Charge and Discharge Control Method and Charge and Discharge Control Device

Abstract

To provide a charge / discharge control method and a charge / discharge control device which can automatically change content of charge / discharge control of a power module according to the content of the charge / discharge control implemented by a control server to start the charge / discharge control of the power module.SOLUTION: In a charge / discharge control device, a charge / discharge control method receives a first signal showing a power state of a power system and a second signal characterizing charge / discharge control in the power system S203, sets a calculation formula for calculating target power of a power module connected with the power system on the basis of the second signal S207, and controls the power module to perform charge / discharge S211 with the target power calculated by substituting the first signal in a variable of the calculation formula S209 in the case of controlling the power module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charge-discharge control method and a charge-discharge control device.

Background Art

[0002] In a power system including a plurality of power conditioners (power modules) and a centralized management device (control server) that manages these plurality of power conditioners, a control means included in the power conditioner calculates an individual target power of the power conditioner based on an index transmitted from the centralized management device, and controls the individual output power of the power conditioner so as to be the individual target power. An invention is known (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the invention described in Patent Document 1, the control means included in the power conditioner calculates the individual target power by solving an optimization problem using an index transmitted from the centralized management device. Therefore, when the control means included in the power conditioner calculates the individual target power by a method other than the method of solving the optimization problem, charge-discharge control cannot be performed on the power conditioner. That is, there is a problem that charge-discharge control of the power conditioner cannot be performed when the content of the charge-discharge control performed by the centralized management device does not match the content of the charge-discharge control acceptable to the power conditioner.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a charge-discharge control method and a charge-discharge control device capable of automatically changing the content of charge-discharge control of a power module according to the content of charge-discharge control performed by a control server and starting the charge-discharge control of the power module.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] When controlling a power module connected to a power system, a charge-discharge control method and a charge-discharge control device according to an aspect of the present invention receive a first signal indicating the power state of the power system and a second signal characterizing the charge-discharge control in the power system. Then, based on the second signal, a calculation formula for calculating the target power of the power module is set, and the power module is controlled to perform charge and discharge with the target power calculated by substituting the first signal into the variable of the calculation formula.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the content of the charge-discharge control of the power module can be automatically changed according to the content of the charge-discharge control performed by the control server, and the charge-discharge control of the power module can be started.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0010] [Configuration of Power System] Referring to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of the system according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the entire system is composed of a power system 20, a distribution system 70, and a vehicle V1. The vehicle V1 is equipped with a power module 50 and a charge / discharge control device 10, which will be described later. The charge / discharge control device 10 is connected to the power system 20 and the distribution system 70 via a wireless communication network.

[0011] For example, the power module 50 is an in-vehicle charging station. The power module 50 and the charge / discharge control device 10 are not limited to being mounted on a vehicle, and may be mounted on other moving bodies (such as an aircraft, a drone, etc.).

[0012] The power system 20 includes a power supply device 21, a transmitter 23, a control server 25, and a charging spot SP1.

[0013] The power supply device 21 supplies power to the charging spot SP1. The charging spot SP1 is electrically connected to the power module 50 mounted on the vehicle V1, and the power from the power supply device 21 is supplied to the power module 50 via the charging spot SP1. The transmitter 23 performs wireless communication with the charge / discharge control device 10 mounted on the vehicle V1.

[0014] The control server 25 adjusts the supply power in the power system 20. In addition, the control server 25 determines whether the power module 50 is connected to the power system 20. The determination as to whether the power module 50 is connected to the power system 20 may be made based on whether a current equal to or greater than a predetermined value flows at the charging spot SP1, or may be made by a sensor installed at the charging spot SP1.

[0015] In addition, the control server 25 generates a first signal indicating the power state of the power system 20 and a second signal characterizing charge / discharge control in the power system 20. The generated first signal and second signal are transmitted via the transmitter 23.

[0016] For example, as information indicating the power state of the power system 20, the first signal includes information such as differential power in the power system 20 (the difference between the available power and the currently supplied power of the power system 20), and power suppression level (power cost). The information indicating the power state of the power system 20 is not limited to the examples given here.

[0017] For example, as information characterizing charge / discharge control, the second signal includes information such as a set value of a calculation formula candidate used for calculating the target power, and an identifier associated with the calculation formula candidate used for calculating the target power. The information characterizing charge / discharge control is not limited to the examples given here.

[0018] In addition, the control server 25 may transmit the second signal only during a predetermined time after connecting the power module 50 to the power system 20. Also, the control server 25 may transmit the second signal each time the predetermined time elapses.

[0019] The calculation formula candidates used for calculating the target power may be stored in advance in a database (not shown) of the charge / discharge control device 10, or may be distributed from the distribution system 70 and stored in the database of the charge / discharge control device 10. Examples of the calculation formula candidates include, for example, the following formulas (1) and (2). However, the calculation formula candidates used for calculating the target power are not limited to the examples given here.

[0020] P = P pre + α × S × (1 - β × SOC) ···(1) P = α × (S - β × SOC) ···(2)

[0021] Here, "P" is the target power of the power module 50, "P pre"P" represents the current power of the power module 50. "SOC" represents the charge rate (0 to 1) of the power module 50, and "S" represents information indicating the power state of the power system 20. "α" represents the responsiveness to "S", and "β" represents the responsiveness to "SOC".

[0022] In Equation (1), "S" is obtained by calculating, in the control server 25, the difference value between the target value and the actual value of the power supplied by the power supply device 21. Also, in Equation (2), "S" is obtained by updating, in the control server 25, the previously calculated "S" using the difference value between the target value and the actual value of the power supplied by the power supply device 21.

[0023] For example, by increasing "α", a large power change occurs with respect to "S". Increasing "α" when the number of vehicles changing power is large may cause an excessive power change and there is a risk that the power cannot be appropriately controlled. Therefore, "α" may be determined based on the number of vehicles connected to the power system 20.

[0024] Also, for example, by increasing "β", the higher the "SOC" of the power module 50, the slower the charging of the power module 50 can be. On the other hand, when "β" is set to zero, uniform charging can be performed for all power modules 50 regardless of "SOC".

[0025] The variables appearing in the calculation formula candidates are classified into variables whose values are determined by acquiring the state of the power module 50 and variables whose values are determined based on signals from the power system 20. According to the example of the calculation formula candidates described above, "P", "P pre ", "SOC" are variables whose values are determined by acquiring the state of the power module 50. On the other hand, "S", "α", "β" are variables whose values are determined based on signals from the power system 20.

[0026] Furthermore, variables whose values are determined based on signals from the power system 20 are distinguished into variables indicating the power state of the power system 20 and setting variables used to characterize charge-discharge control in the power system 20. According to the example of the calculation formula candidates described above, "S" is a variable indicating the power state of the power system 20. On the other hand, "α" and "β" are setting variables used to characterize charge-discharge control in the power system 20.

[0027] It can be said that the first signal described above is a signal including the value of a variable indicating the power state of the power system 20. Also, it can be said that the second signal is a signal including the value of a setting variable used to characterize charge-discharge control in the power system 20.

[0028] Note that the frequency at which the second signal is transmitted by the power system 20 may be less than the frequency at which the first signal is transmitted. The reason for this is that the value of the variable included in the first signal is likely to vary during the charging time depending on the charging state and the number of connected units of a plurality of power modules 50 connected to the power system 20, whereas the value of the setting variable included in the second signal is less likely to vary during the charging time.

[0029] There is a high need to repeatedly transmit the first signal during the charging time, whereas there is a low need to repeatedly transmit the second signal during the charging time. Therefore, even if the frequency at which the second signal is transmitted is made less than the frequency at which the first signal is transmitted, the possibility of affecting the charge-discharge control of the power module 50 can be kept low. Furthermore, by making the frequency at which the second signal is transmitted less than the frequency at which the first signal is transmitted, the number of communications and the communication volume of the entire communication can be reduced. As a result, the processing load on the power system 20 and the charge-discharge control device 10 can be reduced.

[0030] The distribution system 70 includes a distribution server 71 and a transceiver 73.

[0031] The distribution server 71 (database) associates calculation formula candidates used for calculating the target power with identifiers and stores them as registered calculation formula candidates. Also, the transceiver 73 communicates with the charge and discharge control device 10 wirelessly or by wire.

[0032] The transceiver 73 may transmit the registered calculation formula candidates to the charge and discharge control device 10 together with the corresponding identifiers.

[0033] Alternatively, the transceiver 73 may receive identifiers associated with calculation formula candidates used for calculating the target power from the charge and discharge control device 10. The distribution server 71 may acquire the identifiers via the transceiver 73 and select a calculation formula candidate corresponding to the acquired identifier from among the registered calculation formula candidates. The transceiver 73 may transmit the calculation formula candidate selected by the distribution server 71 to the charge and discharge control device 10.

[0034] [Configuration of Charge and Discharge Control Device] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the charge and discharge control device included in the system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the charge and discharge control device 10 includes a transceiver 15 and a controller 100. The controller 100 is also connected to a power module 50.

[0035] The transceiver 15 receives signals (first signal, second signal) transmitted by wireless communication from the transmitter 23 of the power system 20. The transceiver 15 also communicates with the transceiver 73 of the distribution system 70 wirelessly or by wire. For example, the transceiver 15 may receive signals transmitted from the transmitter by radio waves such as long waves or extremely high frequency waves, or may receive signals transmitted from the transmitter by infrared rays. Alternatively, the transceiver 15 may receive signals transmitted from the transmitter using a mobile communication function such as 4G / LTE or 5G.

[0036] The controller 100 is a general-purpose computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, a storage device, an input / output unit, and the like.

[0037] The controller 100 has installed therein a computer program (charging and discharging control program) for causing it to function as the charging and discharging control device 10. By executing the computer program, the controller 100 functions as a plurality of information processing circuits included in the charging and discharging control device 10.

[0038] Here, an example is shown in which a plurality of information processing circuits included in the charging and discharging control device 10 are realized by software. Of course, it is also possible to prepare dedicated hardware for executing each of the information processes shown below to configure the information processing circuits. Also, the plurality of information processing circuits may be configured by individual hardware.

[0039] The controller 100 includes a first acquisition unit 110, a second acquisition unit 120, a setting unit 130, a calculation unit 140, and a power determination unit 150.

[0040] The first acquisition unit 110 acquires a first signal indicating the power state of the power system.

[0041] The second acquisition unit 120 acquires a second signal characterizing the charging and discharging control in the power system. Also, the second acquisition unit 120 may acquire registered calculation formula candidates and identifiers corresponding to the registered calculation formula candidates. Alternatively, the second acquisition unit 120 may transmit an identifier included in the second signal to the distribution system 70 via the transceiver 15 and acquire a calculation formula candidate (a calculation formula candidate selected corresponding to the identifier) received from the distribution system 70.

[0042] Note that the frequency of acquiring the second signal by the second acquisition unit 120 may be less than the frequency of acquiring the first signal by the first acquisition unit 110. The reason is that the value of the variable included in the first signal is likely to vary during the charging time depending on the charging state and the number of connected units of the plurality of power modules 50 connected to the power system 20, whereas the value of the setting variable included in the second signal is unlikely to vary during the charging time. By making the frequency of acquiring the second signal less than the frequency of acquiring the first signal, the processing load on the charge and discharge control device 10 can be reduced.

[0043] The setting unit 130 sets a calculation formula for calculating the target power of the power module 50 based on the second signal. More specifically, the setting unit 130 acquires the set value of the calculation formula candidate included in the second signal, and substitutes the set value into the setting variable of the calculation formula candidate to set the calculation formula. When the set value included in the second signal cannot be acquired, the setting unit 130 may substitute a predetermined temporary set value into the setting variable to set the calculation formula.

[0044] Here, the setting unit 130 may select a calculation formula candidate corresponding to the identifier from among the calculation formula candidates stored in advance based on the identifier included in the second signal. The setting unit 130 may substitute the set value into the setting variable of the selected calculation formula candidate to set the calculation formula.

[0045] Further, the setting unit 130 may substitute the set value into the setting variable of the calculation formula candidate (the calculation formula candidate selected corresponding to the identifier) received from the distribution system 70 to set the calculation formula.

[0046] In addition, the setting unit 130 may not set the calculation formula until the second acquisition unit 120 acquires the second signal including the identifier after connecting the power module 50 to the power system 20. This is because it is unclear how to perform the charge and discharge control of the power module 50 since the calculation formula cannot be set.

[0047] The calculation unit 140 substitutes the first signal into the variables of the calculation formula set by the setting unit 130, and calculates the target power of the power module. More specifically, the calculation unit 140 substitutes the first signal into the variable indicating the power state of the power system 20 among the variables of the calculation formula. Further, the calculation unit 140 substitutes the value representing the state of the power module 50 obtained by a sensor (not shown) or the like into the variable whose value is determined by acquiring the state of the power module 50 among the variables of the calculation formula. Then, the calculation unit 140 calculates the output of the calculation formula, and sets the output as the target power of the power module.

[0048] Until the calculation formula is set by the setting unit 130, the calculation unit 140 may set the target power of the power module to a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be a value less than or equal to a predetermined threshold so as not to overload the power system 20.

[0049] The power determination unit 150 controls the power module 50 so that the power module 50 operates at the target power calculated by the calculation unit 140.

[0050] [Charge and Discharge Control Processing Procedure (Power System Side)] Next, the charge and discharge control processing procedure (power system side) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control server in the system according to the present embodiment. Note that the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 may be started after the power module 50 is connected to the power system 20.

[0051] In step S101, the control server 25 acquires the power state of the power supply device 21.

[0052] In step S103, the control server 25 generates a first signal indicating the power state of the power system 20.

[0053] In step S105, after connecting the power module 50 to the power system 20, it is determined whether a second signal has been transmitted from the control server 25. If the second signal has been transmitted (YES in step S105), the process proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if the second signal has not been transmitted (NO in step S105), the process proceeds to step S111.

[0054] In step S107, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the timing when the second signal was last transmitted from the control server 25. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S107), the process proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S107), the process proceeds to step S111.

[0055] In step S109, the control server 25 transmits a first signal to the charge and discharge control device 10 via the transmitter 23.

[0056] On the other hand, in step S111, the control server 25 reads information characterizing the charge and discharge control in the power system 20. The information characterizing the charge and discharge control is stored in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the control server 25 or the like.

[0057] In step S113, the control server 25 generates a second signal characterizing the charge and discharge control in the power system 20.

[0058] In step S115, the control server 25 transmits the first signal and the second signal to the charge and discharge control device 10 via the transmitter 23.

[0059] In step S117, it is determined whether to end the charge and discharge control of the power module 50. If the charge and discharge control is not ended (NO in step S117), the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, if the charge and discharge control is ended (YES in step S117), the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is ended.

[0060] [Charge and Discharge Control Processing Procedure (on the Charge and Discharge Control Device Side)] Next, the charge and discharge control processing procedure (on the charge and discharge control device side) according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the charge and discharge control device in the system according to this embodiment. Note that the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 may be started after connecting the power module 50 to the power system 20.

[0061] In step S201, the first acquisition unit 110 attempts to acquire a first signal indicating the power state of the power system. Also, the second acquisition unit 120 attempts to acquire a second signal characterizing the charge and discharge control in the power system.

[0062] In step S203, it is determined whether the second signal has been acquired. If the second signal has been acquired (YES in step S203), the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if the second signal has not been acquired (NO in step S203), the process proceeds to step S205.

[0063] In step S205, it is determined whether a calculation formula for calculating the target power of the power module 50 is set. If the calculation formula is set (YES in step S205), the process proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, if the calculation formula is not set (NO in step S205), the process returns to step S201.

[0064] In step S207, the setting unit 130 sets a calculation formula for calculating the target power of the power module 50. If a calculation formula is already set, the setting unit 130 updates the calculation formula.

[0065] In step S209, the calculation unit 140 substitutes the first signal into the variables of the calculation formula and calculates the target power of the power module.

[0066] In step S211, the power module 50 is controlled so that the power module 50 operates with the target power calculated by the calculation unit 140.

[0067] In step S213, it is determined whether to end the charge / discharge control of the power module 50. If the charge / discharge control is not ended (NO in step S213), the process returns to step S201. On the other hand, if the charge / discharge control is to be ended (YES in step S213), the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is ended.

[0068] [Effect of Embodiment] As described in detail above, when controlling a power module connected to a power system, the charge / discharge control method and the charge / discharge control device according to the present embodiment receive, via a receiver provided in the power module, a first signal indicating the power state of the power system transmitted from the power system and a second signal characterizing the charge / discharge control in the power system. Then, based on the second signal, a calculation formula for calculating the target power of the power module is set, and the first signal is substituted into the variables of the calculation formula to calculate the target power. Then, the power module is controlled to perform charge / discharge with the calculated target power.

[0069] Thereby, according to the content of the charge / discharge control implemented by the control server, the content of the charge / discharge control of the power module can be automatically changed, and the charge / discharge control of the power module can be started. In addition, since the content of the charge / discharge control performed on the power module side can be changed according to a plurality of different types of charge / discharge controls for each power system, the selection range of power systems to which electric devices such as vehicles equipped with the power module can be connected is widened. As a result, the convenience of users who use the electric device is improved.

[0070] Further, the charge / discharge control method and the charge / discharge control device according to the present embodiment may receive a second signal including set values of calculation formula candidates used for calculating the target power, and set the calculation formula by substituting the set values into the variables for setting the calculation formula candidates. Thereby, corresponding to the differences in charge / discharge control due to factors other than the power state in the power system, the content of the charge / discharge control performed on the power module side can be changed. As a result, a more accurate charge / discharge control can be realized.

[0071] Furthermore, the charge and discharge control method and the charge and discharge control device according to the present embodiment may substitute a predetermined provisional setting value into the calculation formula candidate until a second signal including a setting value is received, and set the calculation formula. Thereby, after connecting the power module to the power system, the waiting time until starting the charge and discharge control can be shortened. Furthermore, even during the time until setting the calculation formula based on the second signal including the setting value, the charge and discharge control can be started.

[0072] Also, the charge and discharge control method and the charge and discharge control device according to the present embodiment may receive a second signal including an identifier associated with a calculation formula candidate used for calculating the target power. Then, based on the identifier, a calculation formula candidate may be selected from a plurality of registered calculation formula candidates registered in the database, and the selected calculation formula candidate may be set as the calculation formula. Thereby, according to the difference in the charge and discharge control method of the power module, which cannot be dealt with only by changing the value set for the variable for setting the calculation formula candidate, the content of the charge and discharge control performed on the power module side can be changed.

[0073] Also, by increasing the registered calculation formula candidates registered in the database, there is room to change the content of the charge and discharge control performed on the power module side each time in response to a newly emerging charge and discharge control method in the future. As a result, the convenience of the user using the electric device is improved.

[0074] Furthermore, the charge and discharge control method and the charge and discharge control device according to the present embodiment may not set the calculation formula until a second signal including an identifier is received. Thereby, the operation stability of the power system to which the power module is connected can be achieved.

[0075] Also, in the charge and discharge control method and the charge and discharge control device according to the present embodiment, the frequency at which the second signal is transmitted by the power system may be less than the frequency at which the first signal is transmitted. Thereby, the number of communications generated between the power system and the charge and discharge control device, and the communication volume of the entire communication can be reduced. As a result, the processing load on the power system and the charge and discharge control device can be reduced.

[0076] Furthermore, in the charge / discharge control method and the charge / discharge control device according to the present embodiment, the second signal may be transmitted by the power system only during a predetermined time after connecting the power module to the power system. Thereby, the number of communications and the communication volume of the entire communication generated between the power system and the charge / discharge control device can be reduced. As a result, the processing load on the power system and the charge / discharge control device can be reduced.

[0077] Each function shown in the above-described embodiment can be implemented by one or a plurality of processing circuits. The processing circuit includes a programmed processor, an electric circuit, etc., and further includes a device such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and circuit components arranged to execute the described functions.

[0078] As described above, the content of the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiment. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to these descriptions, and various modifications and improvements are possible. It should not be understood that the discussion and drawings forming part of this disclosure limit the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operation techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0079] Of course, the present invention includes various embodiments and the like not described herein. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is defined only by the invention-specific matters according to the legitimate claims based on the above description.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0080] 10 Charge / discharge control device 15, 73 Transceiver (receiver, transmitter) 21 Power supply device 23 Transmitter 25 Control server 50 Power module 70 Distribution system 71 Distribution server 100 Controller 110 First acquisition unit 120 Second acquisition unit 130 Setting unit 140 Calculation unit 150 Power determination unit SP1 Charging spot V1 Vehicle

Claims

1. A charge and discharge control method for controlling a power module connected to a power system, comprising: receiving, via a receiver included in the power module, a first signal indicating the power state of the power system and a second signal characterizing charge and discharge control in the power system sent from the power system; setting a calculation formula for calculating the target power of the power module based on the second signal; substituting the first signal into a variable of the calculation formula to calculate the target power; and controlling the power module to perform charge and discharge with the calculated target power. A charge and discharge control method characterized by the above.

2. The charge and discharge control method according to Claim 1, comprising: receiving the second signal including a set value of a calculation formula candidate used for calculating the target power; and substituting the set value into a variable for setting the calculation formula candidate to set the calculation formula. A charge and discharge control method characterized by the above.

3. The charge and discharge control method according to Claim 2, comprising: substituting a predetermined temporary set value into the calculation formula candidate until the second signal including the set value is received, and setting the calculation formula. A charge and discharge control method characterized by the above.

4. The charge and discharge control method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, comprising: receiving the second signal including an identifier associated with a calculation formula candidate used for calculating the target power; selecting the calculation formula candidate from a plurality of registered calculation formula candidates registered in a database based on the identifier; and setting the selected calculation formula candidate as the calculation formula. A charge and discharge control method characterized by the above.

5. The charge and discharge control method according to Claim 4, comprising: not setting the calculation formula until the second signal including the identifier is received. A charge and discharge control method characterized by the above.

6. The charge and discharge control method according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the frequency at which the second signal is transmitted by the power system is lower than the frequency at which the first signal is transmitted. A charge and discharge control method characterized by the above.

7. The charge and discharge control method according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the second signal is transmitted by the power system only during a predetermined time after the power module is connected to the power system. A charge and discharge control method characterized by the above.

8. A charge and discharge control device comprising a controller and a receiver for controlling a power module connected to a power system, wherein the controller receives A first signal indicating the power state of the power system, and a second signal characterizing charge and discharge control in the power system are received via the receiver, Based on the second signal, a calculation formula for calculating the target power of the power module is set, The first signal is substituted into the variable of the calculation formula to calculate the target power, and the power module is controlled to perform charge and discharge with the calculated target power. A charge and discharge control device characterized by the above. ​

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