Server, system, and management method

Abstract

To provide a server that can easily meet a power demand adjustment request in a predetermined power system.SOLUTION: A server 100 comprises: a communication unit 103 (a first acquisition unit) for acquiring information about a power demand adjustment request for adjusting a state of power demands in a power system PG (predetermined power system); and a processor 101 (control unit) for controlling a charging process in a reserved slot where the charging (power control) process is reserved by a user of an electric vehicle 10. The processor 101 performs control to confirm with the user whether a VPP discharge corresponding to the power demand adjustment request can be performed after the reserved slot, during the charging process in the reserved slot.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server, a system, and a management method. [Background technology]

[0002] International Publication No. 2013 / 137071 (Patent Document 1) discloses a system in which an electric vehicle is charged based on a reservation for use of a charger. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 137071 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the system of Patent Document 1, it is difficult to respond to a request to adjust the power supply and demand in a specified power system using an electric vehicle after the reservation slot for charging the electric vehicle has ended. Therefore, a system that can easily respond to a request to adjust the power supply and demand in a specified power system is desired.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a server, system, and management method that can easily respond to power supply and demand adjustment requests in a specified power system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A server according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a server that manages power control between an electric vehicle and a power controller capable of power control including at least one of charging and discharging, and includes a first acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a power supply and demand adjustment request for adjusting a power supply and demand state in a predetermined power system, and a control unit that controls power control in a reservation slot for power control reserved by a user of the electric vehicle. The control unit performs control to confirm with the user whether power control in accordance with the power supply and demand adjustment request can be executed after the reservation slot, during or at the end of power control in the reservation slot.

[0007] As described above, the server according to the first aspect of the present disclosure performs control to confirm with a user whether power control in accordance with a power supply and demand adjustment request can be executed after the reservation slot during or at the end of power control in the reservation slot. This allows the user of the electric vehicle to recognize that power control is requested after the reservation slot. As a result, it is possible to easily increase the number of users who execute power control after the reservation slot. This makes it possible to easily respond to power supply and demand adjustment requests in a predetermined power system. Furthermore, because the confirmation is performed during or at the end of power control in the reservation slot, it is possible to execute power control in accordance with a power supply and demand adjustment request consecutively with the power control in the reservation slot. This allows the user of the electric vehicle to more proactively execute power control in accordance with a power supply and demand adjustment request.

[0008] In the server according to the first aspect, the control unit preferably adjusts the length of time for which the power control is extended, in accordance with predetermined information related to power exchanged between the predetermined power system and the electric vehicle by the power control after the reservation slot. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately adjust the length of time for which power control is executed after the reservation slot, in accordance with the power exchanged between the predetermined power system and the electric vehicle.

[0009] In this case, the predetermined information preferably includes information on an upper limit or lower limit of the SOC of the electric vehicle that changes due to power control after the reservation slot, as specified by the user. With this configuration, the length of time for which power control is executed after the reservation slot can be appropriately adjusted according to the upper limit or lower limit of the SOC specified by the user.

[0010] In the server that adjusts the length of the extension of the power control execution period, the predetermined information preferably includes information on the power supply and demand state of the predetermined power system after the reservation slot. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately adjust the length of time for which power control is executed after the reservation slot, depending on the power supply and demand state of the predetermined power system after the reservation slot.

[0011] In the server that adjusts the length of the extension of the power control execution period, the predetermined information preferably includes information on an allowable value of the amount of change in the SOC due to power control after the reservation frame, which is estimated by the control unit based on a change history of the SOC of the electric vehicle. With this configuration, the length of time for which power control is executed after the reservation frame can be appropriately adjusted according to the allowable value of the amount of change in the SOC due to power control after the reservation frame.

[0012] In the server according to the first aspect, the control unit preferably checks availability of the power controller after the reservation slot before asking the user whether or not to execute power control after the reservation slot. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent multiple reservations of the power controller from overlapping after the reservation slot.

[0013] In the server according to the first aspect, the control unit preferably determines whether to confirm with the user whether to execute power control after the reservation slot, based on the SOC of the electric vehicle after the power control during the reservation slot. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent power control after the reservation slot from being executed when the SOC is insufficient.

[0014] In the server according to the first aspect, the power controller is preferably provided in a predetermined commercial facility. The server further includes a second acquisition unit that acquires information regarding whether the user will stay at the predetermined commercial facility after the reservation slot has ended. The control unit uses the information acquired by the second acquisition unit to determine whether to confirm with the user whether power control can be executed after the reservation slot has ended. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress confirmation of whether power control can be executed when it is determined that it is inappropriate to execute power control after the reservation slot based on the stay time of the electric vehicle.

[0015] In the server according to the first aspect, the predetermined power system preferably includes a power grid. The first acquisition unit acquires information regarding a power supply and demand adjustment request in the power grid. With this configuration, it is possible to easily respond to the power supply and demand adjustment request in the power grid system after the reservation slot.

[0016] In the server according to the first aspect, the control unit preferably controls the server to notify the user that the power control execution period will be extended when it is confirmed that the power control after the reservation period is executable. With this configuration, the user can be sure that the power control execution period will be extended after the reservation period.

[0017] In the server according to the first aspect, preferably, when it is confirmed that power control after the reservation slot is executable, the control unit causes the electric vehicle to perform power control in accordance with the power supply and demand adjustment request after the reservation slot. With this configuration, it is possible to easily comply with the power supply and demand adjustment request in the power grid system by controlling charging or discharging of the electric vehicle.

[0018] A system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes a power controller capable of power control including at least one of charging and discharging, an electric vehicle, and a server that manages power control between the power controller and the electric vehicle. The server acquires information regarding a power supply and demand adjustment request for adjusting a power supply and demand state in a predetermined power system, controls power control within a reservation slot for power control reserved by a user of the electric vehicle, and confirms with the user during or at the end of power control within the reservation slot whether power control in accordance with the power supply and demand adjustment request can be executed after the reservation slot.

[0019] In the system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, control is performed to confirm with a user whether power control in accordance with a power supply and demand adjustment request can be executed after the reservation slot during or at the end of power control in the reservation slot, thereby providing a system that can easily respond to a power supply and demand adjustment request in a predetermined power system.

[0020] A management method according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is a method for managing power control between an electric vehicle and a power controller capable of power control including at least one of charging and discharging, and includes the steps of: acquiring information regarding a power supply and demand adjustment request for adjusting the power supply and demand state in a specified power system; controlling power control within a reservation slot for which power control has been reserved by a user of the electric vehicle; and confirming with the user, during or at the end of power control within the reservation slot, whether power control in accordance with the power supply and demand adjustment request can be executed after the reservation slot.

[0021] In the management method according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, control is performed to confirm with a user whether power control in accordance with a power supply and demand adjustment request can be executed after the reservation slot during or at the end of power control in the reservation slot, thereby providing a management method that can easily respond to a power supply and demand adjustment request in a predetermined power system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily comply with power supply and demand adjustment requests in a given power system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating sequence control of the system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reservation schedule for an EVSE. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating sequence control of a system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating sequence control of a system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to a modification of the first to third embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0025] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system 1 according to the first embodiment. The system 1 includes a server 100, a grid management server 900, a power grid PG, an electrically powered vehicle 10, an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) 20, and a reservation management server 30.

[0026] The power system PG is a power grid constructed by power plants and power transmission and distribution facilities (not shown). In this embodiment, an electric power company serves as both a power generation business operator and a power transmission and distribution business operator. The electric power company corresponds to a general power transmission and distribution business operator, and maintains and manages the power system PG. The electric power company corresponds to a manager of the power system PG.

[0027] The grid management server 900 manages the supply and demand of power in the power grid PG (power grid). The grid management server 900 belongs to a power company. The grid management server 900 transmits to the server 100 a request (supply and demand adjustment request) to adjust the power demand of the power grid PG based on the power generated and consumed by each power adjustment resource managed by the grid management server 900. Specifically, when the power generated or consumed by the power adjustment resources is expected to be higher than normal (or is currently higher), the grid management server 900 transmits a request to the server 100 to increase or decrease the power demand compared to normal, respectively.

[0028] The server 100 is a server managed by an aggregator. An aggregator is an electric utility that provides energy management services by aggregating multiple power adjustment resources in a region, a specific facility, etc. The server 100 manages the power control described below.

[0029] The server 100 requests the electrically powered vehicle 10 to perform "power control" as one means for increasing or decreasing the amount of power demanded by the power grid PG. Power control is control that includes power feeding to the power grid PG (external power feeding) and charging from the power grid PG (external charging). The server 100 transmits a request signal requesting power control to the electrically powered vehicle 10 or a mobile terminal 14 or the like owned by the user of the electrically powered vehicle 10. Note that the electrically powered vehicle 10 may be configured to be capable of only one of external power feeding and external charging.

[0030] The power control is performed between the electrically powered vehicle 10 and the power grid PG via the EVSE 20. The electrically powered vehicle 10 includes, for example, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a battery electric vehicle (BEV), and a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).

[0031] The electric vehicle 10 includes a car navigation system 11 and a communication device 12. The electric vehicle 10 also includes a battery 13 that supplies power to electrical devices such as the car navigation system 11 and the communication device 12. The communication device 12 may also include a DCM (Data Communication Module) or a communication I / F compatible with 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system).

[0032] EVSE 20 refers to a vehicle power supply facility. Electrically-powered vehicle 10 is configured to be electrically connectable to EVSE 20. For example, by connecting a charging cable 21 connected to EVSE 20 to an inlet of electric vehicle 10, it becomes possible to exchange power between EVSE 20 and electric vehicle 10.

[0033] The reservation management server 30 manages the reservation status of power control of the electric vehicle 10 (and other electric vehicles) in the EVSE 20. Before using the EVSE 20, the user of the electric vehicle 10 reserves the use of the EVSE 20 by specifying a desired usage time period (reservation slot).

[0034] Each of the EVSE 20 and the reservation management server 30 is provided in a shopping mall 50. Note that the reservation management server 30 may be provided outside the shopping mall 50. The shopping mall 50 is an example of a "predetermined commercial facility" in the present disclosure.

[0035] Server 100 is also 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 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 memory 102, which will be described later.

[0036] The user ID is identification information for identifying a user, and also functions as information (terminal ID) for identifying the mobile terminal 14 carried by the user. The server 100 is configured to store information received from the mobile terminal 14 separately for each user ID. The user information includes the communication address of the mobile terminal 14 carried by the user and the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle 10 belonging to the user.

[0037] 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 travel schedule of each electric vehicle 10.

[0038] The EVSE-ID is identification information for identifying the EVSE 20. The EVSE information includes the communication address of each EVSE 20 and the status of the electric vehicle 10 connected to each EVSE 20. The EVSE information also includes information indicating the combination of the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20 that are connected to each other (for example, a combination of the EVSE-ID and the vehicle ID).

[0039] The server 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, and a communication unit 103. The processor 101 is an example of a "control unit" in the present disclosure. The communication unit 103 is an example of a "first acquisition unit" and a "second acquisition unit" in the present disclosure.

[0040] The memory 102 stores programs executed by the processor 101 as well as information used by the programs (for example, maps, formulas, and various parameters). The communication unit 103 includes various communication I / Fs. The processor 101 controls the communication unit 103. Specifically, the processor 101 communicates with the grid management server 900, the communication device 12 (or the mobile terminal 14) of the electric vehicle 10, the EVSE 20, and the reservation management server 30 via the communication unit 103.

[0041] The communication unit 103 acquires information related to power control by the electrically powered vehicle 10. Specifically, the communication unit 103 acquires information such as the amount of charge / discharge, the charge / discharge time, and the time period in which charge / discharge was performed between the electrically powered vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20 for which power control was performed.

[0042] In the conventional system, after the charging reservation frame ends, the electric vehicle 10 moves away from the EVSE 20, making it difficult to respond to a request to adjust the power supply and demand in the power grid PG, for example. Therefore, there is a demand for a system that can easily respond to a request to adjust the power supply and demand in a predetermined power system such as the power grid PG.

[0043] Therefore, the processor 101 performs control to confirm with the user whether or not power control according to the power supply and demand adjustment request can be executed after the reservation frame is over during charging within the reservation frame. The detailed control will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0044] (Management method) In step S1, the server 100 receives a request for adjusting the supply and demand of power in the power grid PG from the grid management server 900 via the communication unit 103. The process of step S1 may be performed at predetermined intervals. In the first embodiment, the request for adjusting the supply and demand of power is a request for external power feeding (discharging) to the electrically powered vehicle 10. Hereinafter, the external power feeding may be referred to as VPP (Virtual Power Plant) discharging.

[0045] In step S2, it is assumed that the electric vehicle 10 is electrically connected to the EVSE 20. In other words, in step S2, the electric vehicle 10 is plugged into the EVSE 20.

[0046] In step S3, the server 100 (communication unit 103) acquires reservation information for the EVSE 20 by the electric vehicle 10 registered in the reservation management server 30 based on information about the electric vehicle 10 plugged into the EVSE 20 via the communication unit 103.

[0047] In step S4, the user of the electric vehicle 10 notifies the lower limit value of the SOC of the battery 13 at the time of disconnection from the EVSE 20 via the communication device 12 or the mobile terminal 14. Note that the lower limit value means the minimum value desired by the user regarding the remaining SOC at the time of disconnection between the EVSE 20 and the electric vehicle 10.

[0048] In step S5, the user of the electric vehicle 10 notifies the shopping mall 50 via the communication device 12 or the mobile terminal 14 of information regarding the planned length of time the user will be staying there.

[0049] As an incentive for receiving the notification in steps S4 and S5, the server 100 may allow the user to continue the plugged-in state even after the charging in the reserved slot is completed. The incentive may include a discount on the usage fee for the EVSE 20.

[0050] In step S6, the server 100 (processor 101) starts charging control of the electric vehicle 10 in the reservation slot. As a result, charging between the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20 starts in step S7.

[0051] In step S8, processor 101 determines whether the current time is a predetermined time before (for example, 5 minutes before) the end time of the reservation slot. If the current time is the predetermined time before the end time (Yes in S8), the process proceeds to step S9. If the current time is not the predetermined time before the end time (No in S8), the process of step S8 is repeated.

[0052] In step S9, the processor 101 checks with the reservation management server 30 whether or not there is a vacant EVSE 20 after the reservation slot. If there is a vacant EVSE 20 (Yes in S9), the process proceeds to step S10. If there is no vacant EVSE 20 (No in S9), the process proceeds to step S17. Note that if the minimum reservation slot time for an EVSE 20 is, for example, 30 minutes, the processor 101 determines that there is a vacant EVSE 20 if the vacant time t (see FIG. 3) of the EVSE 20 after the reservation slot is 30 minutes or more. Alternatively, if there is even a small amount of vacant EVSE 20 after the reservation slot, the processor 101 may determine that there is a vacant EVSE 20.

[0053] In step S10, the processor 101 determines whether or not the use of the EVSE 20 can be extended after the reservation frame, based on the user's stay time acquired by the processing of step S4. If the use of the EVSE 20 can be extended (Yes in S10), the processing proceeds to step S11. If the use of the EVSE 20 cannot be extended (No in S10), the processing proceeds to step S17. Note that if the minimum reservation frame time for the EVSE 20 is, for example, 30 minutes, the processor 101 determines that the use of the EVSE 20 can be extended if the user plans to stay in the shopping mall 50 for 30 minutes or more after the reservation frame. Alternatively, it may be determined that the use of the EVSE 20 can be extended if the user plans to stay in the shopping mall 50 for any length of time after the reservation frame.

[0054] In step S11, the processor 101 determines whether VPP discharge is possible after the reservation slot in response to the request in step S1, based on the SOC of the electric vehicle 10 after charging in the reservation slot. If VPP discharge is possible (Yes in S11), the process proceeds to step S12. If VPP discharge is not possible (No in S11), the process proceeds to step S17. The processor 101 may calculate a predicted value of the SOC at the end of the reservation slot based on the charging rate in the reservation slot, and determine that VPP discharge is possible if the predicted value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (e.g., 80%). The predetermined threshold value may also be calculated based on the lower limit value of the SOC acquired in the process of step S4.

[0055] In the present embodiment, an example in which the processes of steps S9 to S11 are performed has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The processes of steps S9 to S11 may not be performed. Alternatively, any one of steps S9 to S11 may be performed. Alternatively, any two of steps S9 to S11 may be performed.

[0056] In step S12, the processor 101 determines an extension period, which is a period after the reservation period, based on the lower limit value of the SOC acquired by the processing of step S4. The extension period is a period during which the user is requested to discharge the VPP. For example, the processor 101 calculates the difference between the (predicted value of) the SOC at the end time of the reservation period and the lower limit value. Next, the processor 101 calculates the predicted time for the SOC to reach the lower limit value based on the difference and the discharge rate (the rate at which the SOC decreases due to discharge). The processor 101 determines the extension period based on the calculated predicted time. Note that if the determined extension period overlaps with the reservation period of the next EVSE 20, the length of the extension period may be adjusted depending on the start time of the next reservation period.

[0057] In step S13, the processor 101 sets an incentive to be given to the user depending on the length of the extension period determined in step S12. For example, the incentive may include a discount on the usage fee of the EVSE 20, a coupon that can be used at the shopping mall 50, a discount on the parking fee at the shopping mall 50, etc. Note that the incentive may be changed depending on the amount of money spent by the user on shopping during their stay at the shopping mall 50.

[0058] In step S14, the processor 101 performs control to confirm with the user whether or not the VPP discharge requested in step S1 is possible through the communication unit 103. Specifically, the processor 101 notifies the user of the extension period and the incentive information determined in steps S12 and S13, thereby prompting the user to select (respond) whether or not the VPP discharge is possible.

[0059] In step S15, it is assumed that the user of electric vehicle 10 responds that VPP discharge is possible in response to the confirmation from server 100 in step S14.

[0060] In step S16, the processor 101 notifies the user that the execution period of power control will be extended via the communication unit 103. In other words, the processor 101 notifies the user that the extension period determined in step S12 will be set after the reservation slot. Note that the notification in step S16 may be made by the reservation management server 30.

[0061] In step S17, the processor 101 ends the charging control in the reservation slot started in step S6. In step S18, the charging between the electrically powered vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20 is completed in accordance with the processing of step S17.

[0062] In step S19, the processor 101 determines whether the user has permitted VPP discharge in response to the response in step S15. If VPP discharge is permitted (Yes in S19), the process proceeds to step S20. If VPP discharge is not permitted (No in S19), the process ends.

[0063] In step S20, the processor 101 causes the electric vehicle 10 to perform VPP discharge (start VPP discharge) in response to the power supply and demand adjustment request in step S1 during the extension period after the reservation frame.

[0064] In step S21, VPP discharge between the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20 is started in response to the processing of step S20. In step S22, the VPP discharge started by the processing of step S21 is completed. Then, in step S23, the processor 101 grants an incentive according to the performance of the VPP discharge executed in steps S21 and S22.

[0065] As described above, in the first embodiment, the processor 101 performs control to confirm with the user whether or not power control (VPP discharge) according to a power supply and demand adjustment request can be executed after the reservation slot while charging the electric vehicle 10 in the reservation slot. This can increase the number of users who continue to use the EVSE 20 after the reservation slot for the VPP discharge.

[0066] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Unlike the first embodiment in which the extension period is determined based on a lower limit value specified by a user, the second embodiment determines the extension period based on the power supply and demand state of the power grid. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and a repeated description will not be provided.

[0067] 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system 2 according to the second embodiment. The system 2 includes a server 200 instead of the server 100 of the system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0068] Server 200 includes a processor 201, a memory 202, and a communication unit 203. Processor 201 is an example of a "control unit" in the present disclosure. Communication unit 203 is an example of a "first acquisition unit" and a "second acquisition unit" in the present disclosure.

[0069] (Management method) Next, a method for managing power control by the system 2 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of Fig. 5. Note that the same steps as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5, the process of step S4 in the first embodiment is not performed in the second embodiment.

[0071] In the second embodiment, step S112 is performed instead of step S12 in the first embodiment. In step S112, the processor 201 determines an extension period for power control after the reservation slot based on the required power value of the power grid PG. Specifically, when the power grid PG requires a predetermined amount of power (e.g., 20 kW) after the reservation slot, the processor 201 determines the extension period based on information related to the predetermined amount. For example, the processor 201 may determine the extension period by dividing the predetermined amount by the discharge rate (rate of decrease in SOC) in the EVSE 20.

[0072] The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described repeatedly.

[0073] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Unlike the first embodiment in which the extension time is determined based on a lower limit value specified by the user, the third embodiment determines the extension time based on a history of changes in the SOC of the electric vehicle 10. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and a repeated description will not be provided.

[0074] 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system 3 according to the third embodiment. The system 3 includes a server 300 instead of the server 100 of the system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0075] The server 300 includes a processor 301, a memory 302, and a communication unit 303. The processor 301 is an example of a "control unit" in the present disclosure. The communication unit 303 is an example of a "first acquisition unit" and a "second acquisition unit" in the present disclosure.

[0076] (Management method) Next, a method for managing power control by the system 3 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of Fig. 7. Note that the same steps as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 7, the process of step S4 in the first embodiment is not performed in the third embodiment.

[0078] In the third embodiment, the server 300 (processor 301) performs the process of step S211 before the process of step S6. In step S211, the processor 301 acquires information on a change history of the SOC according to the past driving history of the electric vehicle 10. The processor 301 acquires the change history information from a server (not shown) that manages the SOC of the battery 13 or from the electric vehicle 10 via the communication unit 303. Note that the change history information may be stored in the memory 302 of the server 300.

[0079] In step S212 before the end of charging control in the reservation slot, processor 301 determines an extension period for power control after the reservation slot based on information about the SOC change history acquired in step S211. Specifically, processor 301 estimates an allowable value for the amount of change in SOC due to VPP discharge after the reservation slot based on the change history. In more detail, processor 301 estimates an SOC value (allowable value) that will not interfere with the running of electric vehicle 10 after the extension period based on the change history. For example, the allowable value may be a value that is a predetermined amount (e.g., 20%) greater than the average amount of decrease in SOC in a time period after the extension period. This makes it possible to prevent the SOC from falling below the predetermined amount after the extension period. Then, processor 301 determines the extension period so that the SOC does not fall below the allowable value.

[0080] The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described repeatedly.

[0081] In the first to third embodiments, an example is shown in which control is performed to confirm with the user whether or not VPP discharge (power control) in response to a power supply and demand adjustment request can be executed after the reservation time frame during charge control (power control) of the battery 13, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The confirmation may also be performed at the end of (immediately after) charge control (power control) of the battery 13.

[0082] In the above-described first to third embodiments, an example has been shown in which the battery 13 is charged during the reservation slot, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The battery 13 may be discharged during the reservation slot (for example, discharged in response to a request from a VPP or energy management).

[0083] In the first to third embodiments, examples have been shown in which the battery 13 is discharged during the extended period after the reservation window, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The battery 13 may be charged (VPP charging) during the extended period. Furthermore, both discharging and charging may be performed.

[0084] In the first to third embodiments, examples have been shown in which control is performed in response to VPP requests during an extended period after the reservation slot, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. During the extended period, energy management may be performed to control the power supply and demand state of a specific facility (for example, a commercial facility or factory included in a microgrid). In this case, the specific facility is an example of a "specific power system" in the present disclosure.

[0085] In the first to third embodiments, an example has been shown in which the length of the extension period after the reservation slot is adjusted in accordance with predetermined information related to the power exchanged between electric vehicle 10 and power grid PG (predetermined power system), but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The length of the extension period may be constant regardless of the predetermined information.

[0086] In the above first to third embodiments, an example has been described in which the EVSE 20 is provided in a shopping mall 50, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The EVSE 20 may also be provided in a commercial facility other than the shopping mall 50 (for example, an amusement park or a restaurant). Furthermore, the EVSE 20 may not be provided in a commercial facility, but may be provided in, for example, a parking lot.

[0087] In the first to third embodiments, the user is notified that the extension period will be set when it is confirmed that the VPP discharge (power control) after the reservation period is executable, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The user does not have to be notified that the extension period will be set.

[0088] In the above first to third embodiments, examples have been shown in which the server 100 (200, 300) and the reservation management server 30 are separate from each other, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The server 100 (200, 300) may manage the reservation of power control.

[0089] In the first to third embodiments, the server 100 (200, 300) sets an extension period for executing VPP discharge after the reservation period, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The user of the electric vehicle 10 may set (reserve) the extension period.

[0090] In the first to third embodiments described above, an example has been shown in which it is determined whether or not the EVSE 20 is available after the reservation slot according to a schedule managed by the reservation management server 30, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Whether or not the EVSE 20 is available after the reservation slot may also be determined based on an image from a camera 22 (see FIG. 8 ) installed on the EVSE 20. For example, if an image from the camera 22 does not show any electric vehicles 10 waiting in line for the EVSE 20, it may be determined that the EVSE 20 is available after the reservation slot. Note that the camera 22 may be installed near the EVSE 20.

[0091] In the first to third embodiments, examples have been shown in which the VPP control is initiated after the period corresponding to the reservation slot has elapsed, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The VPP control may also be initiated in the middle of the reservation slot.

[0092] In the first embodiment, the server 100 determines the extension period based on the time required for the SOC to decrease to the lower limit after charging in the reservation slot, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the server 100 may decrease the SOC to a value lower than the lower limit and then increase the SOC to the lower limit. In this case, the extension period is determined based on the time required for the SOC to decrease and the time required for the SOC to increase.

[0093] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1, 2, 3 System, 10 Electric vehicle, 20 EVSE (power controller), 50 Shopping mall (predetermined commercial facility), 100, 200, 300 Server, 101, 201, 301 Processor (control unit), 103, 203, 303 Communication unit (first acquisition unit) (second acquisition unit), PG Power system (predetermined power system).

Claims

1. A server that manages power control, including at least one of charging and discharging, performed via a power controller between a predetermined power system and an electric vehicle, comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a power supply and demand adjustment request for adjusting a power supply and demand state in the predetermined power system; a control unit that controls the power control in a reservation slot in which the power control is reserved by a user of the electric vehicle, The control unit performing control to confirm with the user whether or not the power control in accordance with the power supply and demand adjustment request can be executed after the reservation frame, during the power control in the reservation frame or at the end of the power control in the reservation frame; When it is confirmed that the power control after the reservation frame is executable, the server causes the electric vehicle to perform the power control in accordance with the power supply and demand adjustment request after the reservation frame.

2. 2. The server according to claim 1, wherein the control unit adjusts a length of time by which the execution period of the power control is extended, depending on predetermined information related to power exchanged between the predetermined power system and the electric vehicle by the power control after the reservation slot.

3. The server according to claim 2 , wherein the predetermined information includes information on an upper limit or a lower limit, designated by the user, of an SOC of the electric vehicle that changes due to the power control after the reservation slot.

4. The server according to claim 2 , wherein the predetermined information includes information about a power supply and demand state of the predetermined power system after the reservation slot.

5. 3. The server according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined information includes information on an allowable value of a change in the SOC due to the power control after the reservation time frame, the allowable value being estimated by the control unit based on a change history of the SOC of the electric vehicle.

6. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit checks the availability of the power controller after the reservation slot before confirming with the user whether or not the power control can be executed after the reservation slot.

7. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit determines whether to confirm with the user whether the power control after the reservation slot is to be executed, depending on an SOC of the electric vehicle after the power control in the reservation slot.

8. the power controller is provided in a predetermined commercial facility, a second acquisition unit that acquires information regarding whether the user will stay at the predetermined commercial facility after the reservation frame; The server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit uses the information acquired by the second acquisition unit to determine whether or not to confirm with the user whether or not the power control can be executed after the reservation slot.

9. the predetermined power system includes an electric power grid; The server according to claim 1 , wherein the first acquisition unit acquires information relating to the power supply and demand adjustment request in the power grid.

10. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit performs control to notify the user that the execution period of the power control will be extended when it is confirmed that the power control after the reservation slot can be executed.

11. A power controller; Electric vehicles and a server that manages power control, including at least one of charging and discharging, performed via the power controller between a predetermined power system and the electric vehicle; The server acquiring information regarding a power supply and demand adjustment request for adjusting a power supply and demand state in the predetermined power system; controlling the power control in a reservation slot in which the power control is reserved by a user of the electric vehicle; performing control to confirm with the user whether or not the power control in accordance with the power supply and demand adjustment request can be executed after the reservation frame, during the power control in the reservation frame or at the end of the power control in the reservation frame; When it is confirmed that the power control after the reservation slot is executable, the system causes the electric vehicle to perform the power control in accordance with the power supply and demand adjustment request after the reservation slot.

12. A method for managing power control including at least one of charging and discharging performed via a power controller between a predetermined power system and an electric vehicle, comprising: acquiring information about a power supply and demand adjustment request for adjusting a power supply and demand state in the predetermined power system; controlling the power control in a reservation slot in which the power control is reserved by a user of the electric vehicle; confirming with the user whether or not the power control in accordance with the power supply and demand adjustment request can be executed after the reservation slot during the power control in the reservation slot or at the end of the power control in the reservation slot; and when it is confirmed that the power control after the reservation slot is executable, causing the electric vehicle to implement the power control in accordance with the power supply and demand adjustment request after the reservation slot.

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