Control device, charging control device, charging system, control method, and control program

Abstract

To provide a control device, charging control apparatus, charging system, control method, and control program capable of improving charging efficiency.SOLUTION: A charging control device 22 includes: a communication device 20 that receives a charging control instruction and a control unit 222 that controls a charger 24 based on the charging control instruction received by the communication device 20. When the charging control instruction is not received in the communication device 20, the control unit 222 determines charging continuation or stop based on the charging control instruction received before a time point since which the charging control instruction has no longer received.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a charging control device, a charging system, a control method, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a charging system that charges vehicles equipped with storage batteries, such as EVs (Electric Vehicles) and PHVs (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles). The charging system includes a monitoring device (parent device) that monitors the amount of power used and outputs a charging control instruction according to the amount of power used, and a charging control device (child device) that controls a charger based on the charging control instruction output from the monitoring device. The monitoring device manages the power so as not to exceed the contracted power with the power supply company (so as not to exceed the demand power) (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-318907 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The monitoring device and the charging control device are connected to be able to communicate with each other. If the communication between the monitoring device and the charging control device is interrupted (disconnected) for some reason, the monitoring device stops sending charging control instructions to the charging control device. In this case, the charging control device controls the charger to stop charging. For example, if the monitoring device and the charging control device are connected by wireless communication, communication may be interrupted for a short period of time if a large vehicle passes between the monitoring device and the charging control device or if radio wave (noise) interference occurs. In such a case, if charging is stopped every time communication is interrupted, charging is not performed from the time charging is stopped to the time charging is restarted, and charging efficiency decreases.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a control device, a charging control device, a charging system, a control method, and a control program that can improve charging efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control device of the present invention is a control device that controls a charger based on a charging control instruction transmitted from a monitoring device in a charging system in which charging is performed based on a power value set in accordance with the amount of power usage measured by a monitoring device, and is equipped with a receiving unit that receives the charging control instruction and a control unit that controls the charger based on the charging control instruction received by the receiving unit, and when the charging control instruction is not received by the receiving unit, the control unit determines whether to continue or stop charging based on the charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received.

[0007] In the control device according to the present invention, when the receiving unit does not receive a charging control instruction, the control unit determines whether to continue or stop charging based on the charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received. As a result, even if communication with the monitoring device is temporarily interrupted, the control device can cause the charger to continue charging if it determines that charging can be continued based on the past situation obtained from the charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received. Therefore, the control device can improve charging efficiency.

[0008] The charging control instruction includes a power value, and the device includes a storage unit that stores the power value included in the charging control instruction received by the receiving unit, and the control unit calculates a predicted value based on the power values ​​stored in the storage unit for a predetermined period prior to the point at which the charging control instruction was no longer received, and determines whether to continue or stop charging based on the predicted value. In this configuration, since it is determined whether to continue or stop charging based on the predicted value, it is possible to avoid charging exceeding the power value even when the charging control instruction cannot be received from the monitoring device. Therefore, the control device can cause the charger to continue charging while monitoring the power.

[0009] The control unit may obtain a gradient of a transition of a plurality of power values ​​for a predetermined period of time, and calculate the predicted value based on the gradient of the transition. With this configuration, the predicted value can be calculated with high accuracy.

[0010] The storage unit may store the power value each time the charging control instruction is received. In this configuration, the storage unit stores the power values ​​included in all charging control instructions transmitted from the monitoring device at a predetermined communication interval. Therefore, the control device can calculate the predicted value with high accuracy.

[0011] The storage unit may store a current value of a maximum increase in the power value, and the control unit may obtain from the storage unit the current value of a maximum increase associated with the situation at the time when the receiving unit no longer receives the charge control instruction, and determine whether to continue or stop charging based on the predicted value and the current value of the maximum increase. In this configuration, since it is determined whether to continue or stop charging based on the predicted value and the current value of the maximum increase, it is possible to more reliably avoid charging exceeding the power value.

[0012] The control unit may calculate the time required to reach a reference value related to the power value when charging is performed at a current value that is the maximum increase from the predicted value from the time when the charging control instruction is no longer received, continue charging until the time is reached from the time when the charging control instruction is no longer received, and stop charging when the time is reached from the time when the charging control instruction is no longer received. With this configuration, charging that exceeds the power value can be more reliably avoided.

[0013] A charging control device according to the present invention includes the above-mentioned control device and a charger controlled by the control device.

[0014] The charge control device according to the present invention includes the control device described above, and therefore the charge control device can improve charging efficiency.

[0015] When the charger does not receive a charge command from the control device, the charger may continue charging up to a predetermined target value based on a charge command received before the charge command was no longer received. In this configuration, the charger continues charging even if communication between the control device and the charger is temporarily interrupted. Therefore, the charging controller can improve charging efficiency.

[0016] When the charger has not received the charge control instruction at the receiving unit, the charger does not need to accept a new charge request. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably prevent charging from exceeding the power value.

[0017] A charging system according to the present invention includes a monitoring device that monitors an amount of power usage, sets a power value according to the amount of power usage, and transmits a charging control instruction based on the power value, and the control device described above.

[0018] The charging system according to the present invention includes the above-described control device, and therefore the charging efficiency can be improved.

[0019] The control method of the present invention is a control method for controlling a charger based on a charging control instruction transmitted from a monitoring device in a charging system that performs charging based on a power value set in accordance with the amount of power usage measured by a monitoring device, and includes a receiving step of receiving a charging control instruction and a control step of controlling the charger based on the charging control instruction received in the receiving step, and in the control step, if a charging control instruction is not received in the receiving step, it is determined whether to continue or stop charging based on a charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received.

[0020] In the control method according to the present invention, in the control step, if the charging control instruction is not received in the receiving step, it is determined whether to continue or stop charging based on the charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received. As a result, even if communication with the monitoring device is temporarily interrupted, the control method allows the charger to continue charging if it is determined that charging can be continued based on the past situation obtained from the charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received. Therefore, the control method can improve charging efficiency.

[0021] The control program of the present invention is a control program for controlling a charger based on a charging control instruction transmitted from a monitoring device in a charging system that performs charging based on a power value set in accordance with the amount of power usage measured by a monitoring device, and causes a computer to execute a receiving step of receiving a charging control instruction and a control step of controlling the charger based on the charging control instruction received in the receiving step, and in the control step, if a charging control instruction is not received in the receiving step, it is determined whether to continue or stop charging based on a charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received.

[0022] In the control program according to the present invention, in the control step, if the charging control instruction is not received in the receiving step, it is determined whether to continue or stop charging based on the charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received. As a result, even if communication with the monitoring device is temporarily interrupted, the control program can cause the charger to continue charging if it is determined that charging can be continued based on the past situation obtained from the charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received. Therefore, the control program can improve charging efficiency.

[0023] The control device of the present invention is a control device in a charging system in which charging is performed based on the amount of power usage measured by a monitoring device and the capacity of a breaker, and controls a charger based on a charging control instruction transmitted from the monitoring device.The control device is equipped with a receiving unit that receives the charging control instruction and a control unit that controls the charger based on the charging control instruction received by the receiving unit, and when a charging control instruction is not received by the receiving unit, the control unit determines whether to continue or stop charging based on information related to the capacity of the breaker.

[0024] In the control device according to the present invention, when the receiving unit does not receive a charge control instruction, the control unit determines whether to continue or stop charging based on information related to the capacity of the breaker. As a result, even if communication with the monitoring device is temporarily interrupted, the control device can cause the charger to continue charging if it determines that charging can be continued within the capacity based on the information related to the capacity of the breaker. Therefore, the control device can improve charging efficiency. Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the charging efficiency. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle charging system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the monitoring and control device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the charge control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charge control device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charger. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a vehicle charging system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the server. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a vehicle charging system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the monitoring and controlling device illustrated in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the charge control device illustrated in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0028] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle charging system according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle charging system 1 is a system that charges a storage battery (not shown) of a vehicle V, such as an EV (Electric Vehicle), a PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle), or the like. The vehicle charging system 1 charges one or more vehicles V. The vehicle charging system 1 can charge multiple vehicles V simultaneously. The vehicle charging system 1 charges the vehicle V using commercial power P, for example.

[0029] The commercial power P supplies AC power (three-phase 200V). A load L1 is connected to the commercial power P via a transformer TA, and a load L2 is connected to the commercial power P via a transformer TB. A charger 24 (described later) is also connected to the commercial power P via the transformer TB. The transformers TA and TB are step-down converters that convert high-voltage received power into low-voltage power. The load L1 is, for example, an air conditioner. The load L2 is, for example, a light. The transformers TA and TB may be three-phase or single-phase transformers. The load L1 is supplied with three-phase power via the transformer TA, which is a three-phase transformer. The load L2 and the charger 24 are supplied with single-phase power (100V, 200V) via the transformer TB, which is a single-phase transformer.

[0030] The vehicle charging system 1 includes a monitoring device 3 and a charging control device 5. The monitoring device 3 and the charging control device 5 may be placed at positions separated by a distance. The monitoring device 3 and the charging control device 5 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0031] <Monitoring equipment> The monitoring device 3 monitors the amount of power usage (amount of received power) of commercial power P, and outputs a charging control instruction according to the amount of power usage to the charging control device 5. The monitoring device 3 is installed, for example, in a cubicle of high-voltage power receiving equipment. Single-phase power is supplied to the monitoring device 3 as a power source. The monitoring device 3 includes a measuring device 10, a current sensor 12, a monitoring control device 14, and a communication device 16. The monitoring control device 14 and the communication device 16 may be separate devices or may be a single device.

[0032] Meter 10 measures the usage of commercial power P. Meter 10 is connected to commercial power P. Meter 10 includes, for example, a pulse sensor that outputs a pulse signal according to the usage amount of commercial power P. The pulse sensor outputs one pulse for every predetermined power that is set in advance. Meter 10 outputs measurement data (pulse data) that is the measurement result to monitoring control device 14.

[0033] The current sensor 12 detects a current. The current sensor 12 is, for example, a zero-phase current transformer. The current sensor 12 detects a current value of an apparent power supplied to each of the loads L1 and L2. The current sensor 12 outputs a current value, which is a detection result, to the monitoring control device 14.

[0034] The monitoring and control device 14 is a computer system or processor implemented in an integrated circuit. The monitoring and control device 14 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and an input / output interface, etc. Various programs and data are stored in the ROM.

[0035] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the monitoring control device 14. As shown in FIG.

[0036] The storage unit 140 stores various data. The storage unit 140 stores the measurement data output from the measuring device 10 and the current value output from the current sensor 12. The storage unit 140 also stores a reference value. The reference value is a value (power value) that is set to a value that is, for example, about 10% smaller than a maximum demand value of a demand power value described below. The reference value is appropriately set by a consumer (operator).

[0037] The base value is set for the following reasons. That is, the maximum value (maximum demand value) of the demand values ​​(maximum value of average power usage every 30 minutes for one month) for the past year (the current month and the previous 11 months) is applied to the basic charge for electricity, so if a demand value greater than the demand value for the past 11 months is measured even once in a month, the basic charge for electricity for the following year will be determined based on that value. To suppress or reduce electricity charges, it is effective to carry out control that suppresses the maximum demand value (demand control). For this reason, a base value set to a value that does not exceed the maximum demand value is used.

[0038] The control unit 142 calculates the amount of power usage of commercial power P based on the measurement data and current values ​​stored in the memory unit 140. The control unit 142 calculates the amount of power usage every predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, one minute. The control unit 142 calculates a power value of demand power of commercial power P (hereinafter also referred to as "demand power value") based on the amount of power usage. The control unit 142 stores the demand power value in the memory unit 140. The demand power value for each minute is stored in the memory unit 140.

[0039] The control unit 142 generates and outputs a charging control instruction. The charging control instruction includes at least a charging power value (current value) in the charger 24 of the charging control device 5 and a demand power value. The control unit 142 sets the charging power value based on the amount of power used and a reference value. Specifically, the control unit 142 compares the amount of power used with the reference value, and when it determines that the amount of power used does not exceed the reference value, it sets a predetermined charging power value that has been set in advance.

[0040] When the control unit 142 determines that the amount of power usage exceeds the reference value, it sets a charging power value (a power value with a reduced current value) that is lower than the predetermined charging power value. The control unit 142 outputs a charging control instruction including the set charging power value to the communication device 16. The control unit 142 outputs the charging control instruction at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time is, for example, one minute.

[0041] 1, the communicator 16 communicates with the charging control device 5. In this embodiment, the communicator 16 performs wireless communication with a communicator 20 (described later) of the charging control device 5. The communicator 16 is capable of performing, for example, 920 MHz band wireless communication. The communicator 16 transmits a charging control instruction output from the monitoring control device 14 to the charging control device 5.

[0042] <Charging control device> The charging control device 5 controls the charger 24 based on the charging control instruction transmitted from the monitoring device 3. The charging control device 5 is installed, for example, near a parking lot or the like where the vehicle V is parked. Single-phase power is supplied to the charging control device 5 as a power source. The charging control device 5 includes a communication device (receiving unit) 20, a charging control device 22, and a charger 24. The communication device 20 and the charging control device 22 configure a control device. The communication device 20 and the charging control device 22 may be separate devices or may be a single device.

[0043] The communicator 20 communicates with the monitoring device 3. The communicator 20 performs wireless communication with the communicator 16 of the monitoring device 3. The communicator 20 is capable of performing, for example, 920 MHz band wireless communication. The communicator 20 transmits and receives information. The communicator 20 receives a charging control instruction from the monitoring device 3 (receiving step). The communicator 20 outputs the received charging control instruction to the charging control device 22.

[0044] The charging control device 22 controls the charger 24 based on the charging control instruction output from the communication device 20. The charging control device 22 is a computer system or a processor implemented in an integrated circuit. The charging control device 22 is composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output interface, etc. Various programs and data are stored in the ROM.

[0045] 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the charging control device 22. As shown in FIG.

[0046] The storage unit 220 stores various data. The storage unit 220 stores a demand power value included in a charge control instruction output from the communication device 20. The storage unit 220 stores the demand power value at a predetermined time interval. The predetermined time interval is an interval at which the monitoring device 3 transmits a charge control instruction, and is, for example, one minute. That is, the storage unit 220 stores a demand power value every time a charge control instruction is received. The storage unit 220 also stores a current value of a maximum increase in the demand power value. The current value of the maximum increase is a current value with the largest increase among the demand power values ​​stored at the same date and time in the past. The storage unit 220 also stores a reference value set by the monitoring device 3. The reference value is stored in the storage unit 220 at an appropriate timing.

[0047] The storage unit 220 stores a control program P1. The control program P1 is a program for operating the charging control device 22, and operates a computer or the like so that the control unit 222 executes control or the like. The control program P1 causes the computer to execute a receiving step of receiving a charging control instruction, and a control step of controlling the charger based on the charging control instruction received in the receiving step. The control program P1 may be provided in a state where it is fixedly recorded on a tangible recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program P1 may be provided via a communication network as a data signal superimposed on a carrier wave.

[0048] The control unit 222 outputs a charging instruction (current value) to the charger 24 based on the power value of the charging control instruction output from the communication device 20. The control unit 222 outputs a charging instruction to the charger 24 until the charge amount of the storage battery of the vehicle V reaches a target value (threshold value). When the charge amount of the vehicle V reaches the target value, the control unit 222 stops outputting the charging instruction to the charger 24.

[0049] When the charger 24 is charging and the communication device 20 does not receive a charging control instruction, the control unit 222 determines whether to continue or stop charging based on a charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received (control step). When the charging control instruction is not input at a predetermined time interval (one minute), that is, when the communication device 20 does not output a charging control instruction at a predetermined time interval, the control unit 222 determines that the charging control instruction is not received at the communication device 20. The control unit 222 determines that the charging control instruction is not received at the communication device 20 when the charging control instruction is no longer received. The time when the charging control instruction is no longer received may be a time corresponding to a predetermined time interval. Specifically, the control unit 222 may set the time when the charging control instruction would have been received originally (one minute after the previous charging control instruction was received) as the time when the charging control instruction is no longer received.

[0050] When the control unit 222 determines that the charge control instruction is not received by the communication device 20, the control unit 222 controls the charger 24 according to the situation before the charge control instruction was not input. In other words, when the communication between the monitoring device 3 and the charge control device 5 is interrupted, the control unit 222 controls the charger 24 according to the situation before the communication was interrupted.

[0051] Specifically, the control unit 222 calculates the demand prediction value based on the demand power value stored in the storage unit 220. The control unit 222 acquires the demand power value for a predetermined period before the time when the charging control instruction is no longer input. In detail, the control unit 222 acquires the demand power value for the predetermined period including the demand power value immediately before the time when the charging control instruction is no longer input. The predetermined period is, for example, 30 minutes. The control unit 222 calculates the demand prediction value based on the slope of the transition of the acquired demand power value. Specifically, the control unit 222 obtains the slope from the transition of the demand power value for the past 30 minutes (a group of 30 points). The control unit 222 obtains a prediction line that passes through the point of the most recent demand power value based on the slope, and calculates the demand prediction value from the relationship between the prediction line and the demand graph.

[0052] The control unit 222 predicts the time at which the current exceeds the reference value stored in the storage unit 220, based on the calculated demand prediction value and the current value of the maximum increase stored in the storage unit 220. Specifically, the control unit 222 adds the current value of the maximum increase to the demand prediction value, and calculates the time at which the reference value is exceeded. That is, the control unit 222 calculates how many hours (minutes) the current value of the maximum increase should be supplied to the demand prediction value before the reference value is exceeded.

[0053] The control unit 222 acquires data on the maximum increase in current value (hereinafter, also referred to as "increase data") from the storage unit 220. The control unit 222 acquires the maximum increase in current value related to the situation at the time when the communication device 20 stopped receiving the charge control instruction from the storage unit 220. The maximum increase in current value related to the situation may be the maximum increase in current value of the same month as the time when the communication device 20 stopped receiving the charge control instruction, the same day of the week as the time, the season at the time, etc. In this embodiment, the control unit 222 acquires the increase data based on a preset priority. The control unit 222 acquires the increase data in descending order of priority. The priority is set, for example, as follows. The priority is lower in the order of "1", "2", "3", and "4". The priority is set appropriately by an operator, etc. 1: Increase data for the same month and time of the previous year 2: Increased data for the same day and time of the previous year 3: Increased data for the same time on the previous day 4: Increased data for the past 30 minutes

[0054] If the time when the charge control instruction was no longer input is "YYYY / MM / DD / YYYY", "Tuesday", and "AA:BB", the control unit 222 searches the increase data for the same month (MM) and time (AA:BB) of the previous year in the storage unit 220. If the increase data for the same month and time of the previous year is stored in the storage unit 220, the control unit 222 acquires the increase data.

[0055] If the increase data for the same month and time of the previous year is not stored in the storage unit 220, the control unit 222 searches for the increase data for the same day of the week (Tuesday) and the same time (AA:BB) in the storage unit 220. If the increase data for the same day of the week and the same time is stored in the storage unit 220, the control unit 222 acquires the increase data.

[0056] When the increased data for the same day and time is not stored in the storage unit 220, the control unit 222 searches for increased data for the previous day and time (AA:BB) in the storage unit 220. When the increased data for the previous day and time is stored in the storage unit 220, the control unit 222 acquires the increased data.

[0057] If the maximum increase data for the same time on the previous day is not stored in the storage unit 220, the control unit 222 acquires the increase data for the past 30 minutes up to the point when the charging control instruction was no longer input from the storage unit 220. The control unit 222 stores the increase data acquired as described above in the storage unit 220 as the data used in the current process.

[0058] The control unit 222 calculates the overtime exceeding the reference value based on the acquired increase data and the demand prediction value. The control unit 222 determines whether to continue or stop charging based on the overtime. The control unit 222 determines to continue charging within the overtime. In this case, the control unit 222 generates and outputs a charging instruction to the charger 24 so that the charger 24 performs charging. When the overtime is reached, the control unit 222 determines to stop charging. In this case, the control unit 222 stops outputting the charging instruction to the charger 24. This ends charging in the charger 24.

[0059] The operation (control method) of the charging control device 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charging control device 5. The following describes the operation of the charging control device 5 when it stops receiving a charging control instruction.

[0060] 4, the charging controller 5 judges whether or not a charging control instruction has been received (step S01). If the charging controller 5 judges that a charging control instruction has been received (step S01: YES), the charging controller 5 ends the process. If the charging controller 5 judges that a charging instruction has not been received (step S01: NO), the charging controller 5 proceeds to step S02.

[0061] In step S02, the charging control device 5 calculates a demand prediction value. Next, the charging control device 5 acquires increase data (step S03). Next, the charging control device 5 adds the current value of the maximum increase to the demand prediction value, and calculates the overtime period during which the current exceeds the reference value (step S04). The charging control device 5 generates a charging instruction and outputs it to the charger 24 so that the charger 24 performs charging within the calculated overtime period (step S05).

[0062] Next, the charging controller 5 judges whether the overtime has been reached (step S06). If the charging controller 5 judges that the overtime has been reached (step S06: YES), it stops outputting the charging instruction (step S07). If the charging controller 5 judges that the overtime has not been reached (step S06: NO), it returns to the process of step S05.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 1, one or more chargers 24 are provided in the charging control device 5. The charger 24 charges the storage battery of the vehicle V. Single-phase 200V power is supplied to the charger 24 from commercial power P via a transformer TB. The charger 24 and the charging control device 22 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other. The charger 24 controls the charging current based on a charging instruction (current value) output from the charging control device 22, and charges the storage battery of the vehicle V. The charger 24 and the vehicle V are connected by a charging cable C.

[0064] During charging, if no charging instruction is input from the charging control device 22, the charger 24 performs charging control based on the current value of the most recent charging instruction. That is, if communication between the charging control device 5 and the charger 24 is interrupted, the charger 24 performs charging based on the charging instruction immediately before the communication was interrupted. Specifically, if the charger 24 has received a charging instruction with a current value of, for example, "30A", it continues charging at "30A". The charger 24 performs charging based on the current charge amount and a target value. If the charge amount reaches the target value, the charger 24 ends charging.

[0065] If a new charging request is made while the charge control instruction has not been received by the communication device 20, the charger 24 does not accept the charging request. That is, while the charge control device 5 has not received a charging control instruction, the charger 24 does not accept a new instruction to start charging.

[0066] The operation of the charger 24 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charger 24. The following describes the operation of the charger 24 when the charge instruction is no longer received.

[0067] 5, the charger 24 judges whether or not a charging instruction has been received (step S11). If the charging control device 5 judges that a charging control instruction has been received (step S11: YES), the charging control device 5 ends the process. If the charging control device 5 judges that a charging instruction has not been received (step S11: NO), the charging control device 5 proceeds to step S12.

[0068] In step S12, the charger 24 performs charging based on the charging instruction (current value) immediately before communication was interrupted. The charger 24 determines whether the charging amount has reached a target value (step S13). If the charger 24 determines that the charging amount has reached the target value (step S13: YES), it stops charging (step S14). If the charger 24 determines that the charging amount has not reached the target value (step S13: NO), it returns to the process of step S12.

[0069] As described above, in the vehicle charging system 1 according to this embodiment, when the communication device 20 does not receive a charging control instruction, the control unit 222 of the charging control device 22 determines whether to continue or stop charging based on the charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received. As a result, even if communication with the monitoring device 3 is temporarily interrupted, the charging control device 22 can continue charging in the charger 24 if it determines that charging can be continued based on the past situation obtained from the charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received. Therefore, the vehicle charging system 1 can improve charging efficiency.

[0070] In the vehicle charging system 1 according to the present embodiment, the charging control instruction transmitted from the monitoring device 3 includes a demand power value. The charging control device 22 includes a storage unit 220 that stores the demand power value included in the charging control instruction received by the communication device 20. The control unit 222 calculates a demand prediction value based on the demand power value for a predetermined period prior to the time when the charging control instruction was no longer received from the demand power value stored in the storage unit 220, and determines whether to continue or stop charging based on the demand prediction value. In this configuration, since the determination of whether to continue or stop charging is based on the demand prediction value, it is possible to avoid charging exceeding the demand power value even when the charging control instruction cannot be received from the monitoring device 3. Therefore, the charging control device 22 can continue charging in the charger 24 while monitoring the demand.

[0071] In the vehicle charging system 1 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 222 obtains the gradient of the transition of a plurality of demand power values ​​for a predetermined period, and calculates the demand prediction value based on the gradient of the transition. In this configuration, the demand prediction value can be calculated with high accuracy.

[0072] In the vehicle charging system 1 according to this embodiment, the storage unit 220 stores a demand power value every time a charging control instruction is received. In this configuration, the storage unit 220 stores the demand power value included in all charging control instructions transmitted from the monitoring device 3 at a predetermined communication interval. Therefore, the charging control device 22 can accurately calculate the demand prediction value.

[0073] In the vehicle charging system 1 according to this embodiment, the storage unit 220 stores the current value of the maximum increase in the demand power value. The control unit 222 acquires from the storage unit 220 the current value of the maximum increase related to the situation at the time when the communication device 20 stops receiving the charging control instruction, and determines whether to continue or stop charging based on the demand prediction value and the current value of the maximum increase. In this configuration, since it is determined whether to continue or stop charging based on the demand prediction value and the current value of the maximum increase, it is possible to more reliably prevent charging from exceeding the demand power value.

[0074] For example, if the time when the communication device 20 stops receiving the charging control instruction (when communication between the monitoring device 3 and the charging control device 5 is interrupted) is noon in summer (e.g., August), the maximum increase in current value is larger than in spring, etc., because an air conditioner or other air conditioning device is in use. Therefore, by acquiring the maximum increase in current value related to the situation at the time when the communication device 20 stops receiving the charging control instruction from the storage unit 220 and determining whether to continue or stop charging based on the demand prediction value and the maximum increase in current value, a decision appropriate to the time when the charging control instruction is no longer received can be made.

[0075] In the vehicle charging system 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 222 calculates the overtime required to reach the reference value related to the demand power when charging is performed at the maximum increment current value relative to the demand prediction value from the time when the charging control instruction is no longer received. The control unit 222 continues charging until the overtime time is reached from the time when the charging control instruction is no longer received, and stops charging when the overtime time is reached from the time when the charging control instruction is no longer received. This configuration can more reliably prevent charging from exceeding the demand power value.

[0076] In the vehicle charging system 1 according to this embodiment, when a charging instruction is not input from the charging control device 22, the charger 24 continues charging up to a predetermined target value based on a charging instruction input before the charging instruction was no longer input. In this configuration, even if communication between the charging control device 22 and the charger 24 is temporarily interrupted, the charger 24 continues charging. Therefore, the vehicle charging system 1 can improve charging efficiency.

[0077] In the vehicle charging system 1 according to this embodiment, the charger 24 does not accept a new charging request unless a charging control instruction is received by the communication device 20. This configuration can reliably prevent charging from exceeding the demand power value.

[0078] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a vehicle charging system according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, a vehicle charging system 1A includes a monitoring device 3, a charging device 7, and a server (control device) 9.

[0079] The monitoring device 3 and the server 9, and the charging device 7 and the server 9 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network N. The configuration of the network N is not limited. For example, the network N may be configured to include the Internet (public network), a communication carrier network, a business operator network, etc.

[0080] <Monitoring equipment> The communication device 20 of the monitoring device 3 communicates with the server 9. The communication device 20 communicates with the server 9 via the network N. The communication device 20 transmits a charging control instruction to the server 9.

[0081] <Charging equipment> The charging equipment 7 performs charging based on a charging instruction transmitted from the server 9. The charging equipment 7 is installed, for example, near a parking lot or the like where the vehicle V is parked. Single-phase power is supplied to the charging equipment 7 as a power source. The charging equipment 7 includes a communication device 30 and a charger 32.

[0082] The communicator 30 communicates with the server 9. The communicator 30 communicates with the server 9 via the network N. The communicator 30 receives a charging instruction from the server 9. The communicator 30 outputs the received charging instruction to the charger 32.

[0083] One or more chargers 32 are provided. The charger 32 charges the storage battery of the vehicle V. Single-phase 200V power is supplied to the charger 32 from commercial power P via a transformer TB. The charger 32 controls the charging current based on a charging instruction (current value) output from the communication device 30, and charges the storage battery of the vehicle V. The charger 24 and the vehicle V are connected by a charging cable C.

[0084] If a charging instruction is not input from the communication device 30 during charging, the charger 32 performs charging control based on the current value of the previous charging instruction. That is, if communication between the charging device 7 and the server 9 is interrupted, or if communication between the communication device 30 and the charger 32 is interrupted, the charger 32 performs charging based on the charging instruction immediately before the communication was interrupted. Specifically, if the charger 32 has received a charging instruction with a current value of "30A", for example, the charger 32 continues charging at "30A". The charger 32 performs charging based on the current charge amount and a target value. If the charge amount reaches the target value, the charger 32 ends charging.

[0085] When a new charging request is made while the communication unit 90 of the server 9 has not received a charging control instruction, the charger 32 does not accept the charging request. In other words, while the server 9 has not received a charging control instruction, the charger 32 does not accept a new instruction to start charging.

[0086] <Server> The server 9 may be configured, for example, by one or more devices provided on a cloud. The server 9 generates a charging instruction based on the charging control instruction transmitted from the monitoring device 3. The server 9 is a computer system or processor implemented in an integrated circuit. The server 9 is configured from a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and an input / output interface, etc. Various programs or data are stored in the ROM.

[0087] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the server 9. As shown in Fig. 7, the server 9 has a communication unit 90, a storage unit 92, and a control unit 94.

[0088] The communication unit 90 communicates with the monitoring device 3 and the charging device 7. The communication unit 90 transmits and receives information to and from each of the monitoring device 3 and the charging device 7 via the network N. The communication unit 90 receives a charging control instruction from the monitoring device 3 (receiving step). The communication unit 90 outputs the received charging control instruction to the memory unit 92 and the control unit 94. The communication unit 90 transmits the charging instruction to the charging device 7.

[0089] The memory unit 92 stores various data. The memory unit 92 stores a demand power value included in a charge control instruction output from the communication unit 90. The demand power value is stored at a predetermined time interval. The predetermined time interval is an interval at which the monitoring device 3B transmits a charge control instruction, and is, for example, one minute. The memory unit 92 also stores a current value of a maximum increase in the demand power value. The current value of the maximum increase is a current value with the largest increase among the demand power values ​​stored at the same date and time in the past. The memory unit 220 also stores the above-mentioned reference value. The reference value is stored in the memory unit 220 at an appropriate timing.

[0090] A control program P2 is stored in the storage unit 92. The control program P2 is a program for operating the server 9, and operates a computer or the like so that control by the control unit 94 is executed. The control program P2 causes the computer to execute a receiving step of receiving a charge control instruction, and a control step of controlling the charger based on the charge control instruction received in the receiving step.

[0091] The control unit 94 transmits a charging instruction (current value) to the charging equipment 7 based on the power value of the charging control instruction output from the communication unit 90. The control unit 94 transmits the charging instruction to the charging equipment 7 until the amount of charge of the storage battery of the vehicle V reaches a target value (threshold value). When the amount of charge of the vehicle V reaches the target value, the control unit 94 stops transmitting the charging instruction to the charging equipment 7.

[0092] If the charger 32 is charging and the communication unit 90 does not receive a charging control instruction, the control unit 94 determines whether to continue or stop charging based on a charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received (control step). If a charging control instruction is not input, that is, if a charging control instruction is not output from the communication unit 90, the control unit 94 controls the charger 32 according to the situation before the charging control instruction was no longer input. In other words, if communication between the monitoring device 3B and the server 9 is interrupted, the control unit 94 controls the charger 32 according to the situation before the communication was interrupted.

[0093] The control unit 94 calculates the overtime exceeding the reference value based on the increase data and the demand prediction value acquired in the same manner as described above. The control unit 94 determines whether to continue or stop charging based on the overtime. The control unit 94 determines to continue charging within the overtime. In this case, the control unit 94 generates and transmits a charging instruction to the charging equipment 7 so that the charger 32 performs charging. When the overtime is reached, the control unit 94 determines to stop charging. In this case, the control unit 94 stops transmitting the charging instruction to the charging equipment 7. This ends charging in the charger 32.

[0094] As described above, the vehicle charging system 1A according to this embodiment has the same effects as the vehicle charging system 1. That is, in the vehicle charging system 1A, when the communication unit 90 does not receive a charging control instruction, the control unit 94 of the server 9 determines whether to continue or stop charging based on a charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received. As a result, even if communication between the monitoring device 3 and the server 9 is temporarily interrupted, the vehicle charging system 1A can continue charging in the charger 32 if it is determined that charging can be continued based on a past situation obtained from a charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received. Therefore, the vehicle charging system 1A can improve charging efficiency.

[0095] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a vehicle charging system according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, in a vehicle charging system 1, a vehicle V is charged using commercial power P. The commercial power P supplies AC power (three-phase 200V). A charger 24 is connected to the commercial power P via a transformer T which is a single-phase transformer.

[0096] The vehicle charging system 1B includes a monitoring device 3B and a charging control device 5B. The monitoring device 3B and the charging control device 5B may be placed at positions separated by a distance. The monitoring device 3B and the charging control device 5B are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0097] <Monitoring equipment> The monitoring device 3B monitors the amount of power usage of the commercial power P, and outputs a charging control instruction according to the amount of power usage to the charging control device 5. The monitoring device 3B includes a measuring device 10, a current sensor 12, a monitoring control device 14B, a communication device 16, and a breaker 18. The monitoring control device 14B and the communication device 16 may be separate devices or may be a single device.

[0098] The current sensor 12 detects a current. The current sensor 12 is, for example, a zero-phase current transformer. The current sensor 12 detects a current value of apparent power supplied to the charger 24. The current sensor 12 outputs the current value, which is the detection result, to the monitoring control device 14.

[0099] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the monitoring control device 14B. As shown in Fig. 9, the monitoring control device 14B has a storage unit 140B and a control unit 142B.

[0100] The storage unit 140B stores various data. The storage unit 140 stores the measurement data output from the measuring device 10 and the current value output from the current sensor 12. The storage unit 140B also stores a capacity value related to the capacity (rated breaking capacity) of the breaker 18. The capacity value is stored at an appropriate timing.

[0101] The control unit 142B calculates the amount of power usage based on the measurement data and the current value stored in the memory unit 140B. The control unit 142B calculates the amount of power usage at predetermined time intervals. The control unit 142B generates and outputs a charging control instruction based on the amount of power usage and the capacity value. The charging control instruction includes at least the charging power value (current value) of the charger 24 of the charging control device 5B. The control unit 142B sets a charging power value based on the amount of power usage and the capacity value. Specifically, the control unit 142B compares the amount of power usage with the capacity value, and when it determines that the amount of power usage does not exceed the capacity value, sets a predetermined charging power value that has been set in advance.

[0102] When the control unit 142B determines that the amount of power used exceeds the capacity value, it sets a charging power value (a power value with a reduced current value) that is lower than the predetermined charging power value. The control unit 142B outputs a charging control instruction including the set charging power value to the communication device 16. The control unit 142B outputs the charging control instruction at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time is, for example, one minute.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 8, breaker 18 cuts off the supply of power from commercial power P to charger 24 when the amount of power used exceeds the rated interrupting capacity.

[0104] <Charging control device> The charging control device 5B controls the charger 24 based on a charging control instruction transmitted from the monitoring device 3B. The charging control device 5B includes a communication device (communication unit) 20, a charging control device 22B, and a charger 24. The communication device 20 and the charging control device 22B configure a control device. The communication device 20 and the charging control device 22B may be separate devices or may be a single device.

[0105] The charging control device 22B controls the charger 24 based on the charging control instruction output from the communication device 20. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the charging control device 22B. As shown in Fig. 10, the charging control device 22B has a storage unit 220B and a control unit 222B.

[0106] The storage unit 220B stores various data. The storage unit 220 stores the above-mentioned capacity value of the breaker 18. The capacity value is stored in the storage unit 220B at an appropriate timing.

[0107] The storage unit 220B stores a control program P3. The control program P3 is a program for operating the charging control device 22B, and operates a computer or the like so that control by the control unit 222B or the like is executed. The control program P3 causes the computer to execute a receiving step of receiving a charging control instruction, and a control step of controlling the charger based on the charging control instruction received in the receiving step.

[0108] The control unit 222B outputs a charging instruction (current value) to the charger 24 based on the power value of the charging control instruction output from the communication device 20. The control unit 222B outputs a charging instruction to the charger 24 until the charge amount of the storage battery of the vehicle V reaches a target value (threshold value). When the charge amount of the vehicle V reaches the target value, the control unit 222B stops outputting the charging instruction to the charger 24.

[0109] When the charger 24 is charging and the communication device 20 does not receive a charge control instruction, the control unit 222B determines whether to continue or stop charging based on information related to the capacity of the breaker 18. Specifically, the control unit 222B determines whether to continue or stop charging based on the capacity value stored in the storage unit 220B. The control unit 222B performs charge control based on the power value of the charge control instruction immediately before the communication device 20 stops receiving the charge control instruction, and determines to continue charging if the amount of power does not exceed the capacity value. In this case, the control unit 222 generates a charge instruction to the charger 24 so that the charger 24 performs charging, and outputs it to the charger 24. The control unit 222B performs charge control based on the power value of the charge control instruction immediately before the communication device 20 stops receiving the charge control instruction, and determines to stop charging if the amount of power exceeds the capacity value. In this case, the control unit 222B stops outputting the charge instruction to the charger 24. This ends charging in the charger 24.

[0110] One or more chargers 24 are provided in the charging control device 5B. The charger 24 charges the storage battery of the vehicle V. Single-phase 200V power is supplied to the charger 24 from commercial power P via a transformer T. The charger 24 and the charging control device 22B are connected so that they can communicate with each other. The charger 24 controls the charging current based on a charging instruction (current value) output from the charging control device 22B, and charges the storage battery of the vehicle V. The charger 24 and the vehicle V are connected by a charging cable C.

[0111] During charging, if no charging instruction is input from the charging control device 22B, the charger 24 performs charging control based on the current value of the previous charging instruction. That is, if communication between the charging control device 5B and the charger 24 is interrupted, the charger 24 performs charging based on the charging instruction immediately before the communication was interrupted. Specifically, if the charger 24 has received a charging instruction with a current value of "30A", for example, the charger 24 continues charging at "30A". The charger 24 performs charging based on the current charge amount and a target value. If the charge amount reaches the target value, the charger 24 ends charging.

[0112] If a new charging request is made while the charge control instruction has not been received by the communication device 20, the charger 24 does not accept the charging request. That is, while the charge control device 5B has not received the charging control instruction, the charger 24 does not accept a new instruction to start charging.

[0113] As described above, in vehicle charging system 1B according to this embodiment, when a charge control instruction is not received by communication device 20, control unit 222B of charge control device 22B determines whether to continue or stop charging based on information related to the capacity of breaker 18. As a result, even when communication between monitoring device 3B and charge control device 5B is temporarily interrupted, vehicle charging system 1B can continue charging in charger 24 if it is determined that charging can be continued within the capacity range based on information related to the capacity of breaker 18. Therefore, vehicle charging system 1B can improve charging efficiency.

[0114] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0115] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the measuring device 10 measures the amount of power usage of commercial power P. However, the amount of power usage may be acquired based on received power information of a smart meter.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the communication device 16 of the monitoring device 3, 3B and the communication device 20 of the charging control device 5, 5B perform wireless communication. However, the communication device 16 and the communication device 20 may perform wired communication.

[0117] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the charging control device 22 collectively controls the multiple chargers 24 in the vehicle charging system 1. However, multiple charging control devices may be provided, and each charging control device may control a charger 24.

[0118] In addition to the above embodiment, the monitoring control device 14 of the monitoring device 3B of the vehicle charging system 1A may be provided in a server on the cloud. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1, 1A, 1B...vehicle charging system, 3, 3B...monitoring equipment, 5, 5B...charging control equipment, 9...server (control device), 18...breaker, 20...communication device (receiving unit, control device), 22, 22B...charging control device (control device), 24, 32...charger, 90...communication unit (receiving unit), 92...memory unit, 94...control unit, 220, 220B...memory unit, 222, 222B...control unit, P1, P2, P3...control program.

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a charger based on a charging control instruction transmitted from a monitoring device in a charging system that performs charging based on a power value set according to an amount of power usage measured by a monitoring device, comprising: A receiving unit that receives the charging control instruction; a control unit that controls the charger based on the charge control instruction received by the receiving unit, A control device, wherein when the charging control instruction is not received by the receiving unit, the control unit determines whether to continue or stop charging based on the charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received.

2. The charging control instruction includes the power value, a storage unit configured to store the power value included in the charging control instruction received by the receiving unit, 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates a predicted value based on the power values ​​stored in the memory unit for a predetermined period prior to the point at which the charging control instruction was no longer received, and determines whether to continue or stop charging based on the predicted value.

3. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit obtains a gradient of a transition of the plurality of power values ​​for the predetermined period, and calculates the predicted value based on the gradient of the transition.

4. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the storage unit stores the power value every time the charge control instruction is received.

5. The storage unit stores a current value of a maximum increase in the power value, The control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control unit obtains from the memory unit the maximum increase in current value associated with the situation at the time when the charging control instruction is no longer received by the receiving unit, and determines whether to continue or stop charging based on the predicted value and the maximum increase in current value.

6. The control unit is calculating a time required for the power value to reach a reference value when the power value is charged at the maximum increase in current value relative to the predicted value from a point in time when the charge control instruction is no longer received; Charging is continued from the time when the charge control command is no longer received until the time reaches the time. The control device according to claim 5 , wherein the control device stops charging when the time has elapsed since the charging control instruction was no longer received.

7. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; a charger that performs charging based on a charging instruction output from the control device.

8. 8. The charging control device according to claim 7, wherein, when the charging instruction is not input from the control device, the charger continues charging up to a predetermined target value based on the charging instruction input before the charging instruction was no longer input.

9. The charge control device according to claim 7 , wherein the charger does not accept a new charge request when the charge control instruction has not been received by the receiving unit.

10. a monitoring device that monitors an amount of power usage, sets a power value according to the amount of power usage, and transmits a charging control instruction based on the power value; A charging system comprising: the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. A control method for controlling a charger based on a charging control instruction transmitted from a monitoring device in a charging system that performs charging based on a power value that is set according to an amount of power usage measured by a monitoring device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving the charge control instruction; and a control step of controlling the charger based on the charge control instruction received in the receiving step, In the control step, if the charging control instruction is not received in the receiving step, it is determined whether to continue or stop charging based on the charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received.

12. A control program for controlling a charger based on a charging control instruction transmitted from a monitoring device in a charging system that performs charging based on a power value set according to an amount of power usage measured by a monitoring device, the control program comprising: a receiving step of receiving the charge control instruction; a control step of controlling the charger based on the charging control instruction received in the receiving step; A control program in which, in the control step, if the charging control instruction is not received in the receiving step, it is determined whether to continue or stop charging based on the charging control instruction received before the charging control instruction was no longer received.

13. A control device for controlling a charger based on a charge control instruction transmitted from a monitoring device in a charging system that performs charging based on an amount of power usage measured by a monitoring device and a capacity of a breaker, comprising: A receiving unit that receives the charging control instruction; a control unit that controls the charger based on the charge control instruction received by the receiving unit, The control unit determines whether to continue or stop charging based on information related to a capacity of the breaker when the charging control instruction is not received by the receiving unit.

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