Server and power supply and demand adjustment method

Abstract

To appropriately use chargers from the viewpoint of stable supply of electric power and / or environmental protection.SOLUTION: A server 1 includes: a storage 113 storing data on chargers 37 each configured to charge a vehicle 38 with a battery mounted thereon or discharges electricity therefrom; and a processor 111 configured to send a message to a user of the vehicle 38, the message suggesting charging or discharging the vehicle 38 by using at least one of the chargers 37 when the vehicle 38 travels toward a destination. The processor 111 is configured to acquire, for each of the chargers 37, power supply and demand information on power demand or supply in a power grid of a region in which the charger is installed, extract a charger installed in a region with larger power demand or supply from among the chargers 37 based on predetermined information including the power supply and demand information, and send the message suggesting charging or discharging the vehicle 38 by using the extracted charger.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server and a method for adjusting power supply and demand.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, since a power storage device mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle has a relatively large capacity, it requires a certain amount of charging time. Therefore, there is a need to reserve a charger, and various charger reservation systems have been proposed. For example, International Publication No. 2013 / 137071 (Patent Document 1) discloses a charger reservation system capable of efficiently operating a charger.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a vehicle travels towards a destination, there may be many chargers on the planned route of the vehicle. In such a situation, Patent Document 1 does not consider how to appropriately use a charger from the viewpoints of stable power supply and / or environmental protection.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and one of the objects of the present disclosure is to appropriately use a charger from the viewpoints of stable power supply and / or environmental protection.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The server according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is used for adjusting power demand or supply. The server includes a storage storing data related to a plurality of chargers capable of charging or discharging power to / from a vehicle equipped with a power storage device, and a processor that, when the vehicle travels toward a destination, transmits a message to the user of the vehicle proposing charging or discharging of the vehicle using at least one of the plurality of chargers. The processor acquires power supply / demand information regarding power demand or supply in the power grid of the area where each of the plurality of chargers is installed, extracts chargers installed in an area with high power demand or supply from among the plurality of chargers based on predetermined information including the power supply / demand information, and transmits a message proposing charging or discharging of the vehicle using the extracted chargers.

[0007] (2) The processor extracts chargers installed in an area with high power demand or supply from among the plurality of chargers as priority chargers whose priority level is higher than a predetermined level, and transmits a message proposing charging or discharging of the vehicle using the priority chargers.

[0008] In the configurations of (1) and (2) above, based on predetermined information including power supply / demand information, chargers installed in an area with high power demand or supply are extracted, and charging or discharging of the vehicle using the extracted chargers is proposed. At this time, chargers with a priority level higher than a predetermined level may be extracted. By participating in charging or discharging of the vehicle (demand response described later) using the extracted chargers, it becomes possible to stabilize the power supply / demand balance in the power grid of the area where the chargers are installed or to suppress power generation with a large environmental load. Therefore, according to the configurations of (1) and (2) above, chargers can be appropriately used from the viewpoints of stable power supply and environmental protection.

[0009] (3) The processor further acquires driving information indicating a planned driving route to the destination of the vehicle. Based on the driving information, the processor predicts whether the vehicle can reach the destination using the power stored in the power storage device when the vehicle travels along the planned driving route. If the vehicle can reach the destination, the processor extracts a priority charger from among one or more chargers installed at the destination and transmits a message proposing at least one of charging from the priority charger to the vehicle and discharging from the vehicle to the priority charger. On the other hand, if the vehicle cannot reach the destination, the processor extracts a priority charger from among one or more chargers installed at a transit point where the vehicle can reach the destination and transmits a message proposing charging from the priority charger to the vehicle.

[0010] In the configuration of (3) above, when the vehicle can reach the destination, the processor transmits a message proposing charging or discharging of the vehicle using the charger installed at the destination. This is because after reaching the destination, charging or discharging of the vehicle is possible without worrying about the power stored in the power storage device. On the other hand, when the vehicle cannot reach the destination, the processor transmits a message proposing charging of the vehicle using the charger installed at the transit point. Thereby, by avoiding the proposal of discharging the vehicle, it is possible to avoid a situation where the vehicle cannot reach the destination.

[0011] (4) For each of the plurality of chargers, the processor further acquires power supply configuration information of the area where the charger is installed, and based on the power supply configuration information, extracts a charger installed in an area with a high proportion of renewable energy among the plurality of chargers as a priority charger and transmits a message proposing charging from the priority charger to the vehicle.

[0012] (5) Based on the power supply configuration information, the processor excludes chargers installed in areas with a high proportion of fossil energy from the priority chargers.

[0013] In the configuration of (4) above, chargers installed in areas with a high proportion of renewable energy are extracted. Alternatively, in the configuration of (5) above, chargers installed in areas with a high proportion of fossil energy are excluded. This can reduce the environmental impact.

[0014] (6) The processor further obtains, for each of the plurality of chargers, power source configuration information of the area where the charger is installed, and based on the power source configuration information, extracts, as priority chargers, chargers installed in areas with a high proportion of natural variable power sources among the plurality of chargers.

[0015] (7) The processor further obtains, for each of the plurality of chargers, weather information of the area where the charger is installed, and extracts, as priority chargers, chargers installed in areas with a large solar irradiance or wind speed among the plurality of chargers.

[0016] (8) The processor further obtains, for each of the plurality of chargers, weather information of the area where the charger is installed, and extracts, as priority chargers, chargers installed in areas with large fluctuations in solar irradiance or wind speed among the plurality of chargers.

[0017] In the configuration of (6) above, chargers installed in areas with a high proportion of natural variable power sources (such as solar power generation facilities and wind power generation facilities) are extracted. In the configuration of (7) above, chargers installed in areas with a large solar irradiance or wind speed are extracted. In the configuration of (8) above, chargers installed in areas with large fluctuations in solar irradiance or wind speed are extracted. In the area of (7) above, there may be a surplus of power generation by solar power generation facilities or wind power generation facilities. Also, in the areas of (6) and (8) above, the power generation amount is likely to fluctuate with changes in weather. Therefore, by using the chargers in these areas, the surplus or fluctuation of the power generation amount in the area can be suitably absorbed using the vehicle.

[0018] (9) For each of the plurality of chargers, the processor further obtains tourism information of the area where the charger is installed, and extracts, as priority chargers, the chargers installed in an area close to a recommended tourist destination from among the plurality of chargers.

[0019] According to the configuration of (9) above, the user can enjoy tourism by utilizing the waiting time during charging or discharging of the vehicle.

[0020] (10) The server transmits a message so that the message is displayed on at least one of the display mounted on the vehicle and the user device owned by the user.

[0021] According to the configuration of (10) above, the user can easily check the message. (11) The method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is a method for adjusting power supply and demand by a computer. The method for adjusting power supply and demand includes: obtaining, for each of a plurality of chargers, power supply and demand information regarding power demand or supply in the power grid of the area where the charger is installed; extracting, based on predetermined information including the power supply and demand information, chargers installed in an area where power demand or supply is large from among the plurality of chargers; and transmitting, to the user of the vehicle, a message proposing charging or discharging of the vehicle using the extracted chargers.

[0022] According to the method of (11) above, similar to the configuration of (1) above, the chargers can be appropriately used from the viewpoints of stable power supply and / or environmental protection.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the present disclosure, the chargers can be appropriately used from the viewpoints of stable power supply and / or environmental protection.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

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 the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0026] In the present disclosure and the embodiments, the “supply and demand” of electric power means at least one of the demand and supply of electric power. That is, the “supply and demand” of electric power may indicate only the demand for electric power, only the supply of electric power, or both the demand and supply of electric power.

[0027] In the present disclosure and the embodiments, the “charging and discharging” of a vehicle means at least one of charging and discharging of the vehicle. That is, only charging of the vehicle may be performed, only discharging of the vehicle may be performed, or both charging and discharging of the vehicle may be performed.

[0028] [Embodiment] <Overall System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The power system includes, for example, a server 1, a plurality of CEMSs 21 to 23, and a power grid 9.

[0029] The server 1 is a computer used for adjusting power supply and demand in the power grid 9. The server 1 may belong to, for example, an electric power company, an aggregator, or other enterprises (such as an automobile manufacturer). The server 1 may be configured to procure power from the power market. The configuration of the server 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. Note that the server 1 corresponds to the "server" according to the present disclosure. The "server" according to the present disclosure may have both the functions of the server 1 and the functions of a server 50 (described later) belonging to an aggregator.

[0030] CEMS means a Community Energy Management System or a City Energy Management System. Since the configurations of CEMSs 22 and 23 are the same as that of CEMS 21, the configuration of CEM 21 will be typically described below. Although three CEMSs are illustrated in FIG. 1 for convenience of the drawing, the power system may include four or more CEMSs.

[0031] CEMS21 includes a plurality of distributed energy resources (DERs) 30, user equipment (UE) 40, and a server 50. The plurality of DERs 30 includes, for example, a factory energy management system (FEMS) 31, a building energy management system (BEMS) 32, a home energy management system (HEMS) 33, a generator 34, a variable power source 35, an energy storage system (ESS) 36, an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) 37, and a vehicle 38. In CEMS21, a small-scale power grid (microgrid) is constructed by these components.

[0032] FEMS31 is a system that manages the power supply and demand of the power used in a factory. FEMS31 includes, for example, factory buildings (including lighting fixtures, air conditioning equipment, etc.) operated by the power supplied from the microgrid, industrial equipment (production lines, etc.), and power generation equipment (generators, solar panels, etc.) installed in the factory.

[0033] BEMS32 is a system that manages the power supply and demand of the power used in buildings such as offices or commercial facilities. BEMS32 includes lighting fixtures and air conditioning equipment installed in the building. BEMS32 may include power generation equipment (solar panels, etc.) or a heat source system (waste heat recovery system, heat storage system, etc.).

[0034] HEMS33 is a system that manages the power supply and demand of the power used in a home. HEMS33 includes home appliances (lighting equipment, air conditioners, other electrical products, etc.) operated by the power supplied from the microgrid. In addition, HEMS33 may include solar panels, a home heat pump system, a home cogeneration system, a home battery, etc.

[0035] The generator 34 is a power generation facility whose power generation output does not depend on weather conditions. The generator 34 may include a steam turbine generator, a gas turbine generator, a diesel engine generator, a gas engine generator, a biomass generator, a stationary fuel cell, etc. The generator 34 may include a cogeneration system that utilizes the heat generated during power generation.

[0036] The variable power source 35 is a power generation facility whose power generation output varies depending on weather conditions. Although a solar power generation facility (solar panel) is illustrated in FIG. 1, the variable power source 35 may include a wind power generation facility, a geothermal power generation facility, etc. instead of or in addition to the solar power generation facility.

[0037] The power storage system 36 is a stationary power source that stores the power generated by the variable power source 35 or the like. The power storage system 36 includes a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery or a nickel metal hydride battery, or a capacitor such as an electric double layer capacitor. The power storage system 36 may include a Power to Gas device that produces gaseous fuel (hydrogen, methane, etc.) using surplus power, not limited to secondary batteries.

[0038] The EVSE 37 is electrically connected to the microgrid and is configured to be able to charge the vehicle 38 from the microgrid. It is desirable that the EVSE 37 be configured to be able to discharge (feed power from the vehicle 38 to the microgrid) in addition to charging.

[0039] The vehicle 38 is specifically a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), or the like. When a charging cable is connected to an inlet (not shown) of the vehicle 38, the vehicle 38 is configured to be chargeable from the microgrid (external charging). It is desirable that the vehicle 38 be configured to supply power from the vehicle 38 to the microgrid (external power supply) when a charging cable is connected to an outlet (not shown) of the vehicle 38.

[0040] The user device 40 is a device operated by a user of the vehicle 38. The user device 40 is typically a mobile terminal. Mobile terminals include, for example, smartphones, tablets, notebook personal computers (PCs), and wearable devices (such as smartwatches).

[0041] The server 50 is a computer belonging to an aggregator. An aggregator is an electric utility that bundles a plurality of DERs 30 to provide energy management services. The server 50 creates a DR (demand response) plan for integrally controlling a plurality of DERs 30 as a virtual power plant (VPP). According to the created DR plan, power system 9 requests each DER 30 to adjust its power. The server 50 may use DR to cause the DER 30 to perform power adjustment of the power system requested by a higher-level server (not shown) or to cause the DER 30 to perform power adjustment of the power system 9 won in the power market.

[0042] The server 50 is configured to communicate bidirectionally with the server 1. The server 50 provides the server 1 with power supply and demand information (described later) of the CEM 21. The server 50 may also provide the server 1 with the usage status (availability status, reservation status, etc.) of the EVSE 37.

[0043] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of DER30 each include one component. However, the number of these systems or facilities is arbitrary. The plurality of DER300 may include a plurality of these systems or facilities. There may be systems or facilities not included in the DER30. The plurality of DER30 typically include a plurality of chargers 37 and a plurality of vehicles 38.

[0044] The power system 9 is a large-scale power grid constructed by power plants and power transmission and distribution facilities. In this 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 also corresponds to the administrator of the power system 9, and maintains and manages the power system 9.

[0045] <Server Configuration> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a typical configuration example of the server 1. The server 1 includes a server device 11, an input device 12, an output device 13, and a communication device 14. The server device 11 includes a processor 111, a memory 112, a storage 113, and a network interface 114. The components of the server 1 are connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0046] The processor 111 is an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). The memory 112 is a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage 113 is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. The storage 113 stores a system program including an OS (Operating System) and a control program including computer-readable code necessary for arithmetic processing. The processor 111 reads out the system program and the control program, expands them in the memory 112, and executes them to realize various processes.

[0047] Storage 113 includes a plurality of databases 61 to 66. Vehicle information, user information, power supply and demand information, power supply configuration information, weather information, and tourism information are stored in the plurality of databases 61 to 66, respectively.

[0048] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of vehicle information. The vehicle information is mainly information regarding the driving plan of the vehicle 38. The vehicle information includes, for example, a vehicle ID, information regarding the SOC (State Of Charge) and / or the power storage amount of the battery (power storage device) mounted on the vehicle 38, information regarding the planned driving route of the vehicle 38 (current location, waypoints, destination, and estimated arrival times at each point, etc.), and information regarding the charging reservation of the vehicle 38 (charger ID, reservation time, etc.). Although not shown, the vehicle information may further include information regarding the specifications of the vehicle 38 (vehicle type, vehicle body size, charging performance, etc.).

[0049] Each of the plurality of vehicles 38 sequentially transmits vehicle information regarding its own vehicle to the server 1. For example, each vehicle 38 transmits vehicle information (for example, the position of the vehicle 38 and the SOC of the battery) to the server 1 in real time while driving. The vehicle 38 may also transmit the latest vehicle information (for example, position information and SOC information) to the server 1 at the timing when the on / off (ignition on / ignition off) of the vehicle control system is switched. The vehicle 38 may transmit vehicle information (for example, charger ID and reservation time) to the server 1 when a new charging reservation is set, for example, in response to a user operation. The server 1 updates the vehicle information stored in the database 61 based on the vehicle information received from the vehicle 38.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of user information. User information mainly refers to information related to user attributes and / or preferences. User information includes, for example, a user ID, a vehicle ID for associating the user with a vehicle, user attribute information (such as gender, age, place of residence, family composition, physique, religion, etc.), and user preference information (such as diet, recreation, tourist spots, etc.). User information may include the user's activity history (information indicating where the user has visited in the past).

[0051] User information is, for example, pre-registered in response to a user operation on the user device 40. The registered content is transmitted from the user device 40 to the server 1 and stored in the database 62. However, the method of obtaining user information is not limited to being based on user operations. For example, using a pre-prepared learned model by machine learning, the user's preferences may be estimated from the user's attribute information and activity history, and the estimation result may be stored in the database 62 as the user's preference information.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2 again, the power supply and demand information, power supply configuration information, weather information, and tourism information are appropriately obtained from, for example, the external server 7 and stored in the corresponding database of the storage 113. These information will be described later. Although not shown, the storage 113 further stores map information including the position information of the charger.

[0053] The network interface 114 controls data communication via the communication device 14 between the server device 11 and other devices (such as the vehicle 38, the user device 40, the external server 7, etc.). The input device 12 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and receives the input of the operator of the server device 11. The output device 13 is, for example, a display, and outputs various information to the operator of the server device 11.

[0054] Note that, although FIG. 2 shows an example in which the server device 11 includes one processor 111, the server device 11 may include a plurality of processors. That is, the server device 11 includes one or more processors. The same applies to the memory 112 and the storage 113. In this specification, the "processor" is not limited to a narrow sense processor that executes processing in a stored program manner, and may include hardwired circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Therefore, the term "processor" can also be read as a processing circuitry whose processing is defined in advance by computer-readable code and / or a hardwired circuit.

[0055] <Reservation proposal process> When the vehicle 38 travels toward the destination, there may be a plurality of EVSEs 37 on the planned route of the vehicle 38. In the present embodiment, from the viewpoints of stable power supply in the power system 9 and / or environmental protection in particular, the EVSEs 37 that are desirable to be used are extracted, and reservations for the extracted EVSEs 37 are proposed to the user of the vehicle 38. Hereinafter, this process is referred to as the "reservation proposal process".

[0056] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of an assumed situation of the reservation proposal process. In this example, there are two routes. The first route is a route from the current location A via waypoints B, C, D, E to the destination F. The first route is, for example, the shortest route (or the fastest route) and is the planned route of the vehicle 38. The second route is a route from the current location A via waypoints B, C, G, then merging with the waypoint E and reaching the destination F. Chargers 37B, 37D, and 37G are installed at the waypoints B, D, and G, respectively. Also, a charger 37F is installed at the destination F.

[0057] The entire area shown in FIG. 5 is divided into a plurality of areas according to the microgrid. For example, the charger 37B installed at the waypoint B is electrically connected to the microgrid in area 7B. In other words, the charger 37B is a component of the CEMS (for example, the CEMS 21 shown in FIG. 1) provided in area 7B. The same applies to the other chargers 37D, 37F, and 37G. Thus, the four chargers 37B, 37D, 37F, and 37G are included in different CEMSs.

[0058] ≪Power supply and demand information≫ FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of how to use the power supply and demand information. The horizontal axis represents time. The vertical axis represents the DR request amount (the amount of power adjustment requested by DR). In the DR plan according to this embodiment, for example, for each area, the DR request amount for each of the 48 frames (= 30 minutes) obtained by dividing the target day is determined. In this example, the DR request amount is illustrated according to the relative relationship with the actual power generation amount. The actual power generation amount is the power demand when no DR request is made and the power supply and demand movement in the area is left to itself. For each of the areas 7B, 7D, 7F, and 7G, a power supply and demand prediction (DR request amount within the area) as shown in FIG. 6 is prepared based on the power supply and demand performance of the power grid 9 and stored in the database 63 (see FIG. 2) as the power supply and demand information.

[0059] For example, when the power demand in area 7B is insufficient with respect to the actual power generation amount, the DR request amount becomes negative, and discharging from the microgrid is requested. In this case, it is desirable to charge the vehicle 38 from the microgrid in area 7B. On the other hand, when the power demand in area 7B exceeds the actual power generation amount, the DR request amount becomes positive, and charging to the microgrid is requested. In this case, it is desirable to discharge from the vehicle 38 to the microgrid in area 7B.

[0060] The server 1 extracts an appropriate charger from among the chargers within the reach of the vehicle 38 based on the power supply and demand prediction at the predicted arrival time at the charger. Hereinafter, some typical examples of the charger extraction method will be described.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first example of a charger extraction method. In this example, the vehicle 38 can reach the destination F without charging on the way regardless of whether it travels on the first route or the second route. In this case, the server 1 extracts a charger from among the charger 37F installed at the destination F and the three chargers 37B, 37D, and 37G installed at the waypoints B, D, and G, respectively.

[0062] More specifically, the server 1 proposes to the user to participate in the DR in the area 7F using the charger 37F installed at the destination F. In the area 7F which is the destination, charging to the microgrid (charging of the vehicle 38) may be requested based on the power supply and demand information at the expected arrival time at the destination, or discharging from the microgrid (charging of the vehicle 38) may be requested.

[0063] On the other hand, for the areas 7B, 7D, and 7G which are waypoints, it is assumed that based on the power supply and demand information, charging to the microgrid (discharging of the vehicle 38) is requested in the areas 7B and 7G, and discharging from the microgrid (charging of the vehicle 38) is requested in the area 7D. In this case, it is desirable for the server 1 to propose to the user to participate in the DR for the discharging request (charging request for the vehicle 38) in the area 7D using the charger 37D installed in the area 7D. This is because if the vehicle participates in the DR for the charging request (discharging request for the vehicle 38) in the areas 7B and 7G, the SOC of the battery may drop excessively and the vehicle 38 may not be able to reach the destination.

[0064] As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the priorities of the charger 37F at the destination F and the charger 37D at the waypoint D are set high. As a result, the charger 37F and the charger 37D are proposed to the user. The proposed charger may be displayed on the screen (navigation screen) 381 (see FIG. 8) of the navigation system installed in the vehicle 38, or may be displayed on the user device 40.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display for proposing a charger to a user. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the charger 37F has the highest priority, and the charger 37F is displayed as "Recommended 1". The charger 37D has the next highest priority, and the charger 37D is displayed as "Recommended 2". When any charger is selected, it is desirable for the navigation screen 381 to display the estimated time of arrival at the selected charger and the usage period (start time and end time) of that charger. The user can make a charging reservation for the selected charger by selecting any charger and then pressing the decision button.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second example of a charger extraction method. In this example, the vehicle 38 can only travel up to near the waypoint E without charging on either the first route or the second route, and cannot reach the destination F. In this case, the server 1 extracts a charger from among the three chargers 37B, 37D, and 37G installed at the waypoints B, D, and G, respectively.

[0067] Based on the power supply and demand information at the estimated time of arrival at each location, it is assumed that charging to the microgrid (discharging of the vehicle 38) is requested in the regions 7B and 7D, and discharging from the microgrid (charging of the vehicle 38) is requested in the region 7G. In this case, the server 1 proposes to the user to participate in the DR of the discharging request (charging request for the vehicle 38) in the region 7G using the charger 37G installed in the region 7G.

[0068] In the example shown in FIG. 9, the priority of the charger 37G is set high, and the use of the charger 37G is proposed to the user. When using the charger 37G, the driving distance becomes longer compared to when using the charger 37D on the first route. That is, to use the charger 37G, it is necessary to drive on the second route, which is not the shortest route (or the fastest route). However, in the present embodiment, the proposal to participate in the DR is prioritized over shortening the driving distance and / or driving time of the vehicle 38. Since the method of displaying the proposed charger is the same as that described in FIG. 8, the description will not be repeated.

[0069] The information used to determine the priority of chargers is not limited to power supply and demand information. Server 1 may determine the priority using power supply configuration information, weather information, tourism information, etc. in addition to power supply and demand information.

[0070] <<Power Supply Configuration Information>> FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of using power supply configuration information. The power supply configuration information is, for example, information indicating the power generation amount derived from nuclear energy, the power generation amount derived from fossil energy (coal, natural gas, oil, etc.), and the power generation amount derived from renewable energy (solar power, wind power, geothermal energy, biomass, etc.) for each region.

[0071] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the ratio of renewable energy in Region 7G is the highest. When a DR of a discharge request (charging request of vehicle 38) occurs in a plurality of regions including Region 7G, Server 1 may set the priority of Region 7G to be the highest. This is because the higher the ratio of renewable energy, the lower the emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants (nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, etc.) associated with power generation, and the environmental load can be reduced.

[0072] Alternatively, the ratio of fossil energy in Region 7F is the highest. When a DR of a discharge request (charging request of vehicle 38) occurs in a plurality of regions including Region 7F, Server 1 may set the priority of Region 7F to be the lowest. Server 1 may exclude chargers installed in regions with a high proportion of fossil energy (for example, Region 7F) from the targets for priority setting.

[0073] <<Weather Information>> FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of using weather information. The weather information is, for example, information regarding the solar radiation amount in each region. More specifically, the solar radiation amount for each predetermined period (for example, every hour) in each region can be used.

[0074] In the example shown in FIG. 11, in region 7D, the solar radiation amount (especially the maximum value) within a predetermined period is large. In a region with a large solar radiation amount, it is easier for an excess of the power generation amount by the solar power generation facility to occur compared to a region with a small solar radiation amount. Therefore, when DR of a charging request or a discharging request occurs in a plurality of regions including region 7D, the server 1 may increase the priority of DR in region 7D. Thereby, the excess power generation amount by the solar power generation facility in region 7D can be suitably absorbed using the vehicle 38.

[0075] Also, in region 7D, the variation (for example, variance) of the solar radiation amount within a predetermined period is the largest. The fact that the variation of the solar radiation amount is large means that the solar radiation amount is likely to vary (the weather is likely to change), and the power generation amount by the solar power generation facility is likely to vary. Therefore, when DR of a charging request or a discharging request occurs in a plurality of regions including region 7D, the server 1 may increase the priority of DR in region 7D. Thereby, the variation of the power generation amount by the solar power generation facility in region 7D can be suitably absorbed using the vehicle 38.

[0076] Note that although FIG. 11 shows an example in which the meteorological information is information regarding the solar radiation amount, it is also possible to use information regarding the power generation amount of the solar power generation facility for each predetermined period in each region instead. Also, instead of or in addition to the solar radiation amount, the wind volume (the power generation amount of the wind power generation facility) may be used.

[0077] <<Tourism information>> Although not shown, the tourism information includes information on famous tourist spots, hidden tourist spots, etc. The tourism information may also include information on restaurants, recreation spots, etc. The server 1 determines, based on the user information (see FIG. 4), whether there are tourist spots that match the user's preferences near the charger. Then, the server 1 increases the priority of the areas where tourist spots that match the user's preferences are present near the charger. Also, the server 1 may change the priority according to the time zone, such as increasing the priority of restaurants during lunch hours. The server 1 may consider the congestion level of the charging spots and increase the priority as the congestion level is lower. By using the tourism information for prioritization and providing the user with information on tourist spots near the charger, etc., the user can enjoy tourism, etc. during the waiting time while the vehicle 38 is charging or discharging.

[0078] In addition, when two or more types of information (power supply configuration information, weather information, and tourism information) other than the power supply and demand information are used, which information is emphasized to determine the priority is determined as appropriate.

[0079] <Processing Flow> FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the reservation proposal processing according to the present embodiment. In the figure, the processing executed by the server 1 is shown on the left side, and the processing executed by the vehicle 38 is shown on the right side. The processing on the right side may be executed by the user device 40. This flowchart is executed, for example, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, every control cycle). Each step is realized by software processing by the processor 111 of the server 1 or the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the vehicle 38, but may also be realized by hardware (electric circuit) arranged in the processor 111 or the ECU. Hereinafter, the steps are abbreviated as S.

[0080] In S201, the vehicle 38 receives an input operation by the user for the planned driving route of the vehicle 38. This input operation is typically performed on the navigation screen 381 (see FIG. 8). The vehicle 38 transmits the received planned driving route to the server 1. The server 1 acquires the planned driving route of the vehicle 38 (S101). As described above, the server 1 sequentially receives the vehicle information (such as position information, SOC information, etc.) of the vehicle 38.

[0081] In S102, the server 1 extracts chargers installed within the reachable range of the vehicle 38 based on the planned driving route of the vehicle 38, the SOC of the battery, map information, etc.

[0082] In S103, the server 1 acquires various information stored in the storage 113. More specifically, the server 1 reads power demand information from the database 63. The server 1 reads power demand information from the database 64. The server 1 reads power demand information from the database 65. The server 1 reads tourist information from the database 66.

[0083] In S104, the server 1 determines the priority of each charger within the reachable range of the vehicle 38 based on the information read in S103. Since the method of determining the priority was described in detail in FIGS. 6 to 11, the description here will not be repeated.

[0084] In S105, the server 1 extracts chargers with a priority equal to or higher than a predetermined priority (for example, the third priority). Only the charger with the highest priority may be extracted.

[0085] In S106, the server 1 determines whether the extracted charger is installed at the destination. If the charger is installed at the destination (YES in S106), the server 1 transmits a message to the vehicle 38 that proposes to the user to participate in the DR of the regional charging request (discharging request of the vehicle 38) or discharging request (charging request of the vehicle 38) (S107). On the other hand, if the charger is not installed at the destination (YES in S106), in other words, if the charger is installed at the transit point, the server 1 transmits a message to the vehicle 38 that proposes to the user to participate in the DR of the regional discharging request (charging request of the vehicle 38) (S108). In this way, the server 1 generates a message according to the input operation of the travel plan route by the user in S201 and transmits it to the vehicle 38.

[0086] In S202, the vehicle 38 selects a charger according to the user operation. The vehicle 38 notifies the server 1 of the selected charger. Then, the server 1 reserves the charger notified from the vehicle 38 (S109).

[0087] As described above, in the present embodiment, based on the predetermined information including the power supply and demand information, among the plurality of chargers installed within the reachable range of the vehicle 38, the charger installed in the area with high power supply and demand is extracted. Then, participation in the DR of the charging request or discharging request using the extracted charger (charging request or discharging request of the vehicle 38) is proposed. By participating in the DR, it becomes possible to stabilize the power supply and demand balance in the power grid 9 and / or the microgrid, and to suppress the power generation with large environmental loads such as oil and coal. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the charger 37 can be appropriately used from the viewpoints of stable power supply and environmental protection.

[0088] The disclosed embodiment should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is shown not by the description of the above embodiment but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Description of Symbols

[0089] 1 Server, 11 Server Device, 111 Processor, 112 Memory, 113 Storage, 114 Network Interface, 12 Input Device, 13 Output Device, 14 Communication Device, 31 FEMS, 32 BEMS, 33 HEMS, 34 Generator, 35 Natural Fluctuation Power Source, 36 Power Storage System, 37 Charger, 38 Vehicle, 381 Screen, 40 User Equipment, 50 Server, 61 - 66 Database, 7 External Server, 9 Power System.

Claims

1. A server used for adjusting power demand or supply, comprising: a storage storing data related to a plurality of chargers capable of charging or discharging power to a vehicle equipped with a power storage device; a processor configured to transmit, to a user of the vehicle, a message proposing charging or discharging of the vehicle using at least one of the plurality of chargers when the vehicle travels toward a destination; The processor is configured to: for each of the plurality of chargers, obtain power supply and demand information regarding power demand or supply in the power grid of the area where the charger is installed, and weather information of the area where the charger is installed; based on predetermined information including the power supply and demand information and the weather information, extract, from the plurality of chargers, a charger installed in an area where power demand or supply is large and the variation of solar radiation amount or wind speed is large as a priority charger with a high priority; A server that transmits the message proposing charging or discharging of the vehicle using the priority charger.

2. A method for adjusting power demand or supply by a computer, comprising: a step of obtaining, by the computer, power supply and demand information regarding power demand or supply in the power grid of the area where each of the plurality of chargers is installed, and weather information of the area where the charger is installed; a step of extracting, by the computer, from the plurality of chargers, a charger installed in an area where power demand or supply is large and the variation of solar radiation amount or wind speed is large as a priority charger with a high priority based on predetermined information including the power supply and demand information and the weather information; a step of transmitting, by the computer, a message proposing charging or discharging of the vehicle using the priority charger to the user of the vehicle. A method for adjusting power supply and demand.

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