Server and management method

Abstract

To provide a server capable of further reliably satisfying a demand adjustment request of power.SOLUTION: A server 300 comprises a communication unit 103 (acquisition unit) which acquires information about a time zone A (a first time zone) when power control is performed by an electric vehicle 10 in response to an execution request of the power control, and a processor 301 (control unit) which confirms a communication state of the electric vehicle 10 and the presence / absence of abnormality about execution propriety of the power control by the electric vehicle 10 in earlier time zones B and C (a second time zone) than the time zone A. The processor 301 executes command control so that the power control is executed by the electric vehicle 10 in the time zone A when the absence of abnormality is confirmed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-156149 (Patent Document 1) discloses a power system including an aggregator and a consumer. The aggregator provides a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) service to the consumer. A contract for using the VPP service is concluded between the aggregator and the consumer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Although not specified in Patent Document 1 above, the contract between the aggregator and the consumer may include information regarding the time period during which power charging and discharging is determined (agreed) to be performed. Here, there may be a situation where the consumer is unable to perform power charging and discharging during the above time period. In this case, since the consumer is unable to perform power control despite the aggregator's plan to perform power control, the power supply and demand adjustment requirement is not satisfied. Therefore, a system (server) that can more reliably satisfy the power supply and demand adjustment requirement is desired.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a server and a management method that can more reliably satisfy the power supply and demand adjustment requirement.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The server according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is a server that manages power control including at least one of power supply from at least one electric vehicle to the power grid and charging from the power grid to the electric vehicle. The server includes an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a first time period during which power control is performed by an electric vehicle in response to a request for execution of power control, and a control unit that checks for the presence or absence of an abnormality regarding at least one of the communication state of the electric vehicle and the feasibility of executing power control by the electric vehicle in a second time period prior to the first time period. When it is confirmed that there is no such abnormality, the control unit performs command control so that power control is performed by the electric vehicle in the first time period.

[0007] In the server according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, when it is confirmed that there is no such abnormality in the second time period prior to the first time period, command control is performed so that power control is performed by the electric vehicle in the first time period. As a result, it is possible to check for the presence or absence of the above abnormality prior to power control, and it is possible to more reliably perform power supply and demand adjustment by power control using the electric vehicle for which it has been confirmed that there is no such abnormality. As a result, it is possible to more reliably satisfy the power supply and demand adjustment requirement.

[0008] In the server according to the first aspect, preferably, the control unit checks for the presence or absence of an abnormality regarding both the communication state of the electric vehicle and the feasibility of executing power control by the electric vehicle. With this configuration, compared to the case where only one of the communication state of the electric vehicle and the feasibility of executing power control by the electric vehicle is checked, it is possible to more reliably perform power supply and demand adjustment by power control using the electric vehicle for which it has been confirmed that there is no such abnormality.

[0009] In the server according to the first aspect, preferably, the at least one electric vehicle includes a plurality of electric vehicles. When the acquisition unit acquires information regarding each of the plurality of electric vehicles executing power control in a common first time period, the control unit performs control to divide the plurality of electric vehicles into a plurality of groups, and checks for the presence or absence of abnormalities in each of the plurality of groups in different second time periods. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the above-described check from being performed simultaneously in each of the plurality of electric vehicles. As a result, the communication load on the server can be reduced.

[0010] In the server according to the first aspect, preferably, the electric vehicle is configured to be able to perform power control through a power stand. The command control includes control for transmitting a command value of at least one of a charge amount and a power supply amount in power control to the power stand. With this configuration, it is possible to cause the electric vehicle to perform power control based on the command value through the power stand. Therefore, it is possible to easily satisfy the power supply and demand adjustment requirement.

[0011] In the server according to the first aspect, preferably, the command control includes control for transmitting schedule information including information on a first time period of power control to the electric vehicle. With this configuration, the user of the electric vehicle can perform power control in the first time period based on the schedule information. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of users who forget to perform power control.

[0012] The management method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is a management method for managing power control including at least one of power supply from an electric vehicle to a power system and charging from the power system to the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle is capable of power control. The management method includes: obtaining information regarding a first time period of power control by the electric vehicle in response to an execution request for power control; checking, in a second time period before the first time period, for the presence or absence of an abnormality regarding at least one of the communication state of the electric vehicle and the feasibility of executing power control by the electric vehicle; and performing command control so that the power control is performed by the electric vehicle in the first time period when it is confirmed that there is no abnormality.

[0013] In the management method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, when it is confirmed that there is no such abnormality in the second time period before the first time period, command control is performed so that the power control is performed by the electric vehicle in the first time period. Thereby, it is possible to provide a management method capable of more reliably satisfying the power supply and demand adjustment requirements.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, the power supply and demand adjustment requirements can be more reliably satisfied.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] 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.

[0017] [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, an electric vehicle 10, an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) 20, and a gateway 30. The server 100 is a server that manages the EVSE 20. Further, the server 100 manages power control described later by the electric vehicle 10.

[0018] 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).

[0019] The EVSE 20 can supply power to the power grid PG (external power supply) and charge from the power grid PG (external charging). In other words, the electric vehicle 10 can perform external power supply and external charging through the EVSE 20. Hereinafter, the above external power supply and external charging are collectively referred to as "power control". Note that the EVSE 20 is an example of the "power stand" of the present disclosure.

[0020] The power grid 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 also serves as 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 grid PG. The power company corresponds to the administrator of the power grid PG.

[0021] The system management server 200 manages the supply and demand of the power grid 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) to the server 100 to adjust the power demand of the power grid PG 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 large 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] As one means to increase or decrease the power demand of the power grid PG, the server 100 requests (asks) the electric vehicle 10 to perform power control. The server 100 transmits a request signal for the above request to the electric vehicle 10 or a portable terminal (not shown) owned by the user of the electric vehicle 10.

[0024] Also, the server 100 is configured to manage the information of the registered electric vehicle 10 (hereinafter, also referred to as "vehicle information"), the information of the registered user (hereinafter, also referred to as "user information"), and the information of the registered EVSE 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.

[0025] The user ID is identification information for identifying a user, and also functions as information (terminal ID) for identifying a non-illustrated mobile terminal carried by the user. The server 100 is configured to distinguish and store the information received from the mobile terminal for each user ID. The user information includes the communication address of the mobile terminal carried by the user and the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle 10 belonging to the user.

[0026] 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 the electric vehicle 10.

[0027] The EVSE-ID is identification information for identifying the EVSE 20. The EVSE information includes the communication address of the EVSE 20 and the state of the electric vehicle 10 connected to the EVSE 20. Further, 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).

[0028] The gateway 30 is communicably connected to the EVSE 20. Specifically, the gateway 30 has a role of relaying communication between the server 100 and the EVSE 20. Even if the communication protocols of the server 100 and the EVSE 20 are different from each other, the server 100 and the EVSE 20 can communicate with each other via the gateway 30.

[0029] In addition, in FIG. 1, only one electric vehicle 10 and one EVSE 20 are illustrated, but there may be a plurality of each.

[0030] The server 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, and a communication unit 103. Note that the processor 101 and the communication unit 103 are each an example of the "control unit" and the "acquisition unit" of the present disclosure.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The communication unit 103 can communicate with each of the system management server 200, the DCM (Data Communication Module) 10a of the electric vehicle 10, and the gateway 30.

[0033] The processor 101 includes a determination unit 101a and a command unit 101b. Note that each of the determination unit 101a and the command unit 101b represents software that blocks the functional features of the processor 101.

[0034] Here, a predetermined agreement (arrangement) regarding power control is made between the server 100 and the electric vehicle 10. Specifically, the above agreement includes agreements regarding information of the EVSE 20 for which power control is planned (including the position information of the EVSE 20, etc.), the charge / discharge amount, and the charge / discharge time, etc. Further, the above agreement includes an agreement regarding the time zone during which power control (charging / discharging) is performed. Hereinafter, the above time zone may be referred to as an agreed time zone. Note that the agreed time zone is an example of the "first time zone" of the present disclosure.

[0035] In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the electric vehicle 10 is agreed to perform power control in time zone A (see FIG. 2). Note that time zone A is a predetermined time zone such as 14:00 to 16:00, for example. Also, time zone B shown in FIG. 2 is a time zone before (immediately before) time zone A (for example, 12:00 to 14:00). Also, time zone C shown in FIG. 2 is a time zone before (immediately before) time zone B (for example, 10:00 to 12:00). Note that time zone A is an example of the "first time zone" of the present disclosure. Also, each of time zones B and C is an example of the "second time zone" of the present disclosure.

[0036] The communication unit 103 of the server 100 acquires information regarding a promised time period (time period A) during which power control is performed by the electric vehicle 10 in response to a request to execute power control.

[0037] Here, there may be a case where the electric vehicle 10 is in a state where it cannot perform power control during the promised time period. In this case, in the conventional VPP system, although the aggregator plans to perform power control, the electric vehicle cannot perform power control, so the power supply and demand adjustment request cannot be satisfied. Therefore, a system (server) that can more reliably satisfy the power supply and demand adjustment request is desired.

[0038] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the processor 101 (determination unit 101a) of the server 100 checks the communication state of the electric vehicle 10 and the presence or absence of an abnormality regarding the executability of power control by the electric vehicle 10 in a time period (for example, time period B) prior to time period A. Then, when it is confirmed that there is no such abnormality, the processor 101 (command unit 101b) performs command control so that power control is performed by the electric vehicle 10 in time period A.

[0039] The above command control includes control for transmitting a command value in power control to the EVSE 20. Specifically, when the electric vehicle 10 plans to perform external charging, a command value of the charging amount is transmitted to the EVSE 20. When the electric vehicle 10 plans to perform external power supply, a command value of the charging amount is transmitted to the EVSE 20. Then, based on the above command value, power control is performed between the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20.

[0040] In addition, when the communication unit 103 acquires information regarding each of a plurality of electric vehicles 10 performing power control in a common time period (time period A), the processor 101 performs control to divide the plurality of electric vehicles 10 into a plurality of groups (refer to group X and group Y in FIG. 3). Further, the processor 101 (determination unit 101a) checks the presence or absence of the above abnormality for each of the plurality of groups in different time periods.

[0041] Specifically, the processor 101 (determination unit 101a) checks for the presence or absence of the above abnormalities for each of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 in group X during time period B. Further, the processor 101 (determination unit 101a) checks for the presence or absence of the above abnormalities for each of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 in group Y during time period C. Note that each group may include only one electric vehicle 10 each.

[0042] Further, the processor 101 randomly divides the plurality of electric vehicles 10 into a plurality of groups. At this time, the processor 101 performs grouping so that the number of electric vehicles 10 included in the plurality of groups is substantially equal.

[0043] Further, the processor 101 may divide the plurality of electric vehicles 10 into a plurality of groups based on predetermined information. The predetermined information may include information on the EVSE 20 for which power control is scheduled. Specifically, a plurality of electric vehicles 10 for which power control is scheduled at a common EVSE 20 may be classified into the same group. Note that the predetermined information is not limited to the above example. For example, the predetermined information may include the position information of the electric vehicle 10. In this case, a plurality of electric vehicles 10 with close positions may be classified into the same group.

[0044] (Method for managing power control) Next, with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 4, a method for managing power control will be described. Note that the communication between the server 100 and the EVSE 20 is performed via the gateway 30.

[0045] [Obtain information on the agreed time period: Server] First, in step S1, the server 100 (communication unit 103) obtains, by communication, information on the time period A (agreed time period) during which power control of each of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 is performed.

[0046] [Check the number of electric vehicles: Server] Next, in step S2, the server 100 checks whether there are multiple electric vehicles 10 for which power control is agreed upon in time zone A. If it is confirmed that there are multiple vehicles (Yes in S2), the process proceeds to step S3. If it is confirmed that there is only one vehicle (No in S2), the process proceeds to step S5.

[0047] [Grouping: Server] Next, in step S3, the server 100 performs a process of dividing the multiple electric vehicles 10 confirmed in step S2 into multiple groups. Since the details of the grouping are as described above, no repeated explanation will be given.

[0048] [Group Selection: Server] Next, in step S4, the server 100 selects a group among the multiple groups classified in step S3 for which the presence or absence of the above abnormality is to be checked. In step S4, a group for which the presence or absence of the above abnormality has not yet been checked is selected. First, assume that group Y (see Figure 3) is selected.

[0049] [Time Check: Server] Next, in step S5, the server 100 checks whether the current time is time zone C (see Figure 2), which is a predetermined time before the agreed time zone (time zone A). If it is confirmed that it is time zone C, the process proceeds to step S6. If it is not yet time zone C, the process of step S5 is repeated.

[0050] [Communication Check: EVSE - Server] Next, in step S6, the communication state between the server 100 (gateway 30) and the EVSE 20 is checked.

[0051] [Communication Check: Electric Vehicle - EVSE] Next, in step S7, the communication state is confirmed between the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20. Next, in step S8, the confirmation result of step S7 is transmitted to the server 100 (communication unit 103) from the EVSE 20, for example, through the gateway 30. Note that the above confirmation result may be transmitted from the electric vehicle 10 to the server 100 (communication unit 103).

[0052] [Communication state confirmation: Server] Next, in step S9, the processor 101 (determination unit 101a) determines (confirms) whether each communication in steps S6 and S7 is normal. For the electric vehicle 10 determined to be normal, the process proceeds to step S10. For the electric vehicle 10 determined to be abnormal, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0053] [Pre-power control command: Server] Next, in step S10, the server 100 (communication unit 103) transmits a command to perform pre-power control (before time zone A) to at least one of the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20. Note that when the electric vehicle 10 is scheduled to perform external power supply, only a command to perform external power supply is transmitted, and when the electric vehicle 10 is scheduled to perform external charging, only a command to perform external charging is transmitted.

[0054] [Pre-power control confirmation: Electric vehicle - EVSE] Next, in step S11, the feasibility of executing power control is confirmed between the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20. For example, the feasibility of executing power control may be confirmed based on the change in the SOC (State Of Charge) in the electric vehicle 10. Next, in step S12, the confirmation result in step S11 is transmitted to the server 100 (communication unit 103) from the EVSE 20, for example, through the gateway 30. Note that the above confirmation result may be transmitted from the electric vehicle 10 to the server 100 (communication unit 103).

[0055] [Feasibility confirmation of power control: Server] Next, in step S13, the processor 101 (determination unit 101a) determines (checks) whether power control can be executed normally based on the confirmation result in step S12. For the electric vehicle 10 determined to be able to execute power control normally (Yes in S13), the process proceeds to step S14. For the electric vehicle 10 determined to be unable to execute power control normally (No in S13), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0056] [Transmission of command value for charging / power supply amount: Server] Next, in step S14, the processor 101 (command unit 101b) transmits, through the communication unit 103, the command value of the charging / power supply amount of power in power control to the EVSE 20 (gateway 30). Then, power control based on the above command value is performed between the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20.

[0057] [Check whether confirmation of all groups is completed: Server] Next, in step S15, the processor 101 checks whether the above abnormal confirmation process for all groups has been completed. If the confirmation process for all groups has been completed (Yes in S15), the process proceeds to step S16. If the confirmation process for all groups has not been completed yet (No in S15), the process returns to step S4. When the process returns to step S4, group X is selected. In this case, in the next step S5, it is checked whether the current time zone is B (see Figure 2).

[0058] [Check whether there is an NG electric vehicle: Server] In step S16, the server 100 (processor 101) checks whether there is an electric vehicle 10 determined to have an abnormality in communication or power control based on the results of steps S8 and S12. If there is an electric vehicle 10 determined to have an abnormality (Yes in S16), the process proceeds to step S17. If there is no electric vehicle 10 determined to have an abnormality (No in S16), the process ends.

[0059] [Communication with Alternative Electric Vehicles: Server] Then, in step S17, the server 100 (communication unit 103) communicates with another electric vehicle different from the plurality of electric vehicles 10, and requests the other electric vehicle to perform power control in time zone A instead of the electric vehicle 10 with an abnormality. Thereby, it is possible to secure resources for power control in time zone A. At this time, the server 100 may make the above request to the same number of other electric vehicles as the number of electric vehicles 10 in which an abnormality has been confirmed.

[0060] Thereafter, although illustration of the process is omitted, when the agreed time zone (time zone A) arrives, the server 100 (communication unit 103) transmits a command signal for power control to the electric vehicle 10 in which no abnormality has been confirmed.

[0061] As described above, in the first embodiment, when it is confirmed that there is no abnormality regarding the communication state of the electric vehicle 10 and the executability of power control by the electric vehicle 10 in time zones (B, C) before time zone A, command control is performed so that power control is performed by the electric vehicle 10 in time zone A. Thereby, it is possible to confirm the presence or absence of the above abnormality in advance of power control, so that power control can be executed by another electric vehicle instead of the electric vehicle 10 in which the above abnormality has been confirmed. As a result, it is possible to easily satisfy the power supply and demand adjustment requirement.

[0062] In addition, the server 100 transmits information on the charging / power supply amount to the EVSE 20. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an increase in the communication volume of the DCM 10a of the electric vehicle 10. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the cost (communication fee) paid by the user of the electric vehicle 10. In addition, since the power of an auxiliary battery (not shown) of the electric vehicle 10 is consumed each time communication is performed by the DCM 10a, suppressing an increase in the communication volume of the DCM 10a can suppress the consumption of the power of the auxiliary battery.

[0063] [Second Embodiment] Next, referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, different from the first embodiment in which the charging / power supply amount is transmitted to the EVSE 20, schedule information of external charging is transmitted to the electric vehicle 10. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system 2 according to the second embodiment. The system 2 includes a power grid PG, a server 300, a system management server 200, an electric vehicle 10, an EVSE 120, and a relay server 130.

[0065] The electric vehicle 10 can be charged (externally charged) from the power grid PG through the EVSE 120. In FIG. 5, only one electric vehicle 10 and one EVSE 120 are shown, but there may be a plurality of each.

[0066] The server 300 includes a processor 301, a memory 302, and a communication unit 303. Note that the processor 301 and the communication unit 303 are examples of the "control unit" and the "acquisition unit" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0067] In addition to the program executed by the processor 301, the memory 302 stores information used in the program (for example, maps, mathematical formulas, and various parameters). The communication unit 303 includes various communication I / Fs. The processor 301 controls the communication unit 303.

[0068] The communication unit 303 can communicate with each of the system management server 200, the electric vehicle 10, and the relay server 130.

[0069] The processor 301 includes a determination unit 301a and a command unit 301b. Note that each of the determination unit 301a and the command unit 301b represents software in which the functional features of the processor 301 are blocked.

[0070] Here, in the second embodiment, when it is confirmed that there is no such abnormality, the processor 301 (instruction unit 301b) performs command control so that external charging is performed by the electric vehicle 10 during time zone A (see FIG. 2).

[0071] The above command control includes control for transmitting schedule information including information on time zone A of external charging to the electric vehicle 10. Specifically, data including the above schedule information is transmitted from the communication unit 303 of the server 300 to the DCM 10a of the electric vehicle 10. On the car navigation system 10b (see FIG. 6) of the electric vehicle 10 to which the above data has been transmitted, an external charging schedule screen 10c (see FIG. 6) is displayed. In FIG. 6, an example is illustrated in which the current time is around 3:00 am on Tuesday and the reservation for external charging is made from 6:00 am to 8:00 am on Wednesday.

[0072] Also, even when the electric vehicle 10 is connected to the EVSE 120 until the reserved time zone (agreement time zone) of external charging, external charging is restricted (put into a state where external charging is forcibly unavailable). In this case, the server 300 may transmit a signal for restricting external charging of the electric vehicle 10 to the electric vehicle 10. Note that when the reservation for external charging is canceled, the above restriction is released.

[0073] (Method for managing power control) Next, with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 7, a method for managing power control will be described. Note that the same steps (steps) as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be repeatedly described. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 7, for the sake of simplicity, the steps related to grouping described in the first embodiment (see S3, S4, and S15 in FIG. 4) are omitted. Note that the grouping process may also be performed in the second embodiment.

[0074] [Communication confirmation: Relay server - Server] In step S22 following step S5, the communication state between the server 300 and the relay server 130 is confirmed.

[0075] [Communication Confirmation: Electric Vehicle - Relay Server] Next, in step S23, the communication state is confirmed between the electric vehicle 10 and the relay server 130. Next, in step S24, the confirmation result of step S23 is transmitted from the electric vehicle 10 (DCM10a) to the server 300 (communication unit 303) through the relay server 130.

[0076] [Communication State Confirmation: Server] Next, in step S25, the processor 301 (determination unit 301a) determines (confirms) whether each communication in steps S22 and S23 is normal. If it is determined to be normal (Yes in S25), the process proceeds to step S26. If it is determined not to be normal (No in S25), the process proceeds to step S32.

[0077] [Reservation Cancellation: Server] Next, in step S26, the server 300 (processor 301) performs control to cancel the reservation for external charging set in step S21. As a result, the electric vehicle 10 becomes in a state where external charging is possible.

[0078] [Pre - power Control Command: Server] Next, in step S27, the server 300 (communication unit 303) transmits a command to the electric vehicle 10 (DCM10a) to perform external charging prior to (before time zone A).

[0079] [Pre - power Control Confirmation: Electric Vehicle] Next, in step S28, the electric vehicle 10 confirms whether external charging can be executed. Next, in step S29, the confirmation result in step S28 is transmitted from the electric vehicle 10 (DCM10a) to the server 300 (communication unit 303).

[0080] [External Charging Feasibility Confirmation: Server] Next, in step S30, the processor 301 (determination unit 301a) determines (checks) whether external charging can be executed normally based on the confirmation result of step S29. If it is determined that external charging can be executed normally (Yes in S30), the process proceeds to step S31. If it is determined that external charging cannot be executed normally (No in S31), the process proceeds to step S32.

[0081] [Set reservation for the agreed time zone: Server] Next, in step S31, the processor 301 (command unit 301b) transmits, through the communication unit 303, the reservation information for external charging in the agreed time zone (time zone A) to the electric vehicle 10. As a result, in the electric vehicle 10, a reservation for external charging in the agreed time zone is set.

[0082] [Check if there is a NG electric vehicle: Server] In step S32, the server 300 (processor 301) checks whether there is an electric vehicle 10 determined to have an abnormality in communication or power control based on the results of steps S24 and S29. If there is an electric vehicle 10 determined to have an abnormality (Yes in S32), the process proceeds to step S17. If there is no electric vehicle 10 determined to have an abnormality (No in S32), the process ends.

[0083] As described above, in the second embodiment, when it is confirmed that there is no such abnormality in the time zone before time zone A, the schedule information for external charging is transmitted to the electric vehicle 10. As a result, the user of the electric vehicle 10 that can execute external charging normally can check the schedule information. As a result, it is possible to more reliably execute external charging in time zone A.

[0084] In the first and second embodiments described above, an example is shown in which both the communication state of the electric vehicle 10 and the feasibility of power control by the electric vehicle 10 are checked. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Only one of the communication state of the electric vehicle 10 and the feasibility of power control by the electric vehicle 10 may be checked.

[0085] In the above-described first embodiment, an example in which the electric vehicle 10 can perform both external charging and external power feeding has been shown. However, 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. Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the electric vehicle 10 may be capable of performing both external charging and external power feeding.

[0086] In the above-described second embodiment, an example in which external charging cannot be performed until the agreed time zone while a reservation for external charging is set has been shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. External charging may be possible even while a reservation for external charging is set.

[0087] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is shown by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0088] 10 Electric vehicle, 20 EVSE (Power Stand), 100, 300 Servers, 101, 301 Processors (Control Units), 103, 303 Communication Units (Acquisition Units), A Time Zone (First Time Zone), B, C Time Zones (Second Time Zones), PG Power System, X, Y Groups.

Claims

A server for managing power control including at least one of power supply from a plurality of electric vehicles to a power system and charging from the power system to the plurality of electric vehicles, comprising: An acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a first time period during which the power control is performed by the plurality of electric vehicles in response to a request for execution of the power control; A control unit that checks for the presence or absence of an abnormality regarding at least one of the communication state of each of the plurality of electric vehicles and the feasibility of executing the power control by each of the plurality of electric vehicles in a second time period prior to the first time period; and The control unit: When it is confirmed that there is no such abnormality, performs command control so that the power control is performed by the plurality of electric vehicles in the first time period; When there is an abnormality in at least one of the plurality of electric vehicles, requests the same number of other electric vehicles as the at least one electric vehicle to execute the power control in the first time period. A server.

2. The server according to claim 1, wherein the control unit checks for the presence or absence of an abnormality regarding both the communication state of the plurality of electric vehicles and the feasibility of executing the power control by the plurality of electric vehicles.

3. When the acquisition unit acquires information regarding execution of the power control by each of the plurality of electric vehicles in a common first time period, The control unit performs control to divide the plurality of electric vehicles into a plurality of groups, and Checks for the presence or absence of an abnormality in each of the plurality of groups in different second time periods. The server according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Each of the plurality of electric vehicles is configured to enable the power control through a power stand, The control unit groups the plurality of electric vehicles for each power stand for which the power control is scheduled to be executed, and checks for the presence or absence of an abnormality in different second time periods for each group. The server according to claim 3.

5. The control unit groups the plurality of electric vehicles for each region where the plurality of electric vehicles are located, and checks for the presence or absence of an abnormality in different second time periods for each group. The server according to claim 3.

6. Each of the plurality of electric vehicles is configured to enable the power control through a power stand, The server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the command control includes control for transmitting a command value of at least one of a charge amount and a power supply amount in the power control to the power stand.

7. The server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the command control includes control for transmitting schedule information including information on the first time period of the power control to each of the plurality of electric vehicles.

8. A management method for managing power control including at least one of power supply from a plurality of electric vehicles to a power grid and charging from the power grid to the plurality of electric vehicles, a step of acquiring information regarding a first time period of the power control by the plurality of electric vehicles in response to a request for execution of the power control; a step of confirming, in a second time period prior to the first time period, at least one of a communication state of each of the plurality of electric vehicles and the presence or absence of an abnormality regarding the executability of the power control by each of the plurality of electric vehicles; a step of performing command control so that the power control is performed by the plurality of electric vehicles in the first time period when it is confirmed that there is no abnormality; a step of requesting execution of the power control in the first time period for the same number of other electric vehicles as the at least one electric vehicle when there is an abnormality in at least one electric vehicle among the plurality of electric vehicles. A management method comprising:

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