Battery exchange control device and battery exchange control system

Abstract

To provide a battery replacement control device capable of making usage of a buttery replacement device by a user adjustable.SOLUTION: A server 100 (battery replacement management server) includes: a communication unit 103 (acquisition unit) that acquires user number information (state information) in a battery replacement device 20; and a processor 101 (control unit) that adjusts an incentive to be given to a user of the battery replacement device 20 on the basis of the state information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery exchange control device and a battery exchange control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2018-128769 (Patent Document 1) discloses a battery replacement assistance system for replacing a secondary battery mounted on a vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-128769 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, vehicle batteries may be replaced at a battery exchange device (battery station). In this case, the vehicle user will use the battery exchange device that is most convenient to use (for example, the nearest one). Therefore, depending on the status of the battery exchange device (for example, how crowded it is), it may be difficult to accept users (vehicles) or more users (vehicles) may be desired to use it. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to adjust the use of the battery exchange device by users depending on the status of the battery exchange device.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a battery exchange control device and a battery exchange control system that enable a user to adjust their use of a battery exchange device depending on the status of the battery exchange device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A battery exchange control device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a battery exchange control device that manages at least one battery exchange device that includes at least one second battery that can be replaced with a first battery mounted on an electric vehicle. The battery exchange control device includes an acquisition unit that acquires status information related to the status of the battery exchange device, and a control unit that adjusts an incentive to be given to a user of the battery exchange device based on the status information.

[0007] As described above, in the battery exchange control device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the incentive given to the user of the battery exchange device is adjusted based on the status of the battery exchange device. This makes it possible to easily adjust the use of the battery exchange device (the number of users) by adjusting the incentive. As a result, it is possible to easily adjust the use of the battery exchange device based on the status of the battery exchange device.

[0008] In the battery exchange control device according to the first aspect, the status information preferably includes user number information relating to the number of users. With this configuration, the incentive can be adjusted based on the number of users of the battery exchange device. As a result, the number of users of the battery exchange device can be easily adjusted.

[0009] In this case, the user number information preferably includes information on the reservation status of the battery exchange device. With this configuration, the number of users of the battery exchange device can be accurately detected based on the reservation status of the battery exchange device.

[0010] In the battery exchange control device in which the status information includes the user number information, the user number information preferably includes information on the number of electric vehicles around the battery exchange device. With this configuration, the number of users of the battery exchange device can be easily detected based on the number of electric vehicles around the battery exchange device.

[0011] In the battery exchange control device in which the status information includes the user number information, preferably, at least one battery exchange device includes a first battery exchange device and a second battery exchange device. The acquisition unit acquires the user number information for each of the first battery exchange device and the second battery exchange device. The control unit sets a larger incentive for the first battery exchange device or the second battery exchange device with a smaller number of users than the incentive for the first battery exchange device or the second battery exchange device with a larger number of users. With this configuration, the number of users of a battery exchange device determined to have a relatively small number of users can be easily increased by adjusting the incentive. As a result, variation in the number of users between the first battery exchange device and the second battery exchange device can be suppressed.

[0012] In the battery exchange control device in which the situation information includes the user number information, the control unit preferably sets a larger incentive when the number of users is equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold than when the number of users is greater than the predetermined first threshold. With this configuration, in a battery exchange device in which the number of users is determined to be relatively small, equal to or less than the predetermined first threshold, the number of users can be easily increased by adjusting the incentive.

[0013] In the battery exchange control device in which the status information includes the user number information, the user number information preferably includes a history of the number of users in a first time slot and a history of the number of users in a second time slot. The control unit sets a larger incentive for the first time slot or the second time slot, whichever has fewer users, than the incentive for the first time slot or the second time slot, whichever has a larger number of users. With this configuration, the number of users of the battery exchange device can be easily increased by adjusting the incentive during a time slot determined to have a relatively small number of users. As a result, variation in the number of users of the battery exchange device between the first time slot and the second time slot can be suppressed.

[0014] In the battery exchange control device according to the first aspect, the status information preferably includes information indicating that the battery exchange device is requested to charge the second battery using power from the power grid, and information regarding the SOC of the second battery. If the number of second batteries with fully charged SOCs is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold, the control unit increases the incentive for when the SOC of the electric vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined third threshold compared to the incentive for when the SOC of the electric vehicle is greater than the predetermined third threshold. With this configuration, when the number of second batteries with fully charged SOCs is equal to or greater than the predetermined second threshold and is relatively large, the number of battery exchanges involving electric vehicles with relatively low SOCs can be easily increased. As a result, the number of first batteries with low SOCs stored in the battery exchange device increases, making it easier to meet requests to charge batteries using power from the power grid.

[0015] In the battery exchange control device according to the first aspect, the status information preferably includes information regarding the SOC of the second battery. The control unit sets a larger incentive when the number of second batteries whose SOC is fully charged is equal to or greater than a predetermined fourth threshold value than the incentive when the number of second batteries whose SOC is fully charged is less than the predetermined fourth threshold value. This configuration makes it possible to easily increase the frequency with which a battery exchange device having a relatively large number of second batteries whose SOC is fully charged is used.

[0016] In the battery exchange control device according to the first aspect, the status information preferably includes information regarding the amount of power being used to charge the second battery. The control unit sets a larger incentive when the amount of power is equal to or less than a predetermined fifth threshold value than when the amount of power is greater than the predetermined fifth threshold value. Here, a small amount of power being used to charge the second battery means that there are a large number of second batteries in a fully charged state. This makes it easy to increase the frequency with which a battery exchange device with a relatively large number of second batteries in a fully charged state can be used.

[0017] A battery exchange control system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes an electric vehicle equipped with a first battery, at least one battery exchange device including at least one second battery replaceable with the first battery, and a battery exchange control device that manages the battery exchange device. The battery exchange control device includes an acquisition unit that acquires status information related to the status of the battery exchange device, and a control unit that adjusts an incentive to be given to a user of the battery exchange device based on the status information.

[0018] In the battery exchange control system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the incentive given to the user of the battery exchange device is adjusted based on the status of the battery exchange device, thereby providing a battery exchange control system that can easily adjust the use of the battery exchange device based on the status of the battery exchange device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a battery exchange management server and a battery exchange management system that enable users to adjust their use of battery exchange devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between time periods and the number of reserved vehicles in each of the first and second battery exchange apparatuses. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of the system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between time periods and the number of users at a battery exchange device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of a system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram of a system according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram of a system according to the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0022] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system 1 according to a first embodiment. The system 1 includes a server 100, a plurality of battery exchange devices 20, and an electric vehicle 10. Although only one electric vehicle 10 is shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of electric vehicles 10 may be provided in the system 1. The server 100 manages each of the plurality of battery exchange devices 20. The server 100 and the system 1 are examples of a "battery exchange control device" and a "battery exchange control system" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0023] The electric vehicle 10 is equipped with a battery 11. The battery 11 is an example of the "first battery" of the present disclosure.

[0024] Electrically powered vehicles 10 include, for example, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Electrically powered vehicles 10 may include a data communication module (DCM) or a communication interface compatible with 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system).

[0025] The battery exchange device 20 includes a plurality of batteries 21 that can be replaced with the battery 11. In the electric vehicle 10, the battery 11 is exchanged with the battery 21 inside the battery exchange device 20. The battery 21 is an example of the "second battery" in the present disclosure.

[0026] The plurality of battery exchange apparatuses 20 include a first battery exchange apparatus 20A and a second battery exchange apparatus 20B. The first battery exchange apparatus 20A and the second battery exchange apparatus 20B have the same configuration. Note that the plurality of battery exchange apparatuses 20 may include three or more battery exchange apparatuses 20.

[0027] The server 100 is also configured to manage information about the registered electric vehicles 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "vehicle information") and information about each registered user (hereinafter also referred to as "user information"). The user information and vehicle information are distinguished by identification information (ID) and stored in a memory 102, which will be described later.

[0028] The vehicle ID is identification information for identifying the electric vehicle 10. The vehicle ID may be a license plate or a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The vehicle information includes the travel schedule of each electric vehicle 10.

[0029] The server 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, and a communication unit 103. The processor 101 controls the communication unit 103. The memory 102 stores programs executed by the processor 101 as well as information used by the programs (for example, maps, mathematical formulas, and various parameters). The processor 101 and the communication unit 103 are examples of a "control unit" and an "acquisition unit," respectively, in the present disclosure.

[0030] The communication unit 103 of the server 100 communicates with each of the plurality of battery exchange devices 20 and the electric vehicle 10. The communication unit 103 includes various communication I / Fs.

[0031] The server 100 (communication unit 103) also acquires information on the reservation status of use of each of the multiple battery exchange apparatuses 20. A user of the electric vehicle 10 makes a reservation for use of the first battery exchange apparatus 20A or the second battery exchange apparatus 20B via the Internet. The communication unit 103 acquires the reservation status information stored on the Internet. The reservation status information is an example of the "status information" and "number of users information" of the present disclosure.

[0032] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the communication unit 103 acquires information on the number of reserved units (number of users) for each of the first battery exchange apparatus 20A and the second battery exchange apparatus 20B in each time period.

[0033] Here, vehicle users use the battery exchange equipment that is most convenient to use (for example, the nearest one). Therefore, depending on the situation of the battery exchange equipment (for example, how crowded it is), it may be difficult to accept users (vehicles) or more users (vehicles) may be desired to use it. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to adjust the use of the battery exchange equipment by users depending on the situation of the battery exchange equipment.

[0034] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the processor 101 adjusts the incentive to be given to the user of the battery exchange apparatus 20 based on the reservation status information. The incentive may include, for example, points that can be used for shopping, or a program that can be installed on the electric vehicle 10 and the user's terminal. The incentive may also include a discount on the fee normally required for battery exchange.

[0035] The processor 101 makes the incentive corresponding to the first battery exchange device 20A or the second battery exchange device 20B, whichever has fewer users, larger than the incentive corresponding to the first battery exchange device 20A or the second battery exchange device 20B, whichever has more users.

[0036] 2, the number of users of the first battery exchange apparatus 20A (4 units) is greater than the number of users of the second battery exchange apparatus 20B (2 units) during the time period from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Therefore, when making a reservation for battery exchange during the time period from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the incentive for using the second battery exchange apparatus 20B is set to be greater than the incentive for using the first battery exchange apparatus 20A.

[0037] Furthermore, in the time period from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the number of users of the second battery exchange apparatus 20B (6 units) is greater than the number of users of the first battery exchange apparatus 20A (5 units). Therefore, when making a reservation for battery exchange in the time period from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the incentive for using the first battery exchange apparatus 20A is set to be greater than the incentive for using the second battery exchange apparatus 20B.

[0038] Furthermore, in the time period from 4 PM to 5 PM, the number of users of the first battery exchange apparatus 20A (3) is equal to the number of users of the second battery exchange apparatus 20B (3). Therefore, when making a reservation for battery exchange in the time period from 4 PM to 5 PM, the incentive for using the first battery exchange apparatus 20A and the incentive for using the second battery exchange apparatus 20B are made equal to each other.

[0039] (Sequence control) Next, sequence control between the server 100 and the electric vehicle 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0040] In step S1, the server 100 (communication unit 103) acquires information on the reservation status of each of the first battery exchange apparatus 20A and the second battery exchange apparatus 20B. Note that the processing of step S1 may be performed based on a provisional reservation of the battery exchange apparatus 20 by the user of the electric vehicle 10. The provisional reservation may include information on the time period during which the battery exchange apparatus 20 will be used.

[0041] In step S2, the server 100 (processor 101) determines whether the number of users of the first battery exchange apparatus 20A is smaller than the number of users of the second battery exchange apparatus 20B. If the answer is Yes in step S2, the process proceeds to step S3. If the answer is No in step S2, the process proceeds to step S4. Note that in step S2, the numbers of users of the battery exchange apparatuses 20 during the time period specified in the provisional reservation by the user of the electric vehicle 10 may be compared.

[0042] In step S3, the server 100 (processor 101) performs control to make the incentive for the first battery exchange apparatus 20A larger than the incentive for the second battery exchange apparatus 20B. In this case, an incentive corresponding to the second battery exchange apparatus 20B does not need to be set.

[0043] In step S4, the server 100 (processor 101) determines whether the number of users of the first battery exchange apparatus 20A is greater than the number of users of the second battery exchange apparatus 20B. If the answer is Yes in step S4, the process proceeds to step S5. If the answer is No in step S4 (i.e., if the number of users of the first battery exchange apparatus 20A is equal to the number of users of the second battery exchange apparatus 20B), the process proceeds to step S6.

[0044] In step S5, the server 100 (processor 101) performs control to make the incentive for the second battery exchange apparatus 20B larger than the incentive for the first battery exchange apparatus 20A. In this case, an incentive corresponding to the first battery exchange apparatus 20A does not need to be set.

[0045] In step S6, the server 100 (processor 101) performs control to make the incentive for the first battery exchange apparatus 20A and the incentive for the second battery exchange apparatus 20B equal to each other. In this case, incentives corresponding to each of the first battery exchange apparatus 20A and the second battery exchange apparatus 20B do not need to be set.

[0046] In step S7, server 100 (communication unit 103) transmits information about the incentive set in step S3, S5, or S6 to the user of electric vehicle 10.

[0047] In step S8, the user of the electric vehicle 10 makes a reservation for the first battery exchange apparatus 20A or the second battery exchange apparatus 20B.

[0048] In step S9, the server 100 (processor 101) performs control to provide the user of the electric vehicle 10 with an incentive corresponding to the battery exchange machine 20 reserved in step S8.

[0049] As described above, in the first embodiment, the processor 101 adjusts the incentives to be given to users of the battery exchange apparatus 20 based on information about the reservation status of the battery exchange apparatus 20. By adjusting the incentives based on the reservation status of the first battery exchange apparatus 20A and the second battery exchange apparatus 20B, it is possible to easily equalize the balance between the number of users of the first battery exchange apparatus 20A and the number of users of the second battery exchange apparatus 20B.

[0050] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0051] 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system 2 according to the second embodiment. The system 2 includes a server 200, a plurality of battery exchange devices 120, and an electric vehicle 10. The server 200 and the system 2 are examples of a "battery exchange control device" and a "battery exchange control system" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0052] The plurality of battery exchange apparatuses 120 include a first battery exchange apparatus 120A and a second battery exchange apparatus 120B. The first battery exchange apparatus 120A and the second battery exchange apparatus 120B have the same configuration. Note that the plurality of battery exchange apparatuses 20 may include three or more battery exchange apparatuses 120.

[0053] The first battery exchange apparatus 120A is provided with a camera 121A. The second battery exchange apparatus 120B is provided with a camera 121B. The camera 121A acquires an image of the surroundings of the first battery exchange apparatus 120A. The camera 121B acquires an image of the surroundings of the second battery exchange apparatus 120B. Note that the camera 121A (121B) may be separate from the first battery exchange apparatus 120A (120B) and provided near the first battery exchange apparatus 120A (120B).

[0054] The server 200 includes a processor 201, a memory 202, and a communication unit 203. The processor 201 and the communication unit 203 are examples of the "control unit" and the "acquisition unit" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0055] The communication unit 203 of the server 200 communicates with each of the plurality of battery exchange apparatuses 120 and the electric vehicle 10. The communication unit 203 includes various communication I / Fs. The communication unit 203 communicates with each of the cameras 121A and 121B. Each of the cameras 121A and 121B transmits an image that it has captured to the communication unit 203 of the server 200.

[0056] The communication unit 203 of the server 200 receives information about the SOC (State Of Charge) of the electric vehicle 10 managed by the server 200. Specifically, the electric vehicle 10 transmits its own SOC information to the communication unit 203.

[0057] Here, the server 200 (processor 201) predicts users of the battery exchange apparatus 20 based on the number of electric vehicles 10 around the battery exchange apparatus 120. Specifically, the processor 201 predicts users of the first battery exchange apparatus 120A based on the number of electric vehicles 10 captured in the image of the camera 121A. The processor 201 also predicts users of the second battery exchange apparatus 120B based on the number of electric vehicles 10 captured in the image of the camera 121B. In particular, the processor 201 predicts the users based on the number of electric vehicles 10 whose SOC is equal to or lower than a predetermined value (for example, 30%) among the electric vehicles 10 around the first battery exchange apparatus 120A (second battery exchange apparatus 120B).

[0058] The processor 201 may predict users of the battery exchange apparatus 120 by means other than a camera. For example, the processor 201 may detect the number of electric vehicles 10 around the battery exchange apparatus 120 based on information from a global positioning system (GPS) installed in the electric vehicles 10. The images from the cameras 121A and 121B are examples of the "situation information" and "number of users information" of the present disclosure.

[0059] Furthermore, the processor 201 may make the above predictions using a trained model generated by a machine learning technique such as deep learning.

[0060] (Sequence control) Next, sequence control between server 200 and electric vehicle 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0061] In step S11, the server 200 (communication unit 203) receives images from the cameras 121A and 121B. The processing of step S11 may be performed based on a provisional reservation of the battery exchange apparatus 20 by the user of the electric vehicle 10.

[0062] In step S12, the server 200 (communication unit 203) acquires information on the SOC of each of the multiple electric vehicles 10 managed by the server 200. The server 200 (communication unit 203) may also identify the electric vehicles 10 shown in the image acquired in step S11 based on the vehicle number or the like, and acquire information on the SOC of the identified electric vehicles 10.

[0063] In step S13, the server 200 (processor 201) estimates the number of users of each of the first battery exchange apparatus 120A and the second battery exchange apparatus 20B based on the image acquired in step S11 and the SOC information acquired in step S12. Next, the process proceeds to step S2 in the first embodiment. Note that the number of users may be estimated based on information indicating the deterioration level of the battery 11 instead of the SOC information.

[0064] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0065] 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system 3 according to the third embodiment. The system 3 includes a server 300, a battery exchange device 20, and an electric vehicle 10. The server 300 and the system 3 are examples of a "battery exchange control device" and a "battery exchange control system" of the present disclosure, respectively.

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

[0067] (Sequence control) Next, sequence control between server 300 and electric vehicle 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0068] In step S22, which follows step S1, the server 300 (processor 301) determines whether the number of users of the battery exchange apparatus 20 is smaller than a predetermined threshold A. For example, the number of users of the battery exchange apparatus 20 (number of people who have made reservations) during the time period specified in the provisional reservation by the user of the electric vehicle 10 may be compared with the threshold A. If the number of users is smaller than the threshold A (Yes in S22), the process proceeds to step S23. If the number of users is equal to or greater than the threshold A (No in S22), the process proceeds to step S24. The threshold A is an example of the "first threshold" in the present disclosure.

[0069] In step S23, the server 300 (processor 301) performs control to make the incentive for using the battery exchange device 20 larger than the incentive under normal circumstances (the incentive under S24). Note that under normal circumstances, no incentive may be provided. Next, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0070] In step S24, the server 300 (processor 301) performs control to set the incentive for using the battery exchange machine 20 to the incentive for normal use. Next, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0071] 7 shows an example in which the number of users of the battery exchange machine 20 is compared with one threshold value (A), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by providing a plurality of threshold values, the incentive to be provided may be controlled to increase in stages (in a stepwise manner) as the number of users decreases.

[0072] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0073] 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system 4 according to the fourth embodiment. The system 4 includes a server 400, a battery exchange device 20, and an electric vehicle 10. The server 400 and the system 4 are examples of a "battery exchange control device" and a "battery exchange control system" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0074] The server 400 includes a processor 401, a memory 402, and a communication unit 403. The processor 401 and the communication unit 403 are examples of the "control unit" and the "acquisition unit" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0075] The memory 402 stores information on the usage history of the battery exchange apparatus 20 for each time period over a predetermined period in the past (see FIG. 9). For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the memory 402 stores information on the average number of users of the battery exchange apparatus 20 in each of the morning and afternoon over the past week. The information on the average values ​​is updated daily by the processor 401. The morning and afternoon are examples of the "first time period" and "second time period" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0076] (Sequence control) Next, sequence control between server 400 and electric vehicle 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0077] In step S31, the server 400 (processor 401) acquires information on the number of users of the battery exchange apparatus 20 in each of the morning and afternoon of the past week from the usage history of the battery exchange apparatus 20 stored in the memory 402. Note that the processing of step S31 may be performed based on a provisional reservation of the battery exchange apparatus 20 by a user of the electric vehicle 10. The provisional reservation may include information on the time period during which the user will use the battery exchange apparatus 20.

[0078] In step S32, the server 400 (processor 401) determines whether the number of users of the battery exchange apparatus 20 in the morning is less than the number of users of the battery exchange apparatus 20 in the afternoon. If the answer is Yes in step S32, the process proceeds to step S33. If the answer is No in step S32, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0079] In step S33, server 400 (processor 401) performs control to make the incentive corresponding to the morning greater than the incentive corresponding to the afternoon. In this case, an incentive corresponding to the afternoon may not be set. Next, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0080] In step S34, the server 400 (processor 401) determines whether the number of users of the battery exchange apparatus 20 in the morning is greater than the number of users of the battery exchange apparatus 20 in the afternoon. If the answer is Yes in step S34, the process proceeds to step S35. If the answer is No in step S34 (i.e., if the number of users of the battery exchange apparatus 20 in the morning is equal to the number of users of the battery exchange apparatus 20 in the afternoon), the process proceeds to step S36.

[0081] In step S35, server 400 (processor 401) performs control to set the incentive corresponding to the afternoon to be greater than the incentive corresponding to the morning. In this case, an incentive corresponding to the morning may not be set. Next, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0082] In step S36, server 400 (processor 401) performs control to make the incentive corresponding to the morning and the incentive corresponding to the afternoon equal to each other. In this case, it is not necessary to set both the incentive corresponding to the morning and the incentive corresponding to the afternoon. Next, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0083] The incentive may be adjusted based on the average value of the number of users of the battery exchange apparatus 20 for each hour, for example. In this case, the incentive may be controlled so that it increases in order from the time period with the smallest average value.

[0084] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. In the fifth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0085] 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system 5 according to a fifth embodiment. The system 5 includes a server 500, a battery exchange device 20, an electric vehicle 10, a grid management server 900, and a power grid PG. The server 500 and the system 5 are examples of a "battery exchange control device" and a "battery exchange control system" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0086] The power system PG is a power grid constructed by power plants and power transmission and distribution facilities (not shown). In this embodiment, an electric power company serves as both a power generation business operator and a power transmission and distribution business operator. The electric power company corresponds to a general power transmission and distribution business operator, and maintains and manages the power system PG. The electric power company corresponds to a manager of the power system PG.

[0087] The grid management server 900 manages the supply and demand of power in the power grid PG (power grid). The grid management server 900 belongs to a power company. The grid management server 900 transmits to the server 500 a request (supply and demand adjustment request) to adjust the power demand of the power grid PG based on the power generated and consumed by each power adjustment resource managed by the grid management server 900. Specifically, when the power generated or consumed by the power adjustment resource is expected to be higher than normal (or is currently higher), the grid management server 900 transmits a request to the server 500 to increase or decrease the power demand compared to normal, respectively.

[0088] The server 500 is a server managed by an aggregator, which is an electric utility that provides energy management services by bundling a plurality of power adjustment resources in a region, a predetermined facility, or the like.

[0089] As one means for increasing or decreasing the power demand of the power system PG, the server 500 uses the battery 21 in the battery exchange device 20 to supply power to the power system PG (external power supply) and charge from the power system PG (external charging).

[0090] The server 500 includes a processor 501, a memory 502, and a communication unit 503. The processor 501 and the communication unit 503 are examples of the "control unit" and the "acquisition unit" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0091] The communication unit 503 of the server 500 receives information regarding a request for adjusting power supply and demand in the power system PG from the system management server 900. The communication unit 503 of the server 500 also receives information about the SOC of the electric vehicle 10 by communicating with the electric vehicle 10. The communication unit 503 of the server 500 also receives information about the SOC of each of the multiple batteries 21 by communicating with the battery exchange apparatus 20.

[0092] (Sequence control) Next, sequence control between server 500 and electric vehicle 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0093] In step S41, the server 500 (communication unit 503) receives a request for adjusting the supply and demand of power from the grid management server 900.

[0094] In step S42, the server 500 (communication unit 503) receives information on the SOC of each of the plurality of batteries 21 of the battery exchange apparatus 20.

[0095] In step S43, electric vehicle 10 transmits information about the SOC of electric vehicle 10 to server 500 (communication unit 503). Note that the process of step S43 may be performed before steps S41 and S42.

[0096] In step S44, the server 500 (processor 501) determines whether the request in step S41 is a request to charge the battery 21 with power from the power grid PG. If the answer is Yes in step S44, the process proceeds to step S45. If the answer is No in step S44, the process proceeds to step S24 described above in the third embodiment.

[0097] In step S45, the server 500 (processor 501) determines whether the number of fully charged batteries 21 in the battery exchange apparatus 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold B (e.g., 10). If the number of batteries 21 is equal to or greater than threshold B (Yes in S45), the process proceeds to S46. If the number of batteries 21 is less than threshold B (No in S45), the process proceeds to S24. Note that threshold B is an example of the "second threshold" in the present disclosure.

[0098] Note that the battery 21 in the battery exchange device 20 is initially charged to a value close to 100% (for example, about 80%) when stored in the battery exchange device 20. Thereafter, when a reservation is made for use of the battery exchange device, the SOC of the battery 21 is charged to 100%. Therefore, a fully charged battery 21 also includes a battery 21 whose SOC is charged to about 80%.

[0099] In step S46, the server 500 (processor 501) determines whether the SOC of the electric vehicle 10 is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold C (for example, 20%) based on the information acquired in step S43. If the SOC is equal to or lower than the threshold C (Yes in S46), the process proceeds to step S23. Greater than If so (No in S46), the process proceeds to step S24. Note that the threshold C is an example of the "third threshold" in the present disclosure.

[0100] 12 shows an example in which the SOC of the electric vehicle 10 is compared with one threshold value (C), but this is not limiting. For example, by providing a plurality of threshold values, the incentive to be provided may be controlled to increase in stages (in a stepwise manner) as the SOC decreases.

[0101] [Sixth embodiment] Next, a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. In the sixth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0102] 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system 6 according to a sixth embodiment. The system 6 includes a server 600, a battery exchange device 20, and an electric vehicle 10. The server 600 and the system 6 are examples of a "battery exchange control device" and a "battery exchange control system" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0103] The server 600 includes a processor 601, a memory 602, and a communication unit 603. The processor 601 and the communication unit 603 are examples of the "control unit" and the "acquisition unit" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0104] The communication unit 603 of the server 600 communicates with the battery exchange apparatus 20 to receive information on the SOC of each of the plurality of batteries 21 .

[0105] (Sequence control) Next, sequence control between server 500 and electric vehicle 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0106] After the processing of step S42 described above in the fifth embodiment is performed, the processing proceeds to step S52. In step S52, the server 600 (processor 601) determines whether the number of fully charged batteries 21 in the battery exchange apparatus 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold D (for example, 10). If the number of batteries 21 is equal to or greater than the threshold D (Yes in S52), the processing proceeds to step S23. If the number of batteries 21 is less than the threshold D (No in S52), the processing proceeds to step S24.

[0107] 14 shows an example in which the number of fully charged batteries 21 is compared with one threshold value (D), but this is not limiting. For example, multiple threshold values ​​may be set, and the incentive to be provided may be controlled to increase in stages (in a step-like manner) as the number increases.

[0108] [Seventh embodiment] Next, a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. In the seventh embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0109] 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system 7 according to a seventh embodiment. The system 7 includes a server 700, a battery exchange device 20, and an electric vehicle 10. The server 700 and the system 7 are examples of a "battery exchange control device" and a "battery exchange control system" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0110] The server 700 includes a processor 701, a memory 702, and a communication unit 703. The processor 701 and the communication unit 703 are examples of the "control unit" and the "acquisition unit" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0111] The communication unit 703 of the server 700 communicates with the battery exchange apparatus 20 to receive information on the amount of charged power of the battery 21 in the battery exchange apparatus 20 .

[0112] (Sequence control) Next, sequence control between server 700 and electric vehicle 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0113] In step S61, the server 700 (communication unit 703) acquires information about the amount of electric power charged to the battery 21 of the battery exchange apparatus 20. The processing of step S61 may be performed based on a provisional reservation of the battery exchange apparatus 20 by the user of the electrically powered vehicle 10. The amount of electric power charged may include, for example, the electric power used (kW) at the current time point, or the electric power used (kWh) during a predetermined period (1 hour) in the past.

[0114] In step S62, the server 700 (processor 701) determines whether the amount of charging energy acquired in step S61 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold E (for example, 100 kW). If the amount of charging energy is equal to or less than the threshold E (Yes in S62), the process proceeds to step S23. Greater than If so (No in S62), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0115] 16 shows an example in which the amount of charging power to the battery 21 is compared with one threshold value (E), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by providing a plurality of threshold values, the incentive to be provided may be controlled to increase in stages (in a stepwise manner) as the amount of charging power decreases.

[0116] In the first to seventh embodiments, the incentive is adjusted by a server (100 to 700) provided separately from the battery exchange machine 20 (120), but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a control device provided in the battery exchange machine may adjust the incentive.

[0117] The controls and configurations described in each of the first to seventh embodiments above may be combined as appropriate.

[0118] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 System (battery exchange control system), 10 Electric vehicle, 11 Battery (first battery), 20, 120 Battery exchange device, 20A, 120A First battery exchange device, 20B, 120B Second battery exchange device, 21 Battery (second battery), 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 Server (battery exchange control device), 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701 Processor (control unit), 103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603, 703 Communication unit (acquisition unit), A Threshold (first threshold), B Threshold (second threshold), C Threshold (third threshold), D Threshold (fourth threshold), E Threshold (fifth threshold).

Claims

1. A battery exchange control device that manages at least one battery exchange device that includes at least one second battery that is replaceable with a first battery mounted on an electric vehicle, an acquisition unit that acquires status information regarding a status of the battery exchange device; a control unit that adjusts an incentive to be given to a user of the battery exchange device based on the situation information, the status information includes information about an SOC of the second battery, The control unit If the number of the second batteries whose SOC is in a fully charged state is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value, The battery exchange control device sets the incentive when the SOC of the electric vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined second threshold to be greater than the incentive when the SOC of the electric vehicle is greater than the predetermined second threshold.

2. The battery exchange control device according to claim 1 , wherein the status information includes user number information regarding the number of users.

3. The battery exchange control device according to claim 2 , wherein the user number information includes information on a reservation status for use of the battery exchange device.

4. The acquisition unit acquires an image captured by a camera provided in the battery exchange device or information from a GPS mounted on the electric vehicle, The battery exchange control device according to claim 2 , wherein the user number information includes information on the number of the electric vehicles shown in the image or information on the number of the electric vehicles around the battery exchange device based on information from the GPS.

5. the at least one battery exchange device includes a first battery exchange device and a second battery exchange device; the acquisition unit acquires the number of users information of each of the first battery exchange apparatus and the second battery exchange apparatus, A battery replacement control device as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control unit makes the incentive corresponding to the first battery replacement device or the second battery replacement device having a smaller number of users greater than the incentive corresponding to the first battery replacement device or the second battery replacement device having a larger number of users.

6. 5. The battery exchange control device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit sets the incentive when the number of users is equal to or less than a predetermined third threshold to be greater than the incentive when the number of users is greater than the predetermined third threshold.

7. the user number information includes a history of the number of users in a first time period and a history of the number of users in a second time period; 3. The battery exchange control device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit sets the incentive corresponding to the first time period or the second time period, whichever has fewer users, to be greater than the incentive corresponding to the first time period or the second time period, whichever has more users.

8. the status information includes information about an SOC of the second battery, 2. The battery exchange control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the incentive when the number of the second batteries whose SOC is in a fully charged state is equal to or greater than a predetermined fourth threshold value to be greater than the incentive when the number of the second batteries whose SOC is in a fully charged state is less than the predetermined fourth threshold value.

9. the status information includes information regarding the amount of power being used to charge the second battery; 9. The battery exchange control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the incentive when the amount of power is equal to or less than a predetermined fifth threshold to be greater than the incentive when the amount of power is greater than the predetermined fifth threshold.

10. A battery exchange control device that manages at least one battery exchange device equipped with at least one second battery that is replaceable with a first battery mounted on an electric vehicle, an acquisition unit that acquires status information regarding a status of the battery exchange device; a control unit that adjusts an incentive to be given to a user of the battery exchange device based on the situation information, the status information includes information about an SOC of the second battery, The control unit sets the incentive when the number of the second batteries whose SOC is in a fully charged state is equal to or greater than a threshold value to be greater than the incentive when the number of the second batteries whose SOC is in a fully charged state is less than the threshold value.

11. an electric vehicle equipped with a first battery; at least one battery exchange device including at least one second battery exchangeable with the first battery; a battery exchange control device that manages the battery exchange device, The battery exchange control device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires status information regarding a status of the battery exchange device; a control unit that adjusts an incentive to be given to a user of the battery exchange device based on the situation information, the status information includes information about an SOC of the second battery, The control unit If the number of the second batteries whose SOC is in a fully charged state is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value, The battery exchange control system sets the incentive when the SOC of the electric vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined second threshold to be greater than the incentive when the SOC of the electric vehicle is greater than the predetermined second threshold.

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