Server and System

Abstract

To provide a server and a system capable of further promoting power control.SOLUTION: A server 20 includes a communication unit 23 for acquiring information on results in power control of an electric vehicle 30 through communication. A server 20 includes a processor 21 (control unit) for controlling the provision of benefits related to communication services to a user of the electric vehicle 30 based on the acquired information related to the results.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server and a system.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-139580 (Patent Document 1) discloses a charging device including a camera that reads the number of a parked vehicle. The charging device permits the use of the charging device when the read number is the vehicle number of a registered user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, merely permitting the use of the charging device by reading the number with a camera as in Patent Document 1 is unlikely to lead to the promotion of the use of power control (external charging and external power supply according to power demand and supply adjustment requirements) using the charging device. Therefore, it is desired to further promote the use of power control using the charging device.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a server and a system capable of further promoting power control.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The server according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is a server that manages a communication service for assisting an electric vehicle capable of power control including at least one of power supply to and charging from a power system. The server includes a communication unit that communicatively acquires information regarding the results of power control performed by the electric vehicle in response to a request from a power control server that manages power control, and a control unit that performs control to provide a privilege regarding the communication service to a user of the electric vehicle based on the acquired information regarding the results.

[0007] In the server according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, based on the acquired information regarding the results of power control, a privilege regarding the communication service is provided to the user of the electric vehicle. Thereby, the motivation of the user for power control can be increased by the privilege regarding the communication service. As a result, power control can be further promoted.

[0008] In the server according to the first aspect, preferably, the control unit performs control to discount the usage fee of the communication service based on the acquired information regarding the results. With this configuration, the motivation of the user for power control can be easily increased by the discount of the usage fee of the communication service.

[0009] In the server according to the first aspect, preferably, the control unit transmits, based on the acquired information regarding the results, a vehicle program for the communication service to the user's electric vehicle through the communication unit. With this configuration, the motivation of the user for power control can be easily increased by the provision of the vehicle program.

[0010] In this case, preferably, the electric vehicle has a first power control program. When the cumulative value of points accumulated by performing power control becomes equal to or greater than a first threshold value, the control unit transmits, through the communication unit, a second power control program, which is an updated version of the first power control program, to the user's electric vehicle. With this configuration, the motivation of the user of the electric vehicle having the first power control program for power control can be easily increased.

[0011] In the server according to the first aspect, preferably, the electric vehicle has a third power control program corresponding to at least one of normal charging and normal power feeding. When the accumulated value of points accumulated by performing power control reaches a second threshold value or more, the control unit transmits, through the communication unit, a fourth power control program corresponding to at least one of rapid charging and rapid power feeding to the user's electric vehicle. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily increase the user's willingness to perform power control of the electric vehicle having the third power control program.

[0012] In this case, preferably, the control unit performs control to provide the user with a vehicle connector corresponding to at least one of rapid charging and rapid power feeding. With such a configuration, since the user does not need to purchase the vehicle connector by himself / herself, the labor and cost of the user can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the user's willingness to perform power control.

[0013] In the server according to the first aspect, preferably, the electric vehicle includes a light emitting unit that emits light in a predetermined color. When the accumulated value of points accumulated by performing power control reaches a third threshold value or more, the control unit transmits, through the communication unit, a color change program for changing the color of the light emitting unit to the user's electric vehicle. With such a configuration, since the atmosphere inside the vehicle can be changed by changing the color of the light emitting unit, it is possible to easily increase the user's willingness to perform power control who wants to change the atmosphere inside the vehicle.

[0014] In the server according to the first aspect, preferably, the communication unit communicates with the user's mobile terminal in which the travel plan of the electric vehicle is stored. With such a configuration, based on the travel plan of the electric vehicle, it is possible to notify the user of the position, time, etc. at which power control can be performed.

[0015] In the server according to the first aspect, preferably, the electric vehicle includes a navigation system and is capable of power control by being electrically connected to a power stand. The control unit performs control to notify the user of the electric vehicle of the position of the power stand through the navigation system. With this configuration, since the position of the power stand can be easily understood by the navigation system, it becomes easier to perform power control at the power stand. As a result, power control can be further promoted.

[0016] The system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes the server according to the first aspect and an electric vehicle. The server transmits a vehicle program for a communication service for assisting the electric vehicle to the electric vehicle, and the electric vehicle performs a process of updating its own program with the transmitted vehicle program. Thereby, it is possible to easily increase the user's willingness to perform power control by providing the vehicle program. As a result, it is possible to provide a system capable of further promoting power control.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present disclosure, power control can be further promoted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] 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 denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system 100 provided with a server 20 according to this embodiment. The system 100 includes a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) server 10, a server 20, an electric vehicle 30, an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) 40, a dealer 50, a system management server 60, and a power grid PG. In FIG. 1, each of the electric vehicle 30, the EVSE 40, and the dealer 50 is shown as one, but a plurality of each may be provided. Further, the EVSE 40 is an example of the "power stand" of the present disclosure.

[0021] The electric vehicle 30 is configured to be capable of charging and discharging with respect to the power grid PG. In other words, the electric vehicle 30 can supply power (external power supply) to the power grid PG and charge from the power grid PG (external charging). Hereinafter, the above power supply and charging are collectively referred to as "power control". The above power control can be performed through the EVSE 40. The VPP server 10 manages the power control by the electric vehicle 30. The electric vehicle 30 includes, for example, a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), and an FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). The VPP server 10 is an example of the "power control server" of the present disclosure.

[0022] The power grid PG is a power grid constructed by a power plant and power transmission and distribution facilities (not shown). In this embodiment, the power company also serves as a power generation company and a power transmission and distribution company. The power company corresponds to a general power transmission and distribution company and maintains and manages the power grid PG. The power company corresponds to the administrator of the power grid PG.

[0023] The system management server 60 manages the supply and demand of the power grid PG (power system). Also, the system management server 60 belongs to the power company. The system management server 60 transmits a request (supply and demand adjustment request) for adjusting the power demand of the power grid PG to the VPP server 10 based on the power generation and consumption by each power adjustment resource managed by the system management server 60. Specifically, when it is expected (or is currently) that the generated power or consumed power of the above power adjustment resource is larger than normal, the system management server 60 transmits a request to the VPP server 10 to increase or decrease the power demand more than normal.

[0024] The VPP server 10 is a server managed by the aggregator. An aggregator is an electric utility that bundles a plurality of power adjustment resources such as regions or predetermined facilities to provide an energy management service.

[0025] As one means to increase or decrease the power demand of the power grid PG, the VPP server 10 requests (asks) the electric vehicle 30 to perform power control. The VPP server 10 transmits a request signal for making the above request to the electric vehicle 30 or a mobile terminal 70 owned by the user of the electric vehicle 30.

[0026] Also, the VPP server 10 is configured to manage information on a plurality of registered electric vehicles 30 (hereinafter also referred to as "vehicle information"), information on each registered user (hereinafter also referred to as "user information"), and information on registered EVSEs 40 (hereinafter also referred to as "EVSE information"). The user information, vehicle information, and EVSE information are distinguished by identification information (ID) and stored in a memory (not shown) of the VPP server 10.

[0027] The user ID is identification information for identifying a user, and also functions as information (terminal ID) for identifying the mobile terminal 70 carried by the user. The VPP server 10 is configured to save the information received from the mobile terminal 70 separately for each user ID. The user information includes the communication address of the mobile terminal 70 carried by the user and the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle 30 belonging to the user.

[0028] The vehicle ID is identification information for identifying the electric vehicle 30. The vehicle ID may be a license plate or a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The vehicle information includes the action plan of each electric vehicle 30.

[0029] The EVSE-ID is identification information for identifying the EVSE 40. The EVSE information includes the communication address of each EVSE 40 and the state of the electric vehicle 30 connected to each EVSE 40. In addition, the EVSE information also includes information indicating the combination of the electric vehicle 30 and the EVSE 40 connected to each other (for example, the combination of the EVSE-ID and the vehicle ID).

[0030] The EVSE 40 means vehicle power supply equipment. The electric vehicle 30 is configured to be electrically connectable to the EVSE 40. For example, by connecting the charging cable 41 connected to the EVSE 40 to the connector 31 of the electric vehicle 30, it becomes possible to transfer electric power between the EVSE 40 and the electric vehicle 30.

[0031] The server 20 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, and a communication unit 23. The server 20 is a server that manages a communication service for supporting the electric vehicle 30. Note that the processor 21 is an example of the "control unit" of the present disclosure.

[0032] In addition to the program executed by the processor 21, the memory 22 stores information used in the program (for example, maps, mathematical formulas, and various parameters). The communication unit 23 includes various communication I / Fs. The processor 21 controls the communication unit 23.

[0033] In addition, the memory 22 stores a plurality of programs for the communication service. The plurality of programs include a program for providing traffic information, a program for providing accident / weather information, and a program for power control (external charging and external power supply), etc.

[0034] The communication unit 23 communicates with each of the VPP server 10, the electric vehicle 30, the dealer 50, and the mobile terminal 70.

[0035] The VPP server 10 records the performance (contribution degree) in the power control of the electric vehicle 30. Specifically, when the electric vehicle 30 performs power control, points corresponding to its contribution degree are given to each electric vehicle 30 (each user). Then, the above points are accumulated and recorded as the performance corresponding to the electric vehicle 30 (user).

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the processor 21 includes a point evaluation unit 21a, a privilege providing unit 21b, and an EVSE information providing unit 21c. Note that each of the point evaluation unit 21a, the privilege providing unit 21b, and the EVSE information providing unit 21c represents software that blocks the functional features of the processor 21.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1 again, the communication unit 23 of the server 20 acquires information regarding the performance (accumulated points) in the power control of the electric vehicle 30 from the VPP server 10. Then, the processor 21 (point evaluation unit 21a) compares the accumulated points with each threshold value described later.

[0038] Here, in the present embodiment, the processor 21 (privilege providing unit 21b) performs control to provide a privilege regarding the communication service to the user of the electric vehicle 30 based on the information regarding the performance in the power control of the electric vehicle 30 acquired by the communication unit 23.

[0039] Specifically, the above privilege includes discounting the usage fee of the above communication service. For example, the processor 21 (privilege providing unit 21b) performs control to reduce the monthly usage fee of the communication service corresponding to the electric vehicle 30 that has performed power control by a predetermined ratio.

[0040] Note that the processor 21 (privilege providing unit 21b) may discount the usage fee of the communication service only when, for example, the cumulative points change (increase) from 0. Also, the processor 21 (privilege providing unit 21b) may discount the usage fee of the communication service when the cumulative points reach a predetermined threshold (for example, 50P) or more. Further, the processor 21 (privilege providing unit 21b) may change the discount amount according to the change amount of the points.

[0041] Also, the processor 21 (privilege providing unit 21b) transmits a vehicle program for the communication service to the electric vehicle 30 through the communication unit 23. As a result, the transmitted vehicle program is installed in the electric vehicle 30. The electric vehicle 30 performs a process of updating its own program with the transmitted vehicle program.

[0042] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, when the cumulative points of the electric vehicle 30 reach a first threshold (for example, 200 points) or more, the processor 21 (privilege providing unit 21b) performs control to update the program for power control. Specifically, assume that the electric vehicle 30 has a charging program A and a charging program B, which is an updated version of the charging program A, is stored in the memory 22 of the server 20. When the cumulative points of the electric vehicle 30 reach the first threshold or more, the processor 21 (privilege providing unit 21b) provides (transmits) the charging program B to the electric vehicle 30 through the communication unit 23. Note that the charging program A is an example of the "first power control program" and the "third power control program" of the present disclosure. Also, the charging program B is an example of the "second power control program" and the "vehicle program" of the present disclosure.

[0043] Also, assume that the charging program A is a charging program corresponding to normal charging. When the cumulative points reach the second threshold value (for example, 300 points) or more, the processor 21 (privilege providing unit 21b) controls to provide (transmit) a charging program C corresponding to rapid charging to the electric vehicle 30 through the communication unit 23. The charging program C is a program stored in the memory 22 of the server 20. Note that the charging program C is an example of the "fourth power control program" and the "vehicle program" of the present disclosure.

[0044] In this case, the processor 21 (privilege providing unit 21b) controls to provide the vehicle connector 32 (see FIG. 4) corresponding to rapid charging to the user of the electric vehicle 30. Specifically, the processor 21 (privilege providing unit 21b) notifies the dealer 50 through the communication unit 23 that the vehicle connector 32 is to be provided to the user of the electric vehicle 30. Thereby, when the user comes to the dealer 50 by the electric vehicle 30, the vehicle connector 32 is attached to the electric vehicle 30. Note that the dealer 50 to which the above notification is made is, for example, the nearest dealer to the address of the user of the electric vehicle 30. Also, the above notification may be made to the nearest dealer 50 to the current position of the electric vehicle 30 detected by a position detection means or the like. Also, before making the above notification, the processor 21 may check the inventory status of the vehicle connector 32 with the dealer 50. Also, the vehicle connector 32 may be directly sent to the user's home or the like.

[0045] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the electric vehicle 30 includes a light emitting part 33a that emits light in a predetermined color (for example, red). For example, the light emitting part 33a is an annular part displayed on the outer peripheral part of the speedometer 33 of the electric vehicle 30.

[0046] Here, in the present embodiment, when the cumulative points reach the third threshold value (for example, 100P) or more, the processor 21 (privilege providing unit 21b) transmits, through the communication unit 23, a color change program for changing the color of the light emitting unit 33a to the electric vehicle 30. The light emitting unit 33a of the electric vehicle 30 in which the color change program is installed emits light in the color (for example, blue) specified in the color change program. Also, in the electric vehicle 30 in which the color change program is installed, the color of the light emitting unit 33a may be arbitrarily changed by the user. Note that the color change program is a program stored in the memory 22 of the server 20. Also, the color change program is an example of the "vehicle program" of the present disclosure.

[0047] Note that in the above, an example in which the color of the light emitting unit 33a of the speedometer 33 is changed has been shown, but the color of the light emitting unit of a part other than the speedometer 33 (for example, an in-vehicle LED) may be changed.

[0048] Also, in addition to the above charging programs B, C, and the color change program, various programs may be provided to the user as a privilege of power control.

[0049] Also, the electric vehicle 30 includes a navigation system 34 (see FIG. 1). The processor 21 (EVSE information providing unit 21c) performs control to notify the user of the electric vehicle 30 of the position of the EVSE 40 capable of power control through the navigation system 34. For example, the position of the EVSE 40 capable of power control may be displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the navigation system 34.

[0050] The processor 21 (EVSE information providing unit 21c) acquires the position information of the EVSE 40 capable of power control on the travel route based on the travel plan of the electric vehicle 30 stored in the mobile terminal 70. Then, the processor 21 (EVSE information providing unit 21c) provides the above position information to the user through the navigation system 34 before (or during) the travel of the electric vehicle 30.

[0051] In addition, the processor 21 may perform control to notify the user of the electric vehicle 30 of information on the cumulative points held by the current electric vehicle 30 (user) through the navigation system 34 of the electric vehicle 30, information on privileges provided according to the cumulative points, and the like.

[0052] As described above, in the present embodiment, the processor 21 performs control to provide the user of the electric vehicle 30 with a privilege related to the communication service based on the information on the obtained results of power control. Thereby, the power control can be activated by the user who attempts to improve the above results for the purpose of the privilege.

[0053] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example in which various programs stored in the memory 22 of the server 20 are provided to the electric vehicle 30 has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, various programs stored in the cloud may be provided (transmitted) to the electric vehicle 30 based on the control of the processor 21. Further, various programs may be transmitted to the user's mobile terminal 70.

[0054] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example in which the server 20 provides a discount on the communication service fee and provides various programs as a privilege for power control has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, money may be paid to the user who has performed power control.

[0055] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example in which charging programs (B, C) are provided as a privilege for power control has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. A power supply program may be provided as a privilege for power control. Further, both a power supply program and a charging program may be provided.

[0056] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example in which various programs are directly transmitted to the electric vehicle 30 has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the dealer 50 may be notified that various programs are provided to the electric vehicle 30. Then, when the electric vehicle 30 visits the dealer 50, the program may be rewritten at the dealer 50.

[0057] Also, the privileges provided may not be uniformly fixed for each accumulated point. For example, the privileges provided for each vehicle type (or for each user) may be different from each other.

[0058] Also, in the above embodiment, an example where the VPP server 10 calculates the accumulated points is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The server 20 may obtain the point information for each power control from the VPP server 10 and calculate the accumulated points based on the above point information.

[0059] Also, in the above embodiment, an example where the electric vehicle 30 can perform both external charging and external power feeding is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The electric vehicle 30 may be capable of performing only one of external charging and external power feeding.

[0060] Also, in the above embodiment, an example where the communication unit 23 of the server 20 directly obtains the information on the results (accumulated points) of power control from the VPP server 10 is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The communication unit 23 of the server 20 may obtain the above results (accumulated points) information from the VPP server 10 through the electric vehicle 30 or the mobile terminal 70.

[0061] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0062] 10 VPP server (power control server), 20 server, 21 processor (control unit), 23 communication unit, 30 electric vehicle, 32 vehicle connector, 33a light emitting unit, 35 navigation system, 40 EVSE (power stand), 70 mobile terminal, 100 system, PG power grid.

Claims

1. A server that manages a communication service for assisting an electric vehicle capable of power control including at least one of power supply to a power system and charging from the power system, a communication unit that communicatively acquires information regarding the results of the power control performed by the electric vehicle in response to a request from a power control server that manages the power control, and a control unit that performs control to provide a privilege regarding the communication service to a user of the electric vehicle based on the acquired information regarding the results. The server is provided with: a server, wherein the control unit transmits, through the communication unit, a vehicle program for the communication service to the user's electric vehicle based on the acquired information regarding the results.

2. The server according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control to discount a usage fee of the communication service based on the acquired information regarding the results.

3. The electric vehicle has a first power control program, and the server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the cumulative value of points accumulated by performing the power control becomes equal to or greater than a first threshold value, the control unit transmits, through the communication unit, a second power control program, which is an updated version of the first power control program, to the user's electric vehicle.

4. The electric vehicle has a third power control program corresponding to at least one of normal charging and normal power supply, and the server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the cumulative value of points accumulated by performing the power control becomes equal to or greater than a second threshold value, the control unit transmits, through the communication unit, a fourth power control program corresponding to at least one of rapid charging and rapid power supply to the user's electric vehicle.

5. The server according to claim 4, wherein the control unit performs control to provide the user with a vehicle connector corresponding to at least one of the rapid charging and the rapid power supply.

6. The electric vehicle includes a light emitting unit that emits light in a predetermined color, and the server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the cumulative value of points accumulated by performing the power control becomes equal to or greater than a third threshold value, the control unit transmits, through the communication unit, a color change program for changing the color of the light emitting unit to the user's electric vehicle.

7. The server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication unit communicates with a portable terminal of the user in which a travel plan of the electric vehicle is stored. Claim 8 The electric vehicle includes a navigation system and is capable of the power control by being electrically connected to a power stand, wherein the control unit performs control to notify a user of the electric vehicle of the position of the power stand through the navigation system. The server according to claim 1 or 2. Claim 9 A system comprising the server according to claim 1 and an electric vehicle, wherein the server transmits a vehicle program for a communication service for assisting the electric vehicle to the electric vehicle, and the electric vehicle performs a process of updating its own program with the transmitted vehicle program.

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