Charging / discharging system and method for controlling the charging / discharging system

Abstract

To provide a charging / discharge system that makes effective use of a vehicle power storage device, which is a power storage device included in a vehicle.SOLUTION: A charging / discharging system 10 performs charging / discharging between a vehicle power storage device 51 which is a power storage device included in a vehicle 50 in a predetermined supply area 1 where power is supplied from the outside, and supplies power to a power load 20 in the supply area 1. The charging / discharging system 10 includes a charging / discharging unit 162 that controls charging / discharging to the vehicle power storage device 51. The charging / discharging system 10 is connected to a power storage device 80 that supplies power to the power load 20. The charging / discharging unit 162 discharges power from the vehicle power storage device 51 and charges the power to the storage device 80.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charge / discharge system that charges and discharges between a vehicle power storage device, which is a power storage device provided in a vehicle, and a control method for the charge / discharge system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a charging / discharging system that charges / discharges between a vehicle power storage device, which is a power storage device possessed by a vehicle, and supplies power to a power load. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which, in a grid-connected system (charging / discharging system) that charges / discharges between a battery (vehicle power storage device) mounted on an electric vehicle, power is supplied from the battery to a power load in an emergency. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-10442 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a conventional charging / discharging system such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a vehicle power storage device is used to supply power to a power load in a disaster area, if the power load in the disaster area is small, the vehicle power storage device will have to be left in the disaster area for a long period of time. In this case, a problem arises in that the vehicle power storage device cannot be used in other disaster areas. For this reason, it is desirable to make effective use of the vehicle power storage device.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a charge / discharge system that can effectively utilize a vehicle power storage device, which is a power storage device provided in a vehicle, and a control method for the charge / discharge system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A charging / discharging system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a charging / discharging system that charges and discharges between a vehicle storage device, which is a storage device possessed by a vehicle, in a specified supply area to which electric power is supplied from outside, and supplies electric power to an electric power load within the supply area, and is provided with a charging / discharging unit that controls charging and discharging to the vehicle storage device, and a storage device that supplies electric power to the electric power load is connected to the charging / discharging system, and the charging / discharging unit discharges electric power from the vehicle storage device and charges the electric power to the storage device.

[0007] The present invention can be realized not only as such a charge / discharge system, but also as a control method for a charge / discharge system. The present invention can also be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute the processes included in the control method for a charge / discharge system, and as a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM on which the program is recorded. The program can be distributed via the recording medium and a transmission medium such as the Internet. The present invention can also be realized as an integrated circuit having a processing unit included in the charge / discharge system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the charging / discharging system and the like of the present invention, it is possible to effectively utilize a vehicle power storage device, which is a power storage device provided in a vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a remote monitoring system including a charge / discharge system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a charge / discharge system according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a charge / discharge system according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a first communication unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first mode of a first operation mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 5B]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second mode of the first operation mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third mode of the second operation mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fourth mode of the second operation mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fifth mode of the third operation mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a sixth mode of the third operation mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information displayed on a display unit of a client device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on a display unit of the charger / discharger according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing a first process performed by the charge / discharge system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing a second process performed by the charge / discharge system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second process performed by the charging / discharging system according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a third process performed by the charge / discharge system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third process performed by the charging / discharging system according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a fourth process performed by the charge / discharge system according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a fifth process performed by the charge / discharge system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A charging / discharging system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a charging / discharging system that charges and discharges between a vehicle storage device, which is a storage device possessed by a vehicle, in a specified supply area to which electric power is supplied from outside, and supplies electric power to an electric power load within the supply area, and is provided with a charging / discharging unit that controls charging and discharging to the vehicle storage device, and a storage device that supplies electric power to the electric power load is connected to the charging / discharging system, and the charging / discharging unit discharges electric power from the vehicle storage device and charges the electric power to the storage device.

[0011] According to this, the charging / discharging system discharges power from the vehicle power storage device and charges the power storage device with the discharged power. By storing the power of the vehicle power storage device in the power storage device in this way, the power of the vehicle power storage device can be consumed in a relatively short period of time and can be supplied to an electric load from the power storage device for a relatively long period of time. This allows the vehicle power storage device to be removed from a disaster area relatively quickly so that it can be used in the next disaster area. Therefore, the charging / discharging system enables effective use of the vehicle power storage device, which is a power storage device included in the vehicle.

[0012] The charging / discharging unit may determine whether the generated power of a power generation device connected to the charging / discharging system has become equal to or less than a first threshold, and if it determines that the generated power has become equal to or less than the first threshold, may discharge power from the vehicle power storage device and charge the power to the storage device.

[0013] When a power generation device is connected to the charging / discharging system, if the power generated by the power generation device decreases, there is a risk that the system will be unable to supply power to the power load and charge the power storage device. Therefore, when the power generated by the power generation device falls below a first threshold, the charging / discharging system discharges power from the vehicle power storage device and charges the power storage device with the discharged power. This allows the vehicle power storage device to be moved away from the disaster area relatively quickly so that it can be used in the next disaster area, thereby enabling effective use of the vehicle power storage device.

[0014] The charge / discharge unit may set a value smaller than the chargeable power of the power storage device as the first threshold value, and determine whether the generated power has become equal to or smaller than the first threshold value.

[0015] When the power generated by the power generation device is smaller than the chargeable power of the power storage device, supplying power from the power generation device to the power storage device does not exceed the chargeable power of the power storage device, so power can be supplied from the vehicle power storage device to the power storage device without suppressing the power generated by the power generation device. Therefore, a threshold (first threshold) of the power generated by the power generation device for supplying power from the vehicle power storage device to the power storage device is set to a value smaller than the chargeable power of the power storage device. This allows the power generation device to be operated efficiently while making effective use of the vehicle power storage device.

[0016] An operating mode in which the vehicle power storage device is discharged to supply power to the power load and power is supplied to the power storage device from a power generation device connected to the charging / discharging system is a first operating mode, an operating mode in which the vehicle power storage device is not charged or discharged or discharged to supply power to the power load and power is supplied from the power generation device to the power load is a second operating mode, and an operating mode in which the vehicle power storage device is charged or not charged or discharged and power is supplied from the power generation device to the power load is a third operating mode, and the charging / discharging system may further include an acquisition unit that acquires operating information indicating any of the first operating mode, the second operating mode, or the third operating mode, and when the acquisition unit acquires the operating information, the charging / discharging unit may perform control in accordance with the operating mode indicated by the operating information.

[0017] According to this, when the charging / discharging system acquires operating information indicating one of a first operating mode, a second operating mode, and a third operating mode, the charging / discharging system performs control according to the operating mode indicated by the acquired operating information. The first operating mode is an operating mode that prioritizes the use of power from the vehicle power storage device. The second operating mode is an operating mode that prioritizes the use of power generated by the power generation device, but also uses power from the vehicle power storage device if available. The third operating mode is an operating mode that does not use power from the vehicle power storage device. In this way, the charging / discharging system acquires operating information that indicates an operating mode suitable for the application and performs control according to the operating mode, thereby using power from the vehicle power storage device that is appropriate for the situation. This enables effective use of the vehicle power storage device.

[0018] The first operation mode includes a first mode in which power is supplied from the power generation device to the power storage device and power is supplied from the vehicle power storage device to the power load, and a second mode in which power is supplied from the power generation device to the power storage device and power is supplied from the vehicle power storage device to the power load and the power storage device, the second operation mode includes a third mode in which power is supplied from the power generation device to the power load and the power storage device without charging or discharging the vehicle power storage device, and a fourth mode in which power is supplied from the power generation device to the power load and power is supplied from the vehicle power storage device to the power load, and the third operation mode includes a fourth mode in which power is supplied from the power generation device to the power load and the The charging / discharging unit may perform control according to the first mode or the second mode when the acquisition unit acquires driving information indicating the first driving mode, control according to the third mode or the fourth mode when the acquisition unit acquires driving information indicating the second driving mode, and control according to the fifth mode or the sixth mode when the acquisition unit acquires driving information indicating the third driving mode.

[0019] This allows the charging / discharging system to acquire driving information indicating which driving mode is best suited to the application from among various driving modes, and to perform control in accordance with that driving mode, thereby using the power of the vehicle power storage device in a way that is appropriate for the situation, thereby enabling the vehicle power storage device to be used more effectively.

[0020] The charging / discharging system may further include a control unit that displays information indicating at least two of the first operating mode, the second operating mode, and the third operating mode on a display unit, and the acquisition unit may acquire the operating information indicating that one of the operating modes indicated by the information displayed on the display unit has been selected.

[0021] According to this, the charging / discharging system displays information indicating at least two driving modes on the display unit, acquires driving information indicating which driving mode has been selected, and performs control according to the driving mode indicated by the acquired driving information. In this way, when a user selects a driving mode via the display unit, the charging / discharging system performs control according to the selected driving mode. As a result, by allowing the user to select a driving mode appropriate for the situation, the power of the vehicle power storage device is used in an appropriate manner for the situation, thereby enabling effective use of the vehicle power storage device.

[0022] The charging / discharging unit may determine whether the power consumption of the power load is greater than the power generated by a power generation device connected to the charging / discharging system, and if it determines that the power consumption is greater than the power generated, discharge power from the vehicle power storage device and supply the power to the power load.

[0023] When the power consumption of the power load is equal to or less than the power generated by the power generator, the power consumption of the power load can be covered by the power generated by the power generator, so if power is supplied from the vehicle power storage device to the power load, there is a risk that the power generated by the power generator will be suppressed. Therefore, the charging / discharging system supplies power from the vehicle power storage device to the power load when the power consumption of the power load is greater than the power generated by the power generator. This allows power to be supplied from the vehicle power storage device to the power load without suppressing the power generated by the power generator, so it is possible to operate the power generator efficiently and make effective use of the vehicle power storage device.

[0024] The charging / discharging unit may determine whether the vehicle power storage device is a power storage device that supplies power to the vehicle, and if it determines that the vehicle power storage device is a power storage device that supplies power to the vehicle, determine whether a value indicating the remaining capacity of the vehicle power storage device has become less than or equal to a second threshold, and if it determines that the value indicating the remaining capacity of the vehicle power storage device has become less than or equal to the second threshold, control the vehicle power storage device so that power is not discharged.

[0025] When the vehicle power storage device is a power storage device that supplies power to a vehicle, if the remaining capacity of the vehicle power storage device becomes low, the vehicle power storage device may become unable to supply power to the vehicle. Therefore, to protect the vehicle, it is preferable to prevent excessive discharging from the vehicle power storage device. Some vehicles are configured to forcibly charge the vehicle power storage device when the remaining capacity of the vehicle power storage device becomes low, which prevents the vehicle power storage device from being effectively utilized. Therefore, when the vehicle power storage device is a power storage device that supplies power to the vehicle and the value indicating the remaining capacity of the vehicle power storage device is equal to or less than a second threshold, the charging / discharging system controls the vehicle power storage device so as not to discharge power. This prevents the vehicle from being forcibly charged while protecting the vehicle, thereby enabling the vehicle power storage device to be effectively utilized. If it is unclear whether the vehicle power storage device is a power storage device that supplies power to the vehicle, the above-mentioned effect cannot be achieved. However, the charging / discharging system can determine whether the vehicle power storage device is a power storage device that supplies power to the vehicle, thereby achieving the above-mentioned effect.

[0026] The charging / discharging unit may determine whether a value indicating the remaining capacity of the power storage device has become equal to or greater than a third threshold, and if it determines that the value indicating the remaining capacity of the power storage device has become equal to or greater than the third threshold, may reduce the amount of power discharged from the vehicle power storage device or charge the vehicle power storage device.

[0027] Even if the power storage device is fully charged, if there is surplus power, it may not be possible to suppress charging to the power storage device. If the power storage device continues to be charged, a protective function such as an overvoltage may be activated, which may cause malfunctions such as the stopping of the charging / discharging system. Therefore, when the value indicating the remaining capacity of the power storage device becomes equal to or greater than a third threshold, the charging / discharging system reduces the power discharged from the vehicle power storage device or charges the vehicle power storage device. This suppresses continued charging even when the power storage device is fully charged, and suppresses unnecessary power discharge from the vehicle power storage device, thereby enabling effective use of the vehicle power storage device.

[0028] The charge / discharge unit may determine whether a predetermined condition is satisfied, and when it determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, may perform control so as not to charge the vehicle power storage device.

[0029] If a case where the vehicle power storage device is not to be charged is set as a predetermined condition when it is desired to supply more power to the power loads within the supply area, the charging / discharging system controls the vehicle power storage device not to be charged when it determines that the predetermined condition is met. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption by the vehicle power storage device and supply more power to the power loads within the supply area.

[0030] The charging / discharging unit may determine whether a value indicating the remaining capacity of the power storage device has become equal to or less than a fourth threshold, and if it determines that the value indicating the remaining capacity of the power storage device has become equal to or less than the fourth threshold, may control the vehicle power storage device so that it is not charged.

[0031] By not charging the vehicle power storage device when the remaining capacity of the power storage device becomes low, it is possible to prevent the remaining capacity of the power storage device from decreasing further.

[0032] The charging / discharging unit may determine whether or not power is being supplied from the power grid to the supply area, and if it determines that power is not being supplied from the power grid to the supply area, may control the vehicle power storage device so that it is not charged.

[0033] By not charging the vehicle storage device when power is not supplied to the supply area from the power grid, such as during a power outage, power consumption by the vehicle storage device can be reduced, allowing more power to be supplied to the power loads within the supply area.

[0034] A control method for a charging / discharging system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a control method for a charging / discharging system that charges and discharges between a vehicle storage device, which is a storage device possessed by a vehicle, in a specified supply area to which power is supplied from outside, and supplies power to a power load within the supply area, wherein the charging / discharging system is connected to a storage device that supplies power to the power load, and discharges power from the vehicle storage device and charges the power to the storage device.

[0035] According to this, in the control method for the charging / discharging system, electric power is discharged from the vehicle power storage device and the electric power is charged to the power storage device. As described above, this control method for the charging / discharging system makes it possible to effectively utilize the vehicle power storage device, which is a power storage device provided in the vehicle.

[0036] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a charge / discharge system according to an embodiment of the present invention (including its modified examples), and a control method for the charge / discharge system will be described. The embodiments described below all show comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, components, the arrangement and connection of the components, the control processes, and the order of the control processes shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. In each drawing, the same or similar components are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0037] (Embodiment) [1 Explanation of charging and discharging system 10] First, a general description will be given of the charge / discharge system 10. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a remote monitoring system including a charge / discharge system 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 1, the remote monitoring system includes a plurality of supply areas 1 (three in Fig. 1), a server device 30 capable of collecting information about the supply areas 1, a client device 40 capable of viewing the information about the supply areas 1, and a network N serving as a communication medium. This allows remote monitoring by displaying the information about the supply areas 1 on a display unit 41 of the client device 40 via the network N (and the server device 30).

[0039] A supply area 1 is a predetermined site to which power is supplied from a power grid, and is divided into predetermined areas such as by consumer, facility, or building. In each supply area 1, a charge / discharge system 10 including a power conditioner 100 and a charger / discharger 200, and a power load 20 are arranged, and power is supplied from the charge / discharge system 10 to the power load 20. The power load 20 is a power load consumed by power consuming devices in buildings (offices, etc.) arranged in each supply area 1, or outdoor power consuming devices, etc.

[0040] The server device 30 includes a web server function and presents information obtained from the charging / discharging system 10 within the supply area 1 in response to access from the client device 40. The server device 30 may be realized by a general-purpose computer system such as a personal computer executing a program, or may be realized by a dedicated computer system.

[0041] The network N includes a public communication network N1, which is the Internet, and a carrier network N2 that realizes wireless communication according to a predetermined mobile communication standard. The public communication network N1 includes a general optical line, and the network N includes a dedicated line to which the server device 30 is connected. The carrier network N2 includes a base station BS, and the client device 40 can communicate with the server device 30 from the base station BS via the network N. An access point AP is connected to the public communication network N1, and the client device 40 can communicate with the server device 30 from the access point AP via the network N.

[0042] The client device 40 may be a desktop or laptop personal computer, or may be a so-called smartphone or tablet communication terminal. The client device 40 has a display unit 41 such as a liquid crystal display, an input unit 42 such as a keyboard and mouse or a touch panel, a control unit, a storage unit (memory), a communication unit, etc. The storage unit stores a client program including a web browser that is read and executed by the control unit. A user who logs in using a login screen displayed on the web browser of the client device 40 can access information about the system in which the user is involved, which is provided by the server device 30.

[0043] Next, the charging / discharging system 10 will be described in detail. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the charging / discharging system 10 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 2 is an image diagram showing the configurations of the power conditioner 100 and the charger / discharger 200 provided in the charging / discharging system 10, and a state in which the vehicle power storage device 51 of the vehicle 50 is connected to the charger / discharger 200. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the charging / discharging system 10 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 3 shows a configuration in which the charging / discharging system 10 is connected to the vehicle power storage device 51 of the vehicle 50, a power grid 60, a power generation device 70, a power storage device 80, and a power load 20 within a supply area 1.

[0044] The charging / discharging system 10 is a system that charges / discharges power between a vehicle power storage device 51, which is a power storage device of a vehicle 50, and a predetermined supply area 1 to which power is supplied from the outside, and supplies the power to a power load 20 within the supply area 1. The above-mentioned "external" refers to a power source other than the vehicle power storage device 51. While any power source other than the vehicle power storage device 51 may be used, in this embodiment, the external source is a power grid 60. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the charging / discharging system 10 includes a power conditioner 100 and a charger / discharger 200. Although five charger / dischargers 200 are illustrated in FIG. 2 and only one charger / discharger 200 is illustrated in FIG. 3 for ease of explanation, the number of charger / dischargers 200 included in the charging / discharging system 10 is not particularly limited. The number of power conditioners 100 included in the charging / discharging system 10 is also not particularly limited.

[0045] That is, the charging / discharging system 10 may be arranged in a centralized charging / discharging station in which parking spaces S1 to S5 are adjacent to each other, as shown in FIG. 2, or in a distributed charging / discharging station (not shown) in which parking spaces are distributed (for example, on different floors of a building). In FIG. 2, a charger / discharger 200 is arranged in each of the parking spaces (S1, S2, ...), but this is not limited to this configuration, and a single charger / discharger 200 may be installed in a single parking space. Multiple vehicles 50 (multiple vehicle power storage devices 51) may be connected to one charger / discharger 200. In other words, multiple vehicles 50 (multiple vehicle power storage devices 51) may be connected to the charging / discharging system 10, or only one vehicle 50 (one vehicle power storage device 51) may be connected. The charging / discharging station in which the charging / discharging system 10 is arranged may be provided in a public place such as a public parking lot, or may be provided on the premises of a company or individual.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3 , the power conditioner 100 is connected to the charger / discharger 200, the power system 60, the power generator 70, the power storage device 80, and the power load 20, and exchanges power with them. That is, the power conditioner 100 receives power from the charger / discharger 200, the power system 60, the power generator 70, and the power storage device 80, and supplies power to the charger / discharger 200, the power system 60, the power storage device 80, and the power load 20. As a result, the power system 60 and the power generator 70 supply power to the power load 20, the power storage device 80, and the vehicle power storage device 51. The power storage device 80 supplies power to the power load 20 and the vehicle power storage device 51. The vehicle power storage device 51 supplies power to the power load 20 and the power storage device 80.

[0047] The power system 60 is, for example, a commercial power system owned by an electric power company, and AC power generated by a system power source 61 such as a thermal power plant flows through the power system 60. The power system 60 supplies the AC power to the power conditioner 100. The power system 60 is not limited to a commercial power system, and may be any power system that is provided outside the charge / discharge system 10 and supplies power to the charge / discharge system 10, and may be a power system installed on a remote island or in a specified area that is not connected to a commercial power system.

[0048] The power generation device 70 is a power generation device installed within the supply area 1, and is a distributed power generation device such as a solar power generation facility, a wind power generation facility, a diesel generator, a small gas turbine generator, a fuel cell, a micro hydroelectric generator, or a binary power generation facility. The power generation device 70 supplies the generated power to the power conditioner 100.

[0049] The power storage device 80 is a power supply device that can charge with electricity from an external source and discharge electricity to the outside. The power storage device 80 charges with and discharges electricity via the power conditioner 100. Specifically, the power storage device 80 has a plurality of power storage elements connected in series and / or parallel. The power storage elements are secondary batteries (single cells) that can charge with and discharge electricity, and are, for example, non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries such as lithium-ion secondary batteries. The power storage elements are not limited to non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, and may be secondary batteries other than non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, capacitors, batteries using a solid electrolyte, or the like. The power storage device 80 may be a power storage device included in a vehicle, such as the vehicle power storage device 51.

[0050] The power load 20 is a power load consumed within the supply area 1, and includes specific loads 21 and 22 that are used even in emergencies such as power outages, and a general load 23 that is used normally. The specific load 21 is a power load used for elevators or commercial air conditioning in facilities such as offices, and the specific load 22 is a lighting load used for lighting or outlets in facilities such as offices. The general load 23 is a power load other than the specific loads 21 and 22, such as a load for operating home appliances or machinery in a factory.

[0051] The power conditioner 100 includes a first converter circuit 110, a second converter circuit 120, a bidirectional inverter circuit 130, a switching circuit 140, a control unit 150, and a first communication unit 160.

[0052] The first converter circuit 110 is a power converter (DC / DC converter) that performs conversion between DC and DC power, and is connected to the power generation device 70 to boost and output the output voltage (DC) of the power generation device 70. The first converter circuit 110 may be a boost chopper. The second converter circuit 120 is a bidirectional power converter (bidirectional DC / DC converter) that performs conversion between DC and DC power, and is connected to the power storage device 80 to discharge and charge the power storage device 80. The second converter circuit 120 may be a bidirectional chopper. The power storage device 80 can store surplus power from the power generation device 70 and power from the power grid 60 via the second converter circuit 120. When the amount of power generated by the power generation device 70 is insufficient, the power storage device 80 can discharge and make up for the shortage of power generation via the second converter circuit 120. The bidirectional inverter circuit 130 is a bidirectional conversion circuit that selectively performs inverse conversion (inversion) to convert DC power to AC power and forward conversion (conversion) to convert AC power to DC power. The bidirectional inverter circuit 130 is connected to the first converter circuit 110, the second converter circuit 120, and the power grid 60.

[0053] The switching circuit 140 is connected to a three-phase specific load 21 and a single-phase specific load 22 via a transformer, and is a circuit that switches contacts to supply power to the specific loads 21 and 22 in an emergency such as a power outage in the power grid 60. The switching circuit 140 is configured to normally connect contact A to the power line so that power from the power grid 60 can be supplied to the specific loads 21 and 22, etc. In an emergency, the switching circuit 140 switches to contact B so that power can be supplied from the power generation device 70 and / or the power storage device 80 to the specific loads 21 and 22 via the bidirectional inverter circuit 130. As a result, backup power is supplied to the specific loads 21 and 22 from at least one of the power generation device 70, the power storage device 80, and the charger / discharger 200 in the event of a power outage in the power grid 60.

[0054] The control unit 150 is a control device that controls various devices within the power conditioner 100. The power conditioner 100 further includes a current detection unit and a voltage detection unit (not shown). The current detection unit is, for example, a through-hole sensor that detects the current flowing through the power line within the power conditioner 100. The voltage detection unit detects the voltage of the power line within the power conditioner 100. The control unit 150 has a function of calculating and acquiring the power (active power) and amount of power flowing in and out of the power line based on the detected current and voltage. The control unit 150 also has a function of calculating received power from the received current and system voltage detected by an external measuring device (external transducer) 62 installed at the power receiving point of the power grid 60, or acquiring the received power calculated by the external measuring device 62. In this way, the control unit 150 is configured to be able to acquire the power and amount of power of the current flowing between the charging / discharging system 10 and the power grid 60, the power generation device 70, the power storage device 80, and the power load 20. The control unit 150 may be configured to be able to acquire information other than the above, such as the SOC (State Of Charge) of the power storage device 80, and the power and amount of power of the current flowing between the power conditioner 100 and the charger / discharger 200.

[0055] The first communication unit 160 is a communication board such as a network interface card (NIC) and is capable of communicating with external devices. The first communication unit 160 is communicably connected to the control unit 150 via a communication line (not shown) and acquires information from the control unit 150. The first communication unit 160 is communicably connected to a second communication unit 230 of the charger / discharger 200 (described later) via a communication line or by wireless communication and acquires information from the second communication unit 230 as well. The first communication unit 160 will be described in detail later.

[0056] The power conditioner 100 may be a three-phase grid-connected power storage system that can supply power to a wide range of power loads. For example, by using a so-called power conditioner with a storage battery that is integrally provided with the power storage device 80 as the power conditioner 100, space can be saved.

[0057] Charger / discharger 200 is a charging / discharging station that is connected to vehicle power storage device 51, which is a power storage device included in vehicle 50, and charges / discharges between vehicle power storage device 51 and charge / discharge station 200. Charger / discharger 200 is also connected to power load 20 via power conditioner 100, and charges vehicle power storage device 51 under normal circumstances, and discharges vehicle power storage device 51 under emergency circumstances to supply power to power load 20, such as specific loads 21 and 22.

[0058] The vehicle 50 is a vehicle (mobile object) such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and the vehicle power storage device 51 is a battery mounted thereon. The vehicle power storage device 51 is a power storage device (battery) that supplies power to the vehicle 50 and drives the vehicle 50. Similar to the power storage device 80, the vehicle power storage device 51 has a plurality of power storage elements (lithium ion secondary batteries, etc.) connected in series and / or parallel.

[0059] The charger / discharger 200 includes a charge / discharge unit 210 , a control unit 220 , a second communication unit 230 , an input unit 240 , and a display unit 250 .

[0060] The charge / discharge unit 210 is a bidirectional conversion circuit that selectively performs forward conversion (conversion) to convert AC power to DC power and inverse conversion (inversion) to convert DC power to AC power. The charge / discharge unit 210 converts AC power from the power conditioner 100 into DC power and supplies it to the vehicle power storage device 51 to charge the vehicle power storage device 51. The charge / discharge unit 210 converts DC power discharged from the vehicle power storage device 51 into AC power and supplies it to the power load 20 etc. via the power conditioner 100.

[0061] The control unit 220 controls the charge / discharge unit 210 by issuing commands to the charge / discharge unit 210. The control unit 220 has a function of calculating (estimating) and acquiring the power and amount of power when the vehicle power storage device 51 is being charged and discharged, based on the output of the charge / discharge unit 210. The control unit 220 also has a function of displaying various information on the display unit 250. In the present embodiment, the control unit 220 displays information indicating at least two driving modes from among a first driving mode, a second driving mode, and a third driving mode, which will be described later, on the display unit 250. The control unit 220 also has a function of transmitting the selected information to the second communication unit 230 when information displayed on the display unit 250 is selected via the input unit 240. In the present embodiment, the control unit 220 transmits driving information indicating that one of the driving modes indicated by the information displayed on the display unit 250 has been selected to the second communication unit 230. The control unit 220 may have a function of acquiring and monitoring the SOC, etc., of the vehicle power storage device 51. The control unit 220 may include a storage unit (memory) and the like.

[0062] The second communication unit 230 is a communication board such as a network interface card (NIC) that can communicate with the first communication unit 160 of the power conditioner 100 via a communication line or by wireless communication. The second communication unit 230 acquires various information from the control unit 220 and transmits it to the first communication unit 160. Specifically, the second communication unit 230 acquires, from the control unit 220, information on the power and amount of power charged and discharged between the vehicle power storage device 51 and the charge / discharge unit 210 (charge / discharge system 10), and transmits it to the first communication unit 160. In this way, in the present embodiment, the first communication unit 160 functions as a parent device, and the second communication unit 230 functions as a child device.

[0063] 2 , when a plurality of chargers / dischargers 200 are provided in the charging / discharging system 10, a plurality of second communication units 230 possessed by the plurality of chargers / dischargers 200 are configured to be able to communicate with the first communication unit 160, and information is transmitted from the plurality of second communication units 230 to the first communication unit 160. The second communication unit 230 may be configured to be able to communicate with other second communication units 230 possessed by other chargers / dischargers 200 via wire or wirelessly, and may be configured to acquire information from the other second communication units 230 and then transmit the information to the first communication unit 160.

[0064] Input unit 240 is an operation unit such as a touch panel provided in charger / discharger 200, and accepts input from a user. Display unit 250 is a display screen such as a liquid crystal display provided in charger / discharger 200, and displays various information. Input unit 240 may be displayed within display unit 250, and input unit 240 within display unit 250 may accept input from a user.

[0065] [2. Description of the first communication unit 160] Next, a detailed description will be given of the first communication unit 160 provided in the power conditioner 100 of the charge / discharge system 10. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the first communication unit 160 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a configuration in which the first communication unit 160 acquires information from the client device 40 and the second communication unit 230, and transmits the information to the second communication unit 230.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 4, the first communication unit 160 includes an acquisition unit 161, a charge / discharge unit 162, a transmission unit 163, and a storage unit 164.

[0067] The storage unit 164 is a memory that stores data necessary for the charge / discharge unit 162 to perform control, such as data acquired by the acquisition unit 161. The storage unit 164 stores operation information 164a and threshold information 164b. The operation information 164a includes information indicating one of a plurality of operation modes (in this embodiment, three operation modes: a first operation mode, a second operation mode, and a third operation mode). The threshold information 164b includes information indicating a first threshold, a second threshold, and a third threshold. In the storage unit 164, when there is a change in these data, these data are updated each time, or these data may be accumulated. Below, the first operation mode, the second operation mode, the third operation mode, and the first threshold, the second threshold, and the third threshold will be described in detail.

[0068] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a first operating mode according to this embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 5A shows a first mode of the first operating modes, and FIG. 5B shows a second mode of the first operating modes. FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating a second operating mode according to this embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 6A shows a third mode of the second operating modes, and FIG. 6B shows a fourth mode of the second operating modes. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating a third operating mode according to this embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 7A shows a fifth mode of the third operating modes, and FIG. 7B shows a sixth mode of the third operating modes.

[0069] The first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode are operation modes acquired by the acquisition unit 161 and executed by the charge / discharge unit 162. The first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode are all operation modes when the supply of power from the outside (power grid 60) is stopped (during a grid power outage or a disaster).

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B , the first operation mode is an operation mode in which the vehicle power storage device 51 included in the vehicle 50 is discharged to supply power to the power load 20, and power is supplied from the power generation device 70 connected to the charging / discharging system 10 to the power storage device 80. The first operation mode includes a first mode and a second mode. As shown in FIG. 5A , the first mode is an operation mode in which power is supplied from the power generation device 70 to the power storage device 80, and power is supplied from the vehicle power storage device 51 to the power load 20. As shown in FIG. 5B , the second mode is an operation mode in which power is supplied from the power generation device 70 to the power storage device 80, and power is supplied from the vehicle power storage device 51 to the power load 20 and the power storage device 80. The first mode is an operation mode when there is surplus power generated by the power generation device 70, and the second mode is an operation mode when there is no surplus power generated by the power generation device 70. In the first operation mode, power is supplied from the vehicle power storage device 51 to the power storage device 80, and therefore power conditioner 100 does not supply power to the power load 20.

[0071] In this way, the first operation mode is an operation mode in which the power of the vehicle power storage device 51 is used preferentially, and the power generated by the power generation device 70 is supplied to the power storage device 80. In the first operation mode, the priority of power use is highest for the vehicle power storage device 51, next highest for the power generation device 70, and lowest for the power storage device 80. The first operation mode is an operation mode in which, in the event of a disaster, the power of the vehicle power storage device 51 is used relatively quickly to move the vehicle power storage device 51 away from the disaster area so that the vehicle power storage device 51 can be used in the next disaster area.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , the second operation mode is an operation mode in which the vehicle power storage device 51 is not charged or discharged or is discharged to supply power to the power load 20, and power is supplied from the power generation device 70 to the power load 20. The second operation mode includes a third mode and a fourth mode. As shown in FIG. 6A , the third mode is an operation mode in which the vehicle power storage device 51 is not charged or discharged, and power is supplied from the power generation device 70 to the power load 20 and the power storage device 80. As shown in FIG. 6B , the fourth mode is an operation mode in which power is supplied from the power generation device 70 to the power load 20, and power is supplied from the vehicle power storage device 51 to the power load 20. The third mode is an operation mode in which there is a surplus of power generated by the power generation device 70, and the fourth mode is an operation mode in which there is no surplus of power generated by the power generation device 70. In the second operation mode, surplus electric power generated by the power generation device 70 is supplied to the power storage device 80, and electric power is not supplied from the vehicle power storage device 51 to the power storage device 80.

[0073] In this way, the second operation mode is an operation mode in which the power generated by the power generation device 70 is used preferentially, and the power of the vehicle power storage device 51 is also used if available. In the second operation mode, the priority of power use is highest for the power generation device 70, next highest for the vehicle power storage device 51, and lowest for the power storage device 80. The second operation mode is an operation mode in which the power of the vehicle power storage device 51 is not used early even in the event of a disaster when there is a possibility that the vehicle power storage device 51 will be used for business purposes.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B , the third operation mode is an operation mode in which the vehicle power storage device 51 is not charged or charged / discharged, and power is supplied from the power generation device 70 to the power load 20. The third operation mode includes a fifth mode and a sixth mode. As shown in FIG. 7A , the fifth mode is an operation mode in which power is supplied from the power generation device 70 to the power load 20 and the vehicle power storage device 51, and the vehicle power storage device 51 is charged. As shown in FIG. 7B , the sixth mode is an operation mode in which power is supplied from the power generation device 70 and the power storage device 80 to the power load 20, and the vehicle power storage device 51 is not charged or discharged. The fifth mode is an operation mode when there is surplus power generated by the power generation device 70, and the sixth mode is an operation mode when there is no surplus power generated by the power generation device 70. In the third operation mode, power is not supplied (discharged) from the vehicle power storage device 51.

[0075] In this way, the third operation mode is an operation mode in which the power of the vehicle power storage device 51 is not used, but rather the vehicle power storage device 51 is charged. In the third operation mode, the priority of power use is highest for the power generation device 70, next highest for the power storage device 80, and lowest for the vehicle power storage device 51. The third operation mode is an operation mode in which the power of the vehicle power storage device 51 is not used, so that the vehicle can be dispatched to a disaster area in the event of a disaster without charging the vehicle power storage device 51.

[0076] The first threshold is a threshold (power value) for comparison with the magnitude of the power generated by the power generation device 70, and in this embodiment, is a value smaller than the chargeable power of the power storage device 80. The chargeable power of the power storage device 80 is the maximum power that can be charged to the power storage device 80. The chargeable power of the power storage device 80 may be the rated power (constant value) of the power storage device 80, or may be changed as appropriate over time. The first threshold may be set to a constant value in advance, or may be changed as appropriate depending on the value of the chargeable power of the power storage device 80, etc.

[0077] The second threshold value is a threshold value for comparison with the magnitude of the remaining capacity of the vehicle power storage device 51. The remaining capacity of the vehicle power storage device 51 is the amount of electricity charged in the vehicle power storage device 51. Since the SOC can be used as an index indicating the remaining capacity of the vehicle power storage device 51, in the present embodiment, the second threshold value is a threshold value (%) for comparison with the magnitude of the SOC of the vehicle power storage device 51.

[0078] The third threshold value is a threshold value for comparison with the magnitude of the remaining capacity of the power storage device 80. The remaining capacity of the power storage device 80 is the amount of electricity charged in the power storage device 80. Since the SOC or the voltage value can be used as an index indicating the remaining capacity of the power storage device 80, in the present embodiment, the third threshold value is a threshold value (% or V) for comparison with the magnitude of the SOC or the voltage value of the power storage device 80.

[0079] Returning to FIG. 4 , the acquisition unit 161 acquires various pieces of information necessary for the charge / discharge unit 162 to perform control. Specifically, the acquisition unit 161 acquires operation information (first operation information 43 and second operation information 231) indicating one of the first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode. More specifically, the acquisition unit 161 acquires operation information (first operation information 43) indicating that one of the operation modes indicated by the information displayed on the display unit 41 of the client device 40 has been selected. The acquisition unit 161 acquires operation information (second operation information 231) indicating that one of the operation modes indicated by the information displayed on the display unit 250 of the charger / discharger 200 has been selected. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 161 acquires the first operation information 43 at the time of initial setup, etc., and thereafter, acquires the second operation information 231 as appropriate based on instructions from the user, such as in the event of a disaster. The process of the acquisition unit 161 acquiring the operation information will be described in detail below.

[0080] Fig. 8A is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on display unit 41 of client device 40 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 8B is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on display unit 250 of charger / discharger 200 according to the present embodiment.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 8A, three operation modes, namely, a "first operation mode," a "second operation mode," and a "third operation mode," are displayed on the display unit 41 of the client device 40. In this manner, a selection screen for selecting one of the operation modes is displayed on the display unit 41. The selection screen may be set in advance in the client device 40 and displayed on the display unit 41. However, in the present embodiment, the selection screen is displayed on the display unit 41 in response to an instruction from the first communication unit 160 (the charging / discharging unit 162) to the client device 40. In other words, the first communication unit 160 (the charging / discharging unit 162) displays information indicating at least two (three in the present embodiment) operation modes of the first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode on the display unit 41.

[0082] When the user selects one of the driving modes displayed on the selection screen of the display unit 41 using the input unit 42, the client device 40 transmits first driving information 43 indicating that one of the driving modes indicated by the information displayed on the display unit 41 has been selected to the acquisition unit 161. When the user selects the "first driving mode," the client device 40 transmits first driving information 43 indicating that the "first driving mode" has been selected to the acquisition unit 161. As a result, the acquisition unit 161 acquires, from the client device 40, first driving information 43 indicating one of the first driving mode, the second driving mode, and the third driving mode (indicating that one of the driving modes has been selected).

[0083] As shown in FIG. 8B, the display unit 250 of the charger / discharger 200 displays three operation modes: "charge," "discharge," and "automatic." "Charge" indicates the third operation mode, which has the lowest priority for using the power of the vehicle power storage device 51 (the power of the vehicle power storage device 51 is not used, but rather the vehicle power storage device 51 is charged). "Discharge" indicates the first operation mode, which has the highest priority for using the power of the vehicle power storage device 51 (the power of the vehicle power storage device 51 is used preferentially). "Automatic" indicates the operation mode at the time of initial setting (any of the first operation mode, second operation mode, and third operation mode indicated by the first operation information 43). In the present embodiment, "automatic" indicates the second operation mode.

[0084] In this way, a selection screen for selecting one of the operation modes is displayed on display unit 250. The selection screen may be set in advance in charger / discharger 200 and displayed on display unit 250, but in this embodiment, it is displayed on display unit 250 in response to an instruction from control unit 220. That is, control unit 220 displays on display unit 250 information indicating at least two (three in this embodiment) operation modes out of the first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode.

[0085] When the user selects, via the input unit 240, one of the operation modes displayed on the selection screen of the display unit 250, the control unit 220 transmits, to the second communication unit 230, second operation information 231 indicating that one of the operation modes indicated by the information displayed on the display unit 250 has been selected. When the user selects "discharge," the control unit 220 transmits, to the second communication unit 230, second operation information 231 indicating that "discharge," i.e., the "first operation mode," has been selected. The second communication unit 230 transmits the second operation information 231 received from the control unit 220 to the acquisition unit 161. As a result, the acquisition unit 161 acquires, from the second communication unit 230, second operation information 231 indicating one of the first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode (indicating that one of the operation modes has been selected).

[0086] Returning to FIG. 4 , the acquisition unit 161 writes the acquired operating information into the storage unit 164 for storage. Specifically, the acquisition unit 161 writes the acquired first operating information 43 and second operating information 231 into operating information 164a stored in the storage unit 164 to update the operating information 164a. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 161 also acquires the power generated by the power generation device 70, the power consumption of the power load 20, information indicating that the vehicle power storage device 51 is a power storage device that supplies power to the vehicle 50, information indicating the remaining capacity of the vehicle power storage device 51 (SOC, etc.), and information indicating the remaining capacity of the power storage device 80 (SOC, voltage value, etc.). The acquisition unit 161 acquires this information from the control unit 150, the second communication unit 230, etc., and writes and stores it in the storage unit 164 as necessary.

[0087] The charging / discharging unit 162 controls charging / discharging of the vehicle power storage device 51. Specifically, the charging / discharging unit 162 discharges power from the vehicle power storage device 51 and charges the power storage device 80 with the discharged power, or discharges power from the vehicle power storage device 51 and supplies the power to the power load 20. Furthermore, the charging / discharging unit 162 reduces the power discharged from the vehicle power storage device 51, controls the vehicle power storage device 51 so as not to discharge power, and charges the vehicle power storage device 51. The charging / discharging unit 162 transmits a signal to the second communication unit 230 via the transmission unit 163 and controls charging / discharging of the vehicle power storage device 51 via the control unit 220 and the charging / discharging unit 210. The charging / discharging unit 162 also has a function of transmitting signals to the control unit 150 and the like via the transmission unit 163 and performing various controls. The charging / discharging unit 162 may have a function of transmitting a signal to the client device 40 via the transmitting unit 163 and performing various controls.

[0088] The transmitting unit 163 transmits various signals (information) to other processing units via wire or wirelessly. As described above, the transmitting unit 163 transmits the signal from the charging / discharging unit 162 to the second communication unit 230, the control unit 150, etc. The transmitting unit 163 may transmit the signal from the charging / discharging unit 162 to the client device 40.

[0089] [3. Explanation of the processing flow of the charging / discharging system 10] Next, a description will be given of the processing (control method of the charging / discharging system 10) performed by the charging / discharging system 10. Specifically, various processing performed by the first communication unit 160 (particularly, the charging / discharging unit 162) provided in the power conditioner 100 of the charging / discharging system 10 will be described.

[0090] [3.1 First Processing] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a first process performed by the charge / discharge system 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 9 shows a process (referred to as a first process) in which the charge / discharge unit 162 of the first communication unit 160 included in the power conditioner 100 of the charge / discharge system 10 performs control according to the operation mode.

[0091] 9, first, the charge / discharge unit 162 determines whether the acquisition unit 161 has acquired the operation information (S102). If the charge / discharge unit 162 determines that the acquisition unit 161 has acquired the operation information (YES in S102), the charge / discharge unit 162 performs control according to the operation mode indicated by the operation information (S104).

[0092] As described above, when the user selects one of the operation modes displayed on the display unit 41 of the client device 40 during initial setup or the like, the client device 40 transmits first operation information 43 to the acquisition unit 161, and the acquisition unit 161 acquires the first operation information 43. Similarly, when the user selects one of the operation modes displayed on the display unit 250 of the charger / discharger 200 during a disaster or the like, the control unit 220 transmits second operation information 231 to the acquisition unit 161 via the second communication unit 230 or the like, and the acquisition unit 161 acquires the second operation information 231. In this manner, when the acquisition unit 161 acquires operation information (first operation information 43 or second operation information 231), the charge / discharge unit 162 determines that the acquisition unit 161 has acquired the operation information. When the charge / discharge unit 162 determines that the acquisition unit 161 has acquired the first operation information 43, the charge / discharge unit 162 performs control according to the operation mode indicated by the first operation information 43. When the acquisition unit 161 determines that the second operation information 231 has been acquired, the charge / discharge unit 162 performs control in accordance with the operation mode indicated by the second operation information 231 .

[0093] Specifically, when the acquisition unit 161 acquires operating information (first operating information 43 or second operating information 231), it writes the acquired operating information to operating information 164a stored in the storage unit 164 and transmits a signal indicating that the operating information has been acquired to the charging / discharging unit 162. When the charging / discharging unit 162 receives the signal from the acquisition unit 161, it determines that the acquisition unit 161 has acquired the operating information, and reads out the operating information acquired by the acquisition unit 161 with reference to the operating information 164a stored in the storage unit 164. As a result, the charging / discharging unit 162 performs control in accordance with the operation mode indicated by the read operating information (first operating information 43 or second operating information 231).

[0094] That is, when the acquisition unit 161 acquires operation information indicating the first operation mode, the charge / discharge unit 162 performs control according to the first mode or the second mode. When the acquisition unit 161 acquires operation information indicating the second operation mode, the charge / discharge unit 162 performs control according to the third mode or the fourth mode. When the acquisition unit 161 acquires operation information indicating the third operation mode, the charge / discharge unit 162 performs control according to the fifth mode or the sixth mode.

[0095] In this way, the first process performed by the charge / discharge system 10 (charge / discharge unit 162) in the control method for a charge / discharge system is completed.

[0096] [3.2 Secondary Processing] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a second process performed by the charging / discharging system 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 10 shows a process (referred to as a second process) in which the charging / discharging unit 162 of the first communication unit 160 included in the power conditioner 100 of the charging / discharging system 10 discharges power from the vehicle power storage device 51 and charges the power storage device 80 with the discharged power. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating the second process performed by the charging / discharging system 10 according to this embodiment. (a) of Fig. 11 shows a state before the second process is performed, and (b) of Fig. 11 shows a state in which the second process is being performed.

[0097] 10, first, the charge / discharge unit 162 determines whether the power generated by the power generation device 70 connected to the charge / discharge system 10 has become equal to or less than the first threshold (S202). As described above, in this embodiment, the first threshold is a value smaller than the chargeable power of the power storage device 80. Therefore, the charge / discharge unit 162 sets a value smaller than the chargeable power of the power storage device 80 as the first threshold, and determines whether the power generated by the power generation device 70 has become equal to or less than the first threshold.

[0098] Specifically, the charge / discharge unit 162 reads out the first threshold value by referring to the threshold value information 164b stored in the storage unit 164. Since the power generated by the power generation device 70 is acquired by the acquisition unit 161, the charge / discharge unit 162 acquires the power generated by the power generation device 70 from the acquisition unit 161, compares it with the read-out first threshold value, and determines whether the power generated by the power generation device 70 has become equal to or less than the first threshold value.

[0099] When it is determined that the power generated by the power generation device 70 is equal to or less than the first threshold value (YES in S202), the charge / discharge unit 162 discharges power from the vehicle power storage device 51 and charges the power storage device 80 with the discharged power (S204).

[0100] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11(a), when the generated power of the power generation device 70 is large (larger than the first threshold), surplus power is generated even when power is supplied from the power generation device 70 to the power storage device 80, and therefore it is preferable to supply power to the power load 20. For this reason, power is supplied from the power generation device 70 to the power load 20, or to the power load 20 and the power storage device 80. In this case, when attempting to supply power from the vehicle power storage device 51 to the power storage device 80, a current needs to flow in the opposite direction to the current flow from the power generation device 70 to the power load 20, and therefore power cannot be supplied from the vehicle power storage device 51 to the power storage device 80. For this reason, power is supplied from the vehicle power storage device 51 to the power load 20, or power is not discharged from the vehicle power storage device 51. In this way, when the generated power of the power generation device 70 is large (larger than the first threshold), the charge / discharge unit 162 performs control in the second operation mode.

[0101] 11(b), when the generated power of the power generation device 70 becomes small (below the first threshold), even if power is supplied from the power generation device 70 to the power storage device 80, power can still be supplied to the power storage device 80. Therefore, power is supplied from the vehicle power storage device 51 to the power storage device 80. In this case, power cannot be supplied from the power generation device 70 to the power load 20, so power is supplied from the vehicle power storage device 51 to the power load 20. In this way, when the generated power of the power generation device 70 becomes small (below the first threshold), the charge / discharge unit 162 switches from control in the second operation mode to control in the first operation mode.

[0102] In this way, the second process performed by the charge / discharge system 10 (charge / discharge unit 162) in the control method for a charge / discharge system is completed.

[0103] [3.3 Third Processing] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a third process performed by the charging / discharging system 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 12 shows a process (referred to as the third process) in which the charging / discharging unit 162 of the first communication unit 160 included in the power conditioner 100 of the charging / discharging system 10 discharges power from the vehicle power storage device 51 and supplies the power to the power load 20. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating the third process performed by the charging / discharging system 10 according to this embodiment. (a) of Fig. 13 shows a state before the third process is performed, and (b) of Fig. 13 shows a state in which the third process is being performed.

[0104] 12, first, the charge / discharge unit 162 determines whether the power consumption of the power load 20 is greater than the power generation of the power generation device 70 connected to the charge / discharge system 10 (S302). Since the power consumption of the power load 20 and the power generation of the power generation device 70 are acquired by the acquisition unit 161, the charge / discharge unit 162 acquires the power consumption and the power generation from the acquisition unit 161, compares the power consumption with the power generation, and determines whether the power consumption is greater than the power generation.

[0105] When the charge / discharge unit 162 determines that the power consumption of the power load 20 is greater than the power generated by the power generation device 70 (YES in S302), it discharges power from the vehicle power storage device 51 and supplies the discharged power to the power load 20 (S304).

[0106] 13(a), when the power consumption of power load 20 is equal to or less than the power generated by power generation device 70, the power generated by power generation device 70 alone can cover the entire amount of power consumed by power load 20, and therefore there is no need to supply power from vehicle power storage device 51 to power load 20. Therefore, power is supplied from power generation device 70 to power load 20 and power storage device 80, and power is not supplied (discharged) from vehicle power storage device 51 to power load 20. In this way, when the power consumption of power load 20 is equal to or less than the power generated by power generation device 70, charge / discharge unit 162 performs control in the third mode of the second operation mode.

[0107] 13(b), when the power consumption of the power load 20 becomes larger than the power generated by the power generation device 70, the power generated by the power generation device 70 alone cannot cover the entire amount of power consumption of the power load 20. For this reason, power is supplied from the power generation device 70 to the power load 20, and power is also supplied from the vehicle power storage device 51 to the power load 20. In this way, when the power consumption of the power load 20 becomes larger than the power generated by the power generation device 70, the charge / discharge unit 162 switches from control in the third mode to control in the fourth mode in the second operation mode.

[0108] In this way, the third process performed by the charge / discharge system 10 (charge / discharge unit 162) in the control method for a charge / discharge system is completed.

[0109] [3.4 Fourth Processing] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a fourth process performed by the charging / discharging system 10 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 14 shows a process (referred to as the fourth process) in which the charging / discharging unit 162 of the first communication unit 160 included in the power conditioner 100 of the charging / discharging system 10 controls the vehicle power storage device 51 not to discharge power.

[0110] 14, first, the charging / discharging unit 162 determines whether or not the vehicle power storage device 51 is a power storage device that supplies power to the vehicle 50 (S402). If the charging / discharging unit 162 determines that the vehicle power storage device 51 is not a power storage device that supplies power to the vehicle 50 (NO in S402), the processing ends. If the charging / discharging unit 162 determines that the vehicle power storage device 51 is a power storage device that supplies power to the vehicle 50 (YES in S402), the charging / discharging unit 162 determines whether or not a value indicating the remaining capacity of the vehicle power storage device 51 has become equal to or less than a second threshold value (S404). If the charging / discharging unit 162 determines that the value indicating the remaining capacity of the vehicle power storage device 51 has become equal to or less than the second threshold value (YES in S404), the charging / discharging unit 162 controls the vehicle power storage device 51 so as not to discharge power (S406).

[0111] In the present embodiment, when the vehicle power storage device 51 is a power storage device that supplies power to the vehicle 50, a lower limit value of the SOC specific to the vehicle 50 is set in the vehicle power storage device 51. When the vehicle power storage device 51 is connected to the charger / discharger 200, the lower limit value of the SOC specific to the vehicle 50 is transmitted from the vehicle 50 to the charger / discharger 200 via communication. Therefore, the charge / discharge unit 162 can determine whether the vehicle power storage device 51 is a power storage device that supplies power to the vehicle 50 by determining whether the lower limit value of the SOC has been transmitted to the charger / discharger 200. Specifically, when the charge / discharge unit 162 acquires information indicating that the lower limit value of the SOC has been transmitted from the second communication unit 230, the charge / discharge unit 162 determines that the vehicle power storage device 51 is a power storage device that supplies power to the vehicle 50.

[0112] When charging / discharging unit 162 determines that vehicle power storage device 51 is a power storage device that supplies power to vehicle 50, charging / discharging unit 162 refers to threshold information 164b stored in memory unit 164 and reads out the second threshold. Since acquisition unit 161 has acquired the value (SOC, etc.) indicating the remaining capacity of vehicle power storage device 51 via second communication unit 230, charging / discharging unit 162 acquires the information from acquisition unit 161 and compares it with the read-out second threshold to determine whether the value indicating the remaining capacity of vehicle power storage device 51 has become equal to or less than the second threshold.

[0113] In this embodiment, the vehicle power storage device 51 is configured to forcibly start charging when the SOC reaches a lower limit during discharging. For this reason, a value obtained by adding an offset value of +α to the lower limit of the SOC is set as a second threshold. When the charging / discharging unit 162 determines that the value indicating the remaining capacity (SOC) of the vehicle power storage device 51 has become equal to or less than the second threshold, the charging / discharging unit 162 controls the vehicle power storage device 51 so as not to discharge power. As a result, when the vehicle power storage device 51 reaches the second threshold during discharging, discharging of the vehicle power storage device 51 is stopped, preventing the SOC from reaching the lower limit, and therefore preventing the forcible start of charging. At this time, the charging / discharging unit 162 may control the vehicle power storage device 51 to be charged without disconnecting the vehicle power storage device 51 from the charger / discharger 200.

[0114] In this way, the fourth process performed by the charge / discharge system 10 (charge / discharge unit 162) in the control method for a charge / discharge system is completed.

[0115] [3.5 Fifth Processing] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a fifth process performed by the charging / discharging system 10 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 15 shows a process (referred to as a fifth process) in which the charging / discharging unit 162 of the first communication unit 160 included in the power conditioner 100 of the charging / discharging system 10 reduces the power discharged from the vehicle power storage device 51 or charges the vehicle power storage device 51.

[0116] 15, first, the charging / discharging unit 162 determines whether the value indicating the remaining capacity of the power storage device 80 is equal to or greater than a third threshold value (S502). When the charging / discharging unit 162 determines that the value indicating the remaining capacity of the power storage device 80 is equal to or greater than the third threshold value (YES in S502), the charging / discharging unit 162 reduces the power discharged from the vehicle power storage device 51 or charges the vehicle power storage device 51 (S504).

[0117] In the present embodiment, the charge / discharge unit 162 determines whether the value indicating the remaining capacity of the power storage device 80 has become equal to or greater than the third threshold value, using the value of the SOC or voltage of the power storage device 80. That is, when the third threshold value is set corresponding to the SOC of the power storage device 80, the charge / discharge unit 162 determines whether the SOC of the power storage device 80 has become equal to or greater than the third threshold value. When the third threshold value is set corresponding to the voltage of the power storage device 80, the charge / discharge unit 162 determines whether the voltage of the power storage device 80 has become equal to or greater than the third threshold value. When the charge / discharge unit 162 determines that the SOC or the voltage of the power storage device 80 has become equal to or greater than the third threshold value, the charge / discharge unit 162 reduces the power discharged from the vehicle power storage device 51 or charges the vehicle power storage device 51.

[0118] In particular, the voltage of the power storage device 80 is also used for drooping control of the power generation device 70. For this reason, it is preferable that the charging / discharging unit 162 reduce the power discharged from the vehicle power storage device 51 before the voltage of the power storage device 80 increases and drooping control of the power generation device 70 is performed (before the value indicating the remaining capacity of the power storage device 80 becomes equal to or greater than the third threshold). Therefore, when the charging / discharging unit 162 determines that the voltage of the power storage device 80 has become equal to or greater than the third threshold, the charging / discharging unit 162 reduces the power discharged from the vehicle power storage device 51 or charges the vehicle power storage device 51 to suppress a voltage increase of the power storage device 80. In this embodiment, as the voltage of the power storage device 80 increases, the charging / discharging unit 162 reduces the power discharged from the vehicle power storage device 51 or increases the power charged to the vehicle power storage device 51. However, when the vehicle power storage device 51 is near full charge, the charging / discharging unit 162 reduces the power charged to the vehicle power storage device 51 to protect the vehicle 50.

[0119] In this way, the fifth process performed by the charge / discharge system 10 (charge / discharge unit 162) in the control method for a charge / discharge system is completed.

[0120] If a case in which the vehicle power storage device 51 is not charged is set as a predetermined condition, such as when it is desired to supply more power to the power loads 20 in the supply area 1, the charging / discharging system 10 may control the vehicle power storage device 51 not to be charged when it determines that the predetermined condition is met. In other words, the charging / discharging unit 162 may determine whether or not the predetermined condition is met, and when it determines that the predetermined condition is met, may control the vehicle power storage device 51 not to be charged. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption by the vehicle power storage device 51, thereby enabling more power to be supplied to the power loads 20 in the supply area 1.

[0121] In this embodiment, the predetermined conditions are set in advance by the user, but the charging / discharging system 10 may set the predetermined conditions depending on the situation. The charging / discharging system 10 may change (update) the set predetermined conditions in response to a user instruction or automatically. The predetermined conditions are stored in the storage unit 164. Various conditions can be applied as the predetermined conditions, and specific examples are shown below.

[0122] Whether or not to perform independent operation during a power outage or the like is determined based on the remaining capacity of the power storage device 80. Therefore, if the vehicle power storage device 51 is charged when the remaining capacity of the power storage device 80 is low, power may be taken from the power storage device 80, causing the independent operation to be stopped. For this reason, the charge / discharge unit 162 may determine whether the value indicating the remaining capacity of the power storage device 80 is equal to or less than a fourth threshold (an example of the above-mentioned predetermined condition), and, if it is determined that the value is equal to or less than the fourth threshold, may perform control not to charge the vehicle power storage device 51. The definition of the fourth threshold is the same as that of the third threshold, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. If it is determined that the value indicating the remaining capacity of the power storage device 80 is equal to or less than the fourth threshold, the charge / discharge unit 162 may perform control not to charge the vehicle power storage device 51 even if the vehicle power storage device 51 is connected to the charger / discharger 200 when the remaining capacity of the vehicle power storage device 51 is low.

[0123] During the autonomous operation, the charging / discharging unit 162 may perform control not to charge the vehicle power storage device 51. That is, the charging / discharging unit 162 may determine whether or not power is being supplied from the power grid 60 to the supply area 1 (another example of the above-mentioned predetermined condition), and may control not to charge the vehicle power storage device 51 when it determines that power is not being supplied from the power grid 60 to the supply area 1. This prevents the vehicle power storage device 51 from being charged when power is not being supplied from the power grid 60 to the supply area 1 during a power outage or the like, thereby reducing power consumption by the vehicle power storage device 51. Therefore, during the autonomous operation, the vehicle power storage device 51 does not become a load on the charging / discharging system 10, and more power can be supplied to the power load 20. The charging / discharging unit 162 may have a function of switching to charging the vehicle power storage device 51 when the power outage is resolved and normal operation is resumed.

[0124] [4. Explanation of effects] As described above, charging / discharging system 10 according to this embodiment discharges power from vehicle power storage device 51 and charges power storage device 80 with the discharged power. By storing the power of vehicle power storage device 51 in power storage device 80 in this manner, the power of vehicle power storage device 51 can be consumed in a relatively short period of time and power can be supplied from power storage device 80 to power load 20 for a relatively long period of time. This allows vehicle power storage device 51 to be moved away from a disaster area relatively quickly so that it can be used in the next disaster area. Therefore, charging / discharging system 10 enables effective use of vehicle power storage device 51, which is a power storage device included in vehicle 50.

[0125] In a case where the power generation device 70 is connected to the charging / discharging system 10, if the power generated by the power generation device 70 decreases, there is a risk that the system will be unable to supply power to the power load 20 and charge the power storage device 80. Therefore, when the power generated by the power generation device 70 becomes equal to or less than the first threshold, the charging / discharging system 10 discharges power from the vehicle power storage device 51 and charges the power storage device 80 with the discharged power. This allows the vehicle power storage device 51 to be moved away from the disaster area relatively quickly so that the vehicle power storage device 51 can be used in the next disaster area, thereby enabling the vehicle power storage device 51 to be used effectively.

[0126] When the power generated by power generation device 70 is smaller than the chargeable power of power storage device 80, the power supplied from power generation device 70 to power storage device 80 does not exceed the chargeable power of power storage device 80, and therefore power can also be supplied from vehicle power storage device 51 to power storage device 80 without suppressing the power generated by power generation device 70. For this reason, the threshold value (first threshold value) of the power generated by power generation device 70 for supplying power from vehicle power storage device 51 to power storage device 80 is set to a value smaller than the chargeable power of power storage device 80. This makes it possible to operate power generation device 70 efficiently and to make effective use of vehicle power storage device 51.

[0127] When the charging / discharging system 10 acquires operation information (first operation information 43 or second operation information 231) indicating one of the first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode, the charging / discharging system 10 performs control according to the operation mode indicated by the acquired operation information. The first operation mode is an operation mode in which the power of the vehicle power storage device 51 is used preferentially. The second operation mode is an operation mode in which the power generated by the power generation device 70 is used preferentially, and the power of the vehicle power storage device 51 is also used if available. The third operation mode is an operation mode in which the power of the vehicle power storage device 51 is not used. In this way, the charging / discharging system 10 acquires operation information indicating an operation mode suited to the application and performs control according to the operation mode, thereby using the power of the vehicle power storage device 51 in a way that is suited to the situation. This enables the vehicle power storage device 51 to be used effectively.

[0128] The charging / discharging system 10 can acquire driving information indicating a driving mode suited to the intended use from among various driving modes, and perform control according to the driving mode, thereby using the electric power of the vehicle power storage device 51 in a way that is suited to the situation. This allows the vehicle power storage device 51 to be used effectively.

[0129] The charging / discharging system 10 displays information indicating at least two driving modes on the display unit 250 (or the display unit 41), acquires driving information indicating that one of the driving modes has been selected, and performs control in accordance with the driving mode indicated by the acquired driving information. In this way, when the user selects a driving mode via the display unit 250 (or the display unit 41), the charging / discharging system 10 performs control in accordance with the selected driving mode. As a result, when the user selects a driving mode suitable for the situation, the electric power of the vehicle power storage device 51 is used in a manner suitable for the situation, thereby enabling the vehicle power storage device 51 to be used effectively.

[0130] When the power consumption of the power load 20 is equal to or less than the power generated by the power generation device 70, the power consumption of the power load 20 can be covered by the power generated by the power generation device 70, and therefore, if power is supplied from the vehicle power storage device 51 to the power load 20, there is a risk that the power generated by the power generation device 70 will be suppressed. For this reason, the charging / discharging system 10 supplies power from the vehicle power storage device 51 to the power load 20 when the power consumption of the power load 20 is greater than the power generated by the power generation device 70. This makes it possible to supply power from the vehicle power storage device 51 to the power load 20 without suppressing the power generated by the power generation device 70, and therefore it is possible to operate the power generation device 70 efficiently while making effective use of the vehicle power storage device 51.

[0131] Because the vehicle power storage device 51 is a power storage device that supplies power to the vehicle 50, if the remaining capacity of the vehicle power storage device 51 becomes low, there is a risk that the vehicle power storage device 51 will no longer be able to supply power to the vehicle 50. For this reason, to protect the vehicle 50, it is preferable to prevent excessive discharging from the vehicle power storage device 51. Some vehicles 50 are configured to forcibly charge the vehicle power storage device 51 when the remaining capacity of the vehicle power storage device 51 becomes low. In this case, the vehicle power storage device 51 cannot be effectively utilized. For this reason, when the vehicle power storage device 51 is a power storage device that supplies power to the vehicle 50 and the value indicating the remaining capacity of the vehicle power storage device 51 becomes equal to or less than a second threshold, the charging / discharging system 10 controls the vehicle power storage device 51 so as not to discharge power. This makes it possible to protect the vehicle 50 while also suppressing the forcible charging of the vehicle power storage device 51, thereby enabling effective utilization of the vehicle power storage device 51. If it is unclear whether the vehicle storage device 51 is a storage device that supplies power to the vehicle 50, the above-mentioned effect cannot be achieved. However, the charging / discharging system 10 can determine whether the vehicle storage device 51 is a storage device that supplies power to the vehicle 50, and therefore can achieve the above-mentioned effect.

[0132] In particular, a vehicle power storage device 51 that supplies power to the vehicle 50 to drive the vehicle 50 may have a lower limit SOC specific to the vehicle 50 set. In this case, if the vehicle power storage device 51 reaches the lower limit SOC during discharging, charging of the vehicle power storage device 51 is forcibly initiated, preventing effective use of the vehicle power storage device 51. However, the lower limit SOC of the vehicle power storage device 51 depends on the vehicle 50, and therefore a fixed value cannot be set. If the lower limit SOC is set to 10% (a fixed value), and the vehicle 50 has a lower limit SOC set to 15%, the vehicle power storage device 51 will be forcibly charged when the lower limit SOC reaches 15%. Since the lower limit SOC specific to the vehicle 50 is transmitted via communication, the charging / discharging system 10 sets a value obtained by adding an offset value of +α to the lower limit SOC specific to the vehicle 50 as the second threshold. This prevents the vehicle power storage device 51 from reaching an SOC at which it is forcibly charged, regardless of the lower limit SOC setting specific to the vehicle 50.

[0133] Even when the power storage device 80 is fully charged, if there is surplus power, it may not be possible to suppress charging to the power storage device 80. If the power storage device 80 continues to be charged, a protective function such as an overvoltage may be activated, which may cause a malfunction such as stopping the charging / discharging system 10. For this reason, when the value indicating the remaining capacity of the power storage device 80 becomes equal to or greater than a third threshold, the charging / discharging system 10 reduces the power discharged from the vehicle power storage device 51 or charges the vehicle power storage device 51. This suppresses continued charging even when the power storage device 80 is fully charged, and suppresses unnecessary power from being discharged from the vehicle power storage device 51, thereby enabling effective use of the vehicle power storage device 51.

[0134] In the control method for charge / discharge system 10, electric power is discharged from vehicle power storage device 51, and the electric power is charged to power storage device 80. As described above, this control method for charge / discharge system 10 makes it possible to effectively utilize vehicle power storage device 51, which is a power storage device included in vehicle 50.

[0135] [5. Explanation of Variations] Although the charging / discharging system 10 and its control method according to the present embodiment have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The embodiment disclosed herein is illustrative in all respects and is not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the vehicle power storage device 51 is an electricity storage device (battery) that is mounted on the vehicle 50 such as an EV and supplies power to the vehicle 50 to drive the vehicle 50, but is not limited to this. The vehicle power storage device 51 may also be an electricity storage device (such as a battery loaded in a container) that is transported to the vehicle 50 such as a gasoline-powered vehicle.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the functions possessed by the first communication unit 160 may be possessed by the second communication unit 230, or may be possessed by other devices within the charging / discharging system 10, or by devices outside the charging / discharging system 10 (such as the server device 30 or the client device 40).

[0138] In the above embodiment, the power generation device 70 is connected to the charge / discharge system 10, but the power generation device 70 does not have to be connected.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the power conditioner 100 and the charger / discharger 200 of the charge / discharge system 10 may be integrated. The power conditioner 100 may have a built-in function of the charger / discharger 200, or the charger / discharger 200 may have a built-in function of the power conditioner 100.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the first communication unit 160 is assumed to have a memory unit 164, but it may not have a memory unit 164 and may store information in an external recording medium and acquire the information from the recording medium.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the display unit 41 displays information indicating three operation modes, namely, the "first operation mode," the "second operation mode," and the "third operation mode." However, the display unit 41 may display information indicating only two of the operation modes. The display unit 41 may display information indicating four or more operation modes, such as information indicating six operation modes, namely, the "first mode" and "second mode" of the first operation mode, the "third mode" and "fourth mode" of the second operation mode, and the "fifth mode" and "sixth mode" of the third operation mode. The information indicating the operation mode displayed on the display unit 41 may be displayed using any characters, symbols, figures, or the like. The same applies to the information indicating the operation mode displayed on the display unit 250.

[0142] The present invention can be realized not only as the charging / discharging system 10 and a control method for the charging / discharging system 10, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute processes included in the control method for the charging / discharging system 10. That is, each component included in the first communication unit 160 of the charging / discharging system 10 may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. The present invention can also be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which the program is recorded, such as a flexible disk, hard disk, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), or semiconductor memory. The program can be distributed via the recording medium or a transmission medium such as the Internet. The present invention can also be realized as an integrated circuit including a processing unit included in the charging / discharging system 10. That is, each functional block of the first communication unit 160 of the charging / discharging system 10 shown in FIG. 4 may be realized as an LSI (Large Scale Integration) integrated circuit. These functional blocks may be individually implemented on a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated on a single chip. In this way, each component of the first communication unit 160 of the charging / discharging system 10 may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component.

[0143] Any combination of the components in the above-described embodiments and their modifications is also included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0144] The present invention can be applied to a charging / discharging system or the like that charges and discharges between a vehicle and an electricity storage device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1. Supply area 10 Charging and discharging system 20 Power load 21, 22 Specific load 23 General load 30 Server device 40 Client Device 41, 250 display section 42, 240 Input section 43 First Operation Information 50 vehicles 51 Vehicle power storage device 60 Power system 61 Grid power supply 62 External measuring instruments 70 Power Generation Equipment 80 Electricity storage device 100 Power Conditioner 110 first converter circuit 120 Second converter circuit 130 Bidirectional inverter circuit 140 Switching circuit 150, 220 Control unit 160 First Communications Department 161 Acquisition Department 162 Charge / discharge section 163 Transmitter 164 Storage section 164a Operation Information 164b Threshold information 200 charger / discharger 210 Charging / Discharging Unit 230 Second Communications Department 231 Second Operation Information

Claims

1. A charging / discharging system that charges / discharges between a vehicle power storage device, which is a power storage device included in a vehicle, in a predetermined supply area to which power is supplied from an external source, and supplies power to an electric load within the supply area, a charge / discharge unit that controls charging / discharging of the vehicle power storage device, a power storage device that supplies power to the power load is connected to the charging / discharging system; The charge / discharge unit determines whether or not the generated power of a power generation device connected to the charge / discharge system has become smaller than the rated power of the power storage device, and when it determines that the generated power has become smaller than the rated power, discharges power from the vehicle power storage device and charges the power into the power storage device. Charging and discharging system.

2. A charging / discharging system that charges and discharges between a vehicle power storage device, which is a power storage device possessed by a vehicle, in a predetermined supply area to which power is supplied from an external source, and supplies power to an electric load within the supply area, a charge / discharge unit that controls charging / discharging of the vehicle power storage device, a power storage device that supplies power to the power load is connected to the charging / discharging system; the charging / discharging unit discharges electric power from the vehicle electric power storage device and charges the electric power into the electric power storage device; a first operation mode in which the vehicle power storage device is discharged to supply power to the power load, and power is supplied to the power storage device from a power generation device connected to the charging / discharging system; an operation mode in which the vehicle power storage device is not charged or discharged or is discharged to supply power to the power load, and power is supplied from the power generation device to the power load is defined as a second operation mode; a third operation mode in which the vehicle power storage device is charged or not charged or discharged, and power is supplied from the power generation device to the power load; the charging / discharging system further includes an acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating any one of the first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode; When the acquisition unit acquires the operation information, the charge / discharge unit performs control according to an operation mode indicated by the operation information. Charging and discharging system.

3. the first operation mode includes a first mode in which electric power is supplied from the power generation device to the power storage device and electric power is supplied from the vehicle power storage device to the electric power load, and a second mode in which electric power is supplied from the power generation device to the power storage device and electric power is supplied from the vehicle power storage device to the electric power load and the power storage device, the second operation mode includes a third mode in which the vehicle power storage device is not charged or discharged, and power is supplied from the power generation device to the power load and the power storage device, and a fourth mode in which power is supplied from the power generation device to the power load, and power is supplied from the vehicle power storage device to the power load, the third operation mode includes a fifth mode in which power is supplied from the power generation device to the power load and the vehicle power storage device and the vehicle power storage device is charged, and a sixth mode in which power is supplied from the power generation device and the power storage device to the power load without charging or discharging the vehicle power storage device, When the acquisition unit acquires operation information indicating the first operation mode, the charge / discharge unit performs control according to the first mode or the second mode; when the acquisition unit acquires operation information indicating the second operation mode, the charge / discharge unit performs control according to the third mode or the fourth mode; and when the acquisition unit acquires operation information indicating the third operation mode, the charge / discharge unit performs control according to the fifth mode or the sixth mode. The charging / discharging system according to claim 2 .

4. the charging / discharging system further includes a control unit that displays, on a display unit, information indicating at least two of the first operating mode, the second operating mode, and the third operating mode; The acquisition unit acquires the driving information indicating that one of the driving modes indicated by the information displayed on the display unit has been selected. The charging / discharging system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The charging / discharging unit determines whether the power consumption of the power load is greater than the power generated by a power generation device connected to the charging / discharging system, and when it determines that the power consumption is greater than the power generated, discharges power from the vehicle power storage device and supplies the discharged power to the power load. The charge / discharge system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The charge / discharge unit determines whether the vehicle power storage device is a power storage device that supplies power to the vehicle, and when it is determined that the vehicle power storage device is a power storage device that supplies power to the vehicle, determines whether a value indicating a remaining capacity of the vehicle power storage device is equal to or less than a second threshold, and when it is determined that the value indicating the remaining capacity of the vehicle power storage device is equal to or less than the second threshold, controls so as not to discharge power from the vehicle power storage device. The charge / discharge system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The charge / discharge unit determines whether a value indicating a remaining capacity of the power storage device is equal to or greater than a third threshold, and when it determines that the value indicating the remaining capacity of the power storage device is equal to or greater than the third threshold, reduces the amount of power discharged from the vehicle power storage device or charges the vehicle power storage device. The charge / discharge system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The charge / discharge unit determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied, and when it determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, controls the vehicle power storage device so as not to be charged. The charge / discharge system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The charge / discharge unit determines whether a value indicating a remaining capacity of the power storage device is equal to or less than a fourth threshold, and when it determines that the value indicating the remaining capacity of the power storage device is equal to or less than the fourth threshold, controls the vehicle power storage device so as not to be charged. The charging / discharging system according to claim 8 .

10. The charging / discharging unit determines whether or not power is being supplied from the power grid to the supply area, and when it determines that power is not being supplied from the power grid to the supply area, controls the vehicle power storage device so that it is not charged. The charging / discharging system according to claim 8 or 9.

11. A control method for a charge / discharge system that charges / discharges between a vehicle power storage device, which is a power storage device included in a vehicle, in a predetermined supply area to which power is supplied from an external source, and supplies power to an electric load within the supply area, comprising: a power storage device that supplies power to the power load is connected to the charging / discharging system; A determination is made as to whether or not the generated power of a power generation device connected to the charging / discharging system has become smaller than the rated power of the power storage device, and when it is determined that the generated power has become smaller than the rated power, power is discharged from the vehicle power storage device and the power is charged into the power storage device. A method for controlling a charging and discharging system.

12. A control method for a charge / discharge system that charges / discharges between a vehicle power storage device, which is a power storage device included in a vehicle, in a predetermined supply area to which power is supplied from an external source, and supplies power to an electric load within the supply area, comprising: a power storage device that supplies power to the power load is connected to the charging / discharging system; a charging / discharging step of discharging electric power from the vehicle electric power storage device and charging the electric power to the electric power storage device; a first operation mode in which the vehicle power storage device is discharged to supply power to the power load, and power is supplied to the power storage device from a power generation device connected to the charging / discharging system; an operation mode in which the vehicle power storage device is not charged or discharged or is discharged to supply power to the power load, and power is supplied from the power generation device to the power load is defined as a second operation mode; a third operation mode in which the vehicle power storage device is charged or not charged or discharged, and power is supplied from the power generation device to the power load; The control method for the charge / discharge system further includes acquiring operation information indicating any one of the first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode; When the operation information is acquired in the acquiring step, the charging and discharging step performs control according to the operation mode indicated by the operation information. A method for controlling a charging and discharging system.

13. A program for causing a computer to execute the processes included in the method for controlling a charge / discharge system according to claim 11 or 12.

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