Control method and control device

Abstract

This control method comprises: a step for acquiring information indicating a charge amount of at least one first electric vehicle that is connected to an electric power system and can receive transmission electric power via a first system facility; a step for acquiring information indicating a first threshold value that is set for the charge amount of the first electric vehicle; and a step for controlling charging or discharging of the first electric vehicle, on the basis of a comparison of the charge amount of the first electric vehicle and the first threshold value when the transmission electric power received via the first system facility exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the electric power capacity of the first system facility, so that the transmission electric power received via the first system facility is reduced.

Description

Control method and control device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control method and a control device for controlling charging or discharging of an electric vehicle.

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a power load leveling method for leveling the power load at a business establishment. In this power load leveling method, the batteries of multiple automobiles are charged during off-peak hours of power demand at the business establishment or during late-night power, and the power stored in the charged automobile batteries is released during peak hours of power demand.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-282383

[0004] However, even when the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used, the power demand may exceed the power capacity of the grid equipment. If the power output from the grid equipment is limited to avoid exceeding the power capacity, a problem occurs in that, for example, the amount of charge for electric vehicles connected to the grid equipment cannot be ensured.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a control method and the like that can operate a power grid stably and ensure a sufficient amount of charge for an electric vehicle.

[0006] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of acquiring information indicating a charge amount of at least one first electric vehicle connected to an electric power grid and capable of receiving transmitted power via first system equipment; acquiring information indicating a first threshold value set for the charge amount of the first electric vehicle; and, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of the first system equipment, controlling charging or discharging of the first electric vehicle based on a comparison between the charge amount of the first electric vehicle and the first threshold value so as to reduce the transmitted power via the first system equipment.

[0007] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: acquiring information indicating charge amounts of a plurality of first electric vehicles connected to an electric power grid and capable of receiving transmitted power via first system equipment; and, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment and the transmitted power via second system equipment different from the first system equipment exceed an upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity of each of the plurality of first electric vehicles, controlling charging or discharging to give priority to a first electric vehicle among the plurality of first electric vehicles that is capable of receiving transmitted power via both the first system equipment and the second system equipment so as to reduce the transmitted power via the first system equipment.

[0008] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: acquiring information indicating the charge amounts of a plurality of first electric vehicles connected to an electric power system and capable of receiving transmitted power via first system equipment; and, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment of the electric power system exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of the first system equipment, controlling charging or discharging so that the transmitted power via the first system equipment is reduced, with priority given to a first electric vehicle among the plurality of first electric vehicles that has a shorter electric path to the first system equipment.

[0009] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: acquiring information indicating the charge amounts of a plurality of first electric vehicles connected to an electric power grid and capable of receiving transmitted power via first system equipment; and, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment of the electric power grid exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of the first system equipment, controlling charging or discharging so that the transmitted power via the first system equipment is reduced, giving priority to electric vehicles among the plurality of first electric vehicles that have received fewer incentives in the past period.

[0010] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first information acquirer that acquires information indicating a charge amount of at least one first electric vehicle that is connected to a power grid and is capable of receiving transmitted power via first system equipment; a second information acquirer that acquires information indicating a first threshold value set for the charge amount of the first electric vehicle; and a controller that, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or lower than the power capacity of the first system equipment, controls charging or discharging of the first electric vehicle so as to reduce the transmitted power via the first system equipment based on a comparison between the charged amount of the first electric vehicle and the first threshold value.

[0011] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first information acquirer that is connected to a power grid and acquires information indicating the charge amount of a plurality of first electric vehicles that are capable of receiving transmitted power via first system equipment; and a controller that, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment and the transmitted power via second system equipment different from the first system equipment exceed an upper limit that is equal to or lower than the power capacity of each of the plurality of first electric vehicles, controls charging or discharging so as to reduce the transmitted power via the first system equipment, giving priority to a first electric vehicle among the plurality of first electric vehicles that is capable of receiving transmitted power via both the first system equipment and the second system equipment.

[0012] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first information acquirer that acquires information indicating the charge amount of a plurality of first electric vehicles that are connected to an electric power system and can receive transmitted power via first system equipment; and a controller that, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment of the electric power system exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of the first system equipment, controls charging or discharging so that the transmitted power via the first system equipment is reduced, giving priority to a first electric vehicle among the plurality of first electric vehicles that has a shorter electric path to the first system equipment.

[0013] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first information acquirer that acquires information indicating the charge amount of a plurality of first electric vehicles that are connected to an electric power system and can receive transmitted power via first system equipment; and a controller that, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment of the electric power system exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or lower than the power capacity of the first system equipment, controls charging or discharging so as to reduce the transmitted power via the first system equipment, giving priority to electric vehicles that have received fewer incentives in the past period among the plurality of first electric vehicles.

[0014] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0015] According to the control method and the like according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to operate the power grid stably and ensure the amount of charge for the electric vehicle.

[0016] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a power system in an embodiment. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a power control system in an embodiment. 3 is a block diagram showing a specific example of a power control system in an embodiment. 4 is a diagram showing information, etc., related to the power capacity of system equipment. 5 is a diagram showing the charging state of an electric vehicle. 6 is a diagram showing information, etc., related to a threshold charge amount set for an electric vehicle. 7 is a diagram showing information, etc., related to the charging state and charge control or discharge control of an electric vehicle. 8 is a flowchart showing a control method in an embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a control method in a first modification of an embodiment. 10 is a diagram showing the charging state of an electric vehicle in a second modification of an embodiment. 11 is a flowchart showing a control method in a second modification of an embodiment. 12 is a flowchart showing a control method in a third modification of an embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a control method in a fourth modification of an embodiment. 14 is a flowchart showing a control method in a fifth modification of an embodiment.

[0017] It is expected that electric vehicles (EVs) will become widespread in trucks, buses, and other vehicles in the future. These electric vehicles are also being considered for use in delivery services and other businesses as EV fleets. Charging these electric vehicles is expected to increase the load on power grid facilities, resulting in demand exceeding the power capacity of the grid facilities. Expanding the grid facilities to prepare for this demand will require significant investment.

[0018] One way to overcome this situation is to limit the amount of power supplied from the power grid. However, this method may result in insufficient power being obtained from the power grid, making it impossible to ensure a sufficient charge for the electric vehicle. As such, it is not easy to simultaneously operate the power grid stably and ensure a sufficient charge for the electric vehicle.

[0019] Therefore, this disclosure proposes a method for controlling charging or discharging of an electric vehicle that affects the grid equipment when the required power exceeds the power capacity of the grid equipment, thereby reducing the power output from the grid equipment. Also, this disclosure proposes a method for obtaining information in advance regarding the amount of charging desired by the user of the electric vehicle, and controlling charging or discharging of the electric vehicle based on that amount of charging.

[0020] Below, a control method and a control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be illustrated.

[0021] The control method of Example 1 includes the steps of acquiring information indicating a charge amount of at least one first electric vehicle that is connected to a power grid and capable of receiving transmitted power via first grid equipment; acquiring information indicating a first threshold value set for the charge amount of the first electric vehicle; and, when the transmitted power via the first grid equipment exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of the first grid equipment, controlling charging or discharging of the first electric vehicle based on a comparison between the charge amount of the first electric vehicle and the first threshold value so as to reduce the transmitted power via the first grid equipment.

[0022] In this way, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of the first system equipment, the charging or discharging of the first electric vehicle is controlled so that the transmitted power via the first system equipment is reduced based on a comparison between the charge amount of the first electric vehicle and the first threshold value, thereby enabling stable operation of the power system and appropriate control of charging or discharging according to the charge amount of the first electric vehicle.

[0023] A control method of Example 2 may be the control method of Example 1, further comprising the step of identifying an electric vehicle that can receive power transmitted via the first grid equipment.

[0024] This allows, for example, an electric vehicle that affects the first system equipment in terms of transmitted power to be identified, and the charging or discharging of this electric vehicle can be controlled as the first electric vehicle, thereby enabling stable operation of the power system and appropriate control of charging or discharging according to the charge amount of the first electric vehicle.

[0025] A control method of Example 3 is the control method according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the first threshold value may be a value smaller than a charge amount at which it is determined that charging of the first electric vehicle is completed.

[0026] This makes it possible to control charging or discharging of the first electric vehicle based on a comparison between the charge amount of the first electric vehicle and a first threshold value that is smaller than a fully charged state of the first electric vehicle, thereby enabling stable operation of the power grid and appropriate control of charging or discharging according to the charge amount of the first electric vehicle.

[0027] The control method of Example 4 is the control method described in any one of Examples 1 to 3, and the first threshold value may be a value set by a user of the first electric vehicle as a desired charge amount for the electric power of the first electric vehicle without discharging it.

[0028] This allows the power system to operate stably and allows appropriate control of charging or discharging according to the amount of charge of the first electric vehicle that the user wishes to ensure.

[0029] The control method of Example 5 is the control method described in any of Examples 1 to 4, and may include reducing the charging power of the first electric vehicle when the transmission power through the first grid facility is greater than the upper limit and the charging amount of the first electric vehicle is greater than the first threshold.

[0030] In this way, when the transmission power via the first grid equipment exceeds an upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity and when the charge amount of the first electric vehicle is greater than the first threshold, the charging power of the first electric vehicle is reduced, thereby enabling stable operation of the power grid. Furthermore, by controlling the charging of the first electric vehicle as described above, it is possible to charge the first electric vehicle while ensuring the charge amount so that the charge amount of the first electric vehicle does not decrease below the first threshold.

[0031] The control method of Example 6 is the control method described in any of Examples 1 to 5, and may further comprise discharging power from the first electric vehicle to an electric load receiving power via the electric power grid or the first system equipment when the charge amount of the first electric vehicle is greater than the first threshold.

[0032] In this way, discharging the power of the first electric vehicle to the power load receiving power via the power grid or the first system equipment allows the power grid to operate stably. Furthermore, by discharging the power of the first electric vehicle when the charge amount of the first electric vehicle is greater than the first threshold, it is possible to discharge the power while ensuring a charge amount equal to or greater than the first threshold.

[0033] A control method of Example 7 is the control method of Example 5 or 6, wherein when the charged amount of the first electric vehicle is less than the first threshold, charging may be continued.

[0034] In this way, by continuing charging when the charge amount of the first electric vehicle is less than the first threshold, it is possible to control the charge amount of the first electric vehicle so that it becomes equal to or greater than the first threshold.

[0035] The control method of Example 8 is the control method described in Example 5, and may further include discharging the power of the first electric vehicle to an electric load receiving power via the electric power grid or the first electric power grid when the transmitted power via the first electric power grid equipment is still greater than the upper limit after the charging power of the first electric vehicle is reduced.

[0036] In this way, discharging the power of the first electric vehicle to the power load receiving power via the power grid or the first system equipment allows the power grid to operate stably. Also, the first electric vehicle can discharge while maintaining a charge amount equal to or greater than the first threshold.

[0037] A control method of Example 9 is the control method of Example 5, wherein the at least one first electric vehicle is a plurality of first electric vehicles, and when the transmitted power via the first grid equipment is greater than the upper limit even after the charging power of a predetermined first electric vehicle among the plurality of first electric vehicles has been reduced, the power of the predetermined first electric vehicle or another first electric vehicle having a charged amount greater than the first threshold may be discharged to an electric load receiving power via the electric power grid or the first grid equipment.

[0038] In this way, by discharging the power of the predetermined first electric vehicle or another first electric vehicle to the power load receiving power via the power grid or the first system equipment, the power grid can be operated stably. Also, the first electric vehicle can discharge while ensuring a charge amount equal to or greater than the first threshold.

[0039] The control method of Example 10 is the control method of any of Examples 6, 8, and 9, wherein the at least one first electric vehicle is a plurality of first electric vehicles, and among the plurality of first electric vehicles, a first electric vehicle having a charge amount greater than the first threshold may be preferentially discharged.

[0040] In this way, by giving priority to discharging the first electric vehicle whose charge amount is greater than the first threshold, it is possible to ensure that the charge amount of the first electric vehicle is equal to or greater than the first threshold.

[0041] The control method of Example 11 is the control method of any of Examples 6, 8, and 9, further comprising the steps of acquiring information indicating a charge amount of at least one second electric vehicle that is connected to the power grid and can receive transmitted power via the first grid equipment, and acquiring information indicating a first threshold value set for the charge amount of the second electric vehicle, and when the transmitted power via the first grid equipment exceeds the upper limit even after the power of the first electric vehicle has been discharged, the charge power of the second electric vehicle may be reduced even if the charged amount of the second electric vehicle is less than the first threshold value.

[0042] In this way, even after discharging the power of the first electric vehicle, if the power transmitted through the first system equipment exceeds the upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity, the charging power of the second electric vehicle can be reduced, thereby enabling stable operation of the power system. Also, the charge amount of the second electric vehicle can be secured so that it does not decrease further.

[0043] A control method of Example 12 is the control method described in Example 11, wherein the charge amount of the second electric vehicle for which the charge power is reduced may be such that charging is expected to be completed by a desired time for charging to reach the first threshold value desired by a user of the second electric vehicle, even if the charge power is reduced.

[0044] This makes it possible to ensure that the second electric vehicle is charged to an amount corresponding to the first threshold value by the time desired by the user.

[0045] A control method of Example 13 is the control method described in Example 11, wherein the at least one second electric vehicle is a plurality of second electric vehicles, and the charging power may be reduced preferentially for a second electric vehicle among the plurality of second electric vehicles whose predicted charging completion time up to the first threshold has a greater margin than a desired charging completion time up to the first threshold desired by a user of the second electric vehicle.

[0046] This makes it possible to ensure that the second electric vehicle is charged to an amount corresponding to the first threshold value by the time desired by the user.

[0047] The control method of Example 14 is the control method described in any of Examples 11 to 13, further comprising a step of acquiring information indicating a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value set for the charge amount of the second electric vehicle, and the charge amount of the second electric vehicle for which the charging power is to be reduced may be larger than the second threshold value.

[0048] This makes it possible to reduce the charging power of the second electric vehicle having a charge amount greater than the second threshold, thereby ensuring the charge amount of the second electric vehicle so that the charge amount does not decrease below the second threshold.

[0049] The control method of Example 15 is the control method described in any of Examples 11 to 14, and when the transmitted power through the first grid equipment exceeds the upper limit even after the charging power of the second electric vehicle is reduced, the power of the second electric vehicle may be discharged to an electric load receiving power through the electric power grid or the first grid equipment.

[0050] In this way, by discharging the electric power of the second electric vehicle to the electric power load receiving the electric power via the electric power system or the first system equipment, the electric power system can be operated stably.

[0051] A control method of Example 16 is the control method described in any of Examples 11 to 14, wherein the at least one second electric vehicle is a plurality of second electric vehicles, and if the transmitted power via the first grid equipment exceeds the upper limit even after the charging power of a predetermined second electric vehicle among the plurality of second electric vehicles has been reduced, the power of the predetermined second electric vehicle or another second electric vehicle may be discharged to an electric power load receiving power via the electric power grid or the first grid equipment.

[0052] In this way, by discharging the power of a specified second electric vehicle or another second electric vehicle to an electric load receiving power via the power system or the first system equipment, the power system can be operated stably.

[0053] The control method of Example 17 is the control method described in Example 16, and may give higher priority to discharging a second electric vehicle among the plurality of second electric vehicles whose predicted time of completion of charging up to the first threshold has more leeway than the desired time of completion of charging up to the first threshold desired by a user of the second electric vehicle.

[0054] This makes it possible to ensure that the second electric vehicle is charged to an amount corresponding to the first threshold value by the time desired by the user.

[0055] The control method of Example 18 is the control method described in any of Examples 15 to 17, further comprising a step of acquiring information indicating the first threshold value set for the charge amount of the second electric vehicle and information indicating a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, and the charge amount of the second electric vehicle to be discharged may be larger than the second threshold value.

[0056] In this way, by discharging the second electric vehicle whose charge amount is greater than the second threshold, it is possible to ensure that the charge amount of the second electric vehicle is above the second threshold.

[0057] The control method of Example 19 is the control method described in Example 15 or 16, and the charge amount of the second electric vehicle to be discharged may be such that, even if the second electric vehicle is discharged, charging is expected to be completed by a desired charging completion time up to the first threshold value desired by a user of the second electric vehicle.

[0058] This makes it possible to ensure that the second electric vehicle is charged to an amount corresponding to the first threshold value by the time desired by the user.

[0059] A control method of Example 20 is the control method described in any of Examples 1 to 4, wherein when the at least one first electric vehicle is a plurality of first electric vehicles, and the transmitted power via the first grid equipment and the transmitted power via a second grid equipment different from the first grid equipment exceed an upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity of each of the grid equipment, the control may give priority to controlling charging or discharging of a first electric vehicle among the plurality of first electric vehicles that can receive transmitted power via both the first grid equipment and the second grid equipment.

[0060] In this way, by controlling the charging or discharging of the first electric vehicle that can receive transmitted power via both the first grid facility and the second grid facility with higher priority, it is possible to stably operate the power system that includes both the first grid facility and the second grid facility. Also, it is possible to reduce the number of electric vehicles that are controlled to be charged or discharged in order to stably operate the power system, thereby ensuring the amount of charge for the electric vehicles.

[0061] The control method of Example 21 is the control method described in any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein when the at least one first electric vehicle is a plurality of first electric vehicles, and the power transmitted through the first system equipment of the power grid exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of the first system equipment, the control may give priority to charging or discharging a first electric vehicle of the plurality of first electric vehicles that has a shorter electric path to the first system equipment.

[0062] In this way, by controlling the charging or discharging of the first electric vehicle, which has a shorter electric path to the first system equipment, with higher priority, the responsiveness to stabilization of the power system is improved, and the possibility that the transmitted power via the first system equipment will exceed the power capacity of the first system equipment can be reduced.

[0063] A control method of Example 22 is the control method described in any of Examples 1 to 4, wherein when the at least one first electric vehicle is a plurality of first electric vehicles, and the power transmitted through the first system equipment of the power system exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of the first system equipment, the control may be performed by giving priority to charging or discharging an electric vehicle that has received fewer incentives in the past period among the plurality of first electric vehicles.

[0064] This allows incentives to be given fairly to users, thereby enabling the stable operation of the power system.

[0065] The control method of Example 23 includes the steps of: acquiring information indicating the charge amounts of a plurality of first electric vehicles that are connected to a power grid and are capable of receiving transmitted power via first system equipment; and, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment and the transmitted power via second system equipment different from the first system equipment exceed an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of each of the system equipment, controlling charging or discharging to give priority to a first electric vehicle among the plurality of first electric vehicles that is capable of receiving transmitted power via both the first system equipment and the second system equipment so that the transmitted power via the first system equipment is reduced.

[0066] In this way, by controlling the charging or discharging of the first electric vehicle that can receive transmitted power via both the first grid facility and the second grid facility with higher priority, it is possible to stably operate the power system that includes both the first grid facility and the second grid facility. Also, it is possible to reduce the number of electric vehicles that are controlled to be charged or discharged in order to stably operate the power system, thereby ensuring the amount of charge for the electric vehicles.

[0067] The control method of Example 24 includes the steps of: acquiring information indicating the charge amounts of a plurality of first electric vehicles that are connected to an electric power system and are capable of receiving transmitted power via first system equipment; and, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment of the electric power system exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of the first system equipment, controlling charging or discharging so that the transmitted power via the first system equipment is reduced, with priority given to a first electric vehicle among the plurality of first electric vehicles that has a shorter electric path to the first system equipment.

[0068] In this way, by controlling the charging or discharging of the first electric vehicle, which has a shorter electric path to the first system equipment, with higher priority, the responsiveness to stabilization of the power system is improved, and the possibility that the transmitted power via the first system equipment will exceed the power capacity of the first system equipment can be reduced.

[0069] The control method of Example 25 includes the steps of: acquiring information indicating the charge amounts of a plurality of first electric vehicles connected to an electric power grid and capable of receiving transmitted power via first system equipment; and, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment of the electric power grid exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of the first system equipment, controlling charging or discharging so that the transmitted power via the first system equipment is reduced, giving priority to electric vehicles that have received fewer incentives in the past period among the plurality of first electric vehicles.

[0070] This allows incentives to be given fairly to users, thereby enabling the stable operation of the power system.

[0071] The control device of Example 26 includes: a first information acquirer that is connected to a power grid and acquires information indicating a charge amount of at least one first electric vehicle that is capable of receiving transmitted power via first system equipment; a second information acquirer that acquires information indicating a first threshold value set for the charge amount of the first electric vehicle; and a controller that, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or lower than the power capacity of the first system equipment, controls charging or discharging of the first electric vehicle based on a comparison between the charge amount of the first electric vehicle and the first threshold value so as to reduce the transmitted power via the first system equipment.

[0072] In this way, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of the first system equipment, the charging of the first electric vehicle is controlled so that the transmitted power via the first system equipment is reduced based on a comparison between the charged amount of the first electric vehicle and the first threshold value. This allows the power system to operate stably and makes it possible to control charging or discharging appropriately according to the charged amount of the first electric vehicle.

[0073] The control device of Example 27 includes: a first information acquirer that is connected to a power grid and acquires information indicating the charge amount of a plurality of first electric vehicles that can receive transmitted power via a first system facility; and a controller that, when the transmitted power via the first system facility and the transmitted power via a second system facility different from the first system facility exceed an upper limit that is equal to or lower than the power capacity of each of the plurality of first electric vehicles, controls charging or discharging so that the transmitted power via the first system facility is reduced, giving priority to a first electric vehicle among the plurality of first electric vehicles that can receive transmitted power via both the first system facility and the second system facility.

[0074] In this way, by controlling the charging or discharging of the first electric vehicle that can receive transmitted power via both the first grid facility and the second grid facility with higher priority, it is possible to stably operate the power system that includes both the first grid facility and the second grid facility. Also, it is possible to reduce the number of electric vehicles that are controlled to be charged or discharged in order to stably operate the power system, thereby ensuring the amount of charge for the electric vehicles.

[0075] The control device of Example 28 includes a first information acquirer that is connected to a power grid and acquires information indicating the amount of charge of a plurality of first electric vehicles that can receive transmitted power via first system equipment, and a controller that, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment of the power grid exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of the first system equipment, controls charging or discharging so that the transmitted power via the first system equipment is reduced, giving priority to a first electric vehicle among the plurality of first electric vehicles that has a shorter electric path to the first system equipment.

[0076] In this way, by controlling the charging or discharging of the first electric vehicle, which has a shorter electric path to the first system equipment, with higher priority, the responsiveness to stabilization of the power system is improved, and the possibility that the transmitted power via the first system equipment will exceed the power capacity of the first system equipment can be reduced.

[0077] The control device of Example 29 includes a first information acquirer that is connected to a power grid and acquires information indicating the amount of charge of a plurality of first electric vehicles that can receive transmitted power via first system equipment, and a controller that, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment of the power grid exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or lower than the power capacity of the first system equipment, controls charging or discharging so that the transmitted power via the first system equipment is reduced, giving priority to electric vehicles that have received fewer incentives in the past period among the plurality of first electric vehicles.

[0078] This allows incentives to be given fairly to users, thereby enabling the stable operation of the power system.

[0079] Furthermore, these comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0080] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, the arrangement and connection of the components, steps, the order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0081] (Embodiment) [Configuration of Control Device, etc.] The configuration of the control device, etc. in the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG.

[0082] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power system 140 according to an embodiment.

[0083] The power system 140 shown in Fig. 1 is, for example, a commercial power source, and performs functions such as power generation, transformation, power transmission, and power distribution. The system equipment in the power system 140 is a substation equipment, a power distribution network, etc., and has a power capacity. The figure shows a first substation equipment, which is an example of the first system equipment, and a second substation equipment, which is an example of the second system equipment. Hereinafter, the first system equipment will be referred to as system equipment 11, and the second system equipment will be referred to as system equipment 12.

[0084] The system equipment 11 and the system equipment 12 are arranged, for example, at a branch point of a power distribution network. In the same figure, the system equipment 11 is arranged at a lower level than the system equipment 12. Note that the system equipment 11 may be arranged at the same level as the system equipment 12.

[0085] 1 shows a plurality of charging sites 130. Here, the term "site" may refer to the facilities at the site. The plurality of charging sites 130 are connected to a grid facility 11 via a power distribution line. When the plurality of charging sites 130 receive power from the grid facility 11, the grid facility 11 is shared by the plurality of charging sites 130. An electric vehicle 20 is connected to the charging site 130.

[0086] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power control system 100 according to an embodiment.

[0087] 2 is a system that controls charging or discharging of an electric vehicle 20. The power control system 100 includes a management device 110, a control device 120, a power system 140, and a plurality of charging sites 130.

[0088] The electric vehicle 20 is connected to the power grid 140 via the charging site 130 and can receive transmitted power output from the power grid 140 .

[0089] The charging site 130 is a charging facility (e.g., a charging station) that charges or discharges the battery of the electric vehicle 20. Each charging site 130 is equipped with one or more chargers 272. The charging site 130 charges or discharges the electric vehicle 20 based on a control command from the management device 110 or the control device 120.

[0090] The management device 110 is, for example, a computer, and plays a role in managing each component of the power control system 100. The management device 110 manages the transmitted power of the power grid 140. More specifically, the management device 110 manages the power grid 140 and the transmitted power flowing through the grid equipment 11 (or 12) in the power grid 140 based on the power demand of multiple charging sites 130, etc. The management device 110 is a device provided above the control device 120.

[0091] The control device 120 is a device provided below the management device 110. The control device 120 is, for example, a computer, and plays a role in managing the charging sites 130 and the like included in the power control system 100. The control device 120 has information related to the power capacity of the grid equipment 11 (or 12). For example, the control device 120 acquires information related to the power capacity of the grid equipment 11 (or 12) from the management device 110, which manages the transmitted power of the power grid 140.

[0092] Although the above example shows that the management device 110 and the control device 120 are separate components, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the management device 110 and the control device 120 may be integrated. For example, the management device 110 may include the control device 120 and perform the role of the control device 120.

[0093] 2 , the control device 120 includes a controller 125 and a storage device 126. The control device 120 also includes a first information acquirer 121 that acquires information indicating the charge amount of the electric vehicle 20 that is connected to the power grid and can receive transmitted power via the power grid equipment 11. The control device 120 also includes a second information acquirer 122 that acquires information indicating a first threshold value set for the charge amount of the electric vehicle 20. The first threshold value will be described later.

[0094] The controller 125 is, for example, a circuit, and performs information processing such as information input processing, output processing, and arithmetic processing. The controller 125 may be a processor such as a CPU or an MPU, or may be composed of multiple circuit elements. The operation of the control device 120 is basically performed by the controller 125. The controller 125 also acquires information for controlling charging or discharging at each charging site 130. The controller 125 may accept input of information via an input interface or may receive information via a communication interface. The controller 125 also outputs charging control information for each charging site 130 to each charging site 130.

[0095] The storage unit 126 is, for example, a memory that stores information. The storage unit 126 may be a circuit. The storage unit 126 may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 126 may be configured with a plurality of memory elements. The storage unit 126 stores the power capacity of the grid equipment 11, a first threshold value related to the charge amount of the electric vehicle 20, and various other information.

[0096] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a specific example of the power control system 100. As shown in FIG.

[0097] The power control system 100 shown in Fig. 3 includes a central DERMS (Distributed Energy Resource Management System) 210. The power control system 100 also includes a residential-related DERMS 220, an industrial-related DERMS 230, a charging-related DERMS 240, a plurality of residential facilities 250, a plurality of industrial facilities 260, a plurality of charging sites 130, and a power grid 140.

[0098] The central DERMS 210 is, for example, a computer, corresponds to the management device 110 shown in Fig. 2 and performs a similar function to the management device 110. For example, the central DERMS 210 is a system of a power company, and manages the power grid 140 and the transmitted power flowing through the system facilities 11 and 12 in the power grid 140. The central DERMS 210 also coordinates with a plurality of resource DERMSs, such as a residential-related DERMS 220, an industrial-related DERMS 230, and a charging-related DERMS 240, to adjust the transmitted power.

[0099] The home-related DERMS 220 is, for example, a computer that manages power generation and consumption in a plurality of home appliances 250. The home appliances 250 are facilities in a human living space and include air conditioning equipment, solar power generation equipment, power storage equipment, etc. The home-related DERMS 220 acquires information indicating the status of the power grid 140 from the central DERMS 210, and transmits commands to the home appliances 250 to control the operation of the home appliances 250 according to the status of the power grid 140.

[0100] The state of the power grid 140 refers to the state of the power supplied by the power grid 140. Examples of the state of the power supplied by the power grid 140 include the state of the current, voltage, power, and the like of the power grid 140. The state of the power grid 140 may also be the state of power supply and demand of the power grid 140.

[0101] The industrial-related DERMS 230 is, for example, a computer, and manages power generation and consumption in a plurality of industrial facilities 260. The industrial facilities 260 are facilities such as factories or facilities, and include air conditioning equipment, solar power generation equipment, and power storage equipment. The industrial-related DERMS 230 acquires information indicating the state of the power grid 140 from the central DERMS 210, and transmits commands to the industrial facilities 260 to control the operation of the industrial facilities 260 according to the state of the power grid 140.

[0102] The charging-related DERMS 240 is an example of the control device 120 shown in FIG. 2 . The charging-related DERMS 240 is, for example, a computer, and manages power generation and consumption at multiple charging sites 130. The charging sites 130 are charging facilities and include chargers 272, solar power generation devices, and power storage devices. The chargers 272, solar power generation devices, and power storage devices are examples of power loads 30. The charging-related DERMS 240 acquires information indicating the status of the power grid 140 from the central DERMS 210, and transmits commands to the charging sites 130 to control the operation of the charging sites 130 according to the status of the power grid 140.

[0103] Each resource DERMS receives information on the power capacity of the grid equipment 11 and 12 and the like from the central DERMS 210 .

[0104] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing information on the power capacity of the grid facility 11, etc.

[0105] In the figure, the power capacity of the grid facility 11 and the power capacities allocated to the residential-related DERMS 220, the industrial-related DERMS 230, and the charging-related DERMS 240 are shown.

[0106] The residential-related DERMS 220 manages power generation and power consumption in the residential facilities 250 so as not to exceed the upper limit of the power capacity allocated to the residential-related DERMS 220. The industrial-related DERMS 230 manages power generation and power consumption in the industrial facilities 260 so as not to exceed the upper limit of the power capacity allocated to the industrial-related DERMS 230. The charging-related DERMS 240 manages charging or discharging of the electric vehicle 20 at the charging site 130 so as not to exceed the upper limit of the power capacity allocated to the charging-related DERMS 240.

[0107] Because the power capacity of the grid equipment 11 is allocated to multiple resource DERMSs, the power capacity allocated to the charging-related DERMS 240 is a value smaller than the power capacity of the grid equipment 11. In other words, the charging-related DERMS 240 manages the charging or discharging of the electric vehicle 20 so that the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 does not exceed an upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity of the grid equipment 11. Note that each DERMS may manage power generation and power consumption so that the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 does not exceed an upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity of the grid equipment 11.

[0108] The power capacity allocated to the charging-related DERMS 240 may be set to vary depending on the season, date, time, and time zone. Hereinafter, the charging-related DERMS 240 may be referred to as the DERMS 240.

[0109] The DERMS 240 determines whether the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of the grid equipment 11. When the power transmitted from the grid equipment 11 (power managed by the DERMS 240) is equal to or less than the pre-allocated power capacity, the DERMS 240 charges the electric vehicle 20 connected to the charging site 130 as usual. On the other hand, when the power transmitted from the grid equipment 11 exceeds the pre-allocated power capacity, the DERMS 240 controls charging or discharging of the electric vehicle 20 connected to the charging site 130.

[0110] The DERMS 240 identifies electric vehicles 20 that are subject to charge control or discharge control. The electric vehicles 20 that are subject to charge control or discharge control are electric vehicles that affect the grid equipment 11 in terms of transmitted power. For example, the DERMS 240 identifies electric vehicles that are present in a power-stressed area as electric vehicles 20 that are subject to charge control or discharge control. Whether an area is a power-stressed area can be determined based on information indicating the state of the power grid 140. For example, a power-stressed area is a layer below grid equipment that exceeds the power capacity allocated to the DERMS 240. Information about electric vehicles 20 that are present in a power-stressed area can be acquired based on power distribution map information that indicates the locations of charging sites 130 (or chargers 272).

[0111] The DERMS 240 instructs the charging site 130 (or the charger 272 or the electric vehicle 20) to send back to itself information relating to the amount of charge of the identified electric vehicle 20. The charging site 130 transmits information indicating the amount of charge of the electric vehicle 20 to the DERMS 240. The first information acquirer 121 included in the DERMS 240 acquires the information indicating the amount of charge of the electric vehicle 20.

[0112] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the state of charge (SOC) of the electric vehicle 20. As shown in FIG.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 5, the state of charge of the electric vehicle 20 is divided into two states of charge: a distributed energy resource (DER) region vr0 and a recommended charging region.

[0114] The DER range vr0 is a range indicating the charge amount preset by the user of the electric vehicle 20. The DER range vr0 can be freely set by the user as long as it is within a range specified for battery protection. The DERMS 240 can accommodate power within the DER range vr0 set by the user.

[0115] The recommended charging range is a range indicating the recommended charge amount for charging. The recommended charging range is a range that cannot be set by the user of the electric vehicle 20. The recommended charging range is divided into a dischargeable range vr1 where discharge is possible and an undischargeable range vr2 where discharge is not possible. The dischargeable range vr1 and the undischargeable range vr2 are determined in advance according to the characteristics and lifespan of the battery.

[0116] The DERMS 240 acquires information relating to the threshold charge amount set for the electric vehicle 20 .

[0117] 6 is a diagram showing information relating to the thresholds of the charge amount set for the electric vehicles 20. The diagram shows the identification numbers, first threshold TH1, and second threshold TH2 of each of the plurality of electric vehicles 20. The second information acquirer 122 described above acquires information relating to the first threshold TH1 and the second threshold TH2.

[0118] The first threshold TH1 is a value set by the user of the electric vehicle 20. The first threshold TH1 is set as a charge amount that is to be secured without discharging the stored power of the electric vehicle 20. As a result, the first threshold TH1 becomes a value that indicates the boundary between the DER region vr0 and the dischargeable region vr1. The first threshold TH1 is smaller than the charge amount at which the electric vehicle 20 is determined to be fully charged.

[0119] The second threshold TH2 is a value that is preset according to the type of battery of the electric vehicle 20. The second threshold TH2 is determined in advance according to the characteristics and lifespan of the battery. The second threshold TH2 is a value that indicates the boundary between the dischargeable region vr1 and the non-dischargeable region vr2. The second threshold TH2 is greater than zero charge and less than the first threshold TH1.

[0120] When the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of the grid equipment 11, the DERMS 240 performs the following control based on a comparison between the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 20 and a first threshold value TH1. Note that "when the power capacity is exceeded" includes not only when the power capacity is actually exceeded, but also when it is expected that the power capacity will be exceeded.

[0121] For example, when the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 20 is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1, the DERMS 240 continues charging the electric vehicle 20 as before. In other words, when the charge amount sc is within the recommended charging range, the DERMS 240 continues charging the electric vehicle 20 until the charge amount sc approaches the first threshold value TH1 set by the user.

[0122] On the other hand, when the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 20 is greater than the first threshold TH1, the DERMS 240 controls the charging of the electric vehicle 20 so that the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 is reduced.

[0123] 7 is a diagram showing information related to the charge amount sc and charge control or discharge control of the electric vehicle 20. An example of the charge amount sc and charge control or discharge control is shown in FIG. 7. The figure also shows a desired charge completion time tr and a predicted charge completion time tp up to the first threshold value TH1.

[0124] When the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 20 is in the DER region vr0, that is, when the charge amount sc is greater than the first threshold value TH1, the DERMS 240 reduces the charging power of the electric vehicle 20. Specifically, the DERMS 240 reduces the charging rate during charging to reduce the charging power of the electric vehicle 20. In this way, the DERMS 240 accommodates power within the range of the DER region vr0 set by the user.

[0125] Note that, when the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 is still greater than the upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity even after reducing the charging power of the electric vehicle 20, the DERMS 240 may discharge the power held by the electric vehicle 20 to the power load 30 receiving power via the power grid 140 or the grid equipment 11. Note that the electric vehicle 20 to be discharged is an electric vehicle having a charge amount sc greater than the first threshold value TH1, i.e., a charge amount sc in the DER range vr0. Furthermore, discharging may be performed after stopping all charging of the electric vehicle having a charge amount sc in the DER range vr0.

[0126] Furthermore, when the transmission power via the grid equipment 11 is still greater than the upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity even after discharging the power stored in the electric vehicle 20 (storage power), the DERMS 240 may reduce the charging power of the electric vehicle having the charge amount sc in the dischargeable range vr1. Furthermore, when the transmission power via the grid equipment 11 is still greater than the upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity even after reducing the charging power of the electric vehicle having the charge amount sc in the dischargeable range vr1, the DERMS 240 may discharge the electric vehicle until the charge amount corresponding to the dischargeable range vr1 reaches the second threshold value TH2.

[0127] In this way, when the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 exceeds an upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity of the grid equipment 11, the DERMS 240 controls the charging of the electric vehicle 20 so as to reduce the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 based on a comparison between the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 20 and the first threshold value TH1. This allows the power grid 140 to operate stably and the charge amount of the electric vehicle 20 to be secured.

[0128] [Control Method] A control method according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Note that the management device 110 shown below corresponds to the central DERMS 210, and the control device 120 corresponds to the charging-related DERMS 240.

[0129] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control method according to the embodiment.

[0130] First, the control device 120 acquires information about a power-stressed area where power is tight (step S10). For example, the control device 120 acquires information about a power-stressed area where power is tight and a power-non-stressed area where power is not tight from the management device 110.

[0131] The control device 120 outputs a control command to the electric vehicles 20 located in the non-pressure area to charge up to the DER region vr0 as usual.

[0132] On the other hand, the control device 120 performs the following control for the congested area.

[0133] First, the control device 120 identifies the electric vehicle 20 that is present in the stressed area (step S20). Note that the grid area where the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 exceeds the upper limit of the power capacity of the grid equipment 11 and can receive the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 is defined as the stressed area.

[0134] The control device 120 acquires information indicating the charge amount sc of the electrically powered vehicle 20 identified in step S20 (step S30).

[0135] The control device 120 also acquires information indicating a first threshold TH1 set for the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 20 (step S40). The first threshold TH1 is a value set by the user of the electric vehicle 20 as a charge amount that the user wants to secure without discharging the power of the electric vehicle 20. The first threshold TH1 is a value smaller than the charge amount at which charging of the electric vehicle 20 is determined to be complete. Note that step S40 may be executed between steps S20 and S30.

[0136] The control device 120 controls the charging or discharging of the electric vehicle 20 based on a comparison between the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 20 and a first threshold value TH1. Specifically, the control device 120 determines whether the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 20 is greater than the first threshold value TH1 (step S50).

[0137] For example, when the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 20 is less than the first threshold value TH1 (No in S50), the control device 120 continues charging (step S51). On the other hand, when the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 20 is greater than the first threshold value TH1 (Yes in S50), the control device 120 controls the charging of the electric vehicle 20 so as to reduce the charging power of the electric vehicle 20 (step S52). In other words, the control device 120 controls the charging of the electric vehicle 20 so as to reduce the power transmitted to the electric vehicle 20.

[0138] Furthermore, the control device 120 determines whether or not the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 is greater than the upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity after reducing the charging power of the electric vehicle 20 (step S53).

[0139] If the transmitted power is smaller than the upper limit of the power capacity (No in S53), the control device 120 determines that the power shortage has been resolved and terminates the charging control or discharging control according to this flow. On the other hand, if the transmitted power is larger than the upper limit of the power capacity (Yes in S53), the control device 120 discharges the power of the electric vehicle 20 to the power load 30 receiving power via the power grid 140 or the power grid equipment 11 (step S54).

[0140] The control method according to the embodiment is executed by the processing of steps S10 to S54, thereby enabling stable operation of the power grid 140 and ensuring a sufficient charge amount for the electric vehicle 20.

[0141] [First Modification of the Embodiment] A control method according to a first modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In the first modification, an example in which charging control or discharging control is performed on a plurality of electric vehicles 20 will be described.

[0142] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control method according to the first modification of the embodiment.

[0143] First, the control device 120 acquires information about a power-stressed area where power is tight (step S10).

[0144] Next, the control device 120 identifies electric vehicles 20 that are present in the stressed area (step S20). In Modification 1, a plurality of electric vehicles 20 are identified. Note that the stressed area is a grid area in which the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 exceeds the upper limit of the power capacity of the grid equipment 11 and which can receive the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11.

[0145] The control device 120 acquires information indicating the charge amounts sc of the plurality of electric vehicles 20 identified in step S20 (step S30A).

[0146] The control device 120 also acquires information indicating a first threshold value TH1 set for the charge amount of each electric vehicle 20 (step S40A).

[0147] The control device 120 controls the charging or discharging of the electric vehicle 20 based on a comparison between the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 20 and a first threshold value TH1. Specifically, the control device 120 determines whether the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 20 is greater than the first threshold value TH1 (step S50).

[0148] For example, when the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 20 is less than the first threshold value TH1 (No in S50), the control device 120 continues charging (step S51).

[0149] On the other hand, when the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 20 is greater than the first threshold value TH1 (Yes in S50), the control device 120 controls the charging of the electric vehicle 20 so as to reduce the charging power of the electric vehicle 20 (step S52). That is, the control device 120 controls the charging of the electric vehicle 20 so as to reduce the power transmitted to the electric vehicle 20. The amount of reduction is determined based on the sum of the reducible power of the electric vehicles in the constrained area (charging power in the DER region) and the power reduction necessary to relieve the constrained power. For example, if the former is greater than the latter, the power reduction necessary to relieve the constrained power may be allocated according to the power divided by the number of electric vehicles to be reduced or according to priority. Alternatively, if this is not the case, the charging of the target electric vehicle may be stopped.

[0150] Furthermore, when the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 is greater than the upper limit equal to or less than the above-mentioned power capacity even after the control device 120 has reduced the charging power of a specified electric vehicle 20 among the multiple electric vehicles 20, the control device 120 discharges the power of the specified electric vehicle 20 or another electric vehicle whose charging amount sc is greater than the first threshold value TH1 to the power load 30 receiving power via the power grid 140 or the grid equipment 11.

[0151] Specifically, the control device 120 determines whether or not the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 is greater than the upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity after reducing the charging power of each of the plurality of electric vehicles 20 (step S53).

[0152] If the transmitted power is less than the upper limit of the power capacity (No in S53), the control device 120 determines that the power shortage has been resolved and terminates the charging control or discharging control according to this flow. On the other hand, if the transmitted power is greater than the upper limit of the power capacity (Yes in S53), the control device 120 discharges the power of each of the multiple electric vehicles 20 to the power loads 30 receiving power via the power grid 140 or the power grid equipment 11 (step S54). The discharge amount is determined based on the sum of the dischargeable power of the electric vehicles in the shortage area (discharge power in the DER region) and the reduced power required to resolve the shortage. For example, if the former is greater than the latter, the reduced power required to resolve the shortage may be divided by the number of electric vehicles to be discharged or may be allocated according to priority. Alternatively, if this is not the case, the target electric vehicles may be allowed to discharge at their maximum.

[0153] The control method according to the first modified embodiment is executed by the processing of steps S10 to S54. This allows the power grid 140 to operate stably and ensures that the amount of charge for the electric vehicle 20 is sufficient.

[0154] In addition, when the transmitted power via the system equipment 11 and the system equipment 12 exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of each system equipment, the control device 120 may control charging or discharging so that the transmitted power via the system equipment 11 is reduced with priority for an electric vehicle among the multiple electric vehicles 20 that can receive transmitted power via both the system equipment 11 and the system equipment 12.

[0155] Furthermore, when the power transmitted through the grid equipment 11 of the power grid 140 exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of the grid equipment 11, the control device 120 may control the charging or discharging of an electric vehicle 20 that has a shorter electric path to the grid equipment 11 with higher priority, among the multiple electric vehicles 20. The electric path here refers to the length of the distribution line that constitutes the power distribution network.

[0156] Furthermore, when the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 of the power grid 140 exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or less than the power capacity of the grid equipment 11, the control device 120 may control the charging or discharging of an electric vehicle 20 that has received fewer incentives in the past period, with higher priority. The incentive is, for example, a fixed-amount incentive in which a monthly upper limit on the amount of discharge is set. In a case where the amount of discharge exceeds the upper limit and a charge is required, the control device 120 may prioritize discharging of an electric vehicle with a larger margin above the upper limit on the amount of discharge. Furthermore, when all electric vehicles have reached their upper limit on the amount of discharge, the control device 120 may prioritize discharging of an electric vehicle with a smaller amount of discharge required for a charge.

[0157] [Second Modification of the Embodiment] A control method according to a second modification of the embodiment will be described. In the second modification, an example will be described in which charging control or discharging control of the electric vehicles is performed when the charge amount sc of at least one electric vehicle is in the dischargeable range vr1.

[0158] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the charging state of the electric vehicle 20 in the second modification of the embodiment.

[0159] The figure shows an electric vehicle 21 whose charge amount sc is in the DER region vr0 and an electric vehicle 22 whose charge amount sc is in the dischargeable region vr1. The charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 21 in Modification 2 is greater than the first threshold value TH1. The charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 22 in Modification 2 is greater than the second threshold value TH2 and equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1.

[0160] The first threshold TH1 is the same as in the embodiment. The second threshold TH2 is a value that is set in advance depending on the type of battery of the electric vehicle 20. The second threshold TH2 may be determined in advance based on the characteristics and lifespan of the battery, or may be determined by the user, as with the first threshold TH1. The second threshold TH2 is smaller than the first threshold TH1 and is a value that indicates the boundary between the dischargeable region vr1 and the non-dischargeable region vr2.

[0161] In the following description, one or both of the electric vehicles 21 and 22 may be referred to as the electric vehicle 20 .

[0162] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a control method according to the second modification of the embodiment.

[0163] First, the control device 120 acquires information about a power-stressed area where power is tight (step S10).

[0164] Next, the control device 120 identifies electric vehicles 20 that are present in the stressed area (step S20). In Modification 2, a plurality of electric vehicles 21, 22 are identified. Note that the stressed area is a grid area in which the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 exceeds the upper limit of the power capacity of the grid equipment 11 and which can receive the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11.

[0165] The control device 120 acquires information indicating the charge amounts sc of the plurality of electric vehicles 21, 22 identified in step S20 (step S30A).

[0166] The control device 120 also acquires information indicating a first threshold TH1 set for the charge amount of each electric vehicle 20 (step S40A). The control device 120 also acquires information indicating a second threshold TH2 set for the charge amount sc of each electric vehicle 22 (step S41A). Note that step S41A may be executed between steps S20 and S40A.

[0167] The control device 120 controls the charging or discharging of the electric vehicles 21, 22 based on a comparison between the charge amount sc of the electric vehicles 21, 22 and the first threshold value TH1. In this example, the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 21 is greater than the first threshold value TH1, so the control device 120 controls the charging of the electric vehicle 21 so as to reduce the charging power of the electric vehicle 21 (step S52A). In other words, the control device 120 controls the charging of the electric vehicle 21 so as to reduce the power transmitted to the electric vehicle 21.

[0168] In this example, even after step S52A, it is assumed that the transmitted power via the grid equipment 11 is greater than the upper limit of the power capacity. Therefore, the control device 120 discharges the power of the electric vehicle 21 whose charge amount sc is greater than the first threshold TH1 to the power load 30 receiving power via the power grid 140 or the grid equipment 11 (step S53A). In this example, it is assumed that even after step S53A, the transmitted power via the grid equipment 11 is greater than the upper limit of the power capacity.

[0169] Next, the control device 120 controls the charging or discharging of the electric vehicle 22 based on a comparison between the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 22 and the second threshold value TH2. Specifically, the control device 120 determines whether the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 22 is greater than the second threshold value TH2 (step S60).

[0170] For example, when the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 22 is less than the second threshold value TH2 (No in S60), the control device 120 continues charging (step S61).

[0171] On the other hand, when the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 22 is greater than the second threshold value TH2 (Yes in S60), the control device 120 controls the charging of the electric vehicle 22 so as to reduce the charging power of the electric vehicle 22 (step S62). That is, the control device 120 controls the charging of the electric vehicle 22 so as to reduce the power transmitted to the electric vehicle 22.

[0172] In this way, even after reducing or discharging the power of the electric vehicle 21, if the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 exceeds the upper limit of the power capacity, the control device 120 may reduce the charging power for the electric vehicle 22 even if the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 22 is less than the first threshold value TH1. Note that, because grid stabilization is the highest priority, the amount of reduction in charging power is an amount necessary to prevent the power transmitted via the grid equipment from exceeding the upper limit of the power capacity. For example, if there are multiple electric vehicles 22, and the reduction in charging power that is expected to be completed by the desired charging completion time tr (see FIG. 7 ) can prevent the power from exceeding the upper limit of the power capacity of the grid equipment, the electric vehicles that are expected to be completed charging by the desired charging completion time tr are preferentially reduced, and the reduction amount is the amount that is expected to be completed charging by the desired charging completion time tr.

[0173] The control device 120 controls the charging power based on the desired charging completion time tr of the electric vehicle 22 and the current charge amount sc.

[0174] Subsequently, after reducing the charging power of each of the plurality of electric vehicles 21, 22, the control device 120 determines whether the transmission power via the grid equipment 11 is greater than the upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity (step S63).

[0175] If the transmitted power is smaller than the upper limit of the power capacity (No in S63), the control device 120 determines that the power shortage has been resolved and terminates the charging control or discharging control according to this flow. On the other hand, if the transmitted power is larger than the upper limit of the power capacity (Yes in S63), the control device 120 discharges the power of the electric vehicle 22 to the power load 30 receiving power via the power grid 140 or the power grid equipment 11 (step S64).

[0176] The control method according to the second modification of the embodiment is executed by the processing of steps S10 to S64. This allows the power grid 140 to operate stably and ensures that the amount of charge for the electric vehicle 20 is sufficient.

[0177] [Third Modification of the Embodiment] A control method according to a third modification of the embodiment will be described. In the third modification, an example will be described in which charging control or discharging control of a plurality of electric vehicles 22 is performed when the charge amounts sc of the plurality of electric vehicles 22 are in the dischargeable range vr1. Note that the third modification is an example in which there is no electric vehicle 21 whose charge amount sc is greater than the first threshold value TH1.

[0178] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control method according to the third modification of the embodiment.

[0179] First, the control device 120 acquires information about a power-stressed area where power is tight (step S10).

[0180] Next, the control device 120 identifies electric vehicles 20 that are present in the stressed area (step S20). In Modification 3, a plurality of electric vehicles 22 are identified. Note that the stressed area is defined as a grid area in which the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 exceeds the upper limit of the power capacity of the grid equipment 11 and in which the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 can be received.

[0181] The control device 120 acquires information indicating the charge amounts sc of the plurality of electric vehicles 22 identified in step S20 (step S30A).

[0182] The control device 120 also acquires information indicating a first threshold TH1 set for the charge amount sc of each electric vehicle 22 (step S40A) and information indicating a second threshold TH2 set for the charge amount sc of each electric vehicle 22 (step S41A).

[0183] The control device 120 controls the charging or discharging of the electric vehicle 22 based on a comparison between the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 22 and the second threshold value TH2. Specifically, the control device 120 determines whether the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 22 is greater than the second threshold value TH2 (step S60).

[0184] For example, when the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 22 is less than the second threshold value TH2 (No in S60), the control device 120 continues charging (step S61).

[0185] On the other hand, when the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 22 is greater than the second threshold TH2 (Yes in S60), the control device 120 controls the charging of the electric vehicle 22 to reduce the charging power of the electric vehicle 22 (step S62). That is, the control device 120 controls the charging of the electric vehicle 22 to reduce the power transmitted to the electric vehicle 22. Note that, because grid stabilization is the highest priority, the amount of reduction in charging power is an amount necessary to prevent the power transmitted via the grid equipment from exceeding an upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity. For example, if there are multiple electric vehicles 22, and the reduction in charging power expected to be completed by the desired charging completion time tr (see FIG. 7 ) can prevent the power transmitted via the grid equipment from exceeding the upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity, the electric vehicles expected to be fully charged by the desired charging completion time tr are preferentially reduced, and the reduction amount is the amount expected to be fully charged by the desired charging completion time tr. The control device 120 controls the charging power based on the desired charging completion time tr and the current charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 22.

[0186] The control device 120 may give priority to reducing the charging power for an electric vehicle 22 among a plurality of electric vehicles 22 whose predicted charging completion time tp up to the first threshold value TH1 has more leeway than the desired charging completion time tr up to the first threshold value TH1 desired by the user of the electric vehicle 22.

[0187] Furthermore, after reducing the charging power of each of the plurality of electric vehicles 22, the control device 120 determines whether the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11 is greater than the upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity (step S63).

[0188] If the transmitted power is smaller than the upper limit of the power capacity (No in S63), the control device 120 determines that the power shortage has been resolved and terminates the charging control or discharging control according to this flow. On the other hand, if the transmitted power is larger than the upper limit of the power capacity (Yes in S63), the control device 120 discharges the power of each of the multiple electric vehicles 22 to the power loads 30 receiving power via the power grid 140 or the power grid equipment 11 (step S64).

[0189] The charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 22 to be discharged needs to be greater than the second threshold value TH2. Since stabilizing the grid is the highest priority, the discharge amount is an amount necessary to prevent the power transmitted via the grid equipment from exceeding an upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity. For example, if there are multiple electric vehicles 22, and the discharge amount expected to complete charging by the desired charging completion time tr can be set so as not to exceed the upper limit equal to or less than the power capacity of the grid equipment, the electric vehicle expected to complete charging by the desired charging completion time tr is given priority for discharge, and the discharge amount is the amount expected to complete charging by the desired charging completion time tr.

[0190] The control method according to the third modification of the embodiment is executed by the processing of steps S10 to S64. This allows the power grid 140 to operate stably and ensures that the amount of charge for the electric vehicle 20 is sufficient.

[0191] [Fourth Modification of the Embodiment] A control method according to a fourth modification of the embodiment will be described.

[0192] The central DERMS 210 acquires information on excess areas where the transmitted power is likely to exceed the power capacity of the grid equipment, and also acquires information on the amount of excess power, which is the amount of power that exceeds the power capacity.The central DERMS 210 then provides this information on excess areas and information on the amount of excess power to the DERMS 240.

[0193] The DERMS 240 controls the charging or discharging of the electric vehicle 20 as follows, based on the provided information on the excess area and the excess power amount.

[0194] First, the DERMS 240 identifies the charging site 130 linked to the grid facility in the excess area. Then, the DERMS 240 charges the electric vehicles 20 connected to the charging site 130 outside the excess area up to the DER area vr0 as usual.

[0195] On the other hand, when the charge amount sc of the electric vehicle 20 in the excess area is greater than the first threshold TH1, the DERMS 240 controls the charging or discharging of the electric vehicle 20 so as to reduce the power transmitted via the grid equipment 11. Specifically, the DERMS 240 reduces the charging power of the electric vehicle 20 by lowering the charging rate during charging.

[0196] If the excess power amount cannot be reduced even after reducing the charging power of the electric vehicle 20, the DERMS 240 may discharge the power held by the electric vehicle 20 to the power load 30 receiving power via the power grid 140 or the power grid equipment 11. If the excess power amount cannot be reduced even after discharging the power stored in the electric vehicle 20 (stored power), the DERMS 240 may reduce the charging power of the electric vehicle 20 whose charge amount sc is in the dischargeable range vr1. If the excess power amount cannot be reduced even after reducing the charging power, the DERMS 240 may discharge the power until the charge amount in the dischargeable range vr1 reaches the second threshold value TH2.

[0197] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control method according to the fourth modification of the embodiment.

[0198] The management device 110 described below corresponds to the central DERMS 210, and the control device 120 corresponds to the charging-related DERMS 240. In the fourth modification, the operation of the control device 120 for a congested area will be described.

[0199] First, the control device 120 acquires information about the constrained area (step S110). The information about the constrained area is transmitted from the management device 110, for example.

[0200] Next, the control device 120 reduces the charge rate of the electric vehicles 20 that exist in the power shortage area and whose charge amount sc is in the DER region vr0. However, if the power shortage in the power shortage area is not resolved, the control device 120 stops charging (step S120).

[0201] The control device 120 determines whether the power shortage in the power-stressed area has been resolved (step S130). If the power shortage has been resolved (Yes in S130), the charge control or discharge control according to this flow is terminated.

[0202] If the power shortage has not been resolved (No in S130), the control device 120 discharges the stored power of the electric vehicles whose charge amount sc is in the DER region vr0 (step S140). If there are multiple electric vehicles 20, the control device 120 may equally divide the required discharge amount according to the number of electric vehicles 20 and discharge the divided amounts.

[0203] Control device 120 again determines whether the power shortage in the power-stressed area has been resolved (step S150). If the power shortage has been resolved (Yes in S150), control device 120 ends the charging control or discharging control according to this flow.

[0204] If the power shortage has not been resolved (No in S150), the control device 120 reduces the charge rate of an electric vehicle whose charge amount sc is in the recommended charging range among the multiple electric vehicles 20. However, if the power shortage in the power shortage area is not resolved, charging is stopped (step S160).

[0205] Control device 120 again determines whether the power shortage in the power-stressed area has been resolved (step S170). If the power shortage has been resolved (Yes in S170), control device 120 ends the charging control or discharging control according to this flow.

[0206] If the power shortage has not been resolved (No in S170), the control device 120 discharges the stored power of the electric vehicle whose charge level sc is in the recommended charge range (step S180).

[0207] The above-described charging stop, charge rate change, and discharge are performed on all of the target electric vehicles 20 or on electric vehicles selected based on a predetermined priority order.

[0208] The control method according to the fourth modification of the embodiment is executed by the processing of steps S110 to S180. This allows the power grid 140 to operate stably and the charge amount for the electric vehicle 20 to be secured.

[0209] [Fifth Modification of the Embodiment] A control method according to a fifth modification of the embodiment will be described. In the fifth modification, an example will be described in which charging control or discharging control is performed by giving priority to an electric vehicle 20 that is within the recommended charging region and has a margin of time until the desired charging completion time tr.

[0210] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a control method according to the fifth modification of the embodiment.

[0211] In the fifth modification, the operation of the control device 120 for a congested area will be described.

[0212] First, the control device 120 acquires information about the congested area (step S110).

[0213] Next, the control device 120 reduces the charge rate of the electric vehicles 20 that exist in the power shortage area and whose charge amount sc is in the DER region vr0. However, if the power shortage in the power shortage area is not resolved, the control device 120 stops charging (step S120).

[0214] The control device 120 determines whether the power shortage in the power-stressed area has been resolved (step S130). If the power shortage has been resolved (Yes in S130), the charge control or discharge control according to this flow is terminated.

[0215] If the power shortage has not been resolved (No in S130), the control device 120 discharges the stored power of the electric vehicle whose charge amount sc is in the DER region vr0 (step S140).

[0216] Control device 120 again determines whether the power shortage in the power-stressed area has been resolved (step S150). If the power shortage has been resolved (Yes in S150), control device 120 ends the charging control or discharging control according to this flow.

[0217] If the power shortage has not been resolved (No in S150), the control device 120 reduces the charge rate of the electric vehicles 20 whose charge amounts sc are in the recommended charge range and whose predicted charge completion time tp is earlier than the requested charge completion time tr. However, if the power shortage in the power shortage area is not resolved, charging is stopped (step S151).

[0218] The control device 120 again determines whether the power shortage in the power-stressed area has been resolved (step S152). If the power shortage has been resolved (Yes in S152), the control device 120 ends the charging control or discharging control according to this flow.

[0219] If the power shortage has not been resolved (No in S152), the control device 120 discharges the stored power of the electric vehicles 20 whose charge amount sc is in the recommended charging range and whose predicted charging completion time tp is earlier than the desired charging completion time tr (step S153).

[0220] The control device 120 again determines whether the power shortage in the power-stressed area has been resolved (step S154). If the power shortage has been resolved (Yes in S154), the control device 120 ends the charging control or discharging control according to this flow.

[0221] If the power shortage has not been resolved (No in S154), the control device 120 reduces the charge rates of other electric vehicles 20 whose charge amounts sc are in the recommended charging range. However, if the power shortage in the power shortage area is not resolved, charging is stopped (step S160).

[0222] Control device 120 again determines whether the power shortage in the power-stressed area has been resolved (step S170). If the power shortage has been resolved (Yes in S170), control device 120 ends the charging control or discharging control according to this flow.

[0223] If the power shortage has not been resolved (No in S170), the control device 120 discharges the stored power of the electric vehicle whose charge level sc is in the recommended charge range (step S180).

[0224] The above-described charging stop, charge rate change, and discharge are performed on all of the target electric vehicles 20 or on electric vehicles selected based on a predetermined priority order.

[0225] The control method according to the fifth modified embodiment is executed by the processing of steps S110 to S180. This allows the power grid 140 to operate stably and ensures that the amount of charge for the electric vehicle 20 is sufficient.

[0226] (Other Embodiments) Although the aspects of the control device have been described above according to the embodiments, the aspects of the control device are not limited to the embodiments. Modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art may be applied to the embodiments, and multiple components in the embodiments may be combined in any manner.

[0227] For example, a process performed by a specific component in an embodiment may be performed by another component instead of the specific component. Furthermore, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" used in the description may be changed, removed, or newly assigned as appropriate. These ordinal numbers do not necessarily correspond to a meaningful order, and may be used to identify elements.

[0228] Furthermore, a control method including steps performed by each component of the control device may be executed by any system or device. That is, the control method may be executed by the above-mentioned control device or by another system or device.

[0229] For example, a part or all of the control method may be executed by a computer including a processor, a memory, an input / output circuit, etc. In this case, the control method may be executed by the computer executing a program for causing the computer to execute the control method.

[0230] The above program may also be recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0231] Furthermore, each component of the control device may be configured with dedicated hardware, general-purpose hardware that executes the above-mentioned programs, or a combination of these. The general-purpose hardware may be configured with a memory in which the programs are recorded and a general-purpose processor that reads and executes the programs from the memory. Here, the memory may be a semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and the general-purpose processor may be a CPU.

[0232] Furthermore, the dedicated hardware may be configured with a memory and a dedicated processor, etc. For example, the dedicated processor may refer to the memory and execute the above control method.

[0233] Each component of the control device may be an electric circuit. These electric circuits may form a single electric circuit as a whole, or may be separate electric circuits. These electric circuits may correspond to dedicated hardware or general-purpose hardware that executes the above-mentioned programs, etc.

[0234] The present disclosure can be used as a control method or the like for achieving both stable operation of a power grid and ensuring a sufficient amount of charge for an electric vehicle.

[0235] 11, 12 Power system equipment 20, 21, 22 Electric vehicle 30 Power load 100 Power control system 110 Management device 120 Control device 121 First information acquirer 122 Second information acquirer 125 Controller 126 Memory device 130 Charging site 140 Power system 210 Central DERMS 220 Residential-related DERMS 230 Industrial-related DERMS 240 Charging-related DERMS 250 Residential equipment 260 Industrial equipment 272 Charger sc Charge amount TH1, TH2 Threshold value tp Predicted charging completion time tr Desired charging completion time vr0 DER area vr1 Dischargeable area vr2 Discharge-prohibited area

Claims

1. A control method comprising the steps of: acquiring information indicating a charge amount of at least one first electric vehicle connected to a power grid and capable of receiving transmitted power via first system equipment; acquiring information indicating a first threshold value set for the charge amount of the first electric vehicle; and, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or lower than the power capacity of the first system equipment, controlling charging or discharging of the first electric vehicle so as to reduce the transmitted power via the first system equipment based on a comparison between the charge amount of the first electric vehicle and the first threshold value.

2. The control method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of identifying an electric vehicle capable of receiving power transmitted via the first grid equipment.

3. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first threshold value is a value smaller than a charge amount at which charging of the first electric vehicle is determined to be completed.

4. A control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first threshold value is a value set by a user of the first electric vehicle as a charge amount that the user wishes to secure without discharging and utilizing the power of the first electric vehicle.

5. A control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising reducing the charging power of the first electric vehicle when the transmission power via the first grid equipment is greater than the upper limit and the charging amount of the first electric vehicle is greater than the first threshold.

6. A control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising discharging power from the first electric vehicle to an electric load receiving power via the power grid or the first system equipment when the charged amount of the first electric vehicle is greater than the first threshold value.

7. The control method according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising the step of continuing charging the first electric vehicle when the charged amount of the first electric vehicle is less than the first threshold value.

8. The control method according to claim 5, further comprising discharging the power of the first electric vehicle to an electric load receiving power via the power grid or the first power grid when the power transmitted via the first power grid equipment is still greater than the upper limit after the charging power of the first electric vehicle is reduced.

9. The control method according to claim 5, wherein the at least one first electric vehicle is a plurality of first electric vehicles, and when the transmitted power via the first system equipment is greater than the upper limit even after the charging power of a predetermined first electric vehicle among the plurality of first electric vehicles is reduced, the control method discharges power of the predetermined first electric vehicle or another first electric vehicle having a charged amount greater than the first threshold to an electric load receiving power via the electric power system or the first system equipment.

10. The control method according to any one of claims 6, 8 and 9, wherein the at least one first electric vehicle is a plurality of first electric vehicles, and among the plurality of first electric vehicles, a first electric vehicle having a charge amount greater than the first threshold is preferentially discharged.

11. The control method according to any one of claims 6, 8 and 9, further comprising the steps of: acquiring information indicating a charge amount of at least one second electric vehicle connected to the power grid and capable of receiving transmitted power via the first grid equipment; and acquiring information indicating a first threshold value set for the charge amount of the second electric vehicle, wherein when the transmitted power via the first grid equipment exceeds the upper limit even after the power of the first electric vehicle is discharged, the charging power of the second electric vehicle is reduced even if the charged amount of the second electric vehicle is less than the first threshold value.

12. The control method according to claim 11, wherein the charging amount of the second electric vehicle, in which the charging power is reduced, is a magnitude that is expected to complete charging by a desired charging completion time up to the first threshold value requested by a user of the second electric vehicle, even if the charging power is reduced.

13. The control method according to claim 11, wherein the at least one second electric vehicle is a plurality of second electric vehicles, and the charging power is reduced preferentially for a second electric vehicle among the plurality of second electric vehicles, the second electric vehicle having a predicted charging completion time up to the first threshold value that has a greater margin of time for charging completion up to the first threshold value than a desired charging completion time up to the first threshold value desired by a user of the second electric vehicle.

14. A control method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising a step of acquiring information indicating a second threshold value set for a charge amount of the second electric vehicle, the second threshold value being smaller than the first threshold value, wherein the charge amount of the second electric vehicle for which charging power is reduced is larger than the second threshold value.

15. A control method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising discharging the power of the second electric vehicle to an electric load receiving power via the power grid or the first power grid when the power transmitted via the first power grid equipment exceeds the upper limit even after the charging power of the second electric vehicle is reduced.

16. The control method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the at least one second electric vehicle is a plurality of second electric vehicles, and when transmitted power via the first system equipment exceeds the upper limit even after the charging power of a predetermined second electric vehicle among the plurality of second electric vehicles is reduced, the control method discharges power of the predetermined second electric vehicle or another second electric vehicle to an electric power load receiving power via the power system or the first system equipment.

17. The control method according to claim 16, further comprising: giving priority to discharging a second electric vehicle among the plurality of second electric vehicles, the second electric vehicle having a predicted time of completion of charging up to the first threshold value that has a greater margin of time relative to a desired time of completion of charging up to the first threshold value desired by a user of the second electric vehicle.

18. A control method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising a step of acquiring information indicating the first threshold value set for the charge amount of the second electric vehicle and information indicating a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, wherein the charge amount of the second electric vehicle to be discharged is larger than the second threshold value.

19. A control method as described in claim 15 or 16, wherein the charge amount of the second electric vehicle to be discharged is an amount that is expected to complete charging by a desired charging completion time up to the first threshold value requested by a user of the second electric vehicle, even if the vehicle is discharged.

20. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the at least one first electric vehicle is a plurality of first electric vehicles, and when the transmitted power via the first system equipment and the transmitted power via a second system equipment different from the first system equipment exceed an upper limit equal to or lower than the power capacity of each of the system equipment, charging or discharging is controlled with a higher priority for a first electric vehicle among the plurality of first electric vehicles that can receive transmitted power via both the first system equipment and the second system equipment.

21. A control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the at least one first electric vehicle is a plurality of first electric vehicles, and when power transmitted via the first system equipment of the power system exceeds an upper limit equal to or lower than the power capacity of the first system equipment, charging or discharging is controlled with priority given to a first electric vehicle among the plurality of first electric vehicles that has a shorter electric path to the first system equipment.

22. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the at least one first electric vehicle is a plurality of first electric vehicles, and when transmission power via the first system equipment of the power system exceeds an upper limit equal to or lower than the power capacity of the first system equipment, the control is performed to give priority to charging or discharging an electric vehicle that has acquired fewer incentives in a past period among the plurality of first electric vehicles.

23. A control method comprising: a step of acquiring information indicating a charge amount of a plurality of first electric vehicles connected to a power system and capable of receiving transmitted power via a first system facility; and a step of controlling charging or discharging so as to reduce the transmitted power via the first system facility, when the transmitted power via the first system facility and the transmitted power via a second system facility different from the first system facility exceed an upper limit equal to or lower than the power capacity of each of the plurality of first electric vehicles.

24. A control method comprising: a step of acquiring information indicating a charge amount of a plurality of first electric vehicles connected to an electric power system and capable of receiving transmitted power via first system equipment; and a step of controlling charging or discharging so as to reduce the transmitted power via the first system equipment, with priority given to a first electric vehicle among the plurality of first electric vehicles that has a shorter electric path to the first system equipment, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment of the electric power system exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or lower than the power capacity of the first system equipment.

25. A control method comprising: a step of acquiring information indicating a charge amount of a plurality of first electric vehicles connected to an electric power system and capable of receiving transmitted power via first system equipment; and a step of controlling charging or discharging so as to reduce the transmitted power via the first system equipment, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment of the electric power system exceeds an upper limit equal to or lower than the power capacity of the first system equipment, giving priority to electric vehicles among the plurality of first electric vehicles that have acquired fewer incentives in a past period.

26. A control device comprising: a first information acquirer that acquires information indicating a charged amount of at least one first electric vehicle that is connected to a power system and capable of receiving transmitted power via first system equipment; a second information acquirer that acquires information indicating a first threshold value set for the charged amount of the first electric vehicle; and a controller that controls charging or discharging of the first electric vehicle so as to reduce the transmitted power via the first system equipment based on a comparison between the charged amount of the first electric vehicle and the first threshold value when the transmitted power via the first system equipment exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or lower than the power capacity of the first system equipment.

27. A control device comprising: a first information acquirer that is connected to a power system and acquires information indicating a charge amount of a plurality of first electric vehicles capable of receiving transmission power via a first system facility; and a controller that, when the transmission power via the first system facility and the transmission power via a second system facility different from the first system facility exceed an upper limit equal to or lower than the power capacity of each of the plurality of first electric vehicles, controls charging or discharging so as to reduce the transmission power via the first system facility with priority given to the first electric vehicle among the plurality of first electric vehicles that is capable of receiving transmission power via both the first system facility and the second system facility.

28. A control device comprising: a first information acquirer that acquires information indicating a charge amount of a plurality of first electric vehicles that are connected to a power system and can receive transmitted power via first system equipment; and a controller that, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment of the power system exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or lower than the power capacity of the first system equipment, controls charging or discharging so as to reduce the transmitted power via the first system equipment, giving priority to a first electric vehicle among the plurality of first electric vehicles that has a shorter electric path to the first system equipment.

29. A control device comprising: a first information acquirer that acquires information indicating a charge amount of a plurality of first electric vehicles that are connected to an electric power system and can receive transmitted power via first system equipment; and a controller that, when the transmitted power via the first system equipment of the electric power system exceeds an upper limit that is equal to or lower than the power capacity of the first system equipment, controls charging or discharging so as to reduce the transmitted power via the first system equipment, giving priority to electric vehicles that have acquired fewer incentives in a past period among the plurality of first electric vehicles.

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