. The storage unit 33 may store map information used by the navigation unit 38 of the vehicle 30. The map information includes three-dimensional information including road gradient information.

[0040] The battery 34 is a secondary battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, similar to the battery 24 of the power storage vehicle 20. The battery 34 can supply power to a motor of the vehicle 30. The vehicle 30 can run by supplying power from the battery 34 to the motor. The vehicle 30 can receive power from the outside to the battery 34 and supply power from the battery 34 to the outside. If the vehicle 30 is an HEV or PHEV, the vehicle 30 has an engine and can convert at least a part of the engine output into power and store it in the battery 34. In addition, the vehicle 30 can store regenerated power generated in the battery 34 when decelerating and descending a slope.

[0041] The battery fuel gauge 35 measures the SOC of the battery 34. The SOC of the battery 34 can be calculated based on the voltage value of the battery 34 and / or an integrated value of the current flowing into or out of the battery 34. The battery fuel gauge 35 may transmit the measured SOC of the battery to the control unit 32. Alternatively, the battery fuel gauge 35 may measure at least one of the voltage value and the integrated value of the current of the battery 34 and output it to the control unit 32. In the latter case, the control unit 32 may calculate the SOC of the battery 34.

[0042] The input unit 36 ​​is an input interface that receives input from a user of the vehicle 30. The input unit 36 ​​includes a touch panel, a microphone, or the like. The user may use the input unit 36 ​​to make various settings for the power interchange system 1. The user may use the input unit 36 ​​to input responses to notifications or questions that the vehicle 30 receives from the server 10.

[0043] The information presentation unit 37 is configured to present information to the user of the vehicle 30 by image or sound, similar to the information presentation unit 26 of the power storage vehicle 20. The information presentation unit 37 includes, for example, a display device and a speaker in the vehicle 30. The display device of the information presentation unit 37 may be shared with the touch panel of the input unit 36. In addition, the display device of the information presentation unit 37 may be used as a display device of the navigation unit 38. The control unit 32 may display, to the information presentation unit 37, position information of a stopping position for power receiving or power supply, received from the server 10.

[0044] The navigation unit 38 searches for a route to a destination registered by the user of the vehicle 30. The navigation unit 38 presents the route to the user and guides the user to drive the vehicle 30 according to the route. When the vehicle 30 is an autonomous vehicle, the navigation unit 38 may operate the vehicle 30 toward the destination in cooperation with the ECUs of the components related to the operation of the vehicle 30. The navigation unit 38 may include a position detection unit 39 similar to the position detection unit 25 of the power storage vehicle 20. The navigation unit 38 guides the operation of the vehicle 30 based on the current position detected by the position detection unit 39 and the map information stored in the storage unit 33. When the navigation unit 38 receives a notification of a stop position for power supply or power reception from the server 10, the navigation unit 38 incorporates the information of the stop position into the route of the vehicle 30.

[0045] (Form of exchange of surplus electricity) Next, the form of power transfer in the power supply system of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 5. In the present disclosure, the power supplier is one or more first vehicles 30A among the multiple vehicles 30 that have surplus power or are scheduled to generate surplus power. In the present disclosure, the surplus power is the power possessed by the first vehicle 30A that exceeds a predetermined amount of power set in the first vehicle 30A. The power that exceeds the full charge in order to travel downhill on a slope is included in the surplus power. For example, the user can set the power that exceeds 60% of the full charge as the surplus power. Also, for example, the control unit 32 of the first vehicle 30A may set the surplus power according to a rule input in advance by the user via the input unit 36. For example, the control unit 32 may set the required power amount to the amount of power consumed until the user arrives at the destination plus a margin, and may set the portion of the power amount possessed by the first vehicle 30A that exceeds the required power amount as the surplus power.

[0046] The user of the first vehicle 30A may input the conditions of the form of provision of surplus power and the power consumer to which the surplus power will be provided, in advance or while driving, through the input unit 36. The control unit 32 of the first vehicle 30A transmits the input conditions to the server 10 via the communication unit 31. The control unit 12 of the server 10 stores the received power provision conditions for the first vehicle 30A in the memory unit 13.

[0047] The forms in which the first vehicle 30A provides electricity include sale, exchange, and donation. Selling includes providing the surplus electricity to other vehicles or commercial facilities that require electricity in return for payment. Exchange includes exchanging the surplus electricity for points and benefits at commercial facilities, and admission tickets to public facilities. Donating includes providing the surplus electricity free of charge to facilities such as public facilities and welfare facilities, and to electric welfare equipment that requires charging, such as electric wheelchairs and electric welfare vehicles. Note that the relationship between the form of providing the surplus electricity shown in FIG. 5 and the electricity consumer 40 to which the electricity is provided is merely an example. For example, the first vehicle 30A may donate electricity to a commercial facility.

[0048] The user of the second vehicle 30B can set the conditions for receiving the supply of electric power by the input unit 36 ​​in advance or while driving. For example, the second vehicle 30B may be set to receive the supply of electric power from an external source when the SOC of the battery 34 measured by the battery fuel gauge 35 falls below a preset value. The second vehicle 30B may also be set to receive the supply of electric power from an external source when it is predicted that the amount of electric power consumed until the vehicle reaches the destination will exceed the remaining charge of the battery 34.

[0049] An electricity consumer 40 such as a facility 41 may be registered in advance in the server 10 so as to receive electricity from the first vehicle 30A. When the electricity consumer 40 pays for the supplied electricity, the electricity consumer 40 may register in advance in the server 10 the amount of the payment for the received electricity. When the electricity consumer 40 exchanges the supplied electricity for points or the like, the electricity consumer 40 may register in advance in the server 10 the content and amount of points to be exchanged for a predetermined amount of electricity. When the electricity consumer 40 receives a donation of electricity, the electricity consumer 40 registers in advance in the server 10 information on the acceptance of the donation. The electricity consumer 40 may receive electricity temporarily during peak electricity usage periods when restrictions are imposed on electricity usage. In such cases, the electricity consumer 40 may be temporarily registered in the server 10 as an electricity consumer 40.

[0050] An example of a usage scene of the power interchange system 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG.

[0051] (Usage scenario 1) An example of a case where the power storage vehicle 20 supplies power recovered from a first vehicle 30A to a second vehicle 30B will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The first vehicle 30A is assumed to be going down a long gradient. Since the first vehicle 30A stores power in the battery 34 by regenerative power, it is assumed that the battery will be fully charged halfway down the slope. Therefore, surplus power is generated in the first vehicle 30A. Meanwhile, the second vehicle 30B is assumed to be going up the slope in the opposite direction to the one the first vehicle 30A is traveling. The second vehicle 30B is assumed to be requesting a supply of power.

[0052] The server 10 acquires information on a plurality of first vehicles 30A that wish to supply power and a plurality of second vehicles 30B that wish to receive power from each of the first vehicles 30A and the second vehicles 30B. The information acquired by the server 10 includes route information on each of the first vehicles 30A and the second vehicles 30B. The server 10 matches one or more first vehicles 30A selected from the plurality of first vehicles 30A with one or more second vehicles 30B selected from the plurality of second vehicles 30B. The matching is performed based on the route information of the first vehicles 30A and the second vehicles 30B and the scheduled time of travel on the route. The server 10 selects one power storage vehicle 20 from the plurality of power storage vehicles 20 that it manages the operation of, and allocates the selected power storage vehicle 20 for the exchange of power between the first vehicle 30A and the second vehicle 30B.

[0053] The energy storage vehicle 20 can collect surplus power from the first vehicle 30A at the top of the gradient or in the middle of the gradient. The energy storage vehicle 20 can supply the power collected from the first vehicle 30A at the top of the gradient or in the middle of the gradient to the second vehicle 30B at the bottom of the gradient or in the middle of the gradient. For example, the energy storage vehicle 20 may collect power from the first vehicle 30A at a predetermined location such as a parking lot in the middle of the gradient, and supply the power collected from the first vehicle 30A to the second vehicle 30B at the same location. The first vehicle 30A and the second vehicle 30B do not need to be located at the same predetermined location. Therefore, the possibility of supplying and receiving power and the degree of freedom of travel of the first vehicle 30A and the second vehicle 30B are higher than when power is directly supplied from the first vehicle 30A to the second vehicle 30B. This makes it possible to more flexibly prevent the generation of regenerative power and the like, which is surplus power beyond full charge, from being wasted when the vehicle 30 passes through a long slope, for example.

[0054] (Usage scenario 2) An example of a case where the power storage vehicle 20 supplies the power collected from the first vehicle 30A to a facility 41 such as a welfare facility or an electric welfare tool 42 such as an electric wheelchair will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The first vehicle 30A is assumed to have registered in advance with the server 10 that, if it has surplus power, it will donate the surplus power to the facility 41 and the electric welfare tool 42. The server 10 searches for information on power demand stored in the storage unit 13, and searches for a facility 41 and an electric welfare tool 42 belonging to the facility 41 that meet the conditions for the first vehicle 30A to supply power, in the vicinity of the route along which the first vehicle 30A is scheduled to travel. The conditions for the first vehicle 30A to supply power may include various information such as the type of facility 41 to be supplied and information on the operator.

[0055] When there is a facility 41 or an electric welfare tool 42 that meets the conditions for the first vehicle 30A to supply power, the server 10 may transmit an inquiry to the first vehicle 30A via the communication unit 11 as to whether or not power can be provided. As a result, the control unit 32 of the first vehicle 30A receives the inquiry via the communication unit 31, and the information presentation unit 37 presents a message to the user asking whether or not power should be provided to the facility 41 or the electric welfare tool 42. The user responds via the input unit 36 ​​as to whether or not power can be supplied. When the user responds as to whether or not power can be supplied, the information is transmitted to the server 10 via the communication unit 31. When power can be supplied, the control unit 12 of the server 10 selects one power storage vehicle 20 from the multiple power storage vehicles 20 that it manages the operation of, and allocates the power storage vehicle 20 to the receiving and supplying of power between the first vehicle 30A and the facility 41 or the electric welfare tool 42.

[0056] The power storage vehicle 20 receives a supply of power from the first vehicle 30A at a position somewhere around the route of the first vehicle 30A. The power storage vehicle 20 moves to the position of the facility 41 or the electric welfare equipment 42, and supplies power to the facility 41 or the electric welfare equipment 42. In this way, the power interchange system 1 can match the first vehicle 30A in which a user who wishes to donate electricity rides, with the facility 41 or the electric welfare equipment 42. In this way, the power interchange system 1 can supply power to the power consumer 40 who requires a supply of power.

[0057] (Providing surplus power information to a server by vehicles) The following describes the processing executed in the power interchange system 1 of the present disclosure. First, the processing executed by the vehicle 30 to transmit surplus power provision information to the server 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 8 may be executed by the control unit 32 of the vehicle 30 at a specific cycle.

[0058] First, the control unit 32 of the vehicle 30 confirms whether or not the user desires to receive the provision of electric power from the vehicle 30 (step S101). For example, the control unit 32 confirms the setting information by the user stored in the storage unit 33. The control unit 32 may be configured to present a question on whether or not to provide surplus electric power to the information presentation unit 37 when the vehicle 30 is started, receive an answer from the input unit 36, and store the answer in the storage unit 33. If the user has previously desired to receive the provision of surplus electric power from the vehicle 30 (step S101: Yes), the control unit 32 proceeds to step S202. If the user has not desired to receive the provision of surplus electric power from the vehicle 30 (step S101: No), the control unit 32 ends the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 8.

[0059] If the user requests the provision of electricity in step S101 (step S101: Yes), the control unit 32 acquires the conditions for providing electricity that are previously stored in the storage unit 33 (step S202). The conditions for providing electricity include, for example, (1) when regenerative electricity is generated beyond full charge, (2) when it can be exchanged for benefits at commercial facilities, (3) when a specific welfare facility wishes to make a donation, and the like. The conditions for providing electricity may also include an upper limit on the amount of electricity to be provided, the time required to provide electricity, and the like. If payment is received for the provision of electricity, the conditions for providing electricity may include conditions regarding the payment.

[0060] After step S102, the control unit 32 calculates the power that can be provided from the SOC and the planned route (step S103). For example, the control unit 32 acquires the SOC from the battery fuel gauge 35, and acquires route information from the navigation unit 38. The control unit 32 calculates the power that can be provided by taking into account the power consumed by traveling to the destination. Also, for example, when the route information includes a downward gradient, the control unit 32 calculates the regenerative power to be generated and determines whether power will be generated in excess of the fully charged state. The control unit 32 may determine that power generated in excess of the fully charged state is surplus power.

[0061] After step S103, the control unit 32 determines whether or not surplus power can be provided (step S104). The control unit 32 may determine that surplus power can be provided if there is power that can be provided. If it is determined that surplus power can be provided (step S104: Yes), the control unit 32 proceeds to step S105. If it is determined that surplus power cannot be provided (step S104: No), the control unit 32 ends the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 8.

[0062] If it is determined in step S104 that surplus power can be provided (step S104: Yes), the control unit 32 transmits surplus power provision information to the server 10 via the communication unit 31 (step S105). The surplus power provision information includes the amount of power that can be provided, the provision conditions, and the planned traveling route of the vehicle 30. In this way, the server 10 collects surplus power provision information from each vehicle 30.

[0063] (Power recovery and supply instruction generation process) Next, a process in which the control unit 12 of the server 10 generates and transmits instructions for power reception and power supply to the power storage vehicle 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 9 shows the power interchange method of the present disclosure.

[0064] The server 10 acquires information on power demand from a plurality of power consumers 40 (step S201). The information on power demand includes information for identifying the power consumer 40, location information of the power consumer 40, and information on the amount of power required. The plurality of power consumers 40 include power consumers 40 that temporarily require power and power consumers 40 that constantly require power. For example, the second vehicle 30B that is about to climb a long gradient may transmit information that it temporarily requires power to the server 10. For example, a commercial facility located at the bottom of a long gradient may constantly exchange surplus power generated by regenerative power for points that can be used at the commercial facility in order to attract customers. For example, a welfare facility may constantly collect donations in the form of power. When the control unit 12 of the server 10 receives the information on power demand via the communication unit 11, the control unit 12 of the server 10 may update the information on power demand of each power consumer 40 stored in the memory unit 13. In step S201, the control unit 12 of the server 10 may acquire the information on power demand stored in the memory unit 13.

[0065] The server 10 acquires information about surplus power from a first vehicle 30A that supplies power among the multiple vehicles 30 (step S202). The process of step S202 corresponds to the process of step S105 in the flowchart for the vehicle 30 shown in FIG. 8. When the control unit 12 of the server 10 receives the information about surplus power via the communication unit 11, the control unit 12 may update the information about surplus power of each vehicle 30 stored in the memory unit 13. In step S202, the control unit 12 of the server 10 may acquire the information about surplus power of each vehicle 30 stored in the memory unit 13. The process of step S201 may be executed before the process of step S201 or simultaneously with the process of step S201.

[0066] Next, the control unit 12 of the server 10 matches the surplus power provision information with the power demand information (step S203). This determines the first vehicle 30A that will provide power and the power consumer 40 that will receive the power supply. The control unit 12 considers the information on the planned travel route and the amount of power that can be provided of each first vehicle 30A, which is included in the surplus power provision information, and the location information or the route and information on the amount of power required by the power consumer 40. The control unit 12 also considers whether the power provision conditions set by the user of the first vehicle 30A, which are included in the surplus power provision information, match the power demand information of the power consumer 40.

[0067] After step S203, the control unit 12 of the server 10 generates an instruction to the power storage vehicle 20 to collect power from the first vehicle 30A and supply the collected power to the power consumer 40 based on the matching result (step S204). This instruction includes information on the position and time at which the power storage vehicle 20 collects power from the first vehicle 30A, and the position and time at which the power storage vehicle 20 supplies power to the power consumer 40. If the power consumer 40 is a facility 41, the position from which the power storage vehicle 20 supplies power is the facility 41.

[0068] The control unit 12 transmits the instruction generated in step S204 to the power storage vehicle 20 via the communication unit 11 (step S205). The control unit 12 may transmit map information of the surroundings of the first vehicle 30A and the power consumer 40 together with the instruction. Furthermore, the control unit 12 may transmit information including a means for identifying the first vehicle 30A and the power consumer 40 and a method of communication with the first vehicle 30A and the power consumer 40 together with the instruction.

[0069] The control unit 12 notifies the first vehicle 30A of the collection of power and notifies the power consumer 40 of the power supply via the communication unit 11 (step S206). The control unit 12 notifies the first vehicle 30A of the location and time for collecting power. The control unit 12 notifies the power consumer 40 of the location and time for supplying power. Step S206 may be executed before step S205 or in parallel with step S205. Also, after step S206, a step of confirming consent of at least one of the first vehicle 30A and the power consumer 40 may be included.

[0070] After steps S205 and S206, the control unit 12 of the server 10 causes the power storage vehicle 20 to execute the transmitted instruction (step S207).

[0071] (Power receiving and supply processing by energy storage vehicles) Next, a process executed by the electricity storage vehicle 20 upon receiving an instruction from the server 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0072] First, the control unit 22 of the power storage vehicle 20 receives an instruction from the server 10 via the communication unit 21 and starts executing the instruction (step S301). Step S301 corresponds to step S207 in the flowchart of FIG.

[0073] The power storage vehicle 20 moves to a specified position at a specified time to collect power in accordance with the instruction (step S302). When the driver drives the power storage vehicle 20, information instructing the driver to move to a specified position is presented by the information presentation unit 26. When the power storage vehicle 20 is an autonomous vehicle, the control unit 22 of the power storage vehicle 20 may move the power storage vehicle 20 in accordance with the instruction.

[0074] Next, at the specified position, the power storage vehicle 20 is electrically connected to the first vehicle 30A and collects the amount of power according to the instruction (step S303). The connection between the power storage vehicle 20 and the first vehicle 30A may be performed by the driver of the power storage vehicle 20 or the user of the first vehicle 30A. Alternatively, the power storage vehicle 20 and the first vehicle 30A may be configured to automatically connect and supply and receive power while detecting each other's positions using a sensor. Furthermore, the power storage vehicle 20 and the first vehicle 30A may exchange power by a wireless method such as an electromagnetic induction method, instead of an electrical contact.

[0075] After step S303, the power storage vehicle 20 separates from the first vehicle 30A, and moves to a designated location at a designated time to supply power to the power consumer 40 (step S304).

[0076] After step S304, the power storage vehicle 20 connects to the power consumer 40 and supplies the power acquired from the first vehicle 30A (step S305).

[0077] When step S305 ends, the control unit 22 of the power storage vehicle 20 notifies the server 10 that the power supply has ended (step S306).

[0078] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the server 10 matches the surplus power supply information with the power demand information, and recovers and supplies power between the first vehicle 30A and the power consumer 40 via the power storage vehicle 20. This improves the method of supplying the surplus power of the first vehicle 30A to the power consumer 40. In addition, when the first vehicle 30A is expected to generate surplus power exceeding the full charge due to regenerative power because the first vehicle 30A travels on a route that descends a slope, the power can be recovered from the first vehicle 30A, so that the power can be effectively utilized without being wasted. Furthermore, the server 10 selects the power consumer 40 according to the conditions for providing the surplus power desired by the user of the first vehicle 30A, so that the surplus power can be easily sold, exchanged, donated, etc., in accordance with the will of the user of the first vehicle 30A.

[0079] In the above embodiment, power reception and supply between the power storage vehicle 20 and the vehicle 30 is performed by electrical connection between the batteries 24 and 34 of the respective vehicles. However, the power storage vehicle 20 may collect surplus power from the first vehicle 30A by replacing at least a portion of the battery 24 of the first vehicle 30A with another battery that is not yet charged or has a small amount of charge. The power storage vehicle 20 may exchange a portion of the battery 24 collected from the first vehicle 30A with a portion of the battery 24 of the second vehicle 30B, which is the power consumer.

[0080] Although the embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications or corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications or corrections are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component or each step can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and multiple components or steps can be combined into one or divided. Although the embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described mainly with respect to the device, the embodiments according to the present disclosure can also be realized as a method including steps executed by each component of the device. The embodiments according to the present disclosure can also be realized as a method, a program, or a storage medium on which a program is recorded, executed by a processor included in the device. It should be understood that these are also included in the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1. Power supply system 10 Server 11 Communication Department (First Communication Department) 12 Control section (first control section) 13 Storage section 20. Energy storage vehicle 21 Communications Department (Second Communications Department) 22 Control section (second control section) 23 Memory section 24 Battery 25 Position detection unit 26 Information Presentation Department 30 Vehicles 30A 1st car 30B 2nd car 31 Communications Department 32 Control section 33 Storage section 34 Battery 35 Battery Fuel Gauge 36 Input section 37 Information presentation section 38 Navigation Section 39 Position detection unit 40 Electricity consumers 41 Facilities 42 Electric welfare equipment 50 Network

Claims

1. A first communication unit and a first control unit, The first communication unit acquires surplus power information from a plurality of vehicles and acquires power demand information from a plurality of power demanders; the first control unit is configured to match the surplus power information with the power demand information, and based on a result of the matching, generate an instruction for an energy storage vehicle to recover power from one or more first vehicles selected from the plurality of vehicles and supply the recovered power to one or more power demanders selected from the plurality of power demanders; the first control unit selects, as the first vehicle, a vehicle that is predicted to generate surplus power beyond a full charge in order to descend a gradient from among the plurality of vehicles; server.

2. 2. The server according to claim 1, wherein the first communication unit acquires route information of the plurality of vehicles together with the surplus power information, and the first control unit generates the instruction to move the energy storage vehicle to a position determined based on the route information related to the first vehicle in order to recover power from the first vehicle.

3. The server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first control unit is configured to select, as the power consumer, a second vehicle that is attempting to ascend the gradient.

4. The server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power demanders include at least one of a commercial facility, a welfare facility, and a public facility.

5. 5. The server according to claim 1, wherein the first communication unit acquires power supply conditions, which are conditions for providing the surplus power, from the plurality of vehicles, and the first control unit performs the matching based on the power supply conditions.

6. The server according to claim 1 , wherein the power-storage vehicle recovers the electric power by replacing at least a part of a battery of the first vehicle.

7. A power interchange system including a server and an energy storage vehicle, The server includes a first communication unit and a first control unit, The first communication unit acquires surplus power information from a plurality of vehicles and acquires power demand information from a plurality of power demanders; the first control unit performs matching between the surplus power information and the power demand information, and generates, based on a result of the matching, an instruction for the power storage vehicle to recover power from one or more first vehicles selected from the plurality of vehicles and supply the recovered power to one or more power demanders selected from the plurality of power demanders; the electric storage vehicle includes a second communication unit, a second control unit, and a battery; The second communication unit receives the instruction from the server, the second control unit controls movement of the power storage vehicle to receive power from the one or more first vehicles to the battery and supply power from the battery to the one or more power consumers in accordance with the instruction; the first control unit selects, as the first vehicle, a vehicle that is predicted to generate surplus power beyond a full charge in order to descend a gradient from among the plurality of vehicles; Power interchange system.

8. 8. The power interchange system of claim 7, wherein the first communication unit acquires route information of the plurality of vehicles along with the surplus power information, and the first control unit generates the instruction to move the energy storage vehicle to a position determined based on the route information related to the first vehicle in order to recover power from the first vehicle.

9. The power interchange system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first control unit is configured to select, as the power consumer, a second vehicle that is attempting to ascend the gradient.

10. The power interchange system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the power consumers include at least one of a commercial facility, a welfare facility, and a public facility.

11. 11. The power interchange system according to claim 7, wherein the first communication unit acquires power supply conditions, which are conditions for providing the surplus power, from the plurality of vehicles, and the first control unit performs the matching based on the power supply conditions.

12. The power-storage vehicle recovers the electric power by replacing at least a part of the battery of the first vehicle.

12. A power interchange system according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

13. A power interchange method executed by a server, comprising: Obtaining surplus power information from a plurality of vehicles; Obtaining electricity demand information from a plurality of electricity demand consumers; matching the surplus power information with the power demand information; generating an instruction for an energy-storage vehicle based on a result of the matching, the instruction instructing the energy-storage vehicle to recover power from one or more first vehicles selected from the plurality of vehicles and to supply the recovered power to one or more power consumer selected from the plurality of power consumer; selecting, as the first vehicle, a vehicle that is predicted to generate surplus power beyond a full charge in order to descend a gradient from among the plurality of vehicles; Electricity interchange method.

14. 14. The power interchange method according to claim 13, further comprising: acquiring route information of the plurality of vehicles together with the information on the surplus power; and generating the instruction to move the energy storage vehicle to a position determined based on the route information related to the first vehicle in order to recover power from the first vehicle.

15. The power interchange method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising selecting a second vehicle, which is a vehicle attempting to ascend the gradient, as the power consumer.

16. The power interchange method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the power consumer includes at least one of a commercial facility, a welfare facility, and a public facility.

17. The power interchange method according to claim 13 , further comprising: acquiring power supply conditions, which are conditions for providing the surplus power, from the plurality of vehicles; and performing the matching based on the power supply conditions.

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