Contribution evaluation device

Abstract

To provide a contribution evaluation apparatus capable of appropriately evaluating contribution of each charging apparatus to energy management.SOLUTION: In a power system G that includes a plurality of charging apparatuses A and a central management apparatus F for managing a plurality of power apparatuses including the plurality of charging apparatuses A, a contribution evaluation apparatus 1 for evaluating contribution of each charging apparatus A to energy management comprises: a determination unit 11 for determining whether each of the plurality of charging apparatuses A is in energy management control state in which control of the energy management is performed; and a contribution calculation unit 13 for calculating, for each of the charging apparatuses A in the energy management control state, the difference between the rated power and the current charging power of the charging apparatus A as an energy management contribution.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a contribution evaluation device for evaluating the degree of contribution to energy management. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, power systems that manage multiple power devices connected to the power grid and control the power transmitted to and from the power grid have become widespread. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a power system comprising a centralized management device and multiple power devices, which controls output power using an autonomous distributed cooperative control method. The centralized management device calculates an induction index to control the output power of the entire power system to a target power. The multiple power devices use the common induction index calculated by the centralized management device to calculate a target value for their own output power based on their respective set optimization problems. Then, they control their own output power so that the output power reaches the target value. By each power device autonomously controlling its output power based on the induction index, the output power of the entire power system is controlled to the target power. The centralized management device only calculates and transmits the induction index without knowing the status of each power device, so the computational and communication burden is small. Therefore, a high-performance and expensive centralized management device is not necessary, and initial installation costs can be reduced. In addition, when expanding the power system, major modifications to the centralized management device are not required. The centralized control system performs energy management such as peak shaving operation, reverse power flow avoidance operation, and interconnection point power suppression operation based on the setting of target power.

[0003] Furthermore, with the increasing popularity of electric vehicles in recent years, the development of charging equipment for charging the batteries of electric vehicles has progressed. Charging equipment can also be integrated into energy management systems using a centralized control unit, as one of several power devices. In this case, the charging equipment controls the charging power based on induction indicators input from the centralized control unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6790330 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In power systems with numerous charging devices, when a centralized control unit performs peak-cutting operation, there is a need to know which charging devices are contributing to energy management (peak-cutting operation). The centralized control unit does not calculate and transmit target values ​​for each power device (charging device), but rather calculates a common induction index and transmits this common index to all power devices (charging devices). Furthermore, there are various types of charging devices, such as standard chargers and fast chargers, and various methods for controlling charging power. Even with the same control method, the degree of charging power reduction varies depending on the set parameters. Since each charging device autonomously controls its charging power based on the common induction index, it is impossible to determine which charging device is contributing to energy management and to what extent. While it can be considered that a charging device is contributing to energy management when it is reducing charging power, it may be reducing power for reasons other than energy management. For example, a standard charger typically outputs its rated power to charge an electric vehicle when it is connected. When a standard charging station charges at a power level lower than its rated power, it may be doing so for energy management purposes. However, it may also be done regardless of energy management, simply because the electric vehicle's onboard battery is nearing full charge. Including cases where the power is reduced regardless of energy management would prevent a proper evaluation of the contribution to energy management.

[0006] This invention was conceived under the circumstances described above, and its purpose is to provide a contribution evaluation device that can appropriately evaluate the contribution of each charging device to energy management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following technical means.

[0008] A contribution evaluation device provided by a first aspect of the present invention is a contribution evaluation device for evaluating the contribution of each charging device to energy management in a power system comprising a plurality of charging devices and a centralized management device for managing a plurality of power devices including the plurality of charging devices, comprising: a determination unit for determining whether each of the plurality of charging devices is in an energy management control state in which control for energy management is performed, and a contribution calculation unit for each of the charging devices in the energy management control state for which the difference between the rated power of the charging device and the current charging power is calculated as the energy management contribution.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the centralized management device calculates an induction index for controlling the total power, which is the current input / output power of the entire power system, to an overall target value, transmits the induction index common to the plurality of power devices, and each of the plurality of charging devices controls the charging power using the received induction index. The determination unit comprises a connection information acquisition unit that acquires connection information indicating whether or not a charging target is connected to each of the charging devices, and an index acquisition unit that acquires the induction index. If the induction index is not at its maximum value and the charging target is connected to the charging device, the determination unit determines that the charging device is in the energy management control state.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit includes a connection information acquisition unit that acquires connection information indicating whether or not a charge target is connected to each of the charging devices, a total power acquisition unit that acquires total power which is the current input / output power of the entire power system, and a total target acquisition unit that acquires a total target value which is a target value for the total power, and determines that the charging device is in the energy management control state when the total power is equal to or greater than a determination value set based on the total target value and the charge target is connected to the charging device.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit includes a connection information acquisition unit that acquires connection information indicating whether a charging target is connected to each charging device, and a control target acquisition unit that acquires control target values set by the centralized management device for each charging device. When the charging target is connected to the charging device and the control target value of the charging device is not the rated power of the charging device, the charging device is determined to be in the energy management control state.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an integration unit is further provided that integrates the energy management contribution degree calculated by the contribution degree calculation unit over a predetermined time to calculate an integrated contribution degree.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, the determination unit determines whether each charging device is in the energy management control state. Then, the contribution degree calculation unit calculates, as the energy management contribution degree, the difference between the rated power and the current charging power for a charging device in the energy management control state. Therefore, the contribution degree evaluation device can appropriately evaluate the contribution degree of each charging device to energy management.

[0014] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a power system provided with a contribution degree evaluation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of the change characteristics of the charging power of various charging devices with respect to the induction index. [Figure 3] It is an example of a flowchart for explaining the contribution degree evaluation process performed by the contribution degree evaluation device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a time chart for explaining the energy management contribution degree of a certain charging device A. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a power system equipped with a contribution degree evaluation device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a time chart for explaining a state in which the total power is controlled to the total target value. [Figure 7] It is an example of a flowchart for explaining the contribution degree evaluation process performed by the contribution degree evaluation device shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] It is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a power system equipped with a contribution degree evaluation device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] It is an example of a flowchart for explaining the contribution degree evaluation process performed by the contribution degree evaluation device shown in FIG. 8. **[Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]**

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] **[First Embodiment]** FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a power system G equipped with a contribution degree evaluation device 1 according to the first embodiment. The power system G is connected to the power grid E and can transmit and receive power from the power grid E. The power system G controls the total power by an autonomous distributed cooperative control method so that the total power, which is the current total input / output power of the whole, becomes the total target value, which is its target value. In the following description, when the power system G is receiving power from the power grid E, the total power is taken as a positive value. On the other hand, when the power system G is transmitting power to the power grid E (in reverse power flow), the total power is taken as a negative value. The power system G includes a centralized management device F, a plurality of charging devices A1 to Ak, and a contribution degree evaluation device 1.

[0018] The centralized control device F manages multiple charging devices A1 to Ak. The centralized control device F monitors the total power and calculates an induction index for instantaneous control of the total power to the overall target value. In this embodiment, the centralized control device F uses the power value detected at the connection point between the power system G and the power grid E as the total power P(t). Alternatively, the centralized control device F may receive the detected input and output power values ​​detected by each charging device A1 to Ak and use the sum of these detected values ​​as the total power P(t). The centralized control device F uses the set overall target value P c The induction index pr is calculated based on the difference between the total power P(t) and the input power, and a common induction index pr is transmitted to each charging device A1 to Ak. The communication method is not limited and may be wired or wireless. For example, the centralized control device F may transmit the induction index pr to each charging device A1 to Ak via wireless simultaneous transmission. A detailed explanation of the centralized control device F is omitted.

[0019] Charging devices A1 to Ak are devices that charge the connected electric vehicles B1 to Bk, respectively. In the following description, when charging devices A1 to Ak are not distinguished, they will be referred to as "charging device A". Similarly, when electric vehicles B1 to Bk are not distinguished, they will be referred to as "electric vehicle B". Electric vehicle B is a vehicle that can run using an electric motor as a power source, and includes vehicles with an internal combustion engine (for example, a plug-in hybrid vehicle). Electric vehicle B is equipped with a battery 94. Charging device A charges the battery 94 of electric vehicle B, which is connected by a charging cable 93. The electric motor of electric vehicle B operates using the power stored in the battery 94. Each charging device A controls the charging power using the received induction index pr. The number of charging devices A is not limited.

[0020] Based on a common induction index pr received from the centralized control device F, each charging device A autonomously controls its input and output power. As a result, the total output power of the power system G (total power P(t)) reaches the overall target value P. c It is controlled by the central control device F when the total power P(t) is equal to the total target value P cIf it is smaller, i.e., if more power can be received, the induction index pr is increased, and the total power P(t) reaches the overall target value P c If the value is greater, i.e., if it is necessary to suppress power reception, the induction index pr is reduced. Each charging device A operates in such a way that the larger the induction index pr received from the central control device F, the greater the total power P(t), and the smaller the induction index pr, the smaller the total power P(t).

[0021] Charging device A includes various types of charging devices. For example, charging device A includes a normal charging device, a rapid charging device, and a charge / discharge charging device. There are also various methods for controlling charging power using the induction index pr. For example, some charging devices A calculate a target power value based on an optimization problem using the received induction index pr, and then control the charging power (discharging power) based on the calculated target power value. Other charging devices A control the system by switching between energized and de-energized states based on the received induction index pr, thereby switching between charging at rated power and not charging. Even with the same control method, the timing of when charging power suppression begins and the degree of suppression will vary depending on the setting parameters. Detailed explanations of the control of each charging device A are omitted.

[0022] Figure 2 shows examples of the characteristics of the change in charging power with respect to the induction index pr for various charging devices A. In each figure, the horizontal axis represents the induction index pr, and the vertical axis represents the charging power. The charging power increases as you move upwards, with the maximum being the rated power. In the region where the charging power is less than "0" (negative values), it represents the discharge power.

[0023] Figure 2(a) shows an example of a charging device that calculates a target power value based on an optimization problem using an induction index pr. The change characteristics of the target power value corresponding to the induction index pr are the same as in Figure 2(a), and the charging power changes according to the target power value. In the characteristics shown by the solid line in Figure 2(a), when the induction index pr is a positive value, the charging power is the rated power, and when the induction index pr is a negative value, the charging power is suppressed according to the induction index pr, and becomes "0" at the minimum value. In the characteristics shown by the dashed line in Figure 2(a), the induction index pr at which the charging power is suppressed is larger than in the case of the solid line, and the induction index pr at which the charging power becomes "0" is also larger than in the case of the solid line. The characteristics shown by the solid line and the characteristics shown by the dashed line in Figure 2(a) are the same control method, but the set parameters are different, resulting in different characteristics.

[0024] Figure 2(b) shows an example of a charging device that switches between energized and de-energized states based on an induction index pr. In this type, for example, the energized state (rated charging) and the de-energized state (charging stopped) are switched depending on whether a value calculated from the induction index pr and information for determining priority is greater than or equal to a threshold. As shown in Figure 2(b), in this type, when the induction index pr is greater than a certain value, the charging power is the rated power, and when it is less than a certain value, the charging power is suppressed (charging stopped). In the characteristics shown by the solid line in Figure 2(b), the charging power is suppressed (charging stopped) when the induction index pr is greater than the characteristics shown by the dashed line.

[0025] Figure 2(c) shows an example of a charging device that performs both charging and discharging. In this type, the change characteristics are similar to those in Figure 2(a), but the charging power becomes negative when the induction index pr is small. When the charging power is negative, discharging occurs, further contributing to peak shaving.

[0026] As described above, charging device A includes various types of charging devices and suppresses charging power according to the induction index pr. However, even with the same induction index pr, some charging devices A suppress power while others do not. Furthermore, even when suppression is performed, the degree of suppression may differ depending on the charging device A. Therefore, it is difficult to determine which charging device A is contributing to energy management (peak shaving operation).

[0027] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, each charging device A is equipped with a connection detection unit 91 and a power detection unit 92.

[0028] The connection detection unit 91 detects that electric vehicle B is connected to charging device A. Specifically, the connection detection unit 91 detects that the charging connector located at the end of the charging cable 93 of charging device A is connected to the plug-in connector of electric vehicle B. The connection detection method of the connection detection unit 91 varies depending on the charging device A. For example, if a signal line is located on the charging cable 93 and the voltage of the signal line changes upon connection, the connection detection unit 91 detects the connection based on the voltage change. Also, if a communication line is located on the charging cable 93 and communication with electric vehicle B becomes possible upon connection, the connection detection unit 91 detects the connection based on the ability to communicate. However, the connection detection method of the connection detection unit 91 is not limited to these. Based on the detection result of the connection detection unit 91, charging device A transmits connection information indicating whether or not electric vehicle B is connected to charging device A to the contribution evaluation device 1. If charging device A does not have a connection detection unit 91, a configuration having the same function as the connection detection unit 91 may be attached to charging device A, and the connection information may be transmitted to the contribution evaluation device 1 from that configuration.

[0029] The power detection unit 92 detects the charging power of the charging device A. The charging device A transmits the power value detected by the power detection unit 92 to the contribution evaluation device 1. If the charging device A does not have a power detection unit 92, a power sensor may be installed on the input or output side of the charging device A and used.

[0030] Communication between each charging device A and the contribution evaluation device 1 may be via wired or wireless communication. Similarly, communication between the centralized management device F and the contribution evaluation device 1 may be via wired or wireless communication.

[0031] Contribution Evaluation Device 1 is an evaluation device that evaluates how much each charging device A connected to the power system G contributes to energy management. Contribution Evaluation Device 1 evaluates the contribution of each charging device A to peak shaving operation, which is a part of energy management. Hereafter, although "energy management" and "energy management" are used, it refers to peak shaving operation, which is a part of energy management. Contribution Evaluation Device 1, (1) During the control state of the energy management system, (2) As a result of the energy management directive, (3) The charging power has decreased, In this case, it is determined that the charging device A is contributing to energy management. The contribution evaluation device 1 then uses the reduced power at this time as the energy management contribution value, which is an evaluation value indicating the degree of contribution to energy management. If the condition in (1) above is met, and as a result the charging power has decreased, then the conditions in (2) and (3) above are also met. On the other hand, if the charging power has not decreased, then the condition in (3) above is not met. The contribution evaluation device 1 uses the difference between the rated power and the charging power when the condition in (1) above is met as the energy management contribution value. Even if the condition in (1) above is met, if the difference between the rated power and the charging power is "0", the energy management contribution value is "0". Also, if there is a difference between the rated power and the charging power when the condition in (1) above is met, then the conditions in (2) and (3) above are also met, and that difference becomes the energy management contribution value. The contribution evaluation device 1 may be a standalone device, or it may be incorporated inside, for example, a centralized management device F. The contribution evaluation device 1 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer. The contribution evaluation device 1 comprises, as a functional configuration, a determination unit 11, a power acquisition unit 12, a contribution calculation unit 13, and an integration unit 14.

[0032] The determination unit 11 determines whether each charging device A is in an energy management control state, which is performing control for energy management. In other words, the determination unit 11 determines the condition in (1) above. In this embodiment, the determination unit 11 includes a connection information acquisition unit 111 and an index acquisition unit 112. The connection information acquisition unit 111 acquires connection information for each charging device A. The connection information is transmitted from each charging device A and received by a communication unit (not shown) of the contribution evaluation device 1. The index acquisition unit 112 acquires the induction index pr calculated by the centralized management device F. The induction index pr is transmitted from the centralized management device F and received by the communication unit of the contribution evaluation device 1.

[0033] The determination unit 11 determines whether each charging device A is in an energy management control state based on the induction index pr acquired by the index acquisition unit 112 and the connection information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 111. The determination unit 11 determines that charging device A is in an energy management control state if the induction index pr is not at its maximum value and an electric vehicle B is connected to charging device A. The centralized management device F determines that the total power P(t) is equal to the overall target value P cIf the value is smaller, i.e., if more power can be received, the induction index pr is increased. The centralized control device F sets the induction index pr to its maximum value when there is surplus power receiving capacity. When the induction index pr is at its maximum value, there is no need to suppress the charging power. As shown in Figure 2, each charging device A charges at its rated power without suppressing the charging power when the induction index pr is at its maximum value. On the other hand, when the induction index pr is smaller than the maximum value, some charging devices A suppress the charging power, while others do not. Therefore, the determination unit 11 makes it a condition that the induction index pr is not at its maximum value. The maximum value of the induction index pr is pre-recorded in a storage unit (not shown) of the contribution evaluation device 1. The maximum value of the induction index pr may be received from the centralized control device or entered manually. Also, if the electric vehicle B is not connected to the charging device A, the charging power becomes "0", resulting in a difference from the rated power. However, since this is not a result of the energy management command, it does not satisfy the condition (2) above. In this case, to avoid evaluating it as an energy management contribution, the determination unit 11 includes the fact that electric vehicle B is connected to charging device A as one of its conditions.

[0034] The power acquisition unit 12 acquires the power value of the charging power of each charging device A. This power value is transmitted from each charging device A and received by the communication unit of the contribution evaluation device 1.

[0035] The contribution calculation unit 13 calculates the energy management contribution for each charging device A determined by the determination unit 11 to be in an energy management control state. This difference between the power value of the rated power of the charging device A and the power value of the charging power acquired by the power acquisition unit 12 is calculated as the energy management contribution. The power value of the rated power of each charging device A is pre-recorded in the storage unit. The power value of the rated power of each charging device A may be received from each charging device A or entered manually. The energy management contribution is an instantaneous evaluation value indicating the degree to which energy management has been contributed. The energy management contribution is "0" if there is no contribution to energy management, and it indicates a suppressed power value if there is a contribution to energy management.

[0036] The accumulation unit 14 calculates the cumulative value of the energy management contribution calculated by the contribution calculation unit 13 over a predetermined period as the cumulative contribution. The accumulation unit 14 also calculates the average value of the energy management contribution over the predetermined period as the average contribution. The energy management contribution, cumulative contribution, and average contribution are displayed for each charging device A on a display unit (not shown).

[0037] Figure 3 is an example flowchart illustrating the contribution evaluation process performed by the contribution evaluation device 1. This contribution evaluation process is executed at predetermined timings.

[0038] First, the indicator acquisition unit 112 acquires the induction index pr (S1). Next, it is determined whether the induction index pr is at its maximum value (S2). If the induction index pr is not at its maximum value (S2: NO), charging device A is selected (S3). The order of selection is not limited. Next, the connection information acquisition unit 111 acquires the connection information of charging device A (S4). Next, based on the connection information, it is determined whether electric vehicle B is connected to charging device A (S5). If it is connected (S5: YES), it is determined that charging device A is in an energy management control state. In this case, first, the rated power of charging device A is acquired (S6). Next, the power acquisition unit 12 acquires the charging power of charging device A (S7). Next, the contribution calculation unit 13 calculates the power difference between the rated power and the charging power (S8), and this power difference is taken as the energy management contribution. Next, the calculated energy management contribution is added to the accumulated value of the energy management contribution of the charging device A by the accumulating unit 14 (S9), and the process proceeds to step S10.

[0039] On the other hand, if the induction index pr is at its maximum value in step S2 (S2:YES), and if it is not connected in step S5 (S5:NO), it is determined that the charging device A is not in an energy management control state, and the calculation of the energy management contribution is not performed, and the process proceeds to step S10. Next, it is determined whether the processing in steps S3 to S9 has been performed for all charging devices A (S10). If there are charging devices A that have not yet been processed (S10:NO), the process returns to step S3, another charging device A is selected, and the processing in steps S3 to S9 is performed. On the other hand, if the processing has been performed for all charging devices A (S10:YES), the contribution evaluation process ends. Note that the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 3 is just one example, and the contribution evaluation process performed by the contribution evaluation device 1 is not limited to those described above.

[0040] Figure 4 is a time chart illustrating the energy management contribution of a certain charging device A. Figure 4(a) shows the time change of the induction index pr. Figure 4(b) shows the time change of the connection information of the charging device A. Figure 4(c) shows the charging power of the charging device A.

[0041] Up until time t1, the connection information is "not connected," and electric vehicle B is not connected to charging device A, so the energy management contribution is "0." At time t1, the connection information changes from "not connected" to "connected." Then, charging starts at rated power from time t2, and at time t3, the charging power is less than the rated power. However, since the induction index pr is at its maximum value, charging device A is not suppressing the charging power for energy management purposes. Therefore, the power difference at this time does not correspond to the energy management contribution, and the energy management contribution is "0."

[0042] Subsequently, at time t4, the charging power returns to the rated power, and from time t5, the induction index pr falls below its maximum value. Since the induction index pr is below its maximum value, some charging devices A may suppress the charging power. However, in the case of charging device A, the power difference between the rated power and the charging power is "0", so no suppression of charging power is performed. In this case, the energy management contribution is "0", which is the power difference.

[0043] Subsequently, at time t6, the charging power is lower than the rated power. In this case, it is determined that the charging device A is suppressing the charging power according to the induction index pr. Therefore, the power difference between the rated power and the charging power becomes the energy management contribution. Furthermore, at time t7, the charging power is even lower. As a result, the power difference between the rated power and the charging power increases, and the energy management contribution increases. Note that if the charging device A is capable of charging and discharging, it may also discharge according to the induction index pr (see Figure 2(c)). In this case, the charging power becomes a negative value (discharge power), the difference from the rated power becomes even larger, and the energy management contribution increases.

[0044] Subsequently, at time t8, the connection information changes from connected to disconnected, and the charging power becomes "0". Therefore, the energy management contribution is "0". In Figure 4(c), the area of ​​the region where the charging power from time t6 to time t8 is less than the rated power (the hatched region) corresponds to the cumulative contribution, which is the cumulative value of the energy management contribution.

[0045] Next, the operation and effects of the contribution evaluation device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the determination unit 11 determines whether each charging device A is in an energy management control state, where control for energy management is being performed. The contribution calculation unit 13 then calculates the energy management contribution for each charging device A determined by the determination unit 11 to be in an energy management control state, by calculating the difference between the power value of the rated power of the charging device A and the power value of the charging power acquired by the power acquisition unit 12. Therefore, the contribution evaluation device 1 can appropriately evaluate the contribution of each charging device A to energy management, excluding cases where charging power is suppressed for reasons other than energy management.

[0047] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the centralized management device F calculates an induction index pr, and each charging device A autonomously controls its input and output power according to the common induction index pr. The determination unit 11 can determine the energy management control state of each charging device A based on the induction index pr. Therefore, the contribution evaluation device 1 can appropriately evaluate the contribution of each charging device A to energy management, even when each charging device A autonomously controls its charging power based on the induction index pr. In addition, the determination unit 11 determines that a charging device A is in an energy management control state when the induction index pr is not at its maximum value and an electric vehicle B is connected to the charging device A. Therefore, the contribution evaluation device 1 can appropriately determine whether or not each charging device A is in an energy management control state.

[0048] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the accumulating unit 14 calculates the cumulative value of the energy management contribution calculated by the contribution calculation unit 13 over a predetermined period as the cumulative contribution. The accumulating unit 14 also calculates the average value of the energy management contribution over the predetermined period as the average contribution. Therefore, the contribution evaluation device 1 can detect not only the energy management contribution, which is an instantaneous evaluation value, but also the cumulative contribution and the average contribution.

[0049] In this embodiment, the case in which the determination unit 11 determines the energy management control state based on the induction index pr and connection information has been described, but it is not limited to this. The determination unit 11 may determine the energy management control state by other methods.

[0050] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes the case in which charging device A charges electric vehicle B, it is not limited to this. Charging device A may also charge mobile devices other than electric vehicle B. Other examples of such mobile devices include motorcycles (electric motorcycles, electric-assist bicycles), ships, airplanes and other vehicles, or unmanned mobile devices such as automated guided vehicles and drones.

[0051] [Second Embodiment] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a power system G equipped with a contribution evaluation device 1a according to the second embodiment. In Figure 5, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. The contribution evaluation device 1a according to this embodiment differs from the contribution evaluation device 1 according to the first embodiment in the determination method of the determination unit 11.

[0052] In the contribution evaluation device 1a according to the second embodiment, the determination unit 11 includes an overall target acquisition unit 113, a determination value calculation unit 114, and an overall power acquisition unit 115 instead of an index acquisition unit 112. The overall target acquisition unit 113 acquires the overall target value P set in the centralized management device F. c Obtain the overall target value P. c The data is transmitted from the centralized control device F and received by the communication unit of the contribution evaluation device 1. The total power acquisition unit 115 acquires the total power P(t) detected by the centralized control device F. The total power P(t) is transmitted from the centralized control device F and received by the communication unit of the contribution evaluation device 1. The judgment value calculation unit 114 calculates a judgment value to compare with the total power P(t). The judgment value calculation unit 114 calculates the total target value P c The determination value is obtained by subtracting a predetermined value α from the original value.

[0053] The determination unit 11 determines whether each charging device A is in the energy management control state based on the total power P(t) acquired by the total power acquisition unit 115, the determination value calculated by the determination value calculation unit 114, and the connection information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 111. When the total power P(t) is greater than or equal to the determination value and an electric vehicle B is connected to the charging device A, the determination unit 11 determines that the charging device A is in the energy management control state. When the total power P(t) is controlled to the total target value P c it can be determined that the energy management of the power system G is controlled by the centralized management device F. In this case, some charging devices A suppress the charging power, while some do not. The determination unit 11 calculates a determination value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value α from the total target value P c and detects that the total power P(t) is greater than or equal to the determination value, thereby detecting that the total power P(t) is controlled to the total target value P c That is, the determination unit 11 uses the fact that the total power P(t) is greater than or equal to the determination value as one of the conditions instead of the induction index pr not being the maximum value.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a time chart for explaining the state in which the total power P(t) is controlled to the total target value P c The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the total power P(t). The determination value is a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value α from the total target value P c The total power P(t) gradually increases, is controlled to the total target value P c and then gradually decreases. While the total power P(t) is controlled to the total target value P c it is not always equal to the total target value P c but fluctuates above and below the total target value P c . The determination unit 11 sets a value that the total power P(t) does not fall below during the fluctuations in the control state as the determination value, and when the total power P(t) is greater than or equal to the determination value, determines that the total power P(t) is controlled to the total target value P c .

[0055] Figure 7 is an example of a flowchart illustrating the contribution evaluation process performed by the contribution evaluation device 1a. The flowchart shown in Figure 7 is the same as the flowchart shown in Figure 3, but with step S1 changed to steps S11-S13 and step S2 changed to step S14. Steps S3-S10 are the same as those in the flowchart shown in Figure 3, so their illustration and explanation are omitted.

[0056] First, the overall target acquisition unit 113 acquires the overall target value P c The total power P(t) is obtained (S11). Next, the determination value is calculated by the determination value calculation unit 114 (S12). Next, the total power acquisition unit 115 acquires the total power P(t). Next, it is determined whether the total power P(t) is greater than or equal to the determination value (S14). If the total power P(t) is greater than or equal to the determination value (S14: YES), the process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if the total power P(t) is less than the determination value (S14: NO), the process proceeds to step S10. Note that the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 7 is just one example, and the contribution evaluation process performed by the contribution evaluation device 1 is not limited to those described above.

[0057] In this embodiment as well, the determination unit 11 determines whether each charging device A is in an energy management control state, where control for energy management is being performed. Therefore, the contribution evaluation device 1a can appropriately evaluate the contribution of each charging device A to energy management. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the determination unit 11 determines that a charging device A is in an energy management control state when the total power P(t) is equal to or greater than the determination value and an electric vehicle B is connected to the charging device A. Therefore, the contribution evaluation device 1a can appropriately determine whether each charging device A is in an energy management control state. In addition, since the determination unit 11 does not need to acquire the induction index pr, the contribution evaluation device 1a can appropriately evaluate the contribution of each charging device A to energy management even when the centralized management device F does not use the induction index pr. Furthermore, the contribution evaluation device 1a has a configuration common to the contribution evaluation device 1 and therefore achieves the same effects as the contribution evaluation device 1.

[0058] [Third Embodiment] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a power system G equipped with the contribution evaluation device 1b according to the third embodiment. In Figure 8, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. The contribution evaluation device 1b according to this embodiment differs from the contribution evaluation device 1 according to the first embodiment in the determination method of the determination unit 11.

[0059] The contribution evaluation device 1b according to the third embodiment is provided in a power system G in which a centralized management device F sets and transmits individual control target values ​​to each charging device A1 to Ak without using an induction index pr.

[0060] The contribution evaluation device 1b has a determination unit 11 which includes a control target acquisition unit 116 instead of an index acquisition unit 112. The control target acquisition unit 116 acquires the individual control target values ​​set by the centralized management device F for each charging device A1 to Ak. Each control target value is transmitted from the centralized management device F and received by the communication unit of the contribution evaluation device 1b.

[0061] The determination unit 11 determines whether each charging device A is in an energy management control state based on the control target values ​​acquired by the control target acquisition unit 116 and the connection information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 111. The determination unit 11 determines that charging device A is in an energy management control state if an electric vehicle B is connected to charging device A and the control target value of charging device A is not the rated power. In other words, instead of the induction index pr not being at its maximum value, the determination unit 11 uses the fact that the control target value is not the rated power as one of its conditions.

[0062] Figure 9 is an example of a flowchart illustrating the contribution evaluation process performed by the contribution evaluation device 1b. Note that the same step numbers are used for processes identical to those shown in the flowchart in Figure 3.

[0063] First, charging device A is selected (S3). The order of selection is not limited. Next, the connection information acquisition unit 111 acquires the connection information of charging device A (S4). Next, based on the connection information, it is determined whether or not electric vehicle B is connected to charging device A (S5). If it is connected (S5: YES), the control target acquisition unit 116 acquires the control target value of charging device A (S21) and acquires the rated power of charging device A (S6). Next, it is determined whether or not the control target value is the rated power (S22). If the control target value is not the rated power (S22: NO), it is determined that charging device A is in an energy management control state. In this case, first, the power acquisition unit 12 acquires the charging power of charging device A (S7). Next, the contribution calculation unit 13 calculates the power difference between the rated power and the charging power (S8), and this power difference is taken as the energy management contribution. Next, the calculated energy management contribution is added to the accumulated value of the energy management contribution of the charging device A by the accumulating unit 14 (S9), and the process proceeds to step S10.

[0064] On the other hand, if the device is not connected in step S5 (S5:NO), and if the control target value is rated power in step S22 (S22:YES), the charging device A is determined not to be in an energy management control state, and the calculation of energy management contribution is not performed, and the process proceeds to step S10. Next, it is determined whether the processes in steps S3 to S9 have been performed for all charging devices A (S10). If there are charging devices A that have not yet been processed (S10:NO), the process returns to step S3, another charging device A is selected, and the processes in steps S3 to S9 are performed. On the other hand, if the processes have been performed for all charging devices A (S10:YES), the contribution evaluation process ends. Note that the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 9 is just one example, and the contribution evaluation process performed by the contribution evaluation device 1 is not limited to those described above.

[0065] In this embodiment as well, the determination unit 11 determines whether each charging device A is in an energy management control state, where control for energy management is being performed. Therefore, the contribution evaluation device 1b can appropriately evaluate the contribution of each charging device A to energy management. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the determination unit 11 determines that charging device A is in an energy management control state if an electric vehicle B is connected to charging device A and the control target value of charging device A is not the rated power. Therefore, the contribution evaluation device 1b can appropriately determine whether each charging device A is in an energy management control state. Moreover, the contribution evaluation device 1b has a configuration common to the contribution evaluation device 1 and therefore achieves the same effect as the contribution evaluation device 1.

[0066] The contribution evaluation device according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The specific configuration of each part of the contribution evaluation device according to the present invention can be modified in various ways. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] A: Charging device, F: Centralized management device, G: Power system, 1: Contribution evaluation device, 11: Judgment unit, 111: Connection information acquisition unit, 112: Indicator acquisition unit, 113: Overall target acquisition unit, 115: Overall power acquisition unit, 16: Control target acquisition unit, 13: Contribution calculation unit, 14: Accumulation unit

Claims

1. In a power system comprising a plurality of charging devices and a centralized management device for managing a plurality of power devices including the plurality of charging devices, a contribution evaluation device for evaluating the contribution of each charging device to energy management, A determination unit that determines whether each of the plurality of charging devices is in an energy management control state where control for energy management is being performed, For each of the charging devices in the aforementioned energy management control state, a contribution calculation unit calculates the difference between the rated power of the charging device and the current charging power as the energy management contribution, It is equipped with Contribution evaluation device.

2. The centralized control device calculates an induction index for controlling the total power, which is the current input / output power of the entire power system, to an overall target value, and transmits the induction index common to the multiple power devices. Each of the aforementioned charging devices controls the charging power using the received induction indicator. The determination unit, A connection information acquisition unit that acquires connection information indicating whether or not a charge target is connected to each of the aforementioned charging devices, An indicator acquisition unit that acquires the aforementioned guided indicator, Equipped with, If the induction indicator is not at its maximum value, and the device to be charged is connected to the charging device, the charging device is determined to be in the energy management control state. The contribution evaluation device according to claim 1.

3. The determination unit, A connection information acquisition unit that acquires connection information indicating whether or not a charge target is connected to each of the aforementioned charging devices, A total power acquisition unit that acquires the total power, which is the current input / output power of the entire power system, The overall target acquisition unit acquires the overall target value, which is the target value of the total power, Equipped with, If the total power is equal to or greater than the determination value set based on the total target value, and the device to be charged is connected to the charging device, the charging device is determined to be in the energy management control state. The contribution evaluation device according to claim 1.

4. The determination unit, A connection information acquisition unit that acquires connection information indicating whether or not a charge target is connected to each of the aforementioned charging devices, The centralized management device includes a control target acquisition unit that acquires the control target values ​​set for each of the charging devices, Equipped with, If the charging device is connected to the device to be charged, and the control target value of the charging device is not the rated power of the charging device, then it is determined that the charging device is in the energy management control state. The contribution evaluation device according to claim 1.

5. The system further includes an accumulation unit that calculates an accumulated contribution by accumulating the energy management contribution calculated by the contribution calculation unit over a predetermined period of time. A contribution evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images