Power Management System

Abstract

To appropriately set an incentive for a participant to a demand adjustment.SOLUTION: A store terminal executes processing including the steps of: determining whether to receive an allocation consideration (S500); determining whether there is a request for termination of use (S502); acquiring a user time (S504) when receiving the allocation consideration (YES at S500) and determining that there is the request for termination of use (YES at S502); setting a discount amount (S506); setting a usage charge (S508); and executing adjustment processing (S510).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power management system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) has been known that functions as if it were a single power plant by remotely and integrally controlling small-scale energy resources such as a power storage device mounted on an electric vehicle parked at a store, factory, or residence using a server or the like. In a VPP, for example, it is possible to level out the demand for electricity by implementing supply and demand adjustment that changes the demand for electricity in the power grid by charging and discharging an on-board power storage device connected to the power grid. For example, when a request is received to increase the demand for electricity in the power grid (i.e., an increase DR (Demand Response)), the demand for electricity can be increased by charging the on-board power storage device connected to the power grid. Vehicles that participate in such supply and demand adjustment can receive incentives according to their contribution to the supply and demand adjustment.

[0003] For example, JP 2016-218648 A (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology for calculating the accumulated charge amount of an electric vehicle to be charged from the identification information of the electric vehicle and the detected amount of charging power, and setting an incentive to be given to the occupant of the electric vehicle based on the accumulated charge amount. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-218648 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, when an electric vehicle parked in a parking space using a charging / discharging station installed in a store is allowed to participate in supply and demand adjustment, the store may bear the cost of the incentive to be given to the store users who are the occupants of the vehicle participating in the supply and demand adjustment as described above. However, depending on the condition of the electric vehicle participating in the supply and demand adjustment, the contribution to the supply and demand adjustment may be larger than expected even for a short period of participation. Therefore, for example, when the usage fee of the store is calculated according to the usage time, if a large incentive is given even for a relatively short period of use, the burden on the store may be large.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a power management system that appropriately sets incentives for participants in supply and demand adjustment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an energy management system including a charging / discharging station installed in a parking space of a facility and connected to a power grid, and a server that manages the usage time of the facility by a user who uses a vehicle equipped with a power storage device and adjusts the supply and demand of electricity in the power grid. When the supply and demand adjustment using the power storage device is performed, the server adjusts the usage fee for the facility, which is set according to the usage time, using an incentive equivalent to the contribution to the supply and demand adjustment.

[0008] In this way, the usage fee can be set so that the burden on the facility side is not too great by adjusting the usage fee, which is set according to the usage time, using the incentive, and therefore the incentive for participants in the supply and demand adjustment can be set appropriately.

[0009] In one embodiment, the server sets a correction coefficient for decreasing the discount amount of the usage fee corresponding to the incentive when the usage time is shorter than a threshold value.

[0010] In this way, if the usage time is short, the discount amount corresponding to the incentive can be lowered, so that the usage fee can be set so that the burden on the facility is not too great.

[0011] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the server sets a lower usage fee per unit time when the usage time is longer than the threshold value than when the usage time is shorter than the threshold value.

[0012] In this way, when the usage time is longer than the threshold value, the usage fee per unit time is set lower than when the usage time is shorter than the threshold value, thereby encouraging longer usage of the facility. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a power management system that appropriately sets incentives for participants in supply and demand adjustment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a power management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed in a store terminal for transmitting outgoing information to a user. [Diagram 3] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a reservation acceptance process executed in a store terminal. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a charge / discharge process executed in the server. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an allocation process executed in the server. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a settlement process executed in a store terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of operations between a user, a store terminal, and a server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and their description will not be repeated.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power management system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the power management system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a store terminal 2a, a charging / discharging station 200, an electric vehicle 100, a server 300, a user terminal 400, and a communication network 600. The charging / discharging stations 200 are provided at multiple locations in a parking lot 3 of the store 2, and Fig. 1 shows one charging / discharging station 200 as a representative example.

[0017] The store 2 is a facility that provides various products and services to users, and is, for example, a facility where the usage fee is set according to at least the usage time. The store 2 includes, for example, a cafe, an internet cafe, a manga cafe, a bathhouse, a lodging facility, or a complex of these.

[0018] The store 2 is equipped with a store terminal 2a, a cash register 2b, a parking lot 3, and a charging / discharging station 200. Electric power from a power grid 500 is supplied to various electrical devices installed in the store 2.

[0019] The store terminal 2a accepts reservation information of users (customers) who use the store 2, stores information about benefits to be provided to the users, and provides the server 300 with information about users who are using the store 2, such as the users' reservation information and usage times.

[0020] The register 2b executes, for example, payment processing, settlement processing, point granting processing, etc., during a transaction of buying and selling goods between a clerk at the store 2 and a user at the store 2, or after a service is provided. The register 2b stores payment information generated by the payment processing, settlement information generated by the settlement processing, and point information, and transmits and receives such information to and from the store terminal 2a. The payment processing and settlement processing include, for example, payment processing and settlement processing with electronic money using a user terminal or the like. The point granting processing includes, for example, a process of adding new point information based on information about benefits stored in the store terminal 2a to point information accumulated in the user terminal 400 owned by the user. The payment information and settlement information include information about the store where the buying and selling transaction or service is performed, the usage history of the bought and sold goods and services, user information, etc.

[0021] The electric vehicle 100 is, for example, an electric car including an inlet 62, a power conversion device 70, and a battery 110 that stores power for traveling. Fig. 1 shows a case in which the electric vehicle 100 is parked, for example, in a parking space in a parking lot 3.

[0022] The charging / discharging stand 200 is installed in the store 2, and a power line branching off from a power line connected to the power grid 500 is connected to the charging / discharging stand 200. One end of a cable 202 is connected to the charging / discharging stand 200. A connector 201 is connected to the other end of the cable 202. The connector 201 has a structure that allows it to be connected to the electric vehicle 100. FIG. 1 shows a case in which the connector 201 is connected to, for example, inlet 62 of the electric vehicle 100.

[0023] When the connector 201 is connected to the inlet 62, electric power can be exchanged between the charging / discharging station 200 and the electric vehicle 100.

[0024] The server 300 is, for example, a server operated by a lower aggregator (resource aggregator) operator. The lower aggregator is an operator that directly controls small-scale power supply facilities such as the charging and discharging station 200 upon receiving a request for power supply and demand adjustment (hereinafter also referred to as a DR (Demand Response) request) from a higher layer (for example, a higher aggregator (aggregation coordinator) or a power transmission and distribution operator (power company)). When the lower aggregator adjusts supply and demand using small-scale power supply facilities in accordance with the DR request, the lower aggregator provides an incentive equivalent to the contribution to the owner of each small-scale power supply facility.

[0025] Server 300 is configured to be able to communicate with store terminal 2a, electric vehicle 100, and a user terminal 400 (described later) via communication network 600. Server 300 manages power exchanged between a power storage device in store 2 and power network 500.

[0026] The exchange of power between a power storage device in store 2 and power network 500 includes at least one of supplying / stopping power supply from the power storage device to power network 500 and supplying / stopping power supply from power network 500 to the power storage device.

[0027] The server 300 is configured to be able to issue commands to the charging / discharging station 200 to execute at least one of the following: charging the battery 110 mounted on the electric vehicle 100 connected to the charging / discharging station 200, supplying power from the battery 110, stopping the charging of the battery 110, and stopping the power supply from the battery 110.

[0028] The user terminal 400 is carried by each user, and includes, for example, at least one of a mobile phone, a smartphone, and a smart watch.

[0029] The user terminal 400 is configured to be able to communicate with the store terminal 2a via a communication network 600 including a wireless communication base station installed inside or outside the store 2 and the Internet. The user terminal 400 is configured to be able to communicate with the wireless communication base station in a predetermined communication format. The predetermined communication format includes, for example, wireless communication according to a wireless communication method using wireless communication standards such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network) and 3G, 4G, and 5G for mobile phones.

[0030] The user terminal 400 is provided with, for example, a position measurement unit 406. The user terminal 400 is capable of acquiring the position information of the terminal by using the output result of the position measurement unit 406. The position measurement unit 406 may be one that uses a GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like, or may be one that uses a wireless communication device such as Wifi.

[0031] The power grid 500 includes, for example, a power system constructed by a power plant equipped with a power generating device for generating electricity, and power transmission and distribution facilities including transmission lines, substations, and distribution lines, and is connected to power lines installed within the store 2 so that electricity can be exchanged.

[0032] The electric vehicle 100 includes an inlet 62 , a power conversion device 70 , and a battery 110 .

[0033] The battery 110 is a rechargeable DC power source, for example, a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery containing a solid or liquid electrolyte. The battery 110 is an example of a power storage device that stores power, and is not limited to a secondary battery. For example, a capacitor or the like may be used as a rechargeable DC power source instead of the battery 110.

[0034] A connector 201 of the charging / discharging stand 200 is attached to the inlet 62. The inlet 62 has a structure that allows the connector 201 to be attached and detached.

[0035] When a state in which power can be exchanged between inlet 62 and power conversion device 70 is reached, the power conversion device 70 operates to enable charging power to be supplied from inlet 62 to battery 110 (i.e., a state in which charging control can be executed), or to enable supply of feed power from battery 110 to inlet 62 (i.e., a state in which power supply control can be executed).

[0036] If the electrical connection between the inlet 62 and the power conversion device 70 is interrupted, it may become impossible to supply charging power from the power grid 500 to the battery 110 via the inlet 62, or it may become impossible to supply power from the battery 110 to the inlet 62.

[0037] The charging / discharging station 200 includes a control device and a communication device (neither shown). The control device includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (including, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.). The control device controls each device of the charging / discharging station 200 based on signals from various sensors provided in the charging / discharging station 200 and information such as maps and programs stored in the memory. The various controls performed by the control device are not limited to processing by software, and can also be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0038] The control device calculates the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery 110 based on values ​​detected by a current sensor, a voltage sensor, etc. As a method for calculating the SOC, various known methods can be adopted, such as a method based on current value integration (Coulomb counting) or a method based on open circuit voltage (OCV) estimation. Note that the SOC of the battery 110 may be calculated in the electric vehicle 100 and transmitted to the charging / discharging station 200, or may be calculated in the server 300, for example.

[0039] The communication device is configured to be capable of two-way communication with the server 300 via the communication network 600, for example.

[0040] The server 300 manages the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100 connected to the charging / discharging station 200 in the store 2 as one of a plurality of energy resources. For example, the server 300 changes the amount of power demand in the power network 500 by charging or discharging a plurality of energy resources including the battery 110 mounted on the electric vehicle 100 connected to the charging / discharging station 200 in the store 2, thereby leveling out the power demand (adjusting supply and demand).

[0041] The server 300 includes a control unit 302, a communication unit 304, and a storage unit 306. The control unit 302 includes a CPU (not shown) and is configured to execute a predetermined calculation process based on information stored in the storage unit 306, information received from the charging / discharging station 200 via the communication unit 304, information received from the store terminal 2a via the communication unit 304, and the like.

[0042] The communication unit 304 is configured to be able to communicate with each of the charging / discharging station 200 and the store terminal 2a via the communication network 600. Information is exchanged between the communication unit 304 and the communication destination device using a predetermined communication method. Note that the predetermined communication method may be, for example, wired communication or wireless communication.

[0043] The storage unit 306 includes, for example, the above-mentioned memory as well as a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk or a solid state drive. The storage unit 306 stores, for example, a communication history such as the state (e.g., SOC, etc.) of the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100, and stores information received from the store terminal 2a (e.g., reservation information, etc.).

[0044] The store terminal 2a includes a control unit 2d, a storage unit 2e, and a communication unit 2f. The control unit 2d includes a CPU (not shown) and is configured to execute a predetermined calculation process based on payment information or settlement information acquired from the register 2b via the communication unit 2f, information received from the server 300 via the communication unit 2f, and the like.

[0045] The storage unit 2e includes, for example, a storage device similar to the above-mentioned storage unit 306. The storage unit 2e stores, for example, reservation information of users received from the user terminal 400, information on the usage time of users who are currently using the service, information for setting usage fees, and the like.

[0046] The communication unit 2f is configured to be able to communicate with each of the communication unit 304 of the server 300 and the communication unit 404 of the user terminal 400 via the communication network 600. Information is exchanged between the communication unit 2f and a communication destination device via predetermined wireless communication.

[0047] The user terminal 400 includes a control unit 402, a communication unit 404, and a position measurement unit 406. The control unit 402 includes a CPU (not shown) and is configured to execute a predetermined calculation process based on the position information acquired by the position measurement unit 406, information received from the server 300 via the communication unit 404, and the like.

[0048] The position measurement unit 406 acquires position information of the user terminal 400. The acquired position information is transmitted to the control unit 402, transmitted to the store terminal 2a via the communication unit 404, or stored in a storage unit (not shown).

[0049] The communication unit 404 is configured to be able to communicate with the communication unit 2f of the store terminal 2a via the communication network 600. Information is exchanged between the communication unit 404 and a communication destination device via predetermined wireless communication.

[0050] In the power management system 1 having the above-mentioned configuration, vehicles that participate in the supply and demand adjustment as described above can receive an incentive according to their contribution to the supply and demand adjustment.

[0051] For example, when an electric vehicle 100 parked in a parking lot 3 is allowed to participate in supply and demand adjustment using a charging / discharging station 200 installed in a store 2, the store 2 may bear the cost of incentives to be given to users (passengers) of the electric vehicles 100 participating in the supply and demand adjustment as described above.

[0052] However, depending on the state of the electric vehicle 100 participating in the supply and demand adjustment, the contribution to the supply and demand adjustment may be larger than expected even for a short period of participation. Therefore, in a case where the usage fee for the store is calculated according to the usage time, if a large incentive is generated even for a relatively short period of usage, the burden on the store 2 may become large.

[0053] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100 is connected to the charging / discharging station 200 and supply and demand adjustment is performed using the battery 110, the server 300 adjusts the usage fee, which is set according to the usage time, using an incentive equivalent to the contribution to the supply and demand adjustment.

[0054] In this way, by adjusting the usage fee that is set according to the usage time using the incentive, the usage fee can be set so that the burden on the store 2 is not too great. Therefore, the incentive for participants in the supply and demand adjustment can be set appropriately.

[0055] In the store terminal 2a, call information is sent to the user, a reservation for use of the store 2 is accepted, and the reservation information is sent to the server 300. In the server 300, supply and demand adjustment is performed using the received reservation information. Furthermore, in the store terminal 2a, a usage fee is set after the user uses the store 2, and a settlement process is performed to settle the set usage fee.

[0056] The following describes the processes executed in each of the store terminal 2a and the server 300. An example of the process executed in the store terminal 2a to transmit outgoing information to a user will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flow chart showing an example of the process executed in the store terminal 2a to transmit outgoing information to a user. The series of processes shown in this flow chart are repeatedly executed by the store terminal 2a at predetermined intervals.

[0057] In step (hereinafter, step is written as S) 100, the store terminal 2a (specifically, the control unit 2d of the store terminal 2a) judges whether to acquire incentive information for each time period from the server 300. The incentive information for each time period includes information on the compensation for participation in a DR request in each time period of a day. For example, the time period is configured by a start time and an end time, and is set in advance so as not to overlap with other time periods. For example, the time period may include a morning time period, a daytime time period, an evening time period, and a night time period, or may include time periods for each predetermined time period. For example, the server 300 may transmit the incentive information every time a predetermined time period elapses, or the store terminal 2a may request the server 300 to transmit the incentive information every time a predetermined time period elapses. If it is determined that the incentive information for each time period has been acquired from the server 300 (YES in S100), the process proceeds to S102.

[0058] In S102, the store terminal 2a generates outgoing information. The outgoing information to be sent to users of the store 2 is generated. The users of the store 2 include, for example, members who have been registered in advance as users of the store 2. The store terminal 2a generates outgoing information to be sent to a destination (for example, the user terminal 400) of a message included as member information. The outgoing information includes, for example, information indicating that the compensation that the user can obtain by participating in a DR request in a specific time period is higher than in other time periods. The compensation that the user can obtain may be, for example, points used for discounting the prices of products and services handled in the store 2, a discount rate for the prices of the products and services, or a discount amount for the prices of the products and services.

[0059] At S104, the store terminal 2a identifies a destination user. The store terminal 2a identifies a destination user of the transmitted information, for example, by using the past usage records of a plurality of pre-registered members. The store terminal 2a may identify, as a destination user, a user whose cumulative purchase amount in the most recent predetermined period at the store 2 is equal to or exceeds a threshold value. Alternatively, the store terminal 2a may identify, as a destination user, a user who has used the store 2 within the most recent predetermined period (a user who has purchased a product or received a service). Alternatively, the store terminal 2a may identify all members as destination users.

[0060] In S106, the store terminal 2a transmits the transmission information to the user terminal of the destination user. The store terminal 2a transmits the transmission information generated in S102 to the user terminal of the destination user identified in S104. If it is determined not to acquire incentive information (NO in S100), this process ends.

[0061] Next, an example of a reservation acceptance process executed in the store terminal 2a for accepting a reservation will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the reservation acceptance process executed in the store terminal 2a. A series of processes shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the store terminal 2a at a predetermined cycle.

[0062] In S200, the store terminal 2a (specifically, the control unit 2d of the store terminal 2a) determines whether to accept the reservation information. For example, when the store terminal 2a receives data indicating the reservation information from the user terminal 400 via the communication network 600, the store terminal 2a determines to accept the reservation information. The reservation information includes information on a time period when the store 2 is scheduled to be used, information for identifying the user, and information on whether or not the user wishes to participate in supply and demand adjustment while using the store 2. The information for identifying the user may include, for example, information on a membership number, or may include personal information of the user such as a telephone number. The user is asked whether or not the user wishes to participate in supply and demand adjustment while using the store 2, for example, as one of the confirmation items when other reservation information is input using the user terminal 400. The reservation information may include information on the SOC of the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100 owned by the user. When it is determined that the reservation information is accepted (YES in S200), the process proceeds to S202.

[0063] In S202, the store terminal 2a determines whether or not the reservation can be accepted. Specifically, if the time period covered by the reservation included in the accepted reservation information overlaps with a time period already reserved by another user, the store terminal 2a determines that the reservation cannot be accepted. If the time period covered by the reservation is an available time period that has not been reserved by another user, the store terminal 2a determines that the reservation can be accepted. If it is determined that the reservation can be accepted (YES in S202), the process proceeds to S204.

[0064] In S204, the store terminal 2a executes reservation processing using the reservation information. The store terminal 2a reads the reservation target time period and information for identifying the user from the received reservation information, and stores the reservation target time period (including information on the start time and end time) and the information for identifying the user in association with each other in the storage unit 2e. Then, the process proceeds to S206.

[0065] In S206, the store terminal 2a transmits the reservation information to the server 300. The store terminal 2a may transmit the received reservation information to the server 300 every time it receives reservation information from a user terminal, or may transmit multiple pieces of reservation information to the server 300 every time a predetermined period has elapsed, or every time a predetermined number of pieces of reservation information have been received. This process then ends. If it is determined that the reservation cannot be accepted (NO in S202), the process proceeds to S208.

[0066] In S208, the store terminal 2a notifies the user that the reservation cannot be accepted. Specifically, the store terminal 2a transmits information indicating that the reservation cannot be accepted to the user terminal that is the destination of the reservation information. Then, this process ends.

[0067] Next, an example of a charge / discharge process executed by the server 300 to execute charge / discharge control in response to a DR request will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a charge / discharge process executed by the server 300. A series of processes shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the server 300 at predetermined intervals.

[0068] In S300, the server 300 (specifically, the control unit 302 of the server 300) determines whether or not to receive reservation information. The server 300 determines whether or not to receive data indicating reservation information from the store terminal 2a via the communication network 600. If it is determined that the reservation information is to be received (YES in S300), the process proceeds to S302.

[0069] In S302, the server 300 executes bidding processing. The server 300 sets the adjustment power using the small-scale power supply facility to be controlled using the received reservation information. The adjustment power includes a power adjustment range as well as a plurality of types of adjustment power (primary, secondary, or tertiary adjustment power) that differ depending on responsiveness. The server 300 submits a bid price based on the power rate that can be realized using the set adjustment power. If the server 300 is successful in bidding as a provider of adjustment power, it is determined to be one of the recipients of the DR request.

[0070] In S304, the server 300 determines whether or not a DR request has been received. The server 300 determines that a DR request has been received when data indicating a DR request is received from the upper aggregator via the communication network 600. If it is determined that a DR request has been received (YES in S304), the process proceeds to S306.

[0071] In S306, the server 300 executes charge / discharge control. Specifically, the server 300 executes charge / discharge control in each of the multiple power storage devices included in the small-scale power supply equipment by outputting an execution command for charge / discharge control to the small-scale power supply equipment to be controlled in accordance with the DR request.

[0072] The server 300 realizes the adjustment capability requested by the DR request in the time period requested by the DR request by, for example, allocating it to some or all of the multiple small-scale power generation facilities. The server 300, for example, sets the time period and the charge / discharge capacity for executing the charge / discharge control in each of the multiple small-scale power generation facilities in accordance with the DR request. The server 300 outputs an execution command for the charge / discharge control to the small-scale power generation facilities to be controlled in accordance with the set time period and the charge / discharge power amount.

[0073] The server 300, for example, uses the reservation information to set a time period during which charge / discharge control is to be performed within a planned connection period during which the electric vehicle 100 is to be connected to the charging / discharging station 200. The server 300 sets a time period during which charge / discharge control is to be performed at least within the reserved usage period of the store 2. The server 300 identifies the reserved usage period of the store 2 from the start time and end time included in the reservation information. Furthermore, the server 300 sets the amount of power (amount of charge / discharge power) to be exchanged with the power grid 500 by the charge / discharge control, for example, based on the usage period of the store 2 and the SOC of the battery 110.

[0074] The server 300 calculates, for example, a first chargeable amount of energy calculated from the usage period of the store 2 and an upper limit value of the charging power at the charging / discharging station 200, and a first dischargeable amount of energy calculated from the usage period of the store 2 and a lower limit value of the discharging power at the charging / discharging station 200. The server 300 calculates, for example, a second chargeable amount of energy using the difference between the current SOC of the battery 110 and the upper limit value of the SOC, and calculates a second dischargeable amount of energy using the difference between the current SOC of the battery 110 and the lower limit value of the SOC. The server 300 sets, for example, the smaller of the first chargeable amount of energy and the second chargeable amount of energy as the upper limit value of the chargeable amount of energy, and sets the smaller of the first dischargeable amount of energy and the second dischargeable amount of energy as the upper limit value of the dischargeable amount of energy, thereby setting the amount of charging / discharging energy allocated to the battery 110.

[0075] When the set time period begins, the server 300 outputs a command to execute charge / discharge control to the charge / discharge station 200, and when the set time period has elapsed, the server 300 stops outputting the command to execute charge / discharge control, or outputs a command to stop execution of charge / discharge control. If it is determined that reservation information has not been received (NO in S300), this process is terminated. If it is determined that a DR request has not been received (NO in S304), the process is returned to S304.

[0076] Next, an example of an allocation process for allocating compensation for adjustment capacity, which is executed in the server 300, will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the allocation process executed in the server 300. A series of processes shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the server 300 at predetermined intervals.

[0077] In S400, the server 300 determines whether or not to receive an adjustment capacity price. The server 300 determines that an adjustment capacity price has been received when, for example, data indicating a price for providing adjustment capacity in response to a DR request is received from a higher-level aggregator. If it is determined that an adjustment capacity price has been received (YES in S400), the process proceeds to S402.

[0078] In S402, the server 300 executes a value allocation process. Specifically, the server 300 executes a process of allocating a value to each of the multiple small-scale power generation facilities according to the participation record in the DR request as the value allocation process. The value may be set, for example, in an amount equivalent to a monetary amount, or in points or the like.

[0079] In S404, the server 300 transmits the allocated compensation. The server 300 transmits data indicating the allocated compensation to each of the multiple various-scale power supply facilities that have participated in the DR request.

[0080] Next, an example of a settlement process executed by the store terminal 2a to settle a bill after a user has finished using the store will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a settlement process executed by the store terminal 2a. The series of processes shown in this flowchart are repeatedly executed by the store terminal 2a at a predetermined interval.

[0081] In S500, the store terminal 2a determines whether or not the allocated compensation has been received. For example, the store terminal 2a determines that the allocated compensation has been received when it receives data indicating the allocated compensation from the server 300 via the communication network 600. If it is determined that the allocated compensation has been received (YES in S500), the process proceeds to S502.

[0082] In S502, the store terminal 2a determines whether or not there is a request to end use. Specifically, the store terminal 2a determines that there is a request to end use when, for example, an input device (not shown) of the store terminal 2a accepts an operation to end use. Alternatively, the store terminal 2a determines that there is a request to end use when it receives information indicating a request to end use from the user terminal 400 of the user. If it is determined that there is a request to end use (YES in S502), the process proceeds to S504.

[0083] In S504, the store terminal 2a acquires the usage time. For example, the store terminal 2a acquires the usage time from the time when the user starts using the store 2 and the time when the end of usage is requested. For example, the store terminal 2a may acquire the usage start time from the time when the store 2 accepts an operation from the user to start usage, or may acquire the usage start time from the time when information indicating the start of usage is received from the user terminal 400 that is the target of the reservation.

[0084] In S506, the store terminal 2a sets the discount amount. The store terminal 2a sets the discount amount using the allocated consideration (corresponding to an incentive for the user). For example, if the usage time is equal to or greater than the threshold, the store terminal 2a sets the discount amount to an amount equal to the allocated consideration. On the other hand, if the usage time is less than the threshold, the store terminal 2a sets the discount amount to an amount obtained by multiplying the allocated consideration by a predetermined coefficient α (<1). The usage time threshold may be a predetermined value. It is also desirable to set the usage time threshold so that the amount obtained by multiplying the usage time by the usage fee per unit time is not less than the discount amount plus various expenses. The various expenses include, for example, a predetermined amount that is set so that the store 2 does not incur a loss.

[0085] In S508, the store terminal 2a sets the usage fee. For example, the store terminal 2a calculates the usage fee by multiplying the usage time by the usage fee per unit time and subtracting the discount amount from the amount.

[0086] At S510, the store terminal 2a executes a settlement process. For example, if the user selects automatic payment using information such as a credit card registered in advance, the store terminal 2a executes a settlement process to settle the usage fee using this information. Alternatively, the store terminal 2a may execute a settlement process by receiving cash, or may execute a settlement process by other payment methods such as cashless payment. After completing the settlement process, the store terminal 2a may transmit a notice of completion of the settlement process to the user terminal 400 of the user, or may transmit information indicating the above-mentioned discount amount to the user terminal 400.

[0087] An example of the operation of the store terminal 2a and the server 300 based on the above-mentioned structure and flowchart will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the user, the store terminal 2a, and the server 300. In Fig. 7, the case where the store 2 is a cafe will be described as an example.

[0088] <(A) About the operation before reservation> As shown in (A) of FIG. 7, for example, the server 300 predicts changes in the demand and supply of electricity for one day or a predetermined period of time using data such as actual supply and demand records and weather history information stored in a predetermined database (not shown). The server 300 sets, for example, a time period in which the demand exceeds the supply by a predetermined value or a time period in which the supply exceeds the demand by a predetermined value as a time period subject to a DR request. The server 300 transmits information about the time period subject to the DR request and information about incentives for the time period to the store terminal 2a as information about incentives for each time period.

[0089] When the store terminal 2a acquires the incentive information (YES in S100), it generates transmission information for the user (S102). At this time, the transmission information is generated using the incentive information to promote the reservation of use during the time period during which the incentive can be obtained (the time period subject to the DR request). The destination user is identified (S104), and the transmission information is transmitted to the user terminal 400 of the identified user as "information on advantageous deals" (S106).

[0090] <(B) About reservation operations> As shown in (B) of Figure 7, when a user makes a reservation to visit a cafe, reservation information including information on the desired time period, information identifying the user, and information on whether the user wishes to participate in supply and demand adjustment during the use of the cafe is transmitted from the user terminal 400 to the store terminal 2a.

[0091] When the store terminal 2a acquires reservation information (YES in S200), it determines whether the reservation can be accepted (S202). For example, if the time period desired by the user included in the reservation information is available, it is determined that the reservation can be accepted (YES in S202), and reservation processing is executed using the reservation information (S204). After the reservation processing is executed, the reservation information is transmitted to the server 300 (S206).

[0092] If the time period desired by the user included in the reservation information is not available, information indicating that the reservation cannot be accepted is notified (S208). Specifically, the information indicating that the reservation cannot be accepted is transmitted to the user terminal 400 of the user included in the reservation information.

[0093] In addition, when the server 300 receives reservation information (YES in S300), it executes bidding processing (S302), and determines whether or not a DR request is received after the bidding processing is completed (S304). When a DR request is received from the upper aggregator (YES in S304), charging and discharging control is executed (S306).

[0094] <(C) Operation during use (reserved time)> As shown in (C) of FIG. 7, it is assumed that a user travels to store 2, which is a cafe, using electric vehicle 100 and parks electric vehicle 100 in parking lot 3 of store 2. The user travels to store 2 after connecting connector 201 to inlet 62 of electric vehicle 100. When connector 201 is connected to inlet 62 of electric vehicle 100, charging / discharging station 200 supplies power so that battery 110 is charged. At this time, charging / discharging station 200 may calculate the SOC of battery 110 of electric vehicle 100, or may receive information on the SOC of battery 110 from electric vehicle 100.

[0095] When charge / discharge control is executed in accordance with the DR request by an execution command from the server 300 while the user is using the store 2 (S306), power is supplied from the battery 110 mounted on the electric vehicle 100 to the power grid 500, or the battery 110 is charged using power from the power grid 500, thereby adjusting the difference between the demand and supply in the power grid 500 to be small.

[0096] <(D) Operation after use> As shown in FIG. 7(D), after the user uses the store 2, a usage fee is set and the set usage fee is settled.

[0097] The electricity transmission and distribution company (or upper aggregator) transmits information on the compensation (adjustment capacity compensation) for contribution to the DR request to the server 300. When the adjustment capacity compensation is received by the server 300 (YES in S400), a compensation allocation process is executed (S402), and the compensation (allocated compensation) allocated by the compensation allocation process is transmitted to each small-scale power generation facility managed by the server 300 (S404).

[0098] When the store terminal 2a receives the allocated compensation (YES in S500), it determines whether or not there is a request to end use (S502). When there is a request to end use by the user (YES in S502), the usage time is acquired (S504) and the discount amount is set (S506). At this time, if the usage time is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the allocated compensation is set as the discount amount. If the usage time is less than the threshold value, the amount obtained by multiplying the discount amount by a predetermined coefficient α is set as the discount amount. The usage fee is set by subtracting the set discount amount from the amount obtained by multiplying the usage time by the usage time per unit time (S508). Then, the settlement process for the set usage fee is executed (S510).

[0099] As described above, the power management system according to the present embodiment adjusts the usage fee set according to the usage time using an incentive, thereby making it possible to set the usage fee so as not to burden the facility side too much. For example, when the usage time is shorter than a threshold value, a predetermined coefficient α is set that corrects the discount amount of the usage fee lower, corresponding to the incentive. As a result, when the usage time is short, the discount amount corresponding to the incentive can be lowered, so that the usage fee can be set so as not to burden the store 2 side too much. Therefore, it is possible to provide a power management system that appropriately sets incentives for participants in supply and demand adjustment.

[0100] Furthermore, since the contribution to the supply and demand adjustment is provided to users of store 2 as a discount, the number of users of store 2 can be increased.

[0101] Furthermore, by using the transmitted information to encourage users to use store 2 during times when they can receive compensation through supply and demand adjustment, users can be made to use store 2 during those times, and the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100 of the user of store 2 can be used for supply and demand adjustment.

[0102] Modifications will be described below.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the SOC of the battery 110 of the connected electric vehicle 100 is calculated at the charging / discharging station 200, but for example, the SOC of the battery 110 may be calculated in the electric vehicle 100 and the charging / discharging station 200 may acquire information about the SOC from the electric vehicle 100, or the reservation information may include information about the SOC of the electric vehicle 100. In this case, the user terminal 400 may acquire information about the SOC of the battery 110 from the electric vehicle 100, for example.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described as an example in which the store terminal 2a that manages users' reservation status and the server 300 that manages the small-scale power supply equipment including the charging / discharging station 200 in the store 2 are realized by separate computers, but the store terminal 2a and the server 300 may also be realized by using a single computer.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a case where a user uses the store 2 after making a reservation in advance has been described as an example, but the same applies to a case where the user uses the store 2 without making a reservation, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the server 300 has been described as setting the adjustment power taking into consideration the reservation status of users at the store 2. However, when the store 2 is used by multiple users without reservations, the schedule for realizing the adjustment power required of the server 300 using multiple electric vehicles 100 parked in the parking lot 3 and connected to the charging / discharging station 200 may be changed at any time (for example, every time a predetermined time has elapsed).

[0107] For example, the server 300 sets one of the electric vehicles that is parked in the parking lot 3 from the start time of the user's use and maintains a connection with the charging / discharging station for a predetermined time or more among the multiple electric vehicles as an electric vehicle that realizes the adjustment capacity, and outputs an execution command for charge / discharge control to the set electric vehicle. When the connection between the electric vehicle to which the execution command for charge / discharge control is output and the charging / discharging station is released, the server 300 sets one of the other electric vehicles that maintains a connection with the charging / discharging station for a predetermined time or more as an alternative electric vehicle, and outputs an execution command for charge / discharge control to the set electric vehicle. In this way, adjustment capacity for DR requests can be maintained even when a user enters and leaves the store 2. Therefore, appropriate supply and demand adjustment can be performed in response to the DR request. The server 300 may set the next alternative electric vehicle before the connection between the electric vehicle used to realize the adjustment capacity and the charging / discharging station is released. In this way, supply and demand adjustment can be continuously performed.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the discount amount is set by multiplying the allocated consideration by a predetermined coefficient α as a correction coefficient for correcting the discount amount when the usage time is less than the threshold value, but the coefficient α is not limited to a predetermined value. For example, the coefficient α may be a value set in proportion to the usage time. The coefficient α may be set, for example, so that the shorter the usage time, the smaller the coefficient α (i.e., so that the discount amount is lower). The coefficient α may be set, for example, so that the longer the usage time, the larger the coefficient α (i.e., so that the discount amount is higher).

[0109] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it has been described that an incentive corresponding to the user's contribution is provided to the user using a discount amount, but an incentive corresponding to the user's contribution may also be provided to the user using cash, points or a discount rate.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the discount amount is set by multiplying the allocated consideration by a predetermined coefficient α when the usage time is shorter than the threshold value, but for example, when the usage time is shorter than the threshold value, the discount amount may be set to zero, and points or cash equivalent to the value obtained by multiplying the allocated consideration by the predetermined coefficient α may be given to the user instead of the discount amount. Alternatively, instead of the discount amount (while setting the discount amount to zero), the parking fee may be reduced or waived entirely, or the battery may be put in a more charged state (for example, fully charged state) than when the battery was parked.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the discount amount is set by multiplying the allocated value by a predetermined coefficient α when the usage time is less than the threshold value, but the coefficient α may be changed depending on the usage time period specified by the usage start time and usage end time. For example, the coefficient α may be set to be larger when the usage time period is a first time period in which there are few users than when the usage time period is a second time period in which there are many users.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the usage time is less than the threshold value, the usage fee is adjusted by multiplying the allocated compensation by a predetermined coefficient α to correct the discount amount, but when the usage time is longer than the threshold value, the usage fee per unit time may be set lower than when the usage time is less than the threshold value. In this way, it is possible to encourage longer usage of the store 2.

[0113] In addition, when setting the usage fee, the server 300 may, for example, correct the usage fee per unit time to a higher amount by multiplying the usage fee per unit time by a correction coefficient β (>1) when the usage time is less than a threshold value, and may set the usage fee per unit time to a relatively lower amount when the usage time is equal to or greater than the threshold value; alternatively, the server 300 may multiply the usage fee per unit time by a correction coefficient γ (<1) when the usage time is equal to or greater than the threshold value, to set the usage fee per unit time to a relatively lower amount.

[0114] The above-described modified examples may be implemented in whole or in part in appropriate combination.

[0115] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1 Power management system, 2 Store, 2a Store terminal, 2b Register, 2d, 302, 402 Control unit, 2e, 306 Memory unit, 2f, 304, 404 Communication unit, 3 Parking lot, 62 Inlet, 70 Power conversion device, 100 Electric vehicle, 110 Battery, 200 Charging / discharging stand, 201 Connector, 202 Cable, 300 Server, 400 User terminal, 406 Position measurement unit, 500 Power network, 600 Communication network.

Claims

1. A small-scale power supply facility including a charging / discharging station that will be installed in the parking space of the facility and connected to the power grid; a store terminal configured by a first computer and installed in the facility; a server configured by a second computer that manages the usage time of the facility by a user who uses a vehicle equipped with a power storage device, and adjusts the supply and demand of electricity using the small-scale power source equipment in the power grid as a lower aggregator in response to a request from a higher aggregator, The first computer executes a process of transmitting reservation information including the use time received from the user terminal of the user to the second computer; The second computer sets the power storage device during the usage time as one of the adjustment capabilities of the supply and demand adjustment, and executes charge and discharge control of the small-scale power source equipment in accordance with a request for the supply and demand adjustment from the upper aggregator; the second computer executes a process of allocating, when the supply and demand adjustment using the power storage device is performed, a compensation given by the upper aggregator to the lower aggregator corresponding to a contribution to the supply and demand adjustment to the small-scale power source equipment, and transmitting information on the allocated compensation to the first computer; When the first computer receives information about the allocated compensation, it executes a process of setting a discount amount for the user's usage fee using the allocated compensation, and a process of calculating the usage fee for the facility as a value obtained by multiplying the usage time of the user by the usage fee for the facility per unit time, minus the set discount amount.

2. The power management system according to claim 1 , wherein the first computer sets a correction coefficient for correcting the discount amount to a lower value when the usage time is shorter than a threshold value.

3. The power management system according to claim 1 , wherein the first computer sets the usage fee per unit time to a lower amount when the usage time is longer than a threshold value than when the usage time is shorter than the threshold value.

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