Charging station management server, control method, control program

Abstract

To be able to provide a charging service at a low unit price when there is surplus power. 【Solution means】In a management system of a charging station using a solar power generation device including a management server, a station terminal, and a user terminal, a surplus power calculation unit that predicts the amount of surplus power, a discount amount determination unit that determines a discount amount based on the amount of surplus power, and a notification unit that notifies the user terminal of information regarding the discount amount are provided. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a charging service at a low unit price when there is surplus power.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging station management system for electric vehicles using solar power generation.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in power supply locations that require self-generation facilities such as solar power generation systems, facilities that enable charging of electric vehicles have been known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the system described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is impossible to balance the power generation amount and the charging amount by the solar power generation system. That is, since solar power generation has fluctuations in power generation capacity depending on the time zone and weather, surplus power exceeding the capacity of the storage battery may be wasted.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a new mechanism in a charging station for electric vehicles using a solar power generation system in order to minimize the waste of surplus power.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a system according to the present invention provides a system for managing a charging station using a solar power generation device including a management server, a station terminal, and a user terminal, the system comprising: a prediction step of predicting an excess power generation amount; a charging unit price determination step of determining a corrected charging unit price based on the excess power generation amount; and a notification step of notifying the corrected charging unit price to the user terminal.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to stimulate demand during a time period with a large power generation amount and reduce waste.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described below are essential constituent elements of the present invention.

[0010] The present invention relates to a charging station for charging an electric vehicle. The "electric vehicle" in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a vehicle capable of running on electricity. Typically, it is an automobile or a two-wheeled vehicle, which has a storage battery and runs using the electric energy stored in the storage battery. It may also be a plug-in hybrid vehicle, a senior car, a three-wheeled vehicle, an electric bicycle, etc. that runs by combining the output of an engine and the output of an electric motor.

[0011] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are diagrams showing a configuration example of a charging station according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, in FIG. 1, in the charging station according to the present invention, a charger is installed adjacent to a space where an electric vehicle can be parked. A user can park the electric vehicle in the parking space and use the charger to charge the electric vehicle. Also, the charging station is equipped with power generation facilities. The power generation facilities include solar cells that generate electricity by receiving sunlight. For example, a solar power generation device is installed on the roof of the charging station. The power generation facilities are connected to a power conditioner provided in the charging station, and the generated power is supplied to the power conditioner, which converts the generated power into alternating current power and supplies it to the distribution board.

[0012] FIG. 2 is an example of an overall view of the charging station seen from above. In an inverted T-shaped station as a whole, roofs shown in a grid pattern in the figure are installed on both sides of the T-shaped passage, and a solar power generation device is provided on the roof. There are parking spaces on both sides of the T-shaped passage, and chargers are installed in each parking space.

[0013] Generally, chargers are classified into two types: ordinary chargers and rapid chargers. Ordinary chargers generally refer to chargers with an output of approximately 1.5 to 6 kW, and it takes about 8 to 12 hours to charge. Rapid chargers generally have an output of approximately 10 to 50 kW, and the charging is completed in about 0.1 to 1 hour. In the example of Figure 2, five ordinary chargers are installed in the first area, which is a contract parking lot, and five ordinary chargers and six rapid chargers are installed in the second area. At the charging station, it is possible to install power conversion and reception equipment that receives the power generated by the solar power generation device, and a storage battery that can temporarily store the generated electricity.

[0014] In the configuration example of FIG. 2, the charging station is generally in a substantially inverted T shape. The area extending in the left - right direction in the figure is defined as the second area (dashed - dotted line), and the area extending in the up - down direction is defined as the first area (dotted line). The first area is a contracted parking lot. Parking spaces are demarcated on both sides of the passage extending in the up - down direction, and normal chargers 5 are installed in each parking space. Only contracted users can park their cars at any time in the first area. While charging with the normal charger 5, they can leave their cars for a long time, such as going to work or returning home. On the other hand, the second area surrounded by the dashed - dotted line is a temporary use area, which can be used not only by contracted users but also by general users. In the second area, various facilities necessary for the charging station, such as power conversion and storage equipment and batteries, can be arranged, but it is not limited to this. As an example, on one side (the left side in the figure) of the second area extending in the left - right direction, a plurality of parking spaces are demarcated, and a normal charger 5 and a rapid charger 6 are installed in each demarcation. Temporary users can use the charger if there is an available parking space. Also, on the other side (the right side in the figure) of the second area, a car - washing machine such as a portal car - washing machine is installed so that the car - washing machine can be used along the direction passing through the second area from left to right or from right to left. Furthermore, on the other side (the right side in the figure) of the second area, a car - drying corner can be provided, and a hand - washing jet - spray car - washing machine, a vacuum cleaner, an air blower, an air charger, etc. are installed. The car - drying corner can be appropriately equipped with maintenance equipment installed in the drying corners of general gas stations. In addition to the above, the second area may be provided with a rest space, a toilet, facilities for the staff of the charging station, etc. The configuration example described in FIG. 2 is just an example. By making it in a substantially T shape and equipping the area extending in the left - right direction with chargers and car - washing machines for temporary users, users can smoothly perform charging, car - washing, and maintenance along the flow by moving the car in the left - right direction from right to left or from left to right.In addition, contract parking lots that can be used for a long time can be provided vertically to distinguish them from the areas for temporary users. Moreover, when a contract user wants to use equipment such as a rapid charger or a car wash, they can enter from the upper part into the second area and use it immediately. Therefore, adopting a substantially T-shaped design enables both contract users and temporary users to use chargers and various facilities without stress and without the need for traffic control. Note that the types and arrangements of chargers and various facilities installed in each area are not limited to the above examples and can be changed as appropriate. For example, rapid chargers, maintenance equipment, etc. may be installed in the first area.

[0015] Returning to FIG. 1 again, the user can park the electric vehicle in the parking space and charge it from the charger installed beside the parking space. The charger is equipped with a charging circuit and a display unit. A connector is connected to the charging circuit via a charging cable, and the connector can be connected to the connector of the electric vehicle. The charging circuit converts the power supplied from the distribution board into a predetermined power and charges the battery of the electric vehicle connected to the connector with the converted power. The display unit is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc., and is a device that can display various information such as fees and power amounts to the user.

[0016] In the charging station of the present invention, the power used during the day is supplied by solar power generation, and the excess power at that time is stored in the battery. On the other hand, when using the charging facility at night, charging can be performed using the power stored in the battery during the day. The power can also be used as the maintenance power for various devices such as the lighting of the charging station in addition to charging the user's electric vehicle. By constructing such a mechanism, it becomes possible to supply 100% of the power used in the charging station with renewable energy, and there is no need to purchase external power from the power company.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the charging station system of the present invention. The charging station system can include a management server 1, a station terminal 2, and a user terminal 3.

[0018] The management server 1 may be any information processing device that can realize the functions described in each embodiment. The management server 1 includes, for example, a server device, a computer (such as a desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.). In FIG. 3, the management server 1 is described alone, but it is not limited thereto. That is, each function described as being provided in the management server 1 may be realized by a plurality of management servers or by a single management server. The management server 1 may be, for example, a distributed management server system that cooperates by communicating via a network, or a so-called cloud management server. That is, the management server 1 is not limited to a physical management server, and may include a virtual management server by software.

[0019] The station terminal 2 is a terminal installed at a charging station and can transmit and receive various information between the management server 1 and the user terminal 3 of the present invention. The user terminal 3 is a communication terminal used by a user who uses the charging station system of the present invention, and an application for using the charging station system of the present invention is installed, and it can transmit and receive various information between the management server 1 and the station terminal 2. The installation of the application on the user terminal 3 is not essential, and the user may access a web page for using the charging station system provided by the management server 1 via a web browser or the like from the user terminal 3 and perform transmission and reception of various information with the management server 1.

[0020] The station terminal 2 and the user terminal 3 may be any terminal that can realize the functions described hereinafter. For example, the user terminal 3 may be a computer (such as a desktop personal computer, a notebook personal computer, a tablet, etc.), a smartphone, or the like.

[0021] The management server 1, the station terminal 2, and the user terminal 3 are connected by a network. The network may include a wireless network or a wired network. For example, it may be a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), ISDNs (integrated service digital networks), wireless LANs, CDMA (code division multiple access), LTE (long term evolution), LTE-Advanced, 4th generation communication (4G), 5th generation communication (5G), and a mobile communication system such as 6th generation communication (6G) and later. Note that the network is not limited to these examples. For example, it may be a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Bluetooth (registered trademark), an optical fiber line, a satellite communication network, etc. Also, the network may be a combination of these.

[0022] In addition, the charging system according to the present invention can also be used for charging an autonomous vehicle such as an autonomous taxi. In that case, the user terminal 3 may be replaced by an arithmetic device, a communication device, a display device, etc. provided in the autonomous vehicle itself, and charging can be performed by the autonomous vehicle communicating with the station terminal 2 and the management server 1.

[0023] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the management server 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0024] The management server 1 includes at least a processor 10, a memory 11, a storage 12, a transceiver 13, an input / output unit 14, etc., and these are electrically connected to each other through a bus 15.

[0025] The processor 10 is an arithmetic unit that controls the operation of the entire management server 1, controls the transmission and reception of data between each element, and performs information processing necessary for the execution of applications. For example, the processor 10 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and executes programs stored in the storage 12 and expanded in the memory 11 to perform each information processing.

[0026] The memory 11 includes a main memory composed of a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and an auxiliary memory composed of a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The memory 11 is used as a work area of the processor 10, and stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) executed at the startup of the management server 1, and various setting information.

[0027] The storage 12 stores various programs such as application programs. A database storing data used for each process may be constructed in the storage 12.

[0028] The transceiver unit 13 connects the management server 1 to a network. Note that the transceiver unit 13 may be provided with a short-range communication interface for Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0029] The input / output unit 14 is an information input device such as a keyboard and a mouse used as needed, and an output device such as a display.

[0030] The bus 15 is commonly connected to the above elements, and transmits, for example, an address signal, a data signal, and various control signals. Note that the hardware configurations of the station terminal 2 and the user terminal 3 may be the same.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the management server 1. The management server 1 includes a surplus power calculation unit 21, a discount amount determination unit 22, a user selection unit 23, a notification unit 24, a user information storage unit 31, and a station information storage unit 32.

[0032] Note that the surplus power calculation unit 21, the discount amount determination unit 22, the user selection unit 23, and the notification unit 24 are realized by the processor 10 of the management server 1 reading out and executing a program stored in the storage 12 into the memory 11. Also, the user information storage unit 31 and the station information storage unit 32 are realized as a part of the storage area provided by at least one of the memory 11 and the storage 12.

[0033] The user information storage unit 31 holds user information. The user is a user of the charging station of the present invention and registers in the user information storage unit 31 by inputting user information when using it for the first time. FIG. 6 is an example of the configuration of the user information storage unit 31. The user information is associated with a user ID and holds at least basic information such as name, address, and contract date. In addition, it can include information about the vehicle type, years of use, mileage, chargeable amount, etc. of the vehicle to be used, and information related to the usage history of the charging station of the present invention. The information related to the usage history can include information such as usage date and time, charge amount, etc. Information such as the time zone often used and the charge amount per time can be calculated based on the information related to the usage history. The information held by the user information is not limited to this, and any information related to the user can be held.

[0034] The charging station information storage unit 32 holds information about the charging station. When there are multiple charging stations, the information can be configured for each station. As the station information, information such as the store name, address, number of chargers, number of parking spaces, and other installed facilities can be appropriately included in association with the station ID. The station information can have information about the power generation amount. The information about the power generation amount is the actual record of the power generation amount generated by the solar power generation facilities actually installed in the charging station, and can be stored in association with the date and time and information about the weather at that time. Also, the station information can hold information about the use by users. The information about the use by users may include, for example, information about users registered at the charging station and information about the charging records (date and time, charging amount, etc.) of each user. When the charging station has a dedicated space for contractors, the information of the contractor may be included. Also, the station information may have information about the power consumption. The power consumption can include information about the power consumption consumed for lighting and the operation of electrical appliances in addition to the charging of electric vehicles by users.

[0035] Here, an example of the basic flow when a user uses the charging station of the present invention will be described. First, when a user uses the charging station for the first time, the user installs an application necessary for using the charging station on the user terminal 3 and registers as a member. At the time of member registration, information such as name, address, vehicle type of the vehicle to be used, number of years of use, mileage, and chargeable amount can be input. A user ID is assigned to the user and stored in the user information storage unit 31.

[0036] The user arrives at the charging station and parks the electric vehicle in any parking space. The user charges the electric vehicle from the charger and communicates between the station terminal 2 and the user terminal 3 to send user information to the station terminal 2 and receive information related to charging (such as the amount of charge, unit price, amount, etc.) from the station terminal 2 or the management server 1. Fig. 7 is an example of the screen display of the user terminal 3. Fig. 7(a) is an example of the screen displayed when the application is launched on the user terminal 3 and the station is used, and a two-dimensional barcode is displayed. The user can send user information to the station terminal 2 by holding the two-dimensional barcode in front of the display unit of the charger. The method of sending user information is just an example, and it may be sent by other known means, or the user may directly input user information into the station terminal. Next, Fig. 7(b) is the screen displayed on the user terminal 3 when the charging is completed and the usage amount related to the charging is determined. The amount is displayed together with information such as the charging power and unit price, and by selecting the "Settle" button, it can be connected to any payment means to complete the settlement. The user can register in advance regarding payment means such as credit card information. The display in Fig. 7(b) may be made possible by the station terminal 2 and the user terminal 3 communicating with each other, such as by holding the user terminal 3 in front of the station terminal 2 again after the charging is completed, so that the station terminal 2 sends information to the user terminal 3, or by the station terminal 2 sending information related to the amount of charge calculated, etc. to the management server 1, and the management server 1 sending it to the user terminal 3. The station terminal 2 sends information related to the user's charging record to the management server 1 linked to the user information, and the user information storage unit 31 and the station information storage unit 32 are updated.

[0037] Alternatively, as another method, the user activates the user terminal 3 and reads a two-dimensional barcode or the like displayed on the display screen of the station terminal 2 or the like, thereby transmitting information such as the terminal number of the station terminal 2 to be used to the management server 1. When the user transmits an instruction to start charging to the management server 1 via the application of the user terminal 3, a charging start instruction is transmitted from the management server 1 to the station terminal 2, and when the station terminal 2 receives the charging start instruction, it starts power transmission to the connector. When charging is completed, information related to charging such as the amount of charge and the charging time is transmitted from the station terminal 2 to the management server 1. The management server 1 transmits this information related to charging to the user terminal 3, calculates the usage fee based on the information related to charging, transmits it to the user terminal 3, and the user terminal 3 can be connected to any payment means to make a payment. An example has been described regarding the exchange of information among the management server 1, the station terminal 2, and the user terminal 3, but it is not limited to this, and any method can be adopted.

[0038] The surplus power calculation unit 21 calculates the surplus power based on the power generation amount and the usage amount at the charging station. Here, the surplus power amount is basically the remainder obtained by subtracting the predicted usage amount from the predicted power generation amount, but it may be a value appropriately corrected according to the actual situation. The surplus power calculation unit 21 first predicts the power generation amount by a known method. For example, the power generation amount can be predicted by using the correlation between the approximate annual solar radiation amount at the location of the charging station and the power generation capacity of the solar power generation device installed at the charging station. Also, the surplus power generation unit may predict the power generation amount of the area by acquiring weather forecast information at the location. Further, when predicting the power generation amount, information on the past power generation amount (power generation performance data) stored in the station information storage unit 32 may be used for prediction. That is, when the power generation capacity of the solar power generation device is different from the initial specified performance, the accuracy may be improved by using the power generation performance data for prediction. The prediction of the power generation amount only needs to be a prediction for the days after the day following the day when the prediction calculation is executed. For example, it may be a prediction for the day after the day when the prediction calculation is executed, 3 days later, 1 week from the day after the day when the prediction calculation is executed, 2 weeks from the day after the day when the prediction calculation is executed, or 1 month from the day after the day when the prediction calculation is executed. For example, when predicting the power generation amount 3 days later, the average value of the power generation performance data for the most recent past 1 week can be used as the predicted power generation amount. Also, based on the weather forecast 3 days later, the power generation performance data of the days with similar weather information such as solar radiation amount and temperature among the most recent past predetermined period may be extracted and used for prediction. In this way, based on the past power generation performance data going back a predetermined period from the prediction calculation execution day, the power generation amount after a predetermined time from the prediction calculation execution day can be predicted. The method for predicting the power generation amount of electric power is not limited to this, and adjustments such as multiplying by appropriate necessary coefficients can be made as appropriate.

[0039] The surplus power calculation unit 21 further predicts the power consumption. The power consumption at the charging station mainly includes the consumption due to charging the electric vehicle by the user and the power consumption for operating the charging station. The power consumption for operating the charging station can be predicted by referring to the information on the past power consumption in the station information storage unit 32. That is, it may be predicted to be approximately the same as the average power consumption in the same month before the previous year, or it may be predicted to be the average value of the actual power consumption in the past few days closest to the prediction calculation execution date. Also, the consumption due to charging the electric vehicle by the user can be predicted by referring to the information on the past charging performance by the user in the station information storage unit 32. It may be predicted to be approximately the same as the average charging performance in the same month before the previous year, or it may be predicted to be the average value of the charging performance in the past few days closest to the prediction calculation execution date. Further, the consumption due to charging may be predicted based on the number of contract customers. For example, the charging amount per contract customer can be calculated by dividing the charging amount in the past charging performance by the number of contract customers at that time, and the consumption due to charging on the prediction date can be predicted by multiplying the number of contract customers on the prediction calculation execution date or the prediction date. The method for predicting the power consumption is not limited to this, and adjustments can be made as appropriate, such as multiplying by necessary coefficients.

[0040] The discount amount determination unit 22 determines the discount amount of the charging fee on the predicted date based on the amount of surplus power on the predicted date calculated by the surplus power calculation unit 21. The discount amount determined by the discount amount determination unit 22 may be a discounted unit price that is discounted from the reference unit price, or a discount amount obtained by discounting a predetermined amount from the final payment amount. The reference unit price is the usage fee that serves as a reference for billing the user per unit of charging amount (kW) or per unit of charging time. When the discount amount determination unit 22 determines the discounted unit price, the discount amount determination unit 22 determines the unit price to be discounted from the unit price according to the magnitude of the surplus power amount, based on a basic unit price arbitrarily set in advance as a reference. The charging unit price determined by the discount amount determination unit 22 is hereinafter referred to as the "modified charging unit price". For example, if the normal basic unit price is 50 yen per minute of charging time, and the discount amount determination unit 22 determines the discounted unit price to be 3 yen, the modified charging unit price is 47 yen per minute of charging time. As an example, when the amount of surplus power is 0 or less (the predicted power generation amount is less than or equal to the predicted charging amount), the modified charging unit price is the amount obtained by adding a predetermined amount to the basic unit price, and when the amount of surplus power is greater than 0, the modified charging unit price can be the amount obtained by subtracting the discounted unit price from the basic unit price. By providing a plurality of thresholds for the amount of surplus power and setting the amount to be added or subtracted step by step for each, the modified charging unit price may be determined step by step.

[0041] In addition, when the discount amount determination unit 22 determines the discount amount of a discount coupon that discounts a predetermined amount from the final payment amount, it can determine a discount amount such as "100 yen" or "300 yen", or determine a discount rate (such as a 3% discount) to be discounted from the final payment amount. For example, when a user to whom a "100 yen discount" is applied charges for 30 minutes when the basic unit price is 50 yen per minute of charging time, the payment amount is 1500 yen, but with a 100 yen discount, the payment is 1400 yen. When there is no surplus power, the discount amount determination unit 22 does not apply a discount, that is, the discount unit price is 0 yen, or the discount amount is 0 yen. On the other hand, when there is surplus power, a fixed discount unit price or discount amount determined in advance may be applied regardless of its magnitude. In addition, the discount amount determination unit 22 can determine an upper limit of the total amount of discount amounts to be applied to multiple users based on the surplus power. For example, if the discount amount for one user is set as a 100 yen discount, when the discount is applied to 1000 users, the total discount amount is 100,000 yen. Also, when the discount unit price is 3 yen, the amount obtained by multiplying the average charging time per user is the total discount amount. The discount amount determination unit 22 may be determined based on a rule appropriately set so that the total discount amount increases when the surplus power can be predicted to be large, and the total discount amount decreases when the surplus power is small.

[0042] The user selection unit 23 determines the users to whom the discount amount determined by the discount amount determination unit 22 is applied. According to the present invention, since the corrected charging unit price, discount unit price, and discount amount are determined based on the prediction of the power generation amount, in seasons such as summer when there tends to be a large amount of surplus power, the charging unit price is set low. However, if the same discount is applied uniformly to all users, there is a problem that sales will decrease. Also, when the fee becomes cheaper due to surplus power, users can predict to some extent the time zone when surplus power is likely to be generated from the weather forecast, and thus there will be users who target only that time zone for use. Therefore, instead of applying the calculated discount to all users, by applying it only to some users, adjustments are made so that sales are not excessively reduced, and the use of the charging station can be encouraged for the users to whom it is applied.

[0043] The user selection unit 23 may select any number of users by any method. The user selection unit 23 can also select all users. As an example, the user selection unit 23 can select users to whom a discount amount is to be applied based on user information. Specifically, when selecting based on the contract status of the user, only contract holders or only temporary users can be selected. Also, when selecting based on the user's address, users whose address is included in a predetermined area can be selected. As the predetermined area, the area may be set by distance such as within a predetermined distance from the charging station, or an area may be randomly selected from the pre-set areas. Also, when selecting based on information regarding the user's usage history, users with a large or small number of usage times in the past predetermined period can be selected. Selecting users with a large number of usage times is a bonus-like positioning for users who use frequently, and it will result in applying a low modified charging unit price, giving an incentive to increase the usage frequency usually in order to receive the application of the low charging unit price. Also, selecting users with a small number of usage times leads to creating an opportunity to call back users who have recently become less frequent.

[0044] The upper limit number of users selected by the user selection unit 23 can be arbitrarily determined. It may be set to a fixed number as the upper limit, or it may be changed each time. Also, as an example, users may be selected in order based on a predetermined rule, the average charge amount per time of the selected users is integrated, and users may be selected until the integrated charge amount becomes equal to a preset discountable charge amount. Specifically, for example, users are selected in order based on selection conditions such as in descending order of the number of usage times in a past predetermined period, the average charge amount per time of each user is referred to from the user information storage unit 31 and integrated, and users are selected until it becomes equal to a predetermined value. When the average charge amount per time of the user selected as the nth person is added to the integrated charge amount from the 1st to the (n - 1)th person and becomes equal to or more than the discountable charge amount, the selection of users can be terminated. The discountable charge amount at which the selection of users is terminated can be arbitrarily set. The discountable charge amount may be determined based on the predicted surplus power amount, may be the same as the surplus power amount, or may be a numerical value obtained by multiplying the surplus power amount by a predetermined coefficient.

[0045] The notification unit 24 notifies the user terminal 3 of the user selected by the user selection unit 23 of information (information regarding discount) on any one or more of the revised charging unit price, discount unit price, or discount amount. FIG. 8(a) is a diagram showing an example of the screen configuration of the user terminal 3. The notification unit 24 notifies, regarding the discount amount, information on the unit price and the conditions for applying the discount, such as the applicable date and time. Also, by selecting the button "Use coupon", it is possible to transition to the coupon usage screen of FIG. 8(b). On the coupon usage screen, in addition to the unit price, applicable conditions, etc., a two-dimensional barcode can be displayed. When the user receives a notification as shown in FIG. 8(a) and visits the charging station in accordance with the described applicable date and time, the user can use the charging with the discount applied. At the charging station, for example, when settling at the station terminal 2, by holding up a two-dimensional barcode or the like as shown in FIG. 8(b), the user terminal 3 transmits the discount coupon information held by the user terminal 3 to the station terminal 2. The station terminal 2 determines whether the conditions applicable to the received information on the discount coupon are satisfied. If satisfied, the station terminal 2 calculates the usage amount by applying the revised charging unit price, discount unit price, or discount amount and performs the settlement. Also, when the date and time when the user selects the button "Use coupon" on the screen of FIG. 8(a) satisfies the applicable conditions, the screen as shown in FIG. 8(b) is transitioned only. If the conditions are not satisfied, a display indicating that the applicable conditions are not satisfied may be made as in the example of the screen configuration of FIG. 8(c).

[0046] The method for a user to receive the application of a coupon is not limited to this. As another method, the management server 1 may hold information associating the date and time when the coupon can be applied with the selected user, and determine whether the coupon can be applied. Specifically, when the user checks in at the station terminal 2, the user terminal 3 transmits user information to the management server 1. The management server 1 determines whether the user can apply the coupon. If the determination result is "applicable", the management server 1 calculates the payment amount by applying the modified charging unit price, discount unit price, or discount amount. If the result is "not applicable", the management server 1 calculates the payment amount based on the normal unit price such as the reference unit price. In addition, by transmitting information regarding the determination result from the management server 1 or the station terminal 2 to the user terminal 3, it is possible to notify the user whether the coupon has been applied.

[0047] Figure 9 shows the basic processing flow related to the management server 1 according to the present invention. First, the surplus power calculation unit 21 predicts the power generation amount and power consumption amount (S101). The prediction date may be any day after the execution date when the prediction process is performed. The power generation amount may be predicted by obtaining data on weather forecasts or recent power generation records. The power consumption amount may be predicted based on recent usage records or the number of subscribers. Next, the surplus power calculation unit 21 calculates the surplus power amount based on the predicted power generation amount and usage amount (S102). The discount amount determination unit 22 can determine the discount amount based on the surplus power amount (S103). When the surplus power amount is large, the discount amount may be set to be lower. Next, the user selection unit 23 selects the user to whom the discount is to be applied (S104). The notification unit 24 transmits information regarding the discount to the user terminal 3 of the user selected by the user selection unit 23 (S105).

[0048] FIG. 10 is an example of a processing flow when a user receives an application of a discount. First, the notification unit 24 of the management server 1 transmits information regarding the discount to the user terminal 3 of the selected user (S201). When the user visits and uses the charging station, the user operates the user terminal 3 to transmit a request to the management server 1 indicating that the user wishes to receive the application of the discount and use it (S202). Specifically, the step of S202 can be executed by selecting the "Use Coupon" button in FIG. 8(a) or the like. The management server 1 determines whether the application conditions (for example, date and time) are satisfied by comparing the request information received from the user terminal 3 with the conditions for applying the discount. If it is determined that the conditions are satisfied, the management server 1 transmits a notice to that effect to the user terminal 3 (S204).

[0049] The user operates the user terminal 3 to transmit information on the station terminal 2 to be used and a charging start instruction to the management server 1 (S205). The management server 1 transmits a charging start instruction to the station terminal 2, and charging is started (S206). The station terminal 2 determines whether the charging is completed (S207). If the charging is completed, the station terminal 2 transmits information regarding the usage record by the user to the management server 1 (S208). The management server 1 calculates the payment amount by applying the discount amount to the charged power amount and transmits the payment amount to the user terminal 3 (S209). The user terminal 3 pays and settles the notified payment amount by an arbitrary payment means (S210). The management server 1 updates the information in the user information storage unit 31 and the station information storage unit 32 (S211). Modification example

[0050] As another embodiment of the present invention, it will be described below. In this embodiment, except that the management server 1 further includes a charging timing prediction unit 25, the other basic configurations are the same as those described above. The charging timing prediction unit 25 predicts the timing of the next optimal charging for each user. The charging timing prediction unit 25 includes a learning model obtained by machine learning the power usage pattern for each user, including information such as the driving distance, driving route, and fuel consumption associated with the user's date and time information. The charging timing prediction unit 25 can predict the timing when the user should next visit the charging station by obtaining information such as driving performance from the user's electric vehicle and inputting it into the learning model. Information regarding charging patterns such as the amount of charge per charge and charging performance, as well as data regarding the weather, may also be learned in the learning model. Further, the charging timing prediction unit 25 may obtain information regarding the user's charging performance from the user information storage unit 31 or the like and predict the next charging timing. When selecting a user to whom a discount coupon is to be applied, the user selection unit 23 can select a user whose applicable date of the discount amount matches the timing of the next charging predicted by the charging timing prediction unit 25. That is, the user selection unit 23 can select a user whose next charging timing exactly matches at the target date and time when the discount amount determination unit 22 determines the discount amount. Further, when notifying the user selected by the user selection unit 23 of the coupon, the notification unit 24 can send a message to the effect that the timing for charging is approaching, such as "It's almost time to charge." According to this embodiment, since a coupon can be issued at the timing when charging is exactly required based on the user's lifestyle pattern, the probability of the user's visit can be further increased.

[0051] According to the present invention, in a charging station where the electric power generated by solar power generation can be used for charging an electric vehicle, the charging unit price can be determined based on the predicted surplus power and notified to the user. Therefore, the administrator side can prevent the waste of surplus power, and the user side can receive the charging service at a lower price than usual, which is beneficial to both parties. In addition, by constructing a mechanism to apply the unit price only to some users when the charging unit price is set low, it is possible to prevent over-concentration of utilization at the time when the charging unit price is low.

[0052] The above-described embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. It goes without saying that the present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its gist, and equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0053] 1 Management server 2 Station terminal 3 User terminal

Claims

1. A management server for a charging station using a photovoltaic power generation device, comprising: a surplus power calculation unit that predicts the amount of surplus power; a discount amount determination unit that determines a discount amount based on the amount of surplus power; a user selection unit that selects a user to whom the discount amount is to be applied; a notification unit that notifies the user terminal of the selected user of information regarding the discount amount, wherein the discount amount determination unit determines an upper limit of the discount amount per person and the total amount of the discount amount based on the amount of surplus power, and the user selection unit selects the user within the range of the upper limit. The management server as described above.

2. A management server for a charging station using a photovoltaic power generation device, comprising: a surplus power calculation unit that predicts the amount of surplus power; a discount amount determination unit that determines a discount amount based on the amount of surplus power; a user selection unit that selects a user to whom the discount amount is to be applied; a notification unit that notifies the user terminal of the selected user of information regarding the discount amount, wherein the user selection unit accumulates the average charging amount per time of the selected user and selects the user until the accumulated charging amount reaches a predetermined value set in advance. The management server as described above.

3. The management server according to any one of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the user selection unit selects a user based on information regarding the number of uses or usage frequency of the user during a predetermined period.

4. A management server for a charging station using a photovoltaic power generation device, comprising: a surplus power calculation unit that predicts the amount of surplus power; a discount amount determination unit that determines a discount amount based on the amount of surplus power; a user selection unit that selects a user to whom the discount amount is to be applied; a notification unit that notifies a user terminal of information regarding the discount amount; a charging time prediction unit that predicts the next charging timing by a learning model that has learned the power usage pattern of the user, wherein the user selection unit selects a user whose next charging timing predicted by the charging time prediction unit matches the application date and time of the discount amount.

5. A control method for a management server of a charging station using a photovoltaic power generation device, comprising: a prediction step of predicting the amount of surplus power; a discount amount determination step of determining a discount amount based on the amount of surplus power; a user selection step of selecting a user to whom the discount amount is to be applied; a step of notifying the user terminal of the selected user of information regarding the discount amount; the discount amount determination step determines an upper limit of the discount amount per person and the total discount amount based on the excess power generation amount; the user selection step is characterized by selecting the user within the range of the upper limit, a control method.

6. A control program for a management server of a charging station using a photovoltaic power generation device, the computer having a prediction function for predicting an excess power generation amount; a discount amount determination function for determining a discount amount based on the excess power generation amount; a user selection function for selecting a user to whom the discount amount is applied; a notification function for notifying the user terminal of the selected user of information regarding the discount amount, a control program, the discount amount determination function determines an upper limit of the discount amount per person and the total discount amount based on the excess power generation amount; the user selection function is characterized by selecting the user within the range of the upper limit; a control program.

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