JP2017046398A - Charging system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a charging system capable of keeping a total value of electric power to be output from chargers to be equal to or less than an upper limit value even when the upper limit value of the electric power is changed.SOLUTION: A charging system 10 includes: multiple chargers 301, etc. for outputting charging electric power to electric vehicles; an electric power monitoring section 110 for monitoring the amount of electric power to be output from each one of the chargers 301, etc.; an upper limit acquisition section 120 for acquiring an output upper limit to be set concerning the total value of amount of electric power to be output from all the chargers 301, or the like; and an electric power adjustment section 130 for individually adjusting the amount of electric power to be output from each charger 301, or the like by controlling the operation of each charger 301, or the like. The electric power adjustment section 130 adjusts the amount of electric power to be output from each charger 301, or the like so as to prevent the total value from exceeding the output upper limit value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging system for charging a plurality of electric vehicles.

  In recent years, electric vehicles that run on electric power stored in storage batteries have begun to spread. An electric vehicle drives a rotating electrical machine with electric power stored in a storage battery and travels with the driving force of the rotating electrical machine. Such an electric vehicle includes a vehicle that travels only by the driving force of the rotating electrical machine and a vehicle that travels by the driving force of the rotating electrical machine and the driving force of the internal combustion engine, that is, a so-called hybrid vehicle.

  With the widespread use of electric vehicles, installation of chargers for charging storage batteries of electric vehicles has also been promoted. The charger is not only installed in a dedicated so-called charging station, but also installed in a part of a shared parking space of a store, for example. In recent years, chargers for electric vehicles have begun to be installed in parking lots of apartment buildings.

  In a housing complex with multiple chargers installed in a parking lot, the total amount of power supplied simultaneously from each charger to the electric vehicle exceeds the amount of contracted power set with the power company. There must be no recharging.

  However, it is not preferable to set the magnitude of the contract power to a value larger than the value obtained by multiplying the rated output power of the charger by the number of chargers because the electricity charge becomes too high. In addition, since the living patterns of the residents of the housing complex are various, it is rare that all the installed chargers are charged at the same time. Even in view of this point, setting the (maximum) contract power as described above is wasteful.

  Therefore, in the charging system described in Patent Document 1 below, the maximum number of chargers that can be charged simultaneously is limited to be smaller than the total number of chargers. If the number of users who wish to charge exceeds the above maximum number, the charging of some users to the electric vehicle is postponed. By setting it as such an aspect, it is possible to always keep the sum total of the electric power used for charge in the range of contract electric power.

JP 2014-176219 A

  By the way, depending on the contract between the power company and the apartment house, the contract power may be set for the total power that is the sum of the power output for charging and the power consumed in each home. is there. In this case, the upper limit value of the power that can be output from all the chargers is not constant, and varies with the power consumption in each home.

  In addition, if smart meters become popular in the future, the upper limit value of power that can be output from the charger may be temporarily suppressed by an instruction (restriction request) from the power company. That is, even when contract power is set only for the power output from the charger (when set independently from the upper limit of household power), the upper limit of power that can be output from all chargers It is conceivable that the value fluctuates.

  As a result, the total value of the power output for charging may exceed the temporarily reduced upper limit value. The charging system described in Patent Document 1 is designed to keep the charging power output from the charger below a predetermined upper limit value (contract power), but the upper limit value of power that can be output as described above. No consideration has been given to how to deal with the fluctuations.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and its purpose is to keep the total value of power output from the charger below the upper limit value even when the upper limit value of power fluctuates. It is to provide a charging system capable of performing the above.

  In order to solve the above problems, a charging system according to the present invention is a charging system for charging a plurality of electric vehicles, and a plurality of charging units that output electric power for charging toward the electric vehicles; A power monitoring unit that monitors the magnitude of power output from each charging unit; and an upper limit acquisition unit that acquires an upper limit value set for the total value of power output from all charging units; And a power adjustment unit that individually adjusts the magnitude of the power output from each charging unit by controlling the operation of each charging unit. The power adjustment unit adjusts the magnitude of the power output from each charging unit so that the total value does not exceed the upper limit value.

  In such a charging system, the upper limit value of the power is acquired by the upper limit acquisition unit, and the magnitude of the charging power is adjusted by the power adjustment unit so as not to exceed the upper limit value. For this reason, even when the upper limit value of power varies due to various factors, the value of power output for charging can be kept below the upper limit value.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if it is a case where the upper limit of electric power fluctuates, the charging system which can keep the total value of the electric power output from a charger below an upper limit is provided.

It is a figure which shows typically the whole structure of the charging system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the control apparatus of the charging system shown by FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the kind of charger. It is a graph which shows an example of change of an upper limit, and change of charge power accompanying this. It is a graph which shows an example of how to make charging power change. It is a graph which shows the other example of how to make charging power change. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed with the control apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the specific content of the excess avoidance process among the processes shown by FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the specific content of an electric power recovery process among the processes shown by FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate the understanding of the description, the same constituent elements in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant description will be omitted.

  The charging system 10 described below is configured as a system for charging a plurality of electric vehicles in a parking lot of the apartment house 600. Prior to the description of the charging system 10, first, the apartment house 600 and the power distribution equipment provided therein will be described.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the apartment house 600 includes a road transformer 500 and a cubicle 610 as power facilities (distribution facilities). The on-road transformer 500 is a transformer installed in or near the site of the apartment house 600, and changes (decreases) the voltage of the power supplied from the power system so that the charging system 10 and the cubicle 610 described later can be used. It is for supply. A mode in which a pole transformer is used instead of the road transformer 500 may be used.

  One end of each of the power supply line 420 and the power supply line 430 is connected to the road transformer 500. The power supply line 420 is for supplying the AC power output from the road transformer 500 to the charging system 10. In the middle of the power supply line 420, a power meter MP0 for measuring the magnitude of power supplied to the charging system 10 is provided. The power supply line 430 is for supplying AC power output from the road transformer 500 to the cubicle 610.

  The cubicle 610 is a box-shaped device installed in the site of the apartment house 600. Inside the cubicle 610, there are a transformer for changing (stepping down) the voltage of power supplied via the power supply line 430, a circuit breaker for temporarily shutting off the power supply to the apartment house 600, and an apartment house. A circuit that distributes power to 600 homes, a measuring instrument that measures power (that is, power consumption) currently supplied to the apartment house 600 (not shown) and the like (both not shown) are housed. Furthermore, the cubicle 610 according to the present embodiment also has a function of transmitting the magnitude of power consumption of the apartment house 600 measured by the measuring instrument to the control device 100 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, parking spaces (201 to 210) for ten cars divided by white lines are provided in the parking lot of the apartment house 600. Each of the parking spaces 201 and the like is provided with one charger (301 to 310) for outputting electric power for charging toward the parked electric vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1, a charger 301 installed in the parking space 201 is denoted by reference numeral 301, and a charger installed in the parking space 202 is denoted by reference numeral 302. The same applies to other chargers. The last digit of the symbol attached to the parking space (203, etc.) and the symbol attached to the charger (303, etc.) installed in the parking space. It shall be expressed by matching the single digit value.

  One end of a power supply line (401 to 410) for supplying power to the charger 301 or the like is connected to each of the charger 301 or the like. The other end of each power supply line 401 or the like is connected to the power supply line 420 described above. For this reason, the AC power after step-down output from the road transformer 500 is supplied to each charger 301 and the like through the power supply line 420 and the power supply line 401 and the like.

  In addition, suppose that the code | symbol attached | subjected to each electric power supply line 401 grade | etc., Is described by the method similar to the code | symbol attached | subjected to the charger 301 grade | etc.,. In other words, the last digit of the sign attached to the charger (201 etc.) is matched with the last digit of the sign attached to the power supply line (401 etc.) connected to the charger. Will be described.

  In the middle of each power supply line 401 etc., one relay RY1 etc. and one power meter MP1 etc. are provided in order from the charger side. The relays RY1 and the like are for switching between supply and interruption of power to the chargers 301 and the like. The power measuring instrument MP1 or the like is a measuring instrument for individually measuring the magnitude of the power flowing through the power supply line 401 or the like, that is, the charging power output from the charger 301 or the like.

  In addition, the code | symbol attached | subjected to each relay RY1 etc. and electric power measuring device MP1 etc. shall be described with the method similar to the code | symbol attached | subjected to the charger 301 grade | etc.,. In other words, the last digit of the symbol attached to the power supply line (401 etc.) and the numerical value at the end of the relay (RY1 etc.) provided in the power supply line are described in a consistent manner. Similarly, the last digit of the sign attached to the power supply line (401, etc.) and the numerical value at the end of the power meter (MP1, etc.) provided in the power supply line should be expressed in a consistent manner. And

  The charging system 10 according to the present embodiment includes the control device 100 in addition to the charger 301 and the like described above, the power supply line 401 and the like, the relay RY1 and the like, and the power meter MP1 and the like. The control device 100 is a computer system including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a communication interface, and the like, and is configured as a management server for comprehensively controlling the operation of the entire charging system 10. As schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, the control device 100 includes a power monitoring unit 110, an upper limit acquisition unit 120, and a power adjustment unit 130 as functional control blocks.

  The power monitoring unit 110 communicates with the power meter MP0 to thereby measure the power value measured by the power meter MP0, that is, the total value of the charging power currently output from all the chargers 301, Is the part to get. In addition, the power monitoring unit 110 can individually acquire the power values measured by the power measuring devices MP1 and the like by communicating with each of the power measuring devices MP1 to MP10. ing. Acquisition of each power value by the power monitoring unit 110 is always performed during operation of the charging system 10 (actually, every time a predetermined period elapses). For this reason, the power monitoring unit 110 can also be referred to as a part that monitors the magnitude of the power output from each charger 301 or the like.

  The upper limit acquisition unit 120 is a part that acquires the maximum value of electric power that can be output from the entire charging system 10 (hereinafter also referred to as “output upper limit value”). In the present embodiment, acquisition (calculation) of the output upper limit value is performed by subtracting the value of the power currently consumed in the apartment house 600 from the contract power of the apartment house 600. Note that the value of the power consumed in the apartment house 600 is the value transmitted from the cubicle 610 to the control device 100, or the power value measured by a power measurement unit (not shown) separately prepared in the cubicle 610. It has been read. This value is equal to the value of the power supplied from the road transformer 500 to the cubicle 610 via the power supply line 430.

  In addition, the upper limit acquisition unit 120 has a function of acquiring an upper limit value (upper limit value of electric power allowed to be output from the charging system 10) transmitted from the electric power company and setting the upper limit value as the output upper limit value. Also have. The upper limit acquisition unit 120 compares the output upper limit value calculated based on the value of power consumed in the apartment house 600 and the upper limit value transmitted from the power company, and sets the smaller value of these values. Acquired as the final output upper limit.

  The power adjustment unit 130 is a part that individually adjusts the magnitude of the power output from each of the chargers 301 and the like to each electric vehicle by communicating with each of the chargers 301 and the like. Note that the adjustment of the magnitude of the power output from the charger 301 or the like includes an adjustment for switching the supply and cut-off of power in addition to the adjustment for smoothly changing the magnitude of the power. The switching may be performed by control of a relay provided inside the charger 301 or the like, or may be performed by control of a relay RY1 or the like provided outside the charger 301 or the like.

  In addition to the functions described above, the control device 100 communicates with each of the chargers 301 and the like to obtain information on the electric vehicle connected to the charger 301 and the like (vehicle type, SOC of the storage battery, maximum power during charging) Etc.). Also, it has a function of individually controlling the opening / closing operations of the relays RY1 and the like. Furthermore, a function for authenticating the user such as the charger 301 and the electric vehicle, a function for counting the amount of electric power output for charging the electric vehicle for each user, and managing charging information based on this Also have.

  The types of the charger 301 and the like will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the ten chargers 301 and the like are not all the same type, but a configuration in which four different types of chargers 301 are provided in a mixed manner. FIG. 3 schematically shows only four chargers 301 and the like in total, one each of the chargers 301 and the like of each type.

  The charger 301 shown in FIG. 3A is configured as a device in which an outlet (not shown) to which a plug 331 described later is connected is formed. When the electric vehicle EV1 is charged from the charger 301, a cable unit CU including the plug 331, the safety monitoring device 321 and the charging plug 311 is used.

  The plug 331 of the cable unit CU is a part that receives AC power from the charger 301 by being connected to an outlet of the charger 301. The safety monitoring device 321 is configured as a so-called CCID (Charge Circuit Interrupt Device), and communicates with the electric vehicle EV1 to safely charge the charger 301 and the electric vehicle EV1. It is a device for performing.

  The charging plug 311 is connected to an inlet (not shown) of the electric vehicle EV1, and is a part that outputs AC power for charging to the electric vehicle EV1. The charging plug 311 is configured as a connector conforming to the SAE J1772 standard.

  A charger of a type (outlet connection type) that performs AC charging to the electric vehicle EV1 in a state where the cable unit CU is connected, such as the charger 301, hereinafter referred to as an “AC mode 2 charging type” charger. Is written. In addition to the charger 301, there are a plurality of AC mode 2 charging type chargers in the chargers 301 to 310.

  The AC mode 2 charging type charger 301 or the like cannot directly communicate with the electric vehicle EV1. Therefore, it is impossible to acquire various information (vehicle type, storage battery voltage / SOC, maximum power during charging, etc.) of the connected electric vehicle EV1 on the charger 301 side or the like. In addition, when charging is performed with the AC mode 2 charging type 301 or the like, the charger 301 can set only the upper power limit according to the outlet to be used, but the power being charged cannot be changed. That is, the magnitude of power for charging is controlled only on the electric vehicle EV1 side. For this reason, in order to suppress the magnitude of the electric power supplied to the electric vehicle EV2 on the control device 100 side, the relay RY1 and the like must be switched to the open state to set the output electric power to zero.

  The charger 302 shown in FIG. 3B is configured as a stationary device having a CCID therein. A charging plug 312 is provided at the end of the cable extending from the charger 302. The charging plug 312 is connected to an inlet (not shown) of the electric vehicle EV2, and is a part that outputs AC power for charging to the electric vehicle EV2. The charging plug 312 is configured as a connector conforming to the SAE J1772 standard.

  In a state where the charging plug 312 is connected to the electric vehicle EV2, CPLT communication is performed between the electric vehicle EV2 and the charger 302. A charger of the type that performs AC charging to the electric vehicle EV2 while performing CPLT communication with the electric vehicle EV2, such as the charger 302, is hereinafter referred to as an “AC mode 3 charging type” charger. In addition to the charger 302, there are a plurality of AC mode 3 charging type chargers in the chargers 301 to 310.

  The AC mode 3 charging type charger 302 and the like can directly communicate with the electric vehicle EV2 as described above. However, it is impossible to acquire various information (such as vehicle type, storage battery SOC, and maximum power during charging) of the connected electric vehicle EV2 on the charger 302 side.

  Further, when charging is performed by the AC mode 3 charging type charger 302 or the like, the magnitude of power for charging is controlled on both the electric vehicle EV2 side and the charger 302 side. For this reason, by transmitting a control signal from the control device 100 to the charger 302 or the like, it is possible to perform power restriction that temporarily suppresses the magnitude of power supplied to the electric vehicle EV2. Yes.

  The charger 303 shown in FIG. 3C is configured as a stationary apparatus that includes therein a power converter that converts AC power into DC power. A charging plug 313 is provided at the end of the cable extending from the charger 303. The charging plug 313 is connected to an inlet (not shown) of the electric vehicle EV3, and is a part that outputs DC power for charging to the electric vehicle EV3. The charging plug 313 is configured as a connector conforming to the IEC62196 standard.

  In a state where the charging plug 313 is connected to the electric vehicle EV3, data communication by CAN (registered trademark) or the like is performed between the electric vehicle EV3 and the charger 303. A charger of a type that performs DC charging to the electric vehicle EV3 while performing data communication with the electric vehicle EV3, such as the charger 303, is hereinafter referred to as a “DC mode 4 charging type” charger. In addition to the charger 303, there are a plurality of DC mode 4 charging type chargers in the chargers 301 to 310.

  The DC mode 4 charging type charger 303 and the like can directly communicate with the electric vehicle EV3 as described above. In addition, various information (such as vehicle type, storage battery SOC, and maximum power during charging) of the connected electric vehicle EV3 can be acquired by communication on the charger 303 or the like side. The information is transmitted from the charger 303 or the like to the control device 100 by communication.

  When charging is performed by the DC mode 4 charging type charger 303 or the like, the magnitude of the power for charging is controlled on both the electric vehicle EV3 side and the charger 303 side. For this reason, by transmitting a control signal from the control device 100 to the charger 303 or the like, it is possible to perform power restriction that temporarily suppresses the amount of power supplied to the electric vehicle EV3. Yes.

  The charger 304 shown in FIG. 3D is between a power transmission pad 314 placed on the ground surface of the parking space 204 and a power receiving pad (not shown) provided on the lower side portion of the electric vehicle EV4. It is configured as a device for performing non-contact power transmission. Each of the power transmission pad 314 and the power reception pad includes a coil, a core, and the like. When AC power is supplied from the charger 304 to the power transmission pad 314 in a state where the power transmission pad 314 and the power reception pad face each other, AC power is also generated in the power reception pad by electromagnetic induction. The AC power is charged in the storage battery of the electric vehicle EV4.

  Wireless communication is performed between the electric vehicle EV4 and the charger 304. The wireless communication may be performed in a form in which a signal is superimposed on a waveform of AC power output from the power transmission pad 314, and a wireless signal is transmitted and received from an output unit (antenna) different from the power transmission pad 314. It may be done.

  A charger that performs non-contact charging with the electric vehicle EV4, such as the charger 304, is hereinafter referred to as a “non-contact charging type” charger. In addition to the charger 304, there are a plurality of non-contact charging type chargers in the chargers 301 to 310.

  The non-contact charging type charger 304 and the like can directly communicate with the electric vehicle EV4 as described above. In addition, various information (such as vehicle type, storage battery SOC, and maximum power during charging) of the connected electric vehicle EV4 can be acquired by communication on the side of the charger 304 or the like. The information is transmitted from the charger 304 or the like to the control device 100 by communication.

  Further, when charging is performed by the non-contact charging type charger 304 or the like, the magnitude of the power for charging is controlled on both the electric vehicle EV 4 side and the charger 304 side. For this reason, by transmitting a control signal from the control device 100 to the charger 304 or the like, it is possible to perform power limitation that temporarily suppresses the magnitude of power supplied to the electric vehicle EV4. Yes.

  Among the 10 chargers 301 provided in the charging system 10, the AC mode 2 charging type charger 301, etc. has a magnitude of the output power of 2 on the control device 100 side (power adjustment unit 130 side). It is only possible to change at the stage (rated output or 0). The AC mode 2 charging type charger 301 and the like are chargers belonging to the “second group” of the present invention.

  On the other hand, the charger 302 etc. other than the AC mode 2 charge type (AC mode 3 charge type, DC mode 4 charge type, and non-contact charge type) among the 10 chargers 301 provided in the charging system 10, etc. The magnitude of the output power can be changed relatively smoothly on the control device 100 side (power adjustment unit 130 side). The charger 302 and the like belonging to any of the AC mode 3 charge type, the DC mode 4 charge type, and the non-contact charge type are chargers belonging to the “first group” of the present invention.

  An overview of control executed by the control device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. A line G1 in FIG. 4 is a graph showing a temporal change in the total value of power output from all of the chargers 301 and the like (hereinafter also referred to as “charging power”). A line UL shown in FIG. 4 is a graph showing the time change of the output upper limit value calculated by the upper limit acquisition unit 120 of the control device 100.

  As described above, the output upper limit value is calculated so that the sum of the power consumption and the charging power of the apartment house 600 does not exceed the contract power set with the power company. It is also calculated so that the charging power does not exceed the upper limit value transmitted from the power company. Therefore, when the output upper limit value temporarily decreases (in the period from time t10 to time t60 in the example of FIG. 4), the charging power is limited by limiting charging power (power limitation) as necessary. Must be reliably maintained below the output upper limit.

  The control device 100 of the charging system 10 according to the present embodiment constantly monitors the charging power by the power monitoring unit 110. Further, the output upper limit value is always acquired by the upper limit acquisition unit 120. The power adjustment unit 130 of the control device 100 individually adjusts the magnitude of the power output from each of the chargers 301 so that the measured charging power does not exceed the acquired current output upper limit value. To do. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the state where the charging power is below the output upper limit value is always maintained.

  In the present embodiment, the upper threshold value obtained by subtracting the threshold value TH1 from the current output upper limit value and the lower threshold value obtained by subtracting the threshold value TH2 (greater than the threshold value TH1) from the current output upper limit value are the control device. 100 is always calculated. In FIG. 4, a graph indicating the change in the upper threshold value is indicated by a dotted line DL1, and a graph indicating the change in the lower threshold value is indicated by a dotted line DL2. The value of the charging power indicated by the line G1 is adjusted so as to always fall between the upper threshold value (dotted line DL1) and the lower threshold value (dotted line DL2).

  In addition, when the number of chargers 301 or the like that actually charge is reduced in the middle or when the number of chargers 301 is small from the beginning, even if charging is performed at the rated output by each charger 301 or the like, the charging power is The output upper limit is not exceeded. In such a case, adjustment for keeping the output power between the upper threshold value (dotted line DL1) and the lower threshold value (dotted line DL2) is unnecessary.

  In the example of FIG. 4, as indicated by the line UL, the output upper limit value is constant during the period from time t0 to time t10. The output upper limit value decreases after time t10, and the output upper limit value becomes constant again after time t30. The output upper limit value increases after time t40 after time t30, and the output upper limit value is constant again after time t60. The dotted line DL1 indicating the change in the upper threshold value and the dotted line DL2 indicating the change in the lower threshold value are both translated from the line UL downward.

  The graph showing the change in the upper threshold value (dotted line DL1) and the lower threshold value (dotted line DL2) may be obtained by translating the graph showing the change in the output upper limit value (line UL) as described above. It is not limited to such an aspect. For example, it may be a mode in which the difference between the output upper limit value and the upper threshold value or the difference between the output upper limit value and the lower threshold value is changed while considering restrictions on the electricity rate and the like.

  As indicated by the line G1, during the period up to time t10, the charging power is controlled by the power adjustment unit 130 so as to be substantially constant. When the output upper limit value and the upper threshold value start to decrease after time t10, the charging power value (line G1) and the upper threshold value (dotted line DL1) coincide with each other (time t20). Thereafter, the power adjustment unit 130 performs power limitation to gradually reduce the charging power so that the charging power does not exceed the output upper limit value.

  After time t30, the charging power is maintained at a constant value again. Thereafter, when the output upper limit value and the lower threshold value start to increase after time t40, the charging power value (line G1) and the lower threshold value (dotted line DL2) coincide with each other (time t50). At this time, since the difference between the output upper limit value and the charging power is relatively large, there is a margin in the width of the power that can be output from the charging system 10. For this reason, the power adjustment unit 130 gradually increases the charging power by releasing the power restriction.

  The control for increasing the charging power is continued until the charging power value (line G1) and the upper threshold value (dotted line DL1) coincide again (time t70). After time t70, the control for reducing the charging output is performed again, and the charging power is kept constant after time t80.

  4 is merely an example, and the power limitation may be performed in a manner different from that in FIG. 4 as long as the charging power is always kept lower than the fluctuating output upper limit value. For example, when the electric power company notifies the charging system 10 that the upper limit value of power starts to decrease at time t10, the charging power is started to decrease at the same time as the notification (time t10). There may be. Similarly, when the electric power company notifies the charging system 10 that the upper limit value of power starts to increase at time t40, an aspect in which charging power starts to increase at the same time as the notification (time t40). It may be.

  The change in charging power may be a step-like change instead of a linear change as shown in FIG. Furthermore, a mode in which step-like changes and linear changes are mixed may be used.

  Further, the value of the charging power in the example of FIG. 4 changes due to the power limitation only. However, charging in each charger 301 or the like ends in the middle, a part of the power output from the charger 301 or the like decreases (SOC becomes nearly 100%), and the battery temperature increases from a low temperature state. (In this case, the charging power increases conversely) or the like, the value of the charging power may change.

  A specific mode of power limitation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows four chargings: an AC mode 2 charging type charger 301, an AC mode 3 charging type charger 302, a DC mode 4 charging type charger 303, and a non-contact charging type charger 304. The example in the case where the electric vehicle is charged only from the battery is shown.

  The change in the vertical distance (value P11) between the line G11 and the line G12 in FIG. 5 indicates the change in the magnitude of the electric power output from the charger 301. Similarly, the change in the vertical distance (value P12) between the line G12 and the line G13 in FIG. 5 indicates the change in the magnitude of the power output from the charger 302. A change in the vertical distance (value P13) between the line G13 and the line G14 in FIG. 5 indicates a change in the magnitude of the electric power output from the charger 303. A line G14 in FIG. 5 indicates a change in the magnitude of the electric power output from the charger 304.

  A line G11 in FIG. 5 indicates a change in the total value of power output from each of the chargers 301 to 304, that is, a change in charging power. In the example of FIG. 5, the power limitation is started from time t10, and the charging power is decreased from value TP10 to value TP20 in the period from time t10 to time t30.

  At that time, the power output from the charger 302 decreases from the value P12 to a value P22 smaller than this. The electric power output from the charger 303 decreases from the value P13 to a value P23 smaller than this. The power output from the charger 304 decreases from the value P14 to a value P24 that is smaller than this value. On the other hand, the power output from the charger 301 has not changed after time t10. In FIG. 5, the power output from the charger 301 after time t30 is expressed as a value P21, but the value P11 and the value P21 are the same value.

  In the present embodiment, the reduction amount of the charging power required when the power limitation is performed (in the example of FIG. 5, the value obtained by subtracting the value TP20 from the value TP10) is the value of the charger 301 belonging to the second group. When the output power is smaller than the rated output power, only the power output from the charger 302 or the like belonging to the first group is suppressed. In the present embodiment, an example in which output power is suppressed in all of the chargers 302 and the like belonging to the first group is shown. It is not restricted to such an example, Control which suppresses output electric power may be performed only in a part of charger 302 etc. which belong to the 1st group based on a fluctuation range, prior setting, etc.

  With reference to FIG. 6, another aspect of power limitation will be described. In FIG. 6, as in the case of FIG. 5, an AC mode 2 charge type charger 301, an AC mode 3 charge type charger 302, a DC mode 4 charge type charger 303, and a non-contact charge type charge An example is shown in which the electric vehicle is charged only from the four chargers 304.

  Also in FIG. 6, as in FIG. 5, the change in the vertical gap (value P <b> 11) between the line G <b> 11 and the line G <b> 12 indicates the change in the magnitude of the power output from the charger 301. A change in the vertical distance (value P12) between the line G12 and the line G13 indicates a change in the magnitude of the power output from the charger 302. A change in the vertical distance (value P13) between the line G13 and the line G14 indicates a change in the magnitude of the power output from the charger 303. A line G14 indicates a change in the magnitude of the power output from the charger 304.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the power limitation is started from time t10, and after time t10, the charging power decreases from the value TP10 to the value TP21 (which is smaller than the value TP20).

  After time t10, the power output from the charger 301 changes from the value P11 to 0 at time t10. Such a change is realized by switching the relay RY1 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) from the closed state to the open state.

  On the other hand, the power output from each of the charger 302, the charger 303, and the charger 304 has not changed before and after the time t10. In FIG. 6, the power output from the charger 302, the charger 303, and the charger 304 after time t10 is represented as a value P22, a value P23, and a value P24, respectively. It is the same value as P13 and value P14.

  Thus, the charging power may be suppressed by setting the power output from the charger 301 belonging to the second group to zero. In the present embodiment, the amount of decrease in charging power required when power limitation is performed (in the example of FIG. 6, the value obtained by subtracting the value TP21 from the value TP10) of the charger 301 belonging to the second group. When the value is equal to or higher than the value of the rated output power, the power output from the charger 301 belonging to the second group is set to zero. At this time, the power output from the charger 301 is set to 0, and at the same time, the power output from the charger 302 and the like belonging to the first group is suppressed as necessary.

  A specific flow of processing executed by the control device 100 in order to perform the power limitation described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 will be described with reference to FIG. A series of processes shown in FIG. 7 is executed when an operation necessary for starting charging is performed by the user of the charging system 10 (the person who owns the electric vehicle among the residents of the apartment house 600). . Such an operation is performed via a touch panel (not shown) installed in the vicinity of the parking space 201 or the like. It is good also as an aspect that operation is performed on the screen of the mobile communication terminal which a user owns.

  In the first step S01, the user of the charging system 10 is authenticated. This process is performed, for example, by determining whether or not the combination of the ID and password input by the user matches the combination previously distributed to the user. Further, instead of such an aspect, for example, contact or non-contact card authentication, authentication by communication using a mobile phone, or the like may be performed. In carrying out the present invention, the mode for performing user authentication is not particularly limited.

  In step S02 following step S01, confirmation is performed for an electric vehicle that the user is going to charge, that is, an electric vehicle parked in the parking space 201 or the like. “Confirmation of the electric vehicle” is a process for confirming (as much as possible) the vehicle type of the electric vehicle, the SOC of the storage battery, the allowable range of the amount of power supplied during charging, and the like.

  For example, if the charger 301 or the like provided in the parking space 201 or the like where the electric vehicle is parked is of a DC mode 4 charging type or a non-contact charging type, information on the type of the electric vehicle is It is acquired by communication with the charger 301 and transmitted to the control device 100. The control device 100 confirms the electric vehicle based on the information.

  Further, if the charger 301 or the like provided in the parking space 201 or the like where the electric vehicle is parked is of the AC mode 3 charging type, the output of electric power from the charger 301 or the like to the electric vehicle (at this time) Temporary charging) is performed. At this time, it is determined whether or not charging plug 312 is connected to the electric vehicle based on whether or not current flows. It is also possible to estimate the type of connected electric vehicle based on communication response characteristics, signal noise, and the like. At this time, it is good also as an aspect acquired by referring the database about the information about the electric vehicle collected at the time of the past charge. The collected information is transmitted to the control device 100. The control device 100 confirms the electric vehicle based on the information.

  If the charger 301 or the like provided in the parking space 201 or the like where the electric vehicle is parked is of the AC mode 2 charging type, output of electric power from the charger 301 or the like to the electric vehicle (temporary charging) at this time ) Is performed. At this time, it is determined whether or not charging plug 311 is connected to the electric vehicle based on whether or not a current flows.

  Note that the AC mode 2 charging type charger 301 or the like cannot directly communicate with an electric vehicle and cannot acquire information about the electric vehicle. Therefore, the AC mode 2 charging type charger 301 and the like can be confirmed only in the connection state between the electric vehicle and the charging plug 311 as described above.

  The processes in step S01 and step S02 are executed every time the user performs an operation for charging in the charging system 10.

  In step S03 following step S02, the order of charging is set. Here, the order of charging is determined based on a predetermined priority order for all the electric vehicles for which information has been acquired in step S01 and step S02, that is, for all the electric vehicles to be charged from now. Is done. For example, if the target time when charging is completed is input by each user, the priority order is set in the order of the target time, and the order of charging the electric vehicle is determined based on the priority order. In addition, when the information for determining the order is insufficient in these processes, or when it is desired to increase the control accuracy, information processing using vehicle information registered in advance by the user and stored in the control device 100 is used. May be used in combination.

  Note that the processing after step S03 is started at a specific time set in advance in the day. Specifically, the process after step S03 is started at the same time when the cheap late-night electricity charge starts to be applied. It may be started at a different timing.

  In step S04 following step S03, acquisition of the output upper limit value by the upper limit acquisition unit 120 is started. Thereafter, the acquisition of the output upper limit value by the upper limit acquisition unit 120 is repeatedly performed.

  In step S05 following step S04, charging of the electric vehicle is started. Charging of the electric vehicle in each charger 301 or the like is sequentially started based on the order determined in step S03. At this time, the charging power gradually increases with an increase in the number of chargers 301 that perform charging. The charging in each charger 301 or the like is started within a range where the charging power does not exceed the current output upper limit value. The “current output upper limit value” is an output upper limit value that is acquired before the process of step S05 and is acquired at the latest timing among the output upper limit values that are repeatedly acquired by the upper limit acquisition unit 120. It is a value.

  In step S06 following step S05, it is determined whether or not the current charging power is larger than the upper threshold (dotted line DL1 in FIG. 4). If the charging power is larger than the upper threshold value, the possibility that the charging power exceeds the output upper limit value is high. In this case, after the excess avoidance process in step S10 is performed, the process proceeds to step S07. The excess avoidance process is a process for suppressing the charging power so that the charging power does not exceed the output upper limit value. The specific contents of the excess avoidance process will be described later. When the charging power is equal to or lower than the upper threshold value, the process proceeds to step S07 without performing the excess avoidance process.

  In step S07, it is determined whether or not the current charging power is smaller than the lower limit threshold (dotted line DL2 in FIG. 4). When the charging power is smaller than the lower threshold value, the charging power is excessively suppressed as compared with the output upper limit value. In this case, after the power recovery process of step S20 is performed, the process proceeds to step S08. The power recovery process is a process for increasing the charging power within a range where the charging power does not exceed the upper threshold. Specific contents of the power recovery process will be described later. If the charging power is greater than or equal to the lower threshold, the process proceeds to step S08 without performing the power recovery process.

  As described above, the adjustment for keeping the output power between the upper threshold value (dotted line DL1) and the lower threshold value (dotted line DL2) is performed due to the fact that the number of chargers 301 and the like that actually charge is small. It may not be necessary. In this case, the processes of step S06 and step S07 may be skipped.

  After step S05, every time charging of the electric vehicle from the charger 301 or the like is completed, output of electric power from the charger 301 or the like is stopped. In step S08, it is determined whether charging has been completed for all the electric vehicles. If charging has been completed for all electric vehicles, the series of processes shown in FIG. 7 is terminated. When the charging is continued in some electric vehicles, the processes after step S06 are repeatedly executed.

  Specific contents of the excess avoidance process performed in step S10 will be described with reference to FIG. In the first step S11 of the excess avoidance process, the target decrease amount of the charging power is calculated. The target reduction amount is a reduction amount of the charging power that is necessary for keeping the magnitude of the charging power between the upper threshold value and the lower threshold value.

  In step S12 following step S11, it is determined whether or not there is a charger 301 or the like belonging to the second group (that is, an AC mode 2 charge type charger) among the chargers 301 or the like that are currently charging. Determined. When there is a charger 301 or the like belonging to the second group, the process proceeds to step S13. When there is no charger 301 or the like to which the second group belongs, the process proceeds to step S15 described later.

  In step S13, it is determined whether or not the magnitude of the target reduction amount calculated in step S11 is greater than or equal to the rated output power (per unit) of the charger 301 or the like belonging to the second group. If the target reduction amount is equal to or greater than the rated output power, the process proceeds to step S14. If the magnitude of the target reduction amount is less than the rated output power, the process proceeds to step S15 described later.

  In step S14, the output of power from the charger 301 or the like belonging to the second group is temporarily stopped. In step S15 following step S14, the power output from each of the chargers 302 and the like belonging to the first group is suppressed.

  It should be noted that the number of chargers 301 and the like that stop the output of power in step S14, the number of chargers 302 and the like that suppress the output of power in step S15, and the amount of suppression of output are such that the charging power is lower than the upper threshold value. It is determined as appropriate based on the current output upper limit value, charging power level, and the like so as to be within the threshold range.

  The specific contents of the power recovery process performed in step S20 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. In the first step S21 of the power recovery process, a target recovery amount of charging power is calculated. The target recovery amount is an increase amount (recovery amount) of charging power that is necessary for keeping the magnitude of charging power between the upper threshold value and the lower threshold value.

  In step S22 following step S21, it is determined whether or not there is a charger 301 or the like belonging to the second group (that is, an AC mode 2 charge type charger) among the chargers 301 or the like that are currently being charged. Determined. If there is a charger 301 or the like belonging to the second group, the process proceeds to step S23. When there is no charger 301 or the like to which the second group belongs, the process proceeds to step S25 described later.

  In step S23, it is determined whether or not the target recovery amount calculated in step S11 is equal to or higher than the rated output power (per unit) of the charger 301 or the like belonging to the second group. If the target recovery amount is greater than or equal to the rated output power, the process proceeds to step S24. If the target recovery amount is less than the rated output power, the process proceeds to step S25 described later.

  In step S24, the output of power from the charger 301 and the like belonging to the second group (those whose output has been stopped in step S14 in FIG. 8) is resumed. In step S25 following step S24, the power output from each of the chargers 302 and the like belonging to the first group (those whose output is suppressed in step S15 in FIG. 8) is increased.

  It should be noted that the number of chargers 301 etc. for restarting power output in step S24, the number of chargers 302 etc. for increasing power output in step S25, and the amount of increase in output are such that the charging power is lower than the upper threshold value. It is determined as appropriate based on the current output upper limit value, charging power level, and the like so as to be within the threshold range.

  As described above, the charging system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of chargers 301 to 310 that output charging power toward an electric vehicle, and the power output from each of the chargers 301 to 310. A power monitoring unit 110 that monitors the magnitude of the power, and an upper limit acquisition unit 120 that acquires a current output upper limit value set for the total value of the magnitudes of power output from all the chargers 301 to 310, respectively. By controlling the operation of each of the chargers 301 to 310, a power adjustment unit 130 that individually adjusts the magnitude of the power output from each of the chargers 301 to 310 is provided. The power adjustment unit 130 adjusts the magnitude of the power output from each of the chargers 301 to 310 so that the total value (charging power) of the output power does not exceed the current output upper limit value. adjust.

  In such a configuration, the power output adjustment value is adjusted by the power adjustment unit 130 so that the current power output upper limit value is acquired by the upper limit acquisition unit 120 and does not exceed the upper limit acquisition unit 120. Is called. For this reason, even if the output upper limit fluctuates due to various factors (for example, an increase in power consumption in the apartment house 600 or a restriction request from the power company), the value of the charging power is kept below the output upper limit. Is possible.

  Among the chargers 301 to 310, those belonging to the first group that can smoothly change the magnitude of the output power on the power adjustment unit 130 side (AC mode 3 charge type, DC mode 4). Charge type, non-contact charge type) and those belonging to the second group that can only change the magnitude of the output power in two steps of rated output and 0 on the power adjustment unit 130 side (AC mode 2 charge) Type). As described above, the charging system 10 has a configuration in which different types of chargers 301 and the like are mixed. However, the charging system 10 appropriately adjusts the output from each of the chargers 301 and the like so that the charging power can be increased. It is possible to always maintain a state that is below the output upper limit value.

  Specifically, when the charging power is predicted to exceed the current output upper limit value, that is, when the charging power is equal to or higher than the upper threshold value, the power output from the charger 302 or the like belonging to the first group. Or by temporarily stopping the output of power from the charger 301 or the like belonging to the second group, the charging power is reliably prevented from exceeding the output upper limit value.

  In addition, after the charging power is suppressed as described above, when the difference between the current output upper limit value and the charging power becomes larger than a predetermined threshold TH2 (see FIG. 4), the charging belonging to the first group The charging power is increased by increasing the power output from the charger 302 or the like, or restarting the output of the power from the charger 301 or the like belonging to the second group. As a result, the charging power is prevented from being excessively suppressed as compared with the output upper limit value, so that the electric vehicle can be charged as efficiently as possible.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the road transformer 500 receives power from the power system, and the power is distributed from the road transformer 500 to the cubicle 610 and the charging system 10. . However, the distribution of power to the charging system 10 according to the present embodiment may be performed by a configuration different from that in FIG.

  For example, the power may be supplied from the road transformer 500 to the cubicle 610, and the power may be supplied from the cubicle 610 to the charging system 10. Moreover, the aspect in which electric power is supplied to the charging system 10 from both the road transformer 500 and the cubicle 610 may be sufficient. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied even when the power supply from the power system to the charging system 10 and the power supply from the power system to the cubicle 610 are performed in a completely separated form. .

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. In other words, those specific examples that have been appropriately modified by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the elements included in each of the specific examples described above and their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, and the like are not limited to those illustrated, but can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10: Charging system 100: Control apparatus 110: Electric power monitoring part 120: Upper limit acquisition part 130: Electric power adjustment part 301-310: Charger 500: Road transformer 600: Apartment house 610: Cubicle

Claims (7)

A charging system (10) for charging a plurality of electric vehicles,
A plurality of charging units (301 to 310) for outputting electric power for charging toward the electric vehicle;
A power monitoring unit (110) for monitoring the magnitude of power output from each of the charging units;
An upper limit acquisition unit (120) for acquiring an upper limit value set for the total value of the magnitudes of power output from all the charging units;
A power adjustment unit (130) that individually adjusts the magnitude of the power output from each charging unit by controlling the operation of each charging unit;
The power adjustment unit
The charging system, wherein the magnitude of the electric power output from each of the charging units is adjusted so that the total value does not exceed the upper limit value.   The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of charging units include a plurality of different types of charging units. The plurality of charging units include
Belonging to the first group capable of smoothly changing the magnitude of the power output from the charging unit on the power adjustment unit side;
Belonging to the second group that can only change the magnitude of the power output from the charging unit in two steps of a predetermined value and 0 on the power adjustment unit side;
The charging system according to claim 2, wherein the charging system is included. When the total value is expected to exceed the upper limit value,
The charging system according to claim 3, wherein the total value is suppressed by reducing power output from the charging unit belonging to the first group. After reducing the power output from the charging unit belonging to the first group,
The power output from the charging unit belonging to the first group is increased when a difference between the upper limit value and the total value is larger than a predetermined threshold value. The charging system described. When the total value is expected to exceed the upper limit value,
The charging system according to claim 3, wherein the total value is suppressed by stopping output of power from the charging unit belonging to the second group. After stopping the output of power from the charging unit belonging to the second group,
The output of electric power from the charging unit belonging to the second group is resumed when a difference between the upper limit value and the total value is greater than a predetermined threshold value. The charging system described.

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