Power control method, power control system, and program

Abstract

This power control method is executed by a power control device that controls charging of electric vehicles in facilities having electric vehicles equipped with storage batteries. In the method: target value information regarding a demand target value of power consumption for each facility, upper limit information indicating the upper limit of power available in each time frame set for the region where each facility is present, charging power demand information indicating power demand related to charging in each time frame at each facility, and facility power demand information indicating power demand in each time frame at each facility are acquired, and power allocation to be distributed for charging electric vehicles is individually determined for each time frame for each facility on the basis of the target value information, the upper limit information, the charging power demand information, and the facility power demand information (S40, S70); and power allocation information indicating the power allocation for each facility thus determined is output (S120).

Description

Power control method, power control system, and program

[0001] This invention relates to a power control method, a power control system, and a program.

[0002] Conventionally, research has been conducted on how to efficiently charge electric vehicles (EVs). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle charging system for efficiently charging electric vehicles while maintaining electricity demand in a specific power usage area within a specified power range.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-70363

[0004] Incidentally, it is desirable that the amount of electricity allocated to each facility for charging electric vehicles be determined more appropriately.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a power control method, a power control system, and a program that can more appropriately determine the amount of power allocated to each facility for charging electric vehicles.

[0006] A power control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a power control method executed by a power control device that controls the charging of electric vehicles at each facility having an electric vehicle equipped with a storage battery, and acquires target value information relating to the demand target value of the power used by each facility, upper limit information indicating the upper limit of usable power in each time period set in the area where each facility is located, charging power demand information indicating the power demand for charging at each facility in each time period, and facility power demand information indicating the power demand at each facility in each time period, and individually determines the amount of power to be distributed to each facility for charging electric vehicles for each time period based on the target value information, the upper limit information, the charging power demand information, and the facility power demand information, and outputs the amount of power to be distributed to each facility for charging electric vehicles for each time period, and outputs the determined amount of power to be distributed to each facility.

[0007] A power control system according to one aspect of the present invention is a power control device for controlling the charging of electric vehicles at each facility having electric vehicles equipped with storage batteries, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires target value information relating to the demand target value of the power used by each facility, upper limit information indicating the upper limit of usable power in each time period set in the area where each facility is located, charging power demand information indicating the power demand for charging at each facility in each time period, and facility power demand information indicating the power demand at each facility in each time period; a determination unit that individually determines the amount of power to be distributed to each facility for charging electric vehicles for each time period based on the target value information, the upper limit information, the charging power demand information, and the facility power demand information; and an output unit that outputs power information indicating the determined power to be distributed to each facility.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described power control method.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a power control method and the like that can more appropriately determine the amount of power allocated to each facility for charging electric vehicles.

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a power control system according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power control system according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the detailed operation of step S10 shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the detailed operation of step S20 shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the detailed operation of step S40 shown in Figure 2. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the detailed operation of step S70 shown in Figure 2. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the evaluation results for the power control system according to the embodiment, etc. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a power control system according to a modified example 2 of the embodiment.

[0011] (Background to the present invention) Before describing embodiments of the present invention, the background to the present invention will be explained.

[0012] In recent years, from the perspective of protecting the global environment, environmentally friendly clean energy vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and electric vehicles (EVs), which emit less carbon dioxide, are becoming increasingly popular. From the standpoint of protecting the global environment, it is desirable for electric vehicles to become more widespread, but on the other hand, in countries where the number of electric vehicles (especially EVs) sold is high, the problem of power grid congestion is becoming serious. For example, in some areas, the amount of electricity that can be used for EV charging is limited. In this specification, EV charging means charging an electric vehicle equipped with a battery. An electric vehicle is a vehicle that uses an electric motor as at least part of its power source, and examples include HEVs, PHEVs, and EVs.

[0013] In Japan, the goal is to have 30% of new vehicles be electric vehicles by 2030, and it is predicted that the country will face similar problems in the future. Furthermore, other countries besides Japan may also face similar problems.

[0014] Existing power distribution methods include a method that simply distributes available power equally to each facility (equal distribution method) and a method that distributes available power in proportion to the number of EVs operated at each facility (proportional distribution method).

[0015] However, both the equal distribution method and the proportional distribution method have a first problem: they cannot take into account the different available power for charging at each facility at each time of day, so there is a possibility that more power than the available power for charging will be distributed, wasting the limited available power allocation for each region. In other words, there is a possibility that power will be supplied that will not be consumed and will be wasted. Furthermore, both the equal distribution method and the proportional distribution method have a second problem: even if the power required by each facility changes from time to time, it can only be distributed at a fixed ratio. Note that the available power for charging indicates the upper limit (maximum value) of power that can be used to charge electric vehicles at each facility at each time of day. Even if more power is supplied to each facility than the available power for charging at that time of day, the excess cannot be used, resulting in wasted power.

[0016] Thus, with existing power distribution methods, it is difficult to more appropriately determine the amount of power allocated to each facility for charging electric vehicles.

[0017] Therefore, the inventors of this application have diligently studied power control methods and the like that can more appropriately determine the amount of power allocated to each facility for charging electric vehicles, and have devised the power control methods and the like shown below.

[0018] Such a power control method is a power control method that can realize a new power distribution method as part of electric vehicle charging control technology, and is a power control method (information processing method) that can perform information processing to efficiently and fairly distribute the power (supply power) for charging electric vehicles that each facility has to each facility when there are restrictions on the available power on a regional basis.

[0019] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0020] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, those not described in an independent claim are described as optional components.

[0021] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Therefore, for example, the scale may not necessarily match in each figure. Also, in each figure, substantially identical components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0022] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating relationships between elements such as "identical" and "same," as well as numerical values ​​and numerical ranges, do not represent only strict meanings, but also include substantially equivalent ranges, such as differences of a few percent (or about 10%).

[0023] Furthermore, in this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., do not mean the number or order of components unless otherwise specified, but are used to avoid confusion and to distinguish similar components.

[0024] (Embodiment) The power control system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

[0025] [1. Configuration of the Power Control System] First, the configuration of the power control system that implements the power control method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the power control system 10 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 1 shows an exemplary configuration of the power control system 10, and the configuration of the power control system 10 is not limited to Figure 1. Also, although the following description will be based on the example where the electric vehicle is an EV, the electric vehicle is not limited to being an EV.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the power control system 10 includes a power control device 100. In this embodiment, the power control system 10 further includes various facilities. An example in which each facility includes a first facility 200 and n (where n is a natural number of 2 or more) facilities 300 will be described, but the number of facilities included in the power control system 10 is not particularly limited as long as it is 2 or more.

[0027] The power control device 100 is an information processing device that controls EV charging at each facility. Based on various acquired information, the power control device 100 determines the amount of power to be used for EV charging at each facility. The power to be used is, for example, the power at a future point in time from the present. The power control device 100 includes an acquisition unit 110, a demand target value determination unit 120, a power distribution unit 130, and an output unit 140. The power control device 100 also includes a processor and memory as hardware components. The memory is ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and can store programs executed by the processor. Each function of the power control device 100 is realized by the processor and other components that execute the programs stored in the memory. The power control device 100 may be implemented by a stationary PC (Personal Computer), a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, a server (for example, a cloud server), or a combination of two or more of these.

[0028] The acquisition unit 110 acquires various information for the power control device 100 to determine the amount of power to be charged for EV charging at each facility. The acquisition unit 110 is, for example, a communication interface that acquires various information via communication. The acquisition unit 110 may be configured to include, for example, a communication circuit (or a communication module). The acquisition unit 110 acquires various information by wireless communication, but it may also acquire various information by wired communication. Furthermore, the communication standards used for wireless communication and the communication standards used for wired communication are not particularly limited.

[0029] The acquisition unit 110 may acquire various types of information through input from a user or other party to a reception unit such as a button or sound collection device.

[0030] The acquisition unit 110 determines the upper limit of usable power per region (usable power L, described later). ｔThe system acquires upper limit information including the building's power demand ([kW] or [kWh]), building power demand information including the building's power demand ([kW] or [kWh]), and EV power demand information including the EV charging power demand ([kW] or [kWh]) as various types of information. The acquisition unit 110 acquires, but is not limited to, upper limit information, building power demand information, and EV power demand information from, for example, a server that manages each type of information. Note that EV charging power demand refers to the power demand for charging EVs at the facility.

[0031] The regional limit on available electricity indicates the maximum amount of electricity available at any given time in the area where each facility is located. This limit is determined by, for example, a general transmission and distribution operator (e.g., a DSO: Distribution System Operator) responsible for ensuring a stable supply of electricity, and is obtained from that operator.

[0032] Building power demand is obtained from a server that predicts the power demand at each time point in the facility, for example, based on the facility's past power consumption data. Note that the power consumption figures here do not include the amount of electricity consumed by EV charging.

[0033] EV charging power demand is obtained from a server that predicts the EV charging power demand of a facility based on, for example, the facility's past EV charging data. This server predicts the EV charging power demand at each facility at each time point.

[0034] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 110 acquires target value information related to the demand target value from each facility. The acquisition unit 110 may, for example, acquire power peak information, which indicates the annual power peak value of each facility, as target value information from each facility. The power peak value of the facility is the peak value of the facility's past power data and is used to determine the demand target value of the facility. The timing at which the acquisition unit 110 acquires various types of information is not particularly limited.

[0035] The demand target value represents the upper limit of electricity that can be used at the facility. At each facility, the amount of electricity allocated is determined so that the total value of electricity consumed by the facility and electricity consumed by EV charging is less than or equal to the demand target value.

[0036] Furthermore, if the demand target value can be determined, the acquisition unit 110 may acquire information other than the peak power value from external devices such as information terminals at each facility. For example, the acquisition unit 110 may acquire the demand target value itself as target value information from an external device.

[0037] The demand target value determination unit 120 determines the demand target value for each facility at each time based on the facility's target value information. For example, the demand target value determination unit 120 automatically determines the demand target value by adding a margin to the peak value of the facility's past power data. The demand target value determination unit 120 determines a common demand target value at each time (for example, determining one target value per facility), but it may also determine different demand target values ​​at each time. Note that the method for determining the demand target value in the demand target value determination unit 120 is not limited to this, and any known method may be used.

[0038] Furthermore, in order to suppress the annual increase in basic electricity charges, each facility may implement control measures to keep the total power consumed by the facility and the power used for EV charging within a set demand target value. The EV charging power also depends on the number of chargers the facility has, the output of the chargers, and the status of EVs present. The status of EVs present includes, for example, the EV presence schedule. Therefore, there is a certain amount of power available for charging at each facility at any given time. By distributing power to the facilities while taking this into consideration, it is possible to suppress the generation of wasted power (for example, power that is not consumed and remains in reserve). From the perspective of suppressing the generation of such wasted power, the demand target value determination unit 120 determines the demand target value for each facility, and the power to be allocated is determined using the determined demand target value.

[0039] The power distribution unit 130 individually determines the amount of power to be distributed to each facility for EV charging for each time period, based on the various information acquired by the acquisition unit 110. Individual means, for example, that the values ​​of the parameters used in calculating the power to be charged at each time may differ at each time. Individual may also mean, for example, that the facility weight and EV charging power demand, described later, use values ​​appropriate to that time, that is, the facility weight and EV charging power demand are not common at each time. Each time may be a pinpoint time, or it may have a predetermined time range (for example, 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.). Each time is an example of each time period. The power distribution unit 130 is an example of a determination unit.

[0040] The output unit 140 is a communication interface that outputs power information indicating the power allocated to each facility at each time, as determined by the power distribution unit 130. For example, the output unit 140 outputs power information indicating the power allocated to each facility. The output unit 140 outputs various information via wireless communication. The communication standard used for wireless communication is not particularly limited.

[0041] The power control device 100 may also be a server managed by an aggregator that collects electricity from distributed power sources and supplies it to each facility, or by a Charging Point Operator (CPO).

[0042] The first facility 200 and the nth facility 300 are facilities located in a certain area. This area is, for example, an area where the available power (upper limit) at each time is determined. This area may be publicly announced by, for example, a general power transmission and distribution company or a public institution. Thus, in this embodiment, we will describe a power management method, etc., when the available power is predetermined on a regional basis.

[0043] The first facility 200 and the nth facility 300 are buildings that own multiple elevators, and examples include, but are not limited to, apartment buildings, office buildings, and municipalities. Any facility can be a building that owns multiple elevators, and may be, for example, an individual residence or a nursing home. The first facility 200 and the nth facility 300 are examples of each type of facility.

[0044] The first facility 200 has an EV charging control device 210 and each EV charger 410. The nth facility 300 also has an EV charging control device 310 and each EV charger 420.

[0045] The EV charging control device 210 is an information processing device that controls EV charging for each EV charger 410 located in the first facility 200. The EV charging control device 210 receives the charging power C from the power control device 100. １、ｔ The control is performed based on the following: The EV charging control device 210, for example, the charging power C at time t. １、ｔ Based on this, EV charging is controlled at time t. For example, the power to be charged C １、ｔ Since this is acquired at each time point, the EV charging control device 210 determines the EV charging control content at each time point t and the allocated power C １、ｔ The settings will vary accordingly. The functions of the EV charging control device 310 are the same as those of the EV charging control device 210.

[0046] Furthermore, the functions of the EV charging control devices 210 and 310 are not limited to being provided by devices installed at each facility; for example, they may also be provided by a server. For example, the functions of the EV charging control devices 210 and 310 may be provided by the power control device 100. In this case, the output unit 140 outputs control information to each facility that controls EV charging at each EV charger 410 and 420, based on the power allocated to each facility at each time determined by the power distribution unit 130.

[0047] The EV chargers 410 and 420 are on-board chargers capable of charging EVs. The EV chargers 410 and 420 only need to have the function of charging EVs, and may, for example, be chargers / dischargers.

[0048] Although EV chargers 410 and 420 are capable of charging electric vehicles, they may also be, for example, chargers specifically for EVs.

[0049] [2. Operation of the Power Control System] Next, the operation of the power control system 10 configured as described above will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 6. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the operation (power control method) of the power control device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2, first the power control device 100 determines the amount of power that can be charged (S10).

[0051] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the detailed operation (power control method) of step S10 shown in Figure 2.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the acquisition unit 110 acquires the annual peak demand value (annual peak power value) from each facility (S11). For example, the acquisition unit 110 acquires target value information, including the annual peak power value, from each facility.

[0053] Next, the demand target value determination unit 120 determines the demand target value for each facility based on the target value information for each facility (S12). In this embodiment, the demand target value determination unit 120 determines the demand target value for each facility based on the annual peak power value for each facility. The demand target value is a fixed value at each time, but it may be a different value.

[0054] Next, the acquisition unit 110 acquires building power demand and EV charging power demand (S13). For example, the acquisition unit 110 acquires building power demand information, including the building power demand at each time in each facility, and acquires EV power demand information, including the EV charging power demand at each time in each facility. The building power demand information is an example of facility power demand information, and the EV power demand information is an example of charging power demand information. Note that the EV power demand information may be included in the facility power demand information.

[0055] Next, the power distribution unit 130 calculates the available charging power at each facility at each time based on the demand target value, building power demand, and EV charging power demand (S14). The available charging power of facility n at time t is calculated using FCP. ｎ、ｔ (Flexible Charging Power) is defined as the demand target value for facility n, and T is set to T. ｎ Let BD be the power demand of facility n at time t (building power demand).ｎ、ｔ denoted as (BD: Building Demand), the number of EV connection points at facility n at time t is NCEV ｖ、ｔ (NCEV: Number of Connected EV), the average chargeable power is ACP ｎ、ｔ (ACP: Average Charging Power), the charging upper limit power at facility n at time t is PCP ｎ、ｔ (Potential Charging Power), then, based on the following Equation 1, the chargeable power FCP at facility n at time t ｎ、ｔ is calculated.

[0056] FCP ｎ、ｔ = min(T ｎ - BD ｎ、ｔ , PCP ｎ、ｔ ) However, PCP ｎ、ｔ = NCEV ｖ、ｔ · ACP ｎ、ｔ (PCP ｎ、ｔ ≥ 0) ··· (Equation 1)

[0057] Note that the number of EV connection points and the average chargeable power are included in the EV charging power demand. That is, the EV charging power demand includes the number of EVs connected to the EV charger at each time and the average chargeable power based on the past record of chargeable power. Also, the EV charging power demand may include at least one of the specifications of the electric vehicle, the output of the charger, and the vehicle allocation information in addition to or instead of the number of EVs. Further, the EV charging power demand may include the number of chargers at the facility. Here, the number of chargers may be the number of chargers connected to EVs during the time period, or may be the total number of chargers installed at the facility.

[0058] Note that the past record of chargeable power may be the average value of the charging power actually charged at the charger. Also, the subscript n in Equation 1 indicates the facility, and t indicates the time. In the following, the subscript may be omitted.

[0059] In Equation 1, T-BD indicates the upper limit of power that can be used for EV charging at the facility, and is calculated by subtracting the power used for purposes other than EV charging (power that the facility is expected to consume) from the demand target value. In addition, the charging limit power PCP in Equation 1 indicates the maximum power that can be charged at the facility at that time, and is calculated by summing the maximum charge amounts of each EV charger being used at that time. For example, if a facility has five EV chargers, but only three EVs are connected at a given time, then only three EV chargers will be used. In this case, the sum of the maximum charge amounts of each of the three EV chargers being used will be the charging limit power.

[0060] Thus, the rechargeable power FCP is determined to be the smaller of the following two values: the maximum power available for EV charging from the power supplied to the facility at that time, and the maximum power that the EV charger can charge at that time.

[0061] Referring again to Figure 2, the power distribution unit 130 then determines the facility weight (first weight) (S20).

[0062] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the detailed operation (power control method) of step S20 shown in Figure 2. While the following describes an example of determining facility weights using Equation 2, etc., facility weights may also be determined using initial values ​​proportional to the EV charging power demand, for example.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the power distribution unit 130 calculates the provisional state of each facility (S21). The provisional state is an indicator of how much power is supplied to each facility, and is an example of the power status of that facility. The provisional state can be a larger value as the amount of power supplied increases. Power supplied to facility n at time t C ｎ、ｔ Let the EV charging power demand of facility n at time t be C ｎ、ｔ Therefore, the power distribution unit 130 determines the provisional state of facility n at time t as S ｎ、ｔ This is calculated based on the following equation 2.

[0064]

[0065] As shown in Equation 2, the provisional state S of facility n at time t included in each time period (an example of one time period) ｎ、ｔ This is calculated using the cumulative value of EV charging power demand up to time t+1 (an example of the next time period after one time period) and the cumulative value of the power allocated to facility n up to time t.

[0066] The power distribution unit 130 determines the provisional state S of facility n at time t if the power demand up to time t+1 is zero (for example, if the number of connected EVs is zero and EV charging cannot be performed), or if the power supplied up to time t is equal to or greater than the power demand up to time t+1 (for example, if the power that can be consumed by EV charging is equal to or greater than the power demand required for EV charging). ｎ、ｔ Let's designate a value of 1 as indicating a good condition.

[0067] Furthermore, if the allocated power up to time t is zero (for example, if all supplied power is used to meet the facility's power demand), the power distribution unit 130 calculates the reciprocal of the power demand up to time t+1 as the provisional state S of facility n at time t. ｎ、ｔ In this case, there is a demand for EV charging, but EV charging is not being performed, which is a provisional state S. ｎ、ｔ This value is greater than 0 and less than 1 (i.e., a value less than 1). The greater the power demand, the higher the provisional state S. ｎ、ｔ This will be a smaller value. Note that this is the provisional state S. ｎ、ｔ The closer the value is to 0, the worse the condition.

[0068] Furthermore, if the allocated power is less than the power demand, and both the allocated power and the power demand are greater than 0, the power distribution unit 130 determines the provisional state S of facility n at time t by dividing the allocated power up to time t by the power demand up to time t+1. ｎ、ｔ In this case, EV charging is taking place but is insufficient, and this is a provisional state S. ｎ、ｔ This value is greater than 0 and less than 1 (i.e., a value less than 1). The greater the power demand, or the smaller the available power, the lower the provisional state S. ｎ、ｔ This will be a smaller value.

[0069] Next, the power distribution unit 130 calculates the facility priority for each facility (S22). Facility priority is the weight given to supplying power to that facility, and it is calculated so that the higher the degree, the greater the power supplied. For example, the power distribution unit 130 calculates the facility priority W of facility n at time t based on the following equation 3. ｎ、ｔ Calculate.

[0070]

[0071] As shown in Equation 3, the power distribution unit 130 determines the facility priority W of facility n at time t. ｎ、ｔ This is the provisional state S ｎ、ｔ It is calculated using the reciprocal of . This gives the provisional state S ｎ、ｔ The larger the value, the higher the facility priority W. ｎ、ｔ It becomes smaller.

[0072] Next, the power distribution unit 130 calculates the facility weight for each facility (S23). The facility weight is a relative value to the supply of replenishment power to each facility and indicates the priority of supplying replenishment power to that facility. It can also be said that the facility weight indicates the priority of allocating replenishment power. The facility weight indicates the ratio of power distribution at each facility during each time period.

[0073] The power distribution unit 130 calculates the facility weight w of facility n at time t+1 based on, for example, the following equation 4. ｎ、ｔ＋１ Calculate.

[0074]

[0075] As shown in Equation 4, the power distribution unit 130 has a facility priority W ｎ、ｔ The normalized values ​​are the facility weights w ｎ、ｔ＋１ Specifically, the power distribution unit 130 determines the facility weight w of facility n at time t+1. ｎ、ｔ＋１ The facility priority W at time t for each facility ｎ、ｔ The sum of these values ​​determines the facility priority W of facility n. ｎ、ｔ It is calculated by dividing by . In other words, facility weight w ｎ、ｔ＋１ This is the facility priority W of facility n. ｎ、ｔ The larger it gets, the larger it becomes. Also, provisional state S ｎ、ｔ The closer it is to 1, the heavier the facility is lol ｎ、ｔ＋１It becomes smaller, provisional state S ｎ、ｔ The closer it is to 0, the heavier the facility is lol ｎ、ｔ＋１ It gets bigger. Facility weight lol ｎ、ｔ＋１ A decrease in this means that the amount of power supplied to the facility decreases, and the facility's weight lol ｎ、ｔ＋１ An increase in this value means that the power supply for the facility will increase.

[0076] Also, facility weight lol ｎ、ｔ＋１ This is calculated for each time interval. Facility weight w ｎ、ｔ＋１ It can also be said that this is updated every hour. Also, at each time, the facility weight of each facility is... ｎ、ｔ＋１ The total is 1.

[0077] Referring again to Figure 2, the power distribution unit 130 then sets the time to t = 1 (S30). Time t = 1 is a future time from the present moment, and here it means the first time in the future period in which the allocated power C is determined. The future period is the period between time t = 1T.

[0078] Next, the power distribution unit 130 determines whether the power supplied to each facility at that time can be used as the rechargeable power FCP at that time (S40).

[0079] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the detailed operation (power control method) of step S40 shown in Figure 2.

[0080] As shown in Figure 5, the power distribution unit 130 initializes the set X by setting the facility index i = 1 (S41). The index i is, for example, the same value as n, but is not limited to this. Also, initialization means emptying the set X.

[0081] Next, the power distribution unit 130 determines for each facility whether the rechargeable power FCP of the facility with index i=1 (n=1) at that time is less than or equal to the amount of charge to be filled (S42). The amount of charge to be filled indicates the power that can be allocated to the facility for EV charging, and the facility weight w of the facility with index i=1 ｎ、ｔ And, usable power L ｔIt is calculated by multiplication with . As a result, the amount of charge to be filled can be determined to be a higher value the less power C has been filled at the facility up to that time period. In this way, the power distribution unit 130 compares the magnitude relationship between the rechargeable power FCP and the amount of charge to be filled.

[0082] Note that the available power L ｔ This is included in the upper limit information. Also, the available power L ｔ This can be set to a different value for each time point, or it can be set to a common value.

[0083] Facility weight w at time t for facility index i ｎ、ｔ Assuming that Lt is the available power in a region at time t, the power distribution unit 130 determines whether the rechargeable power FCP is less than or equal to the amount of charge applied, based on the following equation 5, and the amount of charge applied at time t for the facility at index i is C ｉ、ｔ To decide.

[0084]

[0085] The power distribution unit 130 calculates the rechargeable power FCP at time t for the facility with index i=1. ｎ、ｔ Determine whether the amount is less than or equal to the amount of charge to be applied.

[0086] Note that the facility weights w of each facility at time t ｎ、ｔ Since the sum is 1, the power distribution unit 130 uses the above equation 5 to determine the set available power L ｔ Power supply C for each facility during each time period should not exceed this limit. ｉ、ｔ This can be determined. Also, the rechargeable power FCP in Equation 5 ｎ、ｔ Since it includes the rechargeable power FCP of each facility, the power distribution unit 130 ｎ、ｔ Power supply C for each facility during each time period should not exceed this limit. ｉ、ｔ It is possible to make a decision.

[0087] Next, the power distribution unit 130 controls the rechargeable power FCP ｎ、ｔ If it is determined that the amount is less than or equal to the amount of charge to be applied (Yes in S42), the rechargeable power FCP ｎ、ｔ Power C ｉ、ｔDetermined to do so, index i is added to set X (S43). Rechargeable power FCP ｎ、ｔ Since the amount is less than or equal to the amount of charge applied, the power applied C is equal to the amount of charge applied. ｉ、ｔ If this is supplied, the excess may not be used at the facility and could go to waste. Therefore, in step S43, the power supply C of the facility at that time is... ｉ、ｔ Rechargeable Power FCP ｎ、ｔ Let's assume that... Furthermore, the process of adding a facility to set X in step S43 can be expressed mathematically as Equation 6 below.

[0088]

[0089] Furthermore, the power distribution unit 130 is a rechargeable power FCP ｎ、ｔ If it is determined that the amount of charge to be applied is greater (No in S42), then the amount of power to be applied C ｉ、ｔ (S44) The power distribution unit 130 allocates the amount of charge to the charge C ｉ、ｔ It will be allocated as follows. In this case, the power supplied C will be less than the EV charging power demand during the time period at the facility. ｉ、ｔ Because it is small, the power supply C ｉ、ｔ There is a shortage of it.

[0090] Next, the power distribution unit 130 updates the index i to i + 1 (S45) and determines whether the updated index i is less than or equal to the total number of facilities N (S46). Step S45 is a process for executing the processes from step S42 onward for the facility indicated by the next index. Step S46 is a process for determining whether the processes from steps S42 to S44 have been completed for all facilities in the region.

[0091] Next, if the power distribution unit 130 determines that index i is less than or equal to the total number of facilities N (Yes in S46), it continues processing from step S42 onward for the facility identified by the next index i. If it determines that index i is greater than the total number of facilities N (No in S46), it terminates the processing.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 2 again, next, the power distribution unit 130 determines whether there is a facility (deficient facility) for which the allocated power C is not the chargeable power FCP (S50). When the power distribution unit 130 determines No in at least one facility in the determination of step S42 for each facility, it determines that there is a deficient facility.

[0093] When the power distribution unit 130 determines that there is a deficient facility (Yes in S50), it proceeds to step S60 and recalculates the allocated power C to be distributed to one or more facilities for which the allocated charge amount is less than the chargeable power FCP. When it determines that there is no deficient facility (No in S50), it proceeds to step S90.

[0094] Next, when the power distribution unit 130 determines that there is a deficient facility (Yes in S50), the available power L1 ｔ , which indicates the upper limit of power for the deficient facilities excluding the facilities determined to be Yes in step S42, ｉ and the facility weight W1

[0095] (second weight) are determined (S60). The facilities excluding the facilities determined to be Yes in step S42 among all the facilities (that is, the deficient facilities) are also described as one or more facilities. ｔ Specifically, the power distribution unit 130 recalculates the available power L1 ｉ using the following formula 7 and recalculates the facility weight W1

[0096]

[0097]

[0098] The available power L1 ｔ is calculated by subtracting the total of the chargeable power FCP ｔ of the facilities determined to be Yes in step S42 from the available power L ｎ、ｔ . Thus, by recalculating the available power L1 ｔ , the allocated power C for each facility at that time can be determined so as not to exceed the set available power L ｔ . Also, the facility weight w1 ｉ、ｔ is the available power L ｔFrom the provisional state S of the facility determined to be Yes in step S42 ｎ、ｔ excluding the provisional state S ｎ、ｔ is calculated using. Also, at that time, the facility weight w1 of each facility ｉ、ｔ has a total of 1.

[0099] Next, the power distribution unit 130 determines whether the allocated power C at that time can be set as the chargeable power FCP at that time for the deficit facility (S70). In step S70, for one or more facilities, a process of redistributing the excess power of the facility determined to be Yes in step S42 is performed.

[0100] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the detailed operation (power control method) of step S70 shown in FIG. 2.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 6, the power distribution unit 130 sets the index i of the facility to 1 (S71) and determines whether the index i is included in the set X (S72).

[0102] When the power distribution unit 130 determines that the index i is included in the set X (Yes in S72), it proceeds to step S76. When it determines that the index i is not included in the set X (No in S72), it proceeds to step S73.

[0103] Next, when the power distribution unit 130 determines that the index i is not included in the set X (No in S72), it determines whether the chargeable power FCP of the facility with the index i is less than or equal to the allocated charge amount (S73). The allocated charge amount is the available power L1 recalculated in step S60 ｔ , and the power recalculated using the facility weight w1 ｉ . For example, the power distribution unit 130 uses the facility weight w1 ｉ instead of the facility weight w in Equation 5 ｉ and uses the available power L1 ｔ instead of the available power Lt to make the determination in step S73. Note that the chargeable power FCP ｎ、ｔ continues to use the power determined in step S10.

[0104] The processes in steps S74 to S77 are the same as those in steps S43 to S46 shown in Figure 5, and therefore their explanation is omitted.

[0105] In this way, the power distribution unit 130 recalculates the available power and facility weight for each of the one or more facilities for the time period (for example, time t=1), and distributes the recalculated available power L1 for each of the one or more facilities. ｔ , and facility weight w1 ｉ The amount of power C supplied to the one or more facilities during that time period is determined using this method.

[0106] Referring again to Figure 2, the power distribution unit 130 determines whether or not there has been a change in the set X (S80). The power distribution unit 130 determines whether or not the facilities included in the final set X in the previous step S70 are the same as the facilities included in the final set X in the current step S70.

[0107] If the power distribution unit 130 determines that there has been a change in the set X (Yes in S80), it returns to step S60 and continues processing. A Yes determination in step S80 means that in step S70, there is a facility where the rechargeable power FCP is less than or equal to the amount of charge to be charged. In other words, it means that there may be surplus power that can be adjusted in determining the amount of charge to be charged. Therefore, by executing the processing from step S60 onwards again, the process of distributing the surplus power to the remaining facilities is executed. Steps S60 and S70 are repeatedly executed until there are no more changes in the elements of set X.

[0108] Furthermore, if the power distribution unit 130 determines that there is no change in the set X (No in S80), it updates the time to t = t + 1 (S90), and determines whether the updated time t is less than or equal to time T (S100). Time T represents the last time in the future period during which the allocated power C is determined. In other words, in step S100, it is determined whether the allocated power C for each facility has been determined at each time in the future period.

[0109] Next, if the power distribution unit 130 determines that the updated time t is less than or equal to time T (i.e., there is a time in the period up to time T for which the allocated power C has not been determined) (Yes in S100), it updates the facility weight w (S110), returns to step S40, and executes the process to determine the allocated power C for each facility at the next time. In step S110, the facility weight w for determining the allocated power C for each facility at the next time t is determined based on the allocated power C for each facility at time t-1, which is one time before time t. In other words, the facility weight w for each facility at the next time t is updated based on the allocated power C for each facility at time t-1.

[0110] Thus, the power distribution unit 130 determines the allocated power C using an algorithm that updates the power distribution ratio (i.e., facility weight w) at each facility at each time point using the above-mentioned equations 4 and 8.

[0111] Furthermore, if the output unit 140 determines that the time t updated by the power distribution unit 130 is greater than time T (i.e., it is a time in the future than time T) (No in S100), it outputs the determined charging power C to each facility (S120). As a result, each facility is notified of the charging power C for each time in that facility. The EV charging control device of the facility controls the EV charger of that facility based on the notified charging power C for each time.

[0112] (Modification 1 of the Embodiment) The following describes a power control system according to this modification. In the following description, the differences from the embodiment will be the focus, and the same or similar content as the embodiment will be omitted or simplified. In this modification, an example will be described in which the power distribution unit 130 determines the power allocated to each facility at each time by performing mathematical optimization processing. The configuration of the power control system according to this modification is the same as the configuration of the power control system 10 according to the embodiment, and therefore the explanation will be omitted. Furthermore, the same reference numerals as those used in the power control system 10 according to the embodiment will be used in the following description.

[0113] The power distribution unit 130 determines the allocated power C using a distribution minimization method (VMM) that balances minimizing the distribution of the final facility state between facilities over a certain period with maximizing the total allocated power. The cumulative state of facility n at time t is Z ｎ、ｔ Therefore, the cumulative state Z ｎ、ｔ The cumulative state Z is defined as shown in equation 9 below. ｎ、ｔ This is an example of the power status of a facility.

[0114]

[0115] The right-hand side of Equation 9 represents the ratio of the cumulative value of power supplied to facility n to the cumulative value of EV charging power demand over a certain period (from the initial time t=1 to the final time t=T). In this case, the objective function f(x) is defined as shown in Equation 10 below.

[0116]

[0117] Here, equation 11 below shows the average value of the cumulative state Z.

[0118]

[0119] Also, x ｎ、ｔ This is the rechargeable power FCP of facility n at time t. ｎ、ｔ This is the charging power saturation rate. The power distribution unit 130 sets the charging power saturation rate x that maximizes the objective function f(x). ｎ、ｔ The following is calculated. The first term of Equation 10 is the term for maximizing the total available power, and the second term is the term for minimizing the inter-facility distribution of the facility state. Note that the rechargeable power FCP ｎ、ｔ The method for calculating is the same as in the embodiment.

[0120] Equation 12 below shows the power supply C to each facility at each time point. ｉ、ｔ The sum of the available rechargeable power FCPs at the regional level ｎ、ｔ We indicate the constraint that it does not exceed a certain value.

[0121]

[0122] Note that the charging power saturation rate x ｎ、ｔ The initial value is determined, for example, to be proportional to the facility's EV charging power demand. For example, charging power occupancy rate xｎ、ｔ The initial value of is determined using the following equation 13.

[0123]

[0124] Also, the charging power saturation rate x ｎ、ｔ This is calculated as the optimized solution to equation 10 above.

[0125] Thus, in this modified example, the constraint for mathematical optimization is that the sum of the power C supplied to each facility does not exceed the upper limit of power included in the upper limit information, and the power C supplied to each facility at each time (for example, the charging power supply rate x that maximizes the objective function f(x)) is set. ｎ、ｔ The objective function f(x) of mathematical optimization is to calculate the allocated power C) according to the conditions, and by executing a mathematical optimization process that determines the allocated power C for each time period at each facility, the allocated power C for each time period at each facility is determined. For example, in VMM, the objective function f(x) may aim to maximize the allocated power C and minimize the inter-facility variance of facility states.

[0126] (Evaluation Results) Next, the evaluation results for the power control system 10 configured as described above will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the evaluation results for the power control system 10 according to this embodiment (Embodiment and Modification 1 of the Embodiment). In Figure 7, the equal distribution method is denoted as EM, the proportional distribution method as PM, the distribution method according to Modification 1 of the Embodiment as VMM, and the distribution method according to the Embodiment as IPM.

[0127] The conditions for simulating the evaluation results are as follows:

[0128] There are three facilities: two are office buildings and one is a municipality. The number of EVs connected is 40 for the office buildings, 20 for the municipality, and 40 for the office buildings. Therefore, the EV charging power demand may differ for each facility. The building power demand (peak value) and demand target value are common to all facilities: 300 kW for the office buildings, 150 kW for the office buildings, and 500 kW for the municipality. The simulation period is one week including the peak day of building demand in 2023, specifically the week from July 31, 2023 to August 6, 2023. Furthermore, the available power L is randomly selected from 180kW to 300kW during the hours of 0:00 to 8:00 and 22:00 to 24:00 (low congestion), randomly selected from 120kW to 180kW during the hours of 8:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 22:00 (medium congestion), and randomly selected from 50kW to 120kW during the hours of 13:00 to 16:00 (high congestion).

[0129] As shown in Figure 7, the number of times the available power is exceeded, average satisfaction, fairness, and power utilization rate are evaluated for each of the EM, PM, VMM, and IPM.

[0130] The number of times the maximum charge capacity was exceeded indicates the number of times that power was wasted in excess of the maximum charge capacity (FCP). In Figure 7, one slot is defined as 30 minutes, and the number of times power was wasted was tallied over one week, with the average value of the total over several weeks shown.

[0131] The average satisfaction level is a value that evaluates how much of the necessary electricity for the facility was available when needed. The average satisfaction level is calculated as the satisfaction level S1 of facility n at time j, as shown in Equation 14 below. ｎ、ｊ It is calculated by dividing the sum of these by the period for which the allocated power C is to be determined.

[0132]

[0133] Here, satisfaction level S1 ｎ、ｊ The maximum value is 100, and it is calculated by the following formula 15.

[0134]

[0135] min(C ｎ、ｔ FCP ｎ、ｔThis represents the actual amount of electricity charged (active power). Backlog ｎ、ｔ This represents the cumulative value of past EV charging power demands that were not met, and is calculated using the following formula 16.

[0136]

[0137] Fairness is a value that evaluates the inequality of satisfaction levels across facilities. Fairness is calculated based on satisfaction levels, average satisfaction levels, and the number of facilities, as shown in Equation 17 below.

[0138]

[0139] Note that N represents the number of facilities.

[0140] The power utilization rate is a value that evaluates how efficiently electricity was used without waste. The power utilization rate is calculated using the following formula 18.

[0141]

[0142] As shown in Figure 7, in terms of the number of times the rechargeable power is exceeded, both EP and PM have slots that are supplied with power exceeding the rechargeable power FCP approximately 80 times per week on average. On the other hand, VMM and IPM use the rechargeable power FCP when determining the power to be charged C, and since the power to be charged C can be kept below the rechargeable power FCP, the number of times this occurs is 0.

[0143] Furthermore, in terms of average satisfaction, IPM had the highest satisfaction, and VMM was also higher than EM. Therefore, average satisfaction has improved with IPM compared to the conventional method, and with VMM compared to EM. With IPM and VMM, the power to be charged C is determined using the EV charging power demand, which differs from time to time, and the available power FCP, so it is possible to increase the available power and reduce backlog, which can result in improved satisfaction.

[0144] Furthermore, it can be seen that fairness is maintained with little difference between EM, PM, VMM, and IPM.

[0145] Furthermore, it can be seen that the power utilization rate has improved significantly for both VMM and IPM. In the power control device 100, the power to be charged C is determined using the rechargeable power FCP, so it can be seen that power waste is suppressed.

[0146] As described above, VMM and IPM have shown significant improvements in the number of times the available power is exceeded and the power utilization rate, while maintaining fairness with EM and PM, and have also shown some improvement in average satisfaction.

[0147] (Modified Example 2 of the Embodiment) The power control system according to this modified example will be described below with reference to Figure 8. In the following description, the differences from the embodiment will be the main focus, and the same or similar content as in the embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0148] Figure 8 shows the configuration of the power control system 10 according to this modified example. In the power control system 10 according to this modified example, the power control device 100 determines the amount of power to be supplied to the devices 430 and 440, rather than to EV charging. For example, the first facility 200 may be a house or an apartment building. In this case, the power usage control device 220 and each device 430 constitute a HEMS (Home Energy Management System). The power usage control device 220 may be a so-called HEMS controller. The power control device 100 determines the amount of power C supplied to the first facility 200 in response to the power usage control device 220. １、ｔ For example, determine the power consumed by each device 430, and determine the allocated power C. １、ｔ This is output to the power usage control device 220.

[0149] Furthermore, for example, the nth facility 300 may be an office building. In this case, the BEMS (Building Energy Management System) is configured including the power usage control device 320 and each piece of equipment 440. The power usage control device 320 may be a so-called BEMS controller. The power control device 100 supplies the power C to the nth facility 300 to the power usage control device 320. ｎ、ｔFor example, determine the power consumed by each device 440, and determine the allocated power C. ｎ、ｔ This is output to the power usage control device 320.

[0150] The devices 430 and 440 are electrical devices used in homes, office buildings, etc., and examples include, but are not limited to, heat pump water heaters, storage batteries, air conditioning systems, and lighting systems.

[0151] The method for calculating the power C allocated to each facility at each time point by the power distribution unit 130 of the power control device 100 may be the same as in the embodiment. In this case, the number of connected devices 430 and 440 may be used instead of the number of connected EVs. Also, the average power consumption of devices 430 and 440 may be used instead of the average charge output power.

[0152] By determining the allocated power C for these devices 430 and 440, it is expected that similar effects to those in the embodiments can be obtained. For example, an improvement in power utilization rate can be expected.

[0153] (Effects, etc.) The invention derived from the disclosures in this specification, and the effects, etc. obtained by said invention, are described below.

[0154] (Invention 1) A power control method to be performed by a power control system that controls the charging of electric vehicles at each facility having an electric vehicle equipped with a storage battery, the power control method to be performed by a power control system that controls the charging of electric vehicles at each facility, the

[0155] This allows for the individual determination of the amount of power allocated to each facility during each time period, based on the demand target, the upper limit of available power, the power demand for charging electric vehicles, and the power demand of each facility. In other words, the amount of power allocated can be determined individually for each time period. Therefore, compared to cases where a common amount of power is determined for each time period, such as with equal distribution or proportional distribution methods, it is possible to more appropriately determine the amount of power allocated to each facility for charging electric vehicles.

[0156] (Invention 2) The power control method of Invention 1, wherein the power to be supplied is determined so as not to exceed the upper limit of power included in the upper limit information, for each time period at each facility.

[0157] This prevents the determination of a power allocation that exceeds the upper limit of available power set for that region. Therefore, it is possible to determine the power allocation more appropriately by determining a power allocation that meets the upper limit of available power.

[0158] (Invention 3) A power control method according to Invention 1 or 2, wherein, based on the target value information, the charging power demand information, and the facility power demand information, the chargeable power, which indicates the upper limit of the power that can be charged at each facility, is calculated for each time period, and in determining the power to be charged, the power to be charged at each facility for each time period is determined so as not to exceed the chargeable power for each time period at each facility.

[0159] This helps to prevent the supply of an amount of backup power that would render the facility unusable. Therefore, it is possible to determine the amount of backup power more appropriately in order to prevent the supply of excessive backup power.

[0160] (Invention 4) The power control method of Invention 3, wherein the charging power demand information includes at least one of the number of electric vehicles that can be connected to the charger of the facility during each time period, the specifications of the electric vehicles, the output of the charger, and dispatch information.

[0161] This allows for the accurate calculation of the available power for charging.

[0162] (Invention 5) A power control method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 4, which determines the power to be supplied using an algorithm that updates the power distribution ratio for each time period in each of the facilities.

[0163] This allows for the effective determination of the amount of power to be supplied using an algorithm.

[0164] (Invention 6) The power control method of Invention 1 is determined by executing a mathematical optimization process, wherein the total amount of power supplied to each facility does not exceed the upper limit of power included in the upper limit information, the objective function of the mathematical optimization is to calculate the amount of power supplied to each facility for each time period, and the power supplied to each facility for each time period is determined.

[0165] This allows for the effective determination of the required power supply using mathematical optimization processing.

[0166] (Invention 7) A power control method according to Invention 5 or 6, which includes determining the ratio of power distribution in each of the facilities during each of the time periods using the power status of the facilities during those time periods.

[0167] This allows the power supply to be determined using the facility's power status. Therefore, it is possible to determine the power supply for charging electric vehicles more appropriately.

[0168] (Invention 8) The power control method of Invention 7, wherein the power status of the facility in one of the above time periods is determined using the cumulative value of the power demand for charging up to the next time period after the first time period and the cumulative value of the power supplied to the facility up to the first time period.

[0169] This allows for accurate calculation of the facility's power status.

[0170] (Invention 9) A power control method according to Invention 8, which determines the amount of charge that can be allocated to the facility during each of the time periods, using the power status of the facility during each of the time periods.

[0171] This allows the power status of the facility during a given time period to be reflected in the power allocation for the next time period. Therefore, it is possible to determine the power allocation more appropriately compared to when this information is not used.

[0172] (Invention 10) In determining the amount of power to be charged, the power to be charged is determined based on the comparison result, in which the amount of power to be charged is compared with the amount of power that can be charged at the facility during each of the time periods.

[0173] This allows for the determination of a more appropriate amount of charge by comparing the available power with the amount of charge applied.

[0174] (Invention 11) In determining the power to be charged, if the rechargeable power is less than or equal to the amount to be charged, the power to be charged for that time period at the facility is determined to be the rechargeable power, according to the power control method of Invention 10.

[0175] This prevents the supply of power to the facility exceeding its rechargeable capacity. Therefore, it is possible to determine the amount of power to be used more appropriately, thereby preventing the oversupply of power.

[0176] (Invention 12) A power control method according to Invention 10 or 11, which recalculates the charge amount to be distributed to one or more of the facilities whose rechargeable power is greater than the charge amount.

[0177] This allows for a recalculation of the available power for one or more facilities where the amount of charge applied is less than the available power, making it possible to determine the appropriate power for those facilities more accurately. Furthermore, it allows for a more efficient recalculation compared to recalculating for all facilities.

[0178] (Invention 13) A power control method of Invention 12, which involves recalculating the upper limit of power that can be used by the one or more facilities during the time period, and the power status of each of the one or more facilities, and then determining the power to be supplied to the one or more facilities during the time period using the recalculated upper limit of power and the power status of each of the one or more facilities.

[0179] This allows for readjustment in facilities where the power allocated to the facility in the initial decision did not match the facility's available power, making it possible to determine the allocated power more appropriately. For example, it becomes possible to allocate the facility's available power as allocated power to more facilities.

[0180] (Invention 14) The amount of charge added to the facility during each of the time periods is determined to be higher the less power has been added up to that time period, according to any of the power control methods of Inventions 9 to 13.

[0181] This makes it possible to effectively increase the amount of power supplied to facilities with low power consumption during that time period, for use during subsequent time periods.

[0182] (Invention 15) A power control method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 14, wherein the demand target value of each facility is determined based on the peak value of the facility's past power data.

[0183] This allows for the automatic and appropriate determination of demand targets.

[0184] (Invention 16) A power control method according to any of Inventions 1 to 14, wherein the demand target value of each facility is obtained from an external device.

[0185] This eliminates the need to perform processing to determine the demand target value, thus reducing the processing load on the information processing device that executes the power control method.

[0186] (Invention 17) A power control system for controlling the charging of electric vehicles at each facility having an electric vehicle equipped with a storage battery, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires target value information relating to the demand target value of the power used by each facility, upper limit information indicating the upper limit of usable power in each time period set in the area where each facility is located, charging power demand information indicating the power demand for charging at each facility in each time period, and facility power demand information indicating the power demand at each facility in each time period; a determination unit that individually determines the amount of power to be distributed to each facility for charging electric vehicles for each time period based on the target value information, the upper limit information, the charging power demand information, and the facility power demand information; and an output unit that outputs power information indicating the determined power to be distributed to each facility.

[0187] This produces the same effect as the power control method described above.

[0188] (Invention 18) A program for causing a computer to execute any of the power control methods described in Inventions 1 to 16.

[0189] This produces the same effect as the power control method described above.

[0190] (Other Embodiments) Although the power control method, etc., according to one or more embodiments has been described above based on the embodiments and modified embodiments 1 and 2 (embodiments, etc.), the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, etc. As long as it does not depart from the spirit of the present invention, various modifications that a person skilled in the art can conceive of may be applied to these embodiments, and forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments may also be included in the present invention.

[0191] For example, in the above embodiments, each component may be implemented by being composed of dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0192] Furthermore, the order in which each step in the flowchart is executed is illustrative for the purpose of specifically illustrating the present invention, and may be in a different order. Also, some of the above steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps, and some of the above steps may not be executed.

[0193] Furthermore, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is just one example; multiple functional blocks can be implemented as a single functional block, a single functional block can be divided into multiple parts, or some functions can be moved to other functional blocks. In addition, the functions of multiple functional blocks with similar functions can be processed in parallel or time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0194] Furthermore, the power control device according to the above embodiments may be implemented as a single device or as a plurality of devices. When the power control device is implemented as a plurality of devices, the components of the power control device may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner. When the power control device is implemented as a plurality of devices, the method of communication between the plurality of devices is not particularly limited and may be wireless communication or wired communication. In addition, wireless communication and wired communication may be combined between the devices.

[0195] Furthermore, each component described in the above embodiments may be implemented as software, or typically as an integrated circuit (LSI). These may be individually integrated onto a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated onto a single chip. Here, we refer to it as an LSI, but depending on the degree of integration, it may also be called an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI. Moreover, the method of integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using a dedicated circuit (a general-purpose circuit that executes a dedicated program) or a general-purpose processor. After LSI manufacturing, a programmable FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections or settings of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit implementation technology that replaces LSIs emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derived technologies, it is natural that the components may be integrated using that technology.

[0196] A system LSI is a highly functional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple processing units onto a single chip. Specifically, it is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, and other components. The ROM stores the computer program. The system LSI achieves its function by having the microprocessor operate according to the computer program.

[0197] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention may be a computer program that causes a computer to execute each characteristic step included in the power control method shown in any of Figures 2 to 6.

[0198] Furthermore, for example, the program may be a program to be executed by a computer. In another aspect of the present invention, such a program may be recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium. For example, such a program may be recorded on a recording medium and distributed or made available. For example, by installing the distributed program into a device having another processor and having that processor execute the program, it becomes possible to have that device perform the above-mentioned processes.

[0199] 10 Power control system 130 Power distribution unit (determination unit) 140 Output unit 200 First facility (each facility) 300 nth facility (each facility) C, C １、ｔ , C ｎ、ｔ Appropriate power

Claims

1. A power control method executed by a power control system that controls the charging of electric vehicles at each facility having an electric vehicle equipped with a storage battery, comprising: acquiring target value information relating to the demand target value of the power used by each facility, upper limit information indicating the upper limit of usable power in each time period set in the area where each facility is located, charging power demand information indicating the power demand for charging at each facility in each time period, and facility power demand information indicating the power demand at each facility in each time period; individually determining the amount of power to be distributed to each facility for charging electric vehicles for each time period based on the target value information, the upper limit information, the charging power demand information, and the facility power demand information; and outputting power information indicating the determined amount of power to be distributed to each facility for charging electric vehicles.

2. The power control method according to claim 1, wherein the power to be supplied is determined such that the power to be supplied for each time period in each facility does not exceed the upper limit of the power included in the upper limit information.

3. The power control method according to claim 1, which calculates the maximum chargeable power that can be charged at each facility for each time period based on the target value information, the charging power demand information, and the facility power demand information, and determines the power to be charged for each time period at each facility so as not to exceed the chargeable power for each time period at each facility.

4. The power control method according to claim 3, wherein the charging power demand information includes at least one of the number of electric vehicles that can be connected to the charger of the facility during each time period, the specifications of the electric vehicles, the output of the charger, and dispatch information.

5. The power control method according to claim 1, which determines the allocated power using an algorithm that updates the power distribution ratio for each time period in each of the facilities.

6. The power control method according to claim 1, wherein the total amount of power supplied to each facility does not exceed the upper limit of power included in the upper limit information is set as a constraint for mathematical optimization, the objective function of the mathematical optimization is to calculate the amount of power supplied to each facility for each time period, and the amount of power supplied to each facility for each time period is determined by executing a mathematical optimization process.

7. The power control method according to claim 5 or 6, comprising determining the ratio of power distribution in each of the facilities during each of the time periods using the power status of the facilities during those time periods.

8. The power control method according to claim 7, wherein the power status of the facility in one of the aforementioned time periods is determined using the cumulative value of the power demand for charging up to the next time period after the first time period and the cumulative value of the power supplied to the facility up to the first time period.

9. The power control method according to claim 8, which determines the amount of charge that can be allocated to the facility during each of the aforementioned time periods, using the power status of the facility during each of the aforementioned time periods.

10. The power control method according to claim 9, wherein in determining the amount of power to be charged, the amount of power to be charged is compared with the amount of power that can be charged at the facility during each of the time periods, and the amount of power to be charged is determined based on the comparison result.

11. In determining the power to be charged, if the rechargeable power is less than or equal to the amount to be charged, the power to be charged for that time period at the facility is determined to be the rechargeable power, according to claim 10.

12. The power control method according to claim 10, which recalculates the amount of charge to be distributed to one or more of the facilities whose rechargeable power is greater than the amount of charge to be charged.

13. The power control method according to claim 12, which involves recalculating the upper limit of power that can be used by the one or more facilities during the time period, and the power status of each of the one or more facilities, and using the recalculated upper limit of power and the power status of the one or more facilities to determine the power to be supplied to the one or more facilities during the time period.

14. The power control method according to claim 9, wherein the amount of charge supplied to the facility during each of the aforementioned time periods is determined to be higher the less power has been supplied up to that time period.

15. A power control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the demand target value for each facility is determined based on the peak value of the facility's past power data.

16. The power control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the demand target value for each of the facilities is obtained from an external device.

17. A power control system for controlling the charging of electric vehicles at each facility having an electric vehicle equipped with a storage battery, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires target value information relating to the demand target value of the power used by each facility, upper limit information indicating the upper limit of usable power in each time period set in the area where each facility is located, charging power demand information indicating the power demand for charging at each facility in each time period, and facility power demand information indicating the power demand at each facility in each time period; a determination unit that individually determines the amount of power to be distributed to each facility for charging electric vehicles for each time period based on the target value information, the upper limit information, the charging power demand information, and the facility power demand information; and an output unit that outputs power information indicating the determined power to be distributed to each facility.

18. A program for causing a computer to execute the power control method described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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