Power management system

Abstract

Before an electric vehicle arrives at a building, a user of the electric vehicle cannot know the result of an evaluation on the chargeable amount of the electric vehicle when charging is possible. A power management system (1) manages power supply to an electric vehicle (3) provided in a building (98). When the electric vehicle (3) has not arrived at the building (98), a control unit certifies when charging of the electric vehicle (3) is possible on the basis of information regarding operation of the electric vehicle (3). The control unit evaluates the chargeable amount of the electric vehicle (3) on the basis of a power consumption limit in the building (98), the time when charging is possible, and a power consumption in the building (98). The control unit transmits the evaluation result to the electric vehicle (3) or a portable terminal (9) carried by the user of the electric vehicle (3).

Description

Power management system

[0001] It relates to a power management system.

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-200015), there is a technology for managing the power supply to equipment installed in a building.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, before an electric vehicle arrives at a building, since the user of the electric vehicle cannot know the result of the evaluation of the chargeable amount to the electric vehicle during the chargeable period, there is a problem that, according to the result of the evaluation of the chargeable amount, charging the electric vehicle at a place other than the building, power-saving operation of the electric vehicle, etc. cannot be performed in advance.

[0004] The power management system from the first perspective manages the power supply to an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle is installed in a building. The power management system includes a control unit. When the electric vehicle has not arrived at the building, the control unit acquires first operation information. The first operation information is information related to the operation of the electric vehicle. When the electric vehicle has not arrived at the building, the control unit determines the chargeable period of the electric vehicle based on the first operation information. When the electric vehicle has not arrived at the building, the control unit evaluates the chargeable amount to the electric vehicle based on the power consumption limit in the building, the chargeable period, and the power consumption in the building. When the electric vehicle has not arrived at the building, the control unit transmits the result of the evaluation to the electric vehicle or a mobile terminal carried by the user of the electric vehicle.

[0005] The power management system from the first perspective transmits it to the electric vehicle or a mobile terminal carried by the user of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle has not arrived at the building. Therefore, before the electric vehicle arrives at the building, the user of the electric vehicle can know the result of the evaluation of the chargeable amount to the electric vehicle during the chargeable period. As a result, the user of the electric vehicle can charge the electric vehicle at a place other than the building and perform power-saving operation of the electric vehicle, etc. in advance according to the result of the evaluation of the chargeable amount.

[0006] The second power management system is the same as the first power management system, and the control unit transmits the evaluation result to the electric vehicle or mobile terminal when the amount of charge available is less than a predetermined amount.

[0007] The second power management system, with this configuration, can omit the transmission of evaluation results when the charge capacity is sufficient.

[0008] The third power management system is a power management system according to the first or second perspective, in which the control unit periodically transmits the evaluation results to an electric vehicle or a mobile terminal.

[0009] From a third perspective, this configuration of the power management system increases the opportunities for electric vehicle users to know the amount of charge available for their electric vehicle at the time of charging before the electric vehicle arrives at the building.

[0010] The fourth power management system is a power management system that is one of the first, third, or fourth power management systems, and the evaluation results include information on the amount of charge that can be charged by having a hot water heater installed in the building perform boiling operation before the charging period, or information on the amount of charge that can be charged by having an air conditioner installed in the building perform energy-saving operation during the charging period.

[0011] In the fourth aspect of the power management system, if it is possible to have the water heater perform boiling operation before the charging period begins, the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle during the charging period can be increased by having the electric vehicle user perform boiling operation before the charging period begins using a mobile device or the like. Also, if the power management system is possible to have the air conditioner perform energy-saving operation during the charging period, the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle during the charging period can be increased by having the electric vehicle user perform energy-saving operation such as cooling operation with a higher set temperature or heating operation with a lower set temperature during the charging period using a remote controller or the like.

[0012] The power management system of the fifth perspective is a power management system of any one of the first, fourth, or fourth perspectives, wherein the first operational information includes a first time. The first time is the time when the electric vehicle arrives at the building. The control unit acquires the location information of the electric vehicle and acquires the time when the electric vehicle is predicted to arrive at the building using the location information as the first time. Alternatively, the control unit acquires the time when the electric vehicle is predicted to arrive at the building based on past times when the electric vehicle has arrived at the building as the first time. Alternatively, the control unit acquires the time when the electric vehicle is predicted to arrive at the building, input using the input unit, as the first time.

[0013] The power management system of the sixth perspective is a power management system of either the first perspective or the fifth perspective, wherein the first operational information includes a second time. The second time is the time when the electric vehicle departs the building. The control unit acquires the time when the electric vehicle departs the building, predicted based on past times when the electric vehicle departed the building, as the second time. Alternatively, the control unit acquires the time when the electric vehicle departs the building, input using the input unit, as the second time. Alternatively, the control unit acquires the time when the electric vehicle departs the building, based on the electric vehicle's operational schedule, as the second time.

[0014] The power management method for the seventh aspect is performed by a computer. The power management method manages the power supply to the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle is installed in the building. The computer includes a control unit. If the electric vehicle has not yet arrived at the building, the control unit acquires first operational information. The first operational information is information regarding the operation of the electric vehicle. If the electric vehicle has not yet arrived at the building, the control unit determines when the electric vehicle can be charged based on the first operational information. If the electric vehicle has not yet arrived at the building, the control unit evaluates the amount of charge that can be supplied to the electric vehicle based on the power consumption limits in the building, the charging availability period, and the power consumption within the building. If the electric vehicle has not yet arrived at the building, the control unit transmits the evaluation results to the electric vehicle or to a mobile terminal carried by the electric vehicle user.

[0015] This is a schematic diagram of the power management system. This is a functional block diagram of an electric vehicle. This is a functional block diagram of a water heater. This is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner. This is a functional block diagram of a control unit. This is a flowchart explaining the processing of the control unit.

[0016] (1) Overall configuration diagram 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the power management system 1. As shown in Figure 1, the power management system 1 manages the power supply to the electric vehicle 3 installed in building 98. Building 98 is further equipped with a control device 2, a hot water heater 4, an air conditioner 5, a converter 6, a distribution board 7, a charging device 8, and household appliances 96 other than the hot water heater 4 and air conditioner 5 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as household appliances 96).

[0017] The power management system 1 has a control device 2. The control device 2 controls the power supply to the water heater 4 and the electric vehicle 3. The control device 2 and the electric vehicle 3 are connected to each other via a network NW1 such as the Internet. The control device 2, the water heater 4, the air conditioner 5, the home appliance 96, and the converter 6 are connected to each other via a network NW2 such as a LAN. The distribution board 7 and the water heater 4, the distribution board 7 and the air conditioner 5, the distribution board 7 and the converter 6, the distribution board 7 and the home appliance 96, the converter 6 and the charging device 8, and the distribution board 7 and the power system 99 are connected to each other via a power line 97 so that power can be supplied.

[0018] Furthermore, the control device 2 and the mobile terminal 9 carried by the user of the electric vehicle 3 are connected via a network NW1 such as the Internet, enabling communication. The mobile terminal 9 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet. The mobile terminal 9 has an application installed for operating the water heater 4 and the air conditioner 5 via the control device 2.

[0019] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Distribution board The distribution board 7 distributes AC power supplied from the power grid 99 to the hot water heater 4, air conditioner 5, home appliances 96, and converter 6.

[0020] (2-2) Electric Vehicle Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the electric vehicle 3. As shown in Figure 2, the electric vehicle 3 mainly consists of a storage battery 3a, a charging connector 3b, an input unit 32, a display unit 33, and a control unit 39.

[0021] The storage battery 3a is an on-board battery for the electric vehicle 3, used to power the drive motor and on-board electrical components. The storage battery 3a is charged when the charging connector 3b is connected to the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8. The input unit 32 is an input interface for the on-board navigation system's touch panel, etc. The display unit 33 is an output interface for the on-board navigation system's touch panel, etc.

[0022] The control unit 39 controls the operation of each component of the electric vehicle 3. The control unit 39 has a control arithmetic unit and a memory device. The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU and a GPU. The memory device is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. The control arithmetic unit reads and executes programs stored in the memory device to realize various functions of the electric vehicle 3. The control arithmetic unit can also write calculation results to the memory device and read information stored in the memory device according to the program.

[0023] The control unit 39 exchanges various information, such as control signals and signals related to various settings, with the control device 2 via the network NW1.

[0024] Each time the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is connected to the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8, the control unit 39 acquires the time of connection and the charge level of the storage battery 3a at that time, and transmits them to the control device 2.

[0025] Each time the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is disconnected from the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8, the control unit 39 acquires the time of disconnection and the charge level of the storage battery 3a at the time of disconnection, and transmits them to the control device 2.

[0026] The control unit 39 periodically (for example, every 30 seconds) acquires the charge level of the electric vehicle 3 and the location information of the electric vehicle 3, and transmits them to the control device 2.

[0027] The control unit 39, upon receiving instructions from the control device 2, transmits to the control device 2 the charge level of the electric vehicle 3 at the time it received the instructions from the control device 2, and the location information of the electric vehicle 3 at the time it received the instructions from the control device 2. The location information of the electric vehicle 3 is acquired, for example, via the network NW1 using GPS functionality.

[0028] (2-3) Charging device The charging device 8 is a device for charging the battery 3a of the electric vehicle 3 with power supplied from the power grid 99 via the converter 6. The charging device 8 has a charging connector 8a. The charging device 8 charges the battery 3a when the charging connector 8a is connected to the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3.

[0029] (2-4) Conversion device The conversion device 6 can convert DC voltage to AC voltage, or AC voltage to DC voltage, between the power system 99 and the storage battery 3a. For example, the conversion device 6 converts AC power from the power system 99 to DC power and supplies it to the storage battery 3a.

[0030] (2-5) Hot water supply system The hot water supply system 4 mainly comprises a heat pump unit, a hot water storage unit, and a control unit 49.

[0031] The heat pump unit heats the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit and supplies the heated hot water back to the hot water storage unit. The hot water storage unit stores the heated hot water supplied from the heat pump unit, mixes the stored hot water with water supplied from the shut-off valve, and supplies it to the hot water supply unit and the bathtub. The hot water supply unit is, for example, a faucet and shower. The shut-off valve is connected to an external water source such as a water supply. The shut-off valve is operated to supply water to the hot water storage unit.

[0032] Here, "hot water" refers to at least one of hot water and cold water. Therefore, both water before it is heated by the heat pump unit and water after it has been heated by the heat pump unit are referred to as "hot water."

[0033] (2-5-1) Heat pump unit The heat pump unit mainly comprises a compressor, a water heat exchanger, an expansion valve 413, and an air heat exchanger. The compressor, water heat exchanger, expansion valve 413, and air heat exchanger are connected in a ring by refrigerant piping to constitute a heat pump cycle. The heat pump unit also has a first control device 419.

[0034] The compressor has a compression mechanism that compresses the refrigerant by driving a compressor motor 411a. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor is sent to a water heat exchanger. The capacity of the heat pump unit can be adjusted by controlling the operating frequency of the compressor motor 411a. The water heat exchanger exchanges heat between the high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor and the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit, heating the hot water. The expansion valve 413 depressurizes the refrigerant that has passed through the water heat exchanger and undergone heat exchange. The air heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant that has been depressurized by passing through the expansion valve 413 and the outside air, heating the refrigerant. Outside air is supplied to the air heat exchanger, for example, by an outside air fan. The refrigerant that has passed through the air heat exchanger and undergone heat exchange is sent to the compressor.

[0035] The first control device 419 controls the operation of each part that constitutes the heat pump unit. The first control device 419 has a control arithmetic unit and a memory device. The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU and a GPU. The memory device is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. The control arithmetic unit reads and executes programs stored in the memory device to realize various functions of the heat pump unit. The control arithmetic unit can also write calculation results to the memory device and read information stored in the memory device according to the program.

[0036] (2-5-2) Hot water storage unit The hot water storage unit mainly comprises a hot water storage tank and a boiling pump 424. These elements are connected by pipes through which hot water flows. The hot water storage unit also has a second control device 429.

[0037] The hot water storage tank stores hot water. The hot water storage tank is equipped with multiple tank temperature sensors T41. As the density of water changes with temperature, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank forms layers where the upper part is hotter and the lower part is colder. Therefore, by detecting the temperature distribution of the hot water in the hot water storage tank in the vertical direction based on the output signals of the multiple tank temperature sensors T41, the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank (storage volume) can be obtained.

[0038] The second control device 429 controls the operation of each part that constitutes the hot water storage unit. The second control device 429 has a control arithmetic unit and a memory device. The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU and a GPU. The memory device is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. The control arithmetic unit reads and executes programs stored in the memory device to realize various functions of the hot water storage unit. The control arithmetic unit can also write calculation results to the memory device and read information stored in the memory device according to the program.

[0039] (2-5-3) The first control device 419 of the control unit heat pump unit and the second control device 429 of the hot water storage unit work together to function as a control unit 49. Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the hot water supply system 4. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 49 is communicatively connected to the compressor motor 411a, the expansion valve 413, the boiling pump 424, and the multiple tank temperature sensors T41.

[0040] The control unit 49 exchanges various information with the control device 2 via the network NW2, including control signals, signals related to measurements from various sensors, and signals related to various settings.

[0041] The control unit 49 acquires, as operation data, at regular intervals (for example, every 30 seconds), the rotation speed of the compressor motor 411a, the opening degree of the expansion valve 413, the rotation speed of the boiling-up pump 424, the amount of stored hot water in the hot water storage tank, the measured values of a plurality of tank temperature sensors T41, and the power consumption, etc., and transmits them to the control device 2. The power consumption may be the measured value of a wattmeter provided in the hot water supply device 4, or may be calculated by a predetermined mathematical formula using the rotation speed of the compressor motor 411a, the rotation speed of the boiling-up pump 424, etc.

[0042] The control unit 49 performs a boiling-up operation according to the remote controller of the hot water supply device 4 or an instruction from the control device 2. The boiling-up operation is an operation of heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank by the heat pump unit. In the boiling-up operation, by driving the boiling-up pump 424, the hot water in the hot water storage tank is guided to the water heat exchanger and heated. The hot water heated in the water heat exchanger is returned to the hot water storage tank. Thus, in the boiling-up operation, the hot water in the hot water storage tank is circulated and heated in the water heat exchanger. The control unit 49 performs the boiling-up operation by controlling the compressor, the expansion valve 413, and the boiling-up pump 424. The control unit 49 controls the rotation speed of the compressor motor 411a and the opening degree of the expansion valve 413 to adjust the capacity of the heat pump unit and the temperature of the hot water heated in the water heat exchanger (the hot water outlet temperature), etc. The control unit 49 controls the rotation speed of the boiling-up pump 424 to adjust the hot water outlet temperature, the amount of stored hot water in the hot water storage tank, and the flow rate of the hot water supplied to the hot water storage tank (the storage flow rate), etc.

[0043] (2-6) Air conditioner The air conditioner 5 constitutes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle and performs air conditioning of the target space in the building 98. It has an indoor unit 51, an outdoor unit 52, and a control unit 59. The indoor unit 51 and the outdoor unit 52 are connected by a liquid refrigerant connection pipe and a gas refrigerant connection pipe to constitute a refrigerant circuit.

[0044] (2-6-1) Indoor unit The indoor unit 51 is provided, for example, on the ceiling of the target space. The indoor unit 51 mainly has an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan, an indoor temperature sensor T51, and an indoor control unit 519.

[0045] The indoor heat exchanger facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through it and the air in the target space. The indoor fan draws air from the target space into the indoor unit 51, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger, and supplies the drawn-in air to the target space. The indoor fan is driven by the indoor fan motor 512m. The indoor temperature sensor T51 measures the temperature of the air in the target space.

[0046] The indoor control unit 519 controls the operation of each component of the indoor unit 51. The indoor control unit 519 has a control arithmetic unit and a memory device. The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU and a GPU. The memory device is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. The control arithmetic unit reads and executes programs stored in the memory device to realize various functions of the indoor unit 51. The control arithmetic unit can also write calculation results to the memory device and read information stored in the memory device according to the program.

[0047] (2-6-2) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 52 is installed, for example, on the roof of the building 98. The outdoor unit 52 mainly comprises a compressor, a flow path switching valve 522, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor expansion valve 524, an outdoor fan, an outdoor temperature sensor T52, and an outdoor control unit 529.

[0048] The compressor sucks in low-pressure refrigerant from the suction pipe, compresses the refrigerant by the compression mechanism, and discharges the compressed refrigerant into the discharge pipe. The compression mechanism of the compressor is driven by the compressor motor 521m. The flow path switching valve 522 is a mechanism for switching the flow path of the refrigerant between the first state and the second state. During the cooling operation, the flow path switching valve 522 sets the flow path of the refrigerant to the first state. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the refrigerant circuit in the order of the outdoor heat exchanger, the outdoor expansion valve 524, and the indoor heat exchanger, and returns to the compressor. In the first state, the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. During the heating operation, the flow path switching valve 522 sets the flow path of the refrigerant to the second state. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the refrigerant circuit in the order of the indoor heat exchanger, the outdoor expansion valve 524, and the outdoor heat exchanger, and returns to the compressor. In the second state, the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser. The outdoor heat exchanger performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger and the outdoor air of the building 98. The outdoor expansion valve 524 is a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit. The outdoor fan supplies the outdoor air of the building 98 to the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan is driven by the outdoor fan motor 526m. The outdoor temperature sensor T52 measures the temperature of the outside air of the building 98.

[0049] The outdoor control unit 529 controls the operations of each part constituting the outdoor unit 52. The outdoor control unit 529 has a control arithmetic unit and a storage device. The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU and a GPU. The storage device is a storage medium such as a RAM, a ROM, and a flash memory. The control arithmetic unit reads and executes the program stored in the storage device to realize various functions of the outdoor unit 52. Also, the control arithmetic unit can write the calculation result to the storage device and read the information stored in the storage device according to the program.

[0050] (2-6-3) Control Unit The indoor control unit 519 of the indoor unit 51 and the outdoor control unit 529 of the outdoor unit 52 work together to function as a control unit 59. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the air conditioner 5. As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 59 is communicatively connected to the indoor fan motor 512m, indoor temperature sensor T51, compressor motor 521m, flow path switching valve 522, outdoor expansion valve 524, outdoor fan motor 526m, and outdoor temperature sensor T52.

[0051] The control unit 59 exchanges various information with the control device 2 via the network NW2, including control signals, signals related to measurements from various sensors, and signals related to various settings.

[0052] The control unit 59 periodically (for example, every 30 seconds) acquires operating data such as the rotational speed of the indoor fan motor 512m, the measured value of the indoor temperature sensor T51, the rotational speed of the compressor motor 521m, the state of the flow path switching valve 522, the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 524, the rotational speed of the outdoor fan motor 526m, the measured value of the outdoor temperature sensor T52, and power consumption, and transmits this data to the control device 2. The power consumption may be the measured value of a power meter installed in the air conditioner 5, or it may be calculated using a predetermined formula with respect to the rotational speed of the indoor fan motor 512m, the rotational speed of the compressor motor 521m, and the rotational speed of the outdoor fan motor 526m.

[0053] The control unit 59 performs cooling or heating operation based on instructions from the remote controller of the air conditioner 5 or from the control device 2. When the control unit 59 receives an instruction to start cooling or heating operation, it switches the flow path switching valve 522 to the first state or the second state. The control unit 59 then adjusts the rotation speed of the indoor fan motor 512m, the rotation speed of the compressor motor 521m, the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 524, and the rotation speed of the outdoor fan motor 526m, etc., so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger (evaporation temperature or condensation temperature) reaches the temperature corresponding to the set temperature.

[0054] (2-7) Control device The control device 2 is installed, for example, in a computer room within the building 98. The control device 2 may also be installed, for example, on the cloud. Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the control device 2. As shown in Figure 5, the control device 2 mainly includes a storage unit 21, an input unit 22, a display unit 23, a communication unit 24, and a control unit 29.

[0055] The storage unit 21 is a storage medium such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. The storage unit 21 stores programs executed by the control unit 29 and data necessary for program execution. The communication unit 24 includes network interface equipment for communicating with the electric vehicle 3 and the mobile terminal 9 via the network NW1, and network interface equipment for communicating with the water heater 4, the air conditioner 5, and the converter 6 via the network NW2. The input unit 22 is an input interface such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel. Various commands and information for the control device 2 can be input using the input unit 22. The display unit 23 is an output interface such as a monitor and touch panel. The display unit 23 can display various data stored in the storage unit 21.

[0056] (2-7-1) Control Unit The control unit 29 is a processor such as a CPU and a GPU. The control unit 29 reads and executes programs stored in the memory unit 21 and realizes various functions of the control device 2. The control unit 29 can also write calculation results to the memory unit 21 and read information stored in the memory unit 21 according to the program.

[0057] The control unit 29 exchanges various information, such as control signals and signals related to various settings, with the electric vehicle 3 and the mobile terminal 9 via the network NW1. The control unit 29 also exchanges various information, such as control signals and signals related to various settings, with the water heater 4, air conditioner 5, home appliance 96, and converter 6 via the network NW2.

[0058] Each time the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is connected to the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8, the control unit 29 obtains the time of connection and the charge level of the battery 3a at that time from the electric vehicle 3 and stores them in the storage unit 21.

[0059] Each time the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is disconnected from the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8, the control unit 29 obtains the time of disconnection and the charge level of the battery 3a at the time of disconnection from the electric vehicle 3 and stores them in the storage unit 21.

[0060] The control unit 29 periodically acquires the charge level of the electric vehicle 3 and the location information of the electric vehicle 3 from the electric vehicle 3 and stores them in the storage unit 21.

[0061] The control unit 29 periodically acquires operating data from the hot water heater 4 and stores it in the storage unit 21.

[0062] The control unit 29 periodically acquires operating data from the air conditioner 5 and stores it in the storage unit 21.

[0063] The control unit 29 periodically acquires operating data of the home appliance 96 from the home appliance 96, including the power consumption of the home appliance 96 (for example, the measured value from a power meter installed on the home appliance 96), and stores it in the storage unit 21.

[0064] The control unit 29 instructs the hot water supply unit 4 to perform a boiling operation based on instructions from the input unit 22 or the mobile terminal 9. The control unit 29 also instructs the air conditioner 5 to perform a cooling or heating operation based on instructions from the input unit 22 or the mobile terminal 9.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 29 has, as functional blocks, an acquisition unit 291, a certification unit 292, an evaluation unit 293, and a transmission unit 294.

[0066] (2-7-2) Acquisition Unit The acquisition unit 291 acquires the first operational information D1 if the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at the building 98. In this embodiment, the case where the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at the building 98 is when the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is not connected to the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8. The case where the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at the building 98 may be, for example, when the position of the electric vehicle 3 in the current time location information and the position of the building 98 in the location information are separated by a predetermined distance. For example, the acquisition unit 291 acquires the current time location information of the electric vehicle 3 from the electric vehicle 3. The location information of the building 98 is stored in the storage unit 21 in advance using, for example, the input unit 22. The acquisition unit 291 stores the acquired first operational information D1 in the storage unit 21.

[0067] The first operational information D1 is information relating to the operation of the electric vehicle 3. The first operational information D1 is, for example, information relating to when the electric vehicle 3 can be charged. The information relating to when the electric vehicle 3 can be charged is, for example, the charging time period desired by the user. In this embodiment, the first operational information D1 includes a first time and a second time.

[0068] The first time is the time when the electric vehicle 3 arrives at the building 98. In this embodiment, the time when the electric vehicle 3 arrives at the building 98 is the time when the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is connected to the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8. The time when the electric vehicle 3 arrives at the building 98 may be, for example, the time when the position in the location information of the electric vehicle 3 and the position in the location information of the building 98 are within a predetermined distance.

[0069] The acquisition unit 291 acquires the current location information of the electric vehicle 3 and uses the location information to predict the time when the electric vehicle 3 will arrive at the building 98, which is then acquired as the first time. The acquisition unit 291 uses the current location information of the electric vehicle 3 and the location information of the building 98 to predict the time when the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 will be connected to the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8.

[0070] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 291 may acquire as the first time the electric vehicle 3 is predicted to arrive at the building 98 based on past actual arrival time information of the electric vehicle 3. For example, the acquisition unit 291 may use the connection time acquired from the electric vehicle 3 each time the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is connected to the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8 as past actual arrival time information of the electric vehicle 3.

[0071] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 291 may acquire the time when the electric vehicle 3, input using the input unit 32, arrives at the building 98 as the first time.

[0072] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 291 may acquire the time when the electric vehicle 3 arrives at the building 98, which is input using the input interface of the mobile terminal 9, as the first time.

[0073] The second time is the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from the building 98. In this embodiment, the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from the building 98 is the time when the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is disconnected from the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8.

[0074] The acquisition unit 291 acquires a second time, which is the time when the electric vehicle 3 is predicted to depart from the building 98, based on the past time when the electric vehicle 3 departed from the building 98. For example, the acquisition unit 291 stores the time when the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is disconnected from the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8, as a past time when the electric vehicle 3 departed from the building 98.

[0075] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 291 may acquire the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from the building 98, which has been input using the input unit 32, as a second time.

[0076] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 291 may acquire the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from the building 98, which is input using the input interface of the mobile terminal 9, as a second time.

[0077] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 291 may acquire the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from the building 98 based on the electric vehicle 3's operating schedule as a second time. The electric vehicle 3's operating schedule is stored in the storage unit 21 in advance, for example, using the input unit 22.

[0078] (2-7-3) Certification Unit If the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at the building 98, the certification unit 292 determines the time when the electric vehicle 3 can be charged based on the first operational information D1. In this embodiment, the certification unit 292 determines the time from the first time included in the first operational information D1 to the second time included in the first operational information D1 as the time when the electric vehicle 3 can be charged. For example, if the first operational information D1 is a charging time period desired by the user, the certification unit 292 determines the charging time period desired by the user as the time when the electric vehicle 3 can be charged.

[0079] (2-7-4) Evaluation Unit If the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at the building 98, the evaluation unit 293 evaluates the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 based on the power consumption limit in the building 98, the charging availability period, and the power consumption inside the building 98. In this embodiment, if the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at the building 98, the evaluation unit 293 evaluates (calculates) the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 during the charging availability period based on the power consumption limit in the building 98, the charging availability period, and the power consumption inside the building 98.

[0080] In this embodiment, the power consumption limit in building 98 is the amount of electricity that can be consumed in building 98 per unit time (for example, one minute). The power consumption limit in building 98 may also be, for example, the capacity of the circuit breaker. The power consumption limit in building 98 is stored in the storage unit 21 in advance using, for example, the input unit 22.

[0081] In this embodiment, the power consumption within the building 98 is the power consumption of the first equipment installed within the building 98. The first equipment includes a water heater 4, an air conditioner 5, and a home appliance 96.

[0082] For example, the evaluation unit 293 first divides the charging period into intervals of unit time. Next, the evaluation unit 293 calculates the amount of electricity that can be consumed in the building 98 during the charging period by summing up the amount of electricity that can be consumed in the building 98 in each interval using power consumption limits. Next, the evaluation unit 293 calculates the power consumption of the first equipment during the charging period by summing up the power consumption of the first equipment in each interval. The power consumption of the first equipment in each interval is the sum of the power consumption of the water heater 4 in each interval, the power consumption of the air conditioner 5 in each interval, and the power consumption of the home appliance 96 in each interval. The power consumption of the water heater 4 in each interval is predicted using the power consumption in each interval included in the past operating data of the water heater 4. The power consumption of the air conditioner 5 in each interval is predicted using the power consumption in each interval included in the past operating data of the air conditioner 5. The power consumption of the home appliance 96 in each interval is predicted using the power consumption in each interval included in the past operating data of the home appliance 96. Finally, the evaluation unit 293 calculates the amount of electricity that can be charged to the electric vehicle 3 during the charging period by subtracting the power consumption of the first device during the charging period from the amount of electricity that can be consumed in the building 98 during the charging period.

[0083] The evaluation unit 293 outputs the evaluation results. The evaluation results are information regarding charging the electric vehicle 3, based on an evaluation of the amount of charge that can be charged to the electric vehicle 3. The evaluation results include, for example, the amount of charge that can be charged to the electric vehicle 3 at the time when charging is possible.

[0084] (2-7-5) Transmitting Unit The transmitting unit 294 transmits the evaluation results to the electric vehicle 3 or the mobile terminal 9 if the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at the building 98. The transmitting unit 294 may periodically transmit the evaluation results to the electric vehicle 3 or the mobile terminal 9 while the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at the building 98.

[0085] (3) An example of the processing control device 2 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 6. As a premise, we assume that the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at building 98.

[0086] As shown in step S1, the control device 2 obtains a first time, which is the time when the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is connected to the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8, and a second time, which is the time when the charging connector 3b of the electric vehicle 3 is disconnected from the charging connector 8a of the charging device 8.

[0087] After completing step S1, as shown in step S2, the control device 2 determines the period from the first time to the second time as the period during which the electric vehicle 3 can be charged.

[0088] After completing step S2, as shown in step S3, the control device 2 evaluates (calculates) the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 during the charging period, based on the power consumption limit in the building 98, the charging period, and the power consumption within the building 98. The control device 2 outputs the evaluation results, including the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 during the charging period.

[0089] After completing step S3, as shown in step S4, the control device 2 transmits the evaluation results to the electric vehicle 3 or the mobile terminal 9.

[0090] (4) Features (4-1) Conventionally, there is a technology for managing the power supply to equipment installed in a building. With conventional technology, electric vehicle users cannot know the result of the evaluation of the amount of charge that can be charged to the electric vehicle at the time of charging before the electric vehicle arrives at the building. As a result, there is a problem that they cannot take measures such as external charging of the electric vehicle or power saving operation of the electric vehicle in advance according to the result of the evaluation of the amount of charge that can be charged.

[0091] The power management system 1 of this embodiment manages the power supply to an electric vehicle 3. The electric vehicle 3 is installed in a building 98. The power management system 1 includes a control unit 29. If the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at the building 98, the control unit 29 acquires first operational information D1. The first operational information D1 is information relating to the operation of the electric vehicle 3. If the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at the building 98, the control unit 29 determines the time when the electric vehicle 3 can be charged based on the first operational information D1. If the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at the building 98, the control unit 29 evaluates the amount of charge that can be supplied to the electric vehicle 3 based on the power consumption limit in the building 98, the time when charging is possible, and the power consumption within the building 98. If the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at the building 98, the control unit 29 transmits the evaluation result to the electric vehicle 3 or to a portable terminal 9 carried by the user of the electric vehicle 3.

[0092] In this embodiment, the power management system 1 transmits a message to the electric vehicle 3 or to a portable terminal 9 carried by the user of the electric vehicle 3 if the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at the building 98. Therefore, before the electric vehicle 3 arrives at the building 98, the user of the electric vehicle 3 can know the result of the evaluation regarding the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 at the time of charging. As a result, the user of the electric vehicle 3 can, in advance, charge the electric vehicle 3 at a location other than the building 98 and operate the electric vehicle 3 in an energy-saving mode, etc., according to the result of the evaluation regarding the amount of charge that can be added.

[0093] (4-2) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 29 periodically transmits the evaluation results to the electric vehicle 3 or the mobile terminal 9.

[0094] As a result, the power management system 1 can increase the opportunities for the user of the electric vehicle 3 to know the amount of charge available for the electric vehicle 3 at the time it becomes available for charging, before the electric vehicle 3 arrives at the building 98.

[0095] (4-3) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, the first operational information D1 includes a first time. The first time is the time when the electric vehicle 3 arrives at the building 98. The control unit 29 acquires the location information of the electric vehicle 3 and acquires the time when the electric vehicle 3 is predicted to arrive at the building 98 using the location information as the first time. Alternatively, the control unit 29 acquires the time when the electric vehicle 3 is predicted to arrive at the building 98 based on past times when the electric vehicle 3 arrived at the building 98 as the first time. Alternatively, the control unit 29 acquires the time when the electric vehicle 3 is predicted to arrive at the building 98 input using the input unit 32 as the first time.

[0096] (4-4) In the power management system 1 of this embodiment, the first operational information D1 includes a second time. The second time is the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from the building 98. The control unit 29 obtains the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from the building 98, predicted based on past times when the electric vehicle 3 departed from the building 98, as the second time. Alternatively, the control unit 29 obtains the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from the building 98, input using the input unit 32, as the second time. Alternatively, the control unit 29 obtains the time when the electric vehicle 3 departs from the building 98, based on the electric vehicle 3's operational schedule, as the second time.

[0097] (4-5) The power management method in this embodiment is performed by a power management system 1 (computer). The power management method manages the power supply to the electric vehicle 3. The electric vehicle 3 is installed in building 98. The power management system 1 includes a control unit 29. If the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at building 98, the control unit 29 acquires first operational information D1. The first operational information D1 is information relating to the operation of the electric vehicle 3. If the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at building 98, the control unit 29 determines the time when the electric vehicle 3 can be charged based on the first operational information D1. If the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at building 98, the control unit 29 evaluates the amount of charge that can be supplied to the electric vehicle 3 based on the power consumption limit in building 98, the time when charging is possible, and the power consumption inside building 98. If the electric vehicle 3 has not arrived at building 98, the control unit 29 transmits the evaluation result to the electric vehicle 3 or to a portable terminal 9 carried by the user of the electric vehicle 3.

[0098] The power management method of this embodiment transmits information to the electric vehicle 3 or to a portable terminal 9 carried by the user of the electric vehicle 3 if the electric vehicle 3 has not yet arrived at the building 98. Therefore, before the electric vehicle 3 arrives at the building 98, the user of the electric vehicle 3 can know the result of the evaluation regarding the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 at the time when charging is possible. As a result, the user of the electric vehicle 3 can, in advance, charge the electric vehicle 3 at a location other than the building 98 and operate the electric vehicle 3 in an energy-saving manner, etc., according to the result of the evaluation regarding the amount of charge that can be added.

[0099] (5) Modified Examples (5-1) Modified Example 1A The transmitting unit 294 may transmit the evaluation result to the electric vehicle 3 or the mobile terminal 9 when the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 during the charging period is less than a predetermined amount.

[0100] As a result, the power management system 1 can omit transmitting the evaluation results if the amount of charge available for the electric vehicle 3 during the charging period is sufficient.

[0101] The predetermined amount is, for example, the amount obtained by subtracting the charge amount of the electric vehicle 3 at the first time from the target charge amount of the electric vehicle 3 at the second time. The target charge amount of the electric vehicle 3 at the second time is stored in the storage unit 21 in advance using, for example, the input unit 22. The charge amount of the electric vehicle 3 at the first time is predicted using, for example, the location information of the electric vehicle 3 at the current time, the location information of the building 98, and the charge amount of the electric vehicle 3 at the current time. The acquisition unit 291 acquires the charge amount of the electric vehicle 3 at the current time from the electric vehicle 3.

[0102] Furthermore, the evaluation results may include the difference (shortfall) between the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 during the charging period and a predetermined amount.

[0103] As a result, the user of the electric vehicle 3 can know in advance the amount of electricity to be charged by charging the electric vehicle 3 at a location other than the building 98, and the amount of electricity to be saved by operating the electric vehicle 3 in an energy-saving manner.

[0104] Furthermore, the transmitting unit 294 may transmit the evaluation results to the electric vehicle 3 or the mobile terminal 9, regardless of the difference between the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 at the time it is available for charging and a predetermined amount. In this case, the evaluation results may include information on whether or not a predetermined amount can be charged.

[0105] (5-2) Modification 1B The evaluation results may include information regarding the amount of charge that can be charged by having the hot water supply system 4 installed in the building 98 perform boiling operation before the time when charging is possible, or information regarding the amount of charge that can be charged by having the air conditioner 5 installed in the building 98 perform energy-saving operation during the time when charging is possible.

[0106] The evaluation unit 293 uses, for example, the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank from the current time to the first time, and the measured values ​​of the multiple tank temperature sensors T41, which are included in the past operating data of the hot water heater 4, to output as an evaluation result the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 at the time when charging is possible, by having the hot water heater 4 perform a boiling operation before the time when charging is possible.

[0107] The evaluation unit 293 uses, for example, the temperature of the outside air of the building 98 during the charging period, obtained from the weather forecast, to output as an evaluation result the amount of charge that can be added to the electric vehicle 3 during the charging period by having the air conditioner 5 perform energy-saving operation during the charging period.

[0108] As a result, the power management system 1 informs the user of the electric vehicle 3 of the amount of charge that can be charged by having the hot water heater 4 perform boiling operation before the time when charging is possible, before the electric vehicle 3 arrives at the building 98. This allows the user of the electric vehicle 3 to decide whether or not to have the hot water heater 4 perform boiling operation before the time when charging is possible using a mobile terminal 9 or the like. In addition, the power management system 1 informs the user of the electric vehicle 3 of the amount of charge that can be charged by having the air conditioner 5 perform energy-saving operation when charging is possible, before the electric vehicle 3 arrives at the building 98. This allows the user of the electric vehicle 3 to decide whether or not to have the air conditioner 5 perform energy-saving operation, such as cooling operation with a raised set temperature or heating operation with a lower set temperature, when charging is possible using a remote controller for the air conditioner 5 or the like.

[0109] Including information regarding the amount of charge that can be charged by having the hot water heater 4 perform boiling operation before the charging period, or information regarding the amount of charge that can be charged by having the air conditioner 5 perform energy-saving operation during the charging period, in the evaluation results is particularly effective in Modification 1A when the amount of charge that can be charged to the electric vehicle 3 during the charging period is less than a predetermined amount.

[0110] (5-3) Modification 1C In this embodiment, the control unit 29 obtains the power consumption of the hot water supply unit 4, which has been measured or calculated in the hot water supply unit 4. However, the control unit 29 may calculate the power consumption of the hot water supply unit 4. For example, the control unit 29 calculates it using a predetermined formula, using the rotational speed of the compressor motor 411a and the rotational speed of the boiling pump 424, etc., which are included in the operating data of the hot water supply unit 4.

[0111] In this embodiment, the control unit 29 acquired the power consumption of the air conditioner 5, which was measured or calculated by the air conditioner 5. However, the control unit 29 may also calculate the power consumption of the air conditioner 5. For example, the control unit 29 may use the rotational speed of the indoor fan motor 512m, the rotational speed of the compressor motor 521m, and the rotational speed of the outdoor fan motor 526m, etc., which are included in the operating data of the air conditioner 5, to calculate it using a predetermined formula.

[0112] (5-4) Modification 1D In this embodiment, the power consumption of the hot water heater 4 in each section of the rechargeable period was predicted using the power consumption in each section included in the past operating data of the hot water heater 4. However, the power consumption of the hot water heater 4 in each section may also be predicted using the rotational speed of the compressor motor 411a and the rotational speed of the boiling pump 424 in each section, which are included in the operation schedule of the hot water heater 4. The operation schedule of the hot water heater 4 is stored in the storage unit 21 in advance using, for example, the input unit 22.

[0113] In this embodiment, the power consumption of the air conditioner 5 in each section of the rechargeable period was predicted using the power consumption in each section included in the past operating data of the air conditioner 5. However, the power consumption of the air conditioner 5 in each section may also be predicted using the rotational speed of the indoor fan motor 512m, the rotational speed of the compressor motor 521m, and the rotational speed of the outdoor fan motor 526m in each section, which are included in the operation schedule of the air conditioner 5. The operation schedule of the air conditioner 5 is stored in the storage unit 21 in advance using, for example, the input unit 22.

[0114] (5-5) Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the claims.

[0115] 1 Power management system, computer 3 Electric vehicle 4 Water heater 5 Air conditioner 9 Mobile terminal 29 Control unit 32 Input unit 98 Building D1 First operational information

[0116] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-200015

Claims

1. A power management system (1) for managing the supply of power to an electric vehicle (3) installed in a building (98), comprising a control unit (29), wherein the control unit acquires first operational information (D1) relating to the operation of the electric vehicle if the electric vehicle has not arrived at the building, determines the time when the electric vehicle can be charged based on the first operational information, evaluates the amount of charge that can be supplied to the electric vehicle based on the power consumption limit in the building, the time when charging is possible, and the power consumption inside the building, and transmits the result of the evaluation to the electric vehicle or a portable terminal (9) carried by the user of the electric vehicle.

2. The power management system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits the result of the evaluation to the electric vehicle or the mobile terminal when the chargeable amount is less than a predetermined amount.

3. The power management system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit periodically transmits the results of the evaluation to the electric vehicle or the mobile terminal.

4. The power management system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the result of the evaluation includes information regarding the amount of charge that can be charged by causing a hot water supply device (4) installed in the building to perform a boiling operation before the time when it can be charged, or information regarding the amount of charge that can be charged by causing an air conditioner (5) installed in the building to perform an energy-saving operation during the time when it can be charged.

5. The power management system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first operational information includes a first time when the electric vehicle arrives at the building, and the control unit acquires location information of the electric vehicle and acquires as the first time the electric vehicle arrives at the building a time predicted using the location information, a time predicted based on a past time when the electric vehicle arrived at the building, or a time when the electric vehicle arrives at the building input using the input unit (32).

6. The power management system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first operational information includes a second time when the electric vehicle departs the building, and the control unit acquires as the second time the electric vehicle departs the building based on a past time when the electric vehicle departed the building, the time when the electric vehicle departs the building input using the input unit (32), or the time when the electric vehicle departs the building based on the electric vehicle's operational schedule.

7. A power management method for managing the supply of power to an electric vehicle (3) installed in a building (98) by a computer (1), wherein the computer comprises a control unit (29), and the control unit, if the electric vehicle has not arrived at the building, acquires first operational information (D1) relating to the operation of the electric vehicle, determines the time when the electric vehicle can be charged based on the first operational information, evaluates the amount of charge that can be supplied to the electric vehicle based on the power consumption limit in the building, the time when charging is possible, and the power consumption inside the building, and transmits the result of the evaluation to the electric vehicle or a portable terminal (9) carried by the user of the electric vehicle.

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