System, program and method

Abstract

To provide an exchangeable battery system, a program, and a method effectively using a battery and effectively utilizing energy.SOLUTION: In a system for controlling a station performing charging and discharging of a plurality of movable batteries, a processing part has: a classification part for classifying the plurality of movable batteries connected to the station into a plurality of groups based on respective charging rates of the plurality of movable batteries; and a control part for controlling a ratio and the number of the batteries belonging to each of the plurality of groups in each time zone based on a use prediction in the station. A method for controlling the station charging and discharging the plurality of movable batteries has a stage for classifying the plurality of movable batteries connected to the plurality of stations into the plurality of groups based on the respective charging rates of the plurality of movable batteries and a stage for controlling the ratio and the number of the batteries belonging to each of the plurality of groups in each time zone based on the use prediction in the station.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a program and a method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Documents 1 to 4 disclose techniques relating to replaceable batteries. [Prior art document] [Patent Documents] Patent Document 1: JP 2019-154220 A Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2011 / 016273 Patent Document 3: JP 2019-153576 A Patent Document 4: JP 2020-077521 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is known that effective use of batteries is an effective way to utilize energy efficiently, but there is a problem that this is not easy to achieve. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In a first aspect of the present invention, a system is provided for controlling a station that charges and discharges a plurality of mobile batteries. The system includes a classification unit that divides the plurality of mobile batteries connected to the station into a plurality of groups based on the charging rates of the plurality of mobile batteries. The system also includes a control unit that controls the ratio or number of mobile batteries belonging to each of the plurality of groups during each time period based on predicted usage at the station.

[0005] When it is predicted that some of the plurality of movable batteries will be used, the control unit may charge those of the plurality of movable batteries that belong to a group whose charging rate can be charged until the charging rate reaches a predetermined value or more by the predicted time of use, and may transfer them to other groups whose charging rates are higher.

[0006] In response to a request to increase power consumption at the station, the control unit may charge a movable battery among the plurality of movable batteries that belongs to a group whose charging rate is lower than a predetermined value, and transfer the movable battery to another group whose charging rate is higher.

[0007] In response to a request to reduce power consumption at the station, the control unit may discharge movable batteries belonging to a group of the plurality of movable batteries whose charging rates are higher than a predetermined value, within a range that meets the usage forecast, and transfer them to another group with a lower charging rate.

[0008] The control unit may predict requests for an increase or decrease in power consumption at the station, and based on the prediction, control the ratio or number of movable batteries belonging to each of the multiple groups in each time period within a range that meets the usage prediction.

[0009] The control unit may maintain the ratio or number of mobile batteries belonging to a group having a charge rate higher than a predetermined value above a predetermined value when a demand for a reduction in power consumption in the station is predicted.

[0010] When a demand for increased power consumption in the station is predicted, the control unit may maintain the ratio or number of mobile batteries belonging to a group whose charging rate is lower than a predetermined value at or above a predetermined value.

[0011] The system may control a plurality of stations for charging and discharging the plurality of mobile batteries, wherein the classification unit classifies the plurality of mobile batteries connected to the plurality of stations into a plurality of groups based on the charging rates of the plurality of mobile batteries; The control unit may control the ratio or number of mobile batteries belonging to each of the plurality of groups in each time period based on predicted usage at the plurality of stations.

[0012] The plurality of mobile batteries may include batteries mounted on a vehicle.

[0013] The plurality of mobile batteries may include batteries mounted on the vehicle and replaceable at a plurality of stations.

[0014] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program that causes a computer to function as the above-described system.

[0015] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a station that charges and discharges a plurality of mobile batteries, the method comprising: dividing the plurality of mobile batteries connected to the station into a plurality of groups based on the charging rates of the plurality of mobile batteries; and controlling the proportion or number of mobile batteries belonging to each of the plurality of groups during each time period based on predicted usage at the station.

[0016] The above summary of the invention does not list all of the features of the present invention, and subcombinations of these features may also constitute inventions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 conceptually illustrates a usage pattern of a power system 5 in one embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 shows an example of the system configuration of the system 100. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of grouping of batteries 12. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B show schematic state transitions of a chargeable battery 12. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B show schematic state transitions of the battery 12 in a state where only charging is possible. [Figure 6] The change in the ratio of the batteries 12 belonging to groups A to D is shown. [Figure 7] 10 shows a schematic diagram of changes in the amount of power resources that can be provided from station 30a and station 30b over the course of a day. [Figure 8] An example of a computer 2000 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention according to the claims. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0019] 1 conceptually illustrates a usage pattern of a power system 5 in one embodiment. The power system 5 includes a station 30a, a station 30b, a station 30c, and a station 30d, a power generation device 80, a system 100, a server 180, and a vehicle 20, a vehicle 10c, and a vehicle 10d. In this embodiment, the stations 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d may be collectively referred to as "stations 30."

[0020] The system 100 is connected to a server 180 through a communication network 190. The server 180 is capable of communicating with the station 30 through the communication network 190. The system 100 controls the station 30 through the communication network 190. The system 100 communicates with the vehicle 10 through the communication network 190 and acquires various information about the vehicle 10, such as the driving history of the vehicle 10 and the SOC of the battery 12.

[0021] The station 30, the power consumers 70, and the power generation equipment 80 are connected to a power network 90. ​​The power generation equipment 80 includes, for example, a power plant operated by a power company. Electric power generated by the power generation equipment 80 can be supplied to the station 30 and the power consumers 70 through the power network 90. ​​The power network 90 is, for example, an electric power system.

[0022] Station 30a and station 30b hold a plurality of batteries that can be mounted on vehicle 20, and charge and discharge the plurality of batteries held therein. Vehicle 20 is, for example, an electric motorcycle. Battery 12a used in vehicle 20 is exchanged at station 30. As an example, battery 12a used to run vehicle 20 is exchanged for battery 12b charged at station 30a and attached to vehicle 20. Battery 12a and battery 12b are examples of movable batteries. Battery 12a and battery 12b are movable when mounted on vehicle 20.

[0023] Stations 30c and 30d can charge and discharge multiple batteries, including battery 12c installed in vehicle 10c and battery 12d installed in vehicle 10d. Vehicles 10c and 10d are, for example, electric vehicles. As an example, vehicles 10c and 10d may be shared cars. Shared car users can return their vehicles to station 30c and use specific vehicles from multiple vehicles, including vehicles 10c and 10d. Battery 12c and battery 12d are examples of movable batteries. Battery 12c and battery 12d are movable when installed in vehicle 10c and vehicle 10d, respectively.

[0024] Station 30a and station 30b can charge the batteries held in their respective stations with power supplied from the power network 90. ​​Station 30a and station 30b can discharge the batteries held in their respective stations and supply the power to the power network 90. ​​Station 30c and station 30d can charge the batteries installed in the vehicles connected to their respective stations with power supplied from the power network 90. ​​Station 30c and station 30d can discharge the batteries installed in the vehicles connected to their respective stations and supply the power to the power network 90.

[0025] The system 100 controls the station 30. When a power shortage occurs in the power network 90, the system 100 can cause the station 30 to discharge its battery and supply power to the power network 90. ​​When a power surplus occurs in the power network 90, the system 100 can cause the station 30 to charge its battery and receive power from the power network 90. ​​The system 100 can use the station 30 to provide primary, secondary, and tertiary regulation reserves in the power network 90. ​​In this way, the system 100 can aggregate the stations 30 and preserve power resources for the power network 90.

[0026] The server 180 is a server used by, for example, a power aggregator. The server 180 performs power trading in the power market. The system 100 can provide the power resources it holds by aggregating the stations 30 to the server 180. The system 100 controls the charging and discharging of batteries by the stations 30 to provide the power agreed upon by the server 180. For example, the system 100 controls the charging and discharging of batteries by the stations 30 in response to a demand from the server 180 to provide power according to the demand.

[0027] 2 shows an example of the system configuration of the system 100. The system 100 includes a processing unit 200, a storage unit 280, and a communication device 290. The system 100 controls at least one station among a plurality of stations 30 that charge and discharge a plurality of batteries 12.

[0028] The processing unit 200 controls the communication device 290. The communication device 290 is responsible for communication between the station 30a and the server 180. The processing unit 200 is realized by an arithmetic processing unit including a processor. The storage units 280 are each realized by including a non-volatile storage medium. The processing unit 200 performs processing using information stored in the storage units 280. The processing unit 200 may be realized by a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, buses, etc. The system 100 may be realized by a computer.

[0029] In this embodiment, the system 100 is implemented by a single computer. However, in other embodiments, the system 100 may be implemented by multiple computers. At least some of the functions of the system 100 may be implemented by one or more servers, such as a cloud server.

[0030] The processing unit 200 includes a classification unit 210 and a control unit 240 .

[0031] The control unit 240 acquires the driving history of the vehicle 10 and the charge / discharge history of the battery 12. The control unit 240 may acquire the driving history transmitted from the vehicle 10 to the system 100. The driving history of the vehicle 10 may include information associating the location of the vehicle 10 and the SOC of the battery 12 with date and time. The control unit 240 may acquire the charge / discharge history transmitted from the vehicle 10 to the system 100. The control unit 240 may acquire the charge / discharge history of the battery 12 transmitted from the station 30. The charge / discharge history may include information associating the charge / discharge amount of the battery 12 with date and time. The control unit 240 may acquire information indicating the current state of the vehicle 10. The current state of the vehicle 10 may include the current location of the vehicle 10, the current SOC of the battery 12 installed in the vehicle 10, etc.

[0032] The control unit 240 may acquire information indicating the date and time of battery 12 replacement and the SOC of battery 12 at the time of replacement from station 30a and station 30b. The control unit 240 may predict a time period during which battery 12 will be used at station 30 based on the acquired information. The use of battery 12 at station 30 may include replacement of battery 12 at station 30a and station 30b. The use of battery 12 at station 30 may include removal of vehicle 10 from station 30c or station 30d. The use of battery 12 at station 30 may include charging or discharging of battery 12 installed in vehicle 10 at station 30c or station 30d. The control unit 240 may acquire information indicating the current SOC of battery 12 stored in station 30a and station 30b. The control unit 240 may perform various processes based on various information acquired from vehicle 10 and station 30.

[0033] The classification unit 210 divides the plurality of batteries 12 connected to at least one station 30 into a plurality of groups based on the charging rates of the plurality of batteries 12. The control unit 240 controls the ratio or number of batteries 12 belonging to each of the plurality of groups in each time period based on predicted usage in at least one station 30.

[0034] When it is predicted that some of the multiple batteries 12 will be used, the control unit 240 may charge batteries 12 that belong to a group of the multiple batteries 12 whose charging rates can be charged until the charging rate reaches a predetermined value or more by the predicted time of use, and may transfer them to other groups with higher charging rates.

[0035] In response to a request to increase power consumption in at least one station 30, the control unit 240 may charge batteries 12 belonging to a group whose charging rate is lower than a predetermined value among the plurality of batteries 12, and may shift the batteries 12 to other groups whose charging rates are higher. The request to increase power consumption may be, for example, an upward DR request.

[0036] In response to a request to reduce power consumption in at least one station 30, the control unit 240 may discharge batteries 12 belonging to a group having a charge rate higher than a predetermined value among the plurality of batteries 12, and transfer them to another group having a lower charge rate, within a range that satisfies the usage forecast. The request to reduce power consumption may be, for example, a request for lower DR.

[0037] The control unit 240 may predict requests for an increase or decrease in power consumption in at least one station 30, and based on the prediction, control the ratio or number of batteries 12 belonging to each of multiple groups in each time period within a range that meets the usage prediction.

[0038] When a request for reduction in power consumption is predicted in at least one station 30, the control unit 240 may maintain the ratio or number of batteries 12 belonging to a group whose charging rate is higher than a predetermined value at or above a predetermined value.

[0039] When a demand for increased power consumption is predicted in at least one station 30, the control unit 240 may maintain the ratio or number of batteries 12 belonging to a group whose charging rate is lower than a predetermined value at or above a predetermined value.

[0040] 3 is a diagram illustrating the grouping of the batteries 12. The sorting unit 210 divides the batteries 12 connected to the station 30 into groups.

[0041] Specifically, the classification unit 210 classifies the batteries 12 into rechargeable batteries 12 and rechargeable-only batteries 12. A rechargeable battery 12 is a battery connected to a station 30 that has not only a function of charging the battery 12 but also a function of supplying power obtained by discharging the battery 12 to the power network 90. ​​A rechargeable-only battery 12 is a battery 12 connected to a station 30 that has a function of charging the battery 12 but does not have a function of supplying power obtained by discharging the battery 12 to the power network 90.

[0042] The classification unit 210 classifies the rechargeable batteries 12 and the rechargeable batteries 12 into groups A to D based on the SOC of the batteries 12. As an example, group A is the batteries 12 with an SOC of 95% or more and 100% or less. group B is the batteries 12 with an SOC of 61% or more and 94% or less. group C is the batteries 12 with an SOC of 40% or more and 60% or less. group D is the batteries 12 with an SOC of 0% or more and 39% or less.

[0043] Batteries 12 belonging to group A are batteries 12 that can be used to drive the vehicle 10 or vehicle 20. Vehicles 10 belonging to group B have batteries 12 with a predetermined remaining battery capacity that can be used primarily for downward demand response (DR). Batteries 12 belonging to group C have batteries 12 with a remaining battery capacity that can be used primarily for both downward DR and upward DR. Batteries 12 belonging to group D have batteries 12 with a remaining battery capacity that can be used primarily for upward DR.

[0044] 4 schematically shows state transitions of the battery 12 that can be charged. When the battery 12 belongs to group D, the battery 12 can transition to a state belonging to group C by charging the battery 12 in accordance with the planned charging or the upward DR of the battery 12. When the battery 12 belongs to group C, the battery 12 can transition to a state belonging to group B by charging the battery 12 in accordance with the planned charging or the upward DR of the battery 12. When the battery 12 belongs to group B, the battery 12 can transition to a state belonging to group A by charging the battery 12 in accordance with the planned charging or the upward DR of the battery 12. Group A is a state in which the battery 12 is available to be used for driving the vehicle 10 or the vehicle 20.

[0045] If the battery 12 belongs to group A, the battery 12 may transition to a state belonging to group B by supplying power from the battery 12 to the outside in accordance with the lowering DR. If the battery 12 belongs to group B, the battery 12 may transition to a state belonging to group C by supplying power from the battery 12 to the outside in accordance with the lowering DR. If the battery 12 belongs to group C, the battery 12 may transition to a state belonging to group D by supplying power from the battery 12 to the outside in accordance with the lowering DR.

[0046] Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the state transition of the battery 12 in a state where only charging is possible. Explanation of the parts of Fig. 5 that are common to Fig. 4 will be omitted, and only the parts that differ from Fig. 4 will be explained.

[0047] In a battery 12 that is in a state where only charging is possible, power cannot be supplied from the battery 12 to the outside, and therefore state transitions from group A to group B, from group B to group C, and from group C to group D do not occur. Since power cannot be supplied from the battery 12 to the outside, when the battery 12 belongs to any of group B, group C, and group D and receives a downward DR request, it can only respond by restricting the charging of the battery 12, and no state transition occurs.

[0048] 6 shows changes in the ratio of the batteries 12 belonging to groups A to D. At a timing well before the start time of the DR period, the ratio of the batteries 12 belonging to group C is 30%.

[0049] As the DR period, which is a period for performing demand response, approaches, the control unit 240 gives priority to charging the batteries 12 belonging to group D and gives priority to supplying power from the batteries 12 belonging to group B to the power network 90. ​​As a result, the ratio of batteries 12 belonging to group C is increased to 50% until just before the start time of the DR period. This makes it possible to increase the ratio of batteries 12 that can provide the power network 90 with the ability to adjust both the amount of power consumption in the upward and downward directions during the DR period.

[0050] When an upward DR is scheduled to be performed during the DR period, the control unit 240 may maintain the ratio of the batteries 12 belonging to group D at or above a predetermined value. When a downward DR is scheduled to be performed during the DR period, the control unit 240 may maintain the ratio of the batteries 12 belonging to group B at or above a predetermined value.

[0051] In this way, the control unit 240 predicts requests to increase or decrease power consumption in the multiple stations 30, and controls the ratio or number of batteries 12 belonging to each of the multiple groups in each time period based on the prediction. At this time, the control unit 240 controls the ratio or number of batteries 12 belonging to each of the multiple groups within a range that satisfies the predicted usage of the batteries 12. For example, when usage of the batteries 12 is predicted during a DR period or during a time period close to the DR period, the control unit 240 may at least maintain the ratio of batteries 12 belonging to group A.

[0052] Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the process when the stations 30a and 30b are used. Fig. 7 schematically shows the state of charge of the battery 12 along with the change in the amount of power resources that can be provided from the stations 30a and 30b in one day.

[0053] In Fig. 7, the amount of power resources is represented by the number of batteries belonging to group C that station 30a and station 30b hold as power resources for power network 90. ​​The horizontal axis of Fig. 7 represents the time of day, and the vertical axis of Fig. 7 represents the number of batteries belonging to group C. The maximum number of batteries that station 30a and station 30b can hold is 12, and vehicle 20 uses two batteries.

[0054] As schematically shown by reference numeral 702, the amount of power resources is 12 between 0:00 and 6:00. That is, in order to provide adjustment power to the power network 90 between 0:00 and 6:00, the control unit 240 causes all 12 batteries held in the stations 30a and 30b to belong to group C.

[0055] Here, it is assumed that station 30b is predicted to be used by one vehicle 20 at 10:00 and one vehicle 20 at 11:00. Therefore, in order to transition two batteries to a state (group A) where they can be used to drive the vehicle 20 by 10:00, the control unit 240 starts charging the two batteries from 6:00. As a result, the amount of power resources becomes 10 between 6:00 and 7:00, as schematically shown by reference numeral 704. Furthermore, in order to transition two batteries to a state (group A) where they can be used to drive the vehicle 20 by 11:00, the control unit 240 starts charging the two batteries from 7:00. As a result, the amount of power resources becomes 8 between 7:00 and 10:00, as schematically shown by reference numeral 706.

[0056] The station 30b is used by one vehicle 20 at 10:00, and the battery that was charged between 6:00 and 10:00 is exchanged for the battery that was attached to the vehicle 20. The battery 12 returned from the vehicle 20 to the station 30b belongs to group D, which has the lowest SOC, and is therefore usable for an upward DR. As a result, the amount of power resources becomes 10, as schematically shown by reference numeral 702. When an upward DR is predicted or scheduled in the future, the control unit 240 may maintain the state in which the battery 12 returned to the station 30b belongs to group D within a range that satisfies the usage request of the battery 12.

[0057] Similarly, station 30b is used by one vehicle 20 at 11:00, and the battery that was charged between 7:00 and 11:00 is exchanged for the battery that was installed in the vehicle 20. The battery returned from the vehicle 20 to station 30b belongs to group D, which has the lowest SOC, and therefore can be used for an upward DR. As a result, the amount of power resources becomes 12. When an upward DR is predicted or scheduled in the future, the control unit 240 may maintain the state in which the battery 12 returned to station 30b belongs to group D within a range that satisfies the usage request of the battery 12.

[0058] Similarly, suppose that in the afternoon, one vehicle 20 is predicted to use station 30b at 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 7:00 PM, respectively. In this case, charging of two batteries each will start at 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. As a result, the amount of power resources from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM will be 10, the amount of power resources from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM will be 8, and the amount of power resources from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM will be 6.

[0059] Station 30b is used by one vehicle 20 at 4:00 PM, and the battery charged between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM is exchanged for the battery installed in vehicle 20. The SOC of the battery returned from vehicle 20 to station 30b is relatively low, so it can be used for upward DR. As a result, the amount of power resources between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM is 8.

[0060] Station 30b is used by one vehicle 20 at 6:00 PM, and the battery charged between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM is exchanged for the battery installed in vehicle 20. The SOC of the battery returned from vehicle 20 to station 30b is relatively low, so it can be used for upward DR. As a result, the amount of power resources becomes 10 between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

[0061] Station 30b is used by one vehicle 20 at 7 PM, and the battery charged between 3 PM and 7 PM is exchanged for the battery installed in vehicle 20. The SOC of the battery returned from vehicle 20 to station 30b is relatively low, so it can be used for upward DR. As a result, the amount of power resources becomes 12 after 7 PM.

[0062] In response to a demand from the server 180, the control unit 240 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 12 that can provide the power resources held in the station 30a and the station 30b, thereby providing power according to the demand.

[0063] 7, the control of the batteries 12 at the stations 30a and 30b has been described. However, the entry (return) and exit of the vehicles 10 at the stations 30c and 30d can be handled in the same way as the return and provision of the batteries at the stations 30a and 30b. Therefore, the amount of power resources at the stations 30c and 30d can be predicted in the same way as the amount of power resources at the stations 30a and 30b. Furthermore, the control unit 240 can group the stations 30a, 30b, 30c, and all the batteries 12 connected to the stations 30c by SOC and control the ratio of the batteries 12 belonging to each group.

[0064] 8 shows an example of a computer 2000 in which multiple embodiments of the present invention may be embodied, in whole or in part. A program installed on the computer 2000 may cause the computer 2000 to function as a system or each part of a system according to an embodiment, or as a device such as various control devices or each part of the device, to perform operations associated with the system or each part of the system or the device or each part of the device, and / or to perform a process or steps of the process according to an embodiment. Such a program may be executed by the CPU 2012 to cause the computer 2000 to perform specific operations associated with some or all of the processing procedures and blocks of the block diagrams described herein.

[0065] The computer 2000 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 2012 and a RAM 2014, which are interconnected by a host controller 2010. The computer 2000 also includes a ROM 2026, a flash memory 2024, a communication interface 2022, and an input / output chip 2040. The ROM 2026, the flash memory 2024, the communication interface 2022, and the input / output chip 2040 are connected to the host controller 2010 via the input / output controller 2020.

[0066] The CPU 2012 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 2026 and RAM 2014, thereby controlling each unit.

[0067] The communication interface 2022 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The flash memory 2024 stores programs and data used by the CPU 2012 in the computer 2000. The ROM 2026 stores a boot program and the like executed by the computer 2000 upon activation, and / or programs dependent on the hardware of the computer 2000. The input / output chip 2040 may also connect various input / output units such as a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to the input / output controller 2020 via input / output ports such as a serial port, a parallel port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, a monitor port, a USB port, an HDMI (registered trademark) port, etc.

[0068] The programs are provided via a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a memory card, or via a network. The RAM 2014, the ROM 2026, or the flash memory 2024 are examples of computer-readable storage media. The programs are installed in the flash memory 2024, the RAM 2014, or the ROM 2026 and executed by the CPU 2012. Information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 2000, and causes cooperation between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. An apparatus or a method may be configured by implementing operations or processing of information in accordance with the use of the computer 2000.

[0069] For example, when communication is performed between the computer 2000 and an external device, the CPU 2012 may execute a communication program loaded into the RAM 2014 and instruct the communication interface 2022 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of the CPU 2012, the communication interface 2022 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer processing area provided in a recording medium such as the RAM 2014 or flash memory 2024, transmits the read transmission data to a network, and writes received data received from the network to a reception buffer processing area or the like provided on the recording medium.

[0070] The CPU 2012 may also cause all or a necessary portion of a file or database stored on a recording medium such as the flash memory 2024 to be read into the RAM 2014, and perform various types of processing on the data on the RAM 2014. The CPU 2012 then writes the processed data back to the recording medium.

[0071] Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored on the recording medium and subjected to information processing. The CPU 2012 may perform various types of processing on data read from the RAM 2014, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information search / replacement, etc., as described herein and specified by the instruction sequences of the programs, and write the results back to the RAM 2014. The CPU 2012 may also search for information in a file, database, etc. on the recording medium. For example, if multiple entries each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute are stored on the recording medium, the CPU 2012 may search for an entry that matches a condition specified by the attribute value of the first attribute from among the multiple entries, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and thereby obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0072] The above-described programs or software modules may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium on or near the computer 2000. A recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as the computer-readable storage medium. The programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium may be provided to the computer 2000 via a network.

[0073] A program installed in computer 2000 and causing computer 2000 to function as system 100 may act on CPU 2012 or the like to cause computer 2000 to function as each unit of system 100. When the information processing described in these programs is read into computer 2000, it functions as each unit of system 100, which is a specific means formed by the cooperation of software and the various hardware resources described above. These specific means then perform calculations or processing of information according to the intended use of computer 2000 in this embodiment, thereby constructing a specific system 100 according to the intended use.

[0074] Various embodiments have been described with reference to block diagrams. In the block diagrams, each block may represent (1) a stage of a process where an operation is performed or (2) a portion of an apparatus responsible for performing the operation. Particular stages and portions may be implemented by dedicated circuitry, programmable circuitry provided with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium, and / or a processor provided with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Dedicated circuitry may include digital and / or analog hardware circuitry, and may include integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. Programmable circuitry may include reconfigurable hardware circuitry including logical AND, logical OR, logical XOR, logical NAND, logical NOR, and other logic operations, flip-flops, registers, memory elements such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), and the like.

[0075] A computer-readable storage medium may include any tangible device capable of storing instructions that are executed by an appropriate device, such that the computer-readable storage medium with instructions stored thereon constitutes at least a portion of an article of manufacture containing instructions that can be executed to provide means for performing the operations specified in a process or block diagram. Examples of computer-readable storage media may include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, etc. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include floppy disks, diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray (RTM) disc, memory stick, integrated circuit card, etc.

[0076] The computer readable instructions may include either assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or source or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk®, JAVA®, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages.

[0077] The computer-readable instructions may be provided to a processor or programmable circuitry of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, either locally or over a wide-area network (WAN) such as a local area network (LAN), the Internet, etc., and executed to provide means for performing the operations specified in the process steps or block diagrams described. Examples of processors include computer processors, processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, microcontrollers, etc.

[0078] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0079] It should be noted that the execution order of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and that the processes can be performed in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a subsequent process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is described using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, this does not mean that the processes must be performed in this order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 5. Power System 10 vehicles 20 vehicles 12 Battery 30 Stations 70 Electricity consumers 80 Power Generation Equipment 90 Electricity Network 180 servers 190 Communication Network 200 Processing section 210 Classification Department 240 Control Unit 280 Storage section 290 Communication Equipment 100 systems 2000 Computer 2010 Host Controller 2012 CPU 2014 RAM 2020 Input / Output Controller 2022 Communication Interface 2024 flash memory 2026 ROM 2040 Input / Output Chip

Claims

1. 1. A system for controlling a station for charging and discharging a plurality of mobile batteries, comprising: a classification unit that classifies the plurality of mobile batteries connected to the station into a plurality of groups based on the charging rates of the plurality of mobile batteries; a control unit that controls the ratio or number of movable batteries that belong to each of the plurality of groups in each time period based on a usage forecast at the station; A system comprising:

2. When it is predicted that some of the plurality of movable batteries will be used, the control unit charges the movable batteries belonging to a group of the plurality of movable batteries whose charging rates can be charged until the charging rate reaches a predetermined value or more by the predicted time of use, and shifts the movable batteries to another group having a higher charging rate. The system of claim 1 .

3. In response to a request to increase power consumption in the station, the control unit charges a mobile battery belonging to a group of the plurality of mobile batteries whose charging rate is lower than a predetermined value, and shifts the mobile battery to another group whose charging rate is higher.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In response to a request to reduce power consumption in the station, the control unit discharges a mobile battery belonging to a group of the plurality of mobile batteries whose charge rate is higher than a predetermined value within a range that satisfies the usage forecast, and transfers the mobile battery to another group whose charge rate is lower. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit predicts a request to increase or decrease power consumption at the station, and based on the prediction, controls the ratio or number of movable batteries belonging to each of the plurality of groups in each time period within a range that satisfies the usage prediction. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control unit maintains a ratio or number of mobile batteries belonging to a group having a charge rate higher than a predetermined value at or above a predetermined value when a request for a reduction in power consumption in the station is predicted.

6. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The control unit maintains a ratio or number of mobile batteries belonging to a group whose charge rate is lower than a predetermined value at or above a predetermined value when a demand for increased power consumption in the station is predicted. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the system controls a plurality of stations for charging and discharging the plurality of mobile batteries; the classification unit classifies the plurality of mobile batteries connected to the plurality of stations into a plurality of groups based on the respective charging rates of the plurality of mobile batteries; The control unit controls the ratio or number of mobile batteries belonging to each of the plurality of groups in each time period based on predicted usage at the plurality of stations. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The plurality of mobile batteries includes a battery mounted on a vehicle. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The plurality of mobile batteries includes batteries mounted on the vehicle and replaceable at a plurality of stations. The system of claim 9.

11. A program for causing a computer to function as the system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. 1. A method for controlling a station for charging and discharging a plurality of mobile batteries, comprising: dividing the plurality of mobile batteries connected to the station into a plurality of groups based on the respective charge rates of the plurality of mobile batteries; controlling the ratio or number of mobile batteries belonging to each of the plurality of groups during each time period based on predicted usage at the station; A method for providing the above.

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