control device

Abstract

To provide a control device that can prevent a user executing power transmission in response to a power supply and demand adjustment request in a power grid from taking behavior that places burdens on environments.SOLUTION: A server 100 (control device) comprises a communication unit 103 (acquisition unit) for acquiring behavioral information of a user for an electric vehicle 10 capable of power transmission including charging from a power grid PG (power grid) and discharging to the power grid PG, and a processor 101. The communication unit 103 acquires the behavioral information while power transmission is being performed in response to a power supply and demand adjustment request in the power grid PG. The processor 101 determines an incentive to grant to the user in accordance with an impact level on environments on the basis of the acquired behavioral information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a control device.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-116982 (Patent Document 1) discloses a system that gives an incentive to a user of a vehicle in response to DR (Demand Response).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, since a user during DR response cannot use their own vehicle, it is conceivable that the user acts around the vehicle or the like. At this time, the user may take actions that impose a load on the environment. That is, during the execution of actions that consider the environment such as responding to DR, the user may take actions that do not consider the environment. Therefore, it is desired to encourage the user during DR response (while performing power transmission in response to the power supply and demand adjustment request in the power grid) to take actions that consider the environment.

[0005] This disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a control device capable of encouraging a user who is performing power transmission in response to a power supply and demand adjustment request in the power grid to take actions that consider the environment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A control device according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises an acquisition unit that acquires user behavior information of an electric vehicle capable of power transmission including at least one of charging from and discharging to a power grid, and a processor. The acquisition unit acquires the behavior information while power transmission is being performed in response to a power supply and demand adjustment request in the power grid. The processor determines an incentive to be given to the user based on the degree of environmental impact based on the acquired behavior information.

[0007] As described above, the control device relating to one aspect of this disclosure determines incentives based on the degree of environmental impact derived from user behavior information. This makes users who are seeking incentives aware of the impact their actions have on the environment. Therefore, it is possible to encourage users who are performing power transmission in response to power supply and demand adjustment requests in the power grid to take environmentally conscious actions.

[0008] In the control device relating to the first aspect described above, preferably, the processor increases the incentive the more beneficial the user's actions are to the environment based on the behavioral information. With this configuration, the user can be encouraged to take actions that have a positive impact on the environment.

[0009] In the control device relating to the first aspect described above, preferably, the processor calculates the degree of impact based on at least one of the user's means of transportation, purchased goods, and facilities used while power transmission is taking place. With this configuration, the user can be made to make environmentally conscious choices (actions) regarding at least one of the means of transportation, purchased goods, and facilities used.

[0010] In this case, when the processor calculates the impact based on the means of transportation, it also takes into account the distance traveled by that means of transportation. This configuration allows the user to be prompted to adjust the distance traveled by that means of transportation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress users who are performing power transmission in response to power supply and demand adjustment requests in the power grid from engaging in actions that burden the environment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the sequence control of a system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows the relationship between environmental consideration points and incentives according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows the relationship between environmental considerations and means of transportation according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the relationship between environmental considerations and purchased products according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows the relationship between environmental considerations and the facilities used according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0014] Figure 1 shows the configuration of System 1 according to this embodiment. System 1 comprises a server 100, a grid management server 200, a power grid PG, an electric vehicle 10, an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) 20, and a mobile terminal 30. The server 100 and the power grid PG are examples of the "control device" and "power grid" as defined in this disclosure, respectively.

[0015] The power system PG is a power grid constructed by a power plant and power transmission and distribution facilities (not shown). In this embodiment, the power company also serves as a power generation operator and a power transmission and distribution operator. The power company corresponds to a general power transmission and distribution operator and maintains and manages the power system PG. The power company corresponds to the administrator of the power system PG.

[0016] The system management server 200 manages the power supply and demand in the power system PG (power grid). Also, the system management server 200 belongs to the power company. The system management server 200 transmits a request (power supply and demand adjustment request) for adjusting the power demand of the power system PG to the server 100 based on the generated power and the consumed power by each power adjustment resource managed by the system management server 200.

[0017] The server 100 is a server managed by an aggregator. An aggregator is an electric utility that bundles a plurality of power adjustment resources such as a region or a predetermined facility and provides an energy management service.

[0018] As one means for increasing or decreasing the power demand of the power system PG, the server 100 requests the electric vehicle 10 to perform "power transmission". Power transmission is control including power supply to the power system PG (external power supply / external discharge) and charging from the power system PG (external charging). The server 100 transmits a request signal for requesting power transmission to the electric vehicle 10 or a mobile terminal 30 owned by the user of the electric vehicle 10. Note that the electric vehicle 10 may be configured to be capable of only one of external power supply and external charging.

[0019] Power transmission is performed between the electric vehicle 10 and the power system PG via the EVSE 20. The electric vehicle 10 includes, for example, a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), and an FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle).

[0020] The electric vehicle 10 includes a battery 11. The battery 11 is charged or discharged by power transmission.

[0021] EVSE 20 means vehicle power supply equipment. The electric vehicle 10 is configured to be electrically connected to the EVSE 20. For example, by connecting a charging cable 21 connected to the EVSE 20 to the inlet of the electric vehicle 10, it becomes possible to transfer electric power between the EVSE 20 and the electric vehicle 10.

[0022] In addition, the server 100 is configured to manage the information of the registered electric vehicle 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "vehicle information"), the information of each registered user (hereinafter also referred to as "user information"), and the information of the registered EVSE 20 (hereinafter also referred to as "EVSE information"). The user information, vehicle information, and EVSE information are distinguished by identification information (ID) and stored in a memory 102 described later.

[0023] The user ID is identification information for identifying a user and also functions as information (terminal ID) for identifying a mobile terminal 30 carried by the user. The server 100 is configured to distinguish and store the information received from the mobile terminal 30 for each user ID. The user information includes the communication address of the mobile terminal 30 carried by the user and the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle 10 belonging to the user.

[0024] The vehicle ID is identification information for identifying the electric vehicle 10. The vehicle ID may be a license plate or a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The vehicle information includes the action plan of each electric vehicle 10.

[0025] The EVSE-ID is identification information for identifying the EVSE 20. The EVSE information includes the communication address of each EVSE 20 and the state of the electric vehicle 10 connected to each EVSE 20. The EVSE information also includes information indicating the combination of the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20 connected to each other (for example, the combination of the EVSE-ID and the vehicle ID).

[0026] The server 100 includes a processor 101, memory 102, and a communication unit 103. The communication unit 103 is an example of the "acquisition unit" in this disclosure.

[0027] Memory 102 stores the program executed by the processor 101, as well as information used by the program (for example, maps, formulas, and various parameters). The communication unit 103 includes various communication interfaces. The processor 101 controls the communication unit 103. Specifically, the processor 101 communicates with the mobile terminal 30 and the electric vehicle 10 (or EVSE 20) through the communication unit 103.

[0028] The communication unit 103 acquires information regarding power transmission between the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20. Specifically, the communication unit 103 acquires information such as the amount of charge / discharge, the time of charge / discharge, and the time period during which the charge / discharge occurred between the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20 during power transmission.

[0029] The communication unit 103 receives the user's location information and speed information, etc., based on information from a GPS module (not shown) or the like in the mobile terminal 30. The communication unit 103 also acquires information on product purchases and facility usage (including stores and transportation) based on electronic payment (touch payment) using the mobile terminal 30, etc.

[0030] In this situation, a user who is transmitting power to the power grid (PG) cannot use their own electric vehicle 10, and may therefore act in the vicinity of the electric vehicle 10. In this case, the user may take actions that burden the environment. That is, while performing an environmentally conscious action of transmitting power in response to a power supply and demand adjustment request, they may take actions that do not consider the environment. It is desirable to encourage users who are transmitting power in response to a power supply and demand adjustment request to take environmentally conscious actions.

[0031] Therefore, in this embodiment, the processor 101 determines the incentive to be given to the user according to the degree of environmental impact of the actions taken during power transmission in response to the power supply and demand adjustment request of the power grid PG. As a result, the user will take the incentive into consideration and be mindful of the impact of their actions during power transmission on the environment. The specific control will be explained with reference to the sequence diagram in Figure 2.

[0032] (Sequence control in systems) Referring to Figure 2, the sequence control for determining incentives in System 1 will be described.

[0033] In step S1, the server 100 receives a power supply and demand adjustment request for the power grid PG from the system management server 200 via the communication unit 103. Note that the processing in step S1 may be performed at predetermined intervals.

[0034] In step S2, the server 100 sends a request for power transmission (external charging or external power supply) in response to the power supply and demand adjustment request in step S1 to the mobile terminal 30 (or electric vehicle 10). In step S3, the user sends a signal to the server 100 through the mobile terminal 30 (or electric vehicle 10) indicating that they accept the request in step S2.

[0035] In step S4, the electric vehicle 10 starts power transmission in response to the request in step S2.

[0036] In step S5, the mobile terminal 30 transmits the user's travel information, the user's purchase information, and the user's facility usage information to the server 100. The processing in step S5 is carried out continuously from the time power transmission is disclosed in step S4 until power transmission is completed in step S7, which is described below. Travel information includes information such as the route the user traveled, the user's means of transportation, and the distance the user traveled. Facility usage information includes information about the facilities used and the time spent at the facilities.

[0037] In step S6, the server 100 receives various information transmitted from the mobile terminal 30 in step S5 via the communication unit 103. In step S7, the electric vehicle 10 terminates power transmission.

[0038] In step S8, the server 100 calculates the degree of impact that the user's actions have on the environment based on the various information received in step S6 while power transmission is taking place. Details of step S8 will be described later.

[0039] In step S9, the server 100 determines (calculates) the incentive to be given to the user based on the degree of environmental impact calculated in step S8. In step S10, the server 100 gives the incentive determined (calculated) in step S9 to the user via the mobile terminal 30 (or electric vehicle 10). The incentive may be, for example, a discount on the cost of power transmission or the provision of coupons that can be used at stores around the EVSE 20.

[0040] In step S11, the mobile terminal 30 (or electric vehicle 10) receives the incentive granted by the server 100 in step S10.

[0041] (Control in step S9) Referring to Figure 3, the process of step S9 in Figure 2 will be explained. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between environmental consideration points P and incentive I. Environmental consideration points P are a numerical representation of the degree to which the user's actions, based on the various information in step S5 (see Figure 2), have an impact on the environment. For example, if the user takes environmentally good actions, the environmental consideration points P will increase. On the other hand, if the user takes environmentally bad actions, the environmental consideration points P will decrease.

[0042] In the example shown in Figure 3, the incentive I changes linearly with a positive slope in response to the change in the environmental consideration points P. That is, the larger the environmental consideration points P, the larger the incentive I becomes. In other words, the processor 101 increases the incentive I the more environmentally friendly the user's actions based on the various information in step S2 are. Note that in the example shown in Figure 3, when the environmental consideration points P is 0, the incentive I is 0.

[0043] The processor 101 determines (calculates) the incentive (Ip+I) to be given to the user by adding an incentive I based on the relationship shown in Figure 3 to a baseline incentive (Ip) for power transmission. The larger the incentive (Ip+I), the larger the discount amount or the larger the coupon usage amount. Alternatively, the processor 101 may determine the discount amount or coupon usage amount based solely on incentive I.

[0044] The data (relationship formula) showing the relationship between environmental consideration points P and incentive I, as shown in Figure 3, may be stored in the memory 102 of the server 100.

[0045] (Control of step S8) Figure 4 shows the relationship between the user's mode of transportation and environmental consideration points P. The more environmentally friendly the mode of transportation (for example, with lower CO2 emissions), the higher the environmental consideration points P are set. In the example shown in Figure 4, walking (and cycling), train, bus, taxi, and fuel-efficient rental car have the highest environmental consideration points P, in that order. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the environmental consideration points P for walking (and cycling), train, and bus may be set positively, while the environmental consideration points P for taxi and rental car may be set negatively.

[0046] The server 100 determines the user's mode of transportation based on the user's (mobile terminal 30) location (travel route) and travel speed, etc. The processor 101 may also determine the mode of transportation based on the usage history of each mode of transportation (such as history of passing through ticket gates, history of touching card readers on buses, history of payments for taxis and rental cars, etc.).

[0047] The processor 101 changes the environmental consideration points P considering the distance traveled by each mode of transportation. For example, for modes of transportation where the environmental consideration points P are positive, the processor 101 may increase the amount of increase in environmental consideration points P as the distance traveled increases. Also, for modes of transportation where the environmental consideration points P are negative, the processor 101 may increase the amount of decrease in environmental consideration points P as the distance traveled increases.

[0048] Furthermore, a threshold distance for changing the environmental consideration points P may be set. That is, the environmental consideration points P may be changed if the distance traveled is greater than or equal to the above threshold. The above thresholds may differ for each mode of transportation. For example, the threshold may be set higher for modes of transportation with higher speeds.

[0049] Figure 5 shows the relationship between a user's purchased products and environmental consideration points P. Products that are more environmentally friendly (for example, those that emit less CO2 during manufacturing) are assigned higher environmental consideration points P. In the example shown in Figure 5, products A, B, C, D, and E have the highest environmental consideration points P in that order. The environmental consideration points P for products A, B, and C are set to positive, while the environmental consideration points P for products D and E are set to negative.

[0050] Server 100 obtains information about the products purchased by the user based on the user's purchase using the mobile terminal 30 or a credit card associated with the user. The store where the product was purchased may also transmit the information about the purchased product to Server 100.

[0051] The processor 101 changes the environmental consideration points P considering the payment amount for each product. For example, the processor 101 may increase the amount of environmental consideration points P as the payment amount for products with positive environmental consideration points P increases. Conversely, the processor 101 may decrease the amount of environmental consideration points P as the payment amount for products with negative environmental consideration points P increases. Alternatively, the environmental consideration points P may be changed based on the number of products purchased instead of the payment amount.

[0052] Furthermore, a threshold payment amount may be set for which environmental consideration points P are changed. That is, environmental consideration points P may be changed if the payment amount is equal to or greater than the above threshold. The above threshold may differ for each product. For example, the above threshold may be set higher for products with higher unit prices.

[0053] Figure 6 shows the relationship between the facilities used by the user and the environmental consideration points P. Facilities that are more environmentally friendly (for example, those with a higher rate of renewable energy use) are assigned higher environmental consideration points P. In the example shown in Figure 6, the environmental consideration points P are highest for facilities A, B, C, D, and E, in that order. For example, the environmental consideration points P for facilities A, B, and C are set to be positive, while the environmental consideration points P for facilities D and E are set to be negative.

[0054] Server 100 obtains information about the facilities used by the user based on the payment of facility usage fees using the mobile terminal 30 or a credit card associated with the user. Server 100 may also determine that the user has used a facility based on the location of the mobile terminal 30, etc. For example, Server 100 may determine that the user has used a designated facility based on the user staying at the designated facility for a predetermined time or longer. The facility may also transmit information to Server 100 indicating that the user has used the facility.

[0055] For example, the processor 101 changes the environmental consideration points P considering the time spent at each facility. The processor 101 may increase the amount of increase in environmental consideration points P the longer the time spent at a facility with positive environmental consideration points P. Conversely, the processor 101 may decrease the amount of decrease in environmental consideration points P the longer the time spent at a facility with negative environmental consideration points P.

[0056] Furthermore, a threshold for the length of stay that triggers a change in environmental consideration points P may be set. That is, environmental consideration points P may be changed if the length of stay exceeds the above threshold. The above threshold may differ from facility to facility. For example, the threshold may be set lower for facilities with higher usage fees (admission fees).

[0057] Server 100 calculates an incentive I based on the total value of environmental consideration points P during the period in which power transmission by the electric vehicle 10 is performed. The total value of environmental consideration points P is calculated based on the data shown in Figures 4 to 6 and the user's behavior information during the above period.

[0058] The data (e.g., tables) showing the relationship between environmental consideration points P and the means of transportation, products, and facilities, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, may be stored in the memory 102 of the server 100.

[0059] As described above, in this embodiment, the processor 101 determines the incentive to be given to the user according to the degree of environmental impact based on the acquired user behavior information. This increases the user's awareness of taking environmentally friendly actions in order to increase the incentives they are given. Therefore, it is possible to encourage users who are performing power transmission in response to power supply and demand adjustment requests in the power grid PG to take environmentally conscious actions.

[0060] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the server 100 calculates the degree of environmental impact and determines an incentive based on the user's actions, but this disclosure is not limited to this. The control device of the mobile terminal 30 may perform the above processing.

[0061] The above embodiment shows an example in which incentives are determined based on environmental consideration points P, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the incentives given may be directly associated with each action taken by the user.

[0062] The above embodiment shows an example in which environmental consideration points P (incentive) change based on the distance traveled by means of transportation, the amount paid for purchased goods, and the time spent at the facility, but this disclosure is not limited to this. The above three pieces of information do not have to be considered in calculating the environmental consideration points P (incentive). Furthermore, the environmental consideration points P (incentive) may be changed based on only one or two of the above three pieces of information.

[0063] The above embodiment shows an example in which environmental consideration points P (incentive) are calculated based on the means of transportation, purchased goods, and facilities used, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Environmental consideration points P (incentive) may be calculated based on only one or two of the means of transportation, purchased goods, and facilities used.

[0064] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 10 Electric vehicle, 100 Server (control device), 101 Processor, 103 Communication unit (acquisition unit), PG Power system (power grid).

Claims

1. A control device, An acquisition unit that acquires user behavior information of an electric vehicle capable of power transmission including at least one of charging from and discharging to the power grid, Equipped with a processor, The acquisition unit acquires the action information while the power transmission is being performed in response to a power supply and demand adjustment request in the power grid. The aforementioned processor, Based on the degree of impact on the natural environment derived from the acquired behavioral information, the incentive to be given to the user is determined. A control device that calculates the degree of impact based on the goods purchased by the user and the payment amount for those goods during the power transmission.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor increases the incentive as the user's actions based on the behavioral information are more beneficial to the natural environment.

3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the processor increases the incentive to the extent that the user's actions based on the behavioral information contribute to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor adds the influence based on the payment amount to the influence based on the purchased product when the payment amount is equal to or greater than a threshold set for each purchased product.

Images