Power supply system

Abstract

To provide a power supply system which can supply surplus power generated through a solar panel mounted in a vehicle to a power system at appropriate timing.SOLUTION: In a power supply system, a vehicle on which a solar panel is mounted can supply power generated through the solar panel to a power system. The power supply system comprises: a route retrieval unit which retrieves a recommended route which reaches a destination of the vehicle; a power generation prediction unit which predicts a power generation amount by the solar panel, on the basis of the recommended route and a sunlight forecast; a consumed power prediction unit which predicts a power consumption amount by the vehicle, on the basis of the recommended route; a use management unit which manages use of the power generated by the solar panel; and a display unit which displays the use. When the power generation amount predicted by the power generation prediction unit is greater than the power consumption amount predicted by the consumed power prediction unit, the use management unit displays the use on the display unit so that a user can select power supply to the power system as the use.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for supplying power from a distributed power source mounted on a vehicle. Patent Document 1 also discloses a solar cell as the distributed power source.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The inventors are considering a power supply system in which a general vehicle (not a vehicle for power supply service) equipped with a solar cell panel can supply surplus power generated by the solar cell panel to the power grid when moving to a destination.

[0005] Note that Patent Document 1 is a power supply system in which a power supply service provider dispatches a vehicle owned by the service provider to a reserved facility to supply power. Therefore, Patent Document 1 does not disclose anything about supplying surplus power generated by a solar cell panel mounted on a vehicle to the power grid when the vehicle moves to a destination.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a power supply system capable of supplying surplus power generated by a solar cell panel mounted on a vehicle to the power grid at an appropriate timing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A power supply system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a power supply system in which a vehicle equipped with a solar panel can supply power generated by the solar panel to a power grid, a route search unit that searches for a recommended route to the destination of the vehicle, a power generation prediction unit that predicts the amount of power generated by the solar panel based on the recommended route and the sunshine forecast, a power consumption prediction unit that predicts the amount of power consumed by the vehicle based on the recommended route, a usage management unit that manages the usage of the power generated by the solar panel, and a display unit that displays the usage, and when the amount of power generated predicted by the power generation prediction unit is greater than the amount of power consumed predicted by the power consumption prediction unit, the usage management unit causes the display unit to display the power supply to the power grid as the usage so that the user can select it.

[0008] In the power supply system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the amount of power generated predicted by the power generation prediction unit is greater than the amount of power consumed predicted by the power consumption prediction unit, the usage management unit causes the display unit to display the power supply to the power grid as the usage so that the user can select it. Therefore, the user can easily supply the surplus power generated by the solar panel mounted on the vehicle to the power grid at an appropriate timing.

[0009] When the power supply to the power grid is selected as the usage, the route search unit searches for a power receiving facility that can receive power from the vehicle on the recommended route, and the display unit may display the power receiving facility searched by the route search unit. With such a configuration, the user can easily find a power receiving facility on the recommended route to the destination.

[0010] The route search unit may propose, as the recommended route, a route among a plurality of routes to the destination for which the value obtained by subtracting the predicted power consumption from the predicted power generation amount is the largest. With such a configuration, the amount of power supplied to the power grid can be maximized.

[0011] When the remaining charge of the battery of the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value, the usage management unit may propose power supply to the power grid as the usage. With such a configuration, it is possible to prompt the user to supply power to the power grid only when the remaining charge of the battery is sufficient.

[0012] The power supply system may further include an incentive determination unit that gives more incentives to the user of the vehicle as the amount of power supplied to the power grid increases. With such a configuration, it is possible to promote power generation by the solar cell panel mounted on the vehicle.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a power supply system capable of supplying surplus power generated by a solar cell panel mounted on a vehicle to the power grid at an appropriate timing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present disclosure is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, for clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings are simplified as appropriate.

[0016] (First Embodiment) <Configuration of Vehicle Mounted with Solar Panel> First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of a vehicle (solar panel mounted vehicle) equipped with a solar panel used in the power supply system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the solar panel mounted vehicle. The solar panel mounted vehicle 1 functions as a distributed power source that supplies power to the power grid in the power supply system according to the present embodiment.

[0017] Of course, the right-handed xyz orthogonal coordinates shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 described later are for convenience in explaining the positional relationship of the components. In the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2, the positive x-axis direction is the front side direction of the vehicle (i.e., the x-axis direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle), the y-axis direction is the vehicle width direction, and the positive z-axis direction is the vertically upward direction (i.e., the z-axis direction is the vehicle height direction).

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the solar panel mounted vehicle 1 includes solar panels 10a and 10b attached to the upper surface of the vehicle body. In the solar panel mounted vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1, the solar panel 10a is attached on the roof 1a, and the solar panel 10b is attached on the bonnet 1b.

[0019] Note that the configurations of the solar panels 10a and 10b shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples and are not limited in any way. For example, the solar panel mounted vehicle 1 may include either one of the solar panel 10a attached on the roof 1a and the solar panel 10b attached on the bonnet 1b. Further, the solar panel mounted vehicle 1 may include a solar panel attached to the side surface of the vehicle body such as a door instead of or in addition to the solar panels 10a and 10b attached to the upper surface of the vehicle body.

[0020] Although not shown, the electric power generated by the solar cell panels 10a and 10b is charged to batteries such as the main battery for running and the sub - battery for auxiliary equipment. The voltage of the main battery is, for example, 200V, and the electric power charged to the main battery is supplied to, for example, the driving motor. On the other hand, the voltage of the sub - battery is, for example, 12V, and the electric power charged to the sub - battery is supplied to auxiliary equipment such as headlights, winkers, air conditioners, car navigation systems, audio systems, and various control units.

[0021] Moreover, the vehicle 1 equipped with solar cell panels may be any vehicle as long as it has solar cell panels attached to the vehicle body. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 equipped with solar cell panels is not limited to electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, etc. that can be driven by electric power, and may also be an engine vehicle that can be driven by an engine.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, both the solar cell panels 10a and 10b are provided with a plurality of solar cells 11 arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction (y - axis direction) and the vehicle longitudinal direction (x - axis direction). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of solar cells 11 are arranged in a matrix.

[0023] Here, FIG. 2 is a schematic cross - sectional view of the solar cell panel 10a. As shown in FIG. 2, the solar cell panel 10a includes a solar cell 11, a sealing layer 12, a cover glass 13, and a backsheet 14. Note that the solar cell panel 10b also has the same configuration as the solar cell panel 10a. Also, the cross - sectional configuration of the solar cell panel 10a shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example and is not limited in any way.

[0024] The material of the solar cell 11 is a silicon - based material (for example, a crystalline silicon - based material). The solar cell 11 is, for example, a flat plate - shaped member having a rectangular shape in plan view in the xy plane. The upper surface (the main surface on the negative z - axis side) of the solar cell 11 is the light - receiving surface, and the lower surface (the main surface on the positive z - axis side) is the electrode surface. Electrodes (not shown) are formed on the lower surface. Note that in FIG. 2, the wiring connected to the electrodes formed on the solar cell 11 is also omitted.

[0025] As described above, the plurality of solar cells 11 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction (y-axis direction) and the vehicle longitudinal direction (x-axis direction). Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of solar cells 11 are sealed inside the sealing layer 12.

[0026] The sealing layer 12 is a resin layer that covers and protects the solar cell 11. The sealing layer 12 is composed of, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) resin. EVA resin is suitable as the sealing layer 12 in terms of transparency, flexibility, adhesiveness, etc. As shown in FIG. 2, the sealing layer 12 is sandwiched between the cover glass 13 and the backsheet 14. Note that the material constituting the sealing layer 12 is not limited to EVA resin, and may also be polyolefin resin, ionomer resin, etc.

[0027] The cover glass 13 is a glass plate that covers the upper surface of the sealing layer 12 and protects the solar cell 11. The cover glass 13 has transparency. The higher the transmittance of the cover glass 13, the higher the power generation efficiency of the solar cell 11, which is preferable. The cover glass 13 may be processed into a curved surface so as to follow the three-dimensional shape of the roof 1a of the vehicle 1 equipped with the solar panel to which it is attached.

[0028] The backsheet 14 covers the lower surface of the sealing layer 12 and protects the solar cell 11. The backsheet 14 is not particularly limited, but is composed of, for example, a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin. The backsheet 14 may also be processed into a curved surface so as to follow the three-dimensional shape of the roof 1a of the vehicle 1 equipped with the solar panel to which it is attached.

[0029] <Configuration of the power supply system> Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the power supply system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the power supply system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply system according to the present embodiment includes a management unit 100 and a display unit 200.

[0030] The management unit 100 is a computer that manages the power supply system according to the present embodiment. The management unit 100 is, for example, a server such as a cloud server, and is provided separately from the display unit 200. As shown in FIG. 3, the management unit 100 includes a power generation prediction unit 101, a power consumption prediction unit 102, an application management unit 103, a route search unit 104, and an incentive determination unit 105.

[0031] Although not shown, the management unit 100 includes, for example, an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a storage unit such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which various programs and data are stored. That is, the management unit 100 has functions as a computer, and executes various processes based on the above various programs and the like.

[0032] Therefore, each functional block of the power generation prediction unit 101, the power consumption prediction unit 102, the application management unit 103, the route search unit 104, and the incentive determination unit 105 in the management unit 100 shown in FIG. 3 can be configured by the above CPU, storage unit, and other circuits in terms of hardware. Also, each functional block can be realized by a program or the like stored in the storage unit in terms of software. That is, each functional block can be realized in various forms by hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the power generation prediction unit 101 acquires a sunshine forecast (for example, a weather forecast), and acquires the recommended route from the route search unit 104 and the power generation performance of the solar panels 10a and 10b mounted on the solar panel-equipped vehicle 1. The power generation prediction unit 101 can predict the sunshine amount on the recommended route, for example, based on the sunshine forecast and the recommended route, from the positional relationship between the buildings arranged on both sides of the recommended route (i.e., the road) and the sun.

[0034] Then, the power generation prediction unit 101 predicts the power generation amount by the solar panels 10a and 10b mounted on the solar panel-equipped vehicle 1 until it arrives at the destination via the recommended route, based on the sunshine amount and the power generation performance on the recommended route. The power generation prediction unit 101 transmits the predicted power generation amount (predicted power generation quantity) to the usage management unit 103.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the power consumption prediction unit 102 acquires the recommended route from the route search unit 104, and acquires the fuel consumption performance of the vehicle (for example, the power consumption per 1 km traveled) from the solar panel-equipped vehicle 1. Then, the power generation prediction unit 101 predicts the power consumption of the solar panel-equipped vehicle 1 until it arrives at the destination via the recommended route, based on the acquired recommended route and the fuel consumption performance. The power consumption prediction unit 102 transmits the predicted power consumption amount (predicted power consumption quantity) to the usage management unit 103.

[0036] The usage management unit 103 manages the usage of the power generated by the solar panels 10a and 10b mounted on the solar panel-equipped vehicle 1. Specifically, when the received predicted power generation amount is greater than the predicted power consumption amount (predicted power generation amount - predicted power consumption amount > 0), the usage management unit 103 transmits it to the display unit 200 for use as power supply to the power grid, and displays it so that the user can select it. When predicted power generation amount - predicted power consumption amount > 0 holds, it means that surplus power generated by the solar panels is generated. That is, the surplus power generated by the solar panels mounted on the vehicle can be supplied to the power grid at an appropriate timing.

[0037] In addition, the usage management unit 103 shown in FIG. 3 acquires the remaining charge of the battery of the vehicle 1 equipped with the solar panel, and when the remaining charge is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value, it proposes power supply to the power grid as a usage. The remaining charge of the battery is, for example, the SOC (State of Charge). For example, the above reference value is set to SOC = 80%. With such a configuration, it is possible to prompt the user to supply power to the power grid only when the remaining charge of the battery is sufficient. Note that the above reference value is determined as appropriate and is not limited in any way.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the route search unit 104 searches for a route to the destination based on the input destination information. That is, the route search unit 104 constitutes a navigation system. The destination information is input, for example, by the driver (i.e., the user) of the vehicle 1 equipped with the solar panel. The route search unit 104 transmits, for example, a recommended route to the display unit 200 from among a plurality of searched routes. The route search unit 104 may transmit all of the plurality of searched routes to the display unit 200.

[0039] Here, the route search unit 104 may propose, as a recommended route, a route for which the value obtained by subtracting the predicted power consumption amount by the power consumption prediction unit 102 from the predicted power generation amount by the power generation prediction unit 101 (predicted power generation amount - predicted power consumption amount) is the largest among the plurality of routes to the destination. When the value of (predicted power generation amount - predicted power consumption amount) is the largest, the amount of power supplied to the power grid can be maximized.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, when the user selects power supply to the power grid, the route search unit 104 searches for a power receiving facility capable of receiving power from the vehicle 1 equipped with the solar panel on the recommended route. In FIG. 3, the route search unit 104 receives a selection signal from the user indicating that power supply to the power grid is selected, and transmits the searched power receiving facility to the display unit 200. Then, the display unit 200 displays the power receiving facility searched by the route search unit 104.

[0041] Therefore, the vehicle 1 equipped with solar cell panels (i.e., the user) can easily find a power receiving facility on the route to the destination and freely select a preferable power receiving facility from a plurality of power receiving facilities. That is, while the vehicle 1 equipped with solar cell panels is moving to the destination, power can be supplied to a power receiving facility preferable for the vehicle 1 equipped with solar cell panels. As a result, power generation by the solar cell panels 10a and 10b can be promoted, and carbon dioxide emissions can be suppressed.

[0042] Here, the charging / discharging device CD1 shown in FIG. 3 will be described. The charging / discharging device CD1 is connected to the power grid and can charge the vehicle 1 equipped with solar cell panels. On the other hand, the charging / discharging device CD1 can receive the power generated by the solar cell panels 10a and 10b of the vehicle 1 equipped with solar cell panels from the vehicle 1 equipped with solar cell panels. That is, the charging / discharging device CD1 is a power receiving device and can supply the power received from the vehicle 1 equipped with solar cell panels to the power grid. The charging / discharging device CD1 is installed in facilities such as large commercial facilities, parking lots, and charging stations, for example.

[0043] Here, FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing a state where the charging / discharging device CD1 receives power from the vehicle 1 equipped with solar cell panels. As shown in FIG. 4, a connector CN provided at the tip of a cable CB extending from the charging / discharging device CD1 is connected to a port PT of the vehicle 1 equipped with solar cell panels, and the charging / discharging device CD1 receives power from the vehicle 1 equipped with solar cell panels.

[0044] When the battery of the vehicle 1 equipped with solar cell panels is fully charged, the battery cannot be charged any more, so the power generated by the solar cell panels 10a and 10b is wasted. In such a case, by the charging / discharging device CD1 receiving power from the vehicle 1 equipped with solar cell panels, the power generated by the solar cell panels 10a and 10b can be effectively utilized without being wasted.

[0045] The incentive determination unit 105 provides an incentive to the user of the solar panel-equipped vehicle 1 based on the amount of power received by the power charging / discharging device CD1 from the solar panel-equipped vehicle 1 (i.e., the amount of power supplied to the power grid). With such a configuration, the power generation by the solar panels 10a and 10b mounted on the solar panel-equipped vehicle 1 can be promoted.

[0046] Specifically, the incentive determination unit 105 provides more incentives to the user of the solar panel-equipped vehicle 1 as the amount of power received by the power charging / discharging device CD1 (i.e., the amount of power supplied to the power grid) increases. The incentives are not particularly limited, but for example, points, coupons, discounts, cashbacks, etc. regarding the use of large commercial facilities, parking lots, charging stations, etc. where the power charging / discharging device CD1 is installed. Also, an incentive such that the supplied amount of power can be temporarily deposited and used as charging power at any time may be provided. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the incentive determination unit 105 transmits the determined incentive to the display unit 200 for display.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 200 displays the use and proposal transmitted from the use management unit 103 to the user. Also, the display unit 200 displays the recommended route and the power receiving facility searched by the route search unit 104 to the user. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 200 displays the incentive determined by the incentive determination unit 105 to the user. The display unit 200 is, for example, an in-vehicle monitor for a navigation system. The display unit 200 may also be a display unit of a user terminal such as a mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or a PC (Personal Computer).

[0048] As described above, in the power supply system according to the present embodiment, when the amount of generated power predicted by the power generation prediction unit 101 is greater than the amount of power consumption predicted by the power consumption prediction unit 102, the display unit 200 is caused to display it so that the user can select it for the purpose of supplying power to the power grid. Therefore, the user can supply the surplus power generated by the solar panels 10a and 10b to the power grid at an appropriate timing. As a result, the power generation by the solar panels 10a and 10b can be promoted, and the emission of carbon dioxide can be suppressed.

[0049] Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist thereof. In addition, the present disclosure contributes to carbon neutrality, decarbonization, and sustainable development goals (SDGs: Sustainable Development Goals) regarding the use of solar panels.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0050] 1 Vehicle equipped with solar panels 1a Roof 1b Bonnet 10a, 10b Solar panels 11 Solar cells 12 Encapsulant layer 13 Cover glass 14 Backsheet 100 Management unit 101 Power generation prediction unit 102 Power consumption prediction unit 103 Usage management unit 104 Route search unit 105 Incentive determination unit 200 Display unit CB Cable CD1 Charge / discharge device CN Connector PT Port

Claims

1. A power supply system in which a vehicle equipped with a solar panel can supply power generated by the solar panel to a power grid, comprising: a route search unit that searches for a plurality of routes to a destination of the vehicle; a power generation prediction unit that predicts the power generation amount by the solar panel for each of the plurality of routes based on the plurality of routes and a sunshine forecast; a power consumption prediction unit that predicts the power consumption amount by the vehicle for each of the plurality of routes based on the plurality of routes; a usage management unit that manages the usage of the power generated by the solar panel; a display unit that displays the usage; and the route search unit transmits, as a recommended route, to the display unit a route among the plurality of routes for which the value obtained by subtracting the power consumption amount predicted by the power consumption prediction unit from the power generation amount predicted by the power generation prediction unit is the largest; only when, in the recommended route, the predicted power generation amount is greater than the predicted power consumption amount and the remaining charge SOC (States Of Charge) of the vehicle's battery is 80% or more, the usage management unit causes the display unit to display the power supply to the power grid as the usage in a selectable manner for the user; A power supply system.

2. When power supply to the power grid is selected as the usage, the route search unit searches for a power receiving facility capable of receiving power from the vehicle on the recommended route; the display unit displays the power receiving facility searched by the route search unit; The power supply system according to claim 1.

3. The power supply system further comprises an incentive determination unit that gives more incentives to the user of the vehicle as the amount of power supplied to the power grid increases; The power supply system according to claim 1 or 2.

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