Management server and management method

Abstract

To appropriately use a currently unused vehicle as a dispersive power source.SOLUTION: A micro grid MG includes an EMS server 100, an airport management server 300, a dispersive power source group 400, and a power line 410. The dispersive power source group 400 includes an airport facility 10, and a vehicle group 40 parked in a parking lot attached to the airport facility 10. Vehicles 50, 60, and 70 included in the vehicle group 40 control charging / discharging of the battery in response to a remand response from the EMS server 100 during a period in which the vehicles are parked.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management server, a management method, a vehicle, a program, and a mobile body management server.

Background Art

[0002] A virtual power plant (VPP) that functions as if a microgrid built in a predetermined area or the like is a single power plant is known. The power in the microgrid is adjusted using distributed power sources such as renewable energy power generation facilities. In recent years, it has also been studied to use electric vehicles having a charging function and electric vehicles having a discharging function, as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-102025 (Patent Document 1), as distributed power sources.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to promote the utilization of VPP, it is desirable to actively utilize vehicles having a charging / discharging function. Here, for example, a vehicle having a charging / discharging function may be parked in a parking lot or the like and the user may move by another mobile body. It is assumed that the parked vehicle is not used until the user of the vehicle returns by another mobile body. From the viewpoint of promoting the utilization of VPP, it is desirable to effectively utilize such a vehicle as a distributed power source.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to appropriately utilize an unused vehicle as a distributed power source.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) A management server relating to a certain aspect of this disclosure comprises a communication device configured to communicate with a charging and discharging facility that exchanges power with a vehicle equipped with a battery, and a control device that transmits commands to the charging and discharging facility via the communication device regarding the exchange of power to the vehicle used by the user. The control device acquires information about the mobile vehicle the user is riding in and, based on the information about the mobile vehicle, acquires the arrival time when the mobile vehicle will arrive at its destination. The destination is the place where the user will disembark from the mobile vehicle. The control device transmits the above command by the arrival time.

[0007] According to the above configuration, commands regarding the transfer of power from the vehicle are transmitted to the charging and discharging device by the time the mobile vehicle arrives at its destination. This makes it possible to utilize the vehicle as a distributed power source until the mobile vehicle arrives at its destination.

[0008] (2) In one embodiment, if the arrival time is updated, the control device transmits the above command by the updated arrival time.

[0009] There may be delays in the arrival time of the moving object. With the above configuration, if there is a delay in the arrival time of the moving object, the arrival time is updated, so the period during which the vehicle is used can be appropriately adjusted. Therefore, the efficiency of vehicle utilization can be improved.

[0010] (3) In one embodiment, the control device updates the arrival time if there is a delay in the moving object.

[0011] According to the above configuration, arrival times can be updated appropriately. Therefore, the period during which the vehicle is used can be appropriately adjusted.

[0012] (4) In one embodiment, the information relating to the moving body includes identification information for identifying the moving body.

[0013] (5) In one embodiment, the information relating to the mobile body further includes information about the location where the user disembarks from the mobile body.

[0014] According to the configurations described in (4) and (5) above, the moving object can be appropriately identified.

[0015] (6) In one embodiment, information relating to the mobile body includes information on the usable section of the mobile body's boarding pass and information on the mobile body's departure time. The control device obtains information on the user's entry time to the mobile body's departure / arrival area and obtains the arrival time based on the usable section information, departure time information and entry time information.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the arrival time of the moving object can be appropriately obtained.

[0017] (7) In one embodiment, the control device is configured to accept conditions set by the user regarding the amount of charge stored in the battery at the time of arrival, and generates a command so that the amount of charge stored in the battery at the time of arrival satisfies the above conditions.

[0018] For example, there are cases where it is necessary to maintain a certain level of battery charge after using the vehicle as a distributed power source and traveling a predetermined distance. With the above configuration, users can set conditions regarding the battery charge level at the time of arrival. By enabling the setting of such conditions, the convenience of users can be improved, thereby promoting the use of vehicles as distributed power sources.

[0019] (8) In one embodiment, the control device is configured to accept conditions set by the user regarding at least one of the upper limit and lower limit of the battery's charge capacity when responding to a command, and creates the command such that the battery's charge capacity satisfies the above conditions.

[0020] For example, in order to suppress battery degradation, a user may desire to use the battery with a power storage amount within a predetermined range. According to the above configuration, the user can set at least one of the conditions of the upper limit power storage amount and the lower limit power storage amount of the battery when responding to a command. By enabling such condition setting, the convenience of the user can be improved, thereby promoting the utilization of the vehicle as a distributed power source.

[0021] (9) In a certain embodiment, the control device is configured to be able to receive a condition regarding the charge / discharge limit amount, which is the limit amount of the charge / discharge amount of the battery during the period of responding to a command set by the user, and creates a command so that the charge / discharge amount of the battery satisfies the above condition.

[0022] For example, a user may want to determine the limit amount of the charge / discharge amount of the battery. According to the above configuration, the user can set a condition regarding the charge / discharge limit amount when responding to a command. By enabling such condition setting, the convenience of the user can be improved, thereby promoting the utilization of the vehicle as a distributed power source.

[0023] (10) In a certain embodiment, the control device is configured to be able to receive the setting of the response period for responding to a command set by the user, and transmits the above command to the vehicle during the response period.

[0024] For example, a user may want to set the response period, that is, the period during which the vehicle is permitted to be used as a distributed power source. According to the above configuration, the user can set the response period. By enabling such a setting, the convenience of the user can be improved, thereby promoting the utilization of the vehicle as a distributed power source.

[0025] (11) In a certain embodiment, the communication device is further configured to be able to acquire a supply / demand request from the power grid. The control device creates the above command based on the supply / demand request acquired via the communication device.

[0026] According to the above configuration, a command corresponding to the supply and demand request can be created.

[0027] (12) The management method according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes communicating with a charging and discharging facility that exchanges power with a vehicle equipped with a battery, and transmitting a command regarding the power exchange to the vehicle used by the user to the charging and discharging facility, obtaining information regarding the moving body on which the user rides, and obtaining an arrival time at which the moving body arrives at a destination, which is the place where the user gets off the moving body, based on the information regarding the moving body. The step of transmitting includes the step of transmitting the command by the arrival time.

[0028] (13) In an embodiment, the management method further includes the step of transmitting the command to the charging and discharging facility by the updated arrival time when the arrival time is updated.

[0029] [[ID=第十二]] (14) In an embodiment, the management method further includes the step of updating the arrival time when a delay occurs in the moving body.

[0030] (15) In an embodiment, the information regarding the moving body includes identification information for identifying the moving body.

[0031] (16) In an embodiment, the information regarding the moving body further includes information on the place where the user gets off the moving body.

[0032] (17) In an embodiment, the information regarding the moving body includes available section information of the boarding ticket of the moving body and information on the departure time of the moving body. The management method further includes the step of obtaining the entry time information of the user to the departure and arrival place of the moving body, and the step of obtaining the arrival time based on the available section information, the departure time information, and the entry time information. <元素编号

[0033] (18) In one embodiment, the management method further includes the steps of receiving a condition set by the user regarding the amount of charge stored in the battery at the time of arrival, and creating a command such that the amount of charge stored in the battery at the time of arrival satisfies the above condition.

[0034] (19) In one embodiment, the management method further includes the steps of receiving a condition set by the user relating to at least one of an upper limit and a lower limit of the battery's charge when responding to a command, and creating a command such that the battery's charge satisfies the above condition.

[0035] (20) In one embodiment, the management method further includes the steps of receiving a condition relating to a charge / discharge limit, which is a limit on the amount of charge / discharge of the battery during a period for responding to a command, set by the user, and creating a command such that the amount of charge / discharge of the battery satisfies the above condition.

[0036] (21) In one embodiment, the management method further includes the steps of receiving a setting of a response period for responding to a command, set by the user, the response period, and transmitting the command to the vehicle.

[0037] (22) In one embodiment, the management method further includes the steps of obtaining supply and demand requests from the power grid and creating a command based on the supply and demand requests.

[0038] (23) Vehicles relating to other aspects of the present disclosure are battery-equipped vehicles comprising a communication device configured to communicate with a server that manages power in a predetermined area, and a control device that controls the exchange of power between the vehicle and a charging / discharging facility. The control device controls the exchange of power between the vehicle and the charging / discharging facility in accordance with commands from the server regarding charging / discharging instructions by the time the vehicle's user arrives at its destination. The destination is the place where the user disembarks from the vehicle.

[0039] (24) A program relating to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the steps of: obtaining first information relating to a user of a vehicle that exchanges power with a charging and discharging facility; obtaining second information relating to a mobile vehicle in which the user of the vehicle is riding; and transmitting the first information and the second information to a server.

[0040] (25) In one embodiment, the program further performs the steps of obtaining third information indicating whether or not the vehicle can be used as a distributed power source in response to a supply and demand request received from an external source, and transmitting the first information, the second information and the third information to a server.

[0041] (26) A mobile vehicle management server relating to other aspects of the present disclosure comprises a communication device configured to communicate with a management server that manages the charging and discharging of vehicles equipped with batteries, and a control device that transmits the arrival time of a mobile vehicle to the management server. The control device acquires identification information for identifying a mobile vehicle, acquires information about users using the vehicle that is being charged and discharged, and transmits the arrival time of the mobile vehicle to the management server when the user riding in the mobile vehicle based on the identification information matches the user using the vehicle. The destination is the place where the user riding in the mobile vehicle disembarks from the mobile vehicle.

[0042] (27) A mobile vehicle management server relating to other aspects of the present disclosure comprises a communication device configured to communicate with a management server that manages the charging and discharging of vehicles equipped with batteries, and a control device that transmits the arrival time of a mobile vehicle to the management server. The control device acquires information on the time a user enters the departure / arrival area of ​​a mobile vehicle and information on the section of time the user uses the mobile vehicle, acquires information on the user using the vehicle that is being charged and discharged, and transmits to the management server the arrival time of the mobile vehicle carrying the user when the user enters the departure / arrival area and the user using the vehicle are the same. The destination is the place where the user riding in the mobile vehicle disembarks from the mobile vehicle.

[0043] (28) In one embodiment, the control device obtains response information indicating whether or not the user responds to a command regarding the sending and receiving of power to the vehicle, and transmits the arrival time if the user responds to the command. [Effects of the Invention]

[0044] According to this disclosure, unused vehicles can be appropriately utilized as distributed power sources. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of the power system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2A] This figure shows examples of vehicle configurations that support contact charging / discharging and non-contact charging / discharging methods. [Figure 2B] This figure shows an example of a vehicle configuration that supports only contact charging and discharging. [Figure 2C] This figure shows an example of a vehicle configuration that supports only contactless charging and discharging. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a VPP participation application form displayed on a smartphone screen. [Figure 4] This is a sequence diagram illustrating the general flow of information exchange between a smartphone, an EMS server, and an airport management server. [Figure 5] This is a functional block diagram of the control unit for the EMS server. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the procedure for setting the VPP participation conditions. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the procedure for creating a demand response based on the configured VPP participation conditions. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart detailing the selection process. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the procedure for monitoring aircraft departure and arrival delays, as performed by the control device of the EMS server according to Modification 1. [Figure 10] This figure shows the schematic configuration of the power system related to Modification Example 3. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a VPP participation application form displayed on the smartphone screen in Modification 4. [Figure 12] Modification 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating the general flow of information exchange between a smartphone, an EMS server, and a Shinkansen management server. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0047] <Overall configuration of the power system> Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of the power system 1 according to this embodiment. The power system 1 includes a power grid PG, a transmission and distribution operator server 200, substation equipment 500, and a microgrid MG.

[0048] The microgrid MG according to this embodiment is a small-scale power system constructed at an airport. The microgrid MG includes an EMS (Energy Management System) server 100, an airport management server 300, a distributed power source group 400, and power lines 410.

[0049] The supply and demand of power within the microgrid MG is managed by the EMS server 100. The power lines 410 for networking the distributed power sources 400 in the microgrid MG may be private power lines. The microgrid MG is configured to be able to be connected in parallel to and disconnected from the power grid PG.

[0050] The transmission and distribution operator server 200 is a computer that manages the supply and demand of the power grid PG. The power grid PG is a power network constructed by power plants and transmission and distribution facilities (not shown). In this embodiment, the power company acts as both the power generator and the transmission and distribution operator. The power company maintains and manages the power grid PG (commercial power grid). The power company is equivalent to the administrator of the power grid PG. The transmission and distribution operator server 200 belongs to the power company.

[0051] The power receiving and transforming equipment 500 is installed at the interconnection point (power receiving point) of the microgrid MG and is configured to allow switching between parallel (connection) and disconnection (disconnection) of the power system PG and the microgrid MG. The power receiving and transforming equipment 500 is located at the connection point between the microgrid MG and the power system PG.

[0052] When the microgrid MG is operating in grid-connected mode with the power grid PG connected, the substation 500 receives AC power from the power grid PG, steps down the received power, and supplies it to the microgrid MG. When the microgrid MG is operating independently and disconnected from the power grid PG, no power is supplied from the power grid PG to the microgrid MG. The substation 500 consists of high-voltage side (primary side) switchgear (e.g., sectioning switches, disconnectors, circuit breakers, and load switches), transformers, protective relays, measuring instruments, and control devices. The EMS server 100 is configured to receive information about the microgrid MG (e.g., power waveforms) from the substation 500 and to instruct the substation 500 to perform parallel and disconnection operations.

[0053] The EMS server 100 is configured to communicate with the power transmission and distribution operator server 200, the airport management server 300, and the distributed power source group 400. The communication protocol may be OpenADR. The distributed power source group 400 includes multiple distributed power sources that can be electrically connected to the power line 410. Each of the multiple distributed power sources functions as a power adjustment resource in the microgrid MG. The EMS server 100 is configured to manage the multiple distributed power sources included in the distributed power source group 400. The EMS server 100 may perform demand response (DR) to the distributed power source group 400 when requested by the power transmission and distribution operator server 200 to adjust the supply and demand of the power grid PG. The EMS server 100 may also perform demand response to the distributed power source group 400 in response to requests from the supply and demand adjustment market. Furthermore, the EMS server 100 may perform demand response to the distributed power source group 400 in order to adjust the supply and demand of the microgrid MG. The EMS server 100 is an example of a "management server" as described in this disclosure.

[0054] The distributed power generation group 400 includes an airport facility 10, multiple aircraft 15, multiple contact charging / discharging equipment 20, multiple non-contact charging / discharging equipment 30, and a group of vehicles 40 parked in a parking lot attached to the airport facility 10. Each of these can function as a distributed power generation source. The airport facility 10, each of the multiple contact charging / discharging equipment 20, and each of the multiple non-contact charging / discharging equipment 30 are electrically connected to each other via power lines 410.

[0055] Airport facilities 10 include service facilities such as shops and restaurants, as well as terminals. Airport facilities 10 are equipped with, for example, a solar power generation system and other variable natural energy sources, and generators (neither of which are shown). Airport facilities 10 are also equipped with a Ground Power Unit (GPU) 11.

[0056] The GPU 11 is a device for supplying power from the airport facility 10 to a parked aircraft 15. The GPU 11 supplies power to the aircraft 15 via a power cable 12. The aircraft 15 is provided with a connection port (not shown) to which the connector of the power cable 12 can be connected. The power cable 12 may, for example, be embedded in the ground. The GPU 11 can also supply heating and cooling (cold air and warm air) from the airport facility 10 to the parked aircraft 15 via a duct (not shown) embedded in the ground. By receiving power and heating / cooling from the GPU 11, the parked aircraft 15 can reduce the need to drive the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to supply power and heating / cooling. Therefore, exhaust gas and noise can be reduced compared to when the APU is driven.

[0057] The departure and arrival times of aircraft 15 are managed by the airport management server 300. The airport management server 300 stores flight schedules, including the departure and arrival times of all aircraft 15 that arrive at and depart from airport facility 10. The airport management server 300 is in cooperation with airport management servers at other airports (not shown). If there is a delay in the departure time of aircraft 15 from airport facility 10 or the arrival time of aircraft 15 at airport facility 10, the airport management server 300 corrects the stored flight schedule of aircraft 15 accordingly.

[0058] Vehicle group 40 may include vehicles 50, 60, and 70 that support various charging and discharging methods. For example, vehicle 50 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) that supports both contact charging and discharging methods. That is, vehicle 50 can be charged and discharged using either the contact charging and discharging equipment 20 or the contactless charging and discharging equipment 30. Vehicle 60 is an electric vehicle that supports the contact charging and discharging method. Vehicle 60 does not support the contactless charging and discharging method. Vehicle 60 can be charged and discharged using the contact charging and discharging equipment 20. Vehicle 70 is an electric vehicle that supports the contactless charging and discharging method. Vehicle 70 does not support the contact charging and discharging method. Vehicle 70 can be charged and discharged using the contactless charging and discharging equipment 30. In the following, unless there is a specific distinction between vehicles 50, 60, and 70, they will simply be referred to as "vehicles." Note that vehicles are not limited to electric vehicles; for example, any vehicle that supports at least one of the contact charging and discharging method and the contactless charging and discharging method is acceptable. For example, the vehicle may be a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).

[0059] The contact charging and discharging equipment 20 is a charging and discharging facility installed in the parking lot attached to the airport facility 10. The contact charging and discharging equipment 20 is equipped with a charging cable. When charging and discharging is performed using the contact charging and discharging method, the connector of the charging cable is connected to the connection port of the vehicle (vehicle 50, 60). When the contact charging and discharging equipment 20 and the vehicle are electrically connected, power is exchanged between the contact charging and discharging equipment 20 and the vehicle via the charging cable. By being electrically connected to the contact charging and discharging equipment 20, the vehicle functions as a distributed power source.

[0060] The contactless charging and discharging equipment 30 is a charging and discharging facility installed in a parking lot attached to the airport facility 10. The contactless charging and discharging equipment 30 has a coil 32. When charging and discharging is performed using the contactless charging and discharging method, the vehicles (vehicles 50, 70) are positioned so that their coils face the coils 32 of the contactless charging and discharging equipment 30. In this positioned state, power is exchanged between the vehicle's coil and the coil 32 of the contactless charging and discharging equipment 30 through a magnetic field. By being positioned with the coil 32 of the contactless charging and discharging equipment 30, the vehicles function as distributed power sources.

[0061] Various configurations can be adopted for the parking facilities attached to the airport facility 10. For example, the parking facilities include a first parking space equipped with contactless charging and discharging equipment 30, and a second parking space without any charging or discharging equipment. The contact charging and discharging equipment 20 is located away from the parking spaces. For example, a user who wishes to have their vehicle respond to a demand response from the EMS server 100 during the parking period (i.e., wishes to participate in the VPP) parks their vehicle in either the first or second parking space. However, a user of a vehicle 60 that does not support the contactless charging and discharging method parks their vehicle in the second parking space. A user who does not wish to participate in the VPP during the parking period parks their vehicle in the second parking space. To perform contact charging and discharging, for example, a charging and discharging robot (not shown) can be used. The charging and discharging robot automatically recognizes the lid covering the connection port of the target vehicle, opens the lid, and connects the connector to the connection port. A charging / discharging robot extends a charging cable from a contact charging / discharging device 20 located away from the parking space, and connects the connector to the connection port of the target vehicle.

[0062] Furthermore, the parking lot may include a third parking space equipped with a contact charging / discharging device 20. For example, a user who parks their vehicle in the third parking space connects the connector of the charging cable provided on the contact charging / discharging device 20 to the vehicle's connection port before leaving the vehicle. However, if a charging / discharging robot is located in the parking lot, the user may leave the vehicle without connecting the connector to the connection port. Moreover, the parking lot may include a fourth parking space equipped with both a contact charging / discharging device 20 and a non-contact charging / discharging device 30.

[0063] Vehicles parked in the parking lot attached to airport facility 10 are expected to be parked continuously for relatively long periods, such as several hours to several days. It is desirable to effectively utilize such vehicles as distributed power sources. Therefore, by providing incentives to users who allow their vehicles to be used as distributed power sources during the parking period, we will encourage parked vehicles to participate in the VPP and effectively utilize them. However, vehicle users may want to set conditions for allowing their vehicles to be used as distributed power sources. The conditions for allowing a vehicle to be used as a distributed power source are the conditions for allowing their vehicle to participate in the VPP, and will be referred to as "VPP participation conditions" below. In the power system 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible for users to set VPP participation conditions. The setting of VPP participation conditions will be explained below along with the vehicle configuration.

[0064] <Vehicle Configuration> Figure 2A shows an example configuration of a vehicle 50 that corresponds to a contact charge / discharge method and a non-contact charge / discharge method. The vehicle 50 includes a battery 51, a power control unit (PCU) 52, a motor generator 53, a connection port 54, a lid 55, a coil 56, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 57, and a communication device 58.

[0065] The battery 51 is installed as the power source (i.e., drive source) for the vehicle 50. The battery 51 is composed of multiple stacked batteries. The batteries are secondary batteries such as nickel-metal hydride batteries and lithium-ion batteries. The batteries may also have a liquid electrolyte between the positive and negative electrodes, or they may have a solid electrolyte (all-solid-state batteries).

[0066] The PCU 52 converts the DC power stored in the battery 51 into AC power and supplies it to the motor generator 53 according to the control signal from the ECU 57. The PCU 52 also converts the AC power generated by the motor generator 53 into DC power and supplies it to the battery 51. The PCU 52 is configured to include, for example, an inverter and a converter that boosts the DC voltage supplied to the inverter to an output voltage equal to or greater than that of the battery 51.

[0067] The motor generator 53 is, for example, a three-phase AC synchronous motor with permanent magnets embedded in the rotor. The motor generator 53 is driven by the PCU 52 to generate rotational driving force. The driving force generated by the motor generator 53 is transmitted to the drive wheels 531 via a transmission gear (not shown).

[0068] The connection port 54 is configured to allow connection of a connector for a charging cable provided on the contact charging / discharging equipment 20 (Figure 1). When contact charging / discharging is not being performed, the connection port 54 is covered by a lid 55. The lid 55 is equipped with a locking mechanism (not shown). The locking mechanism switches between a locked state and an unlocked state, for example, in conjunction with the locking of the doors of the vehicle 50. The locking mechanism can also be configured to be individually controllable. When contact charging / discharging is performed, the lid 55 is opened and the connector for the charging cable is connected to the connection port 54. Contact charging / discharging may be AC ​​charging / discharging, in which alternating current (AC) power is exchanged between the vehicle 50 and the outside of the vehicle, or DC charging / discharging, in which direct current (DC) power is exchanged between the vehicle 50 and the outside of the vehicle.

[0069] The coil 56 is located, for example, on the underside of the floor panel of the vehicle 50. The coil 56 exchanges power with the coil 32 (Figure 1) of the contactless charging and discharging equipment 30 via a magnetic field. A rectifier for rectifying the power and a DC / DC converter may be included between the coil 56 and the battery 51.

[0070] The ECU57 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and input / output ports to which various signals are input and output (none of which are shown). The ECU57 receives signals from various sensors and outputs control signals to various devices, and also controls each device. Note that this control is not limited to software processing; it can also be built and processed using dedicated hardware (electronic circuits). The ECU57 charges and discharges the battery 51 in response to demand responses from the EMS server 100.

[0071] The communication device 58 is configured to enable bidirectional communication with the EMS server 100. Communication between the communication device 58 and the communication device 130 of the EMS server 100 is performed, for example, by wireless communication. The communication device 58 is also configured to enable bidirectional communication with a smartphone 600 owned by the user of the vehicle 50. Information from the smartphone 600 is pre-registered, for example, in the memory of the ECU 57 or in a storage device of the vehicle 50 (not shown). Communication between the communication device 58 and the smartphone 600 is performed, for example, by wireless communication.

[0072] The Smartphone 600 has a pre-installed application software (hereinafter also simply referred to as "the app"). When the app is launched, the Smartphone 600's display screen shows a screen for setting the VPP participation conditions (VPP participation application form).

[0073] Figure 2B shows an example configuration of a vehicle 60 that supports only contact charging and discharging. The vehicle 60 includes a battery 61, a PCU 62, a motor generator 63, a connection port 64, a lid 65, an ECU 67, and a communication device 68. The battery 61, PCU 62, motor generator 63, connection port 64, lid 65, ECU 67, and communication device 68 are basically the same as the battery 51, PCU 52, motor generator 53, connection port 54, lid 55, ECU 57, and communication device 58 of vehicle 50, so their explanation will not be repeated.

[0074] In vehicle 60, the communication device 68 is configured to enable two-way communication with a smartphone 600 owned by the user of vehicle 60. Information from the smartphone 600 is pre-registered, for example, in the memory of the ECU 67 or in a storage device of vehicle 60 (not shown). Communication between the communication device 68 and the smartphone 600 is performed, for example, by wireless communication.

[0075] Figure 2C shows an example configuration of a vehicle 70 that supports only a contactless charging and discharging method. The vehicle 70 includes a battery 71, a PCU 72, a motor generator 73, a coil 76, an ECU 77, and a communication device 78. The battery 71, PCU 72, motor generator 73, coil 76, ECU 77, and communication device 78 are basically the same as the battery 51, PCU 52, motor generator 53, coil 56, ECU 57, and communication device 58 of vehicle 50, so their explanation will not be repeated.

[0076] In vehicle 70, the communication device 78 is configured to enable two-way communication with a smartphone 600 owned by the user of vehicle 70. Information from the smartphone 600 is pre-registered, for example, in the memory of the ECU 77 or in a storage device of vehicle 70 (not shown). Communication between the communication device 78 and the smartphone 600 is performed, for example, by wireless communication.

[0077] Figure 3 shows an example of a VPP participation application form 610 displayed on the screen of a smartphone 600. The VPP participation application form 610 includes input fields for the outbound flight ticket number 611, the return flight ticket number 612, the target information 613, the return conditions 614, the charge / discharge method 615, the participation format 616, the minimum usage SOC (State of Charge) 617, the maximum usage SOC 618, and the priority supply request 619. The information entered in the VPP participation application form 610 (input fields 611-619) is sent to the EMS server 100 as information indicating the VPP participation conditions.

[0078] The input field 611 for the outbound flight ticket number is for entering the outbound flight ticket number. For example, a user of vehicle 50 (60, 70) would enter the outbound flight ticket number they have obtained into input field 611. In other words, the input field 611 for the outbound flight ticket number contains information to identify the outbound aircraft 15 that the user of vehicle 50 (60, 70) will be boarding. In Figure 3, "ABC00000001" is entered into the input field 611 for the outbound flight ticket number. The input field 611 for the outbound flight ticket number could also contain, for example, the flight number of the outbound aircraft 15 that the user of vehicle 50 (60, 70) will be boarding.

[0079] The return flight ticket number input field 612 is for entering the return flight ticket number. For example, a user of vehicle 50 (60, 70) would enter the return flight ticket number they have obtained into input field 612. In other words, the return flight ticket number input field 612 contains information to identify the return flight aircraft 15 that the user of vehicle 50 (60, 70) will be boarding. In Figure 3, "BCD00000001" is entered into the return flight ticket number input field 612. The information entered into the return flight ticket number input field 612 could also be, for example, the flight number of the return flight aircraft 15 that the user of vehicle 50 (60, 70) will be boarding.

[0080] As will be explained in more detail later, the EMS server 100 determines the parking period for vehicle 50 (60, 70) in the parking lot based on the departure time of the outbound aircraft 15 and the arrival time of the return aircraft 15. The EMS server 100 determines the parking period as the VPP participation period for vehicle 50 (60, 70). At least one of the outbound ticket number and the return ticket number corresponds to an example of "information concerning a mobile entity" and "identification information" related to this disclosure.

[0081] The input field 613 for target information is for entering information to identify the vehicle 50 (60, 70) that is participating in the VPP. For example, the user enters the parking space number where vehicle 50 (60, 70) is parked into input field 613. In Figure 3, the parking space number "A012" is entered into the input field 613 for target information. Note that input into input field 613 is not limited to the parking space number. For example, the number of the contact charging / discharging equipment 20 connected to vehicle 50 (60, 70), or the license plate information of vehicle 50 (60, 70) may also be entered into input field 613.

[0082] The input field 614 for return conditions is for specifying the State of Charge (SOC) of battery 51 (61, 71) at the end of VPP participation. The input field 614 for return conditions is a dropdown menu that allows selection of SOC from 10% to 100% in 10% increments. For example, if you want to specify an SOC that is not available in the dropdown menu, such as SOC 75%, you can enter that SOC directly.

[0083] The input field 615 for the charge / discharge method is for specifying the charge / discharge method used during VPP participation. The input field 615 for the charge / discharge method is a pull-down menu that allows selection from "Contact Charge / Discharge + Non-Contact Charge / Discharge", "Contact Charge / Discharge", and "Non-Contact Charge / Discharge". "Contact Charge / Discharge + Non-Contact Charge / Discharge" indicates that it supports both charging / discharging by the contact charge / discharge equipment 20 and charging / discharging by the non-contact charge / discharge equipment 30. "Contact Charge / Discharge" indicates that it supports charging / discharging only by the contact charge / discharge equipment 20. "Non-Contact Charge / Discharge" indicates that it supports charging / discharging only by the non-contact charge / discharge equipment 30.

[0084] For example, a user of vehicle 50 can choose "contact charging / discharging + contactless charging / discharging". However, a user of vehicle 50 can also choose either "contact charging / discharging" or "contactless charging / discharging". For example, depending on the specifications of vehicle 50, the unlocking operation of lid 55 (unlocking operation of the locking mechanism) may be linked to the locking of the door. For example, in situations where a charging / discharging robot is used, some users may be concerned that the door will be unlocked when the charging / discharging robot unlocks lid 55. In such cases, the user can choose "contactless charging / discharging". With contactless charging / discharging, the door will not be unlocked, and participation in the VPP is possible. Therefore, users with the above concerns can choose "contactless charging / discharging". In addition, some users may desire efficient charging / discharging. Such users can choose "contact charging / discharging".

[0085] For example, the user of vehicle 50 parks vehicle 50 in the first parking space equipped with contactless charging and discharging equipment 30 and selects "contact charging and discharging + contactless charging and discharging" in the charging and discharging method input field 615 of the VPP participation application form 610. In this case, for example, when the EMS server 100 creates a demand response, it may decide whether to request contact charging and discharging or contactless charging and discharging for vehicle 50 based on the availability of other vehicles parked in the parking lot (compatible charging and discharging methods) and the contact charging and discharging equipment 20. The user of vehicle 50 can also park vehicle 50 in the second parking space and select "contact charging and discharging" in the charging and discharging method input field 615 of the VPP participation application form 610, or park vehicle 50 in the first parking space and select "contactless charging and discharging" in the charging and discharging method input field 615 of the VPP participation application form 610. In this case, the EMS server 100 creates a demand response based on the selected charging and discharging method.

[0086] The user of vehicle 60 selects "contact charging / discharging" in the input field 615 for the charging / discharging method. It is also possible that only "contact charging / discharging" is selectable on the VPP participation application form displayed on the user of vehicle 60's smartphone 600. The user of vehicle 70 selects "non-contact charging / discharging" in the input field 615 for the charging / discharging method. It is also possible that only "non-contact charging / discharging" is selectable on the VPP participation application form displayed on the user of vehicle 70's smartphone 600.

[0087] The input field 616 for the participation format is for specifying the format of VPP participation during the parking period of vehicle 50 (60, 70). The input field 616 for the participation format is a dropdown menu that allows selection of "Always participate," "Participate each time," and "Specify time slot." "Always participate" indicates that vehicle 50 (60, 70) will participate in the VPP at all times during its parking period. "Participate each time" indicates that the user will be asked whether to participate each time a demand response (DR) is sent from the EMS server 100. If "Participate each time" is selected, for example, each time a demand response is created, the EMS server 100 will send a question to the user's smartphone 600 asking whether to participate. "Specify time slot" indicates that the user will specify the time slots during which they will participate in the VPP. If "Specify time slot" is selected, an additional field (not shown) for entering the time slots will be displayed on the VPP participation application form 610.

[0088] The input field 617 for the lower limit of SOC is for specifying the lower limit of SOC while participating in the VPP. The input field 618 for the upper limit of SOC is for specifying the upper limit of SOC while participating in the VPP. There are cases where it is desirable to set a lower limit of SOC and / or an upper limit of SOC from the perspective of suppressing the degradation of the battery 51 (61,71). In such cases, if a lower limit of SOC is specified, the contact charging / discharging equipment 20 or non-contact charging / discharging equipment 30 will control charging and discharging so that the SOC of the battery 51 (61,71) does not fall below the specified lower limit of SOC while participating in the VPP. Also, if an upper limit of SOC is specified, the contact charging / discharging equipment 20 or non-contact charging / discharging equipment 30 will control charging and discharging so that the SOC of the battery 51 (61,71) does not exceed the specified upper limit of SOC while participating in the VPP. If the input field 617 for the lower limit of SOC is left blank, SOC 0% may be used as the lower limit of SOC. If the input field 618 for the maximum SOC usage is left blank, SOC 100% may be used as the maximum SOC.

[0089] The input field 619 for priority supply requests is for specifying whether or not the user of vehicle 50 (60,70) wishes to have power supplied from the battery 51 (61,71) of vehicle 50 (60,70) to the aircraft 15 on which the vehicle's user is traveling. The input field 619 for priority supply requests is a dropdown menu where the user can select either "Wish to have power supplied" or "Do not wish to have power supplied". "Wish to have power supplied" indicates that the user of vehicle 50 (60,70) wishes to have power supplied from the battery 51 (61,71) to the aircraft 15 on which the vehicle is traveling. "Do not wish to have power supplied" indicates that the user of vehicle 50 (60,70) does not wish to have power supplied from the battery 51 (61,71) to the aircraft 15 on which the vehicle is traveling.

[0090] The EMS server 100 defines the parking period of vehicle 50 (60, 70) as the VPP participation period. Specifically, the EMS server 100 defines the parking period of vehicle 50 (60, 70) as the period from the departure time of the outbound aircraft to the arrival time of the return aircraft, and defines this as the VPP participation period. If "Desired" is selected in the input field 619 for priority supply request, for example, the EMS server 100 manages to ensure that the power supplied from vehicle 50 (60, 70) until the departure time of the outbound aircraft is allocated to the aircraft 15 on which the user of vehicle 50 (60, 70) is traveling. In other words, power from battery 51 (61, 71) is supplied to the aircraft 15 on which the user is traveling until the departure time of the outbound aircraft has elapsed.

[0091] The VPP participation conditions may also be set from the vehicle 50(60,70). Referring again to Figures 2A and 2C, vehicles 50, 60, and 70 may further include setting devices 59, 69, and 79, respectively. Setting device 59(69,79) is a device for setting the VPP participation conditions. Setting device 59(69,79) includes a display screen. Setting device 59(69,79) may be provided as a standalone device, or it may be one of the functions of a navigation system or a multi-information system, for example.

[0092] The display screen of the setting device 59(69,79) shows the VPP participation application form. The VPP participation application form displayed on the setting device 59(69,79) may be the same as the VPP participation application form 610 shown in Figure 3. The information entered into the VPP participation application form is output to the communication device 58(68,78) via the ECU 57(67,77). The communication device 58(68,78) transmits the information entered into the VPP participation application form to the EMS server 100 as information indicating the VPP participation conditions.

[0093] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating the general flow of information exchange between the smartphone 600, the EMS server 100, and the airport management server 300. Referring to Figure 4, the user of vehicle 50 applies to participate in the VPP at P1 by entering various information into the VPP participation application form 610 (Figure 3) on the smartphone 600. At processing P2, the smartphone 600 transmits the input information entered from the VPP participation application form 610 to the EMS server 100.

[0094] In processing P3, the EMS server 100 sets the VPP participation conditions for the user (identification of the target vehicle, various SOC conditions of the battery 51, charging / discharging method, VPP participation format, etc.) based on the input information obtained from the smartphone 600.

[0095] Next, in processing P4, the EMS server 100 transmits to the airport management server 300 information regarding the aircraft the user will be boarding and the information of the person who entered the VPP participation conditions (user information) into the VPP participation application form 610. The aircraft information includes, for example, the ticket number for the outbound flight and / or the ticket number for the return flight. The user information includes, for example, the user's name and vehicle information.

[0096] When the airport management server 300 receives information on the outbound ticket number and / or the return ticket number, as well as user information, in processing P5, it searches the database for the purchaser information for the outbound ticket number and / or the return ticket number. Then, in processing P6, the airport management server 300 checks whether the user identified by the user information matches the purchaser of the ticket, and if they match, in processing P7, it sends the departure time of the aircraft identified by the outbound ticket number and the arrival time of the aircraft identified by the return ticket number to the EMS server 100.

[0097] If the user identified by the user information is not included in the purchaser information, a message to that effect will be sent from the airport management server 300 to the EMS server 100, and participation in the VPP in accordance with the VPP participation application will be declined.

[0098] When the EMS server 100 obtains the departure and arrival times of the aircraft the user will be boarding from the airport management server 300, in process P8, it sets the parking period for the vehicle 50 in the parking lot based on the obtained departure and arrival time information, and sets that parking period as the VPP participation period for the vehicle 50.

[0099] Then, the EMS server 100 creates a demand response based on the supply and demand request, and in processing P9, it sends the demand response to the charging and discharging equipment (contact charging and discharging equipment 20 or non-contact charging and discharging equipment 30) corresponding to the charging and discharging method selected based on the VPP participation conditions (the selection method will be described later) according to the set VPP participation period.

[0100] <Function Block> Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the control device 110 of the EMS server 100. Referring to Figure 5, the control device 110 of the EMS server 100 includes an information acquisition unit 1100, a target setting unit 1101, an upper and lower limit setting unit 1102, a return amount setting unit 1103, a charge / discharge method setting unit 1104, a participation format setting unit 1105, a period setting unit 1106, a supply and demand request acquisition unit 1107, a participation determination unit 1108, a plan creation unit 1109, a DR output unit 1110, a power distribution unit 1111, and an incentive granting unit 1112. The control device 110 functions, for example, by executing a program stored in the storage device 120, as an information acquisition unit 1100, a target setting unit 1101, an upper and lower limit setting unit 1102, a return amount setting unit 1103, a charge / discharge method setting unit 1104, a participation format setting unit 1105, a period setting unit 1106, a supply and demand request acquisition unit 1107, a participation determination unit 1108, a plan creation unit 1109, a DR output unit 1110, a power distribution unit 1111, and an incentive granting unit 1112. The information acquisition unit 1100, target setting unit 1101, upper and lower limit setting unit 1102, return amount setting unit 1103, charge / discharge method setting unit 1104, participation format setting unit 1105, period setting unit 1106, supply and demand request acquisition unit 1107, participation determination unit 1108, plan creation unit 1109, DR output unit 1110, power distribution unit 1111, and incentive granting unit 1112 may be implemented, for example, by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0101] The information acquisition unit 1100 acquires various information entered into the VPP participation application form from the user's smartphone 600. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 1100 acquires information on the outbound flight ticket number, the return flight ticket number, target information, return condition information, charge / discharge method information, participation format information, minimum usage SOC information, maximum usage SOC information, and priority supply request information. The information acquisition unit 1100 outputs the target information to the target setting unit 1101, the minimum usage SOC information and maximum usage SOC information to the upper / lower limit setting unit 1102, the return condition information to the return amount setting unit 1103, the charge / discharge method information to the charge / discharge method setting unit 1104, the participation format information to the participation format setting unit 1105, the outbound flight ticket number information and return flight ticket number information to the period setting unit 1106, and the priority supply request information to the power distribution unit 1111. In the explanation of Figure 5 below, when describing specific examples, we will assume that various pieces of information entered in the VPP participation application form 610 have been retrieved.

[0102] The target setting unit 1101 sets the vehicles to be included in the VPP based on the target information. The target information is, for example, a parking space number. In the following example, the target setting unit 1101 will set vehicle 50 parked in parking space number "A012" as a vehicle to be included in the VPP. The target setting unit 1101 outputs information (which may be a parking space number) to identify the set target to the plan creation unit 1109.

[0103] The upper and lower limit setting unit 1102 sets the lower limit of the SOC of the vehicle 50's battery 51 during VPP participation based on the information of the lower limit of SOC used. For example, if the information of the lower limit of SOC used indicates SOC 30%, the upper and lower limit setting unit 1102 sets the lower limit of SOC to SOC 30%. The upper and lower limit setting unit 1102 also sets the upper limit of the SOC of the battery 51 during VPP participation based on the information of the upper limit of SOC used. For example, if the information of the upper limit of SOC used indicates SOC 80%, the upper and lower limit setting unit 1102 sets the upper limit of SOC to SOC 80%. The upper and lower limit setting unit 1102 outputs information indicating the set lower and upper limits to the planning creation unit 1109.

[0104] The return amount setting unit 1103 sets the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery 51 at the end of VPP participation (end of parking period) based on the return condition information (hereinafter also referred to as "return SOC"). For example, if the return condition information indicates an SOC of 100%, the return amount setting unit 1103 sets the return SOC to 100%. The return amount setting unit 1103 outputs information indicating the set return SOC to the planning unit 1109. As will be explained in detail later, the end of VPP participation may be, for example, the time when the return flight aircraft 15 carrying the vehicle 50 user arrives at the airport facility 10, i.e., the end of the parking period.

[0105] The charge / discharge method setting unit 1104 sets the charge / discharge method when participating in the VPP based on the charge / discharge method information. For example, if the charge / discharge method information indicates "contact charge / discharge + non-contact charge / discharge", the charge / discharge method setting unit 1104 sets the charge / discharge method to contact charge / discharge and non-contact charge / discharge. In this case, the vehicle 50 may participate in the VPP using either the contact charge / discharge or non-contact charge / discharge charging method. For example, if the charge / discharge method information indicates "contact charge / discharge", the charge / discharge method setting unit 1104 sets the charge / discharge method to contact charge / discharge. For example, if the charge / discharge method information indicates "non-contact charge / discharge", the charge / discharge method setting unit 1104 sets the charge / discharge method to non-contact charge / discharge. The charge / discharge method setting unit 1104 outputs information indicating the set charge / discharge method to the planning unit 1109.

[0106] The participation format setting unit 1105 sets the participation format for the VPP based on the participation format information. For example, if the participation format information indicates "always participate," the participation format setting unit 1105 sets the participation format to always participate, meaning the vehicle 50 will always participate in the VPP during its parking period. For example, if the participation format information indicates "participate each time," the participation format setting unit 1105 sets the participation format to participate each time a demand response (DR) is created, and the user is asked whether to respond to that DR (whether to participate in the VPP or not). For example, if the participation format information indicates "time-specific," the participation format setting unit 1105 sets the participation format to time-specific, meaning the vehicle will only participate in the VPP during the specified time period. The participation format setting unit 1105 outputs information indicating the set participation format to the participation determination unit 1108.

[0107] The period setting unit 1106 transmits information about the outbound flight ticket number and the return flight ticket number to the airport management server 300 (Figure 1) via the communication device 130. The airport management server 300 reads the departure time of the aircraft identified by the outbound flight ticket number and the arrival time of the aircraft identified by the return flight ticket number from a database (not shown) and transmits these to the EMS server 100. The period setting unit 1106 obtains the departure time of the outbound flight and the arrival time of the return flight from the airport management server 300. The obtained departure time of the outbound flight is the departure time of the outbound flight on which the user is traveling, and the obtained arrival time of the return flight is the arrival time of the return flight on which the user is traveling. Based on the departure time of the outbound flight and the arrival time of the return flight, the period setting unit 1106 sets the parking period for the vehicle 50 in the parking lot. Specifically, the period setting unit 1106 sets the departure time of the outbound aircraft as the start time of the parking period, and the arrival time of the return aircraft as the end time of the parking period. The period setting unit 1106 sets the parking period as the VPP participation period for the vehicle 50. The period setting unit 1106 outputs the set parking period as the VPP participation period to the planning unit 1109.

[0108] The supply and demand request acquisition unit 1107 receives power supply and demand requests from the power transmission and distribution operator server 200 (Figure 1) via the communication device 130. The supply and demand requests include supply requests requesting that power be supplied from the microgrid MG to the power grid PG, or power reception requests requesting that power be received from the power grid PG at the microgrid MG. The supply and demand requests also include information on the request period. The supply and demand request acquisition unit 1107 may also receive power supply and demand requests from the airport management server 300. The supply and demand request acquisition unit 1107 outputs the supply and demand requests to the participation determination unit 1108 and the plan creation unit 1109.

[0109] The participation determination unit 1108 determines whether or not to utilize the vehicle 50 (whether or not to include the vehicle 50 in the plan) for the current supply and demand request, based on the information indicating the participation format received from the participation format setting unit 1105. If the information indicating the participation format is "always participating", the participation determination unit 1108 decides to utilize the vehicle 50 for the current supply and demand request. However, for example, if a supply request has been received and the SOC of the battery 51 is already at the lower limit, or if a power receiving request has been received and the SOC of the battery 51 is already at the upper limit, the participation determination unit 1108 may decide not to utilize the vehicle 50 for the current supply and demand request.

[0110] Furthermore, if the information indicating the type of participation is "participation on a case-by-case basis," the participation determination unit 1108 will inquire with the user's smartphone 600 via the communication device 130 whether or not to respond to the current supply and demand request. If the participation determination unit 1108 receives a response from the user's smartphone 600 indicating that they will respond to the supply and demand request, it decides to utilize the vehicle 50 for the supply and demand request. On the other hand, if the participation determination unit 1108 receives a response from the user's smartphone 600 indicating that they will not respond to the supply and demand request, or if no response is received within a predetermined period, it decides not to utilize the vehicle 50 for the supply and demand request.

[0111] Furthermore, if the information indicating the type of participation is "time zone specification," the participation determination unit 1108 determines whether the specified time zone (the time zone entered in the VPP participation application form 610) is included in the request period for the supply and demand request. If the specified time zone is included in the request period, the participation determination unit 1108 decides to utilize the vehicle 50 for the supply and demand request. On the other hand, if the specified time zone is not included in the request period, the participation determination unit 1108 decides not to utilize the vehicle 50 for the supply and demand request. The participation determination unit 1108 outputs information to the plan creation unit 1109 indicating whether the vehicle 50 can be utilized for the determined supply and demand request.

[0112] The planning unit 1109 creates a demand response for the distributed power generation group 400. For example, the planning unit 1109 creates a demand response when it receives a supply and demand request from the supply and demand request acquisition unit 1107. Alternatively, the planning unit 1109 may create a demand response even without such a supply and demand request, for example, in order to adjust the supply and demand of the microgrid MG in accordance with an agreement made with the power company.

[0113] For example, when the planning unit 1109 receives a supply and demand request from the supply and demand request acquisition unit 1107, it creates a demand response based on the received supply and demand request. Specifically, the planning unit 1109 creates a downward demand response (DR) or an upward demand response (DR) to satisfy the supply and demand request received from the supply and demand request acquisition unit 1107. For example, if the supply and demand request is a request to supply power to the power grid PG, the planning unit 1109 creates a downward demand response (DR) so that the required amount of power can be supplied from the microgrid MG to the power grid PG. For example, if the supply and demand request is a request to receive power from the power grid PG, the planning unit 1109 creates an upward demand response (DR) so that the microgrid MG can receive the required amount of power from the power grid PG. When creating a downward demand response (DR) or an upward demand response (DR), the planning unit 1109 selects the power adjustment resources to be used according to the decision of the participation determination unit 1108 (information indicating whether or not they can be used). The planning unit 1109 outputs the created demand response to the DR output unit 1110.

[0114] The DR output unit 1110 transmits the demand response created by the planning unit 1109 to the distributed power supply group 400 via the communication device 130. For example, the demand response transmitted to the vehicle 50 is transmitted to the contact charging / discharging equipment 20 or the non-contact charging / discharging equipment 30. The contact charging / discharging equipment 20 or the non-contact charging / discharging equipment 30 receives power from the vehicle 50 (battery 51) or supplies power to the vehicle 50 (battery 51) according to the demand response.

[0115] The power distribution unit 1111 determines, based on information regarding priority supply requests, whether the user of vehicle 50 requests priority supply. If the user of vehicle 50 requests priority supply, the power distribution unit 1111 controls the components of the microgrid MG to supply power from vehicle 50 to the aircraft identified by information for identifying aircraft.

[0116] The incentive granting unit 1112 grants incentives to vehicles that respond to the demand response. The incentive granting unit 1112 may, for example, obtain response results from the vehicles via the communication device 130. The response results include, for example, information indicating whether or not the vehicle responded to the demand response, and the amount of power charged or discharged by the vehicle. The incentive may be, for example, granted according to the amount of power charged or discharged in response to the demand response. The incentive may be, for example, a discount on parking fees. Alternatively, it may be, for example, an incentive to make parking fees free for all vehicles that participated in the VPP during the vehicle's parking period.

[0117] <Flowchart> Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure for setting VPP participation conditions. The flowchart in Figure 6 is executed by the control device 110 of the EMS server 100 when it receives information entered into the VPP participation application form from a smartphone. In the flowchart in Figure 6, each step (hereinafter abbreviated as "S") is described as being implemented by software processing by the control device 110, but some or all of it may be implemented by hardware (electronic circuits) manufactured within the control device 110. In the following, we assume that information indicating the VPP participation conditions entered into the VPP participation application form 610 is obtained from a smartphone 600 associated with the vehicle 50.

[0118] In S1, the control device 110 obtains various information (information indicating VPP participation conditions) entered into the VPP participation application form 610 from the smartphone 600. This information includes the outbound ticket number, the return ticket number, target information, return conditions information, charge / discharge method information, participation format information, minimum usage SOC information, maximum usage SOC information, and priority supply request information.

[0119] In S2, the control device 110 sets the vehicle 50 identified based on the target information as a vehicle to be included in the VPP.

[0120] In S3, the control device 110 sets a lower limit for the SOC of the battery 51 while participating in the VPP, based on the information of the lower limit of SOC usage. The control device 110 also sets an upper limit for the SOC of the battery 51 while participating in the VPP, based on the information of the upper limit of SOC usage.

[0121] In S4, the control device 110 sets the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery 51 at the end of VPP participation (end of parking period) based on the return condition information.

[0122] In S5, the control device 110 sets the charge / discharge method for VPP participation based on the charge / discharge method information.

[0123] In S6, the control device 110 sets the participation format for the VPP based on the participation format information.

[0124] In S7, the control device 110 transmits information about the outbound ticket number and the return ticket number to the airport management server 300 via the communication device 130.

[0125] In S8, the control device 110 obtains the departure time of the aircraft identified by the outbound ticket number (the outbound aircraft on which the user is traveling) and the arrival time of the aircraft identified by the return ticket number (the return aircraft on which the user is traveling) from the airport management server 300 via the communication device 130. Based on the departure time of the outbound aircraft and the arrival time of the return aircraft, the control device 110 sets the parking period for the vehicle 50 in the parking lot. The control device 110 sets the parking period as the VPP participation period for the vehicle 50.

[0126] Note that the order of processing from S2 to S8 is not limited to the above and can be rearranged as appropriate.

[0127] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure for creating a demand response based on the configured VPP participation conditions. This flowchart is executed by the control device 110 of the EMS server 100 when a supply and demand request is received from the transmission and distribution operator server 200 (or airport management server 300), or when supply and demand adjustments of the microgrid MG are made in accordance with an agreement made with the power company.

[0128] In S11, the control device 110 creates a demand response based on the set VPP participation conditions, and performs a selection process to select a power adjustment resource to respond to the demand response.

[0129] Figure 8 is a flowchart detailing the selection process. The selection process is determined based on the participation format set in S6 of the flowchart in Figure 7. The selection process in Figure 8 is performed for each vehicle in question.

[0130] In S101, the control device 110 determines whether the participation format set in S6 of the flowchart in Figure 7 is "always participating". If the set participation format is "always participating" (YES in S101), the control device 110 proceeds to S106. If the set participation format is not "always participating" (NO in S101), the control device 110 proceeds to S102.

[0131] In S102, the control device 110 determines whether the set participation format is "participation on a case-by-case basis". If the set participation format is "participation on a case-by-case basis" (YES in S102), the control device 110 proceeds to S103. If the set participation format is not "participation on a case-by-case basis" (NO in S102), the control device 110 proceeds to S105.

[0132] In S103, the control device 110 queries the smartphone 600 owned by the user of the vehicle 50 regarding whether or not to respond to the demand response, and obtains the response.

[0133] In S104, the control device 110 determines whether the user has chosen to respond to the demand response. Specifically, if the control device 110 receives a response from the smartphone 600 indicating that it will respond to the demand response (YES in S104), it proceeds to S106. If the control device 110 receives a response from the smartphone 600 indicating that it will not respond to the demand response (NO in S104), it proceeds to S107. The control device 110 also proceeds to S107 if it does not receive a response within a predetermined period after sending the inquiry.

[0134] In S105, the control device 110 determines whether the time period entered in the participation application form (the time period during which the user has expressed interest in participating in the VPP) is included in the demand response implementation period. If the time period during which the user has expressed interest in participating in the VPP is included in the demand response implementation period (YES in S105), the control device 110 proceeds to S106. If the time period during which the user has expressed interest in participating in the VPP is not included in the demand response implementation period (NO in S105), the control device 110 proceeds to S107.

[0135] In S106, the control device 110 decides to utilize (respond to) the vehicle 50 in response to the current demand response.

[0136] In S107, the control device 110 decides not to utilize (not to respond to) the vehicle 50 in response to the current demand response.

[0137] Referring again to Figure 7, in S12, the control device 110 creates an operation plan for the microgrid MG (operation plan for the distributed power source group 400) and creates a demand response based on supply and demand requests or agreements with the power company. For example, if the control device 110 receives a request to supply power to the power grid PG, it creates an operation plan so that the required amount of power can be supplied from the microgrid MG to the power grid PG, and creates a downward demand response based on this operation plan. For example, if the control device 110 receives a request to receive power from the power grid PG, it creates an operation plan so that the microgrid MG can receive the required amount of power from the power grid PG, and creates an upward demand response based on this operation plan. In creating the demand response, the control device 110 selects the power adjustment resources to be used according to the decision in S11 (information indicating whether or not they can be used).

[0138] In S13, the control device 110 transmits a demand response to the distributed power supply group 400 via the communication device 130. The demand response for the vehicle 50 is transmitted to the contact charging / discharging equipment 20 or the non-contact charging / discharging equipment 30. During the demand response implementation period, the control device 110 may transmit the demand response to the distributed power supply group 400 at predetermined intervals, or it may transmit a demand response including a charging / discharging schedule to the distributed power supply group 400. If a charging / discharging schedule is transmitted, each of the distributed power supply groups 400 performs charging and discharging according to the charging / discharging schedule. The vehicle charges and discharges its battery according to commands from the contact charging / discharging equipment 20 or the non-contact charging / discharging equipment 30.

[0139] As described above, in the power system 1 according to this embodiment, vehicles parked in the parking lot attached to the airport facility 10 are utilized as distributed power sources. During the parking period, the vehicles parked in the parking lot charge and discharge their batteries in response to demand responses from the EMS server 100. Vehicles parked in the parking lot attached to the airport facility 10 are expected to be parked continuously for relatively long periods, such as several hours to several days. According to the power system 1 according to this embodiment, vehicles parked in the parking lot can be appropriately utilized as distributed power sources in a VPP, thereby promoting the spread of VPPs.

[0140] Furthermore, users can set lower and upper limits for the battery's State of Charge (SOC) in response to demand responses. This allows for participation in the VPP while taking battery degradation into consideration. Therefore, it can encourage vehicles to participate in the VPP.

[0141] Furthermore, users can set the return SOC in response to demand response. This prevents users returning to the airport facility 10 from suffering the disadvantage of not being able to use the vehicle 50 immediately due to insufficient SOC in the battery 51.

[0142] Furthermore, users can configure the charging and discharging method in response to demand responses. For example, in situations where a charging and discharging robot is used, the door may be unlocked when the charging and discharging robot unlocks the lid. By configuring the charging and discharging method, contact charging and discharging that involves unlocking the lid can be avoided, and responses to demand responses can be made by contactless charging. This promotes the vehicle's participation in the VPP. The vehicle grants the EMS server 100 control over opening and closing the lid during the parking period. This allows the charging and discharging robot, following commands from the EMS server 100, to unlock the lid of the parked vehicle.

[0143] Furthermore, the EMS server 100 provides incentives to vehicles that participate in the VPP during the parking period. This can encourage vehicles to participate in the VPP.

[0144] [Example 1] Aircraft departure and arrival times may change from the originally scheduled times due to various circumstances. Changes in aircraft departure and arrival times may affect the vehicle parking period. If there is a change in the arrival time of the return flight, the vehicle parking period may change. For example, if the return SOC is set to 100%, and the departure and arrival times are earlier than the scheduled time, the driving plan may be modified to shorten the parking period. Also, if the departure and arrival times are later than the scheduled time, the parking period will be extended, and the battery will be left unused at full charge (100% SOC) for a longer period. This can lead to battery degradation. Therefore, in Modification Example 1, we will explain an example in which the vehicle parking period (i.e., the VPP participation period) is changed in response to a delay in aircraft departure and arrival times.

[0145] The control device 110 of the EMS server 100 monitors aircraft departure and arrival delays in conjunction with the airport management server 300. The control device 110 of the EMS server 100 queries the airport management server 300 via the communication device 130 to determine whether there are any aircraft experiencing or currently experiencing departure and arrival delays at predetermined control cycles.

[0146] If an aircraft is experiencing or has experienced a delay in departure or arrival, the airport management server 300 transmits information to the EMS server 100 to identify the aircraft (for example, the flight number listed on the ticket number) and the estimated time. The estimated time is the scheduled departure time for aircraft departure delays and the scheduled arrival time for aircraft arrival delays. The information for identifying the aircraft is an example of the "information concerning a moving object" and "identification information" related to this disclosure.

[0147] The control device 110 of the EMS server 100 obtains information from the airport management server 300 via the communication device 130 to identify aircraft experiencing or currently experiencing delays, along with estimated times. Based on this information, the control device 110 identifies the vehicles associated with the aircraft identified. Specifically, the control device 110 identifies the vehicles of users who are boarding or currently boarding the identified aircraft. The control device 110 then modifies the parking period (VPP participation period) of the identified vehicles. More precisely, the control device 110 modifies the departure / arrival times of the aircraft identified by the aircraft identification information to the estimated times, and modifies the parking period (VPP participation period) of the vehicles. Subsequently, the control device 110 of the EMS server 100 creates or modifies demand responses based on the modified VPP participation period of the vehicles.

[0148] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the procedure for monitoring aircraft takeoff and landing delays, which is performed by the control device 110 of the EMS server 100 according to Modification 1. The flowchart shown in Figure 9 is repeatedly executed by the control device 110 of the EMS server 100 at a predetermined control cycle.

[0149] In S31, the control device 110 queries the airport management server 300 via the communication device 130 to find out whether there are any aircraft experiencing or currently experiencing delays in departure or arrival.

[0150] In S33, the control device 110 obtains a response to the inquiry via the communication device 130. If there are aircraft experiencing or currently experiencing delays, the airport management server 300 transmits information to identify the aircraft experiencing or currently experiencing delays, along with the estimated time. On the other hand, if there are no aircraft experiencing or currently experiencing delays, the airport management server 300 responds to that effect.

[0151] In S35, the control device 110 determines, based on the response obtained in S33, whether or not there are any aircraft experiencing or being delayed in their departure or arrival. If there are no aircraft experiencing or being delayed in their departure or arrival (NO in S35), the control device 110 proceeds to return. If there are aircraft experiencing or being delayed in their departure or arrival (YES in S35), the control device 110 proceeds to S37.

[0152] In S37, the control device 110 identifies the vehicle associated with the aircraft identified by the aircraft identification information obtained in S35. That is, the control device 110 identifies the vehicle of the user who is boarding / is boarding the identified aircraft. The control device 110 identifies the vehicle associated with the aircraft based, for example, on the aircraft identification information and estimated time, and the outbound ticket number or return ticket number. Specifically, for example, the control device 110 identifies the vehicle associated with the aircraft based on the flight number identified from the outbound ticket number or return ticket number, and the aircraft identification information. The control device 110 may also obtain the ticket number for the aircraft identified by the aircraft identification information from the airport management server 300.

[0153] In S39, the control device 110 modifies the vehicle parking period (VPP participation period) identified in S37. Specifically, the control device 110 modifies the aircraft departure / arrival times to the assumed times and modifies the vehicle parking period (VPP participation period).

[0154] As described above, in the configuration relating to Modification 1, the period during which the vehicle participates in the VPP is adjusted according to the delay in the aircraft's departure and arrival times. Because the period of participation in the VPP is adjusted, for example, even if there is a delay in the departure time of the outbound aircraft, the vehicle user can still use the vehicle until the departure time of the outbound aircraft. Also, for example, if there is a delay in the arrival time of the return aircraft, the period of participation in the VPP is extended according to the delay time, so that the vehicle can be used appropriately. Furthermore, for example, if there is a delay in the arrival time of the return aircraft and the return SOC is set to SOC 100%, it is possible to prevent the battery from being left fully charged for a long period of time. Therefore, battery degradation can be suppressed.

[0155] Furthermore, information regarding delays in aircraft departure and arrival times is not limited to being obtained from the airport management server 300. The EMS server 100 may recognize delays in aircraft departure and arrival times based, for example, on information obtained from an information provision site that provides aircraft location information, or on information provided by users on board the aircraft. Information provided by users on board the aircraft may be provided to the EMS server 100 via, for example, another server.

[0156] [Differentiation 2] In the above embodiment and modification 1, an example was described in which the start time of the VPP participation period is set to the departure time of the outbound aircraft 15. However, the start time of the participation period is not limited to the departure time of the outbound aircraft 15. The start time of the participation period may be, for example, the time when the vehicle's charging and discharging preparations are completed.

[0157] The point at which charging and discharging preparation is complete is, for example, when the connection between the connector of the contact charging and discharging equipment 20 and the connection port of the vehicle (vehicle 50, 60) is detected, or when the alignment between the non-contact charging and discharging equipment 30 and the vehicle (vehicle 50, 70) is detected to be complete. When the connector and connection port are connected, a notification is sent from the contact charging and discharging equipment 20 or the vehicle to the EMS server 100. When the alignment between the non-contact charging and discharging equipment 30 and the vehicle is complete, a notification is sent from the non-contact charging and discharging equipment 30 or the vehicle to the EMS server 100. By receiving the notification, the EMS server 100 can recognize that charging and discharging preparation is complete. If the power system 1 is further equipped with a charging and discharging server that manages the charging and discharging of vehicles, as described in Modification Example 3 below, the contact charging and discharging equipment 20 and the non-contact charging and discharging equipment 30 only need to send the above notification to the charging and discharging server.

[0158] [Difference 3] In the embodiments and modifications 1 and 2 described above, examples were given in which the communication devices 58, 68, and 78 of vehicles 50, 60, and 70 communicate with the EMS server 100 and the smartphone 600. If a charge / discharge server (typically operated by the vehicle manufacturer) is provided to manage the charging and discharging of vehicles 50, 60, and 70, the communication devices 58, 68, and 78 may be configured to communicate with the charge / discharge server. In other words, communication between vehicles 50, 60, and 70 and the outside (EMS server and smartphone) may be performed via the charge / discharge server.

[0159] Figure 10 shows a schematic configuration of power system 1A according to modification 3. Power system 1A is the same as power system 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, but with the EMS server 100 replaced by EMS server 100A, and a charge / discharge server 700 added. In Figure 10, the charge / discharge server 700 is included within the microgrid MG, but the charge / discharge server 700 may be located either inside or outside the microgrid MG.

[0160] The EMS server 100A and the charge / discharge server 700 correspond to the EMS server 100 according to the embodiment. The charge / discharge server 700 is responsible for functions related to the charging and discharging of vehicles. The charge / discharge server 700 is configured to communicate with the contact charging / discharging equipment 20, the non-contact charging / discharging equipment 30, and the vehicles 50, 60, and 70. The charge / discharge server 700 manages the contact charging / discharging equipment 20, the non-contact charging / discharging equipment 30, and the vehicles (vehicles 50, 60, and 70). When the EMS server 100A creates a demand response (DR), it sends the DR for the vehicle to the charge / discharge server 700. Along with the DR, the charge / discharge server 700 sends information indicating which charging / discharging equipment the vehicle corresponds to (the contact charging / discharging equipment 20 connected to the vehicle, or the non-contact charging / discharging equipment 30 aligned with the vehicle) (for example, the correspondence information entered in the VPP participation application form).

[0161] The charge / discharge server 700 transmits a DR to the corresponding charge / discharge equipment. The charge / discharge equipment and the vehicle respond to the DR by charging or discharging the battery.

[0162] The power system 1A according to the modified example 3 can also achieve the same effects as the power system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0163] [Differentiation Example 4] The embodiments and modifications 1-3 described above illustrate examples in which a microgrid MG is constructed at an airport. However, a microgrid MG is not limited to airports; for example, it may be constructed in a place or area where vehicles are expected to be parked for a relatively long period of time. For example, a microgrid MG may be constructed at a station where Shinkansen trains arrive and depart, or at a port where ships arrive and depart. In these cases, the Shinkansen or ships correspond to examples of "mobile entities" as described in this disclosure.

[0164] If the moving object is a Shinkansen (bullet train), the airport management server 300 can be replaced with a Shinkansen management server that manages the departure and arrival times of Shinkansen trains. The Shinkansen management server stores the operating schedules of at least all Shinkansen trains that arrive at and depart from stations. If the moving object is a ship, the airport management server 300 can be replaced with a ship management server that manages the departure and arrival times of ships. The ship management server stores the operating schedules of at least all ships that arrive at and depart from ports. An example of the case where the moving object is a Shinkansen will be described below.

[0165] Figure 11 shows an example of a VPP participation application form displayed on the screen of the smartphone 600 in this modified example 4. This Figure 11 corresponds to Figure 3, which explains the VPP participation application form 610 when the mobile entity is an aircraft.

[0166] Referring to Figure 11, this VPP participation application form 610A includes "train information" in place of the airline ticket number, compared to the VPP participation application form 610 shown in Figure 3. The train information includes input fields 611A, 611B, and 611C for entering the train number, boarding station, and alighting station for the outbound Shinkansen, respectively, and input fields 612A, 612B, and 612C for entering the train number, boarding station, and alighting station for the return Shinkansen, respectively. When the mode of transport is a Shinkansen, the destination of the Shinkansen and the user's destination (alighting station) do not necessarily coincide, so information on the alighting station (destination information) is also required in addition to the train number.

[0167] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating the information exchange between the smartphone 600, the EMS server 100, and the Shinkansen management server 300A in this modified example 4. Figure 12 corresponds to Figure 4, which describes the sequence when the moving object is an aircraft.

[0168] Referring to Figure 12, the user of vehicle 50 applies to participate in the VPP at P11 by entering various information from the VPP participation application form 610A (Figure 11) on the smartphone 600. At processing P12, the smartphone 600 sends the input information entered from the VPP participation application form 610A to the EMS server 100. This input information also includes destination information (information about the disembarking station).

[0169] In processing P13, the EMS server 100 sets the VPP participation conditions for the user based on the input information obtained from the smartphone 600. Then, in processing P14, the EMS server 100 transmits to the Shinkansen management server 300A information regarding the Shinkansen the user will be riding, and the inputter information (user information) of the VPP participation conditions entered in the VPP participation application form 610A. The Shinkansen information includes, for example, the train number and destination information (disembarking station information) for the outbound Shinkansen, and / or the train number and destination information (disembarking station information) for the return Shinkansen. The user information includes, for example, the user's name and vehicle information.

[0170] When the Shinkansen management server 300A receives information regarding the outbound Shinkansen and / or the return Shinkansen, as well as user information, in processing P15, it searches the database for purchaser information for the train numbers of the outbound and / or return Shinkansen. Then, in processing P16, the Shinkansen management server 300A checks whether the Shinkansen information and user information received from the EMS server 100 matches the purchaser information retrieved in processing P15. If they match, in processing P17, it sends the departure time of the Shinkansen identified by the outbound train number and the arrival time of the Shinkansen identified by the return train number to the EMS server 100.

[0171] If the user identified by the user information is not included in the purchaser information, a message to that effect will be sent from the Shinkansen management server 300A to the EMS server 100, and participation in the VPP in accordance with the VPP participation application will be declined.

[0172] When the EMS server 100 obtains the departure and arrival times of the Shinkansen train the user is riding from the Shinkansen management server 300A, it executes processes P18 and P19. Processes P18 and P19 are the same as processes P8 and P9 shown in Figure 4, respectively, so the explanation will not be repeated.

[0173] According to this modified example 4, even when the moving object is a bullet train or a ship, vehicles parked in a parking lot can be appropriately utilized as distributed power sources in a VPP, just as when the moving object is an aircraft.

[0174] [Difference 5] In the embodiments and modifications 1-4 described above, it was assumed that a vehicle is parked in a parking lot attached to a facility (airport facility, Shinkansen facility, ship facility), and the user travels back and forth between the facility and their destination. However, this disclosure can also be applied to cases where the user travels one way.

[0175] For example, consider a case where the user of vehicle 50 (60, 70) boards aircraft 15 for the outbound journey without applying to participate in the VPP, and arrives at their destination from airport facility 10. Vehicle 50 (60, 70) is parked in the parking lot attached to airport facility 10.

[0176] At the destination, the user launches the app on their smartphone 600 and enters information into the VPP participation application form 610. In the modified example 5, the return flight ticket number input field 612 is filled with the return flight ticket number the user will be taking, while the outbound flight ticket number input field 611 is left blank. Alternatively, a VPP participation application form for one-way travel may be provided. In the one-way VPP participation application form, for example, if either the outbound flight ticket number or the return flight ticket number is entered, the other cannot be entered.

[0177] When the EMS server 100 obtains the information entered in the VPP participation application form 610, it sets the period of participation of the vehicle 50 (60, 70) in the VPP from the time the VPP participation application is received until the time of arrival of the return aircraft 15 at the airport facility 10. The EMS server 100 uses the vehicle 50 (60, 70) as a distributed power source in the VPP until the participation period has elapsed, using the same method as described in the above embodiment. In Modification 5, the airport including the airport facility 10 corresponds to an example of a "destination" in this disclosure.

[0178] As described above, by applying this disclosure to cases where a user travels a one-way trip, vehicles parked in a parking lot can be appropriately utilized as distributed power sources in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). [Modification 6] If this disclosure applies to the case where a user travels one way, as described in Modification 5, it may include cases where the mode of transport is a regular train. In the VPP participation application form related to Modification 6, for example, the input fields for outbound and return ticket numbers may be removed.

[0179] When boarding a local train, the user uses, for example, an electronic commuter pass. The EMS server 100 obtains entry information from the railway server that manages the electronic commuter pass. Furthermore, the EMS server 100 obtains timetable information from the railway server. The EMS server 100 predicts which local train the user will board based on the entry information and timetable information. For example, the EMS server 100 predicts the train the user will board based on the timetable of local trains heading from the station where the user entered (one of the end stations of the commuter pass) to the station where the user is expected to disembark (the other end station of the commuter pass), which departs after the user's entry time.

[0180] The EMS server 100 predicts the arrival time of the local train at the station (the destination station, which has an attached parking lot where the vehicle 50 (60,70) is parked, or the nearest station to the parking lot where the vehicle 50 (60,70) is parked) based on the timetable information. The EMS server 100 sets the period from when it receives the VPP participation application form until the estimated arrival time of the local train as the VPP participation period. Then, the EMS server 100 allows the vehicle 50 (60,70) to participate in the VPP until the participation period has elapsed, using the same method as described in the above embodiment. [Difference 7] In modifications 5 and 6, it was assumed that the one-way trip was the return trip. However, this disclosure can also be applied in the same way to cases where the one-way trip is the outbound trip. When the one-way trip is the outbound trip, for example, it is assumed that the user has made a reservation for a rental car or the like at the destination (the airport where the outbound flight arrives). For example, the user makes a reservation for a rental car from the departure time of the outbound flight 15.

[0181] Before boarding the outbound flight 15, the user launches the app on their smartphone 600 and enters information into the VPP participation application form 610. In the modified example 7, the outbound flight ticket number input field 611 is filled with the return flight ticket number the user will be taking, while the return flight ticket number input field 612 is left blank. As mentioned above, a VPP participation application form for one-way flights may also be provided.

[0182] When the EMS server 100 obtains the information entered in the VPP participation application form 610, it sets the participation period of the vehicle 50 (60, 70) in the VPP from the time the VPP participation application is received until the arrival time of the outbound aircraft 15 at the airport facility 10. The EMS server 100 allows the vehicle 50 to participate in the VPP until the participation period has elapsed, using the same method as described in the above embodiment.

[0183] As described above, by applying this disclosure to cases where a user travels a one-way trip, vehicles parked in a parking lot can be appropriately utilized as distributed power sources in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP).

[0184] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0185] 1.1A Power System, 10 Airport Facilities, 11 GPU, 12 Power Cable, 15 Aircraft, 20 Contact Charging / Discharging Equipment, 30 Non-Contact Charging / Discharging Equipment, 32 Coil, 40 Vehicle Group, 50 Vehicle, 51 Battery, 52 PCU, 53 Motor Generator, 54 Connection Port, 55 Lid, 56 Coil, 57 ECU, 58 Communication Device, 59 Setting Device, 60 Vehicle, 61 Battery, 62 PCU, 63 Motor Generator, 64 Connection Port, 65 Lid, 67 ECU, 68 Communication Device, 69 Setting Device, 70 Vehicle, 71 Battery, 72 PCU, 73 Motor Generator, 76 Coil, 77 ECU, 78 Communication Device, 79 Setting Device, 100,100A EMS Server, 110 Control Device, 120 Storage Device, 130 Communication Device, 200 Transmission and Distribution Operator Server, 300 Airport management server, 400 Distributed power group, 410 Power line, 500 Substation equipment, 531 Drive wheel, 600, 650, 670 Smartphone, 610, 610A Participation application form, 611~619, 611A~611C, 612A~612C Input fields, 700 Charge / discharge server, 1100 Information acquisition unit, 1101 Target setting unit, 1102 Upper and lower limit setting unit, 1103 Return amount setting unit, 1104 Charge / discharge method setting unit, 1105 Participation format setting unit, 1106 Period setting unit, 1107 Supply and demand request acquisition unit, 1108 Participation determination unit, 1109 Plan creation unit, 1110 DR output unit, 1111 Power distribution unit, 1112 Incentive granting unit, MG Microgrid, PG Power system.

Claims

1. A communication device configured to communicate with a charging and discharging facility that exchanges power with a vehicle equipped with a battery, The system includes a control device that transmits commands regarding the transfer of power to and from a vehicle used by a user to the charging and discharging equipment via the aforementioned communication device, The aforementioned communication device is further configured to be able to obtain supply and demand requests from the power grid. The control device creates the command based on the supply and demand request obtained via the communication device. The control device further, The user obtains information about the vehicle being used by the user, Based on the information regarding the moving object, the arrival time of the moving object upon arrival at the destination is obtained. The aforementioned destination is the place where the user disembarks from the mobile vehicle. The control device is It is configured to accept a response period, which is the period set by the user that permits the use of the vehicle as a distributed power source. During the response period, the command is transmitted by the arrival time. The control device is The system is configured to accept the participation format set by the user when the vehicle is used as a distributed power source. The participation format is one of the following: continuous participation, indicating participation at all times during the response period; participation on an ad-hoc basis, where the user is contacted each time the command is transmitted; or time-specific participation, indicating participation during a designated time period. The control device is a management server that creates the command based on the participation format.

2. A communication device configured to communicate with a charging and discharging facility that exchanges power with a vehicle equipped with a battery, The system includes a control device that transmits commands regarding the transfer of power to and from a vehicle used by a user to the charging and discharging equipment via the aforementioned communication device, The aforementioned communication device is further configured to be able to obtain supply and demand requests from the power grid. The control device creates the command based on the supply and demand request obtained via the communication device. The control device further, The user obtains information about the vehicle being used by the user, Based on the information regarding the moving object, the arrival time of the moving object upon arrival at the destination is obtained. The aforementioned destination is the place where the user disembarks from the mobile vehicle. The control device is It is configured to accept a response period, which is the period set by the user that permits the use of the vehicle as a distributed power source. During the response period, the command is transmitted by the arrival time. The control device is The system is configured to accept the charging and discharging method of the vehicle by the charging and discharging equipment, as set by the user. The charging and discharging method is one of the following: contact charging and discharging + non-contact charging and discharging, indicating that it can handle both charging and discharging using contact-type charging and discharging equipment and charging and discharging using non-contact-type charging and discharging equipment; contact charging and discharging, indicating that it can handle only charging and discharging using contact-type charging and discharging equipment; or non-contact charging and discharging, indicating that it can handle only charging and discharging using non-contact-type charging and discharging equipment. The control device is a management server that creates the commands based on the charge / discharge method.

3. A communication device configured to communicate with a charging and discharging facility that exchanges power with a vehicle equipped with a battery, The system includes a control device that transmits commands regarding the transfer of power to and from a vehicle used by a user to the charging and discharging equipment via the aforementioned communication device, The aforementioned communication device is further configured to be able to obtain supply and demand requests from the power grid. The control device creates the command based on the supply and demand request obtained via the communication device. The control device further, The user obtains information about the vehicle being used by the user, Based on the information regarding the moving object, the arrival time of the moving object upon arrival at the destination is obtained. The aforementioned destination is the place where the user disembarks from the mobile vehicle. The control device is It is configured to accept a response period, which is the period set by the user that permits the use of the vehicle as a distributed power source. During the response period, the command is transmitted by the arrival time. The control device is The system is configured to receive information set by the user indicating whether or not they wish to supply power from the battery to the mobile device. If the information indicates a desire to supply power from the battery to the mobile body, the control device creates the command to supply power from the battery to the mobile body.

4. The steps of communicating with a charging and discharging facility that exchanges power with a vehicle equipped with a battery, and transmitting a command to the charging and discharging facility regarding the exchange of power to a vehicle used by a user, Steps include obtaining supply and demand requests from the power grid, The steps include creating the directive based on the supply and demand request, The steps include obtaining information about the mobile vehicle that the user is riding in, Based on the information regarding the mobile vehicle, the step of obtaining the arrival time at the destination where the user will disembark from the mobile vehicle, The step includes receiving a response period, which is a period set by the user that permits the use of the vehicle as a distributed power source, The aforementioned transmission step includes, within the response period, the step of transmitting the command by the arrival time, and further, This includes a step of accepting the participation format set by the user for using the vehicle as a distributed power source, The aforementioned participation format is one of the following: continuous participation, indicating participation at all times during the response period; participation on an ad-hoc basis, where the user is contacted each time the command is transmitted; or time-specific participation, indicating participation during a designated time period. A management method that includes the step of creating the instructions based on the aforementioned participation format.

5. A step of communicating with a charging and discharging facility that exchanges power with a vehicle equipped with a battery, and transmitting a command to the charging and discharging facility regarding the exchange of power to a vehicle used by a user, Steps include obtaining supply and demand requests from the power grid, The steps include creating the directive based on the supply and demand request, The steps include obtaining information about the mobile vehicle that the user is riding in, Based on the information regarding the mobile vehicle, the step of obtaining the arrival time at the destination where the user will disembark from the mobile vehicle, The step includes receiving a response period, which is a period set by the user that permits the use of the vehicle as a distributed power source, The aforementioned transmission step includes, within the response period, the step of transmitting the command by the arrival time, and further, The step includes accepting the charging and discharging method of the vehicle using the charging and discharging equipment, as set by the user, The charging and discharging method is one of the following: contact charging and discharging + non-contact charging and discharging, indicating that it can handle both charging and discharging using contact-type charging and discharging equipment and charging and discharging using non-contact-type charging and discharging equipment; contact charging and discharging, indicating that it can handle only charging and discharging using contact-type charging and discharging equipment; or non-contact charging and discharging, indicating that it can handle only charging and discharging using non-contact charging and discharging equipment. A control method comprising the step of creating the command based on the charge / discharge method.

6. A step of communicating with a charging and discharging facility that exchanges power with a vehicle equipped with a battery, and transmitting a command to the charging and discharging facility regarding the exchange of power to a vehicle used by a user, Steps include obtaining supply and demand requests from the power grid, The steps include creating the directive based on the supply and demand request, The steps include obtaining information about the mobile vehicle that the user is riding in, Based on the information regarding the mobile vehicle, the step of obtaining the arrival time at the destination where the user will disembark from the mobile vehicle, The step includes receiving a response period, which is a period set by the user that permits the use of the vehicle as a distributed power source, The aforementioned transmission step includes, within the response period, the step of transmitting the command by the arrival time, and further, A step of receiving information set by the user indicating whether or not they wish to supply power from the battery to the mobile device, A management method comprising the step of creating a command to supply power from the battery to the mobile body if the information indicates a desire to supply power from the battery to the mobile body.

Images