Power management system

Abstract

To efficiently utilize an installation such as a charge station.SOLUTION: A power management system 1 comprises a server 300 that manages an appointment situation of utilizing a shop 2 by a user who uses an electric vehicle 100 mounting a battery 110 and carries out a demand adjustment of power on an electric power network 600 connected with the shop 2, and a charge / discharge station 200 installed at a parking lot 3 for the shop 2 and connected to the electric power network 600. The server 300, after a user appointed a utilization of the shop 2, carries out demand adjustment using the battery 110 during a connection between the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100 and the charge / discharge station 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is a facility where a charging stand for supplying power to a power storage device mounted on an electric vehicle is installed. In order to efficiently charge the power storage devices mounted on a plurality of electric vehicles visiting such a facility, the time zone to be used is reserved in advance, and the power storage device of the target vehicle is charged during the reserved time zone, thereby suppressing an increase in the waiting time for other electric vehicles to charge. When there are a plurality of such charging stands, it is required to appropriately manage the reservation status.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-231324 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique of receiving vehicle identification information, parking time, and the amount of power to be used as reservation information from a user, and making a plan to supply power to a vehicle at a plurality of stands using the power at the peak of power demand and the reservation information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Since users who have reserved the use of a charging stand as described above tend to make a reservation for use during free time, there is a possibility that the reservation for the use of the charging stand may be canceled due to other schedules during the free time. Therefore, there are cases where facilities such as charging stands cannot be used efficiently.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power management system that efficiently uses facilities such as a charging stand.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A power management system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a charging / discharging stand installed in a parking space of a facility and connected to a power grid, and a server that manages the reservation status of the facility by a user who uses a vehicle equipped with a power storage device and performs power supply / demand adjustment in the power grid. The server performs power supply / demand adjustment using the power storage device while the power storage device of the vehicle is connected to the charging / discharging stand after the use of the facility is reserved by the user.

[0008] In this way, during the time period when the user reserves the use of the facility, it is less likely that the reserved user will have another schedule. Therefore, by performing power supply / demand adjustment using the power storage device while the power storage device is connected to the charging / discharging stand, it is possible to suppress the electric vehicle from leaving during the power supply / demand adjustment and efficiently use the charging / discharging stand.

[0009] In one embodiment, the server includes a first server that manages the reservation status and a second server that is communicably configured with the first server and performs power supply / demand adjustment. The second server transmits information for identifying a user who uses the vehicle used for the power supply / demand adjustment to the first server. The first server executes a process for giving a user a consideration according to the contribution to the power supply / demand adjustment using the information received from the second server.

[0010] In this way, since a process for giving a user a consideration according to the contribution to the power supply / demand adjustment is executed, the user can receive the consideration. Therefore, the number of users of the facility can be increased.

[0011] Furthermore, in one embodiment, when the use of the facility by the user is reserved, the second server sets a period for performing power supply / demand adjustment within the reserved time period.

[0012] By doing so, since a period is set during which the supply-demand adjustment is carried out within the reserved time period for which the user uses the facility, the power storage device of the vehicle can be used for the supply-demand adjustment without leaving midway.

[0013] Furthermore, in a certain embodiment, when the first server receives information about the time period during which the consideration for the supply-demand adjustment can be obtained from the second server, the first server provides information indicating that the use of the facility in the time period is promoted.

[0014] By doing so, by providing information indicating that the use of the facility in the time period during which the consideration for the supply-demand adjustment can be obtained is promoted, the user can be made to use the facility in that time period, so that the power storage device of the vehicle can be used for the supply-demand adjustment.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, a power management system that efficiently uses a charging stand can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power management system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the power management system 1 according to this embodiment includes a store terminal 2a, a charging and discharging stand 200, an electric vehicle 100, a server 300, a user terminal 400, and a communication network 600. The charging and discharging stand 200 is provided at a plurality of locations in the parking lot 3 of the store 2, and in FIG. 1, one representative charging and discharging stand 200 is shown.

[0019] The store 2 is a facility that provides various products and various services to users, for example, a facility that users can reserve in advance. The store 2 includes, for example, a beauty salon, a restaurant, a bathhouse, a movie theater, a lodging facility, or a complex facility thereof.

[0020] In the store 2, a store terminal 2a, a register 2b, a parking lot 3, and a charging and discharging stand 200 are installed. Electric power from the power grid 500 is supplied to various electrical devices installed in the store 2.

[0021] The store terminal 2a receives reservation information of users (customers) who use the store 2, stores information about privileges provided to users, and provides reservation information of users and information about users who are using the store 2 to the server 300. The store terminal 2a corresponds to the "first server".

[0022] Register 2b executes, for example, payment processing, settlement processing, point awarding processing, etc. during the sale and purchase transaction of goods or after the provision of services between the store employees of Store 2 and the users of Store 2. Register 2b stores payment information generated by payment processing, settlement information generated by settlement processing, and point information, and exchanges such information with the store terminal 2a. Payment processing and settlement processing include, for example, payment processing and settlement processing using electronic money with a user terminal or the like. Point awarding processing includes, for example, a process of adding new point information based on information about privileges stored in the store terminal 2a to the point information stored in the user terminal 400 possessed by the user. Payment information and settlement information include information about the store where the sale and purchase transaction or service provision is carried out, the goods or services sold, the usage history of the services, and the information of the user, etc.

[0023] The electric vehicle 100 is, for example, an electric car equipped with an inlet 62, a power conversion device 70, and a battery 110 that stores the power for running. In FIG. 1, the case where the electric vehicle 100 is parked in a parking space in the parking lot 3 is shown.

[0024] The charging and discharging stand 200 is installed in Store 2 and is connected to a power line branched from the power line connected to the power grid 500. One end of the cable 202 is connected to the charging and discharging stand 200. A connector 201 is connected to the other end of the cable 202. The connector 201 has a structure that can be connected to the electric vehicle 100. In FIG. 1, the case where the connector 201 is connected to the inlet 62 of the electric vehicle 100, for example, is shown.

[0025] When the connector 201 is connected to the inlet 62, power can be exchanged between the charging and discharging stand 200 and the electric vehicle 100.

[0026] Server 300 is, for example, a server operated by an operator of a lower aggregator (resource aggregator). The lower aggregator is an operator that directly controls small-scale power supply facilities such as the charge / discharge stand 200 in response to a request for power supply-demand adjustment (hereinafter also referred to as a DR (Demand Response) request) from an upper layer (for example, an upper aggregator (aggregation coordinator) or a power transmission and distribution operator (power company), etc.). When the lower aggregator performs supply-demand adjustment using small-scale power supply facilities in accordance with a DR request, it provides an incentive corresponding to its contribution to the owner of each small-scale power supply facility. Note that the incentive may be provided from the power transmission and distribution operator to the owner of each small-scale power supply facility via the aggregator. Server 300 corresponds to the "second server".

[0027] Server 300 is configured to be communicable with the store terminal 2a, the electric vehicle 100, and a user terminal 400 (to be described later) via the communication network 600. Server 300 manages the power exchanged between the power storage device in the store 2 and the power grid 500.

[0028] The power exchange between the power storage device in the store 2 and the power grid 500 includes at least one of power supply / supply stop from the power storage device to the power grid 500 and power supply / supply stop from the power grid 500 to the power storage device.

[0029] Server 300 is configured to be able to issue an execution command for at least one of charging the battery 110 mounted on the electric vehicle 100 connected to the charge / discharge stand 200, supplying power from the battery 110, stopping the charging of the battery 110, and stopping the power supply from the battery 110 to the charge / discharge stand 200.

[0030] The user terminal 400 is each carried by a user and includes at least one portable terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, and a smartwatch.

[0031] The user terminal 400 is configured to be communicable with the store terminal 2a via a communication network 600 including a base station for wireless communication and the Internet installed inside or outside the store 2. The user terminal 400 is configured to be communicable with the base station for wireless communication in a predetermined communication format. The predetermined communication format includes, for example, wireless communication according to a wireless communication method conforming to a wireless communication standard such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or 3G, 4G, 5G, etc. of mobile phones.

[0032] The user terminal 400 is provided with, for example, a position measurement unit 406. The user terminal 400 can acquire the position information of the terminal using the output result of the position measurement unit 406. The position measurement unit 406 may use GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like, or may use a wireless communication device such as Wifi.

[0033] The power grid 500 includes, for example, a power generation system constructed by a power plant equipped with a power generation device for generating electricity, power transmission lines, substations, and power distribution lines, etc., and is connected to the power line installed inside the store 2 so that power can be transferred.

[0034] The electric vehicle 100 includes an inlet 62, a power conversion device 70, and a battery 110.

[0035] The battery 110 is a DC power source configured to be rechargeable, and is, for example, a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery containing a solid or liquid electrolyte. Note that the battery 110 is an example of a power storage device for storing power, and is not limited to a secondary battery. For example, a capacitor or the like may be used as a rechargeable DC power source instead of the battery 110.

[0036] The connector 201 of the charge and discharge stand 200 is attached to the inlet 62. The inlet 62 has a structure that allows the connector 201 to be detached.

[0037] When power can be transferred between the inlet 62 and the power conversion device 70, the power conversion device 70 operates to enable charging power to be supplied from the inlet 62 to the battery 110 (i.e., a state where charge control can be executed), or to enable power supply power to be supplied from the battery 110 to the inlet 62 (i.e., a state where power supply control can be executed).

[0038] When the electrical connection between the inlet 62 and the power conversion device 70 is interrupted, charging power from the power grid 500 to the battery 110 via the inlet 62 cannot be supplied, or power supply power from the battery 110 to the inlet 62 cannot be supplied.

[0039] The charge / discharge stand 200 includes a control device and a communication device (both not shown). The control device includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (including, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.). The control device controls each device of the charge / discharge stand 200 based on signals from various sensors provided in the charge / discharge stand 200, information such as maps and programs stored in the memory. Various controls performed by the control device are not limited to software processing, and can also be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0040] The control device calculates the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery 110 based on detection values from current sensors, voltage sensors, etc. As a method for calculating the SOC, various known methods can be adopted, such as a method by current value integration (Coulomb count) or a method by estimating the open circuit voltage (OCV: Open Circuit Voltage). Note that the SOC of the battery 110 may be calculated, for example, in the electric vehicle 100 and transmitted to the charge / discharge stand 200, or may be calculated in the server 300.

[0041] The communication device is configured to enable two-way communication with the server 300 via, for example, the communication network 600.

[0042] The server 300 manages the battery (for example, the battery 110) of an electric vehicle (for example, the electric vehicle 100) connected to the store 2 as one of a plurality of energy resources. The server 300 changes the amount of power demand in the power grid 500 by charging or discharging in a plurality of energy resources including, for example, the battery 110 mounted on the electric vehicle 100 connected to the store 2, thereby performing power demand leveling (supply-demand adjustment).

[0043] The server 300 includes a control unit 302, a communication unit 304, and a storage unit 306. The control unit 302 includes a CPU (not shown) and the like, and is configured to execute predetermined arithmetic processing based on information stored in the storage unit 306, information received from the charge / discharge stand 200 via the communication unit 304, or information received from the store terminal 2a via the communication unit 304.

[0044] The communication unit 304 is configured to enable communication with each of the charge / discharge stand 200 and the store terminal 2a via the communication network 600. Information is exchanged between the communication unit 304 and the communication destination device in a predetermined communication method. The predetermined communication method may be, for example, wired communication or wireless communication.

[0045] The storage unit 306 includes, for example, a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk or a solid-state drive in addition to the above-described memory. The storage unit 306 stores, for example, communication histories such as the state (for example, SOC, etc.) of the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100, or stores information (for example, reservation information, etc.) received from the store terminal 2a.

[0046] The store terminal 2a includes a control unit 2d, a storage unit 2e, and a communication unit 2f. The control unit 2d includes a CPU (not shown) and is configured to execute predetermined arithmetic processing based on payment information or settlement information acquired from the register 2b via the communication unit 2f, information received from the server 300 via the communication unit 2f, and the like.

[0047] The storage unit 2e includes, for example, a storage device similar to the above-described storage unit 306. The storage unit 2e stores, for example, reservation information of users received from the user terminal 400.

[0048] The communication unit 2f is configured to be able to communicate with each of the communication unit 304 of the server 300 and the communication unit 404 of the user terminal 400 via the communication network 600. Information is exchanged with the devices communicating with the communication unit 2f by a predetermined wireless communication.

[0049] The user terminal 400 includes a control unit 402, a communication unit 404, and a position measurement unit 406. The control unit 402 includes a CPU (not shown) and is configured to execute predetermined arithmetic processing based on position information acquired by the position measurement unit 406, information received from the server 300 via the communication unit 404, and the like.

[0050] The position measurement unit 406 acquires the position information of the user terminal 400. The acquired position information is transmitted to the control unit 402, transmitted to the store terminal 2a via the communication unit 404, or stored in a storage unit (not shown).

[0051] The communication unit 404 is configured to be able to communicate with the communication unit 2f of the store terminal 2a via the communication network 600. Information is exchanged with the devices communicating with the communication unit 404 by a predetermined wireless communication.

[0052] In the store 2 of the power management system 1 having the above-described configuration, the charging and discharging stand 200 is set as described above. In order to efficiently charge the batteries mounted on a plurality of electric vehicles visiting the store 2, the time zone to be used is reserved in advance, and by charging the battery of the electric vehicle to be reserved during the reserved time zone, it is possible to suppress an increase in the waiting time for other electric vehicles to wait for charging. When there are a plurality of such charging stands, it is required to appropriately manage the reservation status.

[0053] However, since users who have reserved the use of the charging stand as described above tend to make reservations for use during free time, there is a possibility that the reservation for the use of the charging stand will be canceled due to other schedules being entered during the free time. Therefore, there are cases where facilities such as charging stands cannot be used efficiently.

[0054] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the server 300 performs supply-demand adjustment using the battery 110 while the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100 and the charging and discharging stand 200 are connected after the use of the store 2 is reserved by the user.

[0055] By doing so, during the time zone when the user has reserved the facility, it is less likely that the reserved user will enter another schedule. Therefore, during the period when the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100 and the charging and discharging stand 200 are connected, by performing supply-demand adjustment using the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100, it is possible to suppress the electric vehicle from leaving during the supply-demand adjustment and efficiently use the charging and discharging stand.

[0056] At the store terminal 2a, transmission information is transmitted to the user, a reservation for the use of the store 2 is received, and reservation information is transmitted to the server 300. At the server 300, supply-demand adjustment is performed using the received reservation information.

[0057] The processing executed in each of the store terminal 2a and the server 300 will be described below. An example of the processing for transmitting the transmission information to the user executed in the store terminal 2a will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing for transmitting the transmission information to the user executed in the store terminal 2a. A series of processing shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the store terminal 2a at predetermined intervals.

[0058] In step (hereinafter, steps are described as S) 100, the store terminal 2a (specifically, the control unit 2d of the store terminal 2a) determines whether to acquire the incentive information for each time zone from the server 300. The incentive information for each time zone includes, for example, information about the time zones in which a consideration for participating in the DR request can be obtained during a day and information about the time zones in which no consideration can be obtained. The time zone is composed of, for example, a start time and an end time, and is preset so as not to overlap with other time zones. The time zone may include, for example, a morning time zone, a noon time zone, an evening time zone, and a night time zone, or may include time zones at predetermined intervals. The server 300 may transmit the incentive information, for example, every time a predetermined time has elapsed, or the store terminal 2a may request the server 300 to transmit the incentive information, for example, every time a predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the incentive information for each time zone has been acquired from the server 300 (YES in S100), the processing proceeds to S102.

[0059] In S102, the store terminal 2a generates transmission information. The store terminal 2a generates transmission information to be transmitted to the users of store 2. The users of store 2 include, for example, members who have been registered in advance as users of store 2. The store terminal 2a generates transmission information to be transmitted to the message recipients (such as user terminal 400) included in the member information. The transmission information includes, for example, information indicating that the consideration obtained by the user through participation in the DR request during a specific time period is higher than that in other time periods. The consideration obtained by the user may be, for example, points used for discounting the prices of goods or services handled in store 2, the discount rate of the prices of goods or services, or the discount amount of the prices of goods or services.

[0060] In S104, the store terminal 2a identifies the recipient user. The store terminal 2a identifies the recipient user of the transmission information, for example, by using the past usage records of a plurality of pre-registered members. The store terminal 2a may identify, as the recipient user, a user whose cumulative purchase amount during a predetermined recent period at store 2 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Alternatively, the store terminal 2a may identify, as the recipient user, a user who has used store 2 (a user who has purchased goods or received service) within a predetermined recent period. Alternatively, the store terminal 2a may identify all members as the recipient users.

[0061] In S106, the store terminal 2a transmits the transmission information to the user terminal of the user who is the recipient. The store terminal 2a transmits the transmission information generated in S102 to the user terminal of the recipient user identified in S104. Note that if it is determined that incentive information cannot be obtained (NO in S100), this process ends.

[0062] Next, an example of a reservation acceptance process for accepting reservations, which is executed on the store terminal 2a, will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the reservation acceptance process executed on the store terminal 2a. A series of processes shown in this flowchart are repeatedly executed by the store terminal 2a at predetermined intervals.

[0063] In S200, the store terminal 2a determines whether to accept reservation information. For example, when the store terminal 2a receives data indicating reservation information from the user terminal 400 via the communication network 600, it determines to accept the reservation information. The reservation information includes information about the time slot when the store 2 is scheduled to be used, information for identifying the user, and information about whether to participate in the supply-demand adjustment for DR requests during the use of the store 2. The information for identifying the user may include, for example, information about the membership number, or may include the user's personal information such as the phone number. Regarding whether to participate in the supply-demand adjustment during the use of the store 2, for example, it is confirmed with the user as one of the confirmation items when other reservation information is input using the user terminal 400. The reservation information may include information about the SOC of the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100 obtained by the user terminal 400 communicating with the electric vehicle 100, and information such as the position information of the electric vehicle 100 obtained by the position measurement unit 406, which can acquire the distance to the store 2. If it is determined to accept the reservation information (YES in S200), the process proceeds to S202.

[0064] In S202, the store terminal 2a determines whether reservation acceptance is possible. Specifically, when the time slot targeted by the received reservation information overlaps with a time slot already reserved by another user, the store terminal 2a determines that reservation acceptance is not possible. When the time slot targeted by the reservation is an available time slot not reserved by another user, the store terminal 2a determines that reservation acceptance is possible. If it is determined that reservation acceptance is possible (YES in S202), the process proceeds to S204.

[0065] In S204, the store terminal 2a executes reservation processing using the reservation information. The store terminal 2a reads out the time slot for reservation and the information identifying the user from the received reservation information, and associates the time slot for reservation (including information on the start time and end time) with the information identifying the user and stores them in the storage unit 2e. The subsequent processing proceeds to S206.

[0066] In S206, the store terminal 2a transmits the reservation information to the server 300. The store terminal 2a may, for example, transmit the received reservation information to the server 300 each time reservation information is received from the user terminal, or alternatively, transmit a plurality of reservation information to the server 300 each time a predetermined period elapses, or each time a predetermined number of reservation information is received. Then this processing ends. Note that when it is determined that reservation reception is not possible (NO in S202), the processing proceeds to S208.

[0067] In S208, the store terminal 2a notifies that reservation reception is not possible. Specifically, the store terminal 2a transmits information indicating that reservation reception is not possible to the user terminal 400 which is the transmission destination of the reservation information. Then this processing ends.

[0068] Next, an example of the charge / discharge processing that executes charge / discharge control upon receiving a DR request and is executed in the server 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the charge / discharge processing executed in the server 300. A series of processing shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the server 300 at predetermined intervals.

[0069] In S300, the server 300 (specifically, the control unit 302 of the server 300) determines whether or not to receive reservation information. The server 300 determines whether or not to receive data indicating reservation information from the store terminal 2a via the communication network 600. When it is determined that reservation information is received (YES in S300), the processing proceeds to S302.

[0070] In S302, the server 300 executes a bidding process. The server 300 sets an adjustment power using the small-scale power supply equipment to be controlled with the received reservation information. The server 300 sets the adjustment power based on the amount of power that can be exchanged by the small-scale power supply equipment to be controlled. The amount of power that can be exchanged by the small-scale power supply equipment is calculated, for example, using the SOC of the energy storage device provided in the small-scale power supply equipment. The adjustment power includes a plurality of types of adjustment powers (primary, secondary, or tertiary adjustment powers, etc.) that differ depending on the responsiveness in addition to the adjustment range of the power. The server 300 bids with the electricity price that can be realized by the set adjustment power as the bidding price. When the server 300 is awarded as the provider of the adjustment power, it is determined as one of the DR request destinations.

[0071] In S304, the server 300 determines whether to receive a DR request. When the server 300 receives data indicating a DR request from the upper aggregator via the communication network 600, it determines that it has received a DR request. When it is determined that a DR request has been received (YES in S304), the process proceeds to S306.

[0072] In S306, the server 300 executes charge / discharge control. Specifically, the server 300 executes charge / discharge control for each of the plurality of energy storage devices included in the small-scale power supply equipment by outputting an execution command for charge / discharge control to the small-scale power supply equipment to be controlled according to the DR request.

[0073] The server 300 realizes the adjustment power required by the DR request in a time period required by the DR request by sharing it among, for example, some or all of the plurality of small-scale power supply equipment. The server 300 sets, for example, the time period and the charge / discharge amount for executing charge / discharge control in each of the plurality of small-scale power supply equipment according to the DR request. The server 300 outputs an execution command for charge / discharge control to the small-scale power supply equipment to be controlled according to the set time period and charge / discharge power amount.

[0074] Server 300 sets, for example, a time period during which charge-discharge control is to be executed within a connection scheduled period in which the electric vehicle 100 is to be connected to the charge-discharge stand 200 using reservation information. Server 300 sets a time period during which charge-discharge control is to be executed at least within the usage period of the reserved store 2. Server 300 identifies the usage period of the reserved store 2 from the start time and end time included in the reservation information. Further, Server 300 sets, for example, the amount of power (charge-discharge power amount) to be exchanged with the power grid 500 by charge-discharge control based on the usage period of store 2 and the SOC of the battery 110.

[0075] Server 300 calculates, for example, a first chargeable power amount calculated from the usage period of store 2 and the upper limit value of the charging power at the charge-discharge stand 200, and a first dischargeable power amount calculated from the usage period of store 2 and the lower limit value of the discharging power at the charge-discharge stand 200. Server 300 calculates, for example, a second chargeable power amount using the difference between the current SOC of the battery 110 and the upper limit value of the SOC, and calculates a second dischargeable power amount using the difference between the current SOC of the battery 110 and the lower limit value of the SOC. Server 300 sets, for example, the smaller of the first chargeable power amount and the second chargeable power amount as the upper limit value of the chargeable power amount, and sets the smaller of the first dischargeable power amount and the second dischargeable power amount as the upper limit value of the dischargeable power amount, and sets the charge-discharge power amount to be shared by the battery 110.

[0076] When the set time period arrives, Server 300 outputs an execution command for charge-discharge control to the charge-discharge stand 200, and when the set time period has elapsed, stops outputting the execution command for charge-discharge control or outputs a stop command for executing charge-discharge control. If it is determined that reservation information is not received (NO in S300), this process ends. Also, if it is determined that a DR request has not been received (NO in S304), the process returns to S304.

[0077] Next, an example of the allocation process for allocating the consideration for the adjustment force executed in the server 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the allocation process executed in the server 300. A series of processes shown in this flowchart are repeatedly executed by the server 300 at a predetermined cycle.

[0078] In S400, the server 300 determines whether or not to receive the adjustment force consideration. For example, when the server 300 receives data indicating the consideration for providing the adjustment force to the DR request from the upper aggregator, it determines that the adjustment force consideration has been received. If it is determined that the adjustment force consideration has been received (YES in S400), the process proceeds to S402.

[0079] In S402, the server 300 executes the consideration allocation process. Specifically, the server 300 executes, as the consideration allocation process, a process of allocating consideration to each of a plurality of small-scale power supply facilities according to the participation record in the DR request. The consideration may be set, for example, in terms of an equivalent amount of money, or may be set in terms of points or the number of points.

[0080] In S404, the server 300 transmits the allocated consideration. The server 300 transmits data indicating the allocated consideration to each of the plurality of small-scale power supply facilities that have participated in the DR request.

[0081] Next, an example of the provision process for providing benefits to the user executed in the store terminal 2a will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the provision process executed in the store terminal 2a. A series of processes shown in this flowchart are repeatedly executed by the store terminal 2a at a predetermined cycle.

[0082] In S500, the store terminal 2a determines whether or not to receive the allocated consideration. For example, when the store terminal 2a receives data indicating the allocated consideration from the server 300 via the communication network 600, it determines that the allocated consideration has been received. If it is determined that the allocated consideration has been received (YES in S500), the process proceeds to S502.

[0083] At S502, the store terminal 2a sets benefits for the reservation user. For example, the store terminal 2a may add points corresponding to the contribution of the reservation user among the allocated consideration to the points included in the membership information of the reservation user. Alternatively, for example, the store terminal 2a may set an amount corresponding to the contribution of the reservation user as a deduction amount, and then deduct the amount from the payment amount in the settlement process performed by the subsequent reservation user. Alternatively, for example, the store terminal 2a may set a discount rate set using the contribution of the reservation user, and then deduct an amount corresponding to the discount rate from the payment amount in the settlement process performed by the subsequent reservation user. The contribution of the reservation user is calculated, for example, in the server 300 or the store terminal 2a using the amount of power exchanged between the battery mounted on the electric vehicle of the reservation user and the power grid. The subsequent process proceeds to S504.

[0084] At S504, the store terminal 2a notifies the reservation user of the provision of benefits. The store terminal 2a notifies the reservation user of the provision of benefits by transmitting predetermined data so that a notification indicating that benefits have been provided is displayed on the display unit of the user terminal 400 of the reservation user, or by transmitting a message such as an email to the transmission destination set by the user at the time of membership registration.

[0085] An example of the operations of the store terminal 2a and the server 300 based on the above structure and flowchart will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operations of the user, the store terminal 2a, and the server 300. In FIG. 7, the case where the store 2 is a beauty salon will be described as an example.

[0086] <(Regarding the operation before reservation)> As shown in Fig. 7(A), for example, the server 300 predicts the changes in power demand and supply volume in a day or a predetermined period using data such as supply and demand performance and weather history information stored in a predetermined database (not shown). The server 300 sets, for example, the time period when the demand volume exceeds the supply volume by a predetermined value or more, or the time period when the supply volume exceeds the demand volume by a predetermined value or more as the time period targeted for DR requests. The server 300 transmits information regarding incentives for each time period, including information about the time period targeted for DR requests and information about the incentives in that time period, to the store terminal 2a.

[0087] When incentive information is acquired at the store terminal 2a (YES in S100), transmission information for the user is generated (S102). At this time, transmission information that promotes utilization reservation in the time period (the time period targeted for DR requests) when an incentive can be obtained using the incentive information is generated. The destination user is identified (S104), and the transmission information is transmitted as "notification of beneficial information" to the user terminal 400 of the identified user (S106).

[0088] <(B) Regarding the reservation operation> As shown in Fig. 7(B), when a user reserves the use of a beauty salon, reservation information including information about the desired time period, information identifying the user, and information about whether the user wishes to participate in demand - supply adjustment using the electric vehicle 100 during the use of the beauty salon is transmitted from the user terminal 400 to the store terminal 2a.

[0089] When the reservation information is acquired at the store terminal 2a (YES in S200), it is determined whether the reservation can be accepted (S202). For example, if the use of the time period desired by the user included in the reservation information is available, it is determined that the reservation can be accepted (YES in S202), and reservation processing using the reservation information is executed (S204). After the reservation processing is executed, the reservation information is transmitted to the server 300 (S206).

[0090] If the time slot desired by the user included in the reservation information is not available, information indicating that reservation acceptance is not possible is notified (S208). Specifically, information indicating that reservation acceptance is not possible is transmitted to the user terminal 400 of the user included in the reservation information.

[0091] Also, when the server 300 receives the reservation information (YES in S300), the bidding process is executed (S302), and after the completion of the bidding process, it is determined whether a DR request is received (S304). When a DR request from the upper aggregator is received (YES in S304), charge / discharge control is executed (S306).

[0092] <(Regarding the operation during use (reservation time))> As shown in (C) of FIG. 7, it is assumed that the user moves to the store 2 which is a beauty salon using the electric vehicle 100 and parks the electric vehicle 100 in the parking lot 3 of the store 2. After the user connects the connector 201 to the inlet 62 of the electric vehicle 100, the user moves to the store 2. When the connector 201 is connected to the inlet 62 of the electric vehicle 100, the charge / discharge stand 200 supplies power so that the battery 110 is charged. At this time, the charge / discharge stand 200 may calculate the SOC of the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100, or may receive information about the SOC of the battery 110 from the electric vehicle 100.

[0093] Note that when charge / discharge control according to the DR request is executed by an execution command from the server 300 during the use of the store 2 by the user (S306), the power is supplied from the battery 110 mounted on the electric vehicle 100 to the power grid 500, or the battery 110 is charged using the power from the power grid 500, so that the difference between the demand and supply amounts in the power grid 500 is adjusted to be reduced.

[0094] <(Regarding the operation after use)> As shown in (D) of FIG. 7, after using Store 2, the user will remove the connector 201 of the charging and discharging stand 200 from the electric vehicle 100 and then move using the electric vehicle 100.

[0095] Information about the consideration (regulation power consideration) for the contribution to the DR request is transmitted from the power transmission and distribution business operator (or the upper aggregator) to the server 300. When the server 300 receives the regulation power consideration (YES in S400), the consideration allocation process is executed (S402), and the consideration (allocated consideration) allocated by the consideration allocation process is transmitted to each small-scale power generation facility managed by the server 300 (S404).

[0096] When the allocated consideration is received at the store terminal 2a (YES in S500), a privilege for the reserved user is set (S502). For example, points corresponding to the contribution of the reserved user are given. Then, information about the privilege set for the user is notified to the user (S504).

[0097] As described above, according to the power management system according to the present embodiment, in the time zone when the user reserves the use of Store 2, it is less likely that the reserved user will make another appointment. Therefore, while the battery of the electric vehicle 100 is connected to the charging and discharging stand 200, by performing supply and demand adjustment using the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100, it is possible to suppress the electric vehicle 100 from leaving during the supply and demand adjustment and efficiently use the charging and discharging stand 200. Therefore, it is possible to provide a power management system that efficiently uses facilities such as charging stands.

[0098] Furthermore, since a process for giving a consideration such as points according to the contribution to the supply and demand adjustment is executed to the user of Store 2, the user can receive the consideration. Therefore, the number of users of Store 2 can be increased.

[0099] Furthermore, by promoting the use of Store 2 by users during the time period when the price obtained through supply-demand adjustment is obtained using the transmission information, the users can be made to use Store 2 during that time period. Therefore, the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100 of the users of Store 2 can be used for supply-demand adjustment.

[0100] The following describes a modification example. In the above-described embodiment, it has been described as calculating the SOC of the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100 connected to the charge / discharge stand 200. However, for example, the SOC of the battery 110 may be calculated in the electric vehicle 100, and the charge / discharge stand 200 may acquire information about the SOC from the electric vehicle 100, or the reservation information may include information about the SOC of the electric vehicle 100. At this time, the user terminal 400 may acquire information about the SOC of the battery 110 from the electric vehicle 100, for example. Further, when the reservation information includes information about the SOC, it is desirable for the server 300 to estimate the SOC in consideration of the decrease amount that decreases when the electric vehicle 100 moves to Store 2, and set the adjustment power using each small-scale power facility. The decrease amount is estimated using, for example, the distance between the electric vehicle 100 and Store 2.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the contribution of the user is provided as an incentive in cash, points, discount amount, or discount rate has been described. However, for example, an article corresponding to the contribution may be provided to the user as an incentive.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the reservation information is transmitted to the server 300 after the completion of the reservation process. However, information indicating that the reservation has been completed may be transmitted to the user terminal 400 after the completion of the reservation process.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that after the reservation process is completed, the reservation information is transmitted to the server 300. However, the reservation information transmitted to the server 300 may be the same information as the reservation information received from the user terminal 400, or may be information to which other information is added, and is not limited to the same information.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the store terminal 2a that manages the reservation status of the user and the server 300 that manages the small-scale power supply equipment including the charge / discharge stand 200 of the store 2 are realized by individual computers. However, the store terminal 2a and the server 300 may be realized using a single computer.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, information about the time zone in which a consideration is obtained by transmitting the transmission information to the user terminal of the user is provided to the user. However, for example, the information about the time zone in which a consideration is obtained may be provided to the viewer of the homepage by displaying the information about the time zone in which a consideration is obtained on the homepage managed by the store 2.

[0106] Note that the above-described modified examples may be implemented by appropriately combining all or part of them. The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0107] 1 Power management system, 2 Store, 2a Store terminal, 2b Cash register, 2d, 302, 402 Control unit, 2e, 306 Memory unit, 2f, 304, 404 Communication unit, 3 Parking lot, 62 Inlet, 70 Power conversion device, 100 Electric vehicle, 110 Battery, 200 Charging and discharging stand, 201 Connector, 202 Cable, 300 Server, 400 User terminal, 406 Position measurement unit, 500 Power grid, 600 Communication network.

Claims

1. A charging and discharging stand installed in a parking space of a facility and connected to a power grid, and a server that manages the reservation status of the facility by a user who uses a vehicle equipped with a power storage device and performs power supply and demand adjustment in the power grid, wherein the server includes a first server installed in the facility for managing the reservation status and a second server configured to be communicable with the first server and performing the supply and demand adjustment, wherein the second server sets a period for performing the supply and demand adjustment within a reserved time period when the use of the facility by the user is reserved, wherein the second server performs the supply and demand adjustment using the power storage device while the power storage device of the vehicle is connected to the charging and discharging stand after the use of the facility by the user is reserved, wherein the second server transmits information for identifying the user who uses the vehicle used for the supply and demand adjustment to the first server, and the first server executes a process for giving a user a consideration according to the contribution to the supply and demand adjustment using the information received from the second server, a power management system.

2. The power management system according to claim 1, wherein the first server provides information indicating that the use of the facility in the time period is promoted when receiving information about a time period in which a consideration for the supply and demand adjustment is obtained from the second server.

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