Server and System

A server manages power stands by determining congestion through vehicle data and setting incentives to distribute electric vehicle charging, effectively reducing congestion and optimizing stand utilization.

JP7711655B2Active Publication Date: 2025-07-23TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022122792
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-08-01
Publication Date
2025-07-23
Estimated Expiration
2042-08-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing charging systems for electric vehicles can lead to congestion at power supply facilities due to high demand, which needs to be addressed to optimize power stand utilization.

Method used

A server manages multiple power stands and determines congestion situations by analyzing vehicle positions or reservation data, setting incentives for vehicles to use less congested stands, thereby reducing load on congested stands.

Benefits of technology

The system effectively reduces congestion at power stands by redirecting vehicles to less busy locations, optimizing power stand usage and improving overall efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a server capable of inhibiting a power stand from being congested by electric vehicles.SOLUTION: In a system 1, a server 100 includes a determination part 101a for determining a congestion state in an EVSE 20A of a plurality of electric vehicles 10 corresponding to an execution request for power control, and a setting part 101b for setting incentives for the performance of power control in the EVSE 20B by each of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 in the case where the determination part 101a determines that the EVSE 20A is congested.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, the charging processing system described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-102025 (Patent Document 1) includes a power supply facility capable of supplying CO2-free power generated using renewable energy and a server. The server issues coupons that can be used at stores existing around the power supply facility to users of electric vehicles for which CO2-free charging is performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above Patent Document 1, as described above, since coupons that can be used at stores around the power supply facility are issued, it is conceivable that the power supply facility becomes congested due to electric vehicles attempting to perform free charging at the power supply facility. Therefore, it is desired to suppress congestion of the power supply facility (power stand) by electric vehicles.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a server and a system capable of suppressing congestion of a power stand by electric vehicles.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The server according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is a server that manages a first power stand and at least one second power stand that are different from each other. Each of the first power stand and the second power stand is configured to enable power control including at least one of power supply to the power grid and charging from the power grid. The server includes a determination unit that determines a congestion situation in the first power stand of a plurality of electric vehicles in response to a power control execution request, and a setting unit that sets an incentive for each of the plurality of electric vehicles to perform power control in the second power stand when the determination unit determines that the first power stand is congested.

[0007] In the server according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, when the determination unit determines that the first power stand is congested, an incentive for each of the plurality of electric vehicles to perform power control in the second power stand is set. As a result, it is possible to increase the number of users of electric vehicles (users who change from the first power stand to the second power stand for performing power control) who attempt to perform power control in the second power stand for the purpose of the incentive. As a result, it is possible to suppress the first power stand from being congested by electric vehicles.

[0008] Also, in the server according to the first aspect, preferably, a first acquisition unit that acquires position information of each of the plurality of electric vehicles is provided. The determination unit determines the congestion situation in the first power stand based on the position information of each of the plurality of electric vehicles acquired by the first acquisition unit. With this configuration, it is possible to easily detect the number of electric vehicles near the first power stand based on the position information of each of the plurality of electric vehicles. As a result, it is possible to easily determine the congestion situation in the first power stand.

[0009] Also, in the server according to the first aspect, preferably, a second acquisition unit is provided that acquires reservation information regarding the reservation status of power control at the first power stand by each of a plurality of electric vehicles. The determination unit determines the congestion status at the first power stand based on the reservation information. With this configuration, the number of electric vehicles near the first power stand can be easily predicted based on the reservation information. As a result, the congestion status at the first power stand can be easily determined.

[0010] Also, in the server according to the first aspect, preferably, when the second power stand is installed near the parking lot, the setting unit sets, as an incentive, to grant a parking ticket available in the parking lot. With this configuration, it is possible to increase the number of users who perform power control at the second power stand among the users who plan to use the parking lot.

[0011] Also, in the server according to the first aspect, preferably, a plurality of second power stands are provided. When the determination unit determines that the first power stand is congested, the setting unit sets an incentive for power control at the second power stand that is closest to the first power stand among the plurality of second power stands. With this configuration, the time required to go from the first power stand to the second power stand is shortened, so it is possible to increase more users who change the power control from the first power stand to the second power stand.

[0012] Also, in the server according to the first aspect, preferably, a plurality of second power stands are provided. When the determination unit determines that the first power stand is congested, the setting unit sets an incentive for power control at the second power stand that has the lowest frequency of power control among the plurality of second power stands. With this configuration, it is possible to eliminate the state where the frequency of power control at the second power stand is low.

[0013] The system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes a first power stand and a second power stand that are different from each other, and a server that manages the first power stand and the second power stand. Each of the first power stand and the second power stand is configured to enable power control including at least one of power supply to the power grid and charging from the power grid. The server determines the congestion situation of a plurality of electric vehicles at the first power stand in response to a request for execution of power control, and sets an incentive for power control to be performed by each of the plurality of electric vehicles at the second power stand when it is determined that the first power stand is congested.

[0014] In the server according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, when it is determined that the first power stand is congested, an incentive for power control to be performed by each of the plurality of electric vehicles at the second power stand is set. Thereby, a system capable of suppressing the first power stand from being congested by electric vehicles can be provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the power stand from being congested by electric vehicles.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 5

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Figure 7

Figure 8

[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] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system 1 according to the first embodiment. The system 1 includes a power grid PG, a server 100, a grid management server 200, a plurality of electric vehicles 10, and a plurality of EVSEs (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) 20. The server 100 is a server that manages each of the plurality of EVSEs 20. Further, the server 100 manages power control by the electric vehicle 10 described later.

[0019] The plurality of EVSEs 20 include an EVSE 20A, an EVSE 20B, and an EVSE 20C. Note that the EVSE 20A is an example of the "first power stand" of the present disclosure. Further, each of the EVSE 20B and the EVSE 20C is an example of the "second power stand" of the present disclosure. Note that the number of EVSEs 20 in the system 1 may be three or more.

[0020] Each of the plurality of EVSEs 20 can supply power to the power grid PG (external power supply) and charge from the power grid PG (external charging). In other words, each of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 can perform external power supply and external charging through each of the plurality of EVSEs 20. Hereinafter, the above external power supply and external charging are collectively referred to as "power control". The electric vehicle 10 includes, for example, a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), and an FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle).

[0021] The power system PG is a power grid constructed by a power plant and power transmission and distribution facilities (not shown). In the first embodiment, the power company acts as both a power generation company and a power transmission and distribution company. The power company corresponds to a general power transmission and distribution company and maintains and manages the power system PG. The power company corresponds to the administrator of the power system PG.

[0022] The system management server 200 manages the supply and demand of the power system PG (power grid). Also, the system management server 200 belongs to the power company. The system management server 200 transmits a request (supply and demand adjustment request) for adjusting the power demand of the power system PG to the server 100 based on the power generation and consumption by each power adjustment resource managed by the system management server 200. Specifically, when it is expected that the generated power or consumed power of the above power adjustment resource will be greater than normal (or is greater at the current time), the system management server 200 transmits a request to the server 100 to increase or decrease the power demand more than normal.

[0023] The server 100 is a server managed by an aggregator. An aggregator is an electric utility that bundles a plurality of power adjustment resources such as regions and predetermined facilities to provide an energy management service.

[0024] As one means of increasing or decreasing the power demand of the power system PG, the server 100 requests (asks) the electric vehicle 10 to perform power control. The server 100 transmits a request signal for making the above request to the electric vehicle 10 or a portable terminal (not shown) owned by the user of the electric vehicle 10.

[0025] In addition, the server 100 is configured to manage information on a plurality of registered electric vehicles 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "vehicle information"), information on each registered user (hereinafter also referred to as "user information"), and information on the registered EVSEs 20 (hereinafter also referred to as "EVSE information"). The user information, vehicle information, and EVSE information are distinguished by identification information (ID) and stored in the memory 102 of the server 100.

[0026] The user ID is identification information for identifying a user and also functions as information (terminal ID) for identifying a portable terminal (not shown) carried by the user. The server 100 is configured to distinguish and store the information received from the portable terminal for each user ID. The user information includes the communication address of the portable terminal carried by the user and the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle 10 belonging to the user.

[0027] The vehicle ID is identification information for identifying the electric vehicle 10. The vehicle ID may be a license plate or a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The vehicle information includes the action plan of each electric vehicle 10.

[0028] The EVSE-ID is identification information for identifying the EVSE 20. The EVSE information includes the communication address of each EVSE 20 and the state of the electric vehicle 10 connected to each EVSE 20. In addition, the EVSE information also includes information indicating the combination of the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20 connected to each other (for example, the combination of the EVSE-ID and the vehicle ID).

[0029] The server 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, and a communication unit 103. Note that the communication unit 103 is an example of the "first acquisition unit" of the present disclosure.

[0030] In the memory 102, in addition to the program executed by the processor 101, information used in the program (for example, maps, mathematical formulas, and various parameters) is stored. The communication unit 103 includes various communication I / Fs. The processor 101 controls the communication unit 103.

[0031] The communication unit 103 can communicate with each of the system management server 200, the plurality of electric vehicles 10, and the plurality of EVSEs 20.

[0032] The processor 101 includes a determination unit 101a and a setting unit 101b. Note that each of the determination unit 101a and the setting unit 101b represents software that blocks the functional features of the processor 101.

[0033] Here, in the conventional system, the EVSE may be congested by the electric vehicle that plans to perform power control. Therefore, it is desired to suppress the congestion of the EVSE by the electric vehicle.

[0034] Therefore, the processor 101 (determination unit 101a) of the server 100 determines the congestion situation (congestion situation of the EVSE 20A by the plurality of electric vehicles 10) of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 in response to (approved) the above power control request (request).

[0035] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the server 100 (communication unit 103) acquires position information from each of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 in response to the above power control request (request) by communication. Further, the processor 101 calculates the number of electric vehicles 10 within a radius R (for example, 100 m) centered on the EVSE 20A based on the acquired position information. Then, the processor 101 (determination unit 101a) determines that the EVSE 20A is congested when the calculated number is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 10).

[0036] Note that the processor 101 (determination unit 101a) may determine the congestion status of the EVSE 20A based on a comparison between the average value of the number of electric vehicles 10 within a predetermined time (for example, one hour) and the above-mentioned predetermined threshold value.

[0037] Then, referring to FIG. 1 again, when it is determined that the EVSE 20A is congested, the processor 101 (setting unit 101b) of the server 100 sets an incentive for power control to be performed at the EVSE 20B by each of the plurality of electric vehicles 10.

[0038] For example, assume that the EVSE 20B is installed near the parking lot 900. In this case, the above incentive includes granting a parking ticket available at the parking lot 900 to the user of the electric vehicle 10 that has performed power control at the EVSE 20B. Note that, based on the contribution degree (such as charging / discharging time, charging / discharging amount, etc.) in the electric control, for example, the free time of the parking ticket may be adjusted. Note that the EVSE 20B may be an EVSE installed together with a parking lot where the parking time is relatively likely to be long, such as an event venue or a shopping mall.

[0039] As another example, assume that the EVSE 20B is installed near a store (not shown). In this case, the above incentive may include granting a coupon available at the above store to the user of the electric vehicle 10 that has performed power control at the EVSE 20B. Also, as another example, the above incentive may include granting points available in a predetermined web service or the like to the user of the electric vehicle 10 that has performed power control at the EVSE 20B.

[0040] Further, when it is determined that EVSE 20A is congested, the processor 101 (setting unit 101b) sets the above incentive for the power control in EVSE 20B, which is the closest to EVSE 20A among EVSE 20B and EVSE 20C. Specifically, the memory 102 of the server 100 stores information regarding the distances between EVSE 20s. The processor 101 (setting unit 101b) determines that EVSE 20B is the target for setting the above incentive based on the information stored in the memory 102.

[0041] At this time, when it is determined (by the determination unit 101a) that EVSE 20B is also congested, the processor 101 (setting unit 101b) may set an incentive for the power control in EVSE 20C.

[0042] (Incentive Setting Method) Next, with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 3, the method for setting the above incentive will be described.

[0043] [Transmission of Power Demand-Supply Adjustment Request: Power Grid Management Server] First, in step S100, the power grid management server 200 transmits a request (power demand-supply adjustment request) for adjusting the power demand of the power grid PG to the server 100 (communication unit 103).

[0044] [Request for Power Control: Server] Next, in step S110, the server 100 (communication unit 103) makes a request (demand) for power control to each of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 based on the power demand-supply adjustment request transmitted to the server 100 in step S100.

[0045] [Recognition of Power Control Request: Electric Vehicle] Next, in step S120, it is assumed that each of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 has recognized the power control requested in step S110.

[0046] [Transmission of Location Information: Electric Vehicle] Next, in step S130, each of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 that has received the power control request in step S120 transmits its own position information to the server 100 (communication unit 103). Note that the process of step S130 may be repeated multiple times until the disclosure time described later. Also, the server 100 (communication unit 103) may always acquire (receive) the position information of each of the plurality of (all) electric vehicles 10 that it manages.

[0047] [Judgment of congestion situation: Server] Next, in step S140, the processor 101 (judgment unit 101a) of the server 100 determines the congestion situation of the electric vehicle 10 at the EVSE 20A. Specifically, the processor 101 (judgment unit 101a) determines whether the number of electric vehicles 10 within a radius R (see FIG. 2) centered on the EVSE 20A (that has received power control) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 10). If the number of electric vehicles 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value (Yes in step S140), it is determined that the EVSE 20A is congested, and the process proceeds to step S150. If the number of electric vehicles 10 is less than the predetermined threshold value (No in step S140), it is determined that the EVSE 20A is not congested, and the process ends.

[0048] [Set incentives: Server] Next, in step S150, the processor 101 (setting unit 101b) of the server 100 sets the above incentives for performing power control at the EVSE 20B provided closest to the EVSE 20A.

[0049] [Determine whether it is the start time of power control: Server] Next, in step S160, the processor 101 of the server 100 determines whether the current time is the disclosure time of power control (the time when it is agreed that power control will be performed). That the current time is the above disclosure time may include that the current time is within a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) before and after the above start time. If it is determined that the current time is the above disclosure time (Yes in S160), the process proceeds to step S170. If it is determined that the current time is not the above disclosure time (No in S160), the process returns to step S140.

[0050] [Execute Power Control: Electric Vehicle] Next, in step S170, it is assumed that the electric vehicle 10 performs power control at the EVSE20B.

[0051] [Grant Incentive: Server] Next, in step S180, the server 100 (processor 101) performs control to grant the above incentive to the user of the electric vehicle 10 that performed power control in step S170. For example, the server 100 (communication unit 103) may transmit a digital parking ticket as an incentive to the electric vehicle 10 or the user's mobile terminal or the like.

[0052] As described above, in the first embodiment, when it is determined that the EVSE20A is congested, the server 100 sets an incentive for power control to be performed at the EVSE20B. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a large number of electric vehicles 10 from concentrating on the EVSE20A. In addition, the implementation frequency of power control at the EVSE20B can be improved. Further, by acquiring the position information of each electric vehicle 10, the congestion status of the EVSE20A can be determined in real time.

[0053] [Second Embodiment] Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment in which the congestion situation of the electric vehicle 10 is determined based on the position information transmitted from the electric vehicle 10, the congestion situation of the electric vehicle 10 is determined based on an image acquired by the camera 30. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0054] The system 2 according to the second embodiment includes a server 300 and a camera 30. The server 300 includes a processor 301, a memory 302, a communication unit 303, and an image processing unit 304. Note that the communication unit 303 is an example of the "first acquisition unit" of the present disclosure.

[0055] The processor 301 includes a determination unit 301a and a setting unit 301b. Note that each of the determination unit 301a and the setting unit 301b represents software that blocks the functional features of the processor 301.

[0056] Also, the camera 30 is installed near the EVSE 20A. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the camera 30 is installed on the EVSE 20A. The camera 30 captures (acquires) an image of the surroundings of the EVSE 20A. Then, the camera 30 transmits the acquired image data to the server 300 (communication unit 303).

[0057] The image processing unit 304 of the server 300 performs image processing on the image data acquired by the communication unit 303. The image processing unit 304 identifies the electric vehicle 10 in the image data that has been image-processed. Specifically, the image processing unit 304 identifies that the electric vehicle 10 included in the image data is the electric vehicle 10 that has received power control based on the vehicle information (such as the vehicle number) of the electric vehicle 10. Note that the image processing unit 304 may identify the electric vehicle 10 using, for example, AI or the like.

[0058] The processor 301 (determination unit 301a) determines whether the EVSE 20A is congested based on the number of electric vehicles 10 identified by the image processing unit 304. For example, when the number of identified electric vehicles 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, 3), the processor 301 (determination unit 301a) determines that the EVSE 20A is congested.

[0059] Note that the processor 301 (determination unit 301a) may determine the congestion status of the EVSE 20A based on a comparison between the average value of the number of electric vehicles 10 included in a plurality of image data acquired within a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour) and the above-mentioned predetermined threshold.

[0060] (Incentive setting method) Next, with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 5, the above-mentioned incentive setting method will be described.

[0061] [Obtain camera image: Server] In the next step S131 after step S120, the server 300 (communication unit 303) obtains image data from the camera 30. Note that the server 300 (communication unit 303) may constantly receive image data from the camera 30.

[0062] [Process camera image: Server] Next, in step S132, the server 300 (image processing unit 304) performs image processing on the image data acquired in step S131. Then, the server 300 (image processing unit 304) identifies the electric vehicle 10 that has received power control in the image data on which the image processing has been performed. Note that the steps of S131 and S132 may be repeatedly performed a plurality of times until the start time of power control.

[0063] [Determine congestion status: Server] Next, in step S141, the processor 301 (determination unit 301a) of the server 300 determines the congestion status of the electric vehicle 10 in the EVSE 20A. Specifically, the processor 301 (determination unit 301a) determines whether the number of electric vehicles 10 included in the image data (which have received power control authorization) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, three). If the number of electric vehicles 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (Yes in step S141), it is determined that the EVSE 20A is congested, and the process proceeds to step S150. If the number of electric vehicles 10 is less than the predetermined threshold (No in step S141), it is determined that the EVSE 20A is not congested, and the process ends. Note that if the answer in step S160 is No, the process returns to step S141.

[0064] As described above, in the second embodiment, the server 300 determines the congestion status of the EVSE 20A based on the image from the camera 30. As a result, the server 300 (communication unit 303) can perform the above determination without receiving the position information from each of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 through communication. Consequently, the communication load on the server 300 can be reduced.

[0065] [Third Embodiment] Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the third embodiment, different from the first and second embodiments in which the congestion status of the electric vehicle 10 is determined based on the position information of the electric vehicle 10, the congestion status of the electric vehicle 10 is determined based on the reservation status of power control. The same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will not be given.

[0066] The system 3 according to the third embodiment includes a server 400. The server 400 includes a processor 401, a memory 402, and a communication unit 403. Note that the communication unit 403 is an example of the "second acquisition unit" of the present disclosure.

[0067] The processor 401 includes a determination unit 401a and a setting unit 401b. Each of the determination unit 401a and the setting unit 401b represents software that blocks the functional features of the processor 401.

[0068] Here, the communication unit 403 acquires reservation information regarding the reservation status of power control in the EVSE 20A by each of the plurality of electric vehicles 10. For example, the communication unit 403 acquires the above reservation information by communication from each of the plurality of electric vehicles 10. Note that the server 400 may acquire (download) the reservation information of each electric vehicle 10 stored in the cloud or the like.

[0069] Then, the processor 401 creates data (hereinafter referred to as reservation status data) indicating the reservation status of power control in the EVSE 20A based on the acquired reservation information. The above reservation status data is stored in the memory 402.

[0070] In the example of the reservation status data shown in FIG. 6, four electric vehicles 10 (described as vehicle A, B, C, and D for distinction) have reserved power control of the EVSE 20A between 14:00 and 16:00. Also, between 16:00 and 18:00, two electric vehicles 10 (described as vehicle E and F for distinction) have reserved power control of the EVSE 20A.

[0071] The processor 401 (determination unit 401a) of the server 400 determines the congestion status in the EVSE 20A based on the above reservation information. For example, the processor 401 (determination unit 401a) determines that the time period during which the reserved number of units is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, 3 units) in the above reservation status data is the time period when the EVSE 20A is congested. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the processor 401 (determination unit 401a) determines that the time period from 14:00 to 16:00 when 4 electric vehicles 10 that are equal to or greater than the above predetermined threshold have reserved power control is the time period when the EVSE 20A is congested. On the other hand, the processor 401 (determination unit 401a) determines that the time period from 16:00 to 18:00 when only 2 electric vehicles 10 that are less than the above predetermined threshold have reserved power control is the time period when the EVSE 20A is not congested.

[0072] (Incentive setting method) Next, with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 7, the above incentive setting method will be described.

[0073] [Transmit reservation information: Server] In the next step S133 after step S120, each of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 transmits the reservation information of the power control in the EVSE 20A to the communication unit 403 of the server 400. Note that the process of step S133 is continuously performed until the start time of the power control.

[0074] [Determine congestion status: Server] Next, in step S142, the processor 401 of the server 400 creates reservation status data (see FIG. 6) based on the reservation information of each electric vehicle 10 acquired in step S133. Then, the processor 401 (determination unit 401a) determines whether the number of reserved vehicles during a predetermined time period (for example, from 14:00 to 16:00) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold based on the reservation status data. If the number of reserved vehicles is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (Yes in S142), it is determined that EVSE 20A is congested during the predetermined time period, and the process proceeds to step S151. If the number of reserved vehicles is less than the predetermined threshold (No in S142), it is determined that EVSE 20A is not congested during the predetermined time period, and the process ends. If No in step S160, the process returns to step S142.

[0075] [Set incentive: Server] Next, in step S151, the processor 401 (setting unit 401b) of the server 400 sets an incentive for performing power control during the predetermined time period at EVSE 20B provided closest to EVSE 20A. Next, the process proceeds to step S160.

[0076] As described above, in the third embodiment, the server 400 determines the congestion status of EVSE 20A based on the reservation status of power control at EVSE 20A. Thereby, since the number of electric vehicles 10 scheduled to perform power control at EVSE 20A can be accurately detected, the congestion status of EVSE 20A can be determined more accurately. Further, by acquiring the reservation information of the power control of each electric vehicle 10, the congestion status of EVSE 20A can be detected in advance.

[0077] In the above-described first to third embodiments, an example in which the EVSE 20B provided closest to the EVSE 20A is determined as the target for which incentives are set has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the target for which incentives are set may be determined based on the frequency of power control performed in each EVSE 20. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the server 500 includes a processor 501 and a memory 502. The memory 502 stores the number of times of power control during a predetermined period (for example, the past one month) in each of the EVSE 20B and the EVSE 20C. Here, when it is determined that the EVSE 20A is congested, the processor 501 determines the EVSE 20B with the lowest frequency of power control as the target for which incentives are set.

[0078] Also, when it is determined that the EVSE 20A is congested, the EVSE 20 determined to be the least congested among the other EVSE 20 may be determined as the target for which incentives are set. Note that the congestion status of the other EVSE 20 may be determined in the same manner as the congestion status of the EVSE 20A in the above-described first to third embodiments.

[0079] In the above-described first to third embodiments, an example in which the electric vehicle 10 can perform external charging and external power feeding at the EVSE 20 has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The electric vehicle 10 may be capable of performing only one of external charging and external power feeding at the EVSE 20.

[0080] In the above-described first to third embodiments, an example in which the server 100 (300, 400) requests power control from the electric vehicle 10 and determines the congestion status of the EVSE 20 (sets incentives) has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A server that requests power control from the electric vehicle 10 and a server that determines the congestion status of the EVSE 20 (sets incentives) may be provided separately from each other.

[0081] Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments, an example in which the congestion situation in the EVSE 20A is determined has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The congestion situation in the EVSE 20 other than the EVSE 20A (for example, the EVSE 20B and the EVSE 20C) may be determined.

[0082] Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, an example in which the communication unit 103 (303) acquires the position information (image data of the camera 30) of the electric vehicle 10 by communication has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the server 100 (300) may acquire (download) the above-described position information and the above-described image data stored in the cloud or the like.

[0083] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is shown by the claims rather than the description of the above-described embodiments, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims be included.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0084] 1, 2, 3 Systems, 10 Electric Vehicles, 20A EVSE (First Power Stand), 20B, 20C EVSE (Second Power Stand), 100, 300, 400, 500 Servers, 101a, 301a, 401a Determination Units, 101b, 301b, 401b Setting Units, 103, 303 Communication Units (First Acquisition Units), 403 Communication Unit (Second Acquisition Unit), 900 Parking Lot, PG Power System.

Claims

1. A server that manages a first power stand and at least one second power stand that are different from each other, wherein each of the first power stand and the second power stand is configured to enable power control including at least one of power supply to the power system and charging from the power system, The server is, A determination unit that determines the congestion situation of a plurality of electric vehicles in the first power stand in response to a request for execution of the power control, A setting unit that sets an incentive for the power control to be performed in the second power stand by each of the plurality of electric vehicles when it is determined by the determination unit that the first power stand is congested, A first acquisition unit that acquires the position information of each of the plurality of electric vehicles, and includes, The determination unit is, Based on the position information of each of the plurality of electric vehicles acquired by the first acquisition unit, calculates an average value of the number of electric vehicles around the first power stand at a predetermined time, A server that determines the congestion situation in the first power stand by comparing the average value with a predetermined threshold value.

2. Further includes a second acquisition unit that acquires reservation information regarding the reservation situation of the power control in the first power stand by each of the plurality of electric vehicles, The determination unit determines the congestion situation in the first power stand based on the reservation information. The server according to claim 1.

3. When the second power stand is installed near a parking lot, the setting unit sets, as the incentive, granting a parking ticket available in the parking lot. The server according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A plurality of the second power stands are provided, When it is determined by the determination unit that the first power stand is congested, the setting unit sets the incentive for the power control in the second power stand that is closest to the first power stand among the plurality of second power stands. The server according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A plurality of the second power stands are provided, When the setting unit determines that the first power stand is congested by the determination unit, among the plurality of second power stands, the incentive is set for the power control in the second power stand in which the total number of times the power control has been performed in a past predetermined period of multiple days is the lowest. The server according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A first power stand and a second power stand that are different from each other, A server that manages the first power stand and the second power stand, Each of the first power stand and the second power stand is configured to be capable of power control including at least one of power supply to the power grid and charging from the power grid. The server is Determine the congestion status of a plurality of electric vehicles in the first power stand in response to a request to execute the power control, When it is determined that the first power stand is congested, set an incentive for the power control performed in the second power stand by each of the plurality of electric vehicles, Acquire the position information of each of the plurality of electric vehicles, The server is Based on the acquired position information of each of the plurality of electric vehicles, calculate the average value of the number of electric vehicles around the first power stand at a predetermined time, A system for determining the congestion status of the first power stand by comparing the average value with a predetermined threshold value.

Citation Information

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