SERVER, VEHICLE, POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM INCLUDING THEM, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM

Abstract

To provide a power supply system that can supply electric power during travelling of a vehicle, which can surely supply much more electric power to an area where electric power shortage occurs.SOLUTION: A server 300 is configured to be communicable with vehicles 100A and 100B. The vehicles 100A and 100B are each mounted with a power storage device 145 that can receive electric power from an electric power transmission system 200 arranged on a road 600 in a non-contact manner to charge the vehicles during travelling thereof. The server 300 comprises a processor 310 and a memorizing device 305 memorizing information about an area where electric power shortage occurs. The processor 310 obtains destinations of the vehicles 100A and 100B (1) and restricts charging operation to the vehicle 100B, when the destination of the vehicle 100A is included in the area where electric power shortage occurs memorized in the memorizing device 305 and the destination of the vehicle 100B is not included in the area where electric power shortage occurs, and when the vehicle 100A is charged with electric power on the road 600 (2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server, a vehicle, and a power supply system including these, as well as a control method for the power supply system, and more particularly to power supply control for a vehicle that can be charged using power received wirelessly while traveling. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2015-095983 (Patent Document 1) discloses a charge / discharge management system that reduces the cost of purchasing electricity from a commercial power source by connecting an electric vehicle to the electrical system of a residence via a charging / discharging station and utilizing charging and discharging of an electric storage device (battery) mounted on the electric vehicle. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2015-095983 (Patent Document 1) discloses a form of contactless receiving and discharging of electricity as one form of power transmission between the electrical system of the residence and the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-095983 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, in addition to "parked power supply," which supplies power to vehicles while they are parked, "in-motion power supply," which supplies power from a power transmission device installed on the road while the vehicle is moving, has been considered as a contactless power supply method for vehicles. By applying this type of "in-motion power supply," it is possible to transport electricity over long distances using electric vehicles.

[0005] For example, in areas where it is difficult to secure electricity, such as areas where a disaster such as an earthquake has occurred, or areas where a power outage has occurred due to a failure in power transmission and distribution equipment, and in areas where it is predicted that some event will cause a temporary increase in electricity demand to exceed the amount of electricity supplied, more electricity can be transported to the target area by charging the batteries of vehicles heading to the target area using "in-motion power supply."

[0006] However, the destinations of vehicles traveling on the road are various, and there is a limit to the amount of power that can be supplied from a power transmission device. Therefore, if the same power transmission device simultaneously supplies power to many vehicles, the amount of power that can be supplied to vehicles whose destination is an area in need of power (hereinafter also referred to as a "power shortage area") will decrease, and there is a possibility that a sufficient amount of power cannot be secured for transport to the power shortage area.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to ensure that more power can be supplied to areas with a power shortage in a power supply system capable of power supply while traveling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A server according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is configured to be able to communicate with a first vehicle and a second vehicle. Each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle is equipped with a power storage device capable of receiving power contactlessly from a power transmission device arranged on a road while traveling and charging the power storage device. The server includes a processor and a storage device in which information on a power shortage area is stored. The processor (i) acquires destinations of the first vehicle and the second vehicle, and (ii) restricts a charging operation for the second vehicle when the destination of the first vehicle is included in the power shortage area stored in the storage device and the destination of the second vehicle is not included in the power shortage area and the first vehicle charges on the road.

[0009] With this configuration, in a system capable of contactlessly supplying power to a traveling vehicle, power supply to a vehicle (second vehicle) not destined for the power shortage area is restricted, so power can be supplied preferentially to a vehicle (first vehicle) destined for the power shortage area, thereby ensuring that more power can be supplied to the power shortage area.

[0010] In one embodiment, the road includes a first lane in which a power transmission device is installed and a second lane in which a power transmission device is not installed, and the processor notifies the second vehicle of information preventing the second vehicle from entering the first lane.

[0011] With this configuration, vehicles whose destination is not the power shortage area are prevented from entering the power supply lane (first lane), so that power can be supplied preferentially to vehicles whose destination is the power shortage area.

[0012] In one embodiment, the processor notifies the second vehicle of information requesting the second vehicle to leave the first lane when the second vehicle is traveling in the first lane.

[0013] With this configuration, even if a vehicle not destined for the power shortage area is traveling in the power supply lane and supplying power, the vehicle can be made to stop supplying power and move out of the power supply lane, thereby enabling preferential supply of power to vehicles destined for the power shortage area.

[0014] In one embodiment, the processor transmits a command to the power transmitting device to reduce power supplied to the second vehicle when the second vehicle is performing a charging operation on a road.

[0015] In one embodiment, the processor transmits a command to the power transmitting device to stop power supply to the second vehicle when the second vehicle is performing a charging operation on a road.

[0016] With this configuration, even if a vehicle not destined for the power shortage area is traveling in the power supply lane, the power supplied to the vehicle can be reduced or stopped, so that power can be preferentially supplied to vehicles destined for the power shortage area.

[0017] In one embodiment, when a plurality of vehicles capable of contactlessly receiving power from a power transmission device and having a destination in a power shortage area are charging on the road, and the total power supplied to the plurality of vehicles exceeds the power that can be supplied by the power transmission device, the processor (i) obtains the SOC (State of Charge) of each of the plurality of vehicles, and (ii) restricts charging operations for vehicles with higher SOCs compared to charging operations for vehicles with lower SOCs.

[0018] In one embodiment, when a plurality of vehicles having a destination in a power shortage area and capable of being charged using power from a power transmission device are charging on a road, and the number of the plurality of vehicles exceeds a predetermined number, the processor (i) obtains the SOC of each of the plurality of vehicles, and (ii) limits charging operations for vehicles with higher SOCs compared to charging operations for vehicles with lower SOCs.

[0019] With this configuration, when there are multiple vehicles heading for the power shortage area and the amount of power that can be supplied to each vehicle is limited, power is preferentially supplied to vehicles with low SOCs, i.e., vehicles that can store more power, thereby increasing the amount of power that can be supplied to the power shortage area.

[0020] In one embodiment, the storage device stores a priority for each area included in the power shortage area. When a plurality of vehicles that are capable of being charged using power from a power transmission device and have a destination in the power shortage area are charging on a road, and when the total power supplied to the plurality of vehicles exceeds the power supply capacity of the power transmission device, the processor (i) obtains a priority for each destination of the plurality of vehicles, and (ii) restricts the charging operation for the vehicle with a lower priority compared to the charging operation for the vehicle with a higher priority.

[0021] In one embodiment, the storage device stores a priority for each area included in the power shortage area. When a plurality of vehicles that are capable of being charged using power from a power transmission device and have a destination in the power shortage area are charging on a road and the number of the plurality of vehicles exceeds a predetermined number, the processor (i) obtains a priority for each destination of the plurality of vehicles, and (ii) restricts the charging operation for the vehicles with a lower priority compared to the charging operation for the vehicles with a higher priority.

[0022] With this configuration, when there are multiple vehicles whose destination is an area with a power shortage and the amount of power that can be supplied to each vehicle is limited, it is possible to supply power preferentially to areas with a higher level of pressure (priority) among the power shortage areas.

[0023] A power supply system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes a power transmission device arranged on a road, a first vehicle, a second vehicle, and a server configured to be able to communicate with the first vehicle and the second vehicle. Each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle is equipped with a power storage device that can be charged using power received contactlessly from the power transmission device while traveling. The server includes a processor and a storage device that stores information on power shortage areas. The processor (i) acquires destinations of the first vehicle and the second vehicle, and (ii) restricts a charging operation for the second vehicle when the destination of the first vehicle is included in the power shortage area stored in the storage device and the destination of the second vehicle is not included in the power shortage area and when the first vehicle charges on the road.

[0024] A vehicle according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is configured to be capable of communicating with a server and to be capable of contactlessly receiving power from a power transmission device arranged on a road while traveling. The vehicle includes a power receiving device that receives power from the power transmission device, a power storage device that can be charged using the power received by the power receiving device, and a control device. The server stores information on power shortage areas. When the destination of the vehicle is included in the power shortage area acquired from the server and the power storage device is charged using power from a power transmission device arranged on a route to the destination, the control device (i) acquires information on the destination of a specific vehicle traveling on and around the power transmission device, and (ii) requests the server to restrict a charging operation for the specific vehicle when the destination of the specific vehicle is not included in the power shortage area.

[0025] A method according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a control method for a power supply system. The power supply system includes a power transmission device arranged on a road, a first vehicle and a second vehicle, and a server configured to be able to communicate with the first vehicle and the second vehicle. Each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle is equipped with a power storage device that can be charged using power received contactlessly from the power transmission device while traveling. The server stores information on power shortage areas. The control method includes the steps of (i) acquiring destinations of the first vehicle and the second vehicle, and (ii) restricting a charging operation for the second vehicle when the destination of the first vehicle is included in the power shortage area stored in the server and the destination of the second vehicle is not included in the power shortage area, and when the first vehicle charges on the road. Effect of the Invention

[0026] In the power supply system according to the present disclosure, in a system capable of contactlessly supplying power to a traveling vehicle, power supply to vehicles not destined for a power shortage area is restricted, so that power can be preferentially supplied to vehicles destined for a power shortage area, thereby ensuring that more power can be supplied to the power shortage area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall schematic diagram of a power supply system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining details of the vehicle and the power supply facility in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of information related to power shortage areas stored in a server. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a first diagram for explaining an overview of priority power supply control in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining the outline of the priority power supply control in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart for explaining a process of priority power supply control executed by a server in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart for illustrating a process of priority power supply control executed by a vehicle in the first modification. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a first diagram for explaining an overview of priority power supply control in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining the outline of the priority power supply control in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an overview of priority power supply control in Modification 2. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart for explaining a process of priority power supply control executed by a server in the third embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart for explaining a process of priority power supply control executed by a server in Modification 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] 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.

[0029] [Embodiment 1] (System Overview) FIG. 1 is an overall schematic diagram of a power supply system 10 including a vehicle 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the power supply system 10 includes the vehicle 100, a power transmission device 200, and a server 300. The vehicle 100, the power transmission device 200, and the server 300 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network 400 such as the Internet. The communication between the vehicle 100 and the communication network 400 is performed wirelessly. The communication between the power transmission device 200 and the communication network 400 and / or the communication between the server 300 and the communication network 400 may be wired or wireless. The power transmission device 200 is placed on a road. The vehicle 100 is configured to be able to receive power from the power transmission device 200 in a contactless manner.

[0030] When the server 300 receives destination information from the vehicle 100, the server 300 uses map information to search for a driving route from the current position of the vehicle 100 to the destination, and transmits the route information to the vehicle 100. In the vehicle 100, one of the driving routes presented by the server 300 is selected by the user. As the vehicle 100 travels, the server 300 provides guidance on the driving route selected by the user.

[0031] The route information includes information on the power transmission devices 200 arranged on each travel route. When the vehicle 100 reaches the power transmission device 200 arranged on the selected travel route, the server 300 causes the power transmission device 200 to output electric power to charge the vehicle 100.

[0032] The server 300 includes a processor 310, a storage device 305, and a communication device 350. The storage device 305 includes a memory 320, a map database (DB) 330, and a power transmitting device database 340. The processor 310, the memory 320, the map database 330, the power transmitting device database 340, and the communication device 350 are connected to each other by a common bus 360, and are configured to be able to send and receive information to and from each other.

[0033] The processor 310 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and is configured to execute a predetermined arithmetic processing described in a program. The memory 320 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM stores the program executed by the processor 310. The RAM temporarily stores data generated by the execution of the program in the processor 310 and data input via the communication device 350. The RAM also functions as a temporary data memory used as a working area.

[0034] The communication device 350 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the vehicle 100 via the communication network 400. As described above, communication between the server 300 and the communication network 400 is performed by wire or wirelessly.

[0035] Map database 330 stores map information including road information. When processor 310 receives information on the current position and destination transmitted from vehicle 100, processor 310 refers to the map information contained in map database 330 and searches for candidates for a driving route from the current position to the destination. Map database 330 also stores information indicating the power supply and demand situation in each area on the map. Processor 310 determines whether the destination of vehicle 100 is a "power shortage area" based on the information on the power supply and demand situation stored in map database 330.

[0036] The power transmission device database 340 stores information about the power transmission devices 200 arranged on roads. The information about the power transmission devices 200 includes position information and specification information about the power transmission devices 200. In searching for candidate travel routes as described above, the processor 310 acquires the power transmission devices 200 arranged on each travel route from the power transmission device database 340. Then, as will be described later, when the vehicle 100 is a vehicle whose destination is a "power shortage area", the processor 310 causes the power transmission device 200 to preferentially supply power to the vehicle 100.

[0037] (Configuration of vehicle and power transmission device) Next, detailed configurations of vehicle 100 and power transmitting device 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. First, the configuration of vehicle 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Vehicle 100 includes ECU (Electronic Control unit) 110, which is a control device, communication device 120, navigation device 125, power receiving coil 130, charging device 140, power storage device (battery) 145, PCU (Power Control Unit) 160, which is a drive device, and motor generator (MG) 165.

[0038] The power receiving coil 130 is disposed on the lower surface of a floor panel that forms the bottom surface of the vehicle 100. The power receiving coil 130 receives the power transmitted from the power transmitting device 200 in a non-contact manner. The power received by the power receiving coil 130 is output to the charging device 140.

[0039] The charging device 140 includes, for example, an AC / DC converter or a rectifier. The charging device 140 is controlled by the ECU 110, and converts the AC power received by the power receiving coil 130 into DC power suitable for charging the battery 145, to charge the battery 145. The battery 145 is an assembled battery including a plurality of cells, and each cell included in the battery 145 is a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery or a nickel metal hydride battery.

[0040] The PCU 160 includes, for example, a DC / DC converter and an inverter. The PCU 160 converts DC power from the battery 145 into AC power to drive the MG 165. The MG 165 is a rotating electric machine that is driven by the AC power from the PCU 160 and applies a drive torque to the drive wheels 166 to make the vehicle 100 run.

[0041] The communication device 120 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving signals with the server 300 via the communication network 400. The communication device 120 is also configured to be able to communicate with the communication device 260 of the power transmitting device 200. The communication between the communication device 120 and the communication network 400 and between the communication device 120 and the power transmitting device 200 is performed wirelessly.

[0042] The navigation device 125 includes a touch panel (not shown) and presents and guides the user to a destination specified by the user. The navigation device 125 transmits destination information input by the user to the server 300 via the communication device 120. The navigation device 125 receives candidate information of driving routes to the destination searched for by the server 300 and displays it on the touch panel. When the user selects a desired driving route from the displayed candidates, the navigation device 125 guides the user based on the selected driving route. The navigation device 125 also displays the information transmitted from the server 300 and notifies the user by voice.

[0043] Next, the configuration of the power transmission device 200 will be described. The power transmission device 200 includes a power transmission unit 210, a power supply device 220, a control device 250, and a communication device 260. The power transmission unit 210 includes a plurality of power transmission coils 210A-210E. Note that, in FIG. 2, an example is shown in which the power transmission device 200 includes five power transmission coils 210A-210E arranged in a row on the road surface, but the number of power transmission coils is not limited to this, and may be four or less, or six or more. The power transmission coils may be arranged in a plurality of rows along the road surface.

[0044] The control device 250 includes a CPU and a memory, neither of which are shown, and performs overall control of other devices in the power transmitting device 200. Specifically, the control device 250 selects a power transmitting coil to be used for power transmission, and determines the power to be supplied to each power transmitting coil, based on information received from the vehicle 100 via the communication device 260 and information transmitted from the server 300.

[0045] The communication device 260 is a communication interface for wirelessly communicating with the vehicle 100. The control device 250 transmits and receives vehicle position information, information on the specifications of the power receiving device, information on the SOC (State of Charge) of the battery 145, billing information, and the like, via the communication device 260.

[0046] The power transmission coils 210A-210E are connected to the power supply device 220. The power supply device 220 is connected to an AC power source 230 arranged outside the power transmission device 200. The power supply device 220 converts the AC power received from the AC power source 230 into AC power of a predetermined frequency in accordance with a command from the control device 250, and outputs the AC power to the power transmission coils 210A-210E. At this time, the control device 250 supplies the AC power from the AC power source 230 to the power transmission coils, among the power transmission coils 210A-210E, above which the power reception coil 130 of the vehicle 100 is located, based on the position of the vehicle 100.

[0047] More specifically, for example, when the power receiving coil 130 is positioned above the power transmitting coil 210B in an opposing manner, the control device 250 supplies AC power from the power feeding device 220 to the power transmitting coil 210B. An electromagnetic field is formed around the power transmitting coil 210B by an AC current flowing through the power transmitting coil 210B. The power receiving coil 130 on the vehicle 100 side receives power from the power transmitting coil 210B in a non-contact manner through the electromagnetic field formed by the power transmitting coil 210B.

[0048] Then, when the power receiving coil 130 is removed from above the power transmitting coil 210B, the control device 250 controls the power feeding device 220 to stop the supply of AC power to the power transmitting coil 210B. By performing such a series of controls on each of the power transmitting coils 210A-210E, it is possible to perform "power feeding during travel" in which power is transmitted to the traveling vehicle 100 in a non-contact manner. Of course, even when the vehicle 100 is stopped on the power transmitting device 200, it is possible to transmit power from the power transmitting device 200 to the vehicle 100 in a non-contact manner. Note that the power transmitting coils 210A-210E may be arranged on the road surface of a travel lane, or may be arranged at a position where the vehicle stops at an intersection while waiting for a traffic light.

[0049] The control device 250 determines whether or not a power receiving coil is located above each power transmitting coil based on a sensor (not shown) provided in the power transmitting device 200 and / or vehicle position data transmitted from the vehicle 100.

[0050] (Priority power supply control) By applying such "in-motion power supply," it is possible to transport power to a distant location using the vehicle 100 as a power source vehicle. For example, in areas where it is difficult to secure power, such as areas where a disaster such as an earthquake has occurred, or areas where a power outage has occurred due to a breakdown in power transmission and distribution facilities, and in cases where it is predicted that the power demand will temporarily increase due to some event and exceed the power supply, it is possible to transport more power to the target area by charging the battery of a vehicle heading to the target area using in-motion power supply.

[0051] However, vehicles traveling on roads have various destinations, and there is also a limit to the amount of power that can be supplied from a power transmission device. Therefore, if the same power transmission device simultaneously supplies power to many vehicles, the amount of power that can be supplied to vehicles whose destination is an area in need of power (a power shortage area) will decrease, and there is a possibility that a sufficient amount of power cannot be secured for transport to the power shortage area.

[0052] Therefore, in the power supply system 10 of the first embodiment, when a plurality of vehicles are supplied with power from the same power transmission device while traveling, a "priority power supply control" is executed so that power is supplied preferentially to a vehicle whose destination is a power shortage area. By executing such control, it is possible to secure more power that can be supplied to the power shortage area.

[0053] Note that vehicles whose destination is an area with a power shortage are not limited to vehicles requested as power source vehicles, but also include vehicles heading to the area for other purposes. Even for vehicles visiting for other purposes, there is an effect of reducing power consumption in the area by suppressing charging in the power shortage area that is the destination.

[0054] 3 is a diagram showing an example of information about power shortage areas stored in map database 330 of server 300. Power shortage information and priority are associated and stored for each area on the map in map database 330. Here, an area may be, for example, an administrative division such as a city, ward, town, or village, or may be a division by facility such as a factory, hospital, or commercial facility.

[0055] Power shortage information includes, for example, information on disaster areas such as earthquakes or floods, shortages due to temporary increases in power demand, and power outages due to failures in power transmission and distribution facilities. In the example of FIG. 3, area A is a disaster area, area C is an area with excessive power demand, and area Z is an area experiencing a power outage due to a power facility failure. There is no power shortage in areas B and D. Priorities are set for each cause of the power shortage. A higher priority is set for causes with a higher degree of urgency.

[0056] Server 300 determines whether the destination transmitted from vehicle 100 is included in an area specified as a power shortage area in Figure 3, and if it is included in a power shortage area, server 300 gives priority to power supply while traveling over vehicles whose destination is an area that is not a power shortage area.

[0057] Next, an overview of the priority power supply control in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. With reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, a case will be considered in which two vehicles 100A and 100B travel from a current location 500 to a destination A 510 and a destination B 520, respectively. The destination A 510 is included in the power shortage area shown in Fig. 3, and the destination B 520 is not included in the power shortage area. Then, on the route from the current location 500 to each destination, the vehicles 100A and 100B travel on a road 600 on which the power transmitting device 200 is arranged. In this case, the vehicle 100A, whose destination is the power shortage area, becomes a target vehicle of the priority power supply control described above, but the vehicle 100B becomes a non-target vehicle, not a target vehicle.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 5, a road 600 includes a power supply lane (first lane) 610 in which the power transmission unit 210 of the power transmission device 200 is arranged, and a general lane (second lane) 620 in which the power transmission device 200 is not arranged, and power is supplied while the vehicle is traveling in the power supply lane 610.

[0059] When the vehicle 100A, whose destination is a power shortage area, reaches an area in the power supply lane 610 where the power transmission device 200 is arranged, the server 300 transmits information to the vehicle 100B, which is a non-target vehicle, that the vehicle 100B is prohibited from entering the power supply lane 610 from the general lane 620. When the vehicle 100B receives the entry prohibition information from the server 300, the vehicle 100B displays the information on the display of the navigation device 125, for example, to call the attention of the driver of the vehicle 100B. Note that the information may be transmitted to the driver by voice in addition to the display on the display.

[0060] In addition, when the vehicle 100B is performing power supply while traveling in the power supply lane 610, the server 300 may notify the vehicle 100B of a request to leave the power supply lane 610, and prompt the driver of the vehicle 100B to change the traveling lane and interrupt the power supply while traveling.

[0061] In this way, by notifying non-target vehicles of information prohibiting them from entering the power supply lane from the general lane and / or information requesting them to leave the power supply lane, it is possible to give priority to the target vehicle, vehicle 100A, in performing power supply while traveling.

[0062] In addition, if the road 600 has one lane and only the power supply lane 610 and it is not possible to leave the power supply lane 610, or if the driver of the vehicle 100B continues to drive in the power supply lane despite the above notification, the server 300 prioritizes power supply to the vehicle 100A by reducing the power supply to the vehicle 100B or by forcibly stopping the power supply.

[0063] Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the process of priority power supply control executed by the server 300. The flowchart in Fig. 6 is called from the main routine and executed by the processor 310 of the server 300 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, the server 300 executes the flowchart in Fig. 6 every time a new vehicle enters the range of the power transmission device 200 of the power supply lane 610.

[0064] Each step in the flowchart is realized by software processing by the processor 310, but some or all of the steps may be realized by hardware such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration).

[0065] 6, in step (hereinafter, step is abbreviated as S) 100, the server 300 acquires information about the destination from each vehicle traveling within the range of the power transmission device 200 in the power supply lane 610, and determines whether or not there is a target vehicle for priority power supply control whose destination is a power shortage area. If there is no target vehicle (NO in S100), priority power supply control is not necessary in the power transmission device 200, so the server 300 skips the subsequent processing and ends the processing.

[0066] On the other hand, if a target vehicle is present within the range of the power transmitting device 200 (YES in S100), the server 300 advances the process to S110 and acquires information on other vehicles in the power supply lane 610 and the surrounding general lane 620. Then, in S120, the server 300 determines whether or not these vehicles include a non-target vehicle.

[0067] If an asymmetric vehicle is not included (NO in S120), priority power supply control is not necessary, so the server 300 skips the subsequent processes and ends the process. On the other hand, if an asymmetric vehicle is included (YES in S120), the server 300 proceeds to the process of S130 and notifies the non-target vehicle of a warning that it cannot enter the power supply lane 610 and / or a request to leave the power supply lane 610.

[0068] In S140, the server 300 determines whether the non-target vehicle remains in the power supply lane 610 and the power supply operation to the non-target vehicle is continuing after a predetermined time has elapsed since the notification in S130. If the power supply operation to the non-target vehicle is not being performed (NO in S140), the server 300 ends the process. On the other hand, if the power supply operation to the non-target vehicle is continuing (YES in S140), the server 300 stops the power supply to the non-target vehicle in S150. Note that, for example, the power supply may be reduced to continue the power supply to the non-target vehicle as long as it is within a range that does not exceed the power that can be supplied by the power transmitting device 200.

[0069] By performing control according to the above-described processing, it is possible to give priority to power supply while traveling to vehicles whose destination is a power shortage area, thereby ensuring that more power can be supplied to the power shortage area.

[0070] Note that the "vehicle 100A" and the "vehicle 100B" in the first embodiment correspond to examples of the "first vehicle" and the "second vehicle" in the present disclosure, respectively. The "power supply lane 610" and the "general lane 620" in the first embodiment correspond to examples of the "first lane" and the "second lane" in the present disclosure, respectively.

[0071] (Variation 1) In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the priority power supply control is executed by the server 300. In the first modification, a case will be described in which the priority power supply control is determined by a target vehicle.

[0072] Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of priority power supply control in Modification 1. In Modification 1, the processing is executed by ECU 110 of vehicle 100, which is a target vehicle. Although not shown in Fig. 7, vehicle 100 receives information on a power shortage area from server 300, and recognizes that vehicle 100 is a target vehicle when the destination of vehicle 100 is included in the power shortage area received from server 300. If vehicle 100 is not a target vehicle, the processing in Fig. 7 is not executed.

[0073] 7, vehicle 100, which is a target vehicle, determines in S200 whether vehicle 100 has entered within the range of power transmission device 200 in power supply lane 610. If vehicle 100 has not entered within the range of power transmission device 200 (NO in S200), vehicle 100 skips the subsequent processes and ends the process. Note that "within the range of power transmission device 200" may include an area a predetermined distance (e.g., 100 m) before power transmission unit 210, in addition to the area where power transmission unit 210 is actually arranged.

[0074] If the vehicle 100 is within the range of the power transmitting device 200 (YES in S200), the process proceeds to S210, where the vehicle 100 acquires information about the vehicles traveling in the power supply lane 610 and the surrounding general lane 620 from the server 300 or through vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Then, in S220, the vehicle 100 determines whether the surrounding vehicles include a non-target vehicle.

[0075] If the surrounding vehicles do not include a non-target vehicle (NO at S220), vehicle 100 skips the subsequent processes and ends the process.

[0076] On the other hand, when a non-target vehicle is included in the surrounding vehicles (YES in S220), the process proceeds to S230, and the vehicle 100 instructs the server 300 to notify the non-target vehicle of a warning that the non-target vehicle cannot enter the power supply lane 610 and / or a request to leave the power supply lane 610. In response to the instruction from the vehicle 100, the server 300 notifies the non-target vehicle of the inability to enter the power supply lane 610 and / or a request to leave the power supply lane 610.

[0077] Then, in S240, the vehicle 100 determines whether or not power supply to the non-target vehicle in the power supply lane 610 is continuing even after the notification in S230. If power supply to the non-target vehicle is not being performed (NO in S240), the vehicle 100 skips S250 and ends the process. On the other hand, if power supply to the non-target vehicle is continuing (YES in S240), the process proceeds to S250, and the vehicle 100 notifies the server 300 of an instruction to restrict the power supply operation to the non-target vehicle. In response to the notification, the server 300 restricts the power supply operation to the non-target vehicle.

[0078] By carrying out control according to the above-described processing, it is possible to execute priority power supply control in the target vehicle.

[0079] [Embodiment 2] In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which there is another vehicle whose destination is a different area included in the power shortage area.

[0080] 8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining an overview of the priority power supply control in the second embodiment. With reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, in the second embodiment, a case will be considered in which a vehicle 100C is added in addition to the vehicles 100A and 100B described in Fig. 4. The destination of the vehicle 100C is a destination C530 different from the vehicles 100A and 100B. Like the destination A510, the destination C530 is also included in the power shortage area stored in the map database 330 of the server 300. Therefore, the vehicle 100C is also a target vehicle of the priority power supply control.

[0081] In this case, the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 is applied to both vehicle 100A and vehicle 100C, and running power supply for vehicles 100A and 100C is executed.

[0082] On the other hand, for the vehicle 100B which is a non-target vehicle, a notification of a prohibition on entry into the power supply lane 610 and a request to leave the power supply lane 610 is issued, and the power supply is reduced or stopped, so that the power supply operation is restricted.

[0083] In this way, even when vehicles with different destinations in a power shortage area coexist within the range of the same power transmission device, it is possible to supply power preferentially to multiple target vehicles by restricting the power supply operation to non-target vehicles, thereby ensuring that more power can be supplied to each power shortage area.

[0084] (Variation 2) The above configuration can also be applied to a case where a plurality of vehicles heading for the same destination included in a power shortage area are present within the range of the same power transmission device, instead of or in addition to vehicle 100C in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, when vehicles 100A1 and 100A2 heading for destination A510 and vehicle 100C heading for destination C530 are traveling in power supply lane 610, it is possible to secure more power that can be supplied to each power shortage area by applying priority power supply control to each of vehicles 100A1, 100A2, and 100C.

[0085] [Embodiment 3] In the second embodiment, a case has been described in which priority power supply control is applied to each target vehicle when multiple target vehicles with a destination in a power shortage area coexist within the range of the same power transmission device. However, since there is a limit to the maximum power that can be supplied from a power transmission device, if the number of target vehicles increases, the power that can be supplied per vehicle per hour decreases, and there may be cases in which sufficient power cannot be supplied to the target vehicles during the period when the target vehicles travel within the power transmission range in the power supply lane.

[0086] Therefore, in the third embodiment, a configuration is described in which, when there are a large number of target vehicles to which power should be supplied, power is supplied to a portion of the target vehicles selected from among the target vehicles, thereby supplying more power to the target vehicles overall.

[0087] More specifically, in the third embodiment, a method is adopted in which, among a plurality of target vehicles, power is preferentially supplied to a vehicle with a relatively low SOC. In general, when charging a battery, when the SOC approaches a fully charged state, a control is used to prevent overcharging of the battery by supplying more power per hour than when the SOC is low. Therefore, a vehicle with a high SOC may receive less power within the same period of time compared to a vehicle with a low SOC. Therefore, by preferentially supplying power to a vehicle with a relatively low SOC, more power can be supplied to a power shortage area.

[0088] Fig. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the process of priority power supply control executed by the server 300 in the third embodiment. Referring to Fig. 11, the server 300 determines in S300 whether or not there are multiple target vehicles whose destination is a power shortage area within the range of the power transmission device 200 of the power supply lane 610. If there are no target vehicles or if there is only one target vehicle (NO in S300), the server 300 skips the subsequent processes and ends the process. Note that if there is only one target vehicle, the process in Fig. 6 is subsequently executed, and the power supply operation to non-target vehicles is restricted.

[0089] On the other hand, if there are multiple target vehicles (YES in S300), the process proceeds to S310, where the server 300 determines whether or not power can be supplied from the power transmitting device 200 to all of the target vehicles. Specifically, the server 300 calculates the total power supply to be supplied to each target vehicle, and determines whether or not the calculated total power supply exceeds the maximum supplyable power Pmax of the power transmitting device 200. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the number of target vehicles traveling in the power supply lane 610 is greater than a predetermined threshold value α.

[0090] If power transmitting device 200 has a surplus of available power and can supply power to all of the target vehicles (NO in S310), server 300 skips the subsequent process and executes the process in Fig. 6. On the other hand, if power cannot be supplied to all of the target vehicles (YES in S310), that is, if the total supply power exceeds maximum available power Pmax or if the number of target vehicles is greater than a predetermined threshold value α, the process proceeds to S320, where server 300 acquires SOC information from each of the target vehicles.

[0091] Then, in S330, the server 300 restricts the power supply operation to the vehicle with the relatively high SOC. More specifically, the server 300 adjusts the total power supply from the power transmitting device 200 to be equal to or less than the maximum suppliable power Pmax by reducing the power supply to the vehicle with the high SOC or by stopping the power supply. Note that a request to leave the power supply lane 610 may be further notified to the vehicle that is not the subject of power supply.

[0092] Thereafter, the server 300 executes the process described in FIG. 6 to further restrict the power supply to the non-target vehicles.

[0093] By performing control according to the above-described processing, when there are more target vehicles in the power supply lane than the power that the power transmission device can supply, the power supply efficiency for all target vehicles can be improved, and more power can be supplied to the power shortage area.

[0094] (Variation 3) In the third modification, a configuration will be described in which, when there are a plurality of target vehicles, the power supply of the target vehicles is restricted based on the priority of the power shortage area that is the destination.

[0095] As explained in Fig. 3, there are various factors that cause power shortages in power shortage areas, and some cases require a long time to restore power after a power outage, such as disaster areas or large-scale damage to power transmission and distribution facilities, while other cases include temporary excess demand due to the supply and demand balance, or power shortages that can be resolved in a short time, such as when backup equipment and bypass circuits are present. In other words, the urgency or tightness of power replenishment varies depending on the cause of the power shortage. Therefore, in server 300, priorities are set for the factors that cause power shortages for each power shortage area.

[0096] In the third modification, priority is given to power supply to vehicles heading to destinations with high priorities set as described above, thereby supplying more power to areas with a high need for power supplementation.

[0097] Fig. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the process of priority power supply control in Modification 3. In the flowchart of Fig. 12, steps S320 and S330 in the flowchart explained in Fig. 11 are replaced with steps S320A and S330A, respectively. In Fig. 12, the explanation of steps that overlap with Fig. 11 will not be repeated.

[0098] 12, if there are multiple target vehicles in the power supply lane 610 (YES in S300) and power supply to all of the target vehicles is not possible (YES in S310), the process proceeds to S320A, and the server 300 acquires the priority of each destination of the target vehicles by referring to the map database 330. Then, in S330A, the server 300 restricts the power supply operation to vehicles with relatively low priority, and adjusts the total power supply from the power transmitting device 200 to be equal to or less than the maximum supplyable power Pmax. After that, the server 300 executes the process described in FIG. 6 to further execute the power supply restriction to non-target vehicles.

[0099] By performing control according to the above-described processing, when the number of target vehicles present in the power supply lane exceeds the power that the power transmission device can supply, it is possible to supply more power to areas where there is a high need for power compensation.

[0100] In the second and third embodiments and the second and third modifications, similarly to the first modification, the priority power supply control may be performed by the ECU on the vehicle side.

[0101] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10 Power supply system, 100, 100A to 100C, 100A1, 100A2 Vehicle, 110 ECU, 120, 260, 350 Communication device, 125 Navigation device, 130 Power receiving coil, 140 Charging device, 145 Battery, 160 PCU, 165 Motor generator, 166 Drive wheel, 200 Power transmission device, 210 Power transmission unit, 210A, 210B, 210E Power transmission coil, 220 Power supply device, 230 AC power source, 250 Control device, 300 Server, 305 Storage device, 310 Processor, 320 Memory, 330 Map database, 340 Power transmission device database, 360 Bus, 400 Communication network, 500 Current location, 510 to 530 Destination, 600 Road, 610 powered lanes, 620 general lanes.

Claims

1. A server configured to be able to communicate with a first vehicle and a second vehicle, each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle is equipped with a power storage device capable of receiving power wirelessly from a power transmission device disposed on a road while traveling and charging the power storage device; the road includes a first lane in which the power transmission device is arranged and a second lane in which the power transmission device is not arranged, The server, A processor; A storage device in which information on areas with insufficient power is stored, The processor, obtaining destinations of the first vehicle and the second vehicle; A server that restricts the charging operation of the second vehicle by notifying the second vehicle of information preventing the second vehicle from entering the first lane when the destination of the first vehicle is included in the power shortage area stored in the storage device and the destination of the second vehicle is not included in the power shortage area and the first vehicle is charging on the road.

2. The server according to claim 1 , wherein the processor notifies the second vehicle of information requesting the second vehicle to leave the first lane when the second vehicle is traveling in the first lane.

3. A server configured to be able to communicate with a first vehicle and a second vehicle, each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle is equipped with a power storage device capable of receiving power wirelessly from a power transmission device disposed on a road while traveling and charging the power storage device; the road includes a first lane in which the power transmission device is arranged and a second lane in which the power transmission device is not arranged, The server, A processor; A storage device in which information on areas with insufficient power is stored, The processor, obtaining destinations of the first vehicle and the second vehicle; A server that restricts the charging operation of the second vehicle by notifying the second vehicle of information requesting it to leave the first lane when the destination of the first vehicle is included in the power shortage area stored in the storage device and the destination of the second vehicle is not included in the power shortage area, and when the first vehicle is charging on the road, and further when the second vehicle is traveling in the first lane.

4. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor transmits a command to the power transmission device to reduce the power supply to the second vehicle when the second vehicle is performing a charging operation on the road.

5. The server according to claim 4 , wherein the processor transmits, to the power transmitting device, a command to stop power supply to the second vehicle when the second vehicle is performing a charging operation on the road.

6. When a plurality of vehicles that are capable of contactlessly receiving power from the power transmission device and have the power shortage area as their destination are charging on the road, and when the total power supplied to the plurality of vehicles exceeds the suppliable power of the power transmission device, The processor, Acquire a state of charge (SOC) of each of the plurality of vehicles; The server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a charging operation for a vehicle having a high SOC is restricted as compared with a charging operation for a vehicle having a low SOC.

7. the storage device stores a priority for each area included in the power shortage area, When a plurality of vehicles that are capable of being charged using power from the power transmission device and have the power shortage area as a destination are performing a charging operation on the road, and when the total power supplied to the plurality of vehicles exceeds the suppliable power of the power transmission device, The processor, obtaining a priority for a destination of each of the plurality of vehicles; The server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a charging operation for a vehicle with a low priority is restricted as compared with a charging operation for a vehicle with a high priority.

8. When a plurality of vehicles that are destined for the power shortage area and can be charged using power from the power transmission device are charging on the road, and the number of the plurality of vehicles exceeds a predetermined number, The processor, Acquire an SOC for each of the plurality of vehicles; The server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a charging operation for a vehicle having a high SOC is restricted as compared with a charging operation for a vehicle having a low SOC.

9. the storage device stores a priority for each area included in the power shortage area, When a plurality of vehicles that are destined for the power shortage area and can be charged using power from the power transmission device are charging on the road, and the number of the plurality of vehicles exceeds a predetermined number, The processor, obtaining a priority for a destination of each of the plurality of vehicles; The server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a charging operation for a vehicle with a low priority is restricted as compared with a charging operation for a vehicle with a high priority.

10. A power transmission device disposed on a road; A first vehicle and a second vehicle; a server configured to be able to communicate with the first vehicle and the second vehicle; Each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle is equipped with a power storage device that can be charged using power wirelessly received from the power transmission device while traveling, the road includes a first lane in which the power transmission device is arranged and a second lane in which the power transmission device is not arranged, The server, A processor; A storage device in which information on areas with insufficient power is stored, The processor, obtaining destinations of the first vehicle and the second vehicle; a power supply system that, when a destination of the first vehicle is included in the power shortage area stored in the storage device and a destination of the second vehicle is not included in the power shortage area, and when the first vehicle is charging on the road, restricts the charging operation of the second vehicle by notifying the second vehicle of information preventing it from entering the first lane.

11. A power transmission device disposed on a road; A first vehicle and a second vehicle; a server configured to be able to communicate with the first vehicle and the second vehicle; Each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle is equipped with a power storage device that can be charged using power wirelessly received from the power transmission device while traveling, the road includes a first lane in which the power transmission device is arranged and a second lane in which the power transmission device is not arranged, The server, A processor; A storage device in which information on areas with insufficient power is stored, The processor, obtaining destinations of the first vehicle and the second vehicle; A power supply system comprising: a power supply unit configured to supply power to a first vehicle from a first lane to a second vehicle; a power supply unit configured to supply power to a second vehicle from a first lane to a second lane; a power supply unit configured to supply power to a second vehicle from a first lane to a second lane;

12. A vehicle configured to be able to communicate with a server and capable of contactlessly receiving electric power from a power transmission device disposed on a road while traveling, a power receiving device that receives power from the power transmitting device; a power storage device that can be charged using the power received by the power receiving device; a control device; The server stores information about areas with power shortages, When a destination of the vehicle is included in the power shortage area acquired from the server, and the control device charges the power storage device using power from the power transmission device that is arranged on a route to the destination, Acquire information on a destination of a specific vehicle traveling on the power transmission device and in the vicinity of the power transmission device; When a destination of the specific vehicle is not included in the power shortage area, the vehicle requests the server to restrict a charging operation for the specific vehicle.

13. A method for controlling a power supply system, comprising: The power supply system includes: A power transmission device disposed on a road; A first vehicle and a second vehicle; a server configured to be able to communicate with the first vehicle and the second vehicle; Each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle is equipped with a power storage device that can be charged using power wirelessly received from the power transmission device while traveling, the road includes a first lane in which the power transmission device is arranged and a second lane in which the power transmission device is not arranged, The server stores information about areas with power shortages, The control method includes: obtaining a destination of the first vehicle and the second vehicle; and when the destination of the first vehicle is included in the power shortage area stored in the server and the destination of the second vehicle is not included in the power shortage area, and the first vehicle is charging on the road, restricting the charging operation of the second vehicle by notifying the second vehicle of information preventing it from entering the first lane.

14. A method for controlling a power supply system, comprising: The power supply system includes: A power transmission device disposed on a road; A first vehicle and a second vehicle; a server configured to be able to communicate with the first vehicle and the second vehicle; Each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle is equipped with a power storage device that can be charged using power wirelessly received from the power transmission device while traveling, the road includes a first lane in which the power transmission device is arranged and a second lane in which the power transmission device is not arranged, The server stores information about areas with power shortages, The control method includes: obtaining a destination of the first vehicle and the second vehicle; A control method comprising: when the destination of the first vehicle is included in the power shortage area stored in the server and the destination of the second vehicle is not included in the power shortage area, and the first vehicle is charging on the road, and further when the second vehicle is traveling in the first lane, restricting the charging operation of the second vehicle by notifying the second vehicle of information requesting it to leave the first lane.

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