Server, system, and management method

Abstract

To provide a server capable of effectively making use of a power controller not in use.SOLUTION: A server 100 comprises a communicating section 103 (first acquiring section) that acquires information about a use situation of an EVSE 20 by a user 22 (first user) who uses the EVSE 20 (power controller) in ordinary times. Also, the server 100 comprises a processor 101 (control section) that performs control for lending the EVSE 20 to a user 11 (second user) different from the user 22 in a time zone the user 22 does not use the EVSE 20, based on information about the use situation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-093658 (Patent Document 1) discloses a charging device provided at a user's home. A vehicle is charged by being connected to the charging device via a charging cable. Also, when the vehicle goes out, it is charged by being connected to a charging device at the destination.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above Patent Document 1, when the vehicle goes out, the charging device at home is not used. Therefore, it is desired to effectively utilize the unused charging device (power controller).

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a server, a system, and a management method capable of effectively utilizing an unused power controller.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The server according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is a server that manages at least one power controller capable of power control including at least one of power supply from an electric vehicle to a power system and charging from the power system to the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle can execute power control by being electrically connected to the power controller. The server includes a first acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the usage status of the power controller by a first user who uses the power controller during normal times, and a control unit that performs control to lend the power controller to a second user different from the first user during a time period when the first user does not use the power controller based on the information regarding the usage status.

[0007] In the server according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, control is performed to lend the power controller to a second user different from the first user during a time period when the first user does not use the power controller. As a result, the power controller can be used by the second user during a time period when it is not used by the first user. As a result, the unused power controller can be effectively utilized.

[0008] In the server according to the first aspect, preferably, the control unit performs control to transmit the position information of the power controller to the second user. As a result, the second user can easily grasp the position of the power controller. As a result, the unused power controller can be utilized more effectively.

[0009] In this case, preferably, the control unit performs control to transmit the position information of the power controller to the second user who has requested the use of the power controller. As a result, the unused power controller can be effectively utilized while satisfying the needs of the second user who wishes to use the power controller.

[0010] In the server according to the first aspect, preferably, the control unit posts information on the unused power controller by the first user on an Internet bulletin board. As a result, the second user can easily acquire information on the unused power controller by the first user by using the Internet.

[0011] In this case, preferably, the at least one power controller includes a plurality of power controllers. When the plurality of power controllers are not being used by the first user, the control unit posts information of each of the plurality of power controllers on a bulletin board. With this configuration, the second user can easily obtain information on the plurality of power controllers not being used by the first user by using the Internet.

[0012] In the server that posts information on the plurality of power controllers on the bulletin board, preferably, the control unit controls the priority of lending the plurality of power controllers to the second user by controlling the posting order of the plurality of power controllers on the bulletin board. With this configuration, the power controller with a higher priority can be preferentially lent to the second user.

[0013] In this case, preferably, the control unit controls the posting order so that the power controllers installed in locations with less traffic among the plurality of power controllers are posted higher on the bulletin board. With this configuration, the usage frequency of the power controllers installed in locations with less traffic can be increased, and the usage frequency of the power controllers installed in locations with more traffic can be decreased. As a result, traffic congestion can be suppressed.

[0014] In the server that controls the priority according to the posting order, preferably, the electric vehicle performs power control in response to the power supply and demand adjustment requirements in each of the plurality of regions, and the control unit controls the posting order so that the power controllers in the regions with greater power supply and demand adjustment requirements among the plurality of power controllers are posted higher on the bulletin board. With this configuration, the frequency of power control can be increased in the regions with greater power supply and demand adjustment requirements. As a result, the power supply and demand adjustment requirements can be easily satisfied.

[0015] In a server that posts information of the plurality of power controllers on a bulletin board, preferably, the plurality of power controllers include a first controller that is posted on the bulletin board when not used by a first user, and a second controller that is not posted on the bulletin board even when not used by the first user. When the supply of the first controller is insufficient for the demand of the plurality of power controllers, the control unit performs control to request the first user who normally uses the second controller to lend the second controller. With this configuration, when the supply of the first controller is insufficient for the demand of the power controller, the second controller can be lent to the first user who cannot borrow the first controller.

[0016] In a server that posts information of the power controller on an Internet bulletin board, preferably, the control unit posts information on the size of the vehicle body that can be parked in the parking lot where the power controller is installed on the bulletin board. With this configuration, the second user can easily select the power controller to be used based on the information on the size of the vehicle body.

[0017] In the server according to the first aspect, preferably, a second acquisition unit that acquires information on each of the planned travel route and the planned travel time zone of the electric vehicle is further provided. The at least one power controller includes a plurality of power controllers. When the plurality of power controllers are not used by the first user, the control unit selects a power controller to be lent to the second user based on at least one of the planned travel route and the planned travel time zone. With this configuration, an appropriate (optimal) power controller can be proposed to the second user based on at least one of the planned travel route and the planned travel time zone of the second user. As a result, the convenience for the second user can be increased.

[0018] In the server according to the first aspect, preferably, the control unit requests the first user of the power controller in an area where the frequency of lending the power controller to the second user is higher than a predetermined standard to perform control so that the power controller can be lent even during late night hours. With this configuration, in an area where the lending frequency of the power controller is relatively high, the time during which the power controller can be lent can be extended.

[0019] The system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes a power controller capable of power control including at least one of power supply to the power grid and charging from the power grid, a server that manages the power controller, and an electric vehicle capable of performing power control by being electrically connected to the power controller. The server acquires information regarding the usage status of the power controller by the first user who normally uses the power controller, and based on the information regarding the usage status, performs control to lend the power controller to a second user different from the first user during a time period when the first user does not use the power controller.

[0020] In the system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, control is performed to lend the power controller to a second user different from the first user during a time period when the first user does not use the power controller. As a result, the power controller can be used by the second user during a time period when the power controller is not used by the first user. As a result, it is possible to provide a system capable of effectively utilizing the unused power controller.

[0021] The management method according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is a management method using a server that manages a power controller capable of power control including at least one of power supply from an electric vehicle to a power system and charging from the power system to the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle can execute power control by being electrically connected to the power controller. The management method includes a step of acquiring information regarding the usage status of the power controller by a first user who uses the power controller during normal times, and a step of performing control for lending the power controller to a second user different from the first user during a time period when the first user does not use the power controller, based on the information regarding the usage status.

[0022] In the management method according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, control for lending the power controller to a second user different from the first user is performed during a time period when the first user does not use the power controller. Thereby, the power controller can be used by the second user during a time period when the power controller is not used by the first user. As a result, it is possible to provide a management method capable of effectively utilizing the unused power controller.

Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the present disclosure, an unused power controller can be effectively utilized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] 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.

[0026] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system 1 according to the first embodiment. The system 1 includes a power grid PG, a server 100, an electric vehicle 10, and a plurality of EVSEs (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) 20. The server 100 manages the plurality of EVSEs 20. Note that the EVSE 20 is an example of the "power controller" of the present disclosure.

[0027] The EVSE 20 can supply power from the electric vehicle 10 to the power grid PG (external power supply) and charge the electric vehicle 10 from the power grid PG (external charging). Hereinafter, external power supply and external charging may be collectively referred to as power control. The electric vehicle 10 can execute power control by being electrically connected to the EVSE 20.

[0028] The EVSE 20 includes an EVSE 20A, an EVSE 20B, an EVSE 20C, and an EVSE 20D. The EVSE 20A, EVSE 20B, EVSE 20C, and EVSE 20D are respectively provided (installed together) in houses 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D. Note that each of the EVSE 20A, EVSE 20B, and EVSE 20C is an example of the "first controller" of the present disclosure. Also, the EVSE 20D is an example of the "second controller" of the present disclosure.

[0029] Note that the EVSE 20 is normally used by the user 22. Specifically, the EVSE 20A, EVSE 20B, EVSE 20C, and EVSE 20D are each normally used by the user 22A, user 22B, user 22C, and user 22D, respectively. For example, the users 22A to 22D are the residents of the houses 21A to 21D, respectively. Note that the normal time means, for example, that the user 22A is staying at the house 21A (that is, the vehicle of the user 22A is parked at the house 21A).

[0030] The electric vehicle 10 includes, for example, a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), and an FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). Note that the electric vehicle 10 is used by the user 11. The user 11 does not use the EVSE 20 normally.

[0031] The power system PG is a power grid constructed by a power plant and power transmission and distribution facilities (not shown). In the first embodiment, the power company serves as both 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 system PG. The power company corresponds to the administrator of the power system PG.

[0032] In addition, the server 100 is configured to manage the information of the registered electric vehicle 10 (hereinafter, also referred to as "vehicle information"), the information of the registered user (hereinafter, also referred to as "user information"), and the information of the registered EVSE 20 (hereinafter, also referred to as "EVSE information"). The user information, vehicle information, and EVSE information are distinguished by identification information (ID) and stored in the memory 102 of the server 100.

[0033] The user ID is identification information for identifying a user and also functions as information (terminal ID) for identifying a portable terminal (not shown) carried by the user. The server 100 is configured to distinguish and store the information received from the portable terminal for each user ID. The user information includes the communication address of the portable terminal carried by the user and the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle 10 belonging to the user.

[0034] The vehicle ID is identification information for identifying the electric vehicle 10. The vehicle ID may be a license plate or a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The vehicle information includes the action plan of the electric vehicle 10.

[0035] The EVSE-ID is identification information for identifying the EVSE 20. The EVSE information includes the communication address of the EVSE 20 and the state of the electric vehicle 10 connected to the EVSE 20. Further, the EVSE information also includes information indicating the combination of the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20 connected to each other (for example, the combination of the EVSE-ID and the vehicle ID).

[0036] The server 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, and a communication unit 103. Note that the processor 101 is an example of the "control unit" of the present disclosure. Also, the communication unit 103 is an example of the "first acquisition unit" and the "second acquisition unit" of the present disclosure.

[0037] In addition to the program executed by the processor 101, the memory 102 stores information used in the program (for example, maps, mathematical formulas, and various parameters). The communication unit 103 includes various communication I / Fs. The processor 101 controls the communication unit 103.

[0038] The communication unit 103 can communicate with a DCM (Data Communication Module) (not shown) of the electric vehicle 10 and each of the EVSEs 20A to 20D. Also, the server 100 can use (access) the Internet 200 through the communication unit 103. The communication unit 103 acquires information on each of the planned travel route and the planned travel time zone of the electric vehicle 10. Note that the communication unit 103 acquires each of the above information by communication from a DCM (not shown) of the electric vehicle 10 and a terminal (not shown) owned by the user 11.

[0039] The communication unit 103 acquires information regarding the usage status of the EVSE 20 by the user 22 who normally uses the EVSE 20. For example, the communication unit 103 acquires information regarding the usage status of the EVSE 20 by detecting the usage state (power state) of the EVSE 20. Also, the above usage status includes information on the current usage state and information on future usage plans.

[0040] Here, in the conventional system, due to the occurrence of a time zone when the EVSE is not used (not planned to be used), the EVSE may not be effectively utilized.

[0041] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the processor 101 performs control to lend the EVSE 20 to a user 11 different from the user 22 during a time zone when the user 22 does not use the EVSE 20, based on the information regarding the usage status of the EVSE 20.

[0042] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the processor 101 posts information on the EVSE 20 not used by the user 22 on the bulletin board 201 of the Internet 200. In FIG. 2, an example is shown where at the current time, each of the EVSEs 20A and 20B is not used by the user 22 (22A, 22B) and can be lent out. Also, information on the EVSE 20C, which is currently being used by the user 22C and thus cannot be lent out, is posted on the bulletin board 201 shown in FIG. 2.

[0043] Note that the EVSE20D is an EVSE that is not currently being used by the user 22D and is not posted on the bulletin board 201. The EVSE20D is set (by contract, etc.) so that it is not posted on the bulletin board 201 even if it is not currently in use. Note that there may be multiple EVSE20s (20D) that are not posted on the bulletin board 201 even if they are not currently in use.

[0044] Various information regarding the rentable EVSE20 is posted on the bulletin board 201. Specifically, the location information (address) of the rentable EVSE20 is posted on the bulletin board 201.

[0045] In addition, information on the vehicle body size that can be parked in the parking lot where the rentable EVSE20 is installed is posted on the bulletin board 201. In the bulletin board 201 shown in FIG. 2, it is shown that there is no restriction on the vehicle body size that can be parked in the parking lot where the EVSE20A is installed. On the other hand, in the bulletin board 201 shown in FIG. 2, it is shown that there are restrictions on the vehicle body size (total length and vehicle width) in the parking lot where the EVSE20B is installed.

[0046] In addition, information on the specifications of the rentable EVSE20 (specifications related to charging and discharging, communication specifications, etc.) is posted on the bulletin board 201. In the bulletin board 201 shown in FIG. 2, it is posted that the EVSE20A and 20B support normal charging and rapid charging, respectively.

[0047] In addition, information on the available time of the rentable EVSE20 is posted on the bulletin board 201. In the bulletin board 201 shown in FIG. 2, it is posted that the EVSE20A and 20B are available until 15:00 and 20:00, respectively, from now.

[0048] In addition, information about the non-rentable EVSE20 (20C) is posted on the bulletin board 201. In the bulletin board 201 shown in FIG. 2, information regarding the location of the EVSE20C, the vehicle body size that can be parked, and the specifications is posted. Also, on the bulletin board 201, information about the time when the currently non-rentable EVSE20C becomes available for use is posted. Specifically, in the bulletin board 201 shown in FIG. 2, it is posted that the EVSE20C will be available for use from 17:00.

[0049] In addition, the processor 101 controls the posting order of the plurality of EVSE20s on the bulletin board 201. Specifically, when there are a plurality of rentable EVSE20s, the processor 101 controls the posting order of the plurality of rentable EVSE20s. Note that when there are a plurality of non-rentable EVSE20s, the posting order of the non-rentable EVSE20s may be controlled.

[0050] Specifically, the processor 101 controls the posting order so that among the plurality of (rentable) EVSE20s, the EVSE20 installed in a place with less traffic volume (for example, a place far from the arterial road) is posted higher on the bulletin board 201. In the bulletin board 201 shown in FIG. 2, since the traffic volume at the location where the EVSE20A is installed is less than the traffic volume at the location where the EVSE20B is installed, the EVSE20A is posted higher than the EVSE20B. As a result, the EVSE20A is more likely to be rented out than the EVSE20B. In this way, the processor 101 can control the priority of renting out the plurality of EVSE20s to the user 11.

[0051] Here, the memory 102 (see FIG. 1) stores information regarding the traffic volume at the location where each EVSE20 is installed. The processor 101 controls the posting order of the EVSE20 based on the information regarding the traffic volume stored in the memory 102. Note that the server 100 may acquire the traffic volume information at the location where each EVSE20 is installed in real time (or at predetermined intervals) through the communication unit 103.

[0052] In addition, when the user 11 performs an operation of selecting any one of the rentable EVSEs 20 posted on the bulletin board 201 on the bulletin board 201, the user 11 is permitted to rent the EVSE 20. Note that it is possible not only to use from the current time but also to reserve the use from a predetermined time in the future. Also, the user 11 of the electric vehicle 10 can hope (apply) for a random rental of the EVSE 20 without specifying the type of the EVSE 20.

[0053] (Management method) Next, with reference to the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 3 to 5, a management method using the server 100 will be described. Note that in the sequences of FIGS. 3 to 5, it is assumed that there is at least one rentable EVSE 20.

[0054] First, in step S1, each of the plurality of EVSEs 20 transmits information regarding its own usage status to the server 100 (communication unit 103). Next, in step S2, the server 100 (communication unit 103) receives the information regarding the usage status transmitted from the EVSE 20 in step S1.

[0055] In step S3, the server 100 (processor 101) determines whether there is a shortage of rentable EVSEs 20 based on the information obtained in step S2. If it is determined that there is a shortage of EVSEs 20 (Yes in S3), the process proceeds to step S4. If it is determined that there is no shortage of EVSEs 20 (No in S3), the process proceeds to step S5. Note that the fact that there is a shortage of EVSEs 20 means that the rentable EVSEs 20 among the EVSEs 20A to 20C are insufficient for the demand for the EVSEs 20.

[0056] The determination method in step S3 will be specifically described. For example, when there is not a single available EVSE20, the server 100 (processor 101) determines that the available EVSE20 is insufficient. Also, the processor 101 is configured to be able to detect the number of users 11 viewing the bulletin board 201, and when it detects that the number of detected users 11 is greater than the number of available EVSE20, it may determine that the available EVSE20 is insufficient. Note that when the number of users 11 viewing the bulletin board 201 is equal to or more than a predetermined number, it may be determined that the EVSE20 is insufficient. Also, when the number of users who wish to borrow an unspecified EVSE20 (the server 100 randomly selects the EVSE20 to be lent out) is greater than the number of available EVSE20, it may be determined that the EVSE20 is insufficient.

[0057] In step S4, the processor 101 performs control to request the user 22D who normally uses the EVSE20D to lend out (release) the EVSE20D. When the above request is approved by the user 22D, the information of the EVSE20D is posted on the bulletin board 201. After step S4, the process proceeds to step S5. Note that when there are multiple users 22D (EVSE20D), in the second and subsequent executions of step S4, a lending request is made to a user 22D different from the previous one.

[0058] In step S5, the processor 101 sets a higher priority for the EVSE20 with less traffic at the location where the EVSE20 is installed among the available EVSE20. Next, in step S6, the processor 101 controls the posting order (see Figure 2) so that the EVSE20 with a higher priority set in step S5 is posted higher on the bulletin board 201.

[0059] In step S7, it is assumed that the user 11 of the electric vehicle 10 applies to use a specific EVSE20. Hereinafter, it will be described assuming that the user 11 applies to use the EVSE20A.

[0060] In step S8, the processor 101 transmits, via the communication unit 103, the detailed location information of the EVSE 20A for which an application for use was made in step S7 to the electric vehicle 10 (or the terminal of the user 11).

[0061] In step S9, the location information transmitted in step S8 is displayed on the navigation system 12 (see FIG. 6) of the electric vehicle 10. The location information displayed on the navigation system 12 includes more detailed information than the location information displayed on the bulletin board (see FIG. 2). For example, the navigation system 12 displays up to the address information 12a of the location where the EVSE 20 is installed. Also, a map 12b indicating the location where the EVSE 20 is installed is displayed on the navigation system 12.

[0062] Further, a message for confirming whether to set the location based on the displayed location information as the destination is displayed on the navigation system 12. When the button 12c displayed as "Yes" is selected, the location based on the above location information is set as the destination. When the button 12d displayed as "No" is selected, the destination is not set. Note that the location based on the above location information may be automatically set as the destination without the above confirmation.

[0063] In step S10, the processor 101 determines whether the versions of the program for controlling the power of the electric vehicle 10 and the program for controlling the power of the EVSE 20A match (whether there is connection compatibility). Here, the program of the EVSE 20 is basically the latest version. Therefore, in step S10, the processor 101 determines whether the version of the program for controlling the power of the electric vehicle 10 is older than the version of the program for controlling the power of the EVSE 20A. If the above versions are different (Yes in S10), the process proceeds to step S11. If the above versions match (No in S10), the process of the server 100 ends.

[0064] In step S11, the processor 101 transmits, via the communication unit 103, a program with the same version as the version of the program for power control of the EVSE 20A to the electric vehicle 10. Then, in step S12, the program transmitted in step S11 is installed in the electric vehicle 10. As a result, the program for power control of the electric vehicle 10 is updated.

[0065] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the sequence of route A derived after step S4 in FIG. 3 will be described.

[0066] First, in step S21, it is assumed that the user 11 of the electric vehicle 10 applies for the use (rental) of the EVSE 20 without specifying the EVSE 20. In other words, the user 11 hopes that the EVSE 20 to be rented is randomly selected.

[0067] Next, in step S22, the server 100 (processor 101) determines whether there are multiple rentable EVSEs 20. If there are multiple rentable EVSEs 20 (Yes in S22), the process proceeds to step S23. If there are not multiple rentable EVSEs 20 (that is, if there is only one rentable EVSE 20) (No in S22), the process of route A ends.

[0068] Next, in step S23, the server 100 (processor 101) acquires, via the communication unit 103, information on the planned travel route and the planned travel time zone of the electric vehicle 10 (which applied for the use of an unspecified EVSE 20). Note that the process of step S23 may be completed before this timing.

[0069] Next, in step S24, the server 100 (processor 101) selects an EVSE 20 suitable for the planned travel route and the planned travel time zone obtained in step S23. Specifically, the EVSE 20 provided along the planned travel route, the EVSE 20 that can be rented out during the planned travel time zone, etc. are selected. At this time, a plurality of EVSEs 20 may be selected. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8 (see FIG. 3).

[0070] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a sequence of other controls by the server 100 will be described. Note that the control shown in FIG. 5 may be performed at an arbitrary timing.

[0071] First, in step S31, the server 100 (processor 101) determines whether there is an area where the rental frequency of the EVSE 20 is higher than a predetermined standard. For example, if there is an area where the EVSE 20 has been rented out a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times) or more in the most recent predetermined period (for example, one week), the processor 101 determines that the area is an area higher than the predetermined standard. If it is determined that there is an area higher than the predetermined standard (Yes in S31), the process proceeds to step S32. If it is determined that there is no area higher than the predetermined standard (No in S31), the process of step S31 is repeated.

[0072] Next, in step S32, the processor 101 performs control to request the user 22 of the EVSE 20 in the area where the rental frequency of the EVSE 20 is determined to be higher than the predetermined standard in step S31 to make the EVSE 20 available for rental even during late-night hours. Note that the request may be made to the user 22 of the EVSE 20 determined to have a rental frequency higher than the predetermined standard without considering the rental frequency for each area.

[0073] As described above, in the first embodiment, the processor 101 performs control to lend the EVSE 20 to the user 11 during a time period when the user 22 does not use the EVSE 20. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a time when the EVSE 20 is not used. As a result, the EVSE 20 can be effectively utilized.

[0074] Also, in the first embodiment, the processor 101 performs control to transmit the position information of the EVSE 20 to the user 22. Thereby, since the user 22 can easily use the EVSE 20, the EVSE 20 can be utilized more effectively.

[0075] [Second Embodiment] Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment in which the priority of the EVSE 20 to be lent is determined based on the traffic volume, the priority is determined based on the magnitude of the power supply and demand adjustment requirement. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and repeated description will not be given.

[0076] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system 2 according to the second embodiment. The system 2 includes a power grid PG, a server 300, an electric vehicle 10, a plurality of EVSEs 20, and a grid management server 400. Note that in the second embodiment, it is assumed that the plurality of EVSEs 20 are provided in different regions.

[0077] The system management server 400 manages the power supply and demand of the power grid PG (power grid). Also, the system management server 400 belongs to the power company. The system management server 400 transmits a request (supply-demand adjustment request) to the server 300 to adjust the power demand of the power grid PG based on the power generation and consumption by each power adjustment resource managed by the system management server 400. Specifically, when it is expected (or is currently) that the generated power of the above power adjustment resource is greater than normal, the system management server 400 transmits a request to the server 300 to increase the power demand more than normal. Also, when it is expected (or is currently) that the power consumption of the above power adjustment resource is greater than normal, the system management server 400 transmits a request to the server 300 to reduce the power demand more than normal.

[0078] The server 300 is a server managed by an aggregator. An aggregator is an electric utility that bundles multiple power adjustment resources such as regions or predetermined facilities to provide energy management services.

[0079] As one means to increase or decrease the power demand of the power grid PG, the server 300 requests (asks) the electric vehicle 10 to execute power control. The server 300 transmits a request signal for the above request to the electric vehicle 10 or a portable terminal (not shown) owned by the user of the electric vehicle 10. The electric vehicle 10 performs power control in response to the supply-demand adjustment requests for power in each of a plurality of regions.

[0080] The server 300 includes a processor 301, a memory 302, and a communication unit 303. Note that the processor 301 is an example of the "control unit" of the present disclosure. Also, the communication unit 303 is an example of the "first acquisition unit" and the "second acquisition unit" of the present disclosure.

[0081] (Management method) Next, with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 8, a management method using the server 300 will be described. In the sequence diagram of FIG. 8, the process of step S15 is performed instead of the process of step S5 in the sequence diagram (see FIG. 3) of the first embodiment. Note that the processes other than step S15 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0082] In step S15, the server 300 (processor 301) controls the posting order so that the EVSE 20 in the area with a greater power supply and demand adjustment requirement among the plurality of EVSEs 20 is posted higher on the bulletin board 201. The server 300 acquires information (such as the magnitude of the requirement) regarding the power supply and demand adjustment requirement in the area where each EVSE 20 is installed every predetermined time through the communication unit 303. Then, the processor 301 controls the posting order of the EVSE 20 on the bulletin board 201 based on the acquired information regarding the power supply and demand adjustment requirement.

[0083] Note that since the configurations and controls other than those described above are the same as those in the first embodiment, repeated description will not be given.

[0084] As described above, in the second embodiment, the processor 301 controls the posting order so that the EVSE 20 in the area with a greater power supply and demand adjustment requirement among the plurality of EVSEs 20 is posted higher on the bulletin board 201. Thereby, power control in the area with a large power supply and demand adjustment requirement can be further promoted.

[0085] In the first and second embodiments described above, an example is shown in which when there is an application for the use of a specific EVSE 20, the location information of the EVSE 20 is transmitted to the applying user 11. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the location information may be posted on the bulletin board 201 of the Internet 200. In this case, it may be controlled so that only the applying user can view the location information.

[0086] In the above-described first and second embodiments, an example in which information on the EVSE 20 not being used by the user 22 is posted on the bulletin board 201 has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the information on the EVSE 20 not being used by the user 22 may be transmitted to the user 11 of the electric vehicle 10 without being posted on the bulletin board 201.

[0087] In the above-described first and second embodiments, an example in which a program is transmitted to the electric vehicle 10 and the program of the electric vehicle 10 is updated has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A program may be transmitted to the EVSE 20 and the program of the EVSE 20 may be updated.

[0088] In the above-described first and second embodiments, an example in which the EVSE 20 with a high priority is posted at the top on the bulletin board 201 has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the information on the EVSE 20 with a high priority may be displayed largely on the bulletin board 201.

[0089] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is shown by the claims rather than the description of the above-described embodiments, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0090] 1, 2 System, 10 Electric vehicle, 11 User (second user), 20 EVSE (power controller), 20A, 20B, 20C EVSE (first controller), 20D EVSE (second controller), 22 User (first user), 100, 300 Server, 101, 301 Processor (control unit), 103, 303 Communication unit (first acquisition unit) (second acquisition unit), 200 Internet, 201 Bulletin board, PG Power system.

Claims

1. A server that manages at least one power controller capable of power control including at least one of power supply from an electric vehicle to a power system and charging from the power system to the electric vehicle, wherein the electric vehicle can execute the power control by being electrically connected to the power controller, the server, a first acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the usage status of the power controller by a first user who uses the power controller during normal times; a control unit that performs control to lend the power controller to a second user different from the first user during a time period when the first user does not use the power controller based on the information regarding the usage status, wherein the control unit performs control to request the first user of the power controller in an area where the frequency of lending the power controller to the second user is higher than a predetermined standard to make the power controller lendable even during late night hours.

2. The server according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control to transmit position information of the power controller to the second user.

3. The server according to claim 2, wherein the control unit performs control to transmit the position information of the power controller to the second user who has requested the use of the power controller.

4. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit posts information of the power controller not being used by the first user on an Internet bulletin board.

5. The at least one power controller includes a plurality of power controllers, and the server according to claim 4, wherein the control unit posts information of each of the plurality of power controllers on the bulletin board when the plurality of power controllers are not being used by the first user.

6. The server according to claim 5, wherein the control unit controls the posting order of the plurality of power controllers on the bulletin board to control the priority of lending the plurality of power controllers to the second user.

7. The server according to claim 6, wherein the control unit controls the posting order so that the power controllers installed in locations with less traffic among the plurality of power controllers are posted higher on the bulletin board.

8. The electric vehicle performs the power control in response to power supply and demand adjustment requirements in each of a plurality of regions. The server according to claim 6, wherein the control unit controls the posting order so that among the plurality of power controllers, the power controller in the area with a greater supply-demand adjustment request is posted higher on the bulletin board.

9. The plurality of power controllers include a first controller that is posted on the bulletin board when not used by the first user, and a second controller that is not posted on the bulletin board even when not used by the first user. The server according to claim 5, wherein the control unit, when the supply of the first controller is insufficient for the demand of the plurality of power controllers, performs control to request the first user who uses the second controller during normal times to lend the second controller.

10. The server according to claim 4, wherein the control unit posts information on the vehicle body size that can be parked in the parking lot where the power controller is installed on the bulletin board.

11. The server further includes a second acquisition unit that acquires information on each of the planned travel route and the planned travel time zone of the electric vehicle. The at least one power controller includes a plurality of power controllers. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit, when the plurality of power controllers are not used by the first user, selects a power controller to be lent to the second user based on at least one of the planned travel route and the planned travel time zone.

12. A power controller capable of power control including at least one of power supply to and charging from a power grid, A server that manages the power controller, An electric vehicle capable of executing the power control by being electrically connected to the power controller, and The server acquires information on the usage status of the power controller by a first user who uses the power controller during normal times, and based on the information on the usage status, performs control to lend the power controller to a second user different from the first user during a time zone when the first user does not use the power controller. The control is a control that requests the first user of the power controller in an area where the frequency of lending the power controller to the second user is higher than a predetermined standard to make the power controller lendable even during late night hours.

13. A management method using a server that manages a power controller capable of power control including at least one of power supply from an electric vehicle to a power system and charging from the power system to the electric vehicle, wherein the electric vehicle is capable of executing the power control by being electrically connected to the power controller, a step of obtaining information regarding the usage status of the power controller by a first user who uses the power controller during normal times; a step of performing control for lending the power controller to a second user different from the first user during a time period when the first user does not use the power controller, based on the information regarding the usage status; and the step of performing the control is a step of performing control to request the first user of the power controller in an area where the frequency of lending the power controller to the second user is higher than a predetermined standard to make it possible to lend the power controller even during late night hours.

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