Charging system, charging management server, and charging management method

Abstract

To provide a charge reservation system to reduce the possibility that a power system connected with charge spots goes into a state of power tightness.SOLUTION: In a road-traffic managing system, a charge reservation-managing server of an EV user-managing business operator comprises: a transmitting / receiving section that acquires operational status information of a plurality of charge spots each equipped with one or more chargers and power status information of a power system to supply power to the plurality of charge spots; and a processing section that performs visualization processing of the operational status information as processing related to a charge reservation screen to be displayed on a user terminal when there is an inquiry of charge reservation for an electric car from the user terminal and, together therewith, visualization processing of a content to recommend at least any of usage power dispersion on a predetermined power-system basis and temporal usage power dispersion for a power system not having sufficient energy on the predetermined power-system basis when performing visualization processing of the power status information. The transmitting / receiving section sends visualization-processed operational status information and power status information to the user terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a charging system, a charging management server, and , charging management method law Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular. Accordingly, the development of charging spots has also progressed. Charging spots are equipped with one or more chargers and are located, for example, at service areas (SAs) and parking areas (PAs) on expressways. Furthermore, charging spots use electricity received from the power grid to supply power to EVs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-125825 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-213799 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-139961 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-20931 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, when considered on a specific power grid basis, if a charging spot connected to a specific power grid is crowded with electric vehicles charging during peak power usage, the power supply of that power grid may become tight. To deal with power shortages, power companies can reinforce the power grid's transmission and distribution capacity, but this requires enormous costs. Therefore, it is desirable to take measures other than such reinforcement.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides a charging system, a charging management server, and a charging method that can reduce the possibility that a power grid to which a charging spot is connected will be in a power-stressed state. and , charging management method law The purpose is to provide [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Filling of the embodiment Electric The system is connected to a user terminal used by an electric vehicle user and a charging system for the electric vehicle in response to an inquiry from the user terminal. Manage Mitsuru electric tube a management server and Electric The filling system is electric tube The management server includes an acquisition unit that acquires operation status information of a plurality of charging spots each equipped with one or more chargers, and power status information of a power grid that supplies power to the plurality of charging spots; Electric When an inquiry is made, the charge to be displayed on the user terminal Telegraph As a process related to the surface, the visualization process of the operation status information is performed, and the visualization process of the power status information is performed. Combined and a transmission control unit that transmits the operational status information and the power status information that have been visualized to the user terminal. electric tube The visualization processing is performed on the operation status information and the charging status information including the power status information received from the management server. Telegraph a display control unit that displays the screen on a display unit; Telegraph Input using the surface Feelings Information is provided as above electric tube Send to the management server Place It is equipped with a science department. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of a road traffic management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship between the power system and the SA in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of the charge reservation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an expressway and an SA in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a first example of a screen displayed on the mobile terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a second example of a screen displayed on the mobile terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing by the aggregator server of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing by the charging reservation management server and the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of a charge reservation system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a third example of a screen displayed on the mobile terminal in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing by the aggregator server of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing by the charging reservation management server and the mobile terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing by the charging reservation management server and the mobile terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of a road traffic management system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of a charge reservation system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing by the charging reservation management server and the mobile terminal according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, a charging reservation system, a charging reservation management server, a user terminal, a charging reservation management method, and a program according to embodiments (first to sixth embodiments) of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the following, an electric vehicle is not limited to an electric vehicle powered solely by electricity, but also includes a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) powered by electricity and fuel (gasoline, etc.), that is, it refers to any vehicle that uses electricity as at least part of its power source and can be charged externally.

[0009] Although the road will be described as an expressway, the present invention can also be applied to ordinary roads other than expressways. A charging spot includes one or more chargers and is installed, for example, at service areas (SAs) or parking areas (PAs), but the following description will focus on a case where the charging spot is installed at a SA. The charging spot supplies power to the EV using power received from the power grid. In the second and subsequent embodiments, explanations of matters similar to those described in the previous embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] (First embodiment) First, with reference to FIG. 1, an outline of the overall configuration of a road traffic management system S of the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of a road traffic management system S of a first embodiment. The road traffic management system S includes a power generation business operator 1, a consumer 2, an automobile company 3, an aggregator (power transmission and distribution business operator) 4, a charging service company 5, an EV user management business operator 8, a road business operator 9, and an EV 10. Among these components, a collection of components related to charging reservations, particularly including a charging reservation management server 82 and a mobile terminal 103 (user terminal), is referred to as a charging reservation system. In Fig. 1, the lines connecting the components indicate the main communication connection relationships, and components not connected by lines may also be communicatively connected.

[0011] The power generation company 1 is a company that generates electricity. The power generation company 1 is not limited to electric power companies that generate electricity using thermal power generation, hydroelectric power generation, etc., but may also include power generation companies other than electric power companies and power generation companies that use natural energy such as solar power and wind power. The electricity generated by the power generation company 1 is supplied to each power grid.

[0012] The consumer 2 is a person who receives and uses the supply of electric power from the power grid, and is, for example, a building, a factory, or an ordinary home.

[0013] Here, Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship between the power system and SAs in the first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows A-SA, B-SA, C-SA, and D-SA as SAs provided on road R. Charging spots are provided at these four SAs.

[0014] In the example of Figure 2, power systems 1 to 3 are provided as power transmission and distribution systems that supply power. Each of power systems 1 to 3 supplies power to a number of consumers 2 in addition to the chargers of each SA. Furthermore, the chargers A-SA and B-SA receive power from power system 1. The charger C-SA receives power from power system 2. The charger D-SA receives power from power system 3.

[0015] In this installation situation, for example, if charging EVs 10 are concentrated at A-SA and B-SA during peak power usage, the power supply of the power grid 1 to which the chargers of both SAs are connected will be tight. To prepare for such a situation, the aggregator (power transmission and distribution business operator) 4 can, for example, reinforce the power transmission and distribution capacity of the power grid 1 in advance. However, strengthening and maintaining the power grid incurs significant costs for the aggregator (power transmission and distribution business operator) 4. Furthermore, in the case of a power grid that draws power to a specific business operator, power rates are often determined based on the maximum contracted power amount, which can result in high power rates. Therefore, if the use of charging spots is leveled in advance from the perspective of the power grid, power rates can be reduced and the possibility of a specific power grid experiencing power tightness can be reduced.

[0016] Returning to FIG. 1, the aggregator (power transmission and distribution business operator) 4 is a business operator that supplies power received from the power generation business operator 1 to the consumers 2 via power transmission lines. There are several possible types of aggregator (power transmission and distribution business operator) 4, such as a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) aggregator that makes various adjustments with the power generation business operator 1, or a resource aggregator that makes various adjustments with the consumers 2, etc. However, for the sake of simplicity, the aggregator will be described here as a single aggregator.

[0017] The aggregator (power transmission and distribution business operator) 4 includes an aggregator server 41. The aggregator server 41 monitors the power supply from the power generation business operator 1 and the demand from the consumers 2, and predicts future increases or decreases in these, thereby controlling the balance between the power supply and demand (simultaneous power balancing control). When a change in the supply and demand balance is predicted, the aggregator server 41 requests the power generation business operator 1 to reduce or increase the amount of power generation, and requests the consumers 2 to reduce or increase their power consumption and provide (sell) power. In other words, it issues a command to request power adjustment. The aggregator server 41 can also request the EV user management business operator 8 to sell power, for example. Details of the aggregator server 41 will be described later.

[0018] The road operator 9 is an operator that operates and manages roads such as expressways. The road operator 9 includes a traffic control server 91, a road facility management server 92, a toll central server 93, and a weather information management server 94.

[0019] The traffic control server 91 monitors traffic events such as the volume of vehicles traveling and the occurrence of congestion, and manages traffic flow. The road facility management server 92 monitors and manages the operating status of road facilities such as power supply equipment, lighting equipment, tunnels, and information boards using sensors installed on the roadside and in each device.

[0020] The weather information management server 94 manages weather information such as temperature, rainfall, precipitation, wind speed, wind direction, total solar radiation, snowfall, road surface temperature, luminosity, visibility (fog), radiation, and sudden heavy rain for each predetermined region and date and time. The weather information may include not only past and present weather information, but also forecast weather information if such information is available. The weather information used may be collected by various sensors installed on roads, for example, but may also be combined with information obtained from the Japan Meteorological Agency, weather companies, etc. The information from the weather information management server 94 is also used for traffic control operations in the traffic control server 91 and road facility management operations in the road facility management server 92.

[0021] Additionally, ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) spots 96 are placed on the expressway to perform road-to-vehicle communication with ETC / DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications) on-board devices 101 and the like installed in EVs 10. The ITS spots 96 are installed at predetermined locations such as roadsides and service areas, and provide traffic information and other information to passing vehicles and collect information on the vehicle's driving route.

[0022] The toll central server 93 is a server that performs processing related to toll collection from traveling vehicles. In addition, roadside devices 95 are installed at toll booths on expressways and the like to collect tolls by communicating with passing vehicles via ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System).

[0023] The charging service company 5 is a company that provides charging services for the EV 10 using chargers 52 installed at charging spots such as service areas (SAs) on expressways, automobile companies, shopping malls, etc. The charging service company 5 includes a charging service management server 51.

[0024] The charging reservation management server 82 is a server that manages the operating status and reservation status of the charger 52 based on information from the charging service company 5.

[0025] The EV user management business 8 is a business that manages charging spot reservations, provides necessary information, and provides services to the EV 10 based on information and requests from the aggregator 4 and the road business 9. In particular, using a charging reservation management server 82, when a request for power supply is received from the aggregator (power transmission and distribution business) 4, the EV user management business 8 requests the driver of the EV 10 to encourage the EV 10 to sell surplus power.

[0026] The EV user management business 8 includes a vehicle information management server 81 and a charging reservation management server 82 that manages reservations for the chargers 52 .

[0027] Based on information from the automobile company 3, the vehicle information management server 81 manages information (vehicle information) such as the vehicle model ID, EV manufacturer, battery capacity, type of storage battery (lithium ion battery, etc.), total weight (weight of EV 10 when fully loaded with passengers and weight of EV 10 itself), electricity consumption, battery deterioration rate, and release year for EV 10 that is receiving the charging reservation service.

[0028] EV 10 is a vehicle that travels on roads, which are traffic routes, using the power (charged energy) stored in its own storage battery 104. EV 10 charges storage battery 104 at charging spots and travels using the power stored in storage battery 104. EV 10 travels to its destination, charging at charging spots as needed.

[0029] It is also assumed that the driver or the like of the EV 10 owns the mobile terminal 103. Therefore, the mobile terminal 103 travels together with the EV 10. The mobile terminal 103 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet device, a mobile phone, a notebook PC, or the like. The car navigation terminal 102 and the mobile terminal 103 are information processing devices that include an input unit for inputting information, an output unit for outputting information, and a communication unit for communicating with other devices. The car navigation terminal 102 and the mobile terminal 103 can communicate with the charging reservation management server 82 or the like via, for example, the communication network N.

[0030] The communication network N may be a wired or wireless network, or a hybrid network of these. The communication network N may include a relay device such as a wireless LAN access point. The communication network N may also include a fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication system or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0031] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, an outline of the overall configuration of the charge reservation system of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of the charge reservation system according to the first embodiment.

[0032] The charging service management server 51 stores charger operation status information (operation status information). The charger operation status information is information including whether each charger at each charging spot is in operation. The charger operation status information includes, for example, the user ID (EV_ID) of the user who performed charging or discharging at the charger 52, the charging spot ID, a charge / discharge identification flag, the start charge amount, the end charge amount, the charge / discharge start time, and the charge / discharge end time. The information may also include other information such as charging efficiency, the number of charges, the number of discharges, etc.

[0033] The aggregator server 41 predicts, manages, and stores power status information and information on whether a peak shift request is required based on the power generation plan of the power generation company 1 and the predicted amount of demand of the consumer 2. Here, the power status information is information on the power status of each power system in a predetermined power system unit. The predetermined power system unit may be, for example, a predetermined main line unit of a power transmission line, or a predetermined branch line unit of a power transmission line. The power status is information including, for example, the value of (current power usage) / (current maximum available power).

[0034] The peak shift request necessity information indicates whether a request for a peak shift of power usage is necessary. Here, peak shift refers to at least one of the distribution of power usage by a specific power system (hereinafter also referred to as "geographical peak shift") and the distribution of power usage over time (hereinafter also referred to as "temporal peak shift"). For example, when requesting a geographical peak shift, the user of EV10 is recommended to use a charging spot connected to a power system with surplus capacity (surplus power supply; the same applies hereinafter; also referred to as "margin"). Furthermore, when requesting a temporal peak shift, the user of EV10 is recommended to use a charging spot connected to a power system with no surplus capacity during off-peak hours.

[0035] The charging reservation management server 82 makes a charging reservation for the EV 10 in response to an inquiry from, for example, a mobile terminal 103 used by a user of the EV 10. The charging reservation management server 82 includes a transmitting / receiving unit 11, a storage unit 12, a processing unit 13, and a transmitting / receiving unit 14.

[0036] The storage unit 12 is configured with, for example, a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc., and stores various types of information. The storage unit 12 stores, for example, a charger operation status information database (DB) 121, a power status information DB 122, a registered user information DB 123, a charging spot DB 124, and a power system DB 125.

[0037] The charger operation status information DB 121 is a DB that stores the above-mentioned charger operation status information. The power status information DB 122 is a DB that stores the above-mentioned power status information.

[0038] The registered user information DB 123 is a DB of user information that is registered by the user of the EV 10, for example, by accessing the charging reservation management server 82 using the mobile terminal 103 or the like. The user information includes pre-registered information for user registration and information that is registered when actually receiving a service, such as reserving a charging spot. Examples of the pre-registered information include the user ID, vehicle model, model year, cumulative mileage, battery capacity of the EV 10, and battery deterioration level. Here, the battery capacity and battery deterioration level of the EV 10 may be automatically registered based on the vehicle model and model year information entered by the user, with the specifications / characteristics for each vehicle model obtained in advance from the automobile manufacturer 3.

[0039] In addition, information to be registered when receiving the service includes, for example, the starting point (such as the departure IC (interchange) on the expressway), the destination (such as the destination IC), the remaining battery level (remaining energy) of EV10, and current location information obtained by GPS.

[0040] The charging spot DB 124 is a DB that stores various information including information on the chargers 52 at each charging spot. The power system DB 125 is a DB that stores the location, capacity, etc. of each power system in predetermined power system units.

[0041] The transmitter / receiver 11 (acquisition unit) is configured by a transmission / reception interface and transmits and receives various information. The transmitter / receiver 11 acquires charger operation status information from the charging service management server 51, for example, and stores it in the charger operation status information DB 121 of the storage unit 12.

[0042] Furthermore, the transmitter / receiver 11 acquires power status information from the aggregator server 41 and stores it in the power status information DB 122 of the storage unit 12. Furthermore, when the transmitter / receiver 11 acquires peak shift request information from the aggregator server 41, the transmitter / receiver 11 stores it in the power status information DB 122 of the storage unit 12.

[0043] The processing unit 13 is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executes various types of arithmetic processing. The processing unit 13 includes, for example, a first visualization processing unit 131, a confirmation processing unit 132, a second visualization processing unit 133, and a reservation processing unit 134. In the following description, when describing processing other than that of the units 131 to 134 in the processing unit 13, the subject of operation will be referred to as the processing unit 13.

[0044] 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a highway R and SAs in the first embodiment. The direction of travel on the highway R is to the right as viewed in the drawing. Four SAs are arranged in the direction of travel of the EV 10, in the order of A-SA, B-SA, C-SA, and D-SA. Charging spots are provided at these four SAs.

[0045] Next, the first visualization processing unit 131 will be described. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a first screen displayed on the mobile terminal 103 in the first embodiment. When an inquiry about reserving charging for the EV 10 is received from the mobile terminal 103, the first visualization processing unit 131 performs visualization processing of the operation status information as processing related to the charging reservation screen to be displayed on the mobile terminal 103. The first visualization processing unit 131 transmits the operation status information that has been visualized to the mobile terminal 103. As a result, the operation status information that has been visualized is displayed on the mobile terminal 103 using a charging reservation app, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0046] In the first example screen in Fig. 5, as shown in area R1, A-SA is displayed as "full (a charging spot cannot be reserved)," and B-SA, C-SA, and D-SA are displayed as "empty (a charging spot can be reserved)." Then, as shown in area R2, reservation request buttons can be selected for B-SA, C-SA, and D-SA. After the selection, the selection can be confirmed by operating the confirm button shown in area R3.

[0047] Returning to FIG. 3, when a query about charging reservation for EV 10 is received from mobile terminal 103, confirmation processing unit 132 executes a process of referring to power status information DB 122 in memory unit 12 and confirming power status information (including the presence or absence of peak shift request information).

[0048] Next, the second visualization processing unit 133 will be described. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a second screen displayed on mobile terminal 103 in the first embodiment. When mobile terminal 103 inquires about reserving charging for EV 10, second visualization processing unit 133 performs visualization processing of power status information as processing related to the charging reservation screen to be displayed on mobile terminal 103. In this case, for a power system with no spare capacity within a predetermined power system unit, second visualization processing unit 133 also performs visualization processing of content that recommends at least one of distributing power usage within the predetermined power system unit and distributing power usage over time.

[0049] The second visualization processing unit 133 transmits the visualized power status information to the mobile terminal 103. As a result, the visualized power status information is displayed on the mobile terminal 103 using a power charging reservation app as shown in FIG.

[0050] In the second example screen of FIG. 6, as an example, power status information for each power system is displayed as shown in area R11. For example, for power system 1 to which the charging spots A-SA and B-SA are connected, "Power: Small margin" is displayed. Also, for power system 2 to which the charging spot C-SA is connected, "Power: No margin (peak shift request)" is displayed. Also, for power system 3 to which the charging spot D-SA is connected, "Power: Large margin" is displayed.

[0051] As shown in area R12, the reservation button can be selected for B-SA, C-SA, and D-SA that are "empty." As shown in area R13, the reservation date and time can be entered.

[0052] In addition, as shown in area R14, a message regarding a peak shift request is displayed. This message indicates that it is recommended to use B-SA or D-SA, which have a surplus of power, rather than C-SA, which does not have a surplus of power, and that when using C-SA, it is recommended to use it outside of peak power usage hours. In addition, the reservation request can be confirmed by operating the confirm button shown in area R15.

[0053] Returning to FIG. 3, when the reservation processing unit 134 receives a charge reservation request from the mobile terminal 103, it performs a process of identifying the charger 52 at the charging spot that is the reservation target, and performs reservation processing.

[0054] The transmitter / receiver 14 (transmission control unit) is configured by a transmission / reception interface and transmits and receives various information. The transmitter / receiver 14 transmits, for example, operation status information and power status information that have been visualized to the mobile terminal 103. The transmitter / receiver 14 also accepts a charge reservation request from the mobile terminal 103.

[0055] The mobile terminal 103 includes a transmitter / receiver 21 , a processor 22 , a display 23 , an input unit 24 , and a storage unit 25 .

[0056] The transmitting / receiving unit 21 is configured by a transmitting / receiving interface and transmits / receives various information. The transmitting / receiving unit 21 receives, for example, operation status information and power status information that have been visualized from the charging reservation management server 82. In addition, the transmitting / receiving unit 21 transmits a charging reservation request to the charging reservation management server 82.

[0057] The processing unit 22 is configured by, for example, a CPU, and executes various types of arithmetic processing. The processing unit 22 includes a display control unit 221 and a schedule processing unit 222. In the following description, when describing processing in the processing unit 22 other than the display control unit 221 and the schedule processing unit 222, the subject of operation will be described as the processing unit 22.

[0058] The display control unit 221 executes various display controls. For example, the display control unit 221 causes the display unit 23 to display a charging reservation screen ( FIG. 5 ) including the visualized operation status information received from the charging reservation management server 82, or a charging reservation screen ( FIG. 6 ) including the visualized operation status information and power status information.

[0059] 5 and 6 will be explained again. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a charging reservation screen. The charging reservation screen displays charging spots along the direction of travel of EV 10, along with the destination of the day, a reservation request button, and also displays the availability status.

[0060] Next, Fig. 6 shows an example of a charging reservation screen including operation status information and power status information. When the user of EV 10 operates the reservation request button based on Fig. 5 above, the margin of the power grid at that time is determined and the margin of each grid is displayed. Furthermore, by displaying the names of charging spots recommended from the perspective of power supply and demand and the recommended charging time (date and time), the user of EV 10 is prompted to make a reservation at the recommended charging spot and time period.

[0061] The reservation processing unit 222 transmits the reservation request information input by the user using the charging reservation screen of FIG. 5 and the reservation information (information on the reservation request content) input by the user using the charging reservation screen of FIG. 6 to the charging reservation management server 82.

[0062] The display unit 23 is configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), and displays various types of information.

[0063] The input unit 24 is a means for the user to input information, such as a touch panel.

[0064] The storage unit 25 is configured with, for example, a ROM, a RAM, various memories, etc., and stores various types of information. The storage unit 25 stores, for example, a charging reservation application, etc.

[0065] Next, the processing by the aggregator server 41 of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing by the aggregator server 41 of the first embodiment.

[0066] First, in step S1, the aggregator server 41 acquires power status information from each power generation company 1 for each power system based on the amount of power generation and the predicted amount of power generation.

[0067] Next, in step S2, the aggregator server 41 transmits the power status information to the charging reservation management server 82. The charging reservation management server 82 stores the received power status information in the power status information DB 122 of the storage unit 12.

[0068] Next, in step S3, the aggregator server 41 determines whether there is surplus power in the system power (power of the power system) for each predetermined power system unit, and if Yes, returns to step S1, and if No, proceeds to step S4.

[0069] In step S4, the aggregator server 41 transmits peak shift request information related to the power system with no spare capacity to the charging reservation management server 82. The charging reservation management server 82 stores the received peak shift request information in the power status information DB 122 of the storage unit 12.

[0070] Next, the processing by the charging reservation management server 82 and the mobile terminal 103 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing by the charging reservation management server 82 and the mobile terminal 103 according to the first embodiment.

[0071] First, in step S101, the processing unit 22 of the mobile terminal 103 starts up the charging reservation application based on an operation by the user, and transmits a start-up signal to the charging reservation management server 82.

[0072] Next, in step S102, in the charging reservation management server 82, the processing unit 13 reads out operation status information of the charging spot from the operation status information DB in the storage unit 12, and in step S103, the first visualization processing unit 131 performs visualization processing on the operation status information. The processing unit 13 transmits the visualized operation status information to the mobile terminal 103.

[0073] Next, in step S104, the display control unit 221 of the mobile terminal 103 displays a charging reservation screen (FIG. 5) including the operational status information that has been visualized.

[0074] Thereafter, in step S105, upon receiving a reservation request input by the user using the charging reservation screen (FIG. 5), the reservation processing unit 222 of the mobile terminal 103 transmits the reservation request information to the charging reservation management server 82.

[0075] Next, in step S106, in the charging reservation management server 82, the processing unit 13 reads out the power status information from the power status information DB 122 of the storage unit 12, and in step S107, the second visualization processing unit 133 performs visualization processing on the power status information. The processing unit 13 transmits the visualized power status information to the mobile terminal 103.

[0076] Next, in step S108, the display control unit 221 of the mobile terminal 103 displays a charge reservation screen (FIG. 6) including the visualized power status information.

[0077] Thereafter, in step S109, upon receiving a reservation input by the user using the charging reservation screen (FIG. 6), the reservation processing unit 222 of the mobile terminal 103 transmits reservation information (charging reservation request) to the charging reservation management server 82.

[0078] Next, in step S110, the reservation processing unit 134 of the charging reservation management server 82 performs reservation processing such as processing to identify a charger at the charging spot to be reserved, and notifies the mobile terminal 103 of the reservation result in step S111.

[0079] After that, in step S112, the display control unit 221 of the mobile terminal 103 displays the reservation result on the display unit 23. The user can check the reservation result by looking at this display.

[0080] In this way, according to the charging reservation system of the first embodiment, charging spots on expressways are made reservation-based, the charging reservation management server 82 is linked with the mobile terminal 103, and the mobile terminal 103 is caused to display not only the operating status information of the charging spots as a charging reservation screen but also content that recommends distributing power usage by predetermined power system units and over time for power systems with limited capacity, thereby expecting users to take action for peak shifting. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the power system to which the charging spot is connected will be in a power-stressed state without reinforcing the power transmission and distribution capacity of the power system.

[0081] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is an embodiment that adds a peak shift guidance function by providing incentives to the first embodiment. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment.

[0082] 9 is a block diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of a charging reservation system according to Embodiment 2. An aggregator server 41 holds incentive information. Here, incentive information refers to information about incentives given to users in accordance with geographical peak shifts and temporal peak shifts. Examples of incentives include discounts on highway tolls, discounts on charging fees at charging spots, and ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) mileage points. Incentives may also be points that can be used for shopping at service areas (SAs) and parking areas (PAs).

[0083] Here, the costs and the like relating to the granting of incentives may be borne by the aggregator (power transmission and distribution business operator) 4, which benefits from eliminating bias in the power system, but this is not limitative.

[0084] Here, FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a third example of a screen displayed on the mobile terminal 103 in the second embodiment.

[0085] In the charging reservation management server 82, when performing visualization processing of the power status information, the second visualization processing unit 133 recommends at least one of distributing power usage by the predetermined power system unit and distributing power usage over time for a power system with no spare capacity in the predetermined power system unit. If the user of EV 10 complies with the recommendation, the second visualization processing unit 133 performs visualization processing of the content for which an incentive can be received.

[0086] Then, the second visualization processing unit 133 transmits the power status information that has been visualized to the mobile terminal 103 via the communication network N. As a result, the power status information that has been visualized is displayed on the mobile terminal 103 using a power charging reservation app as shown in FIG.

[0087] In the third screen example of Fig. 10, the displays in areas R11, R12, R13, and R15 are the same as those in Fig. 6. In area R16, incentive information is displayed as an example. In other words, it shows that a predetermined incentive will be given when using a B-SA charging spot, a predetermined incentive will be given when using a D-SA charging spot, and a predetermined incentive will be given when using a C-SA charging spot during off-peak hours. Based on this incentive information, users can decide the location and time of the charging spot to use.

[0088] Here, it is assumed that the incentive funds will be provided by the aggregator 4. For the aggregator 4, it is necessary to build a power grid that takes into account the peak demand for power supply to each charging spot as explained in Fig. 2, and therefore leveling out power demand through peak shifting is advantageous. For this reason, it is possible to set multiple types of incentives depending on, for example, the degree of contribution to peak shifting, which is important to the aggregator 4.

[0089] The aggregator server 41 transmits such incentive information to the charging reservation management server 82. The charging reservation management server 82 includes an incentive information DB 126 in the storage unit 12. The charging reservation management server 82 stores the incentive information received from the aggregator server 41 in the incentive information DB 126 of the storage unit 12.

[0090] Next, the process performed by the aggregator server 41 of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing by the aggregator server 41 of the second embodiment.

[0091] Steps S1 to S3 are the same as those in FIG. If the answer is No in step S3, in step S5, the aggregator server 41 calculates incentive information for the power system with no spare capacity based on the power situation information.

[0092] Next, in step S6, the aggregator server 41 transmits peak shift request information and incentive information related to the power system with no spare capacity to the charging reservation management server 82. The charging reservation management server 82 stores the received peak shift request information in the power status information DB 122 of the storage unit 12, and stores the received incentive information in the incentive information DB 126 of the storage unit 12.

[0093] Next, the processing by the charging reservation management server 82 and the mobile terminal 103 of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing by the charging reservation management server 82 and the mobile terminal 103 according to the second embodiment.

[0094] First, in step S201, the processing unit 22 of the mobile terminal 103 starts up the charging reservation application based on an operation by the user, and transmits a start-up signal to the charging reservation management server 82.

[0095] Next, in the charging reservation management server 82, the processing unit 13 reads out the operation status information of the charging spot from the operation status information DB of the storage unit 12 in step S202.

[0096] Next, in step S203, the first visualization processing unit 131 performs visualization processing on the operational status information. The processing unit 13 transmits the visualized operational status information to the mobile terminal 103.

[0097] Next, in step S204, the display control unit 221 of the mobile terminal 103 displays a charging reservation screen (FIG. 5) including the operational status information that has been visualized.

[0098] Thereafter, in step S205, upon receiving a reservation request input by the user using the charging reservation screen (FIG. 5), the reservation processing unit 222 of the mobile terminal 103 transmits the reservation request information to the charging reservation management server 82.

[0099] Next, in the charging reservation management server 82, in step S206, the processing unit 13 reads out the power status information from the power status information DB 122 of the storage unit 12 and also reads out the incentive information from the incentive information DB 126 of the storage unit 12.

[0100] Then, in step S207, the second visualization processing unit 133 performs visualization processing on the power status information and incentive information. The processing unit 13 transmits the visualized power status information and incentive information to the mobile terminal 103.

[0101] Next, in step S208, the display control unit 221 of the mobile terminal 103 displays a charge reservation screen (FIG. 10) including the visualized power status information and incentive information.

[0102] Thereafter, the user confirms the details of the incentive and performs an operation to reserve charging. In step S209, upon receiving a reservation input by the user using the charging reservation screen (FIG. 10), the reservation processing unit 222 of the mobile terminal 103 transmits reservation information (charging reservation request) to the charging reservation management server 82.

[0103] Next, in step S210, the reservation processing unit 134 of the charging reservation management server 82 determines whether the received reservation information corresponds to a peak shift request, and if Yes, proceeds to step S212, and if No, proceeds to step S211.

[0104] In step S212, the reservation processing unit 134 of the charging reservation management server 82 performs priority reservation processing for processing reservations on a priority basis in response to peak shifting, and incentive processing for processing incentive information.

[0105] In step S211, the reservation processing unit 134 of the charging reservation management server 82 performs normal reservation processing. After steps S211 and S212, in step S213, the reservation processing unit 134 of the charging reservation management server 82 notifies the mobile terminal 103 of the reservation result.

[0106] After that, in step S214, the display control unit 221 of the mobile terminal 103 displays the reservation result on the display unit 23. The user can check the reservation result by looking at this display.

[0107] In this way, according to the charging reservation system of the second embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, by using incentive information, it is possible to further induce users to take action for peak shifting, and to further reduce the possibility of the power grid to which the charging spot is connected becoming power-strapped.

[0108] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that, instead of the two-stage process of inputting a reservation request and inputting a reservation, these processes are combined into a single process. In other words, in response to a single inquiry from the mobile terminal 103 about a charging reservation for the EV 10, the charging reservation management server 82 performs visualization processing of both the operation status information and the power status information, and transmits both the visualized operation status information and the power status information to the mobile terminal 103. The following mainly describes the differences between the first and second embodiments. The overall configuration of the charging reservation system is the same as that shown in FIG.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 13, the processing performed by the charging reservation management server 82 and the mobile terminal 103 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing by the charging reservation management server 82 and the mobile terminal 103 according to the third embodiment.

[0110] First, in step S301, the processing unit 22 of the mobile terminal 103 starts up the charging reservation application based on an operation by the user, and transmits a start-up signal to the charging reservation management server 82.

[0111] Next, in step S302, in the charging reservation management server 82, the processing unit 13 reads out operation status information of the charging spot from the operation status information DB of the memory unit 12, reads out power status information (including peak shift request information) from the power status information DB 122 of the memory unit 12, and reads out incentive information from the incentive information DB 126 of the memory unit 12.

[0112] Next, in step S303, the first visualization processing unit 131 performs visualization processing on the operation status information, and the second visualization processing unit 133 performs visualization processing on the power status information and the incentive information. The processing unit 13 transmits each piece of information that has been visualized to the mobile terminal 103.

[0113] Next, in step S304, the display control unit 221 of the mobile terminal 103 displays a charging reservation screen (FIG. 10) including each piece of information (charging reservation information) that has undergone visualization processing.

[0114] Thereafter, in step S305, upon receiving a reservation input by the user using the charging reservation screen (FIG. 10), the reservation processing unit 222 of the mobile terminal 103 transmits reservation information (charging reservation request) to the charging reservation management server 82.

[0115] Next, in step S306, the reservation processing unit 134 of the charging reservation management server 82 determines whether the received reservation information corresponds to a peak shift request, and if Yes, proceeds to step S308, and if No, proceeds to step S307.

[0116] In step S308, the reservation processing unit 134 of the charging reservation management server 82 performs priority reservation processing for processing reservations with priority due to compliance with peak shifting, and incentive processing for processing related to incentive information.

[0117] In step S307, the reservation processing unit 134 of the charging reservation management server 82 performs normal reservation processing. After steps S307 and S308, in step S309, the reservation processing unit 134 of the charging reservation management server 82 notifies the mobile terminal 103 of the reservation result.

[0118] After that, in step S310, the display control unit 221 of the mobile terminal 103 displays the reservation result on the display unit 23. The user can check the reservation result by looking at this display.

[0119] In this way, according to the charging reservation system of the third embodiment, instead of the two-stage process of inputting a reservation request and then inputting a reservation, these processes are combined into a single process, thereby further improving convenience for the user.

[0120] (Modification of the third embodiment) As a modification of the third embodiment, it is also possible not to use incentive information. In other words, the third embodiment combines the two-stage process of reservation request input and reservation input in the second embodiment into a single process, and similarly, the two-stage process of reservation request input and reservation input in the first embodiment, which does not use incentive information, can also be combined into a single process.

[0121] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment differs from the first to third embodiments in that when there are multiple chargers 52 in the same charging spot (for example, the same SA), the loads used by each charger 52 are leveled.

[0122] When a reservation for a charging spot is accepted from the mobile terminal 103, if there are multiple chargers 52 at the charging spot, the reservation processing unit 134 (FIGS. 3 and 9) performs the reservation process while leveling the usage load for each charger 52.

[0123] In this way, according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first to third embodiments, when reserving a charging spot, smoothing reservations can be made to prevent uneven use among multiple chargers 52 within the same charging spot. This makes it possible to avoid situations where the usage load is concentrated on a specific charger 52, leading to early deterioration or failure.

[0124] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Compared to the first to fourth embodiments, the fifth embodiment adds a function (hereinafter also referred to as "EV charging navigation function," "charging navigation," etc.) that recommends predetermined charging spots that meet various conditions when the user of EV 10 specifies a destination using mobile terminal 103 or the like. Below, differences from the first to fourth embodiments will be mainly described.

[0125] 14 is a block diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of a road traffic management system S of the fifth embodiment. The EV user management business 8 further includes an EV charging navigation server 83 that recommends optimal charging locations to users of EVs 10.

[0126] The EV charging navigation server 83 is a server that recommends optimal charging locations based on data input by the user of the EV 10 using the mobile terminal 103 or the like. To recommend optimal charging locations, the user is required to input in advance information about the vehicle model of the EV 10, the current location, and the destination using the mobile terminal 103 or the like. The server then identifies optimal charging spots based on the electricity cost calculated from the distance of the travel route, the traffic conditions of the roads, and geographical factors (number of lanes, presence or absence of slopes, etc.), and recommends the location to the user of the EV 10.

[0127] Here, the EV charging navigation server 83 receives necessary information about the characteristics of each vehicle model from the automobile company 3 in advance. The automobile company 3 is, for example, a company (EV manufacturer) that manufactures the EV 10. The automobile company 3 holds information about the EV 10 (for example, information about the battery capacity for each vehicle model, how the battery decreases, etc.).

[0128] Furthermore, an EV charging navigation application for realizing charging navigation is stored in the storage unit 25 of the mobile terminal 103. Furthermore, to use the EV charging navigation function, the user of the EV 10 must perform advance registration (user registration) by registering user information and information about the vehicle model owned in advance. After completing user registration in the EV charging navigation application, the EV user inputs their current location and destination into the mobile terminal 103, and receives a notification from the EV charging navigation server 83 recommending charging spots suitable for charging. Here, the current location may be input directly, or may be input automatically using location information (e.g., location information obtained by GPS) of the mobile terminal 103.

[0129] Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of a charging reservation system according to the fifth embodiment. Compared to the charging reservation system shown in Fig. 9, a charging navigation processing unit 135 (determination unit) and a peak shift condition processing unit 136 are added to the processing unit 13 of the charging reservation management server 82. In addition, an EV charging navigation application is added to the storage unit 25 of the mobile terminal 103.

[0130] Charging navigation processing unit 135 determines a recommended charging spot from among a plurality of charging spots based on the location information, destination information, and remaining battery power of EV 10 corresponding to mobile terminal 103 that has made a charging reservation inquiry. For example, charging navigation processing unit 135 refers to registered user information DB 123 in storage unit 12 or acquires information from mobile terminal 103, an external device, etc., to determine a recommended charging spot from among a plurality of charging spots based on the current location information of EV 10 obtained by GPS, the departure point (exit interchange on the expressway), the destination (destination interchange, etc.), the EV's battery capacity, the degree of battery deterioration, the EV's remaining battery power, the cumulative mileage, the vehicle type, whether or not the air conditioner is in use, road congestion information, etc.

[0131] The peak shift condition processing unit 136 performs processing for, for example, the following three conditions 1 to 3, and extracts users of the following three user types 1 to 3 who are able to change charging spots. (Condition 1) Are there any chargers 52 from different power systems within the same SA or PA? (Condition 2) Is the next SA and PA charger 52 on a different power system? (Condition 3) How long should I wait for charging? (Waiting time calculation)

[0132] (User type 1) Users who cannot move to the next SA or PA (priority reservation. Small incentive) (User type 2) Users with ample room to move to the next SA or PA (priority reservation, large incentive) (User type 3) Users who have little time to move to the next SA or PA (priority reservation, incentive)

[0133] In addition, the second visualization processing unit 133 performs visualization processing of the operation status information and power status information related to the recommended charging spots.

[0134] Next, the processing by the charging reservation management server 82 and the mobile terminal 103 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing by the charging reservation management server 82 and the mobile terminal 103 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0135] First, in step S401, the processing unit 22 of the mobile terminal 103 starts up the EV charging navigation application based on an operation by the user, and transmits a start-up signal to the charging reservation management server 82.

[0136] Next, in step S402, the charging navigation processing unit 135 of the charging reservation management server 82 executes EV charging navigation processing. For example, the charging navigation processing unit 135 determines a recommended charging spot from among a plurality of charging spots based on the current location information, destination information, remaining battery level, and the like of the EV 10 corresponding to the mobile terminal 103 that has made the charging reservation inquiry.

[0137] Next, in step S403, the processing unit 22 of the mobile terminal 103 starts up the charging reservation application based on an operation by the user, and transmits a start-up signal to the charging reservation management server 82.

[0138] Next, in step S404, in the charging reservation management server 82, for charging spots including recommended charging spots, the processing unit 13 reads out the operation status information of the charging spots from the operation status information DB of the memory unit 12, reads out the power status information (including peak shift request information) from the power status information DB 122 of the memory unit 12, and reads out the incentive information from the incentive information DB 126 of the memory unit 12.

[0139] Next, in step S405, the reservation processing unit 134 determines whether or not there is a distribution request, that is, whether or not there is a peak shift request. If the answer is Yes in step S405, the process proceeds to step S406, and if the answer is No, the process proceeds to step S408.

[0140] In step S406, the peak shift condition processing unit 136 performs processing for the above three conditions 1 to 3. In step S407, users of the above three user types 1 to 3 who are able to change (move) charging spots are extracted.

[0141] Next, in step S408, the first visualization processing unit 131 performs visualization processing on the operation status information, and the second visualization processing unit 133 performs visualization processing on the power status information and the incentive information. The processing unit 13 transmits each piece of information that has been visualized to the mobile terminal 103.

[0142] Next, in step S409, the display control unit 221 of the mobile terminal 103 displays a charging reservation screen (FIG. 10) including each piece of information (charging reservation information) that has undergone visualization processing.

[0143] Thereafter, in step S410, upon receiving a reservation input by the user using the charging reservation screen (FIG. 10), the reservation processing unit 222 of the mobile terminal 103 transmits reservation information (charging reservation request) to the charging reservation management server 82.

[0144] Next, in step S411, the reservation processing unit 134 of the charging reservation management server 82 determines whether the received reservation information corresponds to a peak shift request, and if Yes, proceeds to step S413, and if No, proceeds to step S412.

[0145] In step S413, the reservation processing unit 134 of the charging reservation management server 82 performs priority reservation processing for processing reservations with priority due to compliance with peak shifting, and incentive processing for processing incentive information.

[0146] In step S412, the reservation processing unit 134 of the charging reservation management server 82 performs normal reservation processing. After steps S412 and S413, in step S414, the reservation processing unit 134 of the charging reservation management server 82 notifies the mobile terminal 103 of the reservation result.

[0147] After that, in step S415, the display control unit 221 of the mobile terminal 103 displays the reservation result on the display unit 23. The user can check the reservation result by looking at this display.

[0148] In this way, according to the charge reservation system of the fifth embodiment, a charge reservation can be made using information on charge spots recommended by the EV charging navigation system based not only on the current location of the EV 10 but also on the destination, battery capacity, battery deterioration level, remaining battery power, cumulative mileage, vehicle type, whether or not air conditioning is in use, road congestion information, and the like, thereby further improving convenience for the user.

[0149] Furthermore, processing can be divided according to user types 1 to 3. For example, a user of user type 1 who cannot move to the next SA or PA can be notified that they should charge at the nearest charging spot, while users of user types 2 and 3 who have the time to move to the next SA or PA can be notified that they should shift the geographical peak or the temporal peak in exchange for an incentive according to their respective levels of time.

[0150] (Sixth embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. The sixth embodiment differs from the first to fifth embodiments in that the sixth embodiment combines voice synthesis and voice recognition technology with a series of operations and notifications on the mobile terminal 103 for processing related to charging reservations. Some or all of the input operations of the user on the mobile terminal 103 are input by voice recognition, and some or all of the notifications to the user on the mobile terminal 103 are notifications by voice synthesis.

[0151] As described above, according to the charge reservation system of the sixth embodiment, the user of the mobile terminal 103 can input operations and recognize notifications using voice synthesis and voice recognition, thereby further improving convenience.

[0152] The programs executed by the charging reservation management server 82 and the mobile terminal 103 of this embodiment are provided as files in an installable format or an executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0153] The program may also be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network, or to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet, or to be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

[0154] The program is modularly structured to include each part in the processing unit, and in actual hardware, the CPU reads the program from the storage medium and executes it, causing each part to be loaded onto the main memory and generated on the main memory.

[0155] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0156] For example, the index used as a criterion for whether or not to perform peak shifting is not limited to the capacity of each power grid, but may be, for example, the contracted power. Generally, the contracted power is smaller than the capacity, and if the power usage exceeds the contracted power, additional costs will be incurred even if the power usage does not reach the capacity. Therefore, by using the contracted power as a criterion and realizing the above-mentioned peak shifting to keep the power usage below the contracted power, costs can be kept low. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1...power generation company, 2...consumer, 3...automobile company, 4...aggregator (power transmission and distribution company), 5...charging service company, 8...EV user management company, 9...road operator, 10...EV, 11...transmitter / receiver, 12...memory unit, 13...processing unit, 14...transmitter / receiver, 21...transmitter / receiver, 22...processing unit, 23...display unit, 24...input unit, 25...memory unit, 41...aggregator server, 52...charger, 81...vehicle information management server, 82...charging reservation management server, 83...EV charging navigation server, 91...traffic control server, 92...road facility management server, 93...toll central server, 94...weather information management server, 9 5...roadside device, 96...ITS spot, 101...ETC / DSRC onboard device, 102...car navigation terminal, 103...mobile terminal, 104...storage battery, 121...charger operation status information DB, 122...power status information DB, 123...registered user information DB, 124...charging spot DB, 125...power system DB, 126...incentive information DB, 131...first visualization processing unit, 132...confirmation processing unit, 133...second visualization processing unit, 134...reservation processing unit, 135...charging navigation processing unit, 136...peak shift condition processing unit, 221...display control unit, 222...reservation processing unit, S...road traffic management system

Claims

1. A charging system including a user terminal used by a user of an electric vehicle, and a charging management server that manages charging of the electric vehicle in response to an inquiry from the user terminal, The charging management server an acquisition unit that acquires operation status information of a plurality of charging spots, each of which has one or more chargers, and power status information of a power grid that supplies power to the plurality of charging spots; a visualization processing unit that, when an inquiry about charging of the electric vehicle is made from the user terminal, performs a visualization process of the operation status information and also performs a visualization process of the power status information as a process related to a charging screen to be displayed on the user terminal; a transmission control unit that transmits the operation status information and the power status information that have been visualized to the user terminal; a determination unit that determines a recommended charging spot from among the plurality of charging spots based on location information, destination information, or remaining battery capacity of the electric vehicle corresponding to the user terminal that has made the inquiry, The user terminal a display control unit that displays, on a display unit, a charging screen including the operation status information and the power status information that have been subjected to the visualization process and that are received from the charging management server; The visualization processing unit of the charging management server performs visualization processing of the operation status information and the power status information related to the recommended charging spots, and in this case, for a power system with no spare capacity in a specified power system unit, when it is determined that the electric vehicle cannot move to the next charging spot after the recommended charging spot based on the remaining battery power of the electric vehicle, it also performs visualization processing of the recommended charging spots, and when it is determined that the electric vehicle can move to the next charging spot after the recommended charging spot based on the remaining battery power of the electric vehicle, it also recommends at least one of a power usage distribution in the specified power system unit and a temporal power usage distribution, and if the recommendation is accepted, it also performs visualization processing that allows the electric vehicle to receive an incentive.

2. A charging management server that manages charging of an electric vehicle in response to an inquiry from a user terminal used by a user of the electric vehicle, an acquisition unit that acquires operation status information of a plurality of charging spots, each of which has one or more chargers, and power status information of a power grid that supplies power to the plurality of charging spots; a visualization processing unit that, when an inquiry about charging of the electric vehicle is made from the user terminal, performs a visualization process of the operation status information and also performs a visualization process of the power status information as a process related to a charging screen to be displayed on the user terminal; a transmission control unit that transmits the operation status information and the power status information that have been visualized to the user terminal; a determination unit that determines a recommended charging spot from among the plurality of charging spots based on location information, destination information, or remaining battery level of the electric vehicle corresponding to the user terminal that has made the inquiry, The visualization processing unit performs visualization processing of the operation status information and the power status information related to the recommended charging spots, and in this case, for a power system with no spare capacity in a specified power system unit, when it is determined that the electric vehicle cannot move to the charging spot next to the recommended charging spot based on the remaining battery power of the electric vehicle, it also performs visualization processing of the recommended charging spots, and when it is determined that the electric vehicle can move to the charging spot next to the recommended charging spot based on the remaining battery power of the electric vehicle, it also performs visualization processing to recommend at least one of a power usage distribution in the specified power system unit and a temporal power usage distribution, and allows the electric vehicle to receive an incentive if it complies.

3. The charge management server according to claim 2 , wherein the power status information includes power status information of a plurality of different power systems.

4. The charge management server according to claim 2 , wherein the power status information includes information relating to a margin of power supply.

5. The visualization processing unit The charge management server according to claim 2 , wherein the server displays recommendation information based on the visualization process of the power status information, and also visualizes details of incentives that can be received according to the recommendation information.

6. the visualization processing unit performs both a visualization process of the operation status information and a visualization process of the power status information in response to a single inquiry about the electric vehicle from the user terminal, The charge management server according to claim 2 , wherein the transmission control unit transmits both the operation status information and the power status information that have been visualized to the user terminal.

7. If you wish to disperse the recommended charging spots, The charge management server according to claim 2 , wherein the determination unit determines the recommended charge spots by taking into account the charge spots corresponding to a power system different from the power system corresponding to the recommended charge spot.

8. 3. The charge management server according to claim 2, wherein the power status information recommends, for a power system with no spare capacity in a predetermined power system unit, at least one of distributing power usage in the predetermined power system unit and distributing power usage over time.

9. A charging management method for managing charging of an electric vehicle in response to an inquiry from a user terminal used by a user of the electric vehicle, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring operation status information of a plurality of charging spots, each of which has one or more chargers, and power status information of a power grid that supplies power to the plurality of charging spots; a visualization processing step of performing a visualization process of the operation status information and a visualization process of the power status information as processing related to a charging screen to be displayed on the user terminal when an inquiry about charging of the electric vehicle is made from the user terminal; a transmission control step of transmitting the operation status information and the power status information that have been visualized to the user terminal; a determination step of determining a recommended charging spot from among the plurality of charging spots based on location information, destination information, or remaining battery level of the electric vehicle corresponding to the user terminal that has made the inquiry, The visualization processing step performs visualization processing of the operation status information and the power status information related to the recommended charging spots, and in this case, for a power system with no spare capacity in a specified power system unit, when it is determined that the electric vehicle cannot move to the charging spot next to the recommended charging spot based on the remaining battery power of the electric vehicle, visualization processing of the recommended charging spots is also performed, and when it is determined that the electric vehicle can move to the charging spot next to the recommended charging spot based on the remaining battery power of the electric vehicle, visualization processing is also performed to recommend at least one of a distribution of power usage in the specified power system unit and a distribution of power usage over time, and an incentive can be received if the recommendation is accepted.

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