Power supply and demand control system and power supply and demand control method

Abstract

To stably perform a control of demand-supply balance of a power system performed with an accumulator mounted in a vehicle as a resource.SOLUTION: A power demand-supply control system adjusts a demand-supply balance of a power system by controlling charge / discharge of an accumulator mounted in a vehicle connected to the power system. The power demand-supply control system includes: an SOC management server; and a vehicle including the accumulator and an information processing device controlling charge / discharge of the accumulator. The SOC management server and the vehicle are connected so as to be able to communicate. The SOC management server stores a past utilization performance of the vehicle, estimates a power consumption amount in a single utilization opportunity of the vehicle based on the utilization performance, determines SOC of the accumulator of the vehicle based on the estimated power consumption amount, and controls charge / discharge of the accumulator so that the SOC of the accumulator may become the determined SOC.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply and demand control system and a power supply and demand control method, and particularly to a technique for controlling the supply and demand balance of a power system that uses a storage battery mounted on a vehicle as a resource.

Background Art

[0002] In a so-called VPP (Virtual Power Plant), the storage battery mounted on a vehicle (mobile body) such as an EV (Electric Vehicle) or a PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle) is assumed to be used as a storage battery for adjusting surplus power and shortage power generated by using renewable energy such as solar power generation and wind power generation.

[0003] In supply and demand balance control using a storage battery, the power supplied to or absorbed from the power system is controlled by controlling the charging or discharging of the storage battery. Therefore, for example, when the state of charge (hereinafter referred to as SOC) of the storage battery reaches 100%, it cannot be charged, and it cannot absorb the surplus of solar power generation or respond to an upward DR command (DR: Demand Response). Also, for example, when the SOC of the storage battery reaches 0%, it cannot be discharged, and it cannot respond to a peak cut or a downward DR command. Therefore, in supply and demand balance control using a storage battery, it is required to maintain the SOC of the storage battery at an appropriate level.

[0004] Regarding the control of the supply and demand balance of the power grid, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a battery management device configured for the purpose of optimizing the battery capacity secured for BCP (Business Continuity Plan) compliance and expanding the range of services provided during normal times. The battery management device predicts the amount of electricity demanded by customers with batteries, calculates a minimum battery charge limit per hour based on the minimum battery charge amount determined for each customer and the emergency load assumption, which is the hourly load for each customer in the event that the power supply from the power grid is interrupted, and creates a charge and discharge plan for each customer that specifies the hourly charging and discharging amounts of the battery based on the amount of electricity demanded and the minimum charge limit, so that the battery charge does not fall below the minimum charge limit.

[0005] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 describes a battery control device configured for the purpose of responding to demand response with a higher response rate. The battery control device predicts whether or not a demand response request will be made to a customer and at what time, based on demand response information and the customer's power received information. If a demand response request is predicted, the device calculates the amount of charge and discharge in the battery during the demand response activation period and a predetermined adjustment period prior to that period, based on the prediction result, and controls the charging and discharging of the battery based on the calculation result. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-184682 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-202631 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] When a vehicle's battery is used as a resource to adjust the supply and demand balance of the power grid, the management of the battery's capacity (State of Charge management) depends on how the user utilizes the vehicle. For example, when the vehicle is out, it is electrically disconnected from the power grid, and the charging or discharging of the battery cannot be controlled. Therefore, in order to constantly maintain the vehicle's battery's State of Charge at an appropriate level, the user's vehicle usage patterns must be taken into consideration.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above background, and aims to provide a power supply and demand control system and a power supply and demand control method that can stably control the power supply and demand balance of the power grid using batteries installed in vehicles as a resource. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One of the present inventions for achieving the above objective is a power supply and demand control system for adjusting the supply and demand balance of a power grid by controlling the charging or discharging of a battery mounted on a vehicle connected to a power grid, comprising: a SOC management server which is an information processing device having a processor and a memory device; and a vehicle having a battery and an information processing device for controlling the charging or discharging of the battery. The SOC management server is connected to the vehicle, the supply and demand adjustment server that transmits supply and demand adjustment commands, and the information provision server that provides weather warnings, and stores information indicating the vehicle's past usage history and whether or not there is a reservation for the vehicle's use. If there is a reservation for the vehicle, it estimates the amount of power consumed during one use of the vehicle based on the usage history, determines the SOC of the vehicle's battery based on the estimated amount of power consumed, and controls the charging or discharging of the battery so that the battery's SOC becomes the determined SOC. The SOC management server also includes a first charge / discharge control that controls the charging or discharging of the battery so that the SOC becomes the SOC set on the premise that there is no reservation for the vehicle. The system is capable of performing a fourth charge / discharge control, which controls the charging or discharging of the battery in response to a supply and demand balance adjustment command sent from the supply and demand adjustment server, and if neither the supply and demand balance adjustment command nor the weather warning has been received and there is a reservation for the vehicle, the first charge / discharge control is performed; if neither the supply and demand balance adjustment command nor the weather warning has been received and there is no reservation for the vehicle, the second charge / discharge control is performed; if a weather warning has been received, the third charge / discharge control is performed; and if the supply and demand balance adjustment command has been received, the fourth charge / discharge control is performed with priority over the first to third charge / discharge controls. .

[0010] Further details regarding the problems disclosed in this application, and their solutions, will be made clear in the section on embodiments for carrying out the invention and in the drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to stably control the supply and demand balance of the power grid using batteries installed in vehicles as a resource. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the general configuration of a power supply and demand control system. [Figure 2]This diagram illustrates the main functions of a supply and demand adjustment server. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the main functions of the SOC management server. [Figure 4] This is an example of vehicle usage data. [Figure 5] This is an example of vehicle reservation information. [Figure 6] This is an example of SOC information for each vehicle. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the main functions of an ECU. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart explaining the SOC control process. [Figure 9] This is an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device used to implement a supply and demand adjustment server and a SOC management server. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the letter "S" preceding the reference numerals indicates a processing step.

[0014] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of a power supply and demand control system 1, which is presented as one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the power supply and demand control system 1 includes a power grid 3, one or more power supply devices 20, one or more vehicles 30, a supply and demand adjustment server 100, and a SOC management server 200.

[0015] The supply and demand adjustment server 100 and the SOC management server 200 are connected to various facilities, power supply units 20, vehicles 30, and information provision servers 7 that constitute the power system 3 via the communication network 5. The communication network 5 is a communication infrastructure that enables communication by wired or wireless means, and includes, for example, the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), wireless LAN, Power Line Communication Network, various public communication networks, Bluetooth®, dedicated lines, etc.

[0016] The power system 3 includes, for example, conventional power generation equipment such as thermal power generation equipment, and renewable energy utilization type power generation equipment such as wind power generation equipment and photovoltaic power generation equipment (PV). Note that the power system 3 may include a function as a VPP (Virtual Power Plant).

[0017] The information providing server 7 is an information processing device that provides information to other devices via the Internet like a web server, and provides various types of information used when determining an appropriate amount of the SOC of the storage battery 31 of the vehicle 30 and controlling the SOC. The information providing server 7 is, for example, operated by an organization such as a government agency or a company. The above information includes time-series prediction information of the electricity price (hereinafter referred to as "electricity price prediction information"), time-series prediction information of the output of renewable energy utilization type power generation equipment (hereinafter referred to as "renewable energy output") (hereinafter referred to as "renewable energy output prediction information"), time-series prediction information of the electricity demand in the power system 3 (hereinafter referred to as "electricity demand prediction information"), and time-series prediction information of the weather in the area where the power system 3 exists (the area where the power supply source of the power to the power system 3 exists or the area where the consumers to whom the power system 3 provides power exist) (hereinafter referred to as "weather prediction information").

[0018] The power supply device 20 is, for example, a household or public vehicle power supply equipment (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) provided at various locations in the area where the power system 3 is deployed. The power supply device 20 supplies charging power from the power system 3 to the storage battery 31 mounted on the vehicle 30, supplies the discharge power of the storage battery 31 to the power system 3, and the like. The power supply device 20 includes communication equipment for communicating with the vehicle 30, the supply and demand adjustment server 100, and the SOC management server 200 via the communication network 5.

[0019] Vehicle 30 is a mobile vehicle that runs using electricity stored in a battery 31, and is, for example, an EV (Electric Vehicle) or a PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle). Vehicle 30 operates as, for example, a V2X device (V2L (Vehicle to Live), V2H (Vehicle to Home), V2G (Vehicle to Grid)). Vehicle 30 has certain tendencies in its usage depending on the time of day and day of the week, such as a company car or official vehicle. Battery 31 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a lead-acid battery.

[0020] Vehicle 30 is equipped with an ECU 32 (Electronic Control Unit). The ECU 32 monitors the state of the battery 31 and controls the charging or discharging of the battery 31. Vehicle 30 is electrically connected to a power supply unit 20 via cables, etc., and is connected to the power system 3 via the power supply unit 20. Vehicle 30 is equipped with a charge / discharge control device 33 that controls the charging or discharging of the battery 31. The charge / discharge control device 33 includes, for example, a bidirectional charging unit and a circuit that controls charging or discharging, as well as a circuit that monitors the state of the battery 31 based on measurements from various sensors (voltage sensor, current sensor, temperature sensor, etc.), a power conversion circuit (bidirectional converter, etc.), etc. The charge / discharge control device 33 is communicatively connected to the ECU 32 and controls the charging or discharging of the battery 31 according to commands from the ECU 32. Furthermore, the charge / discharge control device 33 notifies the EUC 32 of information regarding the state of the storage battery 31 (monitoring of voltage (charging voltage, discharge voltage), current (charging current, discharge current), SOC (State of Charge), temperature, internal resistance, etc.).

[0021] Vehicle 30 is equipped with communication equipment, and the ECU 32 transmits information regarding the state of the battery 31, obtained from the charge / discharge control device 33, to the supply and demand adjustment server 100 and the SOC management server 200 via the communication network 5. Vehicle 30 may be positioned as, for example, a connected car. Vehicle 30 may also be equipped with equipment for enjoying various services provided via a telematics communication network.

[0022] The supply and demand adjustment server 100 is an information processing device operated by the operators of the power system 3, such as power transmission and distribution companies. The supply and demand adjustment server 100 acquires real-time power supply amounts from various power generation facilities connected to the power system 3 and real-time power usage amounts based on measurements from smart meters installed at consumers connected to the power system 3. Based on the acquired supply and usage amounts, it adjusts the power supply and demand balance in the power system 3 (load leveling, absorption of excess renewable energy supply, supply of necessary power during power shortages, etc.).

[0023] The supply and demand adjustment server 100 adjusts the balance of electricity supply and demand in the power grid 3 by issuing supply and demand balance adjustment commands, such as DR (Demand Response). For example, the supply and demand adjustment server 100 sends a command to the SOC management server 200 to encourage charging of the battery 31 in order to consume the excess output of renewable energy (hereinafter referred to as "up DR"). Also, for example, when there is a shortage of electricity supply, such as during peak demand periods, the supply and demand adjustment server 100 sends a command to the SOC management server 200 to encourage discharging of the battery 31 (supply to the power grid 3) (hereinafter referred to as "down DR").

[0024] The SOC management server 200 sends charging and discharging commands to the vehicle 30 so that the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery 31 installed in the vehicle 30 becomes an appropriate value. Based on control commands (such as DR) sent from the supply and demand adjustment server 100, the status of vehicle 30 usage reservations, renewable energy output forecast information, power demand forecast information, and weather forecast information (hereinafter, these pieces of information are collectively referred to as "SOC determination reference information") provided by the information provision server 7, the SOC management server 200 determines the value of the battery 31 installed in the vehicle 30 (each vehicle 30 under management) and sends a charging or discharging control command to the vehicle 30 so that the SOC of the battery 31 installed in the vehicle 30 becomes the determined value. Furthermore, the SOC management server 200 may function as an information processing device (a so-called aggregator server) that transmits charge or discharge control commands to the vehicle 30 in response to DR commands (up DR or down DR) sent to the SOC management server 200 from the supply and demand adjustment server 100.

[0025] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the main functions of the supply and demand adjustment server 100. As shown in the figure, the supply and demand adjustment server 100 includes the functions of the storage unit 110 and the supply and demand balance adjustment unit 125.

[0026] Of the above functions, the storage unit 110 stores power supply and demand information 111. The power supply and demand information 111 includes time-series information on the amount of electricity supplied from various power generation facilities connected to the power grid 3, and time-series information on the amount of electricity used based on measured values ​​sent from smart meters of consumers.

[0027] The supply-demand balance adjustment unit 125 determines whether or not adjustment of the supply-demand balance is necessary based on the power supply-demand status information 111. If it determines that adjustment of the supply-demand balance is necessary, the supply-demand balance adjustment unit 125 devises a method for adjusting the supply-demand balance (control method) based on the power supply-demand status information 111, generates a DR command based on the devised adjustment method, and transmits it to the SOC management server 200. The method for adjusting the supply-demand balance is devised, for example, using a known method.

[0028] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the main functions of the SOC management server 200. As shown in the figure, the SOC management server 200 includes the following functions: a storage unit 210, an information acquisition and management unit 220, a power price forecasting unit 225, a renewable energy output forecasting unit 230, a power demand forecasting unit 235, a weather forecasting unit 240, a vehicle usage history management unit 245, a vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255, a supply and demand balance adjustment command receiving unit 260 (DR command receiving unit), and a battery charge / discharge control unit 265.

[0029] Of the above functions, the memory unit 210 stores the following information (data): electricity price forecast information 211, renewable energy output forecast information 212, electricity demand forecast information 213, weather forecast information 214, vehicle usage history information 215, vehicle usage reservation information 216, SOC management information for each vehicle 217, supply and demand balance adjustment command 218, and calendar information 219 (including information indicating the day of the week for each day). Of the above information, the renewable energy output forecast information 212, electricity demand forecast information 213, weather forecast information 214, and vehicle usage reservation information 216 correspond to the SOC determination reference information mentioned above.

[0030] The information acquisition and management unit 220 receives electricity price forecast information 211, renewable energy output forecast information 212, electricity demand forecast information 213, weather forecast information 214, and supply and demand balance adjustment commands 218 from the information provision server 7 and the supply and demand adjustment server 100 via the communication network 5, and manages the received information in the storage unit 210.

[0031] The electricity price forecasting unit 225 outputs time-series forecast information of electricity prices predicted for a predetermined future period, based on the electricity price forecasting information 211 stored in the storage unit 210. In this embodiment, the electricity price forecasting unit 225 provides time-series forecast information of electricity prices for a predetermined future period based on electricity price forecasting information 211 provided from an external source. However, the electricity price forecasting unit 225 may also provide the above forecast information based on acquired information or a predetermined algorithm (various statistical methods, AI (Artificial Intelligence), machine learning, etc.).

[0032] The renewable energy output prediction unit 230 outputs time-series prediction information of renewable energy output for a predetermined future period, based on the renewable energy output prediction information 212 stored in the memory unit 210. In this embodiment, the renewable energy output prediction unit 230 provides time-series prediction information of renewable energy output for a predetermined future period based on renewable energy output prediction information 212 provided from an external source. However, the renewable energy output prediction unit 230 may also provide the above prediction information based on acquired information or a predetermined algorithm (various statistical methods, AI, machine learning, etc.).

[0033] The power demand forecasting unit 235 outputs time-series forecast information of predicted power demand for a predetermined future period, based on the power demand forecasting information 213 stored in the storage unit 210. In this embodiment, the power demand forecasting unit 235 provides time-series forecast information of predicted power demand for a predetermined future period based on power demand forecasting information 213 provided from an external source. However, the power demand forecasting unit 235 may also provide the above forecast information based on acquired information or a predetermined algorithm (various statistical methods, AI, machine learning, etc.). s

[0034] The weather forecasting unit 240 outputs time-series forecast information of the weather predicted for a predetermined future period in a predetermined region, based on the weather forecast information 214 stored in the memory unit 210. In this embodiment, the weather forecasting unit 240 provides time-series forecast information of the weather for a predetermined future period in a predetermined region based on weather forecast information 214 provided from an external source. However, the weather forecasting unit 240 may also provide the above forecast information based on acquired information or a predetermined algorithm (various statistical methods, AI, machine learning, etc.).

[0035] The Vehicle Usage Management Unit 245 manages the usage history (usage record) of vehicle 30 as vehicle usage information 215.

[0036] Figure 4 shows an example of vehicle usage history information 215. As shown in the figure, the example vehicle usage history information 215 consists of one or more records having the following items: vehicle ID 411, usage period 412, usage time 413, mileage 414, and SOC change amount 415. One record of vehicle usage history information 215 corresponds to one usage opportunity of one vehicle 30 (the period from one charging opportunity to the next).

[0037] Of the above items, Vehicle ID 411 stores the Vehicle ID, which is the identifier of Vehicle 30. Usage Period 412 stores the start date and time and the end date and time of use for one instance of using Vehicle 30. Usage Time 413 stores the usage time for that instance. Distance Traveled 414 stores the distance traveled by Vehicle 30 for that instance. SOC Change 415 stores the difference between the SOC of the battery 31 at the start date and time of use for that instance and the SOC of the battery 31 at the end of use for that instance.

[0038] Returning to Figure 3, the vehicle reservation reception unit 250 receives reservations for the use of vehicle 30 and manages the details of the received reservations as vehicle reservation information 216. The vehicle reservation reception unit 250 accepts reservations from users, for example, via the communication network 5. Users can make reservations using communication terminals such as smartphones or personal computers.

[0039] Figure 5 shows an example of vehicle reservation information 216. As shown in the figure, the example vehicle reservation information 216 consists of one or more records, each having a vehicle ID 511, a user ID 512, and a planned usage period 513. One record of the vehicle reservation information 216 corresponds to one usage opportunity for a particular user.

[0040] Of the above items, Vehicle ID 511 stores the vehicle ID of the vehicle 30 to be reserved. User ID 512 stores the user's identifier, the user ID. Planned usage period 513 stores the start date and time and the end date and time of use.

[0041] Returning to Figure 3, the vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 determines the SOC of the battery 31 installed in vehicle 30 (SOC at the present or future point in time or period (day of the week, time of day)) based on the vehicle usage reservation status of vehicle 30 and SOC determination reference information obtained from vehicle usage reservation information 216, and manages the determined SOC in the vehicle-specific SOC management information 217. The vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 determines the SOC of vehicle 30 in the following manner, for example.

[0042] For example, the vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 estimates the distance traveled during one use of the vehicle 30 based on the vehicle usage history information 215, estimates the amount of power consumed during one use of the vehicle 30 (SOC change) by multiplying the estimated distance traveled by the amount of power consumed per unit time, and determines the SOC of the storage battery 31 based on the estimated amount of power consumed. The vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 uses, for example, the average distance traveled during past use occasions as the estimated distance traveled. In addition, the vehicle usage history information 215 may be configured to perform the above estimation using, for example, statistical methods, AI, or machine learning methods based on the vehicle usage history information 215.

[0043] For example, the vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 estimates the mileage for each time period during a single use of the vehicle 30 based on the vehicle usage history information 215, estimates the power consumption (SOC change) for each time period during a single use of the vehicle 30 by multiplying the estimated mileage by the power consumption per unit time, and determines the SOC of the battery 31 for each time period based on the estimated power consumption. For example, the vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 uses the average mileage for each time period during past single use occasions as the estimated mileage. It should be noted that the vehicle usage history information 215 may be configured to perform the above estimation using, for example, statistical methods, AI, or machine learning methods based on the vehicle usage history information 215.

[0044] For example, the vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 estimates the mileage for each day of the week during a single use of the vehicle 30 based on the vehicle usage history information 215, estimates the power consumption (SOC change) for each day of the week during a single use of the vehicle 30 by multiplying the estimated mileage by the power consumption per unit time, and determines the SOC of the battery 31 for each day of the week based on the estimated power consumption. For example, the vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 uses the average mileage for each day of the week during past single use occasions as the estimated mileage. It should be noted that the vehicle usage history information 215 may be configured to perform the above estimation using, for example, statistical methods, AI, or machine learning methods based on the vehicle usage history information 215.

[0045] For example, the vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 determines the SOC of the battery 31 for vehicles 30 that have a reservation for use to a predetermined value required for that use (for example, fully charged (100%)).

[0046] For example, the vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 determines the SOC of the battery 31 to a low value if there is no reservation for vehicle 30. For example, if vehicle 30 is a company car or official vehicle and its usage frequency on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, etc. is lower than on weekdays (for example, if the usage frequency is less than a preset threshold number of times), the SOC as of the morning of that day is determined to a preset minimum value (for example, 0%).

[0047] For example, if there are no reservations for the vehicle 30, the vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 determines the SOC based on the SOC determination reference information.

[0048] For example, the vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 determines the SOC based on the renewable energy output forecast information 212 (for example, setting a higher SOC if a decrease in renewable energy output is expected).

[0049] Furthermore, for example, the vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 determines the SOC based on the power demand forecast information 213 (for example, setting a higher SOC if an increase in power demand is expected).

[0050] Furthermore, for example, the vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 determines the SOC based on weather forecast information 214 (for example, setting a higher SOC if bad weather is predicted).

[0051] Furthermore, in any of the above methods for determining the State of Energy (SOC), the vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 may, for example, use a value that takes into account a preset value or a statistically calculated predetermined amount (margin) for the determined SOC. For example, when determining the SOC according to the mileage (power consumption) of the vehicle 30, the vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 uses a value for the SOC that corresponds to the mean (μ) ± standard deviation (σ) of the frequency distribution of the mileage (power consumption).

[0052] Figure 6 shows an example of vehicle-specific SOC management information 217. As shown in the figure, the example vehicle-specific SOC management information 217 consists of one or more records having the following items: vehicle ID 611, SOC 612, target period 613, and usage reservation 614. One record of vehicle-specific SOC management information 217 corresponds to one vehicle 30.

[0053] Of the above items, Vehicle ID 611 stores the vehicle ID. SOC 612 stores the SOC value determined for the battery 31 of the vehicle 30. Target period 613 stores information indicating the period (time of day, day of the week, etc.) to which the SOC applies to the vehicle. Usage reservation 614 stores information indicating whether or not there is a usage reservation for the vehicle.

[0054] Returning to Figure 3, the supply and demand balance adjustment command receiving unit 260 receives supply and demand balance adjustment commands from the supply and demand adjustment server 100 and manages the contents of the received adjustment commands as supply and demand balance adjustment commands 218.

[0055] The battery charge / discharge control unit 265 transmits a control command to the vehicle 30 to charge or discharge the battery 31. For example, the battery charge / discharge control unit 265 transmits a control command to the vehicle 30 to charge or discharge the battery 31 so that the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery 31 becomes the value of SOC 612 in the vehicle-specific SOC management information 217. Alternatively, for example, the battery charge / discharge control unit 265 transmits a control command to the vehicle 30 to charge or discharge the battery 31 in response to a supply and demand balance adjustment command 218.

[0056] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating the main functions of the ECU 32 installed in the vehicle 30. As shown in the figure, the ECU 32 includes the functions of a storage unit 310, a battery information acquisition unit 325, a battery information transmission unit 327, a charge / discharge control command receiving unit 330, and a charge / discharge control unit 335.

[0057] As shown in the figure, the storage unit 110 stores battery information 311. The battery information 311 includes various information acquired in real time from the battery 31 (whether or not it is connected to the power supply unit 20, the power supply ID of the connected power supply unit 20, the battery ID, the cumulative usage time of the battery 31, the maximum capacity of the battery 31, the charging voltage or discharging voltage of the battery 31, the SOC of the battery 31, etc.).

[0058] The battery information acquisition unit 325 acquires the above-mentioned various types of information from the charge / discharge control device 33 and manages the acquired information as battery information 311.

[0059] The battery information transmission unit 327 transmits the real-time contents of the battery information 311 to the supply and demand adjustment server 100 and the SOC management server 200.

[0060] The charge / discharge control command receiving unit 330 receives control commands for charging or discharging the battery 31, which are sent from the supply and demand adjustment server 100 and the SOC management server 200.

[0061] The charge / discharge control unit 335 controls the charging or discharging of the storage battery 31 in accordance with the charge or discharge control command received from the charge / discharge control command receiving unit 330.

[0062] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process (hereinafter referred to as "SOC control process S800") performed by the SOC management server 200 regarding the control of the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery 31 of the vehicle 30. The SOC control process S800 is performed for each vehicle 30 managed by the SOC management server 200. Furthermore, the SOC control process S800 is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals, such as every set time. The SOC control process S800 will be explained below with reference to the same figure.

[0063] First, the SOC management server 200 acquires weather forecast information 214 and determines whether or not a weather warning is included in the weather forecast information 214 (i.e., whether a weather warning (such as a typhoon approach forecast or linear precipitation band formation forecast) has been issued for the area where the power grid 3 exists) (S811-S812). If a weather warning is included (S812: YES), the process proceeds to S831. If a weather warning is not included (S812: NO), the process proceeds to S813.

[0064] In S831, the SOC management server 200 determines the SOC (for example, the SOC required for disaster countermeasures, e.g., 100% (fully charged)) based on the assumption that a weather warning has been issued, and sends a control command to the vehicle 30 to set the SOC of the battery 31 to the determined value (for example, a charging command to fully charge the battery 31) (S832). After that, the process returns to S811.

[0065] In S813, the SOC management server 200 obtains vehicle usage reservation information 216 and determines whether or not there is a reservation for vehicle 30 (S814). If there is a reservation (S814: YES), the process proceeds to S815. If there is no reservation (S814: NO), the process proceeds to S817.

[0066] In S815, the SOC management server 200 determines the SOC based on the assumption that there is a reservation for use (S815). The vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 of the SOC management server 200 determines the above SOC using the various methods described above.

[0067] Next, the SOC management server 200 sends a control command to the vehicle 30 to set the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery 31 to the determined value in time for the vehicle 30 to start using the vehicle (S816). After that, the process returns to S811.

[0068] In S817, the SOC management server 200 determines the SOC assuming there are no reservations (S817). The vehicle-specific SOC determination unit 255 of the SOC management server 200 determines the above SOC using the various methods described above.

[0069] Next, the SOC management server 200 sends a control command to the vehicle 30 to set the SOC of the battery 31 to the determined value (S818). After that, the process returns to S711.

[0070] Furthermore, in the processes of S816, S818, and S832, when charging the battery 31, the charging of the battery 31 may be controlled, for example, based on the electricity price forecast information 211, so as to reduce the electricity bill (electricity purchase price). Also, in the processes described above, when discharging the battery 31, the charging of the battery 31 may be controlled, for example, based on the electricity price forecast information 211, so as to increase the electricity bill (electricity sales price).

[0071] Furthermore, if weather forecast information 214, including a weather warning, is received during the execution of processes S816, S818, and S832, the SOC management server 200 may, for example, switch the currently performed charging or discharging control to a control that brings the SOC to the level necessary for disaster countermeasures (e.g., 100% (fully charged)).

[0072] Furthermore, if the supply-demand balance adjustment command receiving unit 260 receives a supply-demand balance adjustment command from the supply-demand adjustment server 100 while the SOC control process S800 is being executed, the battery charge / discharge control unit 265 will, in principle, switch from controlling the battery 31 based on the vehicle-specific SOC management information 217 to controlling the battery 31 in accordance with the supply-demand balance adjustment command 218 (prioritizing the supply-demand balance adjustment command and controlling the charging or discharging of the battery 31).

[0073] As explained above, the SOC management server 200 estimates the amount of power consumed (change in SOC) during a single use of the vehicle 30 based on the usage history of the vehicle 30, determines the SOC of the vehicle 30's battery 31 based on the estimated power consumption, and controls the charging or discharging of the battery 31 so that the SOC of the battery 31 reaches the determined SOC. Thus, the SOC of the battery 31 can be appropriately managed considering the user's usage pattern of the vehicle 30.

[0074] Furthermore, the SOC management server 200 estimates the amount of power consumed per time period (SOC change) during a single use of the vehicle 30 based on the usage history of the vehicle 30, determines the SOC of the battery 31 of the vehicle 30 for each time period based on the estimated power consumption, and controls the charging or discharging of the battery 31 so that the SOC of the battery 31 for each time period reaches the determined SOC. In this way, the SOC of the battery 31 can be appropriately managed considering the time period usage patterns of the user's vehicle 30.

[0075] Furthermore, the SOC management server 200 estimates the amount of power consumed per day of use (SOC change) for each instance of vehicle 30 use based on the vehicle 30's usage history, determines the SOC of the vehicle 30's battery 31 for each day of the week based on the estimated power consumption, and controls the charging or discharging of the battery 31 so that the SOC of the battery 31 for each day of the week reaches the determined SOC. This allows for appropriate management of the battery 31's SOC, taking into account the user's usage patterns of vehicle 30 on a daily basis. For example, if vehicle 30 is a company car or official vehicle, and its usage is low on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the SOC can be set to a low value (e.g., 0%), ensuring flexibility in adjusting the supply and demand balance of the power grid.

[0076] Furthermore, if there is a reservation for the vehicle 30, the SOC management server 200 sets the SOC of the battery 31 to the value required for that reservation, and controls the charging or discharging of the battery 31 so that the SOC of the battery 31 reaches the determined SOC by the start time of the reservation, thereby ensuring convenience for the user of the vehicle 30.

[0077] Furthermore, if there is no reservation for the vehicle 30, the SOC management server 200 determines the SOC of the battery 31 to a predetermined value and controls the charging or discharging of the battery 31 so that the SOC of the battery 31 reaches the determined SOC. Therefore, if there is no reservation for the vehicle 30, the battery 31 can be effectively utilized as a resource to adjust the supply and demand balance of the power system 3.

[0078] Furthermore, if there is no reservation for the vehicle 30, the SOC management server 200 determines the predetermined value mentioned above based on the renewable energy output forecast information 212, so that the SOC of the battery 31 can be managed to an appropriate value considering the renewable energy output.

[0079] Furthermore, if there are no reservations for the vehicle 30, the SOC management server 200 determines the predetermined value mentioned above based on the power demand forecast information 213, thereby enabling the SOC of the battery 31 to be managed to an appropriate value considering power demand.

[0080] Furthermore, if there is no reservation for the vehicle 30, the SOC management server 200 determines the predetermined value mentioned above based on the weather forecast information 214 for the area where the power grid is located (a value required for disaster countermeasures). This allows the SOC of the battery 31 to be managed to an appropriate value by taking the weather forecast information into consideration.

[0081] Furthermore, when charging the battery 31, the SOC management server 200 controls the charging of the battery 31 based on the electricity price forecast information 211 so that the electricity bill (purchase price) becomes cheaper, thereby providing an incentive for the user of the vehicle 30 to contribute to adjusting the supply and demand balance of the power grid 3.

[0082] Furthermore, when discharging the battery 31, the SOC management server 200 controls the charging of the battery 31 based on the electricity price forecast information 211 so that the electricity price (electricity sales price) becomes higher, thereby providing an incentive for the user of the vehicle 30 to contribute to adjusting the supply and demand balance of the power grid 3.

[0083] As described above, the power supply and demand control system 1 of this embodiment can appropriately manage the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery 31 of the vehicle 30, and can flexibly respond to, for example, the absorption of surplus power and the adjustment of insufficient power in the power grid 3 (such as absorbing surplus power generated by renewable energy, upward demand response (DR) commands, peak cut and downward demand response commands, etc.). Therefore, it is possible to stably control the supply and demand balance of the power grid 3 using the battery 31 installed in the vehicle 30 as a resource.

[0084] <Example of an information processing device> Figure 9 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device used to realize a supply and demand adjustment server 100 and a SOC management server 200. The illustrated information processing device 10 comprises a processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary memory 13, input device 14, output device 15, and communication device 16. Specific examples of the information processing device 10 include, for example, a personal computer, an office computer, various server devices, and a general-purpose computer. The information processing device 10 may be implemented, in whole or in part, using virtual information processing resources provided using virtualization technology, such as a virtual server provided by a cloud system. The supply and demand adjustment server 100 and the SOC management server 200 may be implemented using multiple information processing devices 10 that are connected to each other in a communicative manner.

[0085] In the figure, the processor 11 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an AI (Artificial Intelligence) chip, etc.

[0086] The main memory 12 is a device for storing programs and data, and is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or non-volatile memory (NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM)).

[0087] The auxiliary storage device 13 includes, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a hard disk drive, an optical storage device (CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc.), a storage system, an IC card, a reader / writer for recording media such as SD cards and optical recording media, and the storage area of ​​a cloud server. Programs and data can be read into the auxiliary storage device 13 via a recording media reader or a communication device 16. Programs and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 13 are read into the main memory 12 as needed.

[0088] The input device 14 is an interface that accepts input from an external source, and can be, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, card reader, pen-input tablet, or voice input device.

[0089] The output device 15 is an interface that outputs various information such as processing progress and processing results. The output device 15 may be, for example, a display device that visualizes the above information (LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), graphics card, etc.), a device that converts the above information into sound (speaker, etc.), or a device that converts the above information into text (printer, etc.). For example, the information processing device 10 may be configured to input and output information to and from other devices via the communication device 16.

[0090] The input device 14 and the output device 15 constitute a user interface for receiving and presenting information with the user.

[0091] The communication device 16 is a device that enables communication (wired or wireless communication) with other devices via a communication infrastructure such as the communication network 5, and is configured using, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card), a wireless communication module, a USB module, etc.

[0092] The information processing device 10 may have, for example, an operating system, a file system, a DBMS (Database Management System) (relational database, NoSQL, etc.), a KVS (Key-Value Store), etc. installed on it.

[0093] The functions of the supply and demand adjustment server 100 and the SOC management server 200 are realized either by the processor 11 of the information processing device 10 reading and executing programs stored in the main memory 12, or by the functions of the hardware (FPGA, ASIC, AI chip, etc.) that constitutes the supply and demand adjustment server 100 and the SOC management server 200 themselves. The supply and demand adjustment server 100 and the SOC management server 200 store the aforementioned various types of information (data) as, for example, database tables or files managed by a file system.

[0094] <Conclusion> The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but this description is for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and does not limit it. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and of course, equivalents thereof are included in the present invention. For example, the above embodiments have been described in detail for the purpose of explaining the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace some of the configurations of the above embodiments with other configurations.

[0095] For example, in the above, the vehicle 30 is provided with a mechanism for controlling the charging or discharging of the battery 31 and a mechanism for monitoring the state of the battery 31. However, these mechanisms may also be provided on the power supply unit 20 side, and the power supply unit 20 may provide information regarding the state of the battery 31 to the supply and demand adjustment server 100 and the SOC management server 200, receive control commands for charging or discharging from the supply and demand adjustment server 100 and the SOC management server 200, and control the charging or discharging of the battery 31 in accordance with the control commands. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1 Power supply and demand control system, 3 Power grid, 5 Communication network, 7 Information provision server, 20 Power supply unit, 30 Vehicle, 31 Storage battery, 32 ECU, 33 Charge / discharge control device, 100 Supply and demand adjustment server, 111 Power supply and demand status information, 110 Storage unit, 125 Supply and demand balance adjustment unit, 200 SOC management server, 210 Storage unit, 211 Power price forecast information, 212 Renewable energy output forecast information, 213 Power demand forecast information, 214 Weather forecast information, 215 Vehicle usage history information, 216 Vehicle usage reservation information, 217 SOC management information per vehicle, 218 Supply and demand balance adjustment command, 219 Calendar information, 220 Information acquisition management unit, 225 Power price forecast unit, 230 Renewable energy output forecast unit, 235 Power demand forecast unit, 240 Weather forecast unit, 245 Vehicle usage history management unit, 250 Vehicle reservation acceptance unit, 255 SOC determination unit for each vehicle, 260 supply and demand balance adjustment command receiving unit, 265 battery charge / discharge control unit, S800 SOC control processing

Claims

1. A power supply and demand control system that adjusts the supply and demand balance of a power grid by controlling the charging or discharging of a battery installed in a vehicle connected to a power grid, An SOC management server is an information processing device having a processor and a memory device, A vehicle having a storage battery and an information processing device for controlling the charging or discharging of the storage battery, Includes, The aforementioned SOC management server is The aforementioned vehicle, A supply and demand adjustment server that transmits supply and demand adjustment commands, and Connect to a weather information server that provides weather warnings, The system stores information indicating the past usage history of the vehicle and whether or not a reservation has been made for the vehicle. When there is a reservation for the vehicle, the first charge / discharge control method estimates the amount of power consumed during one use of the vehicle based on the usage history, determines the State of Charge (SOC) of the vehicle's battery based on the estimated amount of power consumed, and controls the charging or discharging of the battery so that the SOC of the battery becomes the determined SOC. If there is no reservation for the vehicle, a second charge / discharge control is provided to control the charging or discharging of the battery so that the State of Charge (SOC) becomes the SOC set on the premise that there is no reservation. A third charge / discharge control system that controls the charging or discharging of the storage battery in response to weather warnings received from the information provision server, A fourth charge / discharge control that controls the charging or discharging of the storage battery in response to a supply and demand balance adjustment command sent from the supply and demand adjustment server, It is possible to do so. If neither the supply-demand balance adjustment command nor the weather warning has been received, and there is a reservation for the vehicle, the first charge / discharge control is performed. If neither the supply-demand balance adjustment command nor the weather warning has been received, and there is no reservation for the vehicle, the second charge / discharge control will be performed. When the aforementioned weather warning is received, the third charge / discharge control is performed. When the aforementioned supply-demand balance adjustment command is received, the fourth charge-discharge control is performed with priority over the first to third charge-discharge controls. Power supply and demand control system.

2. A power supply and demand control system according to claim 1, The aforementioned SOC management server is In the first charge / discharge control, Based on the aforementioned usage data, the amount of power consumed per time period during a single use of the vehicle is estimated. Based on the estimated power consumption, the State of Control (SOC) of the battery for each time period is determined. The charging or discharging of the battery is controlled so that the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery for each time period becomes the determined SOC. Power supply and demand control system.

3. A power supply and demand control system according to claim 1, The aforementioned SOC management server is In the first charge / discharge control, Based on the aforementioned usage data, the amount of electricity consumed by the vehicle during a single use, on a daily basis, is estimated. Based on the estimated power consumption, the State of Control (SOC) of the battery for each day of the week is determined. The charging or discharging of the battery is controlled so that the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery on each day of the week becomes the determined SOC. Power supply and demand control system.

4. A power supply and demand control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned SOC management server is Store time-series forecast information for electricity prices, In the charging control of the storage battery in the first charge / discharge control or the second charge / discharge control, the charging control of the storage battery is performed based on the prediction information in such a way that the electricity purchase price is reduced. Power supply and demand control system.

5. A power supply and demand control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned SOC management server is Store time-series forecast information for electricity prices, In the discharge control of the battery in the first charge / discharge control or the second charge / discharge control, the discharge control of the battery is performed based on the prediction information so as to increase the electricity sales price. Power supply and demand control system.

6. A power supply and demand control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The SOC management server, in the first charge / discharge control, controls the charging of the battery by the start time of the reserved use so that the SOC of the battery becomes the determined SOC. Power supply and demand control system.

7. A power supply and demand control system according to claim 6, The aforementioned SOC management server is Store time-series forecast information for electricity prices, Based on the predicted information up to the start time of the reserved use, the charging of the battery is controlled so as to reduce the electricity cost. Power supply and demand control system.

8. A power supply and demand control system according to claim 6, The aforementioned SOC management server is Store time-series forecast information for electricity prices, Based on the predicted information up to the start time of the reserved use, the discharge of the battery is controlled so that the electricity sales price is higher. Power supply and demand control system.

9. A power supply and demand control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The SOC management server, in the second charge / discharge control, controls the charging of the battery by the start time of the reserved use so that the SOC of the battery becomes the preset SOC. Power supply and demand control system.

10. A power supply and demand control system according to claim 1, The aforementioned SOC management server is Predicted information on the output of renewable energy in the aforementioned power system is stored, In the first charge / discharge control or the second charge / discharge control, the SOC is determined to a value corresponding to the prediction information. Power supply and demand control system.

11. A power supply and demand control system according to claim 1, The aforementioned SOC management server is The system stores the power demand forecast information for the aforementioned power system. In the first charge / discharge control or the second charge / discharge control, the SOC is determined to a value corresponding to the power demand forecast information. Power supply and demand control system.

12. A power supply and demand control system according to claim 1, The SOC management server, in the third charge / discharge control, determines the SOC of the battery to a value required for disaster countermeasures. Power supply and demand control system.

13. A power supply and demand control method that adjusts the supply and demand balance of a power grid by controlling the charging or discharging of a battery installed in a vehicle connected to a power grid, An information processing device having a processor and a storage device, which is capable of communicating with the vehicle, a supply and demand adjustment server that transmits supply and demand adjustment commands, and an information provision server that provides weather warnings, The system stores information indicating the past usage history of the vehicle and whether or not a reservation has been made for the vehicle. When there is a reservation for the vehicle, the first charge / discharge control method estimates the amount of power consumed during one use of the vehicle based on the usage history, determines the State of Charge (SOC) of the vehicle's battery based on the estimated amount of power consumed, and controls the charging or discharging of the battery so that the SOC of the battery becomes the determined SOC. If there is no reservation for the vehicle, a second charge / discharge control is provided to control the charging or discharging of the battery so that it reaches a state of charge (SOC) that is pre-set on the assumption that there is no reservation. A third charge / discharge control system that controls the charging or discharging of the storage battery in response to weather warnings received from the information provision server, A fourth charge / discharge control that controls the charging or discharging of the storage battery in response to a supply and demand balance adjustment command sent from the supply and demand adjustment server, It is possible to do the following: The SOC management server, If neither the supply-demand balance adjustment command nor the weather warning has been received, and there is a reservation for the vehicle, the first charge / discharge control is performed. If neither the supply-demand balance adjustment command nor the weather warning has been received, and there is no reservation for the vehicle, the second charge / discharge control step is performed. If the aforementioned weather warning is received, the third step of performing the charge / discharge control is performed. And, When the aforementioned supply-demand balance adjustment command is received, the fourth charge-discharge control is performed with priority over the first to third charge-discharge controls. Execute A method for controlling power supply and demand.

14. A power supply and demand control method according to claim 13, The aforementioned SOC management server is In the first charge / discharge control, Based on the aforementioned usage data, the amount of power consumed per time period during a single use of the vehicle is estimated. Based on the estimated power consumption, the State of Control (SOC) of the battery for each time period is determined. The charging or discharging of the battery is controlled so that the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery for each time period becomes the determined SOC. A method for controlling power supply and demand.

15. A power supply and demand control method according to claim 13, The aforementioned SOC management server is In the first charge / discharge control, Based on the aforementioned usage data, the amount of electricity consumed by the vehicle during a single use, on a daily basis, is estimated. Based on the estimated power consumption, the State of Control (SOC) of the battery for each day of the week is determined. The charging or discharging of the battery is controlled so that the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery on each day of the week becomes the determined SOC. A method for controlling power supply and demand.

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