Power management system

Abstract

To appropriately handle information obtained through different communication channels.SOLUTION: A management server executes processes including the steps of: S302 of storing first data when it receives the first data via a DCM (Yes in S300); S308 of storing second data when it receives the second data via an indoor controller (Yes in S304); S314 of executing power control using the second data when latest transmission times of both data do not match (No in S308); S316 of determining that an abnormality has occurred in a system when the transmission times match (Yes in S308) and battery information does not match (No in S310); and S312 of executing power control using the first data and the second data when the battery information matches (Yes in S310).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power management system.

Background Art

[0002] A power management system for managing energy in a power grid is known. In this power grid, for example, a vehicle equipped with a power storage device may be connected via a building. In order to control the power of the power storage device mounted on the vehicle, communication may be performed between the server and the vehicle according to various communication standards.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-184741 (Patent Document 1) discloses, for example, a technique for dealing with a case of controlling a device that performs communication in a format according to a plurality of communication standards, such as converting the communication format.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Between the server and the vehicle as described above, for example, communication may be performed by wireless communication in some cases, and when the power grid and the vehicle are connected by a cable or the like, communication may be performed by wired communication. When communication is performed through a plurality of communication paths in this way, depending on the reliability of each communication path, there may be a deviation in the reception timing and the received content. Therefore, it is required to appropriately handle the information received in such a case.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power management system that appropriately handles information acquired through different communication paths. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A power management system relating to a certain aspect of this disclosure comprises a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device, transmission equipment for transmitting power between the power grid and the energy storage device, and a server that communicates with the vehicle. The server includes a communication device that communicates on at least one of two communication paths: a first communication path for communication between the vehicle and the server, and a second communication path for communication between the transmission equipment and the server, and a control device that performs power control between the vehicle and the transmission equipment. The control device receives first data containing information about the energy storage device on the first communication path, receives second data containing the same information on the second communication path, and performs power control using the second data if there is a discrepancy between the first time the first data was transmitted from the vehicle to the server and the second time the second data was transmitted from the transmission equipment to the server.

[0008] In this way, if there is a discrepancy between the first time the first data is transmitted from the vehicle to the server and the second time the second data containing the same information is transmitted from the transmission equipment to the server, the first data transmitted via the less reliable first communication path compared to the second communication path will not be used for power control, thus suppressing a decrease in control accuracy. Therefore, information acquired via different communication paths can be handled appropriately.

[0009] In one embodiment, the control device determines that an abnormality has occurred in the power management system if the first time and the second time coincide, and the acquired information does not match between the first data and the second data.

[0010] In this way, it is possible to accurately determine that an abnormality has occurred in the power management system because information from the energy storage device cannot be properly acquired.

[0011] In one further embodiment, if the control device determines that the power management system is abnormal, it performs charging control to charge the energy storage device using the transmission equipment.

[0012] In this way, at least the battery storage device will be charged, allowing the user to use the vehicle quickly.

[0013] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the control device performs a process to notify that it will perform charging control when charging control is to be performed due to an abnormality in the power management system.

[0014] This allows the user to be aware that the energy storage device is being charged. This makes it possible to adjust the charging timing, for example, if the user wishes to charge at a different time.

[0015] In one further embodiment, the control device performs power control using the first data and the second data when the first time and the second time coincide and the acquired information matches between the first data and the second data.

[0016] In this way, for example, if the amount of data contained in the first data set differs from the amount of data contained in the second data set, data can be interpolated between the first and second data sets, thereby enabling highly accurate power control. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a power management system that appropriately handles information acquired through different communication paths. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the power management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the communication configuration of the power management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an example of a process performed in a vehicle. [Figure 4]It is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by an EVSE. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by a management server. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of an operation corresponding to the presence or absence of coincidence between a transmission time and battery information.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power management system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the power management system 1 includes a vehicle 10, a power grid 40, a building 50, a management server 100, a terminal 200, and a DCM (Data Communication Module) server 300.

[0021] The building 50 includes a smart meter 54, a distribution board 56, other loads 58, an indoor controller 60, and an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) 70.

[0022] <00所求の電力を得るために、電力管理システム1は、車両10と管理サーバ100との間で通信を行う。車両1および管理サーバ100は、たとえば、通信回線を介して通信を行う。

[0023] ​The distribution board 56 is capable of supplying the voltage of the power supplied from the power system 40 to various electrical equipment, including the EVSE 70 and other loads 58. The distribution board 56 is provided with circuit breakers and other circuit breakers that can interrupt the power supply to various electrical equipment. The other loads 58 include, for example, various electrical equipment other than the EVSE 70 (for example, household appliances) installed within the building 50.

[0024] The indoor controller 60 is a control device for managing the power supplied from the power grid 40 to various electrical equipment within the building 50 via the distribution board 56, and the power supplied from any power source within the building 50 to the power grid 40 via the distribution board 56. The indoor controller 60 is configured to acquire information from the smart meter 54 and various electrical equipment connected as controlled objects (for example, the EVSE 70 described later), and to transmit various control commands to various electrical devices (for example, commands to execute charging control).

[0025] EVSE70 is a power transmission device configured to be connectable to the vehicle 10 using connectors and cables. EVSE70 supplies power from the distribution board 56 to the vehicle 10 or outputs power supplied from the vehicle 10 to the distribution board 56 in response to a control signal from the indoor controller 60. EVSE70 may be configured to supply DC power to a power storage device 11 mounted on the vehicle 10, or it may be configured to supply AC power to a charging device mounted on the vehicle 10, where it is converted to DC power and supplied to the power storage device 11.

[0026] Vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle having a power storage device 11 composed of a rechargeable DC power supply, a drive unit (not shown) composed of an electric motor or the like, and a communication device 16 including a DCM. The power storage device 11 may be a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery with a liquid or solid electrolyte, or it may be a capacitor or the like. Vehicle 10 is configured to be able to charge the power storage device 11 using power supplied from EVSE 70. Vehicle 10 is also configured to be able to supply power from the power storage device 11 to EVSE 70. Furthermore, vehicle 10 is configured to be able to communicate (for example, wirelessly) with DCM server 300 using the communication device 16 (specifically, DCM). In addition, when the connector of EVSE 70 is connected to the inlet (not shown) of vehicle 10, vehicle 10 is configured to be able to communicate (for example, wired communication) with EVSE 70 via the connector and cable using the communication device 16. In Figure 1, vehicle 10 is shown as a representative example, but multiple vehicles other than vehicle 10 may be connected to EVSEs other than EVSE 70.

[0027] The management server 100 receives power supply and demand requests from the power company 150 and manages the power supply and demand in the power grid formed in a predetermined area including the building 50. For example, if the power company 150 requests an increase in power supply, the management server 100 sends a control command to the control targets within the power grid, including the building 50, that are capable of receiving power, to supply power to the power system 40. The control targets within the power grid can satisfy the power company 150's request by increasing the power supplied to the power system 40 as a result of the control command.

[0028] Terminal 200 is a portable terminal carried by the owner of vehicle 10. Terminal 200 is configured to communicate with management server 100 via a communication network (not shown). Terminal 200 is equipped with a display device, which displays various information (text information or image information) based on information transmitted from management server 100.

[0029] The DCM server 300 is configured to communicate with multiple vehicles (including vehicle 10) equipped with DCMs. For example, the DCM server 300 receives information about the energy storage devices installed in the multiple vehicles equipped with DCMs, or transmits update information such as various control programs to the multiple vehicles equipped with DCMs. The information about the energy storage devices received by the DCM server 300 includes information about the State of Charge (SOC) of the energy storage device, information about the amount of energy that can be charged, information about the amount of energy that can be discharged, etc.

[0030] The vehicle 10, the indoor controller 60, the EVSE 70, the management server 100, the terminal 200, and the DCM server 300 are configured to exchange various information via communication.

[0031] Figure 2 shows an example of the communication configuration of the power management system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle 10 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 12, a storage device 14, and a communication device 16. The ECU 12 has a CPU (Central Control Unit) (not shown) and memory (ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.), and performs a power supply process that supplies power from the energy storage device 11 to the EVSE 70 or a charging process that charges the energy storage device 11 using power from the EVSE 70, based on various information stored in the memory and various information obtained through communication. Various information includes charging commands and discharge commands from the EVSE 70. The storage device 14 stores various information received using the communication device 16 and predetermined information. The communication device 16 includes a communication unit (not shown) that can communicate wirelessly with the DCM server 300 via a communication network (e.g., a mobile phone line) and the EVSE 70 via wired communication (e.g., PLC (Power Line Communication) communication or CAN (Controller Area Network) communication).

[0032] The indoor controller 60 has a CPU and memory (not shown) and executes processes related to the supply and demand management of power within the building 50 based on various information stored in the memory and various information obtained through communication with the EVSE 70 and the management server 100. The processes related to the supply and demand management of power within the building 50 include, for example, the process of sending a command to execute a charging process (charging command) to the EVSE 70 and the process of sending a command to execute a discharging process (discharging command). In response to a request from the management server 100, the indoor controller 60 transmits information about the energy storage device 11 installed in the vehicle 10 which is subject to power management control by the management server 100 in the power grid to the management server 100. Alternatively, if the indoor controller 60 receives information about the energy storage device 11 from the vehicle 10, it may transmit such information to the management server 100 regardless of whether a request has been made from the management server 100.

[0033] The EVSE 70 includes a control device 72, a storage device 74, and a communication device 76. The control device 72 has a CPU and memory (not shown) and transmits charging commands to the vehicle 10 or discharging commands to the vehicle 10 based on various information stored in the memory and various information obtained through communication. The storage device 74 stores various information received using the communication device 76 and predetermined information. The communication device 76 is configured to communicate with the indoor controller 60 or with the vehicle 10 via a communication network by wireless or wired means.

[0034] The management server 100 includes a control device 102, a storage device 104, and a communication device 106. The control device 102 has a CPU and memory (not shown) and executes processing related to supply and demand management within the power grid based on various information stored in the memory and various information obtained through communication. Processing related to supply and demand management within the power grid includes, for example, the process of sending a charging command to the indoor controller 60 and the process of sending a discharge command. The management server 100 also obtains information for implementing supply and demand management (for example, information related to the energy storage device 11 installed in the vehicle 10) from the indoor controller 60 and the DCM server 300.

[0035] The storage device 104 stores various information received using the communication device 106, as well as predetermined information. For example, the storage device 104 stores information for identifying vehicles that are subject to control in supply and demand management within the power grid (for example, vehicle number and chassis number). This information is used by the management server 100 to obtain information about vehicle 10 from the DCM server 300.

[0036] The communication device 106 is configured to communicate wirelessly or via wired connection with the terminal 200, the DCM server 300, or the indoor controller 60 via a communication network not shown (for example, the Internet or a dedicated line).

[0037] Terminal 200 includes a control device 202, a storage device 204, a communication device 206, and a display device 208. The control device 202 has a CPU and memory (not shown), and performs display processing based on various information stored in the memory and various information obtained through communication. The storage device 104 stores various information received using the communication device 206 and predetermined information. The communication device 206 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the management server 100 via a communication network (not shown) (for example, a mobile phone line or the internet). The display device 208 displays character information, images, etc., in response to control signals from the control device 202.

[0038] The DCM server 300 has a CPU and memory (not shown), and performs processing to exchange information about energy storage devices with each of the multiple vehicles based on various information stored in memory and various information obtained through communication with multiple vehicles and the management server 100. The DCM server 300 transmits to the management server 100 information about energy storage devices 11 installed in vehicles 10 that are subject to power management control by the management server 100 in the power grid, in response to a request from the management server 100. Alternatively, if the DCM server 300 receives information about energy storage devices 11 from a vehicle 10, it may transmit that information to the management server 100 regardless of whether a request has been made from the management server 100.

[0039] In the power management system 1 having the communication configuration described above, communication-enabled devices communicate with each other according to various communication standards.

[0040] The management server 100 obtains information about energy storage devices (for example, information such as SOC (State of Charge)) from multiple vehicles, including vehicle 10, in order to estimate the amount of charge and discharge possible for multiple vehicles in the power grid.

[0041] Information about the energy storage device is transmitted via at least one of two communication paths: a first communication path (dotted arrow in Figure 1) that goes to the management server 100 via the DCM server 300 without going through the EVSE 70, and a second communication path (solid arrow in Figure 1) that goes to the management server 100 via the EVSE 70 and the indoor controller 60.

[0042] For example, if the vehicle 10's ECU 12 is not connected to the EVSE 70, it transmits information about the energy storage device 11 to the management server 100 via the first communication path. On the other hand, if the vehicle 10's ECU 12 is connected to the EVSE 70, it transmits information about the energy storage device 11 to the management server 100 via both the first and second communication paths.

[0043] When data containing the same information is transmitted via both paths, the reliability of each communication path may result in the reception of data at different times or with different content. If the path between the communication device 16 and the DCM server 300 includes a wireless communication path such as a mobile phone line, and the radio wave conditions worsen than normal when the vehicle 10 is traveling or stopped in a tunnel or underground, delays or interruptions may occur in communication from the communication device 16 to the DCM server 300. As a result, when information is transmitted via the first communication path, the management server 100 may receive data at a different time or with different content compared to when information is transmitted via the second communication path. In this case, it is necessary to handle the received data appropriately.

[0044] Therefore, in this embodiment, if there is a discrepancy between the first time when the first data containing information about the energy storage device 11 is transmitted from the vehicle 10 to the management server 100 via the first communication path and the second time when the second data containing the same information is transmitted from the EVSE 70 to the management server 100, the management server 100 will use the second data to perform power control related to supply and demand management.

[0045] In this way, if there is a discrepancy between the first time the first data is transmitted from the vehicle 10 to the management server 100 and the second time the second data containing the same information is transmitted from the EVSE 70 to the management server 100, the first data, which is less reliable than the second communication path, will not be used for power control. This suppresses a decrease in the control accuracy of power control in supply and demand management. Therefore, information acquired through different communication paths can be handled appropriately.

[0046] The following describes the processes performed by vehicle 10 (specifically its ECU 12), with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processes performed by vehicle 10. Note that the series of processes shown in the flowcharts from Figures 3 to 5 are repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals.

[0047] In step 100 (hereinafter referred to as S), the ECU 12 determines whether or not the plug is connected. The ECU 12 may determine that the plug is connected if, for example, the connector of the EVSE 70 is connected to the inlet of the vehicle 10. The ECU 12 may also determine that the connector is connected if, for example, it receives an ON signal from a circuit (not shown) that outputs an ON signal when the connector is connected to the inlet. If it is determined that the plug is connected (YES in S100), the process moves to S102.

[0048] In S102, the ECU12 determines whether the transmission conditions are met. The transmission conditions include, for example, a first condition that a transmission request has been received from the management server 100. Alternatively, the transmission conditions may include a second condition that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the last transmission. Alternatively, the transmission conditions may include at least one of the first and second conditions. If it is determined that the transmission conditions are met (YES in S102), the process moves to S104.

[0049] In S104, the ECU 12 uses the communication device 16 to transmit first data to the management server 100 via the DCM server 300, including the transmission time (hereinafter referred to as the first time) and information about the State of Charge (SOC) of the energy storage device 11 (hereinafter referred to as the first battery information). The ECU 12 sets the transmission time at which it transmits the first data to the DCM server 300 as the first time. The process then moves to S106.

[0050] In S106, the ECU 12 transmits information about the State of Charge (SOC) of the energy storage device 11 (hereinafter referred to as the second battery information) to the EVSE 70 using the communication device 16. After that, processing is terminated. If it is determined that the transmission conditions are not met (NO in S102), processing moves to S108.

[0051] In S108, the ECU 12 uses the communication device 16 to send the first data to the management server 100 via the DCM server 300. After that, the process is terminated. If it is determined that the plug is not connected (NO in S100), this process is terminated.

[0052] Next, the processes performed by the EVSE 70 (control device 72) will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processes performed by the EVSE 70.

[0053] In S200, the control device 72 determines whether or not a plug connection is in progress. The control device 72 may determine that a plug connection is in progress if, for example, a connector is connected to the inlet of the vehicle 10. The control device 72 may also determine that a connector is connected if, for example, it receives a signal from the vehicle 10 indicating that a connector is connected to the inlet via wired communication through a cable or via wireless communication. If it is determined that a plug connection is in progress (YES in S200), the process moves to S202.

[0054] In S202, the control device 72 determines whether or not to receive second battery information from the vehicle 10. If it is determined that second battery information has been received from the vehicle 10 (YES in S202), the process moves to S204.

[0055] In S204, the control device 72 transmits second data, including the transmission time (hereinafter referred to as the second time) and second battery information, to the management server 100 via the indoor controller 60. The control device 72 sets the transmission time to be transmitted to the indoor controller 60 as the second time. After that, the process is terminated. If it is determined that the plug is not connected (NO in S200) or if it is determined that the second battery information is not received from the vehicle 10 (NO in S202), the process is terminated.

[0056] Next, the processes executed by the control device 102 of the management server 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processes executed by the management server 100.

[0057] In S300, the control device 102 determines whether or not it has received the first data from the vehicle 10 via the DCM server 300. If it is determined that the first data has been received from the vehicle 10 via the DCM server 300 (YES in S300), the process moves to S302.

[0058] In S302, the control device 102 stores the received first data in the storage device 104. Subsequent processing is then moved to S304.

[0059] In S304, the control device 102 determines whether or not it has received the second data from the EVSE 70 via the indoor controller 60. If it is determined that the second data has been received via the indoor controller 60 (YES in S304), the process moves to S306.

[0060] In S306, the control device 102 stores the received second data in the storage device 104. The subsequent processing is then moved to S308.

[0061] In S308, the control device 102 determines whether the most recent transmission times of the data received on both paths (first communication path and second communication path) match. The control device 102 determines that the most recent transmission times match if, for example, the difference between the first time in the most recent first data and the second time in the most recent second data is less than or equal to a threshold. The threshold is, for example, a predetermined value, such as a few minutes. If it is determined that the most recent transmission times match (YES in S308), the process moves to S310.

[0062] In S310, the control device 102 determines whether the battery information of the data received from both paths matches. The control device 102 determines that the battery information matches if, for example, the SOC value in the most recent first battery information and the SOC value in the most recent second battery information are the same. If it is determined that the battery information of the data received from both paths matches (YES in S310), the process moves to S312.

[0063] In S312, the control device 102 performs power control using the first data and the second data. Power control includes power control related to supply and demand management. If the first data is obtained from the DCM server 300 and contains more detailed information than the second data, the control device 102 uses the first data to supplement the second data, or uses the first data and the second data to accurately estimate the SOC and changes in SOC. This enables power supply and demand management within the power grid in accordance with the supply and demand requests from the power company 150. After that, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the most recent transmission time is diverging (NO in S308), the process moves to S314.

[0064] In S314, the control device 102 performs power control using the second data. The power control is as described above, except that the first data is not used, so a detailed explanation will not be repeated. After that, the process is terminated. If it is determined that the battery information of the two data does not match (NO in S310), the process moves to S316.

[0065] In S316, the control device 102 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the power management system 1. The control device 102 determines that an abnormality has occurred because the energy storage device 11 installed in the vehicle 10 cannot be used for power supply and demand management. The process then moves to S318.

[0066] In S318, the control device 102 performs a fail-case operation. Specifically, the control device 102 sends a command to the vehicle 10 via the indoor controller 60 and EVSE 70 to execute a charging process to charge the energy storage device 11 installed in the vehicle 10 that is subject to abnormality determination to a predetermined charge state (for example, a fully charged state). The process then moves to S320.

[0067] In S320, the control device 102 performs notification processing. Specifically, the control device 102 sends a control command to the terminal 200 to indicate that the energy storage device 11 will be charged due to an abnormality in the power management system 1. The processing is then terminated.

[0068] The operation of the power management system 1 according to this embodiment, based on the above configuration and flowchart, will now be described. For example, when the vehicle 10 is plugged in (YES in S100) and a transmission condition is met, such as reaching a predetermined time (YES in S102), first data including a first time and first battery information is transmitted to the management server 100 via the DCM server 300 (S104). Furthermore, second battery information is transmitted to the EVSE 70 via the connector and cable (S106).

[0069] In the EVSE70, when the plug is connected (YES in S200), if the second battery information is received from the vehicle 10, second data including the second time and the second battery information is transmitted to the management server 100 via the indoor controller 60 (S204).

[0070] <If both transmission times and battery information match> When the first data is received from the vehicle 10 via the DCM server 300 (YES in S300), the received first data is stored in the storage device 104 (S302). On the other hand, when the second data is received from the EVSE 70 via the indoor controller 60 (YES in S304), the received second data is stored in the storage device 104 (S306).

[0071] Then, it is determined whether the first time in the most recent first data and the second time in the most recent second data match (S308). If it is determined that the difference between the first time and the second time is less than or equal to a threshold (YES in S308), it is determined whether the first battery information and the second battery information match (S310). For example, if the SOC value in the first battery information and the SOC value in the second battery information are the same, it is determined that the first battery information and the second battery information match (YES in S310). Therefore, power control is performed using the first data and the second data (S312).

[0072] <If only the transmission times match> If the difference between the first time and the second time is less than or equal to a threshold, and it is determined that the first time and the second time match (YES in S308), it is determined whether the first battery information and the second battery information match (S310). For example, if the SOC value included in the first battery information and the SOC value included in the second battery information are not the same, it is determined that the first battery information and the second battery information do not match (NO in S310). Then, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the system (S316), and the fail-time operation is executed (S318). At this time, a command to execute a charging process to charge the energy storage device 11 of the vehicle 10 is sent to the vehicle 10. When the ECU 12 of the vehicle 10 receives the command to execute the charging process, it executes the charging process and charges the energy storage device 11. A notification process is executed (S320), and text information and image information indicating that the energy storage device 11 will be charged due to a system abnormality is displayed on the display device 208 of the terminal 200.

[0073] <If both transmission times do not match> If the first data is not received from the vehicle 10 via the DCM server 300 (NO in S300), and the second data is received from the EVSE 70 via the indoor controller 60 (YES in S304), the received second data is stored in the storage device 104 (S306).

[0074] Therefore, the magnitude of the difference between the first time point of the most recent first data and the second time point of the most recent second data exceeds the threshold, and it is determined that the first time point and the second time point are diverging (NO in S308). As a result, power control is performed using only the second data (S314).

[0075] Figure 6 shows an example of operation corresponding to whether the transmission time and battery information match. As shown in Figure 6, if the most recent transmission time does not match, power control using the second data is performed regardless of whether the battery information (SOC) value matches or not. On the other hand, if the most recent transmission time matches and the most recent battery information value matches, power control using the first data and the second data is performed. Furthermore, if the most recent transmission time matches but the most recent battery information value does not match, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the power management system 1.

[0076] As described above, according to the power management system 1 of this embodiment, if there is a discrepancy between the first time when the first data is transmitted from the vehicle 10 to the management server 100 and the second time when the second data containing the same information is transmitted from the EVSE 70 to the management server 100, the first data from the first communication path, which is less reliable than the second communication path, is not used for power control. Therefore, a decrease in the control accuracy of power control in supply and demand management can be suppressed. Accordingly, a power management system that appropriately handles information acquired through different communication paths can be provided.

[0077] Furthermore, if the first time and the second time coincide, and the first battery information and the second battery information do not coincide, it is possible to accurately determine that an abnormality has occurred in the power management system 1 because the information of the energy storage device 11 cannot be properly acquired.

[0078] Furthermore, if the power management system 1 is determined to have an abnormality, the energy storage device 11 will be charged, allowing the user to use the vehicle 10 immediately.

[0079] Furthermore, the terminal 200 is notified that charging control will be executed due to an abnormality in the power management system, allowing the terminal user to be aware that the energy storage device will be charged. This makes it possible to adjust the charging timing, for example, if the user wishes to charge at a different time.

[0080] Furthermore, if the first time and the second time coincide, and the first battery information and the second battery information coincide, then power control related to supply and demand management is performed using the first data and the second data. By supplementing the second data with the first data, power control can be performed with high accuracy.

[0081] The following describes variations.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, as an example, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the power management system 1, the terminal 200 is notified that the energy storage device 11 is being charged due to the abnormality in the power management system 1. However, instead of or in addition to the terminal 200, the notification may also be sent using a display device inside the vehicle 10.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the battery information was explained as including the State of Charge (SOC) of the energy storage device 11 as an example. However, for example, instead of or in addition to the SOC, at least one of the following may be included: the dischargeable capacity, the rechargeable capacity, the current dischargeable energy, and the current rechargeable energy.

[0084] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described vehicle 10 as an example of a control target of the management server 100, when multiple vehicles are to be controlled, it is also possible to determine whether the transmission time and battery information match for each vehicle and perform the operation shown in Figure 6 according to the determination result.

[0085] Furthermore, the above-mentioned modifications may be implemented by combining all or part of them as appropriate.

[0086] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1 Power management system, 10 Vehicles, 11 Energy storage devices, 12 ECUs, 14, 74, 104, 204 Memory devices, 16, 76, 106, 206 Communication devices, 40 Power grids, 50 Buildings, 54 Smart meters, 56 Distribution boards, 58 Loads, 60 Indoor controllers, 70 EVSEs, 72, 102, 202 Control devices, 100 Management servers, 150 Power companies, 200 Terminals, 208 Display devices, 300 DCM servers.

Claims

1. Vehicles equipped with energy storage devices, A transmission facility that transmits power between the power grid and the energy storage device, The system includes a server that communicates with the aforementioned vehicle, The aforementioned server, A communication device that communicates using at least one of the following communication paths: a first communication path that communicates between the vehicle and the server, and a second communication path that communicates between the transmission equipment and the server. Includes a control device that performs power control between the vehicle and the transmission equipment, The control device is The first data containing information about the energy storage device is received in the first communication path. The second data containing the information is received in the second communication path. A power management system that, when there is a discrepancy between the first time the first data is transmitted from the vehicle to the server and the second time the second data is transmitted from the transmission equipment to the server, uses the second data to perform the power control.

2. The power management system according to claim 1, wherein the control device determines that an abnormality has occurred in the power management system when the first time and the second time coincide and the acquired information does not match between the first data and the second data.

3. The power management system according to claim 2, wherein the control device performs a charge control to charge the energy storage device using the transmission equipment when it determines that the power management system is abnormal.

4. The power management system according to claim 3, wherein the control device performs a process to notify that the charging control should be performed when the charging control is to be performed due to an abnormality in the power management system.

5. The power management system according to claim 1, wherein the control device performs the power control using the first data and the second data when the first time and the second time coincide and the acquired information matches the first data and the second data.

Images