Charge / discharge support method and charge / discharge support device

Abstract

Provided is a charge / discharge support method capable of determining a charge / discharge schedule according to a user's intention. The charge / discharge support method includes the steps of: acquiring the use travel plan and use status data of an electric vehicle (S12, S14); generating, on the basis of the use travel plan and the use status data, at least one or more charge / discharge schedule plans for charging / discharging a battery of the electric vehicle (S16); calculating evaluation information on the charge / discharge schedule plans (S17, S18); acquiring a user priority by operating the information terminal of a user of the electric vehicle (S13); determining at least one or more charge / discharge schedule plans as schedule candidates on the basis of the user priority and the evaluation information (S19); and notifying the user of notification information on the schedule candidates (S19).

Description

Charging and Discharging Support Method and Charging and Discharging Support Device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging and discharging support method and a charging and discharging support device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that, in order to suppress deterioration of an in-vehicle battery, based on the next usage time and the next driving distance of an electric vehicle, the in-vehicle battery is maintained at a low SOC and then charged so that the SOC required for the next driving distance at the next usage time remains, and a charging and discharging schedule is configured.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-44776

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that a charging and discharging schedule that conforms to the user's intention may not be obtained.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a charging and discharging support method and a charging and discharging support device that can determine a charging and discharging schedule in accordance with the user's intention.

[0006] A charging and discharging support method and a charging and discharging support device according to an aspect of the present disclosure acquire a usage driving plan and usage status data of an electric vehicle, generate at least one or more charging and discharging schedule proposals for charging and discharging the battery of the electric vehicle based on the usage driving plan and the usage status data, calculate evaluation information regarding the charging and discharging schedule proposals, acquire user priority by operating an information terminal of a user of the electric vehicle, determine at least one or more of the charging and discharging schedule proposals as schedule candidates based on the user priority and the evaluation information, and notify the user of notification information regarding the schedule candidates.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a charging and discharging support method and a charging and discharging support device that can determine a charging and discharging schedule in accordance with the user's intention.

[0008] This is a block diagram showing an example of a charge / discharge support system according to the embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of user priority. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a driving plan. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of usage status data. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of in-device calculated values. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a proposed charge / discharge schedule. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a proposed charge / discharge schedule. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a proposed charge / discharge schedule. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a proposed charge / discharge schedule. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a proposed charge / discharge schedule. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of battery price information. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a map of battery purchase prices corresponding to SOH. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of evaluation information for each proposed charge / discharge schedule. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of notification information. This is a flowchart showing an example of a charge / discharge support method according to the embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of a total cost calculation process. This is a flowchart showing an example of a total cost correction process. This is a flowchart showing an example of a charge completion order determination process.

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. The embodiments shown below are illustrative of apparatus and methods for realizing the technical idea of ​​this disclosure, and the technical idea of ​​this disclosure is not limited to the structure, arrangement, etc. of the components described below.

[0010] (Embodiment) <Charging and Discharging Support System> The charging and discharging support system according to the embodiment of this disclosure includes a charging and discharging support device (server terminal) 1, an information terminal (user terminal) 3 usable by a user 2, an electric vehicle 4 owned by the user 2, and a charging and discharging device 5. The charging and discharging support device 1 can send and receive data or information with the information terminal 3, the electric vehicle 4, and the charging and discharging device 5 via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0011] The information terminal 3 is, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet, or a notebook or desktop personal computer (PC). The information terminal 3 may also be a navigation device mounted on the electric vehicle 4. The information terminal 3 comprises an operation unit 31 and a display unit 32. The operation unit 31 consists of a touch panel or keyboard that can be operated by the user 2. The display unit 32 includes a display screen that can be viewed by the user 2.

[0012] The information terminal 3 prompts user 2 to input (select) a user priority via an application or the like. When prompting user 2 to input a user priority, the information terminal 3 may display the user priority options on the display unit 32 and have user 2 select one of the displayed user priority options. The information terminal 3 acquires the user priority selected by user 2's operation of the information terminal 3 and transmits the acquired user priority to the charge / discharge support device 1.

[0013] The user priority indicates the indicator that user 2 prioritizes (or wants to prioritize) when determining the charge / discharge schedule for charging or discharging the battery 41 of the electric vehicle 4 using the charge / discharge device 5. As shown in Figure 2, the user priority includes battery degradation suppression priority, charging speed priority, and cost priority as options. Battery degradation suppression priority prioritizes suppressing battery degradation. Charging speed priority prioritizes charging speed and an earlier charging completion time. Cost priority prioritizes low costs such as battery degradation cost or total cost, which will be described later. The user priority may include at least one of battery degradation suppression priority, charging speed priority, and cost priority. The user priority may include at least two of battery degradation suppression priority, charging speed priority, and cost priority. The user priority may include other priorities besides battery degradation suppression priority, charging speed priority, and cost priority.

[0014] The information terminal 3 acquires the usage plan of the electric vehicle 4 based on the user 2's operation of the information terminal 3, and transmits the acquired usage plan to the charge / discharge support device 1. The usage plan includes the planned start time, planned distance traveled, and destination information, as shown in Figure 3. The usage plan does not have to include all of the planned start time, planned distance traveled, and destination information. The usage plan may include at least one of the planned start time, planned distance traveled, and destination information.

[0015] The information terminal 3 acquires environmental information about the electric vehicle 4 from a communication network, etc., and transmits the acquired environmental information to the charging / discharging support device 1. The environmental information includes the presence or absence of renewable energy facilities available to the charging / discharging device 5, performance information of the renewable energy facilities, predicted power generation information from renewable energy, and weather information.

[0016] The electric vehicle 4 is a vehicle having a battery (secondary battery) 41, such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The electric vehicle 4 acquires usage data, which is data on the usage status of the electric vehicle 4, using various sensors on the electric vehicle 4, and transmits the acquired usage data to the charge / discharge support device 1. As shown in Figure 4, the usage data includes driving speed, frequency of sudden acceleration, battery remaining capacity, battery temperature, location information, battery degradation level, charging frequency, charging method, and discharge frequency. The usage data does not have to include all of the following: driving speed, frequency of sudden acceleration, battery remaining capacity, battery temperature, location information, battery degradation level, charging frequency, charging method, and discharge frequency. The usage data may include at least one of the following: driving speed, frequency of sudden acceleration, battery remaining capacity, battery temperature, location information, battery degradation level, charging frequency, charging method, and discharge frequency. Instead of an information terminal 3, the electric vehicle 4 may acquire a driving plan and user priority by operation of the navigation device or the like on the electric vehicle 4 by the user 2, and transmit the acquired driving plan and user priority to the charge / discharge support device 1.

[0017] The charge / discharge device 5 charges and discharges the battery 41 of the electric vehicle 4 based on the charge / discharge schedule determined by the charge / discharge support device 1. The charge / discharge device 5 is capable of exchanging power and information with the external power grid 6. The charge / discharge device 5 obtains electricity rate information and incentive information in the power supply request information from the external power grid 6, and transmits the obtained electricity rate information and incentive information to the charge / discharge support device 1. The electricity rate information includes at least one of the electricity rate unit price and the power sales price information. The incentive information includes the actual cost of the incentive or the incentive per unit of power. The charge / discharge device 5 may obtain the usage driving plan and user priority through operation of the charge / discharge device 5 by the user 2, instead of the information terminal 3, and transmit the obtained usage driving plan and user priority to the charge / discharge support device 1.

[0018] For example, consider a household that has already implemented a so-called V2H (Vehicle to Home) system, where power is supplied from an electric vehicle 4 to the home. Assume that user 2 returns home on Friday and plans to go out on Sunday. Upon returning home, user 2 connects the electric vehicle 4 to the V2H device, the charge / discharge unit 5. The information terminal 3, based on user 2's operation, acquires a usage plan including the next usage time (e.g., 9:00 AM on Sunday) and either the distance traveled (e.g., 60 km) or the destination (e.g., Shinjuku Station), and transmits the acquired usage plan to the charge / discharge support device 1. Furthermore, the information terminal 3, based on user 2's operation, acquires a user priority, such as battery degradation suppression priority, charging speed priority, or cost priority, selected by user 2, and transmits the acquired user priority to the charge / discharge support device 1. The electric vehicle 4 also acquires usage data for a predetermined period from the past to the present and transmits the acquired usage data to the charge / discharge support device 1.

[0019] The charge / discharge support device 1 is a device that assists (controls) the charging and discharging of the battery 41 of the electric vehicle 4 by the charge / discharge device 5. The charge / discharge support device 1 may include a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory device, and an input / output device. The memory device may be a semiconductor memory device, a magnetic memory device, or an optical memory device, and may include storage media such as registers, cache memory, ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) used as main memory. The functions of the charge / discharge support device 1 may be configured with a single piece of hardware, or with multiple pieces of hardware configured individually. The functions of the charge / discharge support device 1 are realized, for example, by the processor of the charge / discharge support device 1 executing a computer program stored in the memory device of the charge / discharge support device 1. The charge / discharge support device 1 may be configured with dedicated hardware for executing each of the processes described below.

[0020] The charge / discharge support device 1 comprises a processing unit 10 and a storage unit 20. The storage unit 20 stores various information necessary for processing by the processing unit 10. The storage unit 20 may include any of semiconductor memory devices, magnetic memory devices, and optical memory devices, and may include storage media such as registers, cache memory, ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) used as main memory.

[0021] The processing unit 10 is composed of a processor (controller). The processing unit 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a schedule proposal generation unit 12, a degradation prediction unit 13, an evaluation unit 14, an electricity rate prediction unit 15, a cost prediction unit 16, a decision unit (decision notification unit) 17, and an execution unit 18.

[0022] The acquisition unit 11 acquires user priority, driving plan, and environmental information transmitted from the information terminal 3, and stores the acquired user priority, driving plan, and environmental information in the storage unit 20. The acquisition unit 11 acquires usage status data transmitted from the electric vehicle 4, and stores the acquired usage status data in the storage unit 20. Instead of acquiring the driving plan transmitted from the information terminal 3, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire the driving plan by predicting the driving plan from the user 2's behavior pattern and the electric vehicle 4's usage pattern based on the acquired usage status data.

[0023] The acquisition unit 11 acquires electricity charge information transmitted from the charge / discharge device 5 and stores the acquired electricity charge information in the storage unit 20. The acquisition unit 11 also acquires battery price information from a communication network or the like and stores the acquired battery price information in the storage unit 20.

[0024] The schedule generation unit 12 generates at least one charge / discharge schedule proposal for charging and discharging the battery 41 of the electric vehicle 4 based on the usage driving plan and usage status data acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The charge / discharge schedule proposal is a time schedule for the charge / discharge device 5 to charge the battery 41 of the electric vehicle 4 to the State of Charge (SOC) (target SOC) necessary to travel the planned driving distance by the time of the next use of the electric vehicle 4. The schedule generation unit 12 may generate one charge / discharge schedule proposal or multiple charge / discharge schedule proposals. The number of charge / discharge schedule proposals generated by the schedule generation unit 12 is not limited.

[0025] For example, the schedule generation unit 12 calculates a target SOC based on the planned driving distance or driving destination information included in the driving plan. The target SOC can be calculated, for example, by dividing the planned driving distance by the energy consumption. Furthermore, the schedule generation unit 12 calculates the required charging time to reach the target SOC for each charging method based on the calculated target SOC and the current battery remaining capacity included in the usage data. The required charging time can be calculated, for example, by dividing the difference between the target SOC and the battery remaining capacity by the charging rate per hour. The charging rate per hour depends on the charging method. Furthermore, the schedule generation unit 12 calculates the time (predicted battery temperature drop time) after use until the battery temperature of the battery 41 falls below a temperature that suppresses deterioration, based on the battery temperature included in the usage data. In this way, as shown in Figure 5, the schedule generation unit 12 calculates the target SOC, required charging time, and predicted battery temperature drop time as in-device calculated values.

[0026] The schedule generation unit 12 creates at least one charge / discharge schedule proposal based on the calculated target SOC, required charging time, and predicted battery temperature drop time. For example, the schedule generation unit 12 can generate the fastest charge / discharge schedule proposal (fastest charging schedule proposal) that charges at the earliest possible charging completion time, the slowest charge / discharge schedule proposal (slowest charging schedule proposal) that charges at the latest possible charging completion time, a charge / discharge schedule proposal that maintains an SOC below a certain level that can suppress battery degradation (low SOC maintenance charging schedule proposal), a charge / discharge schedule proposal that utilizes renewable energy (renewable energy utilization charging schedule proposal), a charge / discharge schedule proposal that avoids high temperatures that easily accelerate battery degradation (high temperature avoidance charging schedule proposal), and the like. Examples of charge / discharge schedule proposals are described below.

[0027] <Draft Fastest Charging Schedule> The draft schedule generation unit 12 generates a draft fastest charging schedule as shown in Figure 6, based on the current battery remaining capacity, target SOC, required charging time, etc. In the draft fastest charging schedule, charging starts at the schedule start time t0 and is performed at the fastest charging speed by rapid charging, etc. From the schedule start time t0 to time t11, charging is performed from the starting SOC (S0) corresponding to the current battery remaining capacity to an SOC (S2) that is greater than the target SOC (S1). Charging stops at time t11, and time t11 is the charging completion time. From time t11 to the start of use time t1, the battery is in a standby state without charging or discharging, and the SOC gradually decreases due to self-discharge. At the start of use time t1, the SOC reaches the target SOC (S1).

[0028] <Minimum Fastest Charging Schedule Proposal> The schedule proposal generation unit 12 generates a minimum fastest charging schedule proposal as shown in Figure 7, based on the current battery remaining capacity, target SOC, required charging time, etc. In the minimum fastest charging schedule proposal, charging starts at the schedule start time t0 and charges at a charging speed such as normal charging so that the target SOC (S1) is reached at the start of use time t1. From the schedule start time t0 to time t11, charging is performed from the start SOC (S0) to the target SOC (S1). Charging stops at the start of use time t1, and the start of use time t1 becomes the charging completion time. Compared to the fastest charging schedule proposal shown in Figure 6, the minimum fastest charging schedule proposal shown in Figure 7 has a lower charging speed, but battery degradation can be suppressed.

[0029] <Draft Low SOC Maintenance Charging Schedule> The draft schedule generation unit 12 generates a draft low SOC maintenance charging schedule based on the current battery remaining capacity, target SOC, required charging time, etc., as shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 illustrates two draft low SOC maintenance charging schedules: profile A (solid line) and profile B (dash-dotted line). In the draft low SOC maintenance charging schedule of profile A (solid line) in Figure 8, discharge begins at the schedule start time t0. From the schedule start time t0 to time t21, the SOC decreases from the start SOC (S0) to the low SOC (S3). The value of the low SOC (S3) can be set as appropriate and may be stored in advance in the storage unit 20. Discharge stops at time t21. From time t21 to time t23, the battery is in a standby state and maintains the low SOC (S3). Charging begins at time t23. From time t23 to the start of use time t1, the battery is charged from the low SOC (S3) to the target SOC (S1). Charging stops at the start time t1, and the start time t1 becomes the charging completion time.

[0030] In the low SOC maintenance charging schedule proposed by profile B (dotted line) in Figure 8, the schedule start time t0 to time t22 is the same as profile A (solid line), but charging starts earlier at time t22 than at time t23. From time t22 to the start of use time t1, the battery is charged from low SOC (S3) to target SOC (S1). Charging stops at the start of use time t1, which is also the charging completion time. Compared to the fastest charging schedule proposed by Figure 6, the two low SOC maintenance charging schedules shown in Figure 8 have a lower charging speed, but battery degradation can be suppressed.

[0031] <Draft Renewable Energy Charging Schedule> The draft schedule generation unit 12 calculates the predicted power generation value from renewable energy equipment available to the charge / discharge device 5 based on the environmental information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. Based on the current battery remaining capacity, target SOC, required charging time, calculated predicted power generation value, etc., the draft schedule generation unit 12 generates a draft renewable energy charging schedule as shown in Figure 9.

[0032] Figure 9 illustrates two proposed renewable energy charging schedules: Profile A (solid line) and Profile B (dotted line). In Figure 9, time t32 to t34 represents the period T during which renewable energy is available. In the proposed renewable energy charging schedule for Profile A (solid line) in Figure 9, discharge begins at the schedule start time t0. From the schedule start time t0 to time t31, SOG decreases from the initial SOC (S0) to low SOC (S3). From time t31 to time t32, the system waits without charging or discharging, maintaining low SOC (S3). Charging begins at time t32. From time t32 to time t34, the system charges from low SOC (S3) to SOC (S4), which is greater than the target SOC (S1). Charging stops at time t34, which is the charging completion time. From time t34 to the start time t1, the SOC gradually decreases due to self-discharge, reaching the target SOC (S1) at the start time t1.

[0033] The proposed renewable energy charging schedule for profile B shown by the dashed line in Figure 9 involves waiting without charging or discharging from the schedule start time t0 to time t32, maintaining the initial SOC (S0). Charging begins at time t32, when the period T during which renewable energy is available begins. From time t32 to time t33, the battery is charged to an SOC (S5) greater than the target SOC (S1). Charging stops at time t33, which is the charging completion time. From time t33 to the start of use time t1, the SOC gradually decreases due to self-discharge, reaching the target SOC (S1) at the start of use time t1. Compared to the fastest charging schedule shown in Figure 6, the slowest charging schedule shown in Figure 7, and the low SOC maintenance charging schedule shown in Figure 8, the two proposed renewable energy charging schedules shown in Figure 9 may result in lower costs due to the use of renewable energy.

[0034] <Proposed high-temperature avoidance charging schedule> The schedule generation unit 12 generates a proposed high-temperature avoidance charging schedule, as shown in Figure 10, which waits until the predicted battery temperature drop time has elapsed, based on the current remaining battery capacity, target SOC, required charging time, and predicted battery temperature drop time.

[0035] Figure 10 illustrates two proposed renewable energy charging schedules: Profile A (solid line) and Profile B (dotted line). The predicted temperature drop time t41 in Figure 10 corresponds to the time when the predicted battery temperature drop time has elapsed. In the proposed renewable energy charging schedule of Profile A (solid line) in Figure 10, the battery waits from the schedule start time t0 to the predicted temperature drop time t41 to avoid charging and discharging at high temperatures, maintaining the initial SOC (S0). Charging begins at the predicted temperature drop time t41. From the predicted temperature drop time t41 to the start of use time t1, the battery is charged from the start SOC (S0) to the target SOC (S1). Charging stops at the start of use time t1, and time t1 becomes the charging completion time.

[0036] The proposed renewable energy charging schedule for profile B shown by the dashed line in Figure 10 involves waiting from the schedule start time t0 to the predicted temperature drop time t41 to avoid charging and discharging at high temperatures, maintaining the initial SOC (S0). Discharging begins at the predicted temperature drop time t41. From the predicted temperature drop time t41 to time t42, the SOC decreases from the initial SOC (S0) to low SOC (S3). From time t42 to time t43, the battery waits without charging or discharging, maintaining low SOC (S3). Charging begins at time t43. From time t43 to the start of use time t1, the battery is charged from low SOC (S3) to the target SOC (S1). Charging stops at the start of use time t1, which is the charging completion time. The two proposed high-temperature avoidance charging schedules shown in Figure 10 have a lower charging speed compared to the fastest charging schedule shown in Figure 6, but battery degradation can be suppressed by avoiding charging and discharging at high temperatures. The above describes an example of a proposed charge / discharge schedule.

[0037] If the required charging time is longer than the time from the current time to the next usage time, the schedule proposal generation unit 12 may notify the user 2 of the insufficient charging time and start charging the charge / discharge device 5 with a charge / discharge schedule that uses the fastest charging method. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the schedule proposal generation unit 12 generates a charge / discharge schedule that uses the fastest charging method. In the schedule in Figure 11, charging starts at the schedule start time t0, and from the schedule start time t0 to the usage start time t1, it charges up to an SOC (S6) that is less than or equal to the target SOC (S1). At the usage start time t1, although it has not been charged to the target SOC (S1), charging is stopped.

[0038] When generating multiple charge / discharge schedule proposals, if a user priority has already been obtained, the schedule proposal generation unit 12 excludes (prohibits) the generation of some charge / discharge schedule proposals that are deemed unsuitable for user 2 from among the multiple charge / discharge schedule proposals that the schedule proposal generation unit 12 can generate, based on the user priority. For example, if the user priority is "prioritizing charging speed," the schedule proposal generation unit 12 excludes the generation of charge / discharge schedule proposals that include a discharge time that temporarily reduces the SOC by discharging, such as intentionally delaying the charging completion time. For example, the generation of the low SOC maintenance charging schedule proposal shown in Figure 8, the renewable energy utilization charging schedule proposal with the solid line profile A in Figure 9, and the renewable energy utilization charging schedule proposal with the dashed line profile B in Figure 10 is excluded. Furthermore, if the user priority is "prioritizing battery degradation suppression" or "prioritizing cost," the schedule proposal generation unit 12 excludes the generation of the fastest charging schedule proposal, which is relatively prone to battery degradation.

[0039] The degradation prediction unit 13, evaluation unit 14, electricity charge prediction unit 15, and cost prediction unit 16 calculate evaluation information regarding the proposed charge / discharge schedule. The evaluation information includes at least one of the following: battery degradation prediction value related to the user priority of "prioritizing battery degradation suppression," cost information related to the user priority of "prioritizing cost," and charge completion order related to the user priority of "prioritizing charging speed." The evaluation information may include at least two of the following: battery degradation prediction value, cost information, and charge completion order. The cost information includes at least one of the following: battery degradation cost prediction value, actual electricity charge prediction value, and total cost prediction value. The evaluation information may include changes in charging frequency due to battery degradation, etc. Below, an example of the processing of each of the degradation prediction unit 13, evaluation unit 14, electricity charge prediction unit 15, and cost prediction unit 16 will be described.

[0040] The degradation prediction unit 13 calculates a predicted value of battery degradation due to charging and discharging in the charge / discharge schedule (battery degradation prediction value) [%] as evaluation information, based on the usage data acquired by the acquisition unit 11, the charge / discharge schedule proposal generated by the schedule proposal generation unit 12, and experimental data or learning data pre-stored in the storage unit 20. The battery degradation prediction value [%] may be the percentage of degradation relative to the initial full charge capacity of the battery 41. The longer the charging time in the charge / discharge schedule proposal, the larger the battery degradation prediction value [%] will be, and the faster the charging speed in the charge / discharge schedule proposal, the larger the battery degradation prediction value [%] will be. The degradation prediction unit 13 may calculate the battery degradation prediction value [%] for when the charge / discharge schedule proposal is executed once. Alternatively, the degradation prediction unit 13 may calculate the battery degradation prediction value [%] for the number of times the charge / discharge schedule proposal is repeatedly executed within a predetermined period.

[0041] The evaluation unit 14 calculates a predicted value of the battery degradation cost (battery degradation cost prediction value), which is the cost corresponding to battery degradation, as evaluation information, based on the battery price information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 and the battery degradation prediction value [%] calculated by the degradation prediction unit 13. The battery price information includes at least one of the battery sales price, battery purchase price, and battery price information for SOH (State of Health), as shown in Figure 12. The battery price information for SOH may be stored in the storage unit 20 as a map, for example, as shown in Figure 13. The evaluation unit 14 may calculate the battery degradation cost prediction value by multiplying the battery sales price by the battery degradation prediction value [%], for example. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 14 may calculate the battery degradation cost prediction value using the map of battery price information for SOH shown in Figure 13. The larger the battery degradation prediction value [%], the higher the battery degradation cost prediction value.

[0042] The evaluation unit 14 calculates the charging completion time for each charge / discharge schedule proposal as evaluation information. Furthermore, based on the charging completion times of each charge / discharge schedule proposal, the evaluation unit 14 compares the charging completion times of each charge / discharge schedule proposal with each other and calculates the charging completion ranking of the charge / discharge schedule proposals as evaluation information. The charging completion ranking is such that the earlier the charging completion time, the higher the ranking.

[0043] The electricity rate forecasting unit 15 calculates an estimated value of the actual electricity usage (estimated actual electricity usage) for each proposed charge / discharge schedule as evaluation information, based on the electricity rate information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 and the proposed charge / discharge schedule generated by the proposed schedule generation unit 12. For example, the electricity rate forecasting unit 15 may calculate the estimated actual electricity usage by multiplying the unit price of electricity included in the electricity rate information by the power consumption in each proposed charge / discharge schedule.

[0044] When there is a charge / discharge schedule plan that utilizes renewable energy, the electricity cost prediction unit 15 can calculate the predicted actual electricity cost value C1 using the following formula (1), where the electricity cost unit price is C2, the electricity consumption is P1, the electricity amount of renewable energy (the predicted electricity generation value or the electricity used for charging the electric vehicle 4 among the predicted electricity generation values) is P2, the discharge power is P3, and the selling electricity price or the electricity cost unit price is C3. C1 = C2 × (P1 - P2) - (P3 × C3) …(1)

[0045] The electricity cost prediction unit 15 may calculate an incentive prediction value based on the incentive information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 and correct the predicted actual electricity cost value of each charge / discharge schedule based on the incentive prediction value. The incentive prediction value can be calculated by multiplying the supplied electricity amount by the incentive per unit of electricity. The electricity cost prediction unit 15 may correct the predicted actual electricity cost value by adding the incentive prediction value to the predicted actual electricity cost value.

[0046] The cost prediction unit 16 adds the predicted battery degradation cost value calculated by the evaluation unit 14 and the predicted actual electricity cost value calculated by the electricity cost prediction unit 15, and calculates the predicted value of the total cost (total cost prediction value) of each charge / discharge schedule plan as evaluation information.

[0047] The determination unit 17 determines at least one or more charge-discharge schedule plans from the charge-discharge schedule plans generated by the schedule plan generation unit 12 based on the user priority acquired by the acquisition unit 11 and the evaluation information calculated by the deterioration prediction unit 13, the evaluation unit 14, the electricity charge prediction unit 15, the cost prediction unit 16, etc., as schedule candidates. The determination unit 17 may determine only one charge-discharge schedule plan as a schedule candidate, or may determine a plurality of charge-discharge schedule plans as schedule candidates. The number of schedule candidates is not particularly limited. When there are a plurality of charge-discharge schedule plans generated by the schedule plan generation unit 12, the determination unit 17 may selectively determine some of the plurality of charge-discharge schedule plans as schedule candidates, or may determine all of the plurality of charge-discharge schedule plans as schedule candidates. When there is only one charge-discharge schedule plan generated by the schedule plan generation unit 12, the determination unit 17 may determine one charge-discharge schedule plan as a schedule candidate.

[0048] When the user priority acquired by the acquisition unit 11 is "charge speed priority", the determination unit 17 refers to the charge completion ranking included in the evaluation information, and determines, in order, from the charge-discharge schedule plans with a higher charge completion ranking and a relatively earlier charge completion time included in the evaluation information, as schedule candidates. For example, the determination unit 17 determines the charge-discharge schedule plan with the earliest charge completion time as a schedule candidate (first candidate), and determines the charge-discharge schedule plan with the second earliest charge completion time as a schedule candidate (second candidate). The determination unit 17 may determine three or more charge-discharge schedule plans as schedule candidates in order of relatively earlier charge completion time.

[0049] If the user priority acquired by the acquisition unit 11 is "cost priority", the decision unit 17 refers to the degradation cost or total cost included in the evaluation information and determines a charge / discharge schedule proposal with a relatively low degradation cost or total cost as a schedule candidate. For example, the decision unit 17 determines the charge / discharge schedule proposal with the lowest degradation cost or total cost as the schedule candidate (first candidate), and also determines the charge / discharge schedule proposal with the second lowest degradation cost or total cost as the schedule candidate (second candidate).

[0050] If the user priority acquired by the acquisition unit 11 is "priority for suppressing battery degradation", the decision unit 17 refers to the battery degradation prediction value included in the evaluation information and determines a charge / discharge schedule proposal with a relatively low battery degradation prediction value as a schedule candidate. For example, the decision unit 17 determines the charge / discharge schedule proposal with the lowest battery degradation prediction value as the schedule candidate (first candidate), and also determines the charge / discharge schedule proposal with the second lowest battery degradation prediction value as the schedule candidate (second candidate).

[0051] If there is a charge / discharge schedule that user 2 frequently selects on a daily basis, the decision unit 17 may determine (add) a charge / discharge schedule proposal that corresponds to the charge / discharge schedule that user 2 frequently selects on a daily basis as a schedule candidate, regardless of the user priority acquired by the acquisition unit 11. For example, if the user priority is "prioritizing charging speed," the decision unit 17 will determine a charge / discharge schedule proposal with a relatively early charging completion time as a schedule candidate. Furthermore, if the frequency with which user 2 selects a charge / discharge schedule proposal with a relatively low degradation cost or total cost is above a predetermined threshold, the decision unit 17 will determine (add) a charge / discharge schedule as a schedule candidate that user 2 selects above a predetermined threshold, even if the user priority is "prioritizing charging speed." The predetermined threshold can be set as appropriate and may be stored in advance in the storage unit 20.

[0052] Next, an example of a method for determining schedule candidates will be explained with reference to Figure 11. The schedule proposal generation unit 12 generates multiple charge / discharge schedule proposals a to d. The degradation prediction unit 13 calculates the battery degradation prediction values ​​A to D [%] due to charge / discharge in the charge / discharge schedule proposals a to d as evaluation information. The relationship between the battery degradation prediction values ​​A to D is A > B > D > C, with battery degradation prediction value A indicating the greatest degree of degradation. The evaluation unit 14 calculates the battery degradation cost prediction values ​​A' to D' as evaluation information based on the battery degradation prediction values ​​A to D. The battery degradation cost prediction values ​​A' to D' are A' > B' > D' > C', with battery degradation cost prediction value A' indicating the greatest cost. The cost prediction unit 16 calculates the total cost XA to XD as evaluation information based on the battery degradation cost prediction values ​​A' to D' and the actual electricity cost prediction value calculated by the electricity cost prediction unit 15. The relationship between the total costs XA to XD is XA > XB > XC > XD, with total cost XA being the most expensive. The evaluation unit 14 calculates the charging completion order of charge / discharge schedule proposals a to d as evaluation information based on the charging completion times of each proposal. The charging completion order of charge / discharge schedule proposals a to d is 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 2nd, with charge / discharge schedule proposal a having the earliest charging completion time.

[0053] Based on user priority and evaluation information, the decision unit 17 selects a charge / discharge schedule from options a to d as a schedule candidate to notify user 2. The "Display Priority" in Figure 11 corresponds to the order in which the schedule candidates are selected. Here, as an example, since the user priority is "Charging Speed ​​Priority," the decision unit 17 determines the display priorities of charge / discharge schedules a to d to be 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 2nd, in order of charging completion time, according to the charging completion order. The decision unit 17 then selects the three charge / discharge schedules a, d, and b with the highest display priorities from among charge / discharge schedules a to d as schedule candidates.

[0054] Furthermore, if the user priority is "prioritizing battery degradation suppression," the decision unit 17 determines the display priority of charge / discharge schedule proposals a to d as 4th, 3rd, 1st, and 2nd, in order of decreasing degradation prediction value [%]. Then, the decision unit 17 determines charge / discharge schedule proposals c, d, and b, which have the highest display priority among charge / discharge schedule proposals a to d, in order of decreasing degradation prediction value [%], as schedule candidates.

[0055] Furthermore, if the user priority is "cost priority," the decision unit 17 determines the display priority of charge / discharge schedule proposals a to d as 4th, 3rd, 1st, and 2nd, in order of decreasing battery degradation cost. Then, the decision unit 17 determines charge / discharge schedule proposals c, d, and b, which have the highest display priority among charge / discharge schedule proposals a to d in order of decreasing battery degradation cost, as schedule candidates.

[0056] Alternatively, if the user priority is "cost priority," the decision unit 17 may use the total cost as the criterion instead of the battery degradation cost. That is, if the user priority is "cost priority," the decision unit 17 determines the display priority of charge / discharge schedule proposals a to d as 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st, in order of increasing total cost. Then, the decision unit 17 determines the charge / discharge schedule proposals a, d, and b with the highest display priority among charge / discharge schedule proposals a to d, in order of decreasing total cost, as schedule candidates.

[0057] The decision unit 17 notifies the user 2 of the schedule candidates determined by the decision unit 17 by displaying the notification information on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 3. The decision unit 17 may, for example, as shown in Figure 12, notify (display) the degree of degradation, degradation cost, total cost, charging completion order, and charge / discharge schedule profile as notification information for each of the charge / discharge schedule proposals a, d, and b as schedule candidates. The degree of degradation and degradation cost in Figure 12 correspond to the magnitude relationship of the battery degradation prediction values ​​A, D, B and the battery degradation cost prediction values ​​A', D', B' shown in Figure 11. The total cost in Figure 12 corresponds to the magnitude relationship of the total costs XA, XD, and XB in Figure 11. The charge / discharge schedule proposals a, d, and b may correspond to, for example, the fastest charging schedule proposal shown in Figure 6, the renewable energy utilization charging schedule proposal with the dashed line profile B shown in Figure 9, and the slowest charging schedule proposal shown in Figure 7, respectively. The decision unit 17 may include the battery degradation prediction values ​​A, D, B and the battery degradation cost prediction values ​​A', D', B' for each of the charge / discharge schedule proposals a, d, and b shown in Figure 11 in the notification information and notify (display) it. The decision unit 17 may also include the charging completion time for each of the charge / discharge schedule proposals a, d, and b in the notification information and notify (display) it.

[0058] User 2 can select (input) one of several schedule candidates as the charge / discharge schedule to be executed by operating the operation unit 31 of the information terminal 3. For example, User 2 may select "prioritize charging speed" as the user priority, but may also have intentions such as "I want a fast charging speed, but I'm not in a hurry" or "I might go out suddenly, but I'll only be traveling a short distance, so I want a plan that can suppress battery degradation." In such cases, User 2 may not select the fastest charge / discharge schedule option a, but rather charge / discharge schedule option d, which suppresses battery degradation more than charge / discharge schedule option a. In particular, when the electric vehicle 4 will not be used for a long period (e.g., two days or more), the cost and battery degradation suppression effects can be effectively obtained. Also, when battery degradation has progressed, the battery degradation suppression effect can be effectively obtained as battery degradation is more likely to progress.

[0059] The execution unit 18 determines the charge / discharge schedule candidate selected by user 2 via the operation unit 31 of user 2's information terminal 3 as the charge / discharge schedule to be executed. The execution unit 18 transmits the determined charge / discharge schedule to the charge / discharge device 5 and causes the charge / discharge device 5 to execute the charge / discharge schedule. The charge / discharge device 5 performs charging and discharging of the electric vehicle 4 according to the charge / discharge schedule.

[0060] <Charging and Discharging Support Method> Next, an example of a charging and discharging support method according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 16. In step S1, the electric vehicle 4 is connected to the charging and discharging device 5. In step S2, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the usage and driving plan transmitted from the information terminal 3 by operating the information terminal 3 of the user 2. In step S3, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the user priority transmitted from the information terminal 3 by operating the information terminal 3 of the user 2. In step S4, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the usage status data transmitted from the electric vehicle 4.

[0061] Furthermore, the process of obtaining the user priority in step S3 of Figure 16 is not particularly limited as long as it takes place before the process of determining the schedule candidate in step S9. That is, the process of obtaining the user priority in step S3 may be performed before step S1, between step S1 and step S2, between step S4 and step S5, between step S5 and step S6, between step S6 and step S7, between step S7 and step S8, or between step S8 and step S9.

[0062] In step S5, the schedule generation unit 12 calculates the target SOC based on the usage driving plan and usage data. Furthermore, the schedule generation unit 12 calculates the required charging time for each charging method. In step S6, the schedule generation unit 12 generates at least one charge / discharge schedule based on the target SOC and required charging time.

[0063] In step S7, the degradation prediction unit 13 calculates the predicted battery degradation value [%] due to charging and discharging in the proposed charging and discharging schedule as evaluation information, based on the usage data and the proposed charging and discharging schedule generated by the proposed charging and discharging schedule generation unit 12. In step S8, the evaluation unit 14 calculates the predicted battery degradation cost as evaluation information, based on the predicted battery degradation value [%] calculated by the degradation prediction unit 13. The electricity cost prediction unit 15 calculates the predicted actual electricity cost as evaluation information, based on the electricity cost information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The cost prediction unit 16 adds the predicted battery degradation cost calculated by the evaluation unit 14 and the predicted actual electricity cost calculated by the electricity cost prediction unit 15 to calculate the total cost prediction value for each proposed charging and discharging schedule as evaluation information.

[0064] In step S9, the decision unit 17 determines at least one charge / discharge schedule as a schedule candidate from the charge / discharge schedules generated by the schedule proposal generation unit 12, based on the user priority acquired by the acquisition unit 11 and the evaluation information calculated by the degradation prediction unit 13, evaluation unit 14, electricity rate prediction unit 15, and cost prediction unit 16. In step S10, the decision unit 17 notifies the user 2 of the determined schedule candidates by displaying notification information on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 3.

[0065] In step S11, the execution unit 18 determines the charge / discharge schedule candidate selected (input) by the user 2 through operation of the information terminal 3 as the charge / discharge schedule to be executed. In step S12, the execution unit 18 causes the charge / discharge device 5 to execute the determined charge / discharge schedule. The charge / discharge device 5 charges and discharges the battery 41 of the electric vehicle 4 according to the charge / discharge schedule.

[0066] <Total Cost Calculation Process> Next, an example of the total cost calculation process will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 17. In step S21, the evaluation unit 14 calculates the battery degradation cost prediction value as evaluation information based on the battery degradation prediction value [%] calculated by the degradation prediction unit 13. In step S22, the electricity rate prediction unit 15 calculates the actual electricity rate prediction value as evaluation information based on the electricity rate information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. In step S23, the cost prediction unit 16 adds the battery degradation cost prediction value calculated by the evaluation unit 14 and the actual electricity rate prediction value calculated by the electricity rate prediction unit 15 to calculate the total cost prediction value for each charge / discharge schedule proposal as evaluation information. In step S24, the decision unit 17 notifies the user 2 of at least one of the battery degradation cost prediction value calculated by the evaluation unit 14, the actual electricity rate prediction value calculated by the electricity rate prediction unit 15, and the total cost prediction value calculated by the cost prediction unit 16 in the notification information.

[0067] <Total Cost Correction Processing> Next, an example of total cost correction processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 18. In step S31, the acquisition unit 11 acquires request information regarding power supply from the charge / discharge device 5, etc. In step S32, the electricity rate forecasting unit 15 calculates an incentive forecast value based on the power supply request information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. In step S33, the electricity rate forecasting unit 15 corrects the actual electricity rate forecast value separately calculated by the electricity rate forecasting unit 15 based on the calculated incentive forecast value. In step S34, the cost forecasting unit 16 adds the battery degradation cost forecast value calculated by the evaluation unit 14 and the actual electricity rate forecast value corrected by the electricity rate forecasting unit 15 to correct the total cost forecast value for each charge / discharge schedule proposal.

[0068] <Charge / Discharge Completion Order Determination Process> Next, an example of the charge / discharge completion order determination process will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 19. In step S41, the schedule proposal generation unit 12 generates at least one charge / discharge schedule. In step S42, the evaluation unit 14 calculates charge / discharge completion information, including the charge completion time for each charge / discharge schedule, as evaluation information. In step S43, the evaluation unit 14 compares the charge completion times for each charge / discharge schedule and determines (calculates) the charge completion order of the charge / discharge schedule proposals as evaluation information. In step S44, the determination unit 17 notifies the user 2 of the charge completion order, including it in the notification information.

[0069] <Effects of the Embodiment> According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the electric vehicle's driving plan and usage status data. The schedule proposal generation unit 12 generates at least one charge / discharge schedule proposal for charging and discharging the battery 41 of the electric vehicle 4 based on the driving plan and usage status data. The degradation prediction unit 13, evaluation unit 14, electricity cost prediction unit 15, and cost prediction unit 16 calculate evaluation information regarding the charge / discharge schedule proposal. The acquisition unit 11 acquires the user priority through the operation of the electric vehicle user's information terminal. The decision unit 17 determines at least one of the charge / discharge schedule proposals as a schedule candidate based on the user priority and evaluation information, and notifies the user of notification information regarding the schedule candidate. This makes it possible to determine a charge / discharge schedule candidate that reflects the user's will or preferences and notify the user 2. Therefore, the user 2 can select a schedule candidate that is suitable for the user 2 and in line with the user's will or preferences. Furthermore, User 2 can view notification information regarding schedule candidates and understand the charging completion time, charging completion order, cost information, or battery degradation suppression effect for each schedule candidate, and determine whether the proposed schedule is suitable for User 2.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the step of calculating evaluation information (S7 and S8 in Figure 16) calculates the predicted battery degradation value due to charging and discharging in the proposed charging and discharging schedule. This allows for the determination of a candidate charging and discharging schedule according to the predicted battery degradation value and notification to the user 2.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the user priority includes at least one of "prioritizing battery degradation suppression," "prioritizing charging speed," and "prioritizing cost." Moreover, the step of acquiring the user priority (S3 in Figure 16) is performed before the step of acquiring the driving plan and usage status data (S2, S4 in Figure 16), between the step of acquiring the driving plan and usage status data (S2, S4 in Figure 16) and the step of generating a proposed charge / discharge schedule (S5, S6 in Figure 16), between the step of generating a proposed charge / discharge schedule (S5, S6 in Figure 16) and the step of calculating evaluation information (S7, S8 in Figure 16), and between the step of calculating evaluation information (S7, S8 in Figure 16) and the step of determining a schedule candidate (S9 in Figure 16). This makes it possible to determine a charge / discharge schedule candidate that reflects the user's preferences or intentions, such as prioritizing charging speed, prioritizing battery degradation suppression, and prioritizing cost, and notify the user 2.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the driving plan includes at least one of the planned start time, planned driving distance, and driving destination information. In addition, the usage data includes at least one of the driving speed, frequency of sudden acceleration, battery remaining capacity, battery temperature, location information, battery degradation level, charging frequency, charging method, and discharge frequency. Furthermore, the step of generating a proposed charge / discharge schedule (S5, S6 in Figure 16) generates at least one proposed charge / discharge schedule based on the driving plan and usage data. This makes it possible to generate multiple proposed charge / discharge schedules based on the driving plan and usage data, and to notify the user of a schedule candidate that is more suitable for them.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the usage data includes the charging method and the current battery remaining capacity. In addition, the step of generating a proposed charge / discharge schedule (S5, S6 in Figure 16) includes calculating the target SOC required by the next use of the electric vehicle 4 based on the usage driving plan (S5 in Figure 16), calculating the required charging time to reach the target SOC based on the charging method, the current battery remaining capacity and the target SOC (S5 in Figure 16), and generating at least one of a maximum-speed charging schedule and a minimum-speed charging schedule based on the required charging time (S6 in Figure 16). This makes it possible to determine a candidate charge / discharge schedule from a proposed charge / discharge schedule that includes a maximum-speed charging schedule and a minimum-speed charging schedule, each with different battery degradation suppression effects or costs, and notify the user 2.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, in the step of generating a proposed charge / discharge schedule (S5 and S6 in Figure 16), if the required charging time is longer than the time from the current time until the next use of the electric vehicle 4, the user 2 is notified of the insufficient charging time and charging is started using the fastest charging method. This allows the user 2 to recognize that charging to the target SOC will not be completed by the next use, and to charge as much as possible.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the step of generating a proposed charge / discharge schedule (S5, S6 in Figure 16) includes generating a proposed low-SOC maintenance charge schedule based on at least one of the usage driving plan, usage data, target SOC, and required charging time. This allows for the determination of candidate charge / discharge schedules, including the proposed low-SOC maintenance charge schedule, and notification to the user 2. The proposed low-SOC maintenance charge schedule can be particularly effective in suppressing battery degradation over long periods.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the step of generating a proposed charge / discharge schedule (S5, S6 in Figure 16) in which the usage data includes battery temperature includes predicting the time until the battery temperature falls below a temperature that suppresses degradation, waiting until the predicted time has elapsed, and then generating a proposed high-temperature avoidance charge schedule in which charging and discharging are performed. This makes it possible to avoid charging and discharging at high temperatures and suppress battery degradation due to heat, and to determine a candidate charge / discharge schedule including such a schedule and notify the user 2.

[0077] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the step of generating a proposed charge / discharge schedule (S5, S6 in Figure 16) includes excluding the generation of a proposed charge / discharge schedule that includes temporarily reducing the SOC by discharging, when the user priority is "prioritizing charging speed". This reduces the load on the proposed charge / discharge schedule generation process by excluding the generation of a proposed charge / discharge schedule with a slow charging speed that is assumed to be unsuitable for user 2 according to the user priority.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the step of generating a proposed charge / discharge schedule (S5, S6 in Figure 16) includes excluding the generation of the fastest proposed charge / discharge schedule if the user priority is battery degradation suppression priority or cost priority. This reduces the load on the proposed charge / discharge schedule generation process by excluding the generation of the fastest proposed charge / discharge schedule that is assumed to be unsuitable for user 2 according to the user priority.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the step of calculating evaluation information (S7, S8 in Figure 16) includes calculating a predicted battery degradation cost based on battery price information, which includes at least one of the battery sales price, battery purchase price, and battery price information for SOH, and a predicted battery degradation value. This makes it possible to notify user 2 of notification information including the costs incurred due to battery degradation.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the step of calculating evaluation information (S7, S8 in Figure 16) includes calculating an estimated actual electricity usage value in the proposed charge / discharge schedule based on electricity usage information, which includes at least one of electricity rate unit price and electricity sales price information. This makes it possible to notify the user 2 of notification information including the actual electricity usage cost incurred by charging.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the charge / discharge schedule proposal generation step (S5, S6 in Figure 16) includes generating a charge / discharge schedule proposal that utilizes renewable energy based on environmental information including at least one of the presence or absence of renewable energy equipment, performance information of renewable energy equipment, predicted power generation information from renewable energy, and weather information. The evaluation information calculation step includes calculating the predicted actual electricity cost for the charge / discharge schedule proposal that utilizes renewable energy. As a result, user 2 can determine a candidate charge / discharge schedule, including a charge / discharge schedule that takes renewable energy use into consideration, and notify user 2 of the results. In addition, notification information including the actual electricity cost for the charge / discharge schedule that takes renewable energy use into consideration can be notified to user 2.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the step of calculating evaluation information (S7, S8 in Figure 16) includes calculating a predicted battery degradation cost based on battery price information, which includes at least one of the battery sales price, battery purchase price, and battery price information for SOH, and a predicted battery degradation value; calculating a predicted actual electricity cost in the proposed charge / discharge schedule based on electricity price information, which includes at least one of the electricity rate unit price and electricity sales price information; and calculating a predicted total cost based on the predicted battery degradation cost and the predicted actual electricity cost. In addition, the step of notifying user 2 of notification information (S10 in Figure 16) includes notifying notification information that includes at least one of the predicted battery degradation cost, the predicted actual electricity cost, and the predicted total cost. This makes it possible to notify user 2 of notification information that includes cost information incurred by charging.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the step of calculating evaluation information (S7 and S8 in Figure 16) includes correcting the predicted actual electricity charges based on the incentive information in the request information regarding power supply. This makes it possible to notify user 2 of notification information including the predicted actual electricity charges, which include the profit or loss if the user participates in the request regarding power supply.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the step of calculating evaluation information (S7 and S8 in Figure 16) includes calculating the completion order of the multiple charge / discharge schedules when there are multiple charge / discharge schedule options. This makes it possible to notify the user 2 of notification information including the completion order of the multiple charge / discharge schedule options.

[0085] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, after the step of notifying notification information (S10 in Figure 16), the system further includes the steps of determining the schedule candidate selected by User 2 as the charge / discharge schedule and executing the determined charge / discharge schedule (S11, S12 in Figure 16). This allows User 2 to determine and execute a charge / discharge schedule suitable for User 2 from the schedule candidates.

[0086] (Other Embodiments) As described above, this disclosure is described by embodiments, but the descriptions and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting this disclosure. Various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. For example, the configurations disclosed in each embodiment can be combined as appropriate to the extent that they do not contradict each other. Thus, this disclosure naturally includes various embodiments and the like that are not described herein. Therefore, the technical scope of this disclosure is determined solely by the inventive features relating to the claims that are appropriate from the above description.

[0087] 1...Charging / discharging support device, 2...User, 3...Information terminal, 4...Electric vehicle, 5...Charging / discharging device, 6...Power grid, 10...Processing unit, 11...Acquisition unit, 12...Schedule draft generation unit, 13...Degradation prediction unit, 14...Evaluation unit, 15...Electricity charge prediction unit, 16...Cost prediction unit, 17...Decision unit, 18...Execution unit, 20...Storage unit, 31...Operation unit, 32...Display unit

Claims

1. A charging and discharging support method comprising: a step of acquiring a driving plan and usage status data for an electric vehicle; a step of generating at least one proposed charging and discharging schedule for charging and discharging the battery of the electric vehicle based on the driving plan and usage status data; a step of calculating evaluation information regarding the proposed charging and discharging schedule; a step of acquiring user priority by operation of the user's information terminal for the electric vehicle; a step of determining at least one of the proposed charging and discharging schedules as a schedule candidate based on the user priority and the evaluation information; and a step of notifying the user of notification information regarding the schedule candidate.

2. The charge-discharge support method according to claim 1, wherein the step of calculating the evaluation information includes calculating a predicted value of battery degradation due to charge-discharge in the proposed charge-discharge schedule.

3. The charging and discharging support method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the user priority includes at least one of battery degradation suppression priority, charging speed priority, and cost priority, and the step of obtaining the user priority is performed before the step of obtaining the usage driving plan and usage status data, between the step of obtaining the usage driving plan and usage status data and the step of generating the proposed charge and discharge schedule, between the step of generating the proposed charge and discharge schedule and the step of calculating the evaluation information, and between the step of calculating the evaluation information and the step of determining the schedule candidate.

4. The charging and discharging support method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the driving plan includes at least one of the scheduled start time of driving, the scheduled driving distance, and the driving destination information, the usage data includes at least one of the driving speed, the frequency of sudden acceleration, the remaining battery capacity, the battery temperature, the location information, the degree of battery degradation, the charging frequency, the charging method, and the discharging frequency, and the step of generating the proposed charging and discharging schedule is to generate at least one of the proposed charging and discharging schedules based on the driving plan and the usage data.

5. The charging and discharging support method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the usage data includes the charging method and the current remaining battery capacity, and the step of generating the proposed charge / discharge schedule includes: calculating the target SOC required by the next use of the electric vehicle based on the usage driving plan; calculating the required charging time to reach the target SOC based on the charging method, the current remaining battery capacity and the target SOC; and generating at least one of the proposed charge / discharge schedule with the earliest charging completion time and the proposed charge / discharge schedule with the latest charging completion time based on the required charging time.

6. The charge / discharge support method according to claim 5, wherein the step of generating the proposed charge / discharge schedule includes notifying the user of insufficient charging time if the required charging time is longer than the time from the current time until the next time the electric vehicle is to be used, and starting charging using the fastest charging method.

7. The charge-discharge support method according to claim 5, wherein the step of generating the proposed charge-discharge schedule includes generating the proposed charge-discharge schedule, which includes waiting at a low SOC below the SOC that suppresses battery degradation, based on at least one of the usage driving plan, the usage data, the target SOC, and the required charging time.

8. The charging and discharging support method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the usage data includes battery temperature, and the step of generating the proposed charging and discharging schedule includes predicting the time until the battery temperature falls below a temperature that suppresses degradation, waiting until the predicted time has elapsed, and then generating the proposed charging and discharging schedule.

9. The charge-discharge support method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of generating the proposed charge-discharge schedule includes excluding the generation of the proposed charge-discharge schedule, which includes temporarily reducing the SOC by discharging, when the user priority is charge speed priority.

10. The charge-discharge support method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of generating the proposed charge-discharge schedule includes excluding the generation of the fastest proposed charge-discharge schedule if the user priority is battery degradation suppression priority or cost priority.

11. The charge / discharge support method according to claim 2, wherein the step of calculating the evaluation information includes calculating a battery degradation cost prediction value based on battery price information, which includes at least one of a battery sales price, a battery purchase price, and battery price information for SOH, and the battery degradation prediction value.

12. The charging and discharging support method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of calculating the evaluation information includes calculating an estimated value of actual electricity charges in the proposed charging and discharging schedule based on electricity charge information, which includes at least one of electricity charge unit price information and electricity sales price information.

13. The charging and discharging support method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the charging and discharging schedule proposal generation step includes generating a charging and discharging schedule proposal that utilizes renewable energy based on environmental information including at least one of the presence or absence of renewable energy equipment, performance information of renewable energy equipment, predicted power generation information from renewable energy, and weather information, and the evaluation information calculation step includes calculating a predicted value of actual electricity charges in the charging and discharging schedule proposal that utilizes renewable energy.

14. The charge-discharge support method according to claim 2, wherein the step of calculating the evaluation information includes calculating a battery degradation cost prediction value based on battery price information including at least one of battery sales price, battery purchase price, and battery price information for SOH, and the battery degradation prediction value; calculating an actual electricity usage prediction value in the proposed charge-discharge schedule based on electricity price information including at least one of electricity rate unit price and electricity sales price information; and calculating a total cost prediction value based on the battery degradation cost prediction value and the actual electricity usage prediction value; and the step of notifying the notification information includes notifying the notification information including at least one of the battery degradation cost prediction value, the actual electricity usage prediction value, and the total cost prediction value.

15. The charging and discharging support method according to claim 12, wherein the step of calculating the evaluation information includes correcting the predicted actual electricity charges based on incentive information in the power supply request information.

16. The charge-discharge support method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of calculating the evaluation information includes, when there are multiple charge-discharge schedule proposals, calculating the order of completion of the charge-discharge of the multiple charge-discharge schedule proposals.

17. The charge-discharge support method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the steps of determining the schedule candidate selected by the user as a charge-discharge schedule after the step of notifying the notification information, and executing the determined charge-discharge schedule.

18. A charge / discharge support device comprising: an acquisition unit for acquiring the usage plan and usage status data of an electric vehicle; a schedule proposal generation unit for generating at least one charge / discharge schedule proposal based on the usage plan and usage status data; an evaluation information calculation unit for calculating evaluation information related to the charge / discharge schedule proposal; an information terminal for acquiring user priority through operation of the electric vehicle user's information terminal; and a determination unit for determining at least one of the charge / discharge schedule proposals as a schedule candidate based on the user priority and the evaluation information, and notifying the user of notification information related to the schedule candidate.

Images