Power supply system, computer program, and power management method

Abstract

To suppress deterioration of a storage battery in a power supply system.SOLUTION: A power supply system 10 includes: a photovoltaic power generation device 20; a power storage device 30; a charging / discharging device 40 that is connected to the photovoltaic power generation device 20 and the power storage device 30, configured to be connectable to a power load 120, stores power generated by the photovoltaic power generation device 20 in the power storage device 30, and discharges the power stored in the power storage device 30 to the power load 120; a first setting unit 53 for setting a standard power storage amount smaller than the power storage amount in a fully charged state with respect to a power storage amount to the power storage device 30; and a first charging / discharging control unit 54 for controlling the charging / discharging device 40 to store power generated by the photovoltaic power generation device 20 in the power storage device 30 within a range of the standard power storage amount or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply system, a computer program for operating the power supply system, and a power management method. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a power system equipped with solar cells, a distribution board, a charger / discharger, and a storage battery, and connected to a commercial grid and home appliances. The power system described in Patent Document 1 generates a time-of-day solar cell power generation forecast and a power demand forecast based on weather information. The power system described in Patent Document 1 is configured to create a plan to reduce reverse power flow to the commercial grid or a plan to reduce peak power for power purchased from the commercial grid, based on the time-of-day solar cell power generation forecast and power demand forecast.

[0003] When executing a plan to reduce reverse power flow to the commercial grid, the power system described in Patent Document 1 charges surplus power into a storage battery if possible. Also, when executing a plan to reduce peak power, the power system described in Patent Document 1 reduces peak power by systematically charging power from the commercial grid into a storage battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-284586 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to the power system described in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the storage battery will remain in a fully charged or nearly fully charged state for a long period of time. Keeping the storage battery in a nearly fully charged state will cause the storage battery to deteriorate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The power supply system proposed here comprises a solar power generation device, a power storage device, a charging / discharging device connected to the solar power generation device and the power storage device and configured to be able to connect to a power load, storing power generated by the solar power generation device in the power storage device and discharging the power stored in the power storage device to the power load, a first setting unit that sets a standard storage amount for the storage amount in the power storage device that is less than the storage amount in a fully charged state, and a first charging / discharging control unit that controls the charging / discharging device to store the power generated by the solar power generation device in the power storage device within a range not exceeding the standard storage amount.

[0007] According to the power supply system, the first charge / discharge control unit stores electricity in the power storage device within a range equal to or less than the standard storage amount. This prevents the power storage device from being left in a nearly fully charged state. This suppresses deterioration of the power storage device.

[0008] A computer program proposed herein is configured to cause a computer to implement a first charge / discharge control unit that issues a command to a charging / discharging device connected to a solar power generation device and a power storage device and configured to be connectable to a power load to store power generated by the solar power generation device in the power storage device and to discharge the power stored in the power storage device to the power load, and a first setting unit that sets a standard storage amount for the power storage device that is less than the storage amount in a fully charged state. The first charge / discharge control unit issues a command to the charging / discharging device to store power generated by the solar power generation device in the power storage device within a range not exceeding the standard storage amount.

[0009] The power management method proposed here is a method for managing a power supply system including a photovoltaic power generation system, a power storage device, and a charging / discharging device connected to the photovoltaic power generation system and the power storage device and configured to be connectable to a power load, storing power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system in the power storage device and discharging the power stored in the power storage device to the power load. The power management method proposed here includes a first setting step of setting a standard power storage amount for the power storage device that is less than the storage amount in a fully charged state, and a standard power storage step of controlling the charging / discharging device to store power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system in the power storage device within a range not exceeding the standard power storage amount.

[0010] The computer program and power management method described above can also achieve the same effects as the power supply system described above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a power supply system. [Figure 2] 10 is a graph showing the amount of stored electricity in an in-vehicle battery over time on a sunny day and the day before. [Figure 3] 10 is a graph showing the amount of stored power in an in-vehicle battery over time when the maximum amount of stored power is not increased. [Figure 4] 10 is a graph showing the amount of stored electricity in an in-vehicle battery on a cloudy day and the day before in chronological order. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An embodiment of the power supply system disclosed herein will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described herein is, of course, not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described herein unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, members and parts that perform the same function will be appropriately designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

[0013] [Power supply system configuration] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a power supply system 10 according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply system 10 according to this embodiment includes a solar power generation device 20, a plurality of power storage devices 30, a charging / discharging device 40, and a control device 50. Here, the power supply system 10 is a system that supplies power to a home 100. However, the target to which the power supply system 10 supplies power is not limited to the home 100, and may be, for example, an office, a factory, a commercial facility, or the like. The power supply system 10 is connected to a commercial grid 110 and a power load 120. Here, the power load 120 includes an electric vehicle 121 and an electrical appliance 122 used in the home 100.

[0014] One of the plurality of power storage devices 30, power storage device 31, is an on-board battery mounted on an electric vehicle 121. The electric vehicle 121 may include all vehicles that use electric power as an energy source, such as electric automobiles, hybrid vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The electric vehicle 121 may be a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle. Here, the other power storage device 32 is a stationary power storage device. The number of on-board batteries 31 and the number of stationary power storage devices 32 are not particularly limited. The power storage device 30 may be composed of only the on-board battery 31 or the stationary power storage device 32. The number of power storage devices 30 may be one, rather than multiple.

[0015] In this example, the solar power generation device 20, the stationary power storage device 32, and the charge / discharge device 40 are installed in the home 100. The electric vehicle 121 and the onboard battery 31 installed therein are located within the home 100 when the electric vehicle 121 is parked therein, and are moved outside the home 100 when the electric vehicle 121 is in use. An operation terminal 50A, which is a part of the control device 50, is placed within the home 100 or carried by a user of the power supply system 10. The operation terminal 50A may be a dedicated operation terminal or a general terminal with an app installed, such as a smartphone. A server 50B of the control device 50 connected to the operation terminal 50A is installed at a server installation location outside the home 100. The functions of the server 50B may be performed by a cloud computer. Some or all of the functions of the server 50B may be performed by equipment installed within the home 100. The installation location and manner of the control device 50 are not particularly limited.

[0016] The power storage device 30 includes a power storage device that receives power from the solar power generation device 20 or the commercial grid 110, stores the power, and releases the power to the power load 120. The power storage device 30 includes, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery. However, the power storage device included in the power storage device 30 is not limited to a lithium ion secondary battery. Furthermore, the types of power storage devices included in the multiple power storage devices 30 may be the same or different.

[0017] The charging / discharging device 40 is connected to the solar power generation device 20 and the power storage device 30. The charging / discharging device 40 is configured to be connectable to a power load 120. The charging / discharging device 40 stores the power generated by the solar power generation device 20 in the power storage device 30, and discharges the power stored in the power storage device 30 to the power load 120. The charging / discharging device 40 is also connected to a commercial grid 110. The charging / discharging device 40 performs reverse power flow of surplus power generated by the solar power generation device 20 to the commercial grid 110. Furthermore, when the power generated by the solar power generation device 20 is insufficient, the charging / discharging device 40 supplies power supplied from the commercial grid 110 to the power load 120 or stores the power in the power storage device 30. The charging / discharging device 40 may be divided into a plurality of devices, such as a device that converts the power generated by the solar power generation device 20 into AC power, and a device that converts AC power from the commercial grid 110 into DC power and stores the DC power in the power storage device 30. The plurality of devices may be installed in different locations.

[0018] The control device 50 controls the charging / discharging device 40 to store power from the solar power generation device 20 or the commercial grid 110 in the power storage device 30, discharge power from the solar power generation device 20 or the commercial grid 110 to the power load 120, and discharge power stored in the power storage device 30 to the power load 120. As shown in FIG. 1 , the control device 50 includes a power generation amount prediction unit 51, a power consumption prediction unit 52, a first setting unit 53, a first charge / discharge control unit 54, a determination unit 55, a second setting unit 56, a second charge / discharge control unit 57, and an update unit 58. A computer program configured to cause a computer to implement these processing units is installed in the control device 50. The control device 50 controls the power supply system 10 in accordance with the computer program.

[0019] The power generation amount prediction unit 51 predicts the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device 20. More specifically, the power generation amount prediction unit 51 acquires weather forecast information and predicts the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device 20 based on the acquired weather forecast information. The amount of power generated by the solar power generation device 20 is high on sunny days with high levels of solar radiation and low on cloudy days or at night with low levels of solar radiation. Here, the power generation amount prediction unit 51 estimates the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device 20 for each time period from the weather forecast information for each time period.

[0020] The power consumption prediction unit 52 predicts the amount of power consumed by the power load 120 from each power storage device 30. With respect to the in-vehicle battery 31, the power consumption prediction unit 52 predicts the amount of power consumed by the electric vehicle 121 and the amount of power consumed by other power loads (here, electrical appliances 122 in the home 100). As a result, the power consumption prediction unit 52 predicts the amount of power consumed by the in-vehicle battery 31. The power consumption prediction unit 52 predicts the amount of power consumed by the electric vehicle 121 based on data on the past travel distance of the electric vehicle 121. For example, the power consumption prediction unit 52 predicts the amount of power consumed by the electric vehicle 121 on weekdays from the average value of the distance traveled by the electric vehicle 121 on weekdays. For example, if the travel distance of the electric vehicle 121 on holidays varies greatly, the power consumption prediction unit 52 assumes that the travel distance of the electric vehicle 121 on holidays is a predetermined distance that is longer than the average travel distance on weekdays. The power consumption prediction unit 52 also predicts the amount of power consumed by the electrical appliance 122 based on past power consumption data of the electrical appliance 122, predicted temperatures obtained from weather forecast information, and the like.

[0021] The amounts of power consumed by the electric vehicle 121 and the electrical appliance 122 are predicted for each time period. For example, if there are circumstances such as a fixed time when the electric vehicle 121 is used, or if no residents are in the home 100 during the daytime on weekdays and no air conditioning or heating is used, such circumstances may be reflected in the prediction of power consumption. Some of the information reflected in the prediction of power consumption may be input into the operation terminal 50A by the user of the power supply system 10, for example.

[0022] The first setting unit 53 sets a standard storage amount Vs (see FIG. 2 ) for the amount of power stored in each power storage device 30, which is less than the amount of power stored in a fully charged state. The standard storage amount Vs is an upper limit value for the amount of power stored in a normal state. Here, the standard storage amount Vs is a percentage (%) of the amount of power stored in a fully charged state, or a so-called SOC (State of Charge). The power storage device of each power storage device 30 deteriorates as it continues to be in a fully charged state or a state close to being fully charged (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "state close to being fully charged"). From the viewpoint of the lifespan of each power storage device 30, it is desirable that each power storage device 30 not be in a state close to being fully charged. In this embodiment, the standard storage amounts Vs of the multiple power storage devices 30 are set in advance according to the type, specifications, etc. of the power storage device 30.

[0023] The first charge / discharge control unit 54 controls the charge / discharge device 40 to store the power generated by the solar power generation device 20 in each power storage device 30 within a range equal to or less than the standard power storage amount Vs. In this embodiment, the first charge / discharge control unit 54 supplies the power generated by the solar power generation device 20 to the power load 120, and when there is surplus power generated by the solar power generation device 20, controls the charge / discharge device 40 to store the power in the power storage device 30 up to the standard power storage amount Vs. When the charge amount of the power storage device 30 reaches the standard power storage amount Vs, the first charge / discharge control unit 54 reversely flows the surplus power to the commercial grid 110. In a situation where the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device 20 is less than the amount of power consumed by the power load 120, such as at night, the first charge / discharge control unit 54 controls the charge / discharge device 40 to supply the power stored in the power storage device 30 to the power load 120. When it is expected that the power storage device 30 will not be able to store enough electricity to cover the amount of electricity consumed by the power load 120 through power generation by the solar power generation device 20 alone, the first charge / discharge control unit 54 supplies the shortfall from the commercial grid 110.

[0024] The amount of power stored in the power storage device 30 under the control of the first charge / discharge control unit 54 is not limited to the standard power storage amount Vs, as long as it is equal to or less than the standard power storage amount Vs. For example, the first charge / discharge control unit 54 may cause each power storage device 30 to store the power generated by the solar power generation device 20 by an amount of power storage (however, not exceeding the standard power storage amount Vs) set based on the power generation amount prediction by the power generation amount prediction unit 51 and the power consumption amount prediction by the power consumption prediction unit 52.

[0025] The determination unit 55 determines whether the electric vehicle 121 can travel as predicted by charging the in-vehicle battery 31 up to the standard power storage amount Vs, based on the power generation amount predicted by the power generation amount prediction unit 51, the power consumption amount of the electric vehicle 121 predicted by the power consumption prediction unit 52, and the power consumption amount of other power loads (here, electrical appliances 122 in the home 100). For example, even if the power storage amount of the in-vehicle battery 31 has been set to the standard power storage amount Vs by the previous day, if it is predicted that the predicted power generation amount for the day is low or the predicted power consumption is high and there is not enough power remaining in the in-vehicle battery 31 to travel as predicted during the planned time of use of the electric vehicle 121, the determination unit 55 determines that the electric vehicle 121 cannot travel as predicted.

[0026] When the determination unit 55 determines that the electric vehicle 121 is unable to travel as predicted, the second setting unit 56 sets a provisional power storage amount Vt (see FIG. 4 ) that is greater than the standard power storage amount Vs and that allows the electric vehicle 121 to travel as predicted. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the electric vehicle 121 is unable to travel as predicted due to an insufficient charge amount of the on-board battery 31. In this case, the second setting unit 56 increases the maximum power storage amount of the power storage device 30 on the previous day from the standard power storage amount Vs to the provisional power storage amount Vt. This ensures that even if the predicted amount of power generation on the day is low or the predicted amount of power consumption is high, an amount of power that allows the electric vehicle 121 to travel as planned during the planned time of use remains in the on-board battery 31. Furthermore, this setting change reduces the number of cases in which insufficient power must be supplied from the commercial grid 110 on the day.

[0027] The second charge / discharge control unit 57 controls the charge / discharge device 40 to store the electric power generated by the solar power generation device 20 in the vehicle battery 31 up to the provisional storage amount Vt.

[0028] The update unit 58 updates the standard storage amount Vs based on a function relating to the aging of the power storage device 30. When the capacity of each power storage device 30 decreases due to aging, the update unit 58 increases the standard storage amount Vs accordingly. This allows the power supply system 10 to be used in the same way as before the deterioration, even when the power storage device 30 has deteriorated to a certain extent. The function relating to the aging of the power storage device 30 is not particularly limited. The function relating to the aging of the power storage device 30 may be, for example, a function indicating the relationship between the total charging time and the capacity reduction. The power supply system 10 may be configured to measure some index (e.g., resistance value) of the power storage device 30, and the function relating to the aging of the power storage device 30 may be, for example, a function indicating the relationship between the index (e.g., resistance value) and the capacity reduction.

[0029] [Power supply system operation] Below, we will explain an example of the operation of the power supply system 10 on a day when the amount of power generation by the solar power generation device 20 is predicted to be high (hereinafter also referred to as a sunny day) and the day before, and an example of the operation of the power supply system 10 on a day when the amount of power generation by the solar power generation device 20 is predicted to be low (hereinafter also referred to as a cloudy day) and the day before.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a graph showing the amount of stored power in the vehicle battery 31 over time on a sunny day and the day before. The horizontal axis of Fig. 2 represents time (24-hour system). The vertical axis of Fig. 2 represents the amount of stored power in the vehicle battery 31. The horizontal and vertical axes of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are the same.

[0031] If the predicted day is predicted to be a sunny day, the predicted amount of power generation by the photovoltaic power generation device 20 on that day is large. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the amount of power stored in the in-vehicle battery 31 during the daytime of the previous day (power generation possible time) is maintained at the standard amount of power storage Vs (period T1 in FIG. 2). Here, for example, if the electric vehicle 121 is used in the evening every day, the in-vehicle battery 31 is not charged during that time, and the power stored in the in-vehicle battery 31 is consumed by the electric vehicle 121 (period T2 in FIG. 2). Furthermore, during period T3 (nighttime) in FIG. 2, the power stored in the in-vehicle battery 31 is consumed by the electrical appliances 122 in the home 100. As a result, the amount of power stored in the in-vehicle battery 31 decreases.

[0032] When the morning of the day arrives and power generation by the solar power generation device 20 begins, the amount of power stored in the in-vehicle battery 31 gradually increases and reaches the standard amount of power storage Vs (period T4 in FIG. 2). As a result, an amount of power sufficient to cover the amount of power consumed by the electrical appliances 122 and the amount of power consumed by the electric vehicle 121 on that day is stored in the in-vehicle battery 31. During period T5 in FIG. 2, the electric vehicle 121 can be driven as planned.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the amount of stored power in the on-board battery 31 over time when the day is a cloudy day, assuming that the maximum amount of stored power in the on-board battery 31 is maintained at the standard amount of stored power Vs regardless of the predicted power generation amount and the predicted power consumption amount. The increase and decrease in the amount of stored power in the on-board battery 31 until the morning of the day (up to period T3) are similar to those in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, on a cloudy day, the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device 20 is small, and the increase gradient of the amount of stored power in the on-board battery 31 is small. Therefore, the amount of stored power in the on-board battery 31 cannot reach the amount of stored power Vn required to run the electric vehicle 121 as planned by period T5 when the electric vehicle 121 is used. Therefore, the electric vehicle 121 cannot run as planned. Alternatively, to have the amount of stored power in the on-board battery 31 reach the amount of stored power Vn by period T5 when the electric vehicle 121 is used, it is necessary to receive power supply from the commercial grid 110.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the amount of stored power in the in-vehicle battery 31 over time on a cloudy day and the day before. As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, since the predicted day is a cloudy day, the maximum amount of stored power in the in-vehicle battery 31 on the previous day is increased to the provisional amount of stored power Vt. As a result, the amount of stored power in the in-vehicle battery 31 during the daytime (time when power generation is possible) on the previous day is maintained at the provisional amount of stored power Vt (period T1 in FIG. 4). Note that the provisional amount of stored power Vt may change depending on the predicted amount of power generation and the predicted amount of power consumption. Since the maximum amount of stored power in the in-vehicle battery 31 on the previous day is increased to the provisional amount of stored power Vt, the remaining amount of stored power Vr in the in-vehicle battery 31 at the end of period T3 (nighttime) is greater than in the cases of FIGS. 2 and 3, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0035] Because it is cloudy on the day, the increase in the amount of stored power in the in-vehicle battery 31 during period T4 is slow, but because the remaining amount of stored power Vr in the in-vehicle battery 31 at the end of period T3 (nighttime) is large, the amount of stored power in the in-vehicle battery 31 can be made to reach the amount of stored power Vn required to run the electric vehicle 121 as planned by the time period T5 when the electric vehicle 121 is used. Therefore, the electric vehicle 121 can be run as planned. Furthermore, in this example, there is no need to receive a supply of power from the commercial grid 110 to make the electric vehicle 121 able to run as planned.

[0036] As described above, according to the power supply system 10 of this embodiment, the amount of stored power in each power storage device 30 is set to be equal to or less than the standard amount of stored power Vs unless there is a problem with the running of the electric vehicle 121. This suppresses deterioration of each power storage device 30. Furthermore, if it is predicted that there will be a problem with the running of the electric vehicle 121, the maximum amount of stored power in the in-vehicle battery 31 is increased to the provisional amount of stored power Vt. This makes it possible, at least predictably, to run the electric vehicle 121 as scheduled. In many of the cases where it is predictably possible to run the electric vehicle 121 as scheduled, this can actually be achieved. Furthermore, there are fewer cases where power is appropriated from the commercial grid 110 to run the electric vehicle 121 as scheduled.

[0037] In the above example, it is assumed that the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device 20 decreases, but the situation in which the maximum storage capacity of the in-vehicle battery 31 should be increased to the provisional storage capacity Vt is not limited to this. For example, the maximum storage capacity of the in-vehicle battery 31 is also increased to the provisional storage capacity Vt when the amount of power consumption is predicted to be high because the predicted travel distance of the electric vehicle 121 is long or the predicted amount of power consumption of the electrical appliances 122 in the home 100 is high.

[0038] [Effects of the embodiment] The following describes the effects that can be achieved by the power supply system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0039] The power supply system 10 according to this embodiment includes a solar power generation device 20, a power storage device 30, and a charging / discharging device 40 connected to the solar power generation device 20 and the power storage device 30. The charging / discharging device 40 is configured to be connectable to a power load 120, stores power generated by the solar power generation device 20 in the power storage device 30, and discharges the power stored in the power storage device 30 to the power load 120. The power supply system 10 further includes a first setting unit 53 that sets a standard power storage amount Vs for the power storage device 30 that is less than the amount of power stored in a fully charged state, and a first charging / discharging control unit 54 that controls the charging / discharging device 40 to store the power generated by the solar power generation device 20 in the power storage device 30 within a range equal to or less than the standard power storage amount Vs. According to this power supply system 10, the first charging / discharging control unit 54 stores power in the power storage device 30 within a range equal to or less than the standard power storage amount Vs. This prevents the power storage device 30 from being left in a nearly fully charged state. As a result, deterioration of the power storage device 30 is suppressed.

[0040] In this embodiment, at least one power storage device 30 is an on-board battery 31 mounted on an electric vehicle 121. Furthermore, the power load 120 includes the electric vehicle 121. According to this configuration, by using the on-board battery 31 of the electric vehicle 121, the capacity of the stationary power storage device 32 can be reduced.

[0041] The power supply system 10 according to this embodiment further includes a power generation amount prediction unit 51, a power consumption prediction unit 52, a determination unit 55, a second setting unit 56, and a second charge / discharge control unit 57. The power generation amount prediction unit 51 predicts the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device 20. The power consumption prediction unit 52 predicts the amount of power consumed by the electric vehicle 121 based on data on the past travel distance of the electric vehicle 121, and also predicts the amount of power consumed by other power loads (here, electrical appliances 122 in the home 100), thereby predicting the amount of power consumed by the in-vehicle battery 31. The determination unit 55 determines whether the electric vehicle 121 can travel as predicted by charging the in-vehicle battery 31 up to the standard power storage amount Vs, based on the amount of power generated predicted by the power generation amount prediction unit 51 and the amount of power consumed by the electric vehicle 121 and other power loads (electrical appliances 122 in the home 100) predicted by the power consumption prediction unit 52. When the determination unit 55 determines that the electric vehicle 121 is unable to travel as predicted, the second setting unit 56 sets a provisional storage amount Vt that is greater than the standard storage amount Vs and that allows the electric vehicle 121 to travel as predicted. The second charge / discharge control unit 57 controls the charge / discharge device 40 to store the power generated by the solar power generation device 20 in the in-vehicle battery 31 up to the provisional storage amount Vt.

[0042] According to this configuration, by increasing the maximum storage amount of the in-vehicle battery 31 to the provisional storage amount Vt, it becomes possible to run the electric vehicle 121 as predicted. Alternatively, it is possible to reduce the number of cases where power is appropriated from the commercial grid 110 to run the electric vehicle 121 as planned.

[0043] The power supply system 10 according to this embodiment further includes an update unit 58 that updates the standard power storage amount Vs based on a function related to aging of the power storage device 30. With this configuration, even if the power storage device 30 has deteriorated to some extent, the power supply system 10 can be used in the same way as before the deterioration.

[0044] [Other embodiments] An embodiment of the power supply system 10 proposed herein has been described above. However, the above embodiment is merely an example, and the system can be implemented in other modes. For example, in the above embodiment, the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device 20 and the amount of power consumed by the power load 120 are predicted by the power supply system 10. However, the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device 20 and the amount of power consumed by the power load 120 may be predicted by another system or a person. Some of the calculations or controls performed by the power supply system 10 in the above embodiment may be performed by another system or a person.

[0045] The power management method disclosed herein is a method for managing a power supply system including a photovoltaic power generation system, a power storage device, and a charging / discharging device connected to the photovoltaic power generation system and the power storage device and configured to be connectable to a power load, storing power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system in the power storage device and discharging the power stored in the power storage device to the power load, and includes the following steps: a first setting step for setting a standard power storage amount for the power storage device that is less than the storage amount in a fully charged state, and a standard power storage step for controlling the charging / discharging device to store power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system in the power storage device within a range not exceeding the standard power storage amount. There is no particular limitation on the entity that performs each of the above steps.

[0046] In the power management method disclosed herein, at least one of the power storage devices may be an on-board battery mounted on an electric vehicle, and the power load may include the electric vehicle. This method may further include: a power generation amount prediction step of predicting an amount of power generated by a solar power generation device; a power consumption prediction step of predicting an amount of power consumed by the electric vehicle based on data on past travel distances of the electric vehicle and predicting an amount of power consumed by the on-board battery by predicting an amount of power consumed by the electric vehicle and other power loads; a determination step of determining whether the electric vehicle can run as predicted by charging the on-board battery up to a standard power storage amount based on the predicted power generation amount and the predicted amounts of power consumption of the electric vehicle and other power loads; a second setting step of setting a provisional power storage amount that is greater than the standard power storage amount and that allows the electric vehicle to run as predicted, when it is determined that the electric vehicle cannot run as predicted; and a provisional power storage step of storing the power generated by the solar power generation device in the on-board battery up to the provisional power storage amount.

[0047] The method may further include an updating step of updating the standard storage amount based on a function related to the aging of the storage device.

[0048] The above-described embodiments do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the technology disclosed herein can be modified in various ways, and the components and processes described herein can be omitted or combined as appropriate, provided that no particular problems arise.

[0049] This specification includes the disclosures set forth in the following sections:

[0050] Section 1: A solar power generation device; a power storage device; a charging / discharging device connected to the solar power generation device and the power storage device and configured to be connectable to a power load, storing power generated by the solar power generation device in the power storage device and discharging the power stored in the power storage device to the power load; a first setting unit that sets a standard amount of power stored in the power storage device that is less than the amount of power stored in a fully charged state; a first charge / discharge control unit that controls the charge / discharge device to store the power generated by the solar power generation device in the power storage device within a range not exceeding the standard power storage amount, Power supply system.

[0051] Section 2: the power storage device is an on-board battery mounted on an electric vehicle, The electric load includes the electric vehicle. Item 1. The power supply system according to item 1.

[0052] Section 3: a power generation amount prediction unit that predicts the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device; a power consumption prediction unit that predicts the amount of power consumed by the electric vehicle based on data of past travel distances of the electric vehicle and predicts the amounts of power consumed by the on-board battery by predicting the amounts of power consumed by the other electric loads; a determination unit that determines whether the electric vehicle can run as predicted by charging the on-board battery up to the standard power storage amount, based on the amount of power generation predicted by the power generation amount prediction unit and the amount of power consumption of the electric vehicle and the other power loads predicted by the power consumption prediction unit; a second setting unit that, when the determination unit determines that the electric vehicle cannot travel as predicted, sets a provisional amount of stored power that is greater than the standard amount of stored power and that allows the electric vehicle to travel as predicted; a second charge / discharge control unit that controls the charge / discharge device to store the power generated by the solar power generation device in the vehicle battery up to the provisional storage amount, Item 2. The power supply system according to item 2.

[0053] Section 4: an updating unit that updates the standard storage amount based on a function related to aging of the power storage device; Item 3. The power supply system according to any one of Items 1 to 3.

[0054] Section 5: a first charge / discharge control unit that issues a command to a charge / discharge device that is connected to a solar power generation device and a power storage device and is configured to be connectable to a power load, to store power generated by the solar power generation device in the power storage device, and to discharge power stored in the power storage device to the power load; a first setting unit that sets a standard amount of power stored in the power storage device that is less than the amount of power stored in a fully charged state; A computer program configured to cause a computer to implement the following: the first charge / discharge control unit issues a command to the charge / discharge device to store the power generated by the solar power generation device in the power storage device within a range not exceeding the standard power storage amount; Computer program.

[0055] Item 6: When the power storage device is an on-board battery mounted on an electric vehicle and the power load includes the electric vehicle, a power generation amount prediction unit that predicts the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device; a power consumption prediction unit that predicts the amount of power consumed by the electric vehicle based on data of past travel distances of the electric vehicle and predicts the amounts of power consumed by the on-board battery by predicting the amounts of power consumed by the other electric loads; a determination unit that determines whether the electric vehicle can run as predicted by charging the on-board battery up to the standard power storage amount, based on the amount of power generation predicted by the power generation amount prediction unit and the amount of power consumption of the electric vehicle and the other power loads predicted by the power consumption prediction unit; a second setting unit that, when the determination unit determines that the electric vehicle cannot travel as predicted, sets a provisional amount of stored power that is greater than the standard amount of stored power and that allows the electric vehicle to travel as predicted; a second charge / discharge control unit that issues a command to the charge / discharge device to store the electric power generated by the solar power generation device in the vehicle battery up to the provisional storage amount; configured to cause a computer to implement Item 5. The computer program according to item 5.

[0056] Section 7: An update unit configured to update the standard storage amount based on a function related to aging of the power storage device, Item 7. The computer program according to item 5 or 6.

[0057] Section 8: A solar power generation device; a power storage device; a charge / discharge device that is connected to the solar power generation device and the power storage device and is configured to be connectable to a power load, stores power generated by the solar power generation device in the power storage device, and discharges the power stored in the power storage device to the power load, a first setting step of setting a standard storage amount that is less than the storage amount in a fully charged state for the storage amount of the power storage device; a standard power storage step of controlling the charging / discharging device to store the power generated by the solar power generation device in the power storage device within a range not exceeding the standard power storage amount, Power management methods.

[0058] Section 9: the power storage device is an on-board battery mounted on an electric vehicle, the electric load includes the electric vehicle; a power generation amount prediction step of predicting the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device; a power consumption prediction step of predicting the amount of power consumed by the electric vehicle based on data of past travel distances of the electric vehicle and predicting the amounts of power consumed by the other power loads, thereby predicting the amount of power consumed by the on-board battery; a determining step of determining whether the electric vehicle can run as predicted by charging the on-board battery up to the standard charge amount based on the predicted power generation amount and the predicted power consumption amounts of the electric vehicle and the other electric loads; a second setting step of setting a provisional amount of stored power that is greater than the standard amount of stored power and that allows the electric vehicle to travel as predicted when it is determined that the electric vehicle cannot travel as predicted; a temporary power storage step of storing the power generated by the solar power generation device in the vehicle battery up to the temporary power storage amount, Item 8. The power management method according to item 8.

[0059] Section 10: further comprising an updating step of updating the standard storage amount based on a function relating to aging of the storage device. Item 8. The power management method according to item 8 or 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 10 Power Supply System 20. Solar power generation equipment 30 Energy storage device 31 Car battery 32 Stationary energy storage device 40 Charge / discharge device 50 Control device 50A Operation Terminal 50B Server 51 Power generation forecasting section 52 Power Consumption Prediction Unit 53 First Setting Section 54 First charge / discharge control unit 55 Judgment section 56 Second Setting Section 57 Second charge / discharge control unit 58 Update section 100 homes 110 Commercial line 120 power load 121 Electric Vehicles 122 Electrical Equipment (Other Power Loads) Vs Standard storage capacity Vt Temporary storage amount

Claims

1. A solar power generation device; a power storage device; a charging / discharging device connected to the solar power generation device and the power storage device and configured to be connectable to a power load, storing power generated by the solar power generation device in the power storage device and discharging the power stored in the power storage device to the power load; a first setting unit that sets a standard amount of power stored in the power storage device that is less than the amount of power stored in a fully charged state; a first charge / discharge control unit that controls the charge / discharge device to store the power generated by the solar power generation device in the power storage device within a range not exceeding the standard power storage amount; the power storage device is an on-board battery mounted on an electric vehicle, the electric load includes the electric vehicle; a power generation amount prediction unit that predicts the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device; a power consumption prediction unit that predicts the amount of power consumed by the electric vehicle based on data of past travel distances of the electric vehicle and predicts the amounts of power consumed by the on-board battery by predicting the amounts of power consumed by the other power loads; a determination unit that determines whether the electric vehicle can run as predicted by charging the on-board battery up to the standard power storage amount, based on the power generation amount predicted by the power generation amount prediction unit and the power consumption amounts of the electric vehicle and the other power loads predicted by the power consumption prediction unit; a second setting unit that sets a provisional amount of stored power that is greater than the standard amount of stored power and that allows the electric vehicle to travel as predicted, when the determination unit determines that the electric vehicle cannot travel as predicted; a second charge / discharge control unit that controls the charge / discharge device to store the electric power generated by the solar power generation device in the vehicle battery up to the provisional storage amount, a charging plan is created to store in advance in the on-board battery an amount of electricity that will enable the electric vehicle to travel as predicted, using only the electricity generated by the solar power generation device; Power supply system.

2. an updating unit that updates the standard storage amount based on a function related to aging of the power storage device; The power supply system according to claim 1 .

3. a first charge / discharge control unit that issues a command to a charge / discharge device that is connected to a solar power generation device and a power storage device and is configured to be connectable to a power load, to store power generated by the solar power generation device in the power storage device, and to discharge power stored in the power storage device to the power load; a first setting unit that sets a standard amount of power stored in the power storage device that is less than the amount of power stored in a fully charged state; A computer program configured to cause a computer to implement the following: the first charge / discharge control unit is configured to issue a command to the charge / discharge device to store the power generated by the solar power generation device in the power storage device within a range not greater than the standard power storage amount, When the power storage device is an on-board battery mounted on an electric vehicle and the power load includes the electric vehicle, a power generation amount prediction unit that predicts the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device; a power consumption prediction unit that predicts the amount of power consumed by the electric vehicle based on data of past travel distances of the electric vehicle and predicts the amounts of power consumed by the on-board battery by predicting the amounts of power consumed by the other power loads; a determination unit that determines whether the electric vehicle can run as predicted by charging the on-board battery up to the standard power storage amount, based on the power generation amount predicted by the power generation amount prediction unit and the power consumption amounts of the electric vehicle and the other power loads predicted by the power consumption prediction unit; a second setting unit that sets a provisional amount of stored power that is greater than the standard amount of stored power and that allows the electric vehicle to travel as predicted, when the determination unit determines that the electric vehicle cannot travel as predicted; a second charge / discharge control unit that issues a command to the charge / discharge device to store the electric power generated by the solar power generation device in the vehicle battery up to the provisional storage amount; configured to cause a computer to realize a charging plan is created to store in advance in the on-board battery an amount of electricity that will enable the electric vehicle to travel as predicted, using only the electricity generated by the solar power generation device; Computer program.

4. An update unit configured to update the standard storage amount based on a function related to aging of the power storage device, 4. A computer program according to claim 3.

5. A solar power generation device; a power storage device; a charge / discharge device that is connected to the solar power generation device and the power storage device and is configured to be connectable to a power load, stores power generated by the solar power generation device in the power storage device, and discharges the power stored in the power storage device to the power load, a first setting step of setting a standard storage amount that is less than the storage amount in a fully charged state of the power storage device; a standard power storage step of controlling the charging / discharging device to store the power generated by the solar power generation device in the power storage device within a range not exceeding the standard power storage amount, the power storage device is an on-board battery mounted on an electric vehicle, the electric load includes the electric vehicle; a power generation amount prediction step of predicting the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device; a power consumption prediction step of predicting the amount of power consumed by the electric vehicle based on data of past travel distances of the electric vehicle and predicting the amounts of power consumed by the other electric loads, thereby predicting the amount of power consumed from the on-board battery; a determining step of determining whether the electric vehicle can run as predicted by charging the on-board battery up to the standard charge amount based on the predicted power generation amount and the predicted power consumption amounts of the electric vehicle and the other power loads; a second setting step of setting a provisional amount of stored power that is greater than the standard amount of stored power and that allows the electric vehicle to travel as predicted, when it is determined that the electric vehicle cannot travel as predicted; a temporary power storage step of storing the power generated by the solar power generation device in the vehicle battery up to the temporary power storage amount, creating a charging plan to store in advance in the on-board battery an amount of electricity that will enable the electric vehicle to travel as predicted, using only the electricity generated by the solar power generation device; Power management methods.

6. further comprising an updating step of updating the standard storage amount based on a function relating to aging of the storage device. The power management method of claim 5.

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