Method for managing power storage device and computer device

Abstract

To suppress that a power storage device to be lent is too deteriorated.SOLUTION: A management method of a power storage device, contains: a step (S172) of determining whether or not a deterioration level of a power storage device is larger than a first reference value in a battery lease vehicle (a vehicle having a power storage device to be lent) in the case of receiving a discharge request for an energy management; a step (S18) of instructing a discharge to an external part of the vehicle in accordance with a discharge request against the battery lease vehicle of which the deterioration level of the power storage device is smaller than the first reference value on the basis of their determination result; and a step of performing no instruction of the discharge in accordance with a discharge request against the battery lease vehicle of which the deterioration level of the power storage device is larger than the first reference value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management method for a power storage device and a computer device. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-177652 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology in which a server that manages the rental fee paid by users for the rental of a battery for driving a vehicle collects the battery's full charge capacity from the vehicle and lowers the rental fee as the collected full charge capacity decreases. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-177652 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The value of an energy storage device decreases as its full charge capacity decreases due to degradation. Therefore, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the rental fee decreases as the full charge capacity decreases. However, with this technology, the rental fee decreases as the energy storage device deteriorates, so there is no incentive for users to use the energy storage device in a way that prevents it from deteriorating. Furthermore, users are likely not aware of the types of usage that are likely to cause degradation of the energy storage device, and may unknowingly cause excessive degradation of the energy storage device. If a rented energy storage device deteriorates too much, it becomes difficult for leasing companies to reuse the returned energy storage device for other purposes.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to prevent rented power storage devices from deteriorating too much. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a form related to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for managing an energy storage device, which includes, when receiving a discharge request for first energy management, determining whether a deterioration level of a rented energy storage device for a vehicle equipped with the energy storage device is greater than a first reference value, and based on the result of the determination, instructing a vehicle whose deterioration level of the energy storage device is less than the first reference value to discharge outside the vehicle in accordance with the discharge request, and not instructing a vehicle whose deterioration level of the energy storage device is greater than the first reference value to discharge in accordance with the discharge request.

[0007] A power storage device mounted on a vehicle typically stores power through external charging (charging the power storage device with power from outside the vehicle) every time power is consumed through use of the vehicle. Therefore, there is a high possibility that external charging will be performed on a daily basis. On the other hand, external power feeding (discharging from the power storage device to outside the vehicle) is performed infrequently in a power storage device mounted on a vehicle. Therefore, although a power storage device mounted on a vehicle has a high resistance to external charging, it tends to have a relatively low resistance to external power feeding.

[0008] In the above management method, a discharge command (external power supply command) for energy management is not transmitted to a vehicle whose rented power storage device has a high degree of degradation. This makes it possible to prevent the rented power storage device from deteriorating too much. On the other hand, a vehicle whose rented power storage device has a low degree of degradation can contribute to energy management by following the discharge command (external power supply command) for energy management. This makes it possible to both prevent degradation of the rented power storage device and meet energy management requirements.

[0009] The vehicle equipped with the power storage device may be an xEV (exhausted electric vehicle) that uses electricity as all or part of its power source. Examples of xEVs include BEVs (electric vehicles), HEVs (hybrid vehicles), PHEVs (plug-in hybrid vehicles), and FCEVs (fuel cell vehicles).

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer device including a processor and a storage device that stores a program that causes the processor to execute the above-described method for managing a power storage device. With such a computer device, the above-described management method is preferably executed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the rented power storage device from deteriorating too much. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a management system for a power storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the vehicle shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an energy management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart showing control for causing a vehicle to perform energy management in a method for managing a power storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing details of energy management control for vehicles for sale in a method for managing an electricity storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0014] 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a management system for a power storage device according to this embodiment. The management system includes a dealer 100, a battery exchange station (hereinafter referred to as "BSta") 200, a management center 500, and an insurance server 600.

[0015] The management center 500 is a server that provides a leasing service for renting out power storage devices for vehicles. The management center 500 manages information related to the leasing service. The management center 500 belongs to, for example, an automobile manufacturer. In this embodiment, the automobile manufacturer also serves as the leasing business operator. The insurance server 600 is a server that provides an insurance service. The insurance service is, for example, a service that provides compensation for deterioration of a power storage device installed in a vehicle.

[0016] Automobile manufacturers sell or lease manufactured vehicles through dealer 100. In this embodiment, multiple types of leasing methods are employed, including a partial leasing method and a full leasing method. Dealer 100 includes server 150. Server 150 manages information (vehicle information) related to vehicles sold or leased by dealer 100, distinguishing them by vehicle ID. Server 150 sequentially transmits the latest vehicle information to management center 500. Dealer 100 may, for example, lease power storage device 12A of vehicle 10A (vehicle A) shown in FIG. 1 to a user using a partial leasing method. In vehicle 10A (partially leased vehicle), vehicle body 11A is owned by the user, and power storage device 12A is owned by the automobile manufacturer. Dealer 100 may also, for example, lease vehicle 10B (vehicle B) shown in FIG. 1 to a user using a full leasing method. In the case of vehicle 10B (fully leased vehicle), the entire vehicle (vehicle body 11B and power storage device 12B) becomes the property of the automobile manufacturer. In addition, dealer 100 may sell vehicle 10C (vehicle C) shown in FIG. 1 to a user. In the case of vehicle 10C (vehicle for sale), the entire vehicle (vehicle body 11C and power storage device 12C) becomes the property of the user.

[0017] In this embodiment, the insurance premium is included in the lease fee (for example, monthly lease fee) charged by the dealer 100 to the vehicle user. That is, each of vehicles A and B is subscribed to insurance provided by the insurance server 600. When the power storage devices mounted on these vehicles deteriorate, the insurance applies. The insurance service allows the vehicle user to replace the power storage device free of charge, for example. Since the above insurance is for lease purposes, vehicle C is not subscribed to the above insurance. However, vehicle C may subscribe to a different insurance.

[0018] In this embodiment, a plurality of dealers 100 (only one is shown) and a plurality of BSta 200 are installed to cover the entire area under the jurisdiction of the power storage device management system. The BSta 200 is configured to replace power storage devices for vehicles. The BSta 200 includes a server 250. Power storage devices rented by automobile manufacturers to vehicle users through the dealers 100 are returned by the vehicle users to the BSta 200. In this embodiment, secondary batteries are used as the power storage devices. However, the power storage devices may be any devices that can store electric power.

[0019] The management center 500 includes a processor 510, a storage device 520, and a communication module 530. The processor 510 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage device 520 is configured to be able to save stored information. The communication module 530 is connected to the communication network NW, for example, by a wire. Furthermore, each of the server 150 and the server 250 is also connected to the communication network NW, for example, by a wire. The management center 500, the insurance server 600, the server 150, and the server 250 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the communication network NW. The communication network NW is, for example, a wide area network constructed by the Internet and wireless base stations.

[0020] Hereinafter, the vehicle provided by dealer 100 may be referred to as "vehicle 10." Vehicle 10 according to this embodiment is any one of vehicles A, B, and C shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of vehicle 10.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 2, vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 11 and a battery 12 mounted on vehicle body 11. Vehicle 10 may be a BEV without an internal combustion engine, or a PHEV with an internal combustion engine. A known vehicle power storage device (e.g., a lithium-ion secondary battery or a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery) can be used as battery 12. A plurality of secondary batteries may form a battery pack. Battery 12 corresponds to an example of a "power storage device" according to the present disclosure.

[0022] The vehicle body 11 includes an ECU 111, an inlet 112, a charge / discharge circuit 113, a discharge port 114, and a communication device 115. The vehicle body 11 also includes an HMI (Human Machine Interface) and a BMS (Battery Management System), which are not shown. The ECU 111 is a computer including a processor 111a and a storage device 111b. The storage device 111b stores a program to be executed by the processor 111a. The ECU stands for an electronic control unit. The control system of the vehicle 10 (including the ECU 111) is supplied with power from an auxiliary battery, which is not shown.

[0023] The storage device 111b further stores information (battery information) about the battery 12 in a state where it is mounted on the vehicle 10. The battery information includes the state of the battery 12 detected by the BMS (e.g., temperature, current, voltage, SOC, and SOH). The SOC (State Of Charge) indicates the remaining amount of electricity stored. The SOH (State of Health) indicates the health or deterioration level of the power storage device. Examples of SOH include a capacity maintenance rate and internal resistance. The higher the internal resistance of the power storage device, the greater the deterioration level of the power storage device. The lower the capacity maintenance rate of the power storage device, the greater the deterioration level of the power storage device. The capacity maintenance rate corresponds to the ratio of the current capacity to the capacity in the initial state (undegraded state). The capacity of the power storage device corresponds to the amount of electricity stored in a fully charged state.

[0024] EVSE stands for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. The main body of the EVSE 20 incorporates a control unit 21 and a circuit unit 22. The EVSE 20 further includes a charging cable 23 extending outward from the main body of the EVSE 20. The charging cable 23 is electrically connected to the circuit unit 22. The control unit 21 includes a processor and a storage device, and is configured to be able to communicate with the management center 500. The circuit unit 22 includes a circuit for supplying power to the vehicle 10 and a circuit for supplying power to the power grid PG (reverse power flow).

[0025] The inlet 112 is configured so that the connector 24 (tip) of the charging cable 23 can be attached and detached. The inlet 112 functions as a charging and discharging port. When the connector 24 of the charging cable 23 connected to the main body of the EVSE 20 is connected to the inlet 112 of the parked vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 is electrically connected to the EVSE 20 (plugged-in state). On the other hand, for example, when the vehicle 10 is traveling, the vehicle 10 is not electrically connected to the EVSE 20 (plugged-out state). The EVSE 20 further includes a connection detection circuit (not shown) that detects the state of the connector 24 (plugged-in state / plugged-out state).

[0026] The EVSE 20 and the electric power grid PG are electrically connected. Therefore, the vehicle 10 in the plugged-in state is electrically connected to the electric power grid PG. When the vehicle 10 in the plugged-in state performs external charging (charging the battery 12 with electric power from outside the vehicle), electric power supplied from the electric power grid PG is output to the connector 24 via the circuit unit 22 of the EVSE 20 and input to the inlet 112. Then, the charge / discharge circuit 113 generates charging power according to instructions from the ECU 111 using the electric power supplied from the inlet 112, and inputs the generated charging power to the battery 12. When the vehicle 10 in the plugged-in state performs external power feeding (discharging from the battery 12 to outside the vehicle), the charge / discharge circuit 113 generates feed power according to instructions from the ECU 111 using electric power discharged from the battery 12, and outputs the generated feed power to the inlet 112. Then, electric power output from the vehicle 10 is supplied (reverse power flow) to the electric power grid PG via the circuit unit 22 of the EVSE 20. The charge / discharge circuit 113 generates charging power and supply power using a power conversion circuit (for example, at least one of a DC / DC conversion circuit and an AC / DC conversion circuit). The battery 12 has a higher resistance to external charging than to external power supply. For example, the degree of deterioration of the battery 12 due to one external charging is smaller than the degree of deterioration of the battery 12 due to one external power supply under the same conditions.

[0027] In addition to the inlet 112, the vehicle 10 further includes a discharge port 114 for V2H (Vehicle to Home) or V2L (Vehicle to Load) using power from the battery 12. The charge / discharge circuit 113 switches between the inlet 112 and the discharge port 114 to output power from the battery 12 in response to an instruction from the ECU 111. The ECU 111 may execute the V2H or V2L in response to a request from the user. The discharge port 114 may be an outlet for supplying power from the battery 12 to a load outside the vehicle.

[0028] The communication device 115 includes a communication I / F (interface) for accessing the communication network NW via wireless communication. The communication device 115 may include a TCU (Telematics Control Unit) or a DCM (Data Communication Module) for performing wireless communication. The communication device 115 further includes a communication I / F for performing wireless communication with each of the server 250 and the mobile terminal 30. The ECU 111 is configured to communicate with each of the management center 500, the server 250, and the mobile terminal 30 via the communication device 115.

[0029] The mobile terminal 30 is carried and operated by the user (vehicle manager) of the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, a smartphone equipped with a touch panel display is used as the mobile terminal 30. The smartphone has a built-in computer and a speaker function. However, the mobile terminal 30 is not limited to this, and other devices such as a laptop, a tablet, a portable game console, a wearable device, and an electronic key can also be used as the mobile terminal 30.

[0030] Application software (hereinafter referred to as "mobile app") for using services provided by the management center 500 is installed on the mobile terminal 30. The mobile app associates the identification information (terminal ID) of the mobile terminal 30 with the identification information (vehicle ID) of the corresponding vehicle 10 and registers them in the management center 500. The mobile terminal 30 can exchange information with the management center 500 via the mobile app.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an energy management system according to this embodiment. Referring to Fig. 3 together with Figs. 1 and 2, a management center 500 functions as an aggregator and performs energy management of the power grid PG in cooperation with the vehicle group 1 and the EVSE group 2. The management center 500 is configured to be able to communicate with each of the vehicle group 1, the EVSE group 2, and the server 700 via a communication network NW.

[0032] The power grid PG is a power network constructed by power transmission and distribution facilities. A plurality of power plants are connected to the power grid PG. A server 700 manages information (including supply and demand balance information) related to the power grid PG. A vehicle group 1 includes a plurality of vehicles 10. An EVSE group 2 includes a plurality of EVSEs 20 that receive power from the power grid PG.

[0033] Each EVSE included in the EVSE group 2 is connected to the communication network NW via, for example, a communication line. The management center 500 can acquire information (such as SOC, charging power, and discharging power) about the vehicles 10 and EVSEs 20 by wired communication with the vehicles 10 connected to the EVSEs 20 (vehicles 10 in a plugged-in state) via the EVSEs 20. The vehicles 10 may also transmit information to the management center 500 via wireless communication.

[0034] Identification information (vehicle ID) of each vehicle included in the vehicle group 1 is registered in advance in the management center 500. A storage device 520 (FIG. 1) of the management center 500 stores information (vehicle information) about the vehicle 10, distinguishing it by vehicle ID. This vehicle information includes specifications of the vehicle 10, information indicating whether the vehicle 10 is in a plugged-in state, information about the vehicle 10 in a plugged-in state (for example, the battery information mentioned above), usage mode information, fee information, and incentive information.

[0035] The usage mode information indicates the usage mode of the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the usage mode information indicates one of the usage modes of vehicle A (partially leased vehicle), vehicle B (fully leased vehicle), and vehicle C (sold vehicle). For example, when selling or leasing the vehicle 10, the dealer 100 writes the usage mode information regarding the vehicle 10 into a storage device (not shown) of the server 150. Then, the server 150 transmits the usage mode information to the management center 500 together with the vehicle ID.

[0036] The fee information corresponds to information about lease fees that vehicle users pay to automobile manufacturers. The lease fees correspond to fees that users pay to rent and use a vehicle or a power storage device. The fee information may indicate the unpaid amount of lease fees for each vehicle user.

[0037] The incentive information corresponds to information about incentives (e.g., points) that an automobile manufacturer pays to vehicle users who perform energy management in response to a request from the automobile manufacturer. The incentive information may indicate the amount of points saved for each vehicle user. The points may be convertible into money, goods, or rights.

[0038] The management center 500 causes the vehicle fleet 1 to perform energy management of the power grid PG in response to a request from, for example, the server 700. The vehicles 10 electrically connected to the EVSE 20 can function as DERs (Distributed Energy Resources) for a VPP (Virtual Power Plant). Specifically, in order to adjust the supply and demand balance of the power grid PG, the server 700 requests the management center 500 to perform either a first energy management (e.g., a decrease in demand or an increase in supply) that reduces the ratio of power demand to power supply, or a second energy management (e.g., an increase in demand or a decrease in supply) that increases the ratio of power demand to power supply. When the management center 500 receives a discharge request for the first energy management or a charge request for the second energy management from the server 700, it sends a discharge command or a charge command according to the request to the plugged-in vehicles 10.

[0039] 4 is a flowchart showing energy management control according to this embodiment. In the following, each step in the flowchart will be simply represented as "S."

[0040] A series of processes (S11 to S20) shown on the left side of FIG. 4 are repeatedly executed at a predetermined interval by the management center 500. These processes are executed for a plugged-in vehicle 10 among the multiple vehicles (including vehicles A, B, and C) included in the vehicle group 1 shown in FIG. 1. However, the processes from S13 onwards are executed only for vehicles A and B, and are not executed for vehicle C. Furthermore, the process of S20 (a series of processes from S21 to S24 in FIG. 5, which will be described later) is executed only for vehicle C, and is not executed for vehicles A and B. Hereinafter, a plugged-in vehicle 10 that is the target of processing by the management center 500 will be referred to as a "target vehicle."

[0041] 1 to 3 as well as Fig. 4, in S11, the management center 500 acquires vehicle information related to the target vehicle from the storage device 520. The management center 500 may request the target vehicle to transmit the vehicle information as necessary.

[0042] In the following S12, the management center 500 determines whether the battery 12 installed in the target vehicle is provided by a leasing service. The management center 500 may determine which of vehicles A to C (FIG. 1) the target vehicle corresponds to, for example, using usage type information. If the target vehicle is a battery leasing vehicle (vehicle A or vehicle B), it is determined that the battery 12 of the target vehicle is provided by a leasing service (YES in S12), and the process proceeds to S13. A battery leasing vehicle is a vehicle equipped with a rented power storage device.

[0043] In S13, the management center 500 determines whether the degradation level of the battery 12 installed in the target vehicle is greater than a predetermined second reference value (hereinafter referred to as "Th2"). The degradation level of the battery 12 may be indicated by the capacity maintenance rate or internal resistance of the battery 12. If it is determined that the degradation level of the battery 12 is greater than Th2 (YES in S13), the management center 500 issues a notification to the target vehicle in S14 urging the replacement of the battery 12 (hereinafter also referred to as "replacement notification"). On the other hand, if the degradation level of the battery 12 is equal to or less than Th2 (NO in S13), the process skips S14 and proceeds to S15.

[0044] In S15, the management center 500 determines whether or not it has received a charging request (VPP charging request) for the second energy management of the power system PG from the server 700. If the management center 500 has received a VPP charging request (YES in S15), the management center 500 transmits a charging command (VPP charging command) for the second energy management of the power system PG to the target vehicle in S16. After the processing of S16 is executed, the processing returns to the first step (S11). While the server 700 is continuously transmitting VPP charging requests to the management center 500, S16 is repeated, and the transmission of VPP charging commands to the target vehicle is continuously executed. The VPP charging command instructs the target vehicle to perform external charging and indicates the external charging conditions requested of the target vehicle (for example, the charging power according to the VPP charging request).

[0045] If the management center 500 has not received a VPP charging request (NO in S15), the management center 500 determines in S171 whether or not it has received a discharge request (VPP discharge request) for the first energy management of the power system PG from the server 700. If the management center 500 has not received either a VPP charging request or a VPP discharge request, NO is determined in S171, and the process returns to the initial S11. In this case, the management center 500 does not transmit a VPP command (a command for energy management) to the target vehicle.

[0046] If the management center 500 has received a VPP discharge request (YES in S171), the management center 500 determines in S172 whether the deterioration level of the battery 12 installed in the target vehicle is greater than a predetermined first reference value (hereinafter referred to as "Th1"). Th1 is greater than Th2. If the deterioration level of the battery 12 is equal to or less than Th1 (NO in S172), the management center 500 transmits a discharge command (VPP discharge command) for the first energy management of the power system PG to the target vehicle in S18. After the process of S18 is executed, the process returns to the initial S11. While the server 700 is continuously transmitting VPP discharge requests to the management center 500, the VPP discharge command is continuously transmitted to the battery lease vehicle equipped with the battery 12 whose deterioration level is equal to or less than Th1 through the process of S18. The VPP discharge command instructs the target vehicle to perform external power feeding and indicates the conditions of the external power feeding requested of the target vehicle (for example, the discharge power according to the VPP discharge request).

[0047] If the deterioration level of the battery 12 installed in the target vehicle is greater than Th1 (YES in S172), the management center 500 notifies the user terminal (e.g., mobile terminal 30) of the target vehicle in S19 that external power supply for energy management is prohibited. Upon receiving this notification, the mobile terminal 30 notifies the user of the target vehicle by display or audio that the target vehicle is in a state where energy management cannot be performed. This notification can further encourage a vehicle user who does not replace the power storage device despite receiving the replacement notification to replace the power storage device. Note that the user terminal is not limited to a mobile terminal and may be an in-vehicle HMI. Once the notification in S19 is executed, the process returns to the initial S11.

[0048] In this embodiment, in a battery lease vehicle equipped with a battery 12 whose degradation level is greater than Th1, external power feeding for energy management is prohibited, but V2H and V2L are not prohibited. This prevents excessive deterioration of user convenience.

[0049] A series of processes (S31 to S34) shown on the right side of FIG. 4 are repeatedly executed at a predetermined interval by each of vehicles A and B shown in FIG. 1. Each of vehicles A and B corresponds to a battery lease vehicle. In S31, the ECU 111 of the battery lease vehicle determines whether the vehicle has received a replacement notification (S14) from the management center 500. If the vehicle has received a replacement notification (YES in S31), the ECU 111 controls the user terminal of the vehicle (e.g., the in-vehicle HMI or the mobile terminal 30) in S32 so that the user terminal prompts the user by display or audio to replace the battery 12 of the vehicle. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S33.

[0050] The user who is prompted to replace the battery 12 may drive the vehicle 10 to the BSta 200. When the BSta 200 receives a request from the vehicle 10 to replace the battery 12 by wireless communication, for example, the BSta 200 may fully automatically replace the requested battery 12. The automobile manufacturer may reuse the returned power storage device for purposes other than automobiles (such as stationary use).

[0051] If the vehicle has not received a replacement notification (NO in S31), the process skips S32 and proceeds to S33. In S33, the ECU 111 determines whether the vehicle has received a VPP command (VPP charge command or VPP discharge command) from the management center 500. If the vehicle has received a VPP command (YES in S33), the ECU 111 controls the charge / discharge circuit 113 in S34 so that external charging or external power supply is performed for the battery 12 in accordance with the VPP command from the management center 500. After the process of S34 is performed, the process returns to the first step (S31). While the management center 500 is continuously transmitting VPP commands to the battery lease vehicle, S34 is repeated, and the ECU 111 performs external charging or external power supply for the battery 12 so as to satisfy the conditions (e.g., charging power or discharging power) specified by the VPP command. The management center 500 provides an incentive to the user of the vehicle that has performed charging or discharging in accordance with the VPP command, based on the performance of the performance. On the other hand, if the vehicle does not receive a VPP command (NO in S33), the energy management by the vehicle (S34) is not executed, and the process returns to the initial S31.

[0052] If the target vehicle is vehicle C, it is determined that the battery 12 of the target vehicle is not provided under the lease service (NO in S12), and the process proceeds to S20 instead of S13. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing details of the energy management control for vehicle C (vehicle for sale). The series of processes (S21 to S24) shown on the left side of Figure 5 corresponds to the process of S20 in Figure 4.

[0053] 1 and 2, referring to FIG. 5, in S21 and S22, the management center 500 executes processes corresponding to S15 and S16 of FIG. 4, respectively. In S23 and S24, the management center 500 executes processes corresponding to S171 and S18 of FIG. 4, respectively. After the process of S22 or S24 is executed, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 4 at "return." Thereafter, the process returns to the first step (S21) of the flowchart of FIG. 5 via S11 and S12 of FIG. 4. While the server 700 is continuously transmitting a VPP charging request or a VPP discharging request to the management center 500 (YES in S21 or S23), S22 or S24 is repeated, and the transmission of a VPP charging command or a VPP discharging command to the target vehicle (vehicle C) is continuously executed. On the other hand, when the management center 500 has not received a request for energy management from the server 700 (NO in both S21 and S23), the management center 500 does not transmit a VPP command to the target vehicle (vehicle C).

[0054] A series of processes (S41, S42) shown on the right side of FIG. 5 are repeatedly executed at a predetermined interval by vehicle C shown in FIG. 1. Vehicle C corresponds to a vehicle sold to a vehicle user (sales vehicle). In S41 and S42, the ECU 111 of vehicle C executes processes corresponding to S33 and S34 of FIG. 4, respectively. While the management center 500 continuously transmits a VPP command to vehicle C (YES in S41), S42 is repeated, and the ECU 111 executes external charging or external power supply of the battery 12 so as to satisfy the conditions specified by the VPP command. The management center 500 provides an incentive to the user of the vehicle that has executed charging or discharging in accordance with the VPP command, according to the performance. On the other hand, if the vehicle does not receive a VPP command (NO in S41), the vehicle does not execute energy management (S42), and the process returns to the initial S41.

[0055] As described above, the method for managing an electric storage device according to this embodiment includes the processes shown in Figures 4 and 5. The method for managing an electric storage device according to this embodiment includes, when management center 500 receives a discharge request for energy management, determining whether the deterioration level of the electric storage device of a battery lease vehicle (a vehicle equipped with a rented electric storage device) is greater than a first reference value (S172 in Figure 4), and, based on the result of the determination, management center 500 instructing battery lease vehicles whose deterioration level of the electric storage device is less than the first reference value to discharge energy outside the vehicle in accordance with the discharge request (S18 in Figure 4), and not instructing battery lease vehicles whose deterioration level of the electric storage device is greater than the first reference value to discharge energy. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the rented electric storage device while meeting energy management requests.

[0056] The method for managing the power storage device according to this embodiment further includes, when the management center 500 receives a charging request for the second energy management, instructing the battery lease vehicle to charge in accordance with the charging request regardless of the degree of deterioration of the power storage device of the vehicle (S15, S16 in FIG. 4). This makes it easier for the user of the battery lease vehicle to charge for energy management.

[0057] The method for managing an electricity storage device according to this embodiment further includes, when management center 500 receives a discharge request for the first energy management, issuing an instruction to a vehicle for sale (a vehicle equipped with an electricity storage device owned by the vehicle user) to discharge electricity outside the vehicle in response to the discharge request, regardless of the degree of deterioration of the electricity storage device of the vehicle (S23, S24 in FIG. 5). This makes it easier for the user of the vehicle for sale to contribute to energy management.

[0058] The method for managing a power storage device according to this embodiment further includes the management center 500 determining whether the deterioration level of the power storage device for a battery lease vehicle is greater than a second reference value that is smaller than a first reference value (S13 in FIG. 4), and if it is determined that the deterioration level of the power storage device is greater than the second reference value, the management center 500 notifying the user of the battery lease vehicle to encourage the replacement of the power storage device (S14 in FIG. 4). In this method, when the deterioration level of a rented power storage device exceeds a second reference value that is smaller than the first reference value (the deterioration level at which the first energy management is prohibited), the replacement notification is issued to the vehicle user. This makes it easier for a vehicle equipped with a rented power storage device to replace the power storage device before the first energy management is prohibited, and prevents the rented power storage device from exceeding the first reference value (and thus the first energy management from being prohibited).

[0059] In the above embodiment, the management center 500 corresponds to an example of a "computer device" according to the present disclosure. However, the series of processes shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be executed by the server 150 (dealer terminal) instead of the management center 500. Each server according to this embodiment is a fixed-type on-premise server. However, this is not limiting, and the functions of each server may be implemented on the cloud by cloud computing.

[0060] The processing flows shown in Figures 4 and 5 can be modified as appropriate. For example, the order of processing may be changed or unnecessary steps may be omitted depending on the purpose. Furthermore, the content of any of the processing may be changed. For example, in the series of processing shown in Figure 4, S13 and S14 may be omitted, or S19 may be omitted.

[0061] There may be only one type of leasing method (for example, a partial leasing method). In the above embodiment, only the battery is replaced, but the battery pack including the battery and its accessories may be replaced together. The vehicle may be configured to be capable of contactless charging. A vehicle using contactless charging may be considered to have reached a state equivalent to the "plugged-in state" described above when the alignment of the power transmission unit (for example, a power transmission coil) on the power supply equipment side and the power receiving unit (for example, a power receiving coil) on the vehicle side is completed.

[0062] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10 vehicles, 11 vehicle bodies, 12 batteries, 20 EVSE, 100 dealers, 200 battery swap stations, 500 management centers, 700 servers.

Claims

1. When a computer device receives a discharge request for first energy management, it determines whether the degree of deterioration of the rented storage device of a vehicle equipped with the storage device is greater than a first reference value; the computer device instructs the vehicle whose deterioration level of the power storage device is smaller than the first reference value to discharge the power outside the vehicle in accordance with the discharge request based on the result of the determination, and does not instruct the vehicle whose deterioration level of the power storage device is greater than the first reference value to discharge the power in accordance with the discharge request; When the computer device receives the discharge request for the first energy management, the computer device instructs a vehicle including a power storage device owned by the vehicle user to discharge power to an outside of the vehicle in accordance with the discharge request, regardless of a degree of deterioration of the power storage device. A method for managing an electricity storage device, comprising:

2. When the computer device receives a discharge request for first energy management, it determines whether the degree of deterioration of the rented storage device of a vehicle equipped with the storage device is greater than a first reference value; the computer device instructs the vehicle whose deterioration level of the power storage device is smaller than the first reference value to discharge the power outside the vehicle in accordance with the discharge request based on the result of the determination, and does not instruct the vehicle whose deterioration level of the power storage device is greater than the first reference value to discharge the power in accordance with the discharge request; the computer device determines whether a degree of deterioration of a power storage device of a vehicle equipped with the rented power storage device is greater than a second reference value; when it is determined that the degree of deterioration of the power storage device is greater than the second reference value, the computer device notifies a user of the vehicle equipped with the power storage device to urge the user to replace the power storage device; Including, The method for managing a power storage device, wherein the second reference value is smaller than the first reference value.

3. When the computer device receives a charging request for second energy management, it instructs a vehicle equipped with a rented power storage device to charge in accordance with the charging request, regardless of the degree of deterioration of the power storage device; The method for managing an electricity storage device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. A computer device including a processor and a storage device that stores a program that causes the processor to execute a method for managing a power storage device, The method for managing the power storage device includes: When receiving a discharge request for the first energy management, determining whether a deterioration level of the rented power storage device of a vehicle equipped with the power storage device is greater than a first reference value; based on the result of the determination, for the vehicle whose deterioration level of the power storage device is smaller than the first reference value, instruct the vehicle to discharge to the outside of the vehicle in accordance with the discharge request, and for the vehicle whose deterioration level of the power storage device is greater than the first reference value, not instruct the vehicle to discharge in accordance with the discharge request; when receiving the discharge request for the first energy management, instructing a vehicle including a power storage device owned by the vehicle user to discharge power outside the vehicle in accordance with the discharge request, regardless of a degree of deterioration of the power storage device; 2. A computer device comprising:

5. A computer device including a processor and a storage device that stores a program that causes the processor to execute a method for managing a power storage device, The method for managing the power storage device includes: When receiving a discharge request for the first energy management, determining whether a deterioration level of the rented power storage device of a vehicle equipped with the power storage device is greater than a first reference value; based on the result of the determination, for the vehicle whose deterioration level of the power storage device is smaller than the first reference value, instruct the vehicle to discharge to the outside of the vehicle in accordance with the discharge request, and for the vehicle whose deterioration level of the power storage device is greater than the first reference value, not instruct the vehicle to discharge in accordance with the discharge request; determining whether a degree of deterioration of a power storage device of a vehicle equipped with the rented power storage device is greater than a second reference value; when it is determined that the degree of deterioration of the power storage device is greater than the second reference value, issuing a notification to a user of the vehicle equipped with the power storage device to urge the user to replace the power storage device; Including, The second reference value is smaller than the first reference value.

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