Information management device, information management system, and information management method

Abstract

To increase users who participate in supply and demand balancing in a power grid among users who rent parking spaces where electric power can be supplied and received to and from the power grid.SOLUTION: A management server executes processing including: a step (S108) of registering, on receipt of reservation information (YES in S100), the reservation information when a period of use covers all time frames of a DR request (YES in S102), when an intention to participate in DR is indicated (YES in S104), and when a reservation is available; a step (S112) of cancelling a tentative reservation when the reservation is unavailable (NO in S106) and when the reservation is available in a tentative reservation time slot (YES in S110); and a step (S116) of registering tentative reservation information when the intention to participate in DR is not indicated (NO in S104) and when the reservation is available (YES in S114).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information management device. [Background technology]

[0002] By renting out a parking space in a parking lot where a charging device is installed and parking a vehicle equipped with a power storage device therein, it becomes possible to charge the power storage device while the electric vehicle is parked in the parking space. In such a service of renting out parking spaces for a fee, a technique is known in which the parking fee is set according to the amount of power charged to the power storage device, for example.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-191356 (Patent Document 1) describes a parking lot charging authentication system and parking lot charging authentication method that enable users to conveniently select an available parking space with a charging device in a desired location and charge a usage fee based on a fee system according to the amount of charging energy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-191356 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] By using the power storage device mounted on an electric vehicle parked in the parking space described above for supply and demand adjustment in the power grid, the demand and supply of electricity in the power grid can be appropriately adjusted. Therefore, when a parking space equipped with a charging device is rented out, the contribution to supply and demand adjustment can be improved as the proportion of users who participate in supply and demand adjustment increases. For this reason, it is necessary to increase the proportion of users who participate in supply and demand adjustment among users who rent parking spaces. In recent years, users who perform remote work in their cars while parked in the rented parking space tend to rent the parking space for relatively long periods of time. Therefore, if an increase in users is unwilling to participate in supply and demand adjustment, it may be difficult to improve the contribution to supply and demand adjustment.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an information management device, an information management system, and an information management method that increase the number of users who rent parking spaces that can exchange electricity with the power grid and participate in adjusting supply and demand of the power grid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information management device that manages information regarding reservations for use of a charging / discharging station that is connected to a power grid and capable of charging / discharging a vehicle-mounted power storage device. The information management device includes: a communication device that can receive, from a terminal used for the reservation, request information requesting a reservation for use during a period covered by the reservation and permission / denial information indicating whether the vehicle is permitted to participate in supply and demand adjustment in the power grid when using the charging / discharging station; and a control device that executes a reservation process to make a reservation for use in accordance with the request information if the vehicle is permitted to participate in supply and demand adjustment. The control device acquires a state of charge (SOC) of the power storage device and uses the acquired SOC to set the amount of charge and discharge of the vehicle and the charging / discharging period during the period when supply and demand adjustment is implemented.

[0008] In this way, reservation processing is performed for vehicles that have been granted permission to participate in supply and demand adjustment, thereby increasing the number of users who participate in supply and demand adjustment. Furthermore, if supply and demand adjustment is implemented during the period covered by the reservation, the storage device installed in the vehicle can be used for supply and demand adjustment, thereby contributing to the adjustment of supply and demand of electricity in the power grid.

[0009] In one embodiment, when the control device is not permitted to participate in supply and demand adjustment, the control device executes a provisional reservation process to provisionally make a usage reservation in accordance with the request information. When the control device receives other request information permitting participation in supply and demand adjustment after executing the provisional reservation process, the control device cancels the provisional reservation and executes the reservation process.

[0010] In this way, if the vehicle is not permitted to participate in the supply and demand adjustment, the provisional reservation process is executed. Therefore, if other request information permitting participation in the supply and demand adjustment is subsequently received, the reservation will be canceled, which allows an increase in the number of users participating in the supply and demand adjustment.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, the control device acquires identification information that identifies the vehicle, and allows the vehicle to participate in supply and demand adjustment using the participation history and participation permission history for supply and demand adjustment specified by the identification information, and determines that the vehicle is not permitted to participate in supply and demand adjustment if the number of times the vehicle has not participated in supply and demand adjustment is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

[0012] In this way, provisional reservation processing is performed for usage reservations that are unlikely to participate in supply and demand adjustment in the next reservation, leaving room for subsequent reservations according to other request information that permits participation in supply and demand adjustment, thereby increasing the number of users who participate in supply and demand adjustment.

[0013] Furthermore, in one embodiment, after executing the reservation process, if there is a period of overlap between the target period and the period during which supply and demand adjustment is to be implemented, the control device notifies the terminal of information indicating that the vehicle is scheduled to participate in the supply and demand adjustment.

[0014] In this way, it is possible to encourage the use of the charging / discharging station during the reservation period, and by using the charging / discharging station according to the reservation, it is possible to appropriately adjust supply and demand.

[0015] An information management system according to another aspect of the present disclosure is an information management system that manages information regarding reservations for use of charging and discharging stations connected to a power grid. The information management system includes a vehicle equipped with an electricity storage device capable of charging and discharging using the charging and discharging station, a terminal used for reservation, and a server that enables communication with the terminal. The server receives, from the terminal, request information requesting a reservation for use during a period covered by the reservation and permission / denial information indicating whether the vehicle is permitted to participate in supply and demand adjustment in the power grid when using the charging and discharging station. If the vehicle is permitted to participate in supply and demand adjustment, the server executes a reservation process to make a reservation for use in accordance with the request information. The server acquires the SOC of the electricity storage device and uses the acquired SOC to set the amount of charge and discharge and the charging and discharging period for the vehicle during the period in which supply and demand adjustment is implemented.

[0016] An information management method according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure is an information management method for managing information about reservations for use of a charging / discharging station that is connected to a power grid and capable of charging / discharging a power storage device mounted on a vehicle. This information management method includes the steps of receiving, from a terminal used for the reservation, request information requesting a reservation for use during a period covered by the reservation and permission / denial information indicating whether the vehicle is permitted to participate in supply and demand adjustment in the power grid when using the charging / discharging station, executing a reservation process for making a reservation for use in accordance with the request information if the vehicle is permitted to participate in supply and demand adjustment, and acquiring a SOC of the power storage device and setting, using the acquired SOC, a charge / discharge amount and a charge / discharge period for the vehicle during the period in which supply and demand adjustment is implemented. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information management device, an information management system, and an information management method that increase the number of users who rent parking spaces that can receive and send electricity to and from the power grid and who participate in adjusting supply and demand on the power grid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information management system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the use of a charging / discharging station installed in a parking lot. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a reservation process executed by the management server. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a supply and demand adjustment process executed by the management server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information management system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the information management system 1 includes a vehicle 2, a communication network 6, a base station 7, a management server 100, and a terminal 200.

[0021] Vehicle 2 may be, for example, a vehicle powered by an engine, an electric vehicle powered by an electric motor, or a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine and an electric motor and using at least one of them as a power source. For ease of explanation, only one vehicle 2 is shown in Fig. 1, but the number of vehicles is not limited to one and may be two or more.

[0022] The information management system 1 is configured to acquire and provide predetermined information from vehicles 2 and terminals 200 that are configured to be able to communicate with the management server 100, and manage the acquired information and the information to be provided.

[0023] The management server 100 includes a control device 11, a communication device 13, and a storage device 15. The control device 11, the communication device 13, and the storage device 15 are connected to each other via a communication bus 14 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0024] The control device 11 includes a processor 11a that executes programs such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory 11b (e.g., ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory)), and an input / output port (not shown) for inputting and outputting various signals. The various controls performed by the control device 11 are software processes, that is, programs stored in the memory 11b are read out by the CPU 11a. The various controls performed by the control device 11 can also be realized by a general-purpose computer (not shown) executing programs stored in a storage medium. The various controls performed by the control device 11 are not limited to software processes and may be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0025] The storage device 15 stores information related to reservations for use of charging and discharging stations, which will be described later. The predetermined information includes, for example, information for identifying the vehicle 2 (hereinafter referred to as a vehicle ID), the usage history of the charging and discharging station (described later) by the vehicle 2, the reservation history by the vehicle 2, and information related to reservations for the vehicle 2. The vehicle ID is unique information set for each vehicle. The management server 100 can identify the source or destination vehicle by the vehicle ID.

[0026] The communication device 13 realizes two-way communication between the control device 11 and the communication network 6. The management server 100 uses the communication device 13 to enable communication with the vehicle 2 equipped with the DCM 30 via a base station 7 provided on the communication network 6. Furthermore, the management server 100 uses the communication device 13 to enable communication with the terminal 200 via the base station 7 provided on the communication network.

[0027] The terminal 200 is, for example, a portable terminal such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or wearable device owned by the user of the vehicle 2. The terminal 200 is a computer having a processor that executes programs such as a CPU (not shown), a memory, and an input / output interface. The terminal 200 is configured to be able to communicate with the management server 100 via the base station 7. The management server 100 stores, for example, the terminal 200 and the vehicle ID of the vehicle 2 in association with each other.

[0028] Next, a specific configuration of the vehicle 2 will be described. The vehicle 2 includes drive wheels 50 and driven wheels 52. When the drive source operates to rotate the drive wheels 50, a drive force acts on the vehicle 2, causing the vehicle 2 to travel.

[0029] The vehicle 2 further includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 10, a DCM (Data Communication Module) 30, and a navigation system 60.

[0030] The ECU 10 is a computer having a processor 10a that executes programs such as a CPU, a memory 10b, and an input / output interface (not shown). The ECU 10 includes various control programs for controlling various actuators mounted on the vehicle 2. The various control programs include, for example, at least one of a control program for steering control, a control program for drive control, and a control program for braking control. The various control programs may include, for example, a program for executing various driving assistance systems having functions related to driving assistance for the vehicle 2.

[0031] The DCM 30 is a communication module configured to be capable of two-way communication with the management server 100 via the communication network 6 and the base station 7 .

[0032] The navigation system 60 includes, for example, a position detection device using a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a database that stores map information, and a control device using a CPU or the like (none of which are shown). The position detection device identifies the position of the vehicle 2. The navigation system 60 identifies a driving route on a map from the current position of the vehicle 2 to a destination, and provides guidance to guide the vehicle 2 to the destination while traveling along the driving route. The navigation system 60 displays map information and guidance information on a touch panel display (not shown), identifies a destination input by the occupant through operation of the touch panel by the occupant, and displays multiple options for driving routes to the identified destination.

[0033] In a vehicle 2 equipped with the above-described power storage device 20, by parking the vehicle 2 in a parking space in a parking lot where a charging / discharging station 300 is installed, it becomes possible to charge the power storage device 20 while the vehicle 2 is parked.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the use of charging and discharging stations installed in a parking lot. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, assume that parking spaces 400, 402, 404, and 406 are set up in the parking lot, and charging and discharging stations 300, 302, 304, and 306 are installed corresponding to the parking spaces 400, 402, 404, and 406, respectively. The parking spaces 400, 402, 404, and 406 are rented out, and a vehicle that rents the parking space can use the corresponding charging and discharging station after parking. The use of the parking space and the period of use can be reserved using, for example, the terminal 200 or the like. The management server 100 manages reservation information reserved using the terminal 200 or the like. An example of a reservation method will be described later.

[0035] For example, a user of vehicle 2 can use terminal 200 to make a reservation for use of parking space 400, park vehicle 2 in parking space 400 during the reserved period, and use charging / discharging station 300. In the following explanation, a case where a reservation for use of vehicle 2 is made using management server 100 and terminal 200 will be described as an example, but the same applies to a case where a reservation for use of another vehicle is made using management server 100 and another terminal not shown.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 2, vehicle 2 further includes a power storage device 20 and an inlet 22. Power storage device 20 is a DC power supply, and may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery having a solid or liquid electrolyte, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or any of various capacitors. Power storage device 20 is connected to inlet 22. Inlet 22 has a shape that allows connection to a connector 300b provided at the end of a cable 300a of a charging / discharging stand 300.

[0037] When connector 300b is attached to inlet 22, power can be exchanged between power storage device 20 and charging / discharging stand 300. For example, power can be supplied from charging / discharging stand 300 to power storage device 20, allowing power storage device 20 to be charged while vehicle 2 is parked. The user ends use of charging / discharging stand 300 by moving parked vehicle 2 from parking space 400 before the reserved usage period is completed, and a parking fee is set according to the usage period, the amount of charge to power storage device 20 while parked, etc.

[0038] The power storage device mounted on the electric vehicle parked in the parking space described above can be used for supply and demand adjustment in the power grid 500 connected to the charging and discharging station, thereby appropriately adjusting the demand and supply of electricity in the power grid. An example of supply and demand adjustment will be described later. Therefore, when a parking space equipped with a charging and discharging station is rented, the contribution to supply and demand adjustment can be improved as the proportion of users who participate in supply and demand adjustment increases. For this reason, it is necessary to increase the proportion of users who participate in supply and demand adjustment among users who rent parking spaces. In recent years, users who perform remote work in their cars while parked in the rented parking space tend to rent the parking space for relatively long periods of time. Therefore, if an increase in users is unwilling to participate in supply and demand adjustment, it may be difficult to improve the contribution to supply and demand adjustment.

[0039] Therefore, in this embodiment, management server 100 operates as follows. That is, management server 100 receives, from terminal 200 used for use reservation, request information requesting a use reservation for the period covered by the reservation, and permission / denial information indicating whether or not the vehicle is permitted to participate in the use of the charging / discharging station for supply and demand adjustment in power grid 500. If the vehicle is permitted to participate in supply and demand adjustment, management server 100 executes reservation processing for making a use reservation in accordance with the request information. Management server 100 acquires the SOC (State of Charge) of power storage device 20, and uses the acquired SOC to set the amount of charge / discharge and the charge / discharge period of the vehicle for the period during which supply and demand adjustment is implemented. In this embodiment, management server 100 corresponds to the "information management device."

[0040] In this way, reservation processing is performed for vehicles that have been granted permission to participate in supply and demand adjustment, thereby increasing the number of users who participate in supply and demand adjustment. Furthermore, if supply and demand adjustment is implemented during the period covered by the reservation, the storage device installed in the vehicle can be used for supply and demand adjustment, thereby contributing to the adjustment of supply and demand of electricity in the power grid.

[0041] An example of reservation processing executed by the management server 100 (specifically, the control device 11) will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of reservation processing executed by the management server 100. The processing shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the control device 11 of the management server 100 at predetermined control intervals.

[0042] In step (hereinafter, step will be abbreviated as S) 100, the management server 100 determines whether reservation information has been accepted. The management server 100 determines that reservation information has been accepted when, for example, the management server 100 receives reservation information from the terminal 200. For example, the user launches a reservation app for reserving the charging / discharging station 300 on the terminal 200 and inputs predetermined information using a touch panel or the like. The terminal 200 generates reservation information using the input information and transmits the generated reservation information to the management server 100. The reservation information may include, for example, information indicating that it is reservation information in a header or the like of the data. The reservation information includes, for example, the start time and end time of the desired usage period, information indicating whether or not the user intends to participate in a DR (Demand Response) request (described later) (permission / denial information), and information indicating that the reservation target is the charging / discharging station 300. In the present embodiment, the management server 100 manages the usage reservation status for each of a plurality of charging / discharging stations, and this process will be described as an example in which the charging / discharging station 300 and the parking space 400 are the targets of usage reservations. If it is determined that the reservation information has been accepted (YES in S100), the process proceeds to S102.

[0043] In S102, the management server 100 determines whether the desired usage period includes all of the time slots of the DR request. If the time slots of the DR request have not been determined in the desired usage period, it is determined that the desired usage period does not include all of the time slots of the DR request. Furthermore, if the desired usage period overlaps only a portion of the time slots of the DR request, it is also determined that the desired usage period does not include all of the time slots of the DR request. If it is determined that the desired usage period includes all of the time slots of the DR request (YES in S102), the process proceeds to S104.

[0044] In S104, the management server 100 determines whether or not there is an intention to participate in the DR request (hereinafter, may be referred to as "DR participation intention"). The management server 100 determines whether or not there is an intention to participate in the DR using permission / denial information included in the reservation information. The permission / denial information includes, for example, information indicating whether or not participation in the DR request is permitted. If it is determined that there is an intention to participate in the DR (YES in S104), the process proceeds to S106.

[0045] In S106, the management server 100 determines whether or not a reservation is possible using the received reservation information. For example, if the desired usage period does not overlap with other reserved periods, including the provisional reservation slot, the management server 100 determines that the reservation is possible. In the present embodiment, a case will be described as an example in which the management server 100 determines whether or not a reservation is possible at the charging / discharging station 300. If the desired usage period overlaps with other reserved periods, the management server 100 determines that the reservation is not possible. If it is determined that the reservation is possible (YES in S106), the process proceeds to S108.

[0046] In S108, the management server 100 registers the received reservation information. The management server 100 stores in the storage device 15 information for identifying the terminal 200, the usage period, information regarding whether or not the terminal 200 intends to participate in DR, and information indicating that the target of the usage reservation is the charging / discharging station 300, in association with each other. The management server 100, for example, notifies the terminal 200 that made the reservation by notifying that the reservation information has been registered. The notification may be made, for example, by displaying text information or an image on the screen indicating that the reservation information has been registered. The process of registering this reservation information corresponds to the reservation process. Thereafter, this process is terminated. Note that if it is determined that the reservation is not possible (NO in S106), the process proceeds to S110.

[0047] In S110, the management server 100 determines whether a reservation is possible within the provisional reservation slot. For example, the management server 100 determines that a reservation is possible within the provisional reservation slot if the desired usage period overlaps with the provisionally reserved usage period but does not overlap with other reserved periods. If it is determined that a reservation is possible within the provisional reservation slot (YES in S110), the process proceeds to S112.

[0048] In S112, the management server 100 cancels the provisional reservation that overlaps with the desired usage period, and notifies the terminal that made the provisional reservation of the cancellation of the provisional reservation. The notification method is the same as the notification method described in the processing of S108, so a detailed description thereof will not be repeated. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to S108. Note that if it is determined that there is no intention to participate in DR (NO in S104), the processing proceeds to S114.

[0049] In S114, management server 100 determines whether or not a reservation is possible using the received reservation information. The determination method is the same as the determination method described in the processing of S106, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated. If it is determined that a reservation is possible (YES in S114), the processing proceeds to S116.

[0050] In S116, the management server 100 registers provisional reservation information using the received reservation information. The management server 100 stores in the storage device 15, in association with each other, information identifying the terminal 200, the usage period, information regarding the intention to participate in DR, information indicating that the target of the usage reservation is the charging / discharging station 300, and information indicating that the reservation is a provisional reservation. A provisional reservation indicates a temporary usage reservation, and the registration of this provisional reservation information corresponds to provisional reservation processing. Thereafter, this processing is terminated. Note that if it is determined that a reservation is not possible within the provisional reservation slot (NO in S110) or if it is determined that a reservation is not possible (NO in S114), the processing proceeds to S118.

[0051] In S118, the management server 100 notifies the terminal 200 of information indicating that the reservation is not possible. The notification method is the same as the notification method described in the processing of S108, so a detailed description thereof will not be repeated. This processing then ends. Note that if it is determined that the desired usage period does not include all of the time slots of the DR request (NO in S102), the processing proceeds to S120.

[0052] In S120, the management server 100 determines whether or not there is an intention to participate in DR. The method for determining whether or not there is an intention to participate in DR is the same as the determination method described in the processing of S104, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated. If it is determined that there is an intention to participate in DR (YES in S120), the processing proceeds to S122.

[0053] In S122, management server 100 determines whether or not a reservation is possible using the received reservation information. The determination method is the same as the determination method described in the processing of S106, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated. If it is determined that a reservation is possible (YES in S122), the processing proceeds to S124.

[0054] In S124, the management server 100 registers the reservation information as reserve capacity for supply and demand adjustment. The management server 100, for example, stores in the storage device 15 information identifying the terminal 200, the usage period, information regarding whether or not the terminal 200 intends to participate in DR, information indicating that the target of the usage reservation is the charging / discharging station 300, and information indicating that the reservation is reserve capacity, in association with each other. For example, when the reserved usage period and the time period of the DR request overlap after the reservation, the management server 100 sets the vehicle 2 that will be connected to the charging / discharging station 300 during the usage period as a selection candidate for participating in the DR request. For example, the management server 100 notifies the terminal 200 that made the reservation that the reservation information has been registered as reserve capacity. The notification method is the same as the notification method described in the processing of S108, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated. This processing then ends. Note that if it is determined that the reservation is not possible (NO in S122), the processing proceeds to S126.

[0055] In S126, management server 100 determines whether or not a reservation is possible within the tentative reservation slot. The method of determination is the same as the method of determination described in the processing of S110, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated. If it is determined that a reservation is possible within the tentative reservation slot (YES in S126), the processing proceeds to S128.

[0056] In S128, the management server 100 cancels the provisional reservation that overlaps with the desired usage period, and notifies the terminal that made the provisional reservation of the cancellation of the provisional reservation. The notification method is the same as the notification method described in the processing of S108, so a detailed description thereof will not be repeated. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to S124. Note that if it is determined in S120 that there is no intention to participate in DR (NO in S120), the processing proceeds to S130.

[0057] At S130, management server 100 determines whether or not a reservation is possible using the received reservation information. The determination method is the same as the determination method described in the processing of S106, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated. If it is determined that a reservation is possible (YES at S130), the processing proceeds to S132.

[0058] In S132, the management server 100 registers tentative reservation information using the received reservation information. The registration method is the same as the registration method described in the processing of S116, so a detailed description thereof will not be repeated. This processing then ends. Note that if it is determined that a reservation is not possible within the tentative reservation slot (NO in S126) or if it is determined that a reservation is not possible in S130 (NO in S130), the processing proceeds to S134.

[0059] In S134, management server 100 notifies terminal 200 of information indicating that reservation is not possible. The notification method is the same as the notification method described in S108, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated. Thereafter, this process ends.

[0060] Next, an example of the supply and demand adjustment process executed by the management server 100 (specifically, the control device 11) will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the supply and demand adjustment process executed by the management server 100. The process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the control device 11 of the management server 100 at predetermined control intervals.

[0061] In S200, the management server 100 determines whether a DR request has been made. The management server 100 determines that a DR request has been made when, for example, it receives a signal indicating a DR request from an aggregator server (not shown) that performs overall energy management of the power grid. If it is determined that a DR request has been made (YES in S200), the process proceeds to S202.

[0062] In S202, the management server 100 sets power resources to respond to the DR request. In this embodiment, the management server 100 sets, as power resources, electric vehicles that are set to be willing to participate in DR in the reservation information of electric vehicles that are reserved for use during the time period in which the DR request is made among the charging and discharging stations 300, 302, 304, and 306. For example, in the case of a request to increase the demand amount (hereinafter also referred to as an "upward DR request"), the management server 100 sets, as power resources, electric vehicles that can be charged during the time period in which the DR request is made. For example, in the case of a request to decrease the demand amount (hereinafter also referred to as a "downward DR request"), the management server 100 sets, as power resources, electric vehicles that can be discharged during the time period in which the DR request is made. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S204.

[0063] In S204, the management server 100 sets a DR request amount for each of the set power resources. For example, the management server 100 sets the DR request amount for each of the power resources using the current SOC of each of the power resources and the full charge capacity of each of the power resources. Then, the process proceeds to S206.

[0064] In S206, the management server 100 notifies the terminal associated with the vehicle set as a participating vehicle for the DR request time period that the vehicle has been set as a participating vehicle. The notification may be performed, for example, by displaying text information or an image on the screen indicating that the vehicle has been set as a participating vehicle for the DR request time period. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S208.

[0065] In S208, the management server 100 transmits a signal including information about the set DR request amount to the set power resource, after which the process proceeds to S210.

[0066] In S210, the management server 100 determines whether to acquire a DR response result from the configured power resource. The power resource transmits the charge / discharge amount for the DR request time period to the management server 100 when the DR request time period has passed. The management server 100 determines that the DR response result has been acquired when it receives the charge / discharge amount for the DR request time period from the power resource. If it is determined that the DR response result has been acquired (YES in S210), the process proceeds to S212. Note that if it is determined that the DR response result has not been acquired (NO in S210), the process returns to S210.

[0067] In S212, the management server 100 registers the participation history of the vehicle set as the power resource. The management server 100 associates the vehicle ID, reservation information, and information indicating that the vehicle participated in the DR request with each other, and stores them in the storage device 15. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S214.

[0068] In S214, the management server 100 sets the contribution degree. The management server 100 sets the contribution degree, for example, using the charge / discharge amount during the time period of the DR request. The contribution degree is used, for example, for discounts on parking fees. Thereafter, the process ends. Note that if it is determined that there is no DR request (NO in S200), this process ends.

[0069] The operation of the management server 100 based on the above-described structure and flowchart will now be described. For example, assume that a user operates the terminal 200 to reserve use of the charging / discharging station 300 during a desired time period. Furthermore, assume that the time period for the DR request has not yet been determined.

[0070] When a user inputs the start time and end time of the usage reservation into terminal 200 and also inputs information into terminal 200 indicating that participation in DR is permitted, reservation information including the start time, end time, permission information, and information indicating that the reservation target is a charging / discharging station 300 is sent to management server 100.

[0071] When the management server 100 receives the reservation information (YES in S100), the DR request time period is not yet determined (NO in S102), so it is determined whether or not there is an intention to participate in DR (S120).

[0072] If it is determined using the permission / denial information that there is an intention to participate in DR (YES in S120), and if there is availability in the desired usage period (YES in S122), the reservation information will be registered as a reserve capacity in case a DR request is received (S124).

[0073] In this case, when the management server 100 receives a DR request (YES in S200), power resources are set (S202). At this time, if the reserved usage period of vehicle 2 includes the time period of the DR request, vehicle 2 is selected as a candidate for selection as a participating vehicle. When vehicle 2 is set as a participating vehicle, a DR request amount for vehicle 2 is set (S204), and information that vehicle 2 has been set as a participating vehicle is notified to the terminal 200 (S206). A signal including information about the set DR request amount is transmitted to vehicle 2 (S208).

[0074] When the user moves the vehicle 2 into the parking space 400 and connects it to the charging / discharging station 300 during the reserved usage period, the vehicle 2 performs the operation corresponding to the DR request, either charging or discharging, during the time period of the DR request. After performing the operation corresponding to the DR request, the vehicle 2 transmits the amount of charging / discharging during the time period of the DR request to the management server 100. When the management server 100 acquires the amount of charging / discharging during the time period of the DR request (YES in S210), it associates the participation history with the vehicle ID and registers it (S212), and sets the contribution level (S214).

[0075] On the other hand, when the user inputs the start time and end time of the usage reservation into terminal 200 and also inputs information into terminal 200 indicating that DR participation is not permitted, reservation information including the start time, end time, permission information, and information indicating that the reservation target is a charging / discharging station 300 is sent to management server 100.

[0076] When the management server 100 receives reservation information (YES in S100), if the DR request time period is undecided (NO in S102), if it is determined that there is no intention to participate in DR (NO in S120), or if there is availability in the desired usage period (YES in S130), tentative reservation information is registered using the reservation information (S132).

[0077] In this case, if reservation information for the same usage period is subsequently received from another terminal (YES in S100), the DR request time period is undecided (NO in S102), and it is determined that there is an intention to participate in DR (YES in S120), it is determined that the reservation is not possible because a provisional reservation has been made for the same usage period (NO in S122). At this time, if it is determined that a reservation is possible within the provisional reservation slot (YES in S126), the previous provisional reservation is canceled, and information to that effect is notified to the terminal 200 of the user who made the provisional reservation (S128). Then, the reservation information received from the other terminal willing to participate in DR is registered as a reserve capacity (S124).

[0078] As described above, the information management device according to this embodiment executes reservation processing for vehicles permitted to participate in supply and demand adjustment, thereby increasing the number of users who participate in supply and demand adjustment. Furthermore, if supply and demand adjustment is implemented during the reservation period, the vehicle's onboard power storage device can be used for supply and demand adjustment, thereby contributing to the adjustment of power supply and demand in the power grid. Furthermore, if the vehicle is not permitted to participate in supply and demand adjustment, a provisional reservation processing is executed. Therefore, if other request information permitting participation in supply and demand adjustment is subsequently received, the reservation is canceled, thereby increasing the number of users who participate in supply and demand adjustment. Therefore, it is possible to provide an information management device, an information management system, and an information management method that increase the number of users who rent parking spaces that can receive and send power to and from the power grid and who participate in power grid supply and demand adjustment.

[0079] Furthermore, reservations can be secured on the condition that participation in supply and demand adjustment is permitted, so the provider of the parking space benefits by contributing to supply and demand adjustment, and it is also possible to provide a highly convenient service to users who work remotely from their cars for relatively long periods of time.

[0080] Modifications will be described below.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which processing is executed by one processor 11a and one memory 11b in the control device 11 of the management server 100, but the processing of the flowcharts shown in Figures 3 and 4 may also be executed by one or more processors reading and executing programs stored in one or more memories.

[0082] Furthermore, although the above embodiment has described the reservation of the charging / discharging station 300, the management server 100 may allocate a charging / discharging station that has an available period during the desired usage period from among the multiple charging / discharging stations 300, 302, 304, and 306 in a predetermined order of priority. The predetermined order of priority may, for example, be such that the priority of a less frequently used charging / discharging station is set higher than the priority of a more frequently used charging / discharging station, or such that the priority of a charging / discharging station with a shorter usage period is set higher than the priority of a charging / discharging station with a longer usage period. Furthermore, the management server 100 may allocate a charging / discharging station that has an available period during the desired usage period from among the multiple charging / discharging stations 300, 302, 304, and 306 installed in one parking lot, as well as multiple charging / discharging stations in other parking lots. For example, the management server 100 may notify the terminal of information such as the location of the allocated charging / discharging station along with a notification indicating that registration has been completed.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which a reservation is secured when it is determined that there is an intention to participate in DR. However, even when permission / denial information indicating that there is an intention to participate in DR is received, the participation history and participation permission history for DR requests associated with the vehicle ID may be read from the storage device 15, and participation in supply and demand adjustment may be permitted. However, if the number of times that the vehicle does not participate in supply and demand adjustment is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, it may be determined that there is no intention to participate in DR, and provisional reservation information may be registered using the reservation information.

[0084] In this way, by performing provisional reservation processing for usage reservations that are unlikely to participate in supply and demand adjustment even in the next reservation, it is possible to leave room for subsequent reservations according to other request information that permits participation in supply and demand adjustment, thereby increasing the number of users who participate in supply and demand adjustment.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it has been explained that advantageous conditions are set in that it is easier to secure a reservation for use if there is an intention to participate in the DR than if there is no intention to participate.However, advantageous conditions may also be set such that, in addition to making it easier to secure a reservation, a higher discount amount is set for those who intend to participate in the DR than for those who do not intend to participate, or that a coupon is only granted if there is an intention to participate in the DR.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which a reservation is secured whether the reserved usage period includes all of the DR request time slot or part of the DR request time slot, but, for example, a reservation for a usage period that includes all of the DR request time slot may be given priority over a reservation for a usage period that includes part of the DR request time slot. For example, when a usage period that includes part of the DR request time slot has been reserved, the management server 100 may cancel the existing reservation if a reservation is requested for a usage period that includes all of the DR request time slot and overlaps with the usage period corresponding to the existing reservation.

[0087] The above-described modifications may be implemented in whole or in part in appropriate combination.

[0088] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1 information management system, 2 vehicle, 6 communication network, 7 base station, 10 ECU, 10a, 11a processor, 10b, 11b memory, 11 control device, 13 communication device, 14 communication bus, 15 storage device, 20 power storage device, 50 drive wheel, 52 driven wheel, 60 navigation system, 100 management server, 200 terminal, 300, 302, 304, 306 charging / discharging station, 300a cable, 300b connector, 400, 402, 404, 406 parking space, 500 power grid.

Claims

1. An information management device that manages information regarding reservations for use of a charging / discharging station that is connected to a power grid and that can charge and discharge an electric storage device mounted on a vehicle, a communication device capable of receiving, from a terminal used for the usage reservation, request information requesting the usage reservation for a period subject to the reservation and permission / denial information indicating permission / denial of the participation of the vehicle in supply and demand adjustment in the power grid when using the charging / discharging station; a control device that executes a reservation process for making the reservation for use in accordance with the request information when the participation of the vehicle in the supply and demand adjustment is permitted, the control device acquires an SOC (State Of Charge) of the power storage device, and sets a charge / discharge amount and a charge / discharge period of the vehicle during an implementation period of the supply and demand adjustment using the acquired SOC; The control device, when the participation in the supply and demand adjustment is not permitted, executes a provisional reservation process to provisionally make the usage reservation in accordance with the request information, and when, after executing the provisional reservation process, other request information that permits the participation in the supply and demand adjustment is received, cancels the provisional reservation and executes the reservation process.

2. 2. The information management device according to claim 1, wherein the control device acquires identification information that identifies the vehicle, and permits participation in the supply and demand adjustment using the participation history and the participation permission history for the supply and demand adjustment specified by the identification information, and determines that the participation in the supply and demand adjustment is not permitted if the number of times the vehicle does not participate in the supply and demand adjustment is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

3. 2. The information management device according to claim 1, wherein, after the reservation process is executed, if there is a period in which the target period overlaps with a period in which the supply and demand adjustment is to be implemented, the control device notifies the terminal of information indicating that the vehicle is scheduled to participate in the supply and demand adjustment.

4. An information management system that manages information about reservations for use of charging and discharging stations connected to a power grid, a vehicle equipped with an electricity storage device that can be charged and discharged using the charging and discharging station; a terminal used for the reservation; a server that enables communication with the terminal; The server receiving, from the terminal, request information requesting the use reservation for the reservation target period and permission / denial information indicating permission / denial of participation of the vehicle in supply and demand adjustment in the power network when using the charging / discharging station; executing a reservation process for making the reservation for use in accordance with the request information when the participation of the vehicle in the supply and demand adjustment is permitted; acquiring a state of charge (SOC) of the power storage device, and setting a charge / discharge amount and a charge / discharge period of the vehicle during an implementation period of the supply and demand adjustment using the acquired SOC; an information management system that, if the participation in the supply and demand adjustment is not permitted, executes a provisional reservation process to provisionally make the usage reservation in accordance with the request information, and, if other request information permitting the participation in the supply and demand adjustment after the execution of the provisional reservation process, cancels the provisional reservation and executes the reservation process.

5. An information management method for managing information regarding reservations for use of a charging / discharging station that is connected to a power grid and capable of charging / discharging an electricity storage device mounted on a vehicle, the method comprising: receiving, from a terminal used for the usage reservation, request information requesting the usage reservation for the period covered by the reservation and permission / denial information indicating permission / denial of the participation of the vehicle in supply and demand adjustment in the power grid when using the charging / discharging station; executing a reservation process for making the reservation for use in accordance with the request information when the participation of the vehicle in the supply and demand adjustment is permitted; acquiring an SOC (State Of Charge) of the power storage device, and setting a charge / discharge amount and a charge / discharge period of the vehicle during an implementation period of the supply and demand adjustment using the acquired SOC; an information management method including the steps of: if the participation in the supply and demand adjustment is not permitted, executing a provisional reservation process to provisionally make the usage reservation in accordance with the request information; and if other request information permitting the participation in the supply and demand adjustment is received after the execution of the provisional reservation process, canceling the provisional reservation and executing the reservation process.

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