POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM, POWER SUPPLY METHOD, AND POWER SUPPLY PROGRAM

Abstract

To achieve a technique capable of charging a power storage unit of a mobile power supply device at an appropriate time in consideration of power supply and demand in a facility and appropriately performing both use of surplus power generated in the facility and power supply from the mobile power supply device to a vehicle.SOLUTION: A prediction value of a power amount used by a mobile power supply device 10 during a next operation time zone is regarded as a predicted usage power amount, and a prediction value of a surplus power amount of a facility 1 during the next operation time zone is regarded as a predicted surplus power amount, which is determined based on a predicted power consumption amount that is a prediction value of a power consumption amount of a power consumption facility 2 during the next operation time zone and a predicted power generation amount that is a prediction value of a power generation amount of a power generation facility 6 during the next operation time zone. A control device 40 performs prediction charging processing in which a required power amount that is specified based on a value obtained by subtracting the predicted surplus power amount and a residual charge amount of a power storage unit 11 from the predicted usage power amount is charged from a system power receiving facility 5 to the power storage unit 11 via a power transmitting / receiving device 30 in a non-operation time zone.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply system, a power supply method, and a power supply program. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a power supply system including a mobile power supply device that moves within a parking lot to supply power to vehicles in the parking lot is disclosed in JP 2021-23044 A (Patent Document 1). In the following description of the background art, the reference symbols in parentheses are those of Patent Document 1. The power supply system (100) of Patent Document 1 includes a self-propelled power supply device (300) that moves within the parking lot to supply power to vehicles (10) in the parking lot, and a power supply management device (200) that manages the power supply to the vehicle (10) by the self-propelled power supply device (300). The power supply management device (200) includes a plan determination unit (230) that determines a power supply plan including the order in which the multiple vehicles (10) are to be supplied with power, and the self-propelled power supply device (300) is configured to supply power to the multiple vehicles (10) in an order according to the power supply plan determined by the plan determination unit (230). Patent Document 1 also describes an aspect in which the plan determination unit (230) determines the power supply plan based on the remaining charge of the drive battery (30) mounted on the vehicle (10) (a second modified example described in paragraphs 0111-0131). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-23044 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, a mobile power supply device (self-propelled power supply device in Patent Document 1) includes a power storage unit that stores power, and the power stored in the power storage unit is used to supply power from the mobile power supply device to a vehicle. Therefore, the power storage unit of the mobile power supply device, whose remaining charge decreases as the vehicle is supplied with power, needs to be charged appropriately. It is desirable to charge the power storage unit of the mobile power supply device at an appropriate time considering the power supply and demand in the facility to which the power supply system is applied (hereinafter simply referred to as the "facility"). In addition, it is conceivable to store surplus power generated in the facility in the power storage unit of the mobile power supply device in order to improve the power supply and demand in the facility. However, when the remaining charge in the power storage unit of the mobile power supply device is large, the surplus power cannot be sufficiently stored in the power storage unit, and conversely, when the remaining charge in the power storage unit of the mobile power supply device is small, there is a risk of a shortage of power that can be used to supply power to a vehicle. However, Patent Document 1 does not describe the charging time or remaining charge in the power storage unit of the mobile power supply device.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to realize technology that can charge the power storage unit of a mobile power supply device at an appropriate time taking into account the power supply and demand at a facility, and that can appropriately both utilize surplus power generated at the facility and supply power from the mobile power supply device to vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A power supply system according to the present disclosure is a power supply system including: a mobile power supply device that moves within a parking lot provided in association with a facility that uses power and supplies power to vehicles in the parking lot; a power transfer device that is electrically connected to the mobile power supply device and transfers power to and from the mobile power supply device; and a control device that controls the mobile power supply device and the power transfer device, wherein the power transfer device is electrically connected to a grid power receiving equipment, a power generation equipment, and a power consumption equipment provided in the facility, the grid power receiving equipment is equipment that receives power from a power system of a power company, the power generation equipment is equipment that generates power using renewable energy, and the power consumption equipment is equipment that consumes power, the mobile power supply device includes a power storage unit that stores power, The next operating time period of the facility is designated as a next operating time period, and a time period other than the operating time period is designated as a non-operating time period, a predicted value of the amount of power used by the mobile power supply device during the next operating time period is designated as a predicted power usage amount, and a predicted value of the surplus power amount of the facility during the next operating time period, which is determined based on a predicted power consumption amount that is a predicted value of the amount of power consumed by the power consumption equipment during the next operating time period and a predicted power generation amount that is a predicted value of the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment during the next operating time period, is designated as a predicted surplus power amount, and the control device performs a predictive charging process in which the control device charges the power storage unit with a required amount of power determined based on a value obtained by subtracting the predicted surplus power amount and the remaining charge amount of the power storage unit from the predicted power usage amount, from the grid power receiving equipment via the power transfer device during the non-operating time period.

[0007] A power supply method according to the present disclosure is a power supply method in a power supply system including a mobile power supply device that moves within a parking lot provided in association with a facility that uses power and supplies power to vehicles in the parking lot, and a power transfer device that is electrically connected to the mobile power supply device and transfers power between the mobile power supply device and the mobile power supply device, wherein the power transfer device is electrically connected to a grid power receiving equipment, a power generation equipment, and a power consumption equipment provided in the facility, the grid power receiving equipment is equipment that receives power from a power system of a power company, the power generation equipment is equipment that generates power using renewable energy, the power consumption equipment is equipment that consumes power, the mobile power supply device includes a power storage unit that stores power, and a power transfer device that transfers power to a vehicle in the parking lot and a power supply device that transfers power to a vehicle in the parking lot and a power supply device that transfers power to a vehicle in the parking lot. the power supply device during the next operating time slot is determined based on a predicted power consumption which is a predicted value of the power consumption of the power consumption equipment during the next operating time slot and a predicted power generation which is a predicted value of the power generation amount of the power generation equipment during the next operating time slot, and a predicted surplus power amount which is a predicted value of the surplus power amount of the facility during the next operating time slot is determined based on a predicted power consumption which is a predicted value of the power consumption amount of the power consumption equipment during the next operating time slot and a predicted power generation which is a predicted value of the power generation amount of the power generation equipment during the next operating time slot; and a predictive charging process which charges the power storage unit from the grid power receiving equipment via the power transfer device during the non-operating time slot with a required amount of power which is determined based on a value obtained by subtracting the predicted surplus power amount and the remaining charge amount of the power storage unit from the predicted power consumption amount.

[0008] A power supply program according to the present disclosure is a power supply program for controlling a power supply system including a mobile power supply device that moves within a parking lot provided in association with a facility that uses power and supplies power to vehicles in the parking lot, and a power transfer device that is electrically connected to the mobile power supply device and transfers power between the mobile power supply device and the mobile power supply device, wherein the power transfer device is electrically connected to a grid power receiving equipment, a power generation equipment, and a power consumption equipment provided in the facility, the grid power receiving equipment is equipment that receives power from a power system of a power company, the power generation equipment is equipment that generates power using renewable energy, the power consumption equipment is equipment that consumes power, the mobile power supply device includes a power storage unit that stores power, and the power transfer device is configured to store power when the facility is next operated. The computer realizes a predictive charging function in which a period between the operating times is defined as a next operating time zone, a time zone other than the operating time zone is defined as a non-operating time zone, a predicted value of the amount of power that will be used by the mobile power supply device during the next operating time zone is defined as a predicted power usage amount, a predicted value of the surplus power amount of the facility during the next operating time zone, which is determined based on a predicted power consumption amount that is a predicted value of the amount of power consumed by the power consumption equipment during the next operating time zone and a predicted power generation amount that is a predicted value of the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment during the next operating time zone, is defined as a predicted surplus power amount, and a required amount of power determined based on a value obtained by subtracting the predicted surplus power amount and the remaining charge amount of the power storage unit from the predicted power usage amount is charged to the power storage unit from the grid power receiving equipment via the power transfer device during the non-operating time zone.

[0009] According to these configurations, the power storage unit of the mobile power supply device (hereinafter simply referred to as the "power storage unit") is charged during non-operational hours, which are hours other than the operation hours of the facility, so that the time period during which the power consumption equipment of the facility consumes a relatively large amount of power can be shifted from the time period during which the power storage unit is charged. Therefore, compared to when these two time periods overlap, the power usage of the entire facility can be leveled out and the peak value of the power usage can be kept low. For example, in a case where the basic fee for purchasing power from the power grid becomes higher as the peak value of the power usage of the entire facility increases, by keeping the peak value of the power usage of the entire facility low in this way, it is possible to reduce the power fee paid to the power company. In this way, according to this configuration, it is possible to charge the power storage unit at an appropriate time taking into account the power supply and demand in the facility.

[0010] In addition, according to this configuration, in charging the power storage unit during the non-operating time period, the required amount of power determined based on a value obtained by subtracting the predicted surplus power amount, which is a predicted value of the surplus power amount during the next operating time period of the facility, and the remaining charge amount of the power storage unit from the predicted power usage amount, which is a predicted value of the amount of power used by the mobile power supply device during the next operating time period of the facility, and the remaining charge amount of the power storage unit is charged to the power storage unit. Therefore, the remaining charge amount of the power storage unit after charging can be set to a remaining charge amount that can charge power equivalent to the predicted surplus power amount and can discharge power equivalent to the predicted usage power amount by receiving the supply of the predicted surplus power amount. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of a situation in which the surplus power generated in the facility during the next operating time period cannot be sufficiently stored in the power storage unit because the remaining charge amount of the power storage unit is large, or the possibility of a situation in which the power available for power supply to the vehicle during the next operating time period is insufficient because the remaining charge amount of the power storage unit is small. This makes it possible to appropriately use the surplus power generated in the facility and supply power to the vehicle from the mobile power supply device. Furthermore, since the possibility of a situation occurring in which the surplus power cannot be sufficiently stored in the storage unit as described above can be reduced, it is possible to effectively utilize the surplus power without providing a separate storage device for storing the surplus power, or even if such a storage device is provided, while keeping the capacity of the storage device small.

[0011] As described above, with this configuration, it is possible to charge the power storage unit of the mobile power supply device at an appropriate time taking into account the power supply and demand at the facility, and it is also possible to appropriately both utilize surplus power generated at the facility and supply power from the mobile power supply device to vehicles.

[0012] Further features and advantages of the power supply system, the power supply method, and the power supply program will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments described with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power supply system according to an embodiment together with an example of a flow of power during a non-operating time period. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power supply system according to an embodiment together with an example of the flow of power during an operating time period. [Diagram 3] A flowchart showing the overall procedure of a charging process according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing a procedure of a predictive charging process according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a determination process according to an embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] An embodiment of a power supply system will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that various technical features of the power supply system described below can also be applied to a power supply method in the power supply system and a power supply program for controlling the power supply system, and such methods and programs, as well as storage media (e.g., optical disks, flash memories, etc.) on which such programs are stored, are also disclosed by this specification.

[0015] The power supply system 100 is applied to an electric power utilization facility 1, which is a facility that utilizes electric power. The electric power utilization facility 1 is, for example, a commercial facility, an office building, a factory, a research institute, and the like. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the electric power utilization facility 1 includes a system power receiving facility 5, a power generating facility 6, and an electric power consuming facility 2. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the system power receiving facility 5 and the power generating facility 6 are shown outside a figure (a figure with a symbol "1") that assumes a building that houses the electric power consuming facility 2 for convenience, but not only the electric power consuming facility 2 but also the system power receiving facility 5 and the power generating facility 6 are facilities that the electric power utilization facility 1 includes. The system power receiving facility 5, the power generating facility 6, and the electric power consuming facility 2 are electrically connected to each other, specifically, are electrically connected to each other via a power line 7 that constitutes a power distribution system of the electric power utilization facility 1. In this embodiment, the electric power utilization facility 1 corresponds to a "facility that utilizes electric power."

[0016] The grid power receiving equipment 5 is equipment that receives power from a power system 4 (commercial power system) of a power company. The grid power receiving equipment 5 supplies the power supplied from the power system 4 to a power line 7. The grid power receiving equipment 5 includes, for example, a transformer that converts the voltage of the AC power supplied from the power system 4 into the voltage of the power line 7. Any power shortage in the power line 7 is made up for by the power supplied from the power system 4 via the grid power receiving equipment 5.

[0017] The power generation facility 6 is a facility that generates power using renewable energy. The power generation facility 6 supplies the generated power to a power line 7. The power generation facility 6 is a facility that is capable of generating power at least during an operating time period described below. In this embodiment, the power generation facility 6 is a solar power generation facility that generates power using sunlight, which is a renewable energy. Although details are omitted, the power generation facility 6 includes a solar panel and a power conditioner (DC-AC converter) that converts DC power generated by the solar panel into AC power.

[0018] The power consumption equipment 2 is equipment that consumes power. The power consumption equipment 2 is, for example, lighting equipment, air conditioning equipment, information-related equipment, manufacturing equipment, research equipment, and the like. The power consumption equipment 2 operates by receiving power supply from the power line 7. The power utilization facility 1 to which the power supply system 100 is applied has an operating time period and a non-operating time period that is a time period other than the operating time period. The non-operating time period is a time period in which the amount of power consumed by the power consumption equipment 2 (the total amount of power consumed by all the power consumption equipment 2 installed in the power utilization facility 1) is less than the operating time period. For example, if the power utilization facility 1 is a commercial facility, the operating time period is business hours, and if the power utilization facility 1 is an office building, the working time period is the operating time period. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the power utilization facility 1 (for example, a commercial facility) includes at least a part (for example, most) of the daytime in the operating time period. Therefore, the price of purchasing power from the power system 4 is higher in the operating time period than in the non-operating time period. The power utilization facility 1 may be a facility whose operating hours do not include daytime hours (for example, a factory that operates at night).

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the power supply system 100 is a system including a mobile power supply device 10, a power transfer device 30, and a control device 40. The power supply system 100 includes one or more mobile power supply devices 10. In this embodiment, the power supply system 100 includes a plurality of mobile power supply devices 10. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, one of the plurality of mobile power supply devices 10 is designated as a first mobile power supply device 10A, and another one is designated as a second mobile power supply device 10B.

[0020] The mobile power supply device 10 is a device that moves in a parking lot 3 provided in association with the power utilization facility 1 and supplies power to a vehicle 20 in the parking lot 3 (specifically, a vehicle 20 parked in the parking lot 3). A vehicle 20 equipped with an externally chargeable power storage device 21 is a target for power supply by the mobile power supply device 10. Specifically, an electric vehicle (such as an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle) equipped with at least a rotating electric machine that operates by receiving power from the power storage device 21 as a driving force source for the wheels is a target vehicle 20 for power supply by the mobile power supply device 10. The power storage device 21 is, for example, a battery or a capacitor. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the mobile power supply device 10 drives the wheels 18 to travel on the ground (road surface, etc.), but this is not limited thereto. For example, the mobile power supply device 10 may be configured to move while suspended by a crane or the like.

[0021] The mobile power supply device 10 includes a power storage unit 11 that stores power. The power storage unit 11 is, for example, a battery or a capacitor. The power stored in the power storage unit 11 is used to supply power from the mobile power supply device 10 to the vehicle 20. The mobile power supply device 10 also includes a device group 12 required for the operation of the mobile power supply device 10. The operation of the mobile power supply device 10 includes various operations such as movement of the mobile power supply device 10 and power supply to the vehicle 20. The device group 12 includes a control unit 13, a charge / discharge unit 14, and a drive unit 17 (see the first mobile power supply device 10A in FIG. 2).

[0022] The charging / discharging unit 14 charges / discharges the power storage unit 11 in response to a command from the control unit 13. That is, the control unit 13 controls the charging / discharging of the power storage unit 11 via the charging / discharging unit 14. The charging / discharging unit 14 includes, for example, a converter that converts power (DC power or AC power) supplied from outside the mobile power supply device 10 into DC power of a voltage for charging the power storage unit 11, and converts the DC power output from the power storage unit 11 into power (DC power or AC power) of a voltage according to the power supply destination. In the example shown in FIG. 2, power from outside the mobile power supply device 10 is supplied from the connector 16 to the power storage unit 11 via the charging / discharging unit 14, and the DC power output from the power storage unit 11 is supplied to the connector 16 via the charging / discharging unit 14.

[0023] The drive unit 17 drives the wheels 18 in response to a command from the control unit 13. That is, the control unit 13 controls the driving of the wheels 18 via the drive unit 17. The drive unit 17 includes, for example, an electric motor (rotating electric machine) that operates by receiving a supply of electric power from the power storage unit 11, and a power transmission mechanism that transmits the output torque of the electric motor to the wheels 18.

[0024] The mobile power supply device 10 moves in the parking lot 3 to a position where it can supply power to the vehicle 20 parked in the parking lot 3, and supplies power to the vehicle 20. FIG. 2 shows a state where the first mobile power supply device 10A has moved to the above position. Although details are omitted, the mobile power supply device 10 moves in the parking lot 3 while recognizing its current position based on an output signal from a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the mobile power supply device 10 includes a connector 16 electrically connected to the charging / discharging unit 14 and an arm 15 (an example of a moving device) that moves the connector 16, and the control unit 13 controls the drive of the arm 15 so that the connector 16 is connected to the charging port 22 of the vehicle 20. Then, with the connector 16 connected to the charging port 22, power is supplied to the vehicle 20 (specifically, power is supplied from the power storage unit 11 to the power storage device 21) as shown by the thick dashed line in FIG. 2. In the example shown in FIG. 2, power is supplied from the mobile power supply device 10 to the vehicle 20 via the connection between the connector 16 and the charging port 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the mobile power supply device 10 may supply power to the vehicle 20 in a non-contact manner.

[0025] The power transfer device 30 is a device electrically connected to the mobile power supply device 10 and transfers power between the mobile power supply device 10. The power transfer device 30 is used as a charging / discharging station for the power storage unit 11 of the mobile power supply device 10. The operation of the power transfer device 30 is controlled by a power transfer control unit 31 provided in the power transfer device 30. The operation of the power transfer device 30 includes a power supplying operation to the mobile power supply device 10 for charging the power storage unit 11 of the mobile power supply device 10 via the power transfer device 30, and a power receiving operation from the mobile power supply device 10 for discharging the power storage unit 11 of the mobile power supply device 10 via the power transfer device 30.

[0026] The power transfer device 30 is electrically connected to the grid power receiving equipment 5, the power generation equipment 6, and the power consumption equipment 2 provided in the power utilization facility 1. The power transfer device 30 is electrically connected to a power line 7, and is thereby electrically connected to the grid power receiving equipment 5, the power generation equipment 6, and the power consumption equipment 2. The power transfer device 30 includes a converter that converts the power (here, AC power) supplied from the power line 7 into power (DC power or AC power) of a voltage for power supply to the mobile power supply device 10, and converts the power (DC power or AC power) supplied from the mobile power supply device 10 into power (here, AC power) of a voltage for output to the power line 7 (for reverse flow).

[0027] The mobile power supply device 10 moves in the parking lot 3 to a position where it can be electrically connected to the power transfer device 30, and transfers power between the mobile power supply device 10 and the power transfer device 30. FIG. 1 shows a state where the first mobile power supply device 10A and the second mobile power supply device 10B have moved to the above positions, and FIG. 2 shows a state where the second mobile power supply device 10B has moved to the above position. As shown by the thick dashed lines in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, when the power storage unit 11 of the mobile power supply device 10 is charged via the power transfer device 30, power supplied from the power line 7 (in other words, power supplied from the grid power receiving equipment 5 or the power generation equipment 6) is supplied to the power storage unit 11. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the power storage unit 11 is charged from the grid power receiving equipment 5 via the power transfer device 30 during non-operational hours, and FIG. 2 shows a state in which the power storage unit 11 is charged from the power generation equipment 6 via the power transfer device 30 during operation hours (i.e., a state in which the power storage unit 11 is charged with surplus power of the power utilization facility 1). On the other hand, when the power storage unit 11 of the mobile power supply device 10 is discharged via the power transfer device 30, the power discharged from the power storage unit 11 is supplied to the power line 7. For example, at least a part of the power consumption of the power consumption equipment 2 is covered by the power supplied from the power storage unit 11 to the power line 7. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, it is assumed that the power transfer between the power transfer device 30 and the mobile power supply device 10 is performed via the connector 16 of the mobile power supply device 10, but this is not limiting, and for example, the power transfer between the power transfer device 30 and the mobile power supply device 10 may be performed in a non-contact manner.

[0028] The control device 40 is a device that controls the mobile power supply device 10 and the power transfer device 30. The above-mentioned control unit 13 controls the operation (operation) of the mobile power supply device 10 in response to a command from the control device 40, and the above-mentioned power transfer control unit 31 controls the operation of the power transfer device 30 in response to a command from the control device 40. The control device 40 may not be a single piece of hardware, but may be a collection of multiple pieces of hardware (multiple separate pieces of hardware) that can communicate with each other. At least a part of the control device 40 may be provided in one or both of the mobile power supply device 10 and the power transfer device 30. That is, at least a part of the function of the control device 40 may be realized in one or both of the mobile power supply device 10 and the power transfer device 30. The entire control device 40 may be provided in the mobile power supply device 10 or the power transfer device 30, or a part of the control device 40 may be provided in the mobile power supply device 10, and the remaining part of the control device 40 may be provided in the power transfer device 30.

[0029] The control device 40 includes an arithmetic processing device such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a main storage device such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM) that can be referenced by the arithmetic processing device. The control device 40 executes a program stored in a storage device (main storage device or a storage device 41 provided separately), thereby realizing each function of the control device 40 described below. In other words, a program (such as a power supply program for controlling the power supply system 100) for causing a computer to realize each function of the control device 40 is stored in a storage device that can be referenced by the computer. This program is provided, for example, by a storage medium or provided via a communication network. The provided program is stored in a storage device that can be referenced by the computer. The storage device 41 includes a storage medium that can store and rewrite information, such as a flash memory or a hard disk. In this embodiment, the control device 40 (specifically, the arithmetic processing device provided in the control device 40) functions as a "computer".

[0030] Here, the next operating time period of the power utilization facility 1 is defined as the next operating time period, and the time period other than the operating time period is defined as the non-operating time period. In addition, the predicted value of the amount of power used by the mobile power supply device 10 during the next operating time period is defined as the predicted power usage amount, the predicted value of the amount of power consumed by the power consumption equipment 2 during the next operating time period (the sum of the amounts of power consumed by all the power consumption equipment 2) is defined as the predicted power consumption amount, and the predicted value of the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 6 during the next operating time period is defined as the predicted power generation amount.

[0031] The above-mentioned predicted values ​​are predicted by the control device 40. Although the prediction method is not limited thereto, in this embodiment, the control device 40 predicts each predicted value from past performance and statistical data stored in the storage device 41. For example, a performance value (or a statistical value such as an average value of a plurality of performance values, the same applies below) in a past operating time period whose conditions (for example, at least one of season, day of the week, and weather) are similar to those of the next operating time period can be set as the predicted value. Specifically, the actual value of the amount of power used by the mobile power supply device 10, the actual value of the amount of power consumed by the power consumption equipment 2, and the actual value of the amount of power generated by the power generation equipment 6 in a past operating time period whose conditions are similar to those of the next operating time period can be set as the predicted amount of power used, the predicted amount of power consumed, and the predicted amount of power generated, respectively. When the weather is taken into consideration in predicting the predicted value, the control device 40 receives, for example, weather forecast information for the next operating time period via a communication network.

[0032] The predicted power usage may be a value obtained by adding the product of the predicted number of vehicles to be powered and the average power supply amount to the product of the predicted travel distance and the average power usage amount. Here, the predicted number of vehicles to be powered is the total number of vehicles 20 to be powered by the mobile power supply device 10 in the next operating time period, and the average power supply amount is the average power supply amount for one vehicle 20. The predicted travel distance is the total travel distance of the mobile power supply device 10 predicted in the next operating time period, and the average power usage amount is the average power usage amount of the mobile power supply device 10 per unit distance. The predicted travel distance can be predicted in consideration of the size and structure of the parking lot 3 (whether it is a multi-story parking lot or a flat parking lot, etc.). At least one of the predicted number of vehicles to be powered, the average power supply amount, the predicted travel distance, and the average power usage amount can be predicted, for example, from past performance data or statistical data stored in the storage device 41.

[0033] The predicted power generation amount may be a value predicted from a predicted value of the state quantity of the renewable energy in the next operating time period (in this embodiment, the amount of solar radiation). In this case, for example, the predicted power generation amount may be a value obtained by multiplying the predicted value of the amount of solar radiation in the next operating time period obtained from a weather forecast by the amount of power generation of the power generation facility 6 per unit amount of solar radiation and the power generation time.

[0034] If the predicted value of the surplus power amount of the power utilization facility 1 in the next operating time period is defined as the predicted surplus power amount, the predicted surplus power amount is determined based on the predicted power consumption amount and the predicted power generation amount. For example, the predicted surplus power amount can be a value obtained by subtracting the predicted power consumption amount from the predicted power generation amount. As described above, in this embodiment, the power generation facility 6 is a photovoltaic power generation facility. Therefore, when the weather is fine during the operating time period, the surplus power amount of the power utilization facility 1 is likely to be a positive value.

[0035] The control device 40 performs a predictive charging process. The predictive charging process is a process in which the required amount of power determined based on a value obtained by subtracting the predicted surplus amount of power and the remaining amount of charge of the power storage unit 11 from the predicted amount of power usage is charged from the grid power receiving equipment 5 via the power transfer device 30 during a non-operating time period (see FIG. 1). Note that if the required amount of power is zero or a negative value, the control device 40 does not perform the predictive charging process. The control device 40 can acquire the remaining amount of charge of the power storage unit 11 included in the mobile power supply device 10 by communicating with the mobile power supply device 10. The remaining amount of charge of the power storage unit 11 is, for example, a value obtained by subtracting the minimum amount of charge of the power storage unit 11 that is allowed in operation from the current amount of charge of the power storage unit 11. The remaining amount of charge of the power storage unit 11 is expressed, for example, as a State Of Charge (SOC). In the predictive charging process, the required amount of power determined as described above is charged to the power storage unit 11, so that the remaining charge of the power storage unit 11 after charging by the predictive charging process is an amount of charge that can charge power equivalent to the predicted surplus power amount, and can discharge power equivalent to the predicted power usage amount by receiving a supply of the predicted surplus power amount. The process of performing the predictive charging process corresponds to the "predictive charging process", and the function realized by executing the predictive charging process corresponds to the "predictive charging function".

[0036] In this embodiment, the power supply system 100 includes a plurality of mobile power supply devices 10. Therefore, the predicted power usage is the sum of predicted values ​​of the amounts of power used by each of the plurality of mobile power supply devices 10 in the next operating time period, and the remaining charge amount of the power storage unit 11 to be subtracted from the predicted power usage amount when setting the required power amount is the sum of the remaining charge amounts of each of the plurality of power storage units 11. In the predictive charging process, the plurality of power storage units 11 are charged so that the sum of the amounts of charge power for each of the plurality of power storage units 11 becomes the required power amount. At this time, for example, a configuration can be adopted in which the amount of charge power for each of the plurality of power storage units 11 is set so that the remaining charge amounts after charging of each of the plurality of power storage units 11 are equal to each other.

[0037] Although not limited to such a configuration, in the present embodiment, when the current time is within an operating time zone, the control device 40 repeatedly performs a comparison process of comparing the sum of the latest predicted surplus energy and the current remaining charge amount with the latest predicted energy usage based on the latest predicted energy usage, which is a predicted value of the amount of energy that the mobile power supply device 10 will use for the remaining time of the current operating time zone, which is the operating time zone to which the current time belongs, the latest predicted surplus energy, which is a predicted value of the amount of surplus energy of the power utilization facility 1 for the remaining time, and the current remaining charge amount, which is the remaining charge amount of the energy storage unit 11 at the current time. If the result of the comparison process shows that the latest predicted energy usage is greater than the sum of the latest predicted surplus energy and the current remaining charge amount, an additional charging process is performed in which the energy storage unit 11 is charged from the grid power receiving equipment 5 via the power transfer device 30.

[0038] When the predicted surplus power amount used to set the required power amount is larger than the actual surplus power amount, or when the predicted power usage amount used to set the required power amount is smaller than the actual power usage amount of the mobile power supply device 10, a situation may occur in which the power used by the mobile power supply device 10 cannot be discharged from the power storage unit 11 during the operating time period (hereinafter referred to as a "power shortage situation"). According to the power supply system 100 of this embodiment, when the current time is during the operating time period, the control device 40 repeatedly performs a comparison process, and when the latest predicted power usage amount is larger than the sum of the latest predicted surplus power amount and the current remaining charge amount, it is determined that a power shortage situation may occur and performs additional charging process, thereby charging the power storage unit 11 with power from the power grid 4. Therefore, the amount of power usage from the power grid 4 during the operating time period is reduced by performing the predicted charging process during the non-operating time period, while the possibility of a power shortage situation can be reduced by performing additional charging process as necessary during the operating time period.

[0039] In the additional charging process, for example, an amount of power (hereinafter referred to as "additional power amount") determined based on the difference between the sum of the latest predicted amount of surplus power and the current remaining charge amount and the latest predicted amount of power usage is charged from the grid power receiving equipment 5 via the power transfer device 30 to the power storage unit 11. In this embodiment, the power supply system 100 includes a plurality of mobile power supply devices 10. Therefore, the latest predicted amount of power usage is the sum of predicted values ​​of the amount of power used by each of the plurality of mobile power supply devices 10 for the remaining time of the current operating time slot, and the current remaining charge amount is the sum of the respective remaining charge amounts of the plurality of power storage units 11 at the present time. In the additional charging process, the plurality of power storage units 11 are charged so that the sum of the amounts of charge power for each of the plurality of power storage units 11 becomes the additional power amount.

[0040] A situation in which the predicted surplus power amount used to set the required power amount becomes larger than the actual surplus power amount may occur, for example, when the weather forecast predicts sunny weather during the operating time period, but the actual weather is cloudy or rainy. Whether or not such a situation may occur can be determined relatively early (for example, in the morning) from, for example, the tendency of change in the actual amount of power generated by the power generation facility 6 since the current time has entered the operating time period (for example, the slope of the change). A situation in which the predicted amount of power usage used to set the required power amount becomes smaller than the actual amount of power usage of the mobile power supply device 10 may occur, for example, when a larger number of vehicles 20 than expected are parked in the parking lot 3.

[0041] The latest predicted amount of power usage may be, for example, a value obtained by correcting the predicted amount of power usage in consideration of the actual value of the amount of power usage of the mobile power supply device 10 since the current time entered the operating time slot. Also, the latest predicted amount of surplus power may be, for example, a value obtained by correcting the predicted amount of surplus power in consideration of the actual value of the amount of surplus power of the power utilization facility 1 since the current time entered the operating time slot.

[0042] In the present embodiment, as an example, the predicted amount of power usage is the sum of a predicted value of the amount of power used to supply power from the mobile power supply device 10 to the vehicle 20 during the next operating time slot and a predicted value of the amount of power used for the operation of the mobile power supply device 10 during the next operating time slot. When the predicted amount of power usage is such an amount of power, the predicted amount of power usage is predicted including not only the amount of power used to supply power from the mobile power supply device 10 to the vehicle 20 but also the amount of power used for the operation of the mobile power supply device 10 (specifically, the amount of power used for various operations for moving the mobile power supply device 10 and supplying power to the vehicle 20, etc.). This can improve the prediction accuracy of the predicted amount of power usage, and can reduce the possibility of a situation in which the remaining charge of the power storage unit 11 is low and therefore there is a shortage of power available for supplying power to the vehicle 20 during the next operating time slot.

[0043] In this embodiment, as an example, the required amount of power is a value obtained by subtracting the predicted surplus amount of power and the remaining charge of the power storage unit 11 from the predicted amount of power usage, plus a margin, and the margin is determined based on the value obtained by adding the predicted maximum value of the error on the positive side of the predicted amount of power usage and the predicted maximum value of the error on the negative side of the predicted surplus amount of power.

[0044] According to this configuration, even if the required amount of power, which is the amount of power charged to the power storage unit 11 in the predictive charging process, is smaller than the actual amount of power used by the mobile power supply device 10 minus the actual amount of surplus power and the remaining charge amount of the power storage unit 11 due to at least one of an error in the predicted amount of power usage and an error in the predicted amount of surplus power, the power storage unit 11 can be charged in the predictive charging process so as to ensure the amount of power used by the mobile power supply device 10. This reduces the possibility of a situation occurring in which the remaining charge amount of the power storage unit 11 is low and therefore there is a shortage of power available for supplying power to the vehicle 20 in the next operating time slot.

[0045] The margin can be, for example, the sum of the predicted maximum positive error of the predicted amount of power usage and the predicted maximum negative error of the predicted amount of surplus power. The predicted maximum positive error of the predicted amount of power usage and the predicted maximum negative error of the predicted amount of surplus power can be predicted, for example, from past performance and statistical data stored in the storage device 41.

[0046] In this embodiment, when the predicted amount of surplus power is zero or a negative value in the predictive charging process, the control device 40 charges the power storage unit 11 so that the power storage unit 11 is fully charged.

[0047] When the predicted surplus power amount is zero or a negative value, it is not expected that the power storage unit 11 will be charged with the surplus power during the next operating time period. According to the power supply system 100 of this embodiment, when the predicted surplus power amount is zero or a negative value, the power storage unit 11 is charged so as to be fully charged in the predictive charging process, so that the need to charge the charging unit with power from the power grid 4 during the next operating time period can be reduced, and the power usage of the entire power utilization facility 1 can be leveled. In addition, since the power storage unit 11 is charged so as to be fully charged in the predictive charging process, the remaining charge of the power storage unit 11 can be made to have a margin during the next operating time period, and power can be supplied from the power storage unit 11 to the power consumption equipment 2 of the power utilization facility 1 to cover at least a part of the power consumption of the power consumption equipment 2. Therefore, the amount of power used by the power consumption equipment 2 from the power grid 4 during the operating time period can be reduced, and from this point of view, the power usage of the entire power utilization facility 1 can be leveled.

[0048] In this embodiment, the power supply system 100 includes a plurality of mobile power supply devices 10. When the predicted surplus power amount is zero or a negative value in the predictive charging process, the control device 40 charges each of the plurality of power storage units 11 so that each of the plurality of power storage units 11 is fully charged, for example.

[0049] Next, a processing procedure of the charging process performed in the power supply system 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Each step shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5 is executed by a computer (arithmetic processing device) included in the power supply system 100 (specifically, the control device 40). Here, a case will be described where the power utilization facility 1 is a facility whose operating hours are during business hours, such as a commercial facility.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, when the power utilization facility 1 starts business (step #01: Yes), that is, when the current time is within the operating time period, the control device 40 performs a determination process (step #02). Details of the determination process will be described later. The determination process is repeated until the power utilization facility 1 ends business (step #05: No). When it is determined in the determination process that additional charging is necessary (step #03: Yes), the control device 40 performs additional charging to charge the power storage unit 11 from the grid power receiving equipment 5 via the power transfer device 30 (step #04). When the power utilization facility 1 ends business (step #05: Yes), that is, when the current time is within the non-operating time period, the control device 40 performs a predictive charging process (step #06).

[0051] 3, during the period from when the power utilization facility 1 starts to when it closes (step #01: Yes, step #05: No), the control device 40 performs a power supply process to control the mobile power supply device 10 so as to supply power to the vehicles 20 in the parking lot 3, and also performs a surplus power charging process to control the mobile power supply device 10 and the power transfer device 30 so as to charge the power storage unit 11 from the power generation facility 6 via the power transfer device 30 (in other words, to charge the power storage unit 11 with surplus power of the power utilization facility 1) (see FIG. 2). In addition, the control device 40 performs a reverse power flow process to control the mobile power supply device 10 and the power transfer device 30 so that power discharged from the power storage unit 11 is supplied to the power line 7, as necessary.

[0052] Next, referring to Fig. 4, the procedure of the predictive charging process executed in step #06 in Fig. 3 will be described. As shown in Fig. 4, the control device 40 performs a remaining charge acquisition process to acquire the remaining charge of the power storage unit 11 (step #10), and determines whether the power storage unit 11 is fully charged or not (step #11). If the power storage unit 11 is fully charged, the predictive charging process ends. On the other hand, if the power storage unit 11 is not fully charged (step #11: No), the control device 40 performs an surplus power prediction process to predict the predicted surplus power amount (step #12), and determines whether the predicted surplus power amount is a positive value (step #13).

[0053] If the predicted surplus power amount is a positive value (step #13: Yes), the control device 40 performs a power usage prediction process to predict a predicted power usage amount (step #14), and performs a partial charging process to charge the required amount of power from the grid power receiving equipment 5 via the power transfer device 30 to the power storage unit 11 (step #15). If the required amount of power is zero or a negative value, the control device 40 does not perform the partial charging process, and the predictive charging process ends. On the other hand, if the predicted surplus power amount is zero or a negative value (step #13: No), the control device 40 performs a full charging process to charge the power storage unit 11 from the grid power receiving equipment 5 via the power transfer device 30 so as to fully charge the power storage unit 11 (step #16).

[0054] Next, referring to FIG. 5, the procedure of the determination process executed in step #02 in FIG. 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 40 performs a remaining charge acquisition process to acquire the remaining charge of the power storage unit 11 (step #20), performs a latest surplus power prediction process to predict the latest predicted surplus power (step #21), and performs a latest power usage prediction process to predict the latest predicted power usage (step #22). Note that the order of execution of these three steps (step #20, step #21, and step #22) is not limited to the order shown in FIG. 5 and may be any order, and any two or all three steps may be performed in parallel. Then, the control device 40 performs a comparison process to compare the sum of the latest predicted surplus power and the current remaining charge with the latest predicted power usage (step #23), and if the latest predicted power usage is greater than the sum of the latest predicted surplus power and the current remaining charge, it is determined that additional charging is required.

[0055] Other embodiments Next, other embodiments of the power supply system will be described.

[0056] (1) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described as an example in which the control device 40 charges the power storage unit 11 so that the power storage unit 11 is fully charged when the predicted surplus amount of power in the predictive charging process is zero or a negative value. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, and the control device 40 may be configured to charge the power storage unit 11 with an amount of power (hereinafter referred to as a "target amount of power") that is smaller than the amount of power that fully charges the power storage unit 11 when the predicted surplus amount of power in the predictive charging process is zero or a negative value. This target amount of power may be, for example, a required amount of power, or an amount of power determined based on a value obtained by subtracting the remaining amount of charge of the power storage unit 11 from the predicted amount of power usage.

[0057] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described as an example in which the power generation facility 6 is a solar power generation facility. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, and the power generation facility 6 may be a facility that generates power using renewable energy other than solar power (for example, a wind power generation facility that generates power using wind power), or may include multiple types of facilities (for example, a solar power generation facility and a wind power generation facility).

[0058] (3) Note that the configurations disclosed in each of the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments (including combinations of the embodiments described as other embodiments) as long as no contradiction occurs. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1: power utilization facility (facility that utilizes power), 2: power consumption equipment, 3: parking lot, 4: power grid, 5: grid power receiving equipment, 6: power generation equipment, 10: mobile power supply device, 11: power storage unit, 20: vehicle, 30: power transfer device, 40: control device, 100: power supply system

Claims

1. A mobile power supply device that moves within a parking lot provided in association with a facility that uses electricity and supplies power to vehicles in the parking lot; a power transfer device electrically connected to the mobile power supply device for transferring power between the mobile power supply device and the power transfer device; A power supply system including: a control device that controls the mobile power supply device and the power transfer device; The power transfer device is electrically connected to a system power receiving equipment, a power generation equipment, and a power consumption equipment provided in the facility, The system power receiving equipment is equipment that receives power from a power system of a power company, The power generation facility is a facility that generates power using renewable energy, The power consumption facility is a facility that consumes power, The mobile power supply device includes a power storage unit that stores power, the next operating time period of the facility is defined as a next operating time period, a time period other than the operating time period is defined as a non-operating time period, a predicted value of the amount of power used by the mobile power supply device in the next operating time period is defined as a predicted amount of power usage, and a predicted value of the amount of surplus power of the facility in the next operating time period, which is determined based on a predicted amount of power consumption that is a predicted value of the amount of power consumption of the power consumption equipment in the next operating time period and a predicted amount of power generation that is a predicted value of the amount of power generation of the power generation equipment in the next operating time period, is defined as a predicted amount of surplus power, The control device performs a predictive charging process to charge the power storage unit with the required amount of power during the non-operating time period from the grid power receiving equipment via the power transfer device, the required amount being determined based on a value obtained by subtracting the predicted surplus power amount and the remaining charge amount of the power storage unit from the predicted amount of power usage.

2. when the current time is within the operating time slot, the control device repeatedly performs a comparison process of comparing a sum of the latest predicted surplus energy amount and the current remaining charge amount with the latest predicted amount of energy usage, the latest predicted amount of energy usage being a predicted value of the amount of energy used by the mobile power supply device for the remaining time of a current operating time slot to which the current time belongs, a latest predicted surplus energy amount being a predicted value of the amount of surplus energy of the facility for the remaining time, and a current remaining charge amount being the remaining charge amount of the power storage unit at the current time, 2. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein, when the comparison process shows that the latest predicted amount of power usage is greater than a sum of the latest predicted amount of surplus power and the current remaining charge amount, an additional charging process is performed to charge the power storage unit from the grid power receiving equipment via the power transfer device.

3. 3. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the predicted amount of power usage is a total amount of power: a predicted value of an amount of power to be used for power supply from the mobile power supply device to the vehicle in the next operation time period; and a predicted value of an amount of power to be used for operation of the mobile power supply device in the next operation time period.

4. the required amount of power is a value obtained by subtracting the predicted surplus amount of power and the remaining charge amount of the power storage unit from the predicted amount of power usage, and adding a margin to the value, 4. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the surplus amount is determined based on a value obtained by adding a predicted maximum value of an error on a positive side of the predicted amount of power usage and a predicted maximum value of an error on a negative side of the predicted amount of surplus power.

5. 5. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein, when the predicted surplus power amount is zero or a negative value in the predictive charging process, the control device charges the power storage unit so that the power storage unit is fully charged.

6. A power supply method in a power supply system including a mobile power supply device that moves within a parking lot provided in association with a facility that uses power and supplies power to vehicles in the parking lot, and a power transfer device that is electrically connected to the mobile power supply device and transfers power to and from the mobile power supply device, The power transfer device is electrically connected to a system power receiving equipment, a power generation equipment, and a power consumption equipment provided in the facility, The system power receiving equipment is equipment that receives power from a power system of a power company, The power generation facility is a facility that generates power using renewable energy, The power consumption facility is a facility that consumes power, The mobile power supply device includes a power storage unit that stores power, the next operating time period of the facility is defined as a next operating time period, a time period other than the operating time period is defined as a non-operating time period, a predicted value of the amount of power used by the mobile power supply device in the next operating time period is defined as a predicted amount of power usage, and a predicted value of the amount of surplus power of the facility in the next operating time period, which is determined based on a predicted amount of power consumption that is a predicted value of the amount of power consumption of the power consumption equipment in the next operating time period and a predicted amount of power generation that is a predicted value of the amount of power generation of the power generation equipment in the next operating time period, is defined as a predicted amount of surplus power, the power storage unit is charged with a required amount of power determined based on a value obtained by subtracting the predicted surplus power amount and a remaining charge amount of the power storage unit from the predicted amount of power usage, from the grid power receiving equipment via the power transfer device during the non-operating time period.

7. A power supply program for controlling a power supply system including a mobile power supply device that moves within a parking lot provided in association with a facility that uses power and supplies power to vehicles in the parking lot, and a power transfer device that is electrically connected to the mobile power supply device and transfers power to and from the mobile power supply device, The power transfer device is electrically connected to a system power receiving equipment, a power generation equipment, and a power consumption equipment provided in the facility, The system power receiving equipment is equipment that receives power from a power system of a power company, The power generation facility is a facility that generates power using renewable energy, The power consumption facility is a facility that consumes power, The mobile power supply device includes a power storage unit that stores power, the next operating time period of the facility is defined as a next operating time period, a time period other than the operating time period is defined as a non-operating time period, a predicted value of the amount of power used by the mobile power supply device in the next operating time period is defined as a predicted amount of power usage, and a predicted value of the amount of surplus power of the facility in the next operating time period, which is determined based on a predicted amount of power consumption that is a predicted value of the amount of power consumption of the power consumption equipment in the next operating time period and a predicted amount of power generation that is a predicted value of the amount of power generation of the power generation equipment in the next operating time period, is defined as a predicted amount of surplus power, A power supply program for causing a computer to realize a predictive charging function in which a required amount of power is charged from the grid power receiving equipment to the power storage unit via the power transfer device during the non-operating time period, the required amount being determined based on a value obtained by subtracting the predicted surplus power amount and the remaining charge amount of the power storage unit from the predicted amount of power usage.

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