Management system, management method, and program

Abstract

To provide a management system capable of facilitating encourage users to actively use storage batteries in electrical equipment.SOLUTION: A management system 100 includes an acquisition unit 10 and a consideration generation unit 111. The acquisition unit 10 acquires connection information regarding electrical connection status between a storage battery 31 to be mounted on a mobile body 3 and electrical equipment 2 to be electrically connected to the storage battery 31. The consideration generation unit 111 generates consideration of the storage battery 31 for users regardless of an amount of the power transferred between the electrical equipment 2 and the storage battery 31 on the basis of the connection information acquired by the acquisition unit 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a management system, a management method, and a program for managing electrical equipment electrically connected to a storage battery. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a billing system that charges a user when a battery provided in an electric vehicle is charged by a charging device. This billing system includes a charging means, a charging time measurement means, and a fee calculation means. The charging means is provided in a parking space dedicated to electric vehicles and charges the battery provided in the electric vehicle parked in this parking space. The charging time measurement means measures the charging time from the start of the charging operation of the charging means to the end of the charging operation. The fee calculation means calculates a parking fee based on the parking time.

[0003] The fee calculation means divides the total parking time into a first period corresponding to the charging time and a second period other than the first period, and calculates the parking fee for the second period based on a predetermined first unit time fee, and for the first period based on a second unit time fee that is a unit time fee that is reduced from the first unit time fee. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-119162 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the billing system (management system) described in Patent Document 1, when a charging means (electrical equipment) charges a battery (storage battery), the operator of the billing system is paid a fee, but no fee is paid to the user. Therefore, this management system has the problem that it is difficult to encourage users to actively use the storage battery in the electrical equipment.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a management system, management method, and program that can easily encourage users to actively use storage batteries in electrical equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit and a compensation generating unit. The acquisition unit acquires connection information relating to the electrical connection status between a storage battery that can be mounted on a mobile object and electrical equipment electrically connected to the storage battery. The compensation generating unit determines compensation to be provided to a user of the storage battery based on a first condition, which is the connection information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a second condition, which is the time period during which the electrical equipment and the storage battery are connected. The first condition is information selected from any one of the following states: charging of the storage battery by the electrical equipment is permitted; discharging of the storage battery by the electrical equipment is permitted; and both charging and discharging of the storage battery by the electrical equipment are permitted. The consideration generating unit calculates the consideration as the sum of a basic consideration corresponding to a selected state of the first condition and an additional consideration corresponding to the second condition.

[0008] A management method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: The management method is executed by one or more processors,The method includes an acquisition step and a compensation generating step. The acquisition step is a step of acquiring connection information regarding the electrical connection status between a storage battery that can be mounted on a mobile body and electrical equipment electrically connected to the storage battery. The compensation generating step is a step of determining compensation to be provided to a user of the storage battery based on a first condition, which is the connection information acquired in the acquisition step, and a second condition, which is the time period during which the electrical equipment and the storage battery are connected. The first condition is information selected from any one of the following states: charging of the storage battery by the electrical equipment is permitted; discharging of the storage battery by the electrical equipment is permitted; and both charging and discharging of the storage battery by the electrical equipment are permitted. In the consideration calculation step, the consideration is calculated as the sum of a basic consideration corresponding to a selected state of the first condition and an additional consideration corresponding to the second condition.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes one or more processors to execute the above management method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The present disclosure has the advantage of easily encouraging users to actively use storage batteries in electrical equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a billing system that cooperates with the management system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the management system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which a power meter is provided in a mobile object. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] (1) Overview 1, the management system 100 according to this embodiment is a system for managing electrical equipment 2 electrically connected to a storage battery 31. The "storage battery" referred to in this disclosure may be capable of being mounted on a mobile object 3, and may be electrically connected to the electrical equipment 2 while mounted on the mobile object 3, or may be electrically connected to the electrical equipment 2 while detached from the mobile object 3.

[0013] The "mobile body" referred to in this disclosure is equipped with a storage battery 31 and configured to travel using the electric energy stored in the equipped storage battery 31. Note that the mobile body 3 may include a mode in which it travels using the output of an electric motor, as well as a mode in which it travels using a combination of the output of an engine and the output of an electric motor. As an example, the mobile body 3 may include a vehicle (such as an electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, an electrically assisted bicycle, or an electric motorcycle), a drone, or the like.

[0014] Furthermore, the term "electrical equipment" in this disclosure refers to equipment that performs at least one of charging and discharging of the storage battery 31. As an example, the electrical equipment 2 is a charging station for charging the storage battery 31. The electrical equipment 2 is installed near a parking space (storage space) A11 for a mobile object 3, such as a pay-by-the-hour parking lot A1 (see FIG. 2 ).

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the management system 100 includes an acquisition unit 10 and a payment generation unit 111.

[0016] The acquisition unit 10 acquires connection information regarding the electrical connection status between the storage battery 31 that can be mounted on the mobile object 3 and the electrical equipment 2. The "connection status" referred to in the present disclosure may include a status regarding the exchange of power between the storage battery 31 and the electrical equipment 2. For example, the connection status may include a status in which only charging of the storage battery 31 by the electrical equipment 2 is permitted. Furthermore, for example, the connection status may include a status in which only discharging of the storage battery 31 by the electrical equipment 2 is permitted. Furthermore, for example, the connection status may include a status in which both charging of the storage battery 31 by the electrical equipment 2 and discharging of the storage battery 31 are permitted. Furthermore, the connection status may also include a status in which the storage battery 31 is electrically connected to the electrical equipment 2 but exchange of power between the storage battery 31 and the electrical equipment 2 is not permitted.

[0017] The compensation generating unit 111 generates compensation to the user of the storage battery 31 based on the connection information acquired by the acquiring unit 10, i.e., the electrical connection status between the storage battery 31 and the electrical equipment 2, regardless of the amount of electricity exchanged between the electrical equipment 2 and the storage battery 31.

[0018] In the present disclosure, the term "storage battery user" may include not only a person who permanently owns the storage battery 31 by purchasing the storage battery 31, but also a person who temporarily owns the storage battery 31 by renting the storage battery 31. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the term "storage battery user" may include, for example, a person who permanently owns a mobile body 3 by purchasing a mobile body 3 equipped with a storage battery 31, but also a person who temporarily owns a mobile body 3 by renting a mobile body 3 equipped with a storage battery 31. Hereinafter, "storage battery user" may also be simply referred to as "user."

[0019] The "compensation" referred to in this disclosure may be anything that encourages users to actively use the storage battery 31 in the electrical equipment 2, and may include, for example, money, points that can be used in place of money at specific stores, or discount services on fees paid by users. Specific stores may include, for example, stores with nationwide operations, stores in areas where hourly parking lots A1 are located, or stores that have contracts with businesses that manage hourly parking lots A1.

[0020] As described above, in this embodiment, the compensation generation unit 111 generates compensation to the user simply by allowing the electrical equipment 2 to use the storage battery 31, regardless of whether the storage battery 31 has actually been charged or discharged by the electrical equipment 2. Therefore, this embodiment has the advantage that it is easy to encourage the user to actively allow the electrical equipment 2 to use the storage battery 31.

[0021] (2)Details The management system 100 of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0022] (2.1) Overall structure First, we will explain the overall configuration including the management system 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the management system 100 is configured to be able to communicate with a plurality of electrical equipment 2 via a network N1 such as the Internet. In the following, we will assume that the mobile object 3 is an electric vehicle equipped with a storage battery 31.

[0023] The electrical equipment 2 is a charging station installed in, for example, a pay-by-the-hour parking lot A1 (see FIG. 2 ), and has a function of charging the storage battery 31 mounted on the mobile object 3. In this embodiment, the electrical equipment 2 has both a function of charging the storage battery 31 and a function of discharging the storage battery 31. Specifically, the electrical equipment 2 has a bidirectional AC / DC converter. The electrical equipment 2 converts AC power supplied from the power grid 5 into DC power and supplies the converted DC power to the storage battery 31, thereby fulfilling the function of charging the storage battery 31. The electrical equipment 2 also converts DC power discharged from the storage battery 31 into AC power and supplies the converted AC power to the power grid 5, thereby fulfilling the function of discharging the storage battery 31. In other words, the electrical equipment 2 is compatible with V2G (Vehicle to Grid). To use the functions of the electrical equipment 2, the user (i.e., the driver or passenger of the mobile body 3) simply connects the connector 22 at the end of the cable connected to the electrical equipment 2 to the inlet 30 of the mobile body 3.

[0024] In this embodiment, a collection of one or more electrical equipment 2 installed in each of multiple hourly parking lots A1 corresponds to multiple electrical equipment 2. The multiple hourly parking lots A1 are scattered, for example, in a predetermined area. In each hourly parking lot A1, electrical equipment 2 is installed near one or more parking spaces A11 out of multiple parking spaces A11 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, when a user wants to use the electrical equipment 2, the user will park the mobile object 3 in a parking space A11 near which the electrical equipment 2 is installed.

[0025] Here, each hourly parking lot A1 employs a charging system 4. The charging system 4 is a system that charges users of the hourly parking lot A1. In other words, the charging system 4 charges not only those who use the electrical equipment 2, but also those who do not use the electrical equipment 2. The charging system 4 includes, for example, a parking ticket issuing machine 41 and a fee adjustment machine 42, as shown in FIG. 2. The parking ticket issuing machine 41 is installed at the entrance of the hourly parking lot A1 and issues parking tickets (magnetic cards). The fee adjustment machine 42 is installed at the exit of the hourly parking lot A1 and adjusts parking fees.

[0026] Specifically, by reading the parking ticket, the fee settlement machine 42 calculates the parking time, which is the difference between the time the parking ticket was issued (i.e., the time of entry) and the time the parking ticket was read (i.e., the time of exit). The fee settlement machine 42 then calculates the parking time by multiplying the calculated parking time by a preset fee per unit time. By paying the parking fee at the fee settlement machine 42, users of the hourly parking lot can exit the mobile object 3 from the exit of the hourly parking lot.

[0027] The advance payment machine may be installed in a location separate from the hourly parking lot A1. The advance payment machine has the function of settling parking fees, similar to the fee payment machine 42. If a user of the hourly parking lot A1 has already paid the parking fee at the advance payment machine, there is no need to pay the parking fee at the fee payment machine 42.

[0028] (2.2) Management System Next, the management system 100 will be described. In this embodiment, the management system 100 is a server device managed by an aggregator. The term "aggregator" as used in this disclosure refers to a business operator that performs integrated control of energy resources or distributed energy resources on the customer's facility side and provides energy services from a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) or DR (Demand Response).

[0029] The "VPP" in this disclosure is a system that uses IoT (Internet of Things) or the like to control multiple distributed power sources in an integrated manner, allowing the multiple distributed power sources to function as a single virtual power plant. In this embodiment, the storage battery 31 mounted on the mobile object 3 can function as a distributed power source.

[0030] The aggregator may include a resource aggregator and an aggregation coordinator. The resource aggregator is a business that directly concludes a VPP service contract with consumers and controls resources. The aggregation coordinator is a business that aggregates the amount of power controlled by the resource aggregator and directly trades power with power businesses such as general power transmission and distribution businesses, retail electricity businesses, or renewable energy power generation businesses.

[0031] In this embodiment, it is assumed that a resource aggregator manages the management system 100, and an aggregation coordinator manages a host system 200 that sends commands to the management system 100. The management system 100 may be managed by the aggregation coordinator. For example, if the aggregation coordinator and the resource aggregator are the same, the aggregation coordinator may manage the management system 100. The host system 200 may also be managed by an electric power company such as a general electricity transmission and distribution company, a retail electricity company, or a renewable energy power generation company.

[0032] The commands sent by the upper system 200 are commands to the VPP, for example, for the purpose of achieving the planned simultaneous balance of an electricity retailer or adjusting the supply and demand balance of a general electricity transmission and distribution company. The commands sent by the upper system 200 may include, for example, a downward DR to reduce (suppress) the demand for electricity and an upward DR to increase (create) the demand for electricity. The downward DR may include, for example, a command to reduce the output of a load at the time of peak demand for electricity. The upward DR may include, for example, a command to operate a load to consume excess power (renewable energy) output by a power generation system such as a solar power generation system, or to absorb the excess power by charging the storage battery 31.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1 , the management system 100 includes an acquisition unit 10 and a processing unit 11. The processing unit 11 also includes a payment generation unit 111 and a control unit 112. In this embodiment, the processing unit 11 is mainly configured as a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. Therefore, the one or more processors function as the processing unit 11 by executing a program recorded in the memory. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0034] The acquisition unit 10 has a communication interface for communicating with each piece of electrical equipment 2 and the upper system 200 via the network N1. The acquisition unit 10 acquires connection information relating to the electrical connection status between the storage battery 31 that can be mounted on the mobile object 3 and the electrical equipment 2 from each piece of electrical equipment 2. The acquisition unit 10 is the entity that executes acquisition step ST1 (see FIG. 3 ), which will be described later. As already mentioned, in this embodiment, the electrical equipment 2 has both the function of charging the storage battery 31 and the function of discharging the storage battery 31. Therefore, the acquisition unit 10 acquires any one piece of connection information from each piece of electrical equipment 2, the first connection information to the third connection information below.

[0035] The first connection information is information indicating that only charging of the storage battery 31 by the electrical equipment 2 is permitted. The second connection information is information indicating that only discharging of the storage battery 31 by the electrical equipment 2 is permitted. The third connection information is information indicating that both charging and discharging of the storage battery 31 by the electrical equipment 2 are permitted. Note that if the connector 22 of the charging cable 21 is not connected to the inlet 30 of the mobile object 3, the acquisition unit 10 does not acquire the connection information.

[0036] Examples of how the acquisition unit 10 acquires connection information are listed below.

[0037] As an example, it is assumed that a user has previously set, in the mobile object 3, setting information indicating whether charging and / or discharging of the storage battery 31 is permitted. In this case, when the connector 22 of the charging cable 21 is connected to the inlet 30 of the mobile object 3, the electrical equipment 2 receives the setting information from the mobile object 3 through communication via the charging cable 21. Then, the electrical equipment 2 transmits the received setting information to the acquisition unit 10 of the management system 100. This enables the acquisition unit 10 to acquire any one of the first to third connection information.

[0038] Also, as an example, when the connector 22 of the charging cable 21 is connected to the inlet 30 of the mobile object 3, the electrical equipment 2 displays a request screen on a built-in display that requests the user to set whether or not charging and / or discharging of the storage battery 31 is permitted. The user follows the instructions displayed on the request screen to input whether or not charging and / or discharging of the storage battery 31 is permitted using a built-in input device (for example, a touch panel display). Then, the electrical equipment 2 transmits the input information to the acquisition unit 10 of the management system 100. This allows the acquisition unit 10 to acquire any one of the first to third connection information.

[0039] Also, as an example, it is assumed that an information terminal (e.g., a smartphone) owned by a user is linked to the mobile object 3 and registered in the management system 100 in advance. In this case, the management system 100 transmits a request signal to the information terminal corresponding to the mobile object 3 at an arbitrary timing, requesting the user to set whether charging and / or discharging of the storage battery 31 is permitted. As an example, the arbitrary timing may include the time when the information terminal is registered in the management system 100. For example, when the user starts a dedicated application after receiving the request signal, the information terminal displays a request screen on a built-in display. The user operates the information terminal according to the instructions displayed on the request screen to input whether charging and / or discharging of the storage battery 31 is permitted. The information terminal then transmits the input information to the acquisition unit 10 of the management system 100 via the network N1. As a result, the acquisition unit 10 can acquire any one of the first to third connection information.

[0040] As described above, in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 10 acquires the connection information after inquiring of the user as to whether it is OK to use the storage battery 31 for charging and / or discharging. That is, in this embodiment, the connection status reflects the user's intention.

[0041] The fee generating unit 111 generates a fee for the user of the storage battery 31 based on the connection information acquired by the acquiring unit 10. The fee generating unit 111 is an entity that executes a fee generating step ST2 (see FIG. 3 ), which will be described later. In this embodiment, the fee generating unit 111 generates different fees in three cases: when the first connection information is acquired, when the second connection information is acquired, and when the third connection information is acquired. Furthermore, the fee generating unit 111 does not generate a fee when none of the first connection information to the third connection information is acquired. As an example, the fee generating unit 111 generates the lowest fee when the first connection information is acquired (i.e., when only charging of the storage battery 31 is permitted), and generates the highest fee when the third connection information is acquired (i.e., when both charging and discharging of the storage battery 31 are permitted).

[0042] In this embodiment, the compensation generating unit 111 generates a compensation to the user simply based on whether charging and / or discharging of the storage battery 31 is permitted. In other words, the compensation generating unit 111 generates a compensation to the user regardless of the amount of power exchanged between the electrical equipment 2 and the storage battery 31 (in other words, the amount of charge and / or discharge of the storage battery 31). Therefore, if charging and / or discharging of the storage battery is permitted, even if the storage battery 31 is charged, the user will not be charged for the electricity required for charging, and will only be charged a compensation. Furthermore, if charging and / or discharging of the storage battery is permitted, the user will be charged a compensation even if neither charging nor discharging of the storage battery 31 is performed.

[0043] As described above, in this embodiment, a user is paid just by allowing the storage battery 31 to be charged and / or discharged, which has the advantage that it is easy to encourage users to actively use the storage battery 31 in the electrical equipment 2. Therefore, this embodiment has the advantage that it is easy to incorporate not only storage batteries 31 fixed to facilities such as homes, but also storage batteries 31 in mobile objects 3 whose locations may change, into the power grid 5. In addition, this embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to determine the payment without measuring the amount of charge and / or discharge of the storage battery 31, which means that there is no need to measure the amount of electricity used.

[0044] Here, if the compensation generated based solely on whether charging and / or discharging of the storage battery 31 is permitted as described above is defined as a "basic compensation," in this embodiment, the compensation generating unit 111 can generate an "additional compensation" in addition to the basic compensation. Specifically, the compensation generating unit 111 generates the additional compensation according to the time during which the connector 22 of the charging cable 21 is connected to the inlet 30 of the mobile object 3. That is, the compensation generating unit 111 determines the compensation (here, the additional compensation) based on the connection time between the electrical equipment 2 and the storage battery 31, which is included in the connection information. For example, the compensation generating unit 111 increases the additional compensation as the connection time increases. In this case, the compensation generating unit 111 may increase the additional compensation in proportion to the connection time, or may increase the additional compensation in stages according to the connection time. Whether or not the compensation generating unit 111 generates the additional compensation can be appropriately determined by the operator of the hourly parking lot A1.

[0045] Here, the consideration generating unit 111 may determine whether to generate the basic consideration depending on the time that the connector 22 of the charging cable 21 is connected to the inlet 30 of the mobile object 3. For example, the consideration generating unit 111 may generate the basic consideration when the time that the connector 22 of the charging cable 21 is connected to the inlet 30 of the mobile object 3 exceeds a predetermined time, and may not generate the basic consideration if the time is less than the predetermined time. Specifically, the consideration generating unit 111 may not generate the basic consideration if the time that the connector 22 of the charging cable 21 is connected to the inlet 30 of the mobile object 3 is a relatively short time, such as one minute, and may generate the basic consideration if the time is a relatively long time, such as 30 minutes or more.

[0046] In this embodiment, the management system 100 cooperates with the billing system 4. Specifically, the billing system 4 determines the parking fee to be paid by the user in consideration of the fee generated by the fee generating unit 111 of the management system 100. In other words, the fee generated by the fee generating unit 111 is added to or offset with the usage fee (here, the parking fee) generated for the use of the storage space (here, the parking space) A11 of the mobile body 3 in which the electrical equipment 2 is installed.

[0047] Specifically, if the consideration is less than the parking fee, when the user leaves hourly parking lot A1, the fee settlement machine 42 will charge the user a fee that is the parking fee corresponding to the parking time offset by the consideration. In this case, the user can leave hourly parking lot A1 by paying the charged fee at the fee settlement machine 42. On the other hand, if the consideration is more than the parking fee, the user can leave hourly parking lot A1 without being charged any fee at the fee settlement machine 42. In this case, the user may receive, for example, money equivalent to the difference between the consideration and the parking fee at the fee settlement machine 42, or may receive, for example, points via network N1 that can be used at specific stores, etc., equivalent to the difference.

[0048] The control unit 112 controls the storage battery 31. Specifically, the control unit 112 transmits, via the network N1, a command to charge or discharge the storage battery 31 to an electrical facility 2 electrically connected to the storage battery 31 to be controlled among the plurality of electrical facilities 2. The electrical facility 2 that receives the command controls the storage battery 31 to charge or discharge in accordance with the command. That is, in this embodiment, the control unit 112 controls the storage battery 31 indirectly via the electrical facility 2.

[0049] The following are examples of control by the control unit 112. The following control examples may be combined as appropriate.

[0050] As an example, the control unit 112 controls the charging and / or discharging of one or more storage batteries 31 to be controlled in response to an upward DR or downward DR command from the host system 200. For example, when an upward DR command is sent from the host system 200, the control unit 112 controls the one or more storage batteries 31 to be charged. Also, when a downward DR command is sent from the host system 200, the control unit 112 controls the one or more storage batteries 31 to be discharged.

[0051] As an example, the control unit 112 performs frequency control by repeatedly charging and / or discharging one or more storage batteries 31 that are to be controlled in response to a command from the higher-level system 200. In the present disclosure, "frequency control" refers to control that suppresses fluctuations in the frequency of the power grid 5 and maintains the frequency (i.e., adjusts the supply and demand balance). Examples of frequency control include EDC (Economic Load Dispatching Control) and LFC (Load Frequency Control). In other words, the control unit 112 controls the storage batteries 31 so as to suppress fluctuations in the frequency of the power grid 5.

[0052] Here, the control unit 112 may execute frequency control without relying on a command from the higher-level system 200. For example, the management system 100 may monitor the frequency of the power grid 5 and repeatedly charge and discharge one or more storage batteries 31 to be controlled so as to suppress fluctuations in the monitored frequency.

[0053] As an example, the control unit 112 controls the charging and / or discharging of the multiple storage batteries 31 so as to equalize the charging rates of the multiple storage batteries 31 that are subject to DR-based control or frequency control. For example, assume that the charging rate of one of two storage batteries 31 is above a predetermined value and the charging rate of the other storage battery 31 is below the predetermined value. In this case, the control unit 112 controls one storage battery 31 to discharge. Then, the control unit 112 controls the supply of this discharged power to the other storage battery 31, thereby charging the other storage battery 31. In other words, the control unit 112 controls at least one of charging from the other storage battery 31 to the storage battery 31 and discharging from the storage battery 31 to the other storage battery 31.

[0054] In this way, by sharing power among the plurality of storage batteries 31 and making the charging rates uniform, there is an advantage that each of the plurality of storage batteries 31 can be made capable of charging and / or discharging under DR-based control or frequency control. Another advantage is that sharing power among the plurality of storage batteries 31 in this way does not affect the frequency of the power grid 5 (in other words, the supply and demand balance).

[0055] Here, if the storage battery 31 to be controlled is nearly fully charged, the storage battery 31 cannot be charged any further, which may cause a problem that control based on the upward DR cannot be executed or frequency control cannot be executed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 112 controls the storage battery 31 so that the charging rate of the storage battery 31 does not exceed a predetermined charging rate (upper limit charging rate). As a result, this embodiment has the advantage that the storage battery 31 to be controlled can be kept in a state where it can be charged at all times, and can handle control based on the upward DR or frequency control.

[0056] Similarly, if the state of charge of the storage battery 31 to be controlled is close to 0%, the storage battery 31 cannot be discharged any further, which may cause a problem that control based on the downward DR or frequency control cannot be executed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 112 controls the storage battery 31 so that the state of charge of the storage battery 31 does not fall below a predetermined state of charge (lower limit state of charge). As a result, this embodiment has the advantage that the storage battery 31 to be controlled can be constantly discharged and can respond to control based on the downward DR or frequency control. Furthermore, this embodiment has the advantage that the state of charge of the storage battery 31 does not fall below the lower limit state of charge, which makes it easier for the user to ensure a sufficient charge amount to drive the mobile object 3 to a destination (e.g., home).

[0057] (3) Operation An example of the operation of the management system 100 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. In the following, it is assumed that the acquisition unit 10 acquires connection information from the electrical equipment 2 after the connector 22 of the charging cable 21 is connected to the inlet 30 of the mobile object 3.

[0058] First, when the connector 22 of the charging cable 21 of the electrical equipment 2 is connected to the inlet 30 of the moving object 3 (S1: Yes), the acquisition unit 10 acquires connection information from the electrical equipment 2 (S2). Process S2 corresponds to acquisition step ST1.

[0059] Next, if the acquired connection information is the first connection information (S3: Yes), the fee generating unit 111 generates a first fee from the user (S4). Here, the first fee is a fee obtained by adding together a basic fee for allowing only charging of the storage battery 31 and an additional fee. Furthermore, if the acquired connection information is not the first connection information (S3: No) but the second connection information (S5: Yes), the fee generating unit 111 generates a second fee from the user (S6). Here, the second fee is a fee obtained by adding together a basic fee for allowing only discharging of the storage battery 31 and an additional fee. Furthermore, if the acquired connection information is not the second connection information (S5: No) but the third connection information (S7: Yes), the fee generating unit 111 generates a third fee from the user (S8). Here, the third consideration is a consideration obtained by adding together the basic consideration and the additional consideration for allowing both charging and discharging of the storage battery 31. If the acquired connection information is not the third connection information (S7: No), the consideration generating unit 111 does not generate a consideration for the user (S9). Processes S3 to S8 correspond to consideration generating step ST2.

[0060] Thereafter, the management system 100 outputs the fee generated by the fee generating unit 111 to the billing system 4 (S10). As a result, the billing system 4 bills the user for the fee obtained by offsetting the fee from the parking fee at the fee adjustment machine 42. Furthermore, when the storage battery 31 is charged, the billing system 4 may also bill the user for a charging fee according to the charging time.

[0061] Here, the fee charged to the user by the charging system 4 when the first consideration is charged to the user (S4) is lower than the fee charged to the user when no consideration is charged to the user (S9). For example, assume that the parking time and charging time of the mobile object 3 are the same in both cases. In the latter case, the charging system 4 will charge the user a parking fee based on the parking time and a charging fee based on the charging time. On the other hand, in the former case, the charging system 4 will charge the user a fee obtained by subtracting the first consideration from the total fee for the parking time and the charging time. In other words, the fee paid by the user in the former case (when the user allows the storage battery 31 to be charged but does not need to be charged while parked) is lower by the amount of the first consideration than in the latter case (when the user wants the storage battery 31 to be charged).

[0062] (4) Variations The above-described embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, functions similar to those of the management system 100 may be embodied not only as a management method, but also as a (computer) program, a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded, or the like.

[0063] The management method according to one embodiment includes an acquisition step ST1 and a payment generating step ST2. The acquisition step ST1 is a step of acquiring connection information relating to the electrical connection status between a storage battery 31 that can be mounted on a mobile object 3 and an electrical equipment 2 electrically connected to the storage battery 31. The payment generating step ST2 is a step of generating a payment to a user of the storage battery 31 based on the connection information acquired in the acquisition step ST1, regardless of the amount of power exchanged between the electrical equipment 2 and the storage battery 31. A (computer) program according to one embodiment causes one or more processors to execute the management method described above.

[0064] Modifications of the above-described embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0065] The management system 100 of the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The functions of the management system 100 of the present disclosure are realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided in a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integrations (VLSIs), or ultra-large-scale integrations (ULSIs). Furthermore, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmable after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices that allow the reconfiguration of internal connections or circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be used as processors. The electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or distributed across multiple chips. The chips may be integrated into one device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0066] Furthermore, it is not essential for the management system 100 that multiple functions of the management system 100 are concentrated in one housing, and the components of the management system 100 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the management system 100 may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, the acquisition unit 10 acquires the connection information by inquiring of the user, but this is not limiting. For example, the acquisition unit 10 may acquire the connection information without inquiring of the user, that is, without regard to the user's intention. In this case, for example, the acquisition unit 10 may acquire the connection information by estimating the connection status based on the state of charge (SOC) of the storage battery 31. The SOC of the storage battery 31 can be acquired from the mobile object 3 through communication via the charging cable 21. Specifically, the acquisition unit 10 may acquire the first connection information by inferring that only charging of the storage battery 31 is permitted if the SOC of the storage battery 31 is less than a first threshold. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 10 may acquire the second connection information by inferring that only discharging of the storage battery 31 is permitted if the SOC of the storage battery 31 is equal to or greater than a second threshold (>first threshold). In addition, the acquisition unit 10 may acquire the third connection information by estimating that both charging and discharging of the storage battery 31 are permitted if the charging rate of the storage battery 31 is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold.

[0068] Furthermore, for example, hourly parking lot A1 may have a regulation that prescribes that there is a possibility of charging and / or discharging storage battery 31. In this case, acquisition unit 10 may acquire connection information by regarding parking by the user in hourly parking lot A1 as permitting charging and / or discharging of storage battery 31. In other words, in this case, when connector 22 of charging cable 21 is connected to inlet 30 of mobile object 3, acquisition unit 10 acquires connection information (first to third connection information) in accordance with the regulation of hourly parking lot A1.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, the compensation generating unit 111 may generate compensation for the user based on the charging rate of the storage battery 31. In other words, the compensation generating unit 111 may increase the compensation as the chargeable amount and / or dischargeable amount of the storage battery 31 increases.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, the management system 100 may not include the control unit 112. In this case, the management system 100 only needs to be able to generate a fee for the user using the fee generation unit 111, and the control of the storage battery 31 may be performed by another system.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, the electrical equipment 2 is not limited to a charging stand, but may be, for example, a contactless power supply device installed under the road surface of the parking space A11.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of electrical equipment 2 may be a plurality of electrical equipment 2 installed in one hourly parking lot A1. In other words, the electrical equipment 2 to be managed by the management system 100 may be a plurality of electrical equipment 2 installed together in one area, or a plurality of electrical equipment 2 installed scattered across multiple areas.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, the number of electrical equipment 2 that is managed by the management system 100 may be one. In this case, the management system 100 may be incorporated into the electrical equipment 2.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the management system 100 does not need to cooperate with the billing system 4. For example, the management system 100 may charge a fee based on the electrical connection status between the storage battery 31 and the electrical equipment 2 installed in the vicinity of the parking space A11 for which no parking fee is charged.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, the management system 100 may be managed by a company that operates the hourly parking lot A1, rather than by an aggregator. This has the advantage that the company can easily manage the calculation of parking fees and the generation of compensation in a unified manner.

[0076] (summary) As described above, the management system (100) according to the first aspect includes an acquisition unit (10) and a payment generating unit (111). The acquisition unit (10) acquires connection information relating to the electrical connection status between a storage battery (31) that can be mounted on a mobile object (3) and an electrical facility (2) electrically connected to the storage battery (31). The payment generating unit (111) generates payment to a user of the storage battery (31) based on the connection information acquired by the acquisition unit (10), regardless of the amount of power exchanged between the electrical facility (2) and the storage battery (31).

[0077] This embodiment has the advantage that it is easy to encourage the user to actively use the storage battery (31) in the electrical equipment (2).

[0078] In the management system (100) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the consideration generating unit (111) determines the consideration based on the connection time between the electrical equipment (2) and the storage battery (31) among the connection information.

[0079] According to this embodiment, for example, the longer the connection time, the higher the compensation to the user is, which has the advantage of further encouraging the user to actively use the storage battery (31) in the electrical equipment (2).

[0080] In the management system (100) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the connection status includes a status in which only charging of the storage battery (31) by the electrical equipment (2) is permitted.

[0081] This embodiment has the advantage that the user can receive the payment even if the electrical equipment (2) does not have the function of discharging the storage battery (31).

[0082] In the management system (100) according to a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the connection state includes a state in which only discharging of the storage battery (31) by the electrical equipment (2) is permitted.

[0083] This embodiment has the advantage that the user can receive the payment even if the electrical equipment (2) does not have the function of charging the storage battery (31).

[0084] In the management system (100) according to the fifth aspect, in any of the first to fourth aspects, the connection status includes a status in which both charging of the storage battery (31) by the electrical equipment (2) and discharging of the storage battery (31) are permitted.

[0085] This embodiment has the advantage that it is easier to differentiate the price to the user compared to when only one of charging and discharging of the storage battery (31) is permitted.

[0086] In the management system (100) according to the sixth aspect, in any one of the third to fifth aspects, the connection status reflects the intention of the user.

[0087] This embodiment has the advantage that it is easy to prevent the electrical equipment (2) from using the storage battery (31) without the user's consent.

[0088] In the management system (100) according to a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the acquisition unit (10) acquires the connection information by estimating the connection status based on the charging rate of the storage battery (31).

[0089] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to obtain connection information without making an inquiry to the user.

[0090] The management system (100) according to an eighth aspect is the management system (100) according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, further including a control unit (112) that controls the storage battery (31). The control unit (112) controls the storage battery (31) so as to suppress fluctuations in the frequency of the power grid (5).

[0091] This embodiment has the advantage of being able to contribute to adjusting the balance between power supply and demand.

[0092] The management system (100) according to a ninth aspect is the management system (100) according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, further including a control unit (112) that controls the storage battery (31). The control unit (112) controls at least one of charging the storage battery (31) from another storage battery (31) and discharging the storage battery (31) to the other storage battery (31).

[0093] This embodiment has the advantage that the charging rates of the storage batteries (31) can be easily made uniform without affecting the balance between supply and demand of power.

[0094] The management system (100) according to a tenth aspect is the management system (100) according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, further including a control unit (112) that controls the storage battery (31). The control unit (112) controls the storage battery (31) so that the state of charge of the storage battery (31) does not exceed a predetermined state of charge.

[0095] According to this embodiment, the storage battery (31) is likely to be in a constantly chargeable state, which is advantageous in that the storage battery (31) can be easily utilized.

[0096] In the management system (100) according to the eleventh aspect, in any of the first to tenth aspects, the fee is added to or offset with the usage fee incurred for the use of the storage space (A11) of the mobile body (3) in which the electrical equipment (2) is installed.

[0097] This embodiment has the advantage that it is easy to encourage users to actively use the storage space (A11).

[0098] The management method according to the twelfth aspect includes an acquisition step (ST1) and a payment step (ST2). The acquisition step (ST1) is a step of acquiring connection information relating to the electrical connection status between a storage battery (31) that can be mounted on a mobile object (3) and an electrical facility (2) electrically connected to the storage battery (31). The payment step (ST2) is a step of generating a payment to a user of the storage battery (31) based on the connection information acquired in the acquisition step (ST1), regardless of the amount of power exchanged between the electrical facility (2) and the storage battery (31).

[0099] This embodiment has the advantage that it is easy to encourage the user to actively use the storage battery (31) in the electrical equipment (2).

[0100] A program according to a thirteenth aspect causes one or more processors to execute the management method according to the twelfth aspect.

[0101] This embodiment has the advantage that it is easy to encourage the user to actively use the storage battery (31) in the electrical equipment (2).

[0102] The configurations according to the second to eleventh aspects are not essential for the management system (100) and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, the compensation generating unit 111 can also generate compensation based on the amount of power exchanged between the electrical equipment 2 and the storage battery 31. However, in this case, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, the amount of power exchanged between the electrical equipment 2 and the storage battery 31 is measured by a smart meter 6 connected to the electrical equipment 2. Therefore, the entity that executes the exchange of power between the electrical equipment 2 and the storage battery 31 is not the user, but the owner of the smart meter 6, that is, the owner of the electrical equipment 2. Therefore, the compensation generated by the compensation generating unit 111 can be compensation for the owner of the electrical equipment 2, rather than for the user.

[0104] In other words, the owner of the electrical equipment 2 receives the compensation that would otherwise be received by the owner of the storage battery 31 (in other words, the owner of the mobile object 3), and the owner of the storage battery 31 simply uses the storage battery 31. This can cause a problem in that users are not given an incentive to actively use the storage battery 31.

[0105] In order to solve the above problem, the mobile object 3 may be provided with a meter 32 that measures the amount of power exchanged between the storage battery 31 mounted on the mobile object 3 and the electrical equipment 2, as shown in Fig. 4. In this embodiment, it becomes clear that the entity that executes the exchange of power between the electrical equipment 2 and the storage battery 31 is not the owner of the electrical equipment 2, but the user. Therefore, in this embodiment, the compensation generation unit 111 can generate compensation for the user of the storage battery 31 who is originally entitled to the compensation, which has the advantage of providing the user with an incentive to actively use the storage battery 31.

[0106] The meter 32 may be installed in the electrical equipment 2. In this case, the electrical equipment 2 may link the amount of power measured by the meter 32 with the identifier of the mobile body 3 that used the electrical equipment 2 by communicating with the mobile body 3. In other words, the electrical equipment 2 may include the meter 32 and a linking unit. The linking unit links the amount of power measured by the meter 32 with the identifier of the mobile body 3 that used the electrical equipment 2 by communicating with the mobile body 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 100 Management Systems 10 Acquisition Department 111 Compensation Generation Department 112 Control Unit 2. Electrical equipment 3. Mobile 31 Storage battery 5 Power system A11 Parking space (storage space) ST1 Acquisition step ST2: Remuneration generation step

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires connection information relating to an electrical connection status between a storage battery that can be mounted on a mobile body and electrical equipment that is electrically connected to the storage battery; a compensation generating unit that determines compensation to be provided to a user of the storage battery based on a first condition, which is the connection information acquired by the acquiring unit, and a second condition, which is a time period during which the electrical equipment and the storage battery are connected; the first condition is information selected from any one of the following states: charging of the storage battery by the electrical equipment is permitted; discharging of the storage battery by the electrical equipment is permitted; and both charging and discharging of the storage battery by the electrical equipment are permitted; The compensation generating unit calculates the compensation as a sum of a basic compensation corresponding to a selected state of the first condition and an additional compensation corresponding to the second condition. Management system.

2. With regard to the first condition, if both charging and discharging of the storage battery are permitted, the user is granted the basic consideration at a unit price higher than in other cases. The management system according to claim 1 .

3. The selection of the first condition reflects the intention of the user. The management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The acquisition unit acquires the connection information by estimating the connection status based on a charging rate of the storage battery. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Further comprising a control unit for controlling the storage battery, The control unit controls the storage battery so that the charging rate of the storage battery does not exceed a predetermined charging rate. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The consideration is added to or offset with the usage consideration incurred for the use of the storage space of the mobile body in which the electrical equipment is installed. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A management method executed by one or more processors, comprising: an acquiring step of acquiring connection information relating to an electrical connection status between a storage battery that can be mounted on a mobile body and electrical equipment electrically connected to the storage battery; a compensation calculation step of determining compensation to be given to a user of the storage battery based on a first condition, which is the connection information acquired in the acquisition step, and a second condition, which is a time period during which the electrical equipment and the storage battery are connected; the first condition is information selected from any one of the following states: charging of the storage battery by the electrical equipment is permitted; discharging of the storage battery by the electrical equipment is permitted; and both charging and discharging of the storage battery by the electrical equipment are permitted; In the consideration calculation step, the consideration is calculated as a sum of a basic consideration corresponding to a selected state of the first condition and an additional consideration corresponding to the second condition. Management method.

8. One or more processors, Executing the management method according to claim 7, program.

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