JP2010213502A - Charging controller, method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a charging controller that improves utilization efficiency of a facility and optimally controls charging in accordance with each user. <P>SOLUTION: Area controllers 51-1 to 51-n are provided for each area of a parking lot. A battery state calculating part 61 calculates the battery remaining capacity of a vehicle. A desired condition setting part 62 receives setting of a desired condition, determines whether or not the desired condition can be accepted, and if it is determined that the desired condition cannot be accepted, prompts a user to redo it. A set information management part 52 stores the battery remaining capacity and the desired condition to be output from each of the area controllers 51 as setting information of each area. A charging controller part 53 controls a charger so as to supply predetermined power to an outlet of each area in the parking lot 11 under control by the set information management part 52. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a charge control device, method, and program, and more particularly to a charge control device, method, and program capable of improving the utilization efficiency of equipment and performing optimum charge control according to individual users. About.

  In recent years, EVs (Electric Vehicles, electric vehicles), HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles, hybrid vehicles) and the like have been widely used. For example, HEVs and EVs have many cars that are economical and environmentally friendly by using natural energy such as sunlight and wind power.

  The EV and HEV are charged during traveling, stopping, and parking. On the other hand, while current engine vehicles can be refueled in a short time at a gas station or the like, electric vehicles need to be charged to a battery, so the problem is that the continuous running distance is short and the charging time is also long. have.

  As a charging facility for EVs and HEVs, for example, one in which a plurality of chargers are arranged in a space such as a parking lot can be considered. EVs and HEV batteries, which are objects to be charged, are connected to the plurality of chargers.

  In addition, by charging EV and HEV at night, it can be used as a power load leveling measure that reduces the difference in power consumption between day and night for the power supply side, and it is inexpensive for users of charging facilities. Therefore, it is desired to reduce running costs by using such late-night power.

  In such a situation, if the scheduled delivery time is late, charging is performed at nighttime power hours, and it is also proposed to improve the space utilization rate in the multilevel parking lot by performing prioritized charging control according to the parking place. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-209707 A

  However, in order to promote the spread of EVs and HEVs, further enhancement of charging related facilities is required. For example, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since control in consideration of charging completion time and charge is not performed, it is impossible to reflect the desired conditions of individual users.

  In addition, the power that can be supplied by the charging facility is limited, and when a vehicle that desires charging exceeds that time, the charging time of all the vehicles that are being charged must be extended. For this reason, a user who wants to use the vehicle as soon as possible may not be able to recharge with peace of mind.

  As described above, the conventional charging equipment has a problem in that it cannot perform optimum charging control according to individual users.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and improves the utilization efficiency of facilities and enables optimal charge control according to individual users to be performed.

  The charging control device of the present invention is a charging control device that controls charging of a battery of a vehicle parked in each of the parking lot sections, and has priority over the first charging mode or the first charging mode for each section. A mode selection receiving unit that receives a selection of a second charging mode for receiving power supply, a condition receiving unit that receives an input of a condition relating to battery charging when a selection of the first mode is received, and a periodic acquisition The condition determination means for determining whether or not the condition is satisfied based on the remaining battery level of the vehicle to be operated, and the determination means determines that the condition is not satisfied, the vehicle charging mode is set to the second charging mode. A notification means for notifying the user of the vehicle of information prompting the change to the vehicle, and a mode updating means for updating information relating to the charging mode of the vehicle based on a response to the notification.

  In the charging control device of the present invention, selection of the first charging mode or the second charging mode that receives power supply with priority over the first charging mode is accepted for each section, and the selection of the first mode Is received, conditions for charging the battery are received, and whether or not the condition is satisfied is determined based on the periodically acquired battery remaining amount of the vehicle, and the condition is determined not to be satisfied Information that prompts the user to change the vehicle charging mode to the second charging mode is notified to the user of the vehicle, and information related to the charging mode of the vehicle is updated based on a response to the notification.

  Therefore, since the user is given an opportunity to change the charging mode, the user can select an optimal charging method that meets his needs in consideration of time and fee.

  The charging in the second charging mode is performed with a constant charging amount per unit time, and the charging amount in the first charging mode varies depending on the number of vehicles being charged. In the second charging mode, a higher charge can be charged than in the first charging mode.

  When the second charging mode is selected and charging is performed in a predetermined number of predetermined sections among all the sections of the parking lot, the second charging mode is selected in the other sections. At this time, the mode selection receiving means can reject the reception of the selection of the second charging mode in the other section.

  Therefore, limited power is supplied according to the charging mode, and it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the equipment.

  The lower limit of the charge amount per unit time in the first charge mode can be further set.

  Therefore, it is possible to select an optimum charging method according to the user's desire.

  The notification means may transmit information prompting to change to the second charging mode to the user's mobile phone as an e-mail.

  The charge control method of the present invention is a charge control method of a charge control device that controls charging of a battery of a vehicle parked in each of the parking lot sections, and the first charging mode or the first charging for each section. The battery of the vehicle which receives the input of the condition regarding charge of a battery, receives the selection of the 2nd charge mode which receives supply of electric power preferentially over a mode, and receives the selection of the 1st mode, and is acquired periodically Based on the remaining amount, it is determined whether or not the condition is satisfied, and when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, the vehicle user is notified of information that prompts the user to change the vehicle charging mode to the second charging mode. And updating information related to the charging mode of the vehicle based on the response to the notification.

  The program of the present invention is a charge control device that controls charging of a battery of a vehicle parked in each of the parking lot sections, and has priority over the first charging mode or the first charging mode for each section. A mode selection receiving unit that receives a selection of a second charging mode that receives a supply of power, a condition receiving unit that receives an input of a condition relating to battery charging when the selection of the first mode is received, Based on the acquired battery remaining amount of the vehicle, the condition determination means for determining whether or not the condition is satisfied, and when the determination means determines that the condition is not satisfied, the charging mode of the vehicle is set to the second charge. A notification means for notifying a vehicle user of information prompting the user to change to a mode, and a mode updater for updating information on the charging mode of the vehicle based on a response to the notification To function as a charge control device comprising a and.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while using the utilization efficiency of an installation, the optimal charge control according to each user can be performed.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the charging system to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structural example of the control part of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the example of a charge setting process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of an estimated time calculation process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of a charging process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of a mode change confirmation process. And FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a personal computer.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a charging system 10 to which the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, a charging system 10 charges a battery mounted on a vehicle such as an EV (Electric Vehicle) or HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) parked in a parking lot 11. It is.

  In the example shown in the figure, the parking lot 11 is divided into 18 (= 3 × 6) sections, and one vehicle can be parked in each section. Each section of the parking lot 11 can be specified as, for example, a section (i, j).

  A vehicle parked in the parking lot 11 is a vehicle that uses a battery mounted therein as a power source. To charge a vehicle battery, for example, connect the in-vehicle charger to a standard outlet (Outlet in English) in a general home or office via a dedicated charging cable, and power from the end of the connected outlet This is done using the supplied power. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, a user of a vehicle parked in the parking lot 11 can input desired conditions such as a desired charging completion date and a usage fee.

  Each of the compartments of the parking lot 11 is provided with a standard outlet connected to the on-vehicle charger so that constant power can be supplied to the outlet from the charging facility 12 per unit time. Has been made. That is, the vehicle parked in the parking lot can be charged with a constant charge amount (for example, charge amount A) per unit time.

  However, the charging facility 12 cannot simultaneously supply power corresponding to the charge amount A to the 18 sections of the parking lot 11. That is, since it is unlikely that the vehicle is parked and charged in all 18 sections of the parking lot 11, the number of vehicles is slightly smaller than the number of vehicles that can actually be parked due to, for example, a contract with an electric power company. The power supply capacity is

  For example, the charging facility 12 can supply power corresponding to the charge amount A to 15 sections of all the sections of the parking lot 11 at the same time.

  The charging facility 12 includes a charger 31 and a control unit 32. For example, the charger 31 is configured to supply electric power transmitted from an electric power company to an outlet of each section of the parking lot 11 based on the control of the control unit 32.

  For example, the control unit 32 receives a setting of desired conditions by a user of a vehicle parked in each section of the parking lot 11 and controls the charger 31 based on the setting content.

  For example, each of the 18 sections of the parking lot 11 is provided with an input device for setting desired conditions, and the user sets the desired conditions by operating the GUI of the input device, for example. It is made like that.

  Here, the user can select the charging mode by operating the GUI of the input device. As the charging mode, for example, either “fastest charging” or “normal charging” can be selected. In the mode “fastest charge”, the battery of the vehicle is always charged with the charge amount A per unit time. In the mode “normal charge”, the battery of the vehicle is configured such that the charge amount per unit time is variable according to the number of parked vehicles. That is, the user's vehicle that has selected the mode “fastest charging” is preferentially charged, and the user's vehicle that has selected the mode “normal charging” has a lower priority.

  When the mode “fastest charging” is selected, for example, a certain additional fee is charged in addition to the power charge required for charging. When the mode “normal charge” is selected, for example, only the power charge required for charging is charged.

  Further, the user who has selected the mode “normal charging” can further input the desired charging completion date and time by operating the GUI of the input device.

  Thus, the user's desired conditions are set by selecting the charging mode, inputting the charging completion desired date and time, and the like.

The control unit 32 can transmit and receive information to and from the network 34 via the communication unit 33.

  The communication unit 33 controls communication processing including e-mail transmission / reception via a predetermined server connected to the network 34, for example.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the control unit 32. In the example of the figure, the control unit 32 is configured by a partition control unit 51-1 to a partition control unit 51-n, a setting information management unit 52, and a charge execution control unit 53.

  The section control units 51-1 to 51-n are provided corresponding to the respective sections of the parking lot 11. For example, in the case of the parking lot 11 in FIG. 1, the section control unit 51-1 to the section control unit 51-18 are provided. The partition control unit 51-1 to the partition control unit 51-n include a battery state calculation unit 61-1, a desired condition setting unit 62-1 to a battery state calculation unit 61-n, and a desired condition setting unit 62-n. Has been. When there is no need to distinguish them individually, they are simply referred to as a partition control unit 51, a battery state calculation unit 61, and a desired condition setting unit 62.

  The battery state calculation part 61 communicates with the vehicle-mounted charger of the vehicle parked in the said division, for example, and calculates the battery remaining charge of the vehicle. For example, the remaining amount of the battery represents a predetermined numerical value in% units, assuming that the charged amount in a state where the charging of the battery has expired is 100%.

  The desired condition setting unit 62 is configured to accept setting of desired conditions based on the operation content such as GUI of the input device corresponding to the section. In addition, the desired condition setting unit 62 determines whether or not the desired condition can be accepted, for example. If it is determined that the desired condition is not acceptable, an error is displayed on the GUI or the like. It is designed to prompt re-operation.

  As described above, the charging facility 12 can supply power corresponding to the charge amount A to 15 of all the parking lots 11 at the same time. Therefore, when 15 vehicles that have selected the mode “fastest charging” are charging 15 cars and another vehicle parks in one section of the parking lot 11 and selects the mode “fastest charging”, it is no longer acceptable. In this case, the desired condition setting unit 62 prompts the user to re-operate by displaying an error on the GUI.

  However, for example, 14 vehicles that have selected the mode “fastest charging” are being charged, and one vehicle that has selected the mode “normal charging” is being charged, while another vehicle is in one section of the parking lot 11. If you park and select the “normal charge” mode, you can accept it. This is because the charging amount per unit time of the vehicle for which the mode “normal charging” is selected may be (A / 2).

  For example, a user who can afford to complete the charging (date and time when charging is desired) may select the mode “normal charging”. In addition, a user who needs to complete charging at an early stage such as using a vehicle immediately may select the mode “fastest charging”. By doing in this way, the charge to pay can be reduced for the user, and the limited electric power can be efficiently utilized for the operator of the parking lot 11.

  Further, as described above, when the mode “normal charging” is selected, the user further inputs the desired charging completion date and time, and inputs the user's own e-mail address as the contact address. The desired condition setting unit 62 calculates an expected time required for charging the battery of the vehicle based on the remaining battery level output from the battery state calculation unit 61. Then, the time obtained as the difference between the current time and the desired charging completion date and time is compared with the expected time to determine whether or not charging can be completed by the desired charging completion date and time. It is made to be possible.

  Further, as will be described later, the desired condition setting unit 62 checks the remaining battery level in a predetermined cycle for a vehicle for which the mode “normal charging” is selected, and can the charging be completed by the desired charging completion date and time. Whether or not is determined. When it is determined that charging cannot be completed by the desired charging completion date and time, the desired condition setting unit 62 sends an e-mail prompting the user of the vehicle to change the charging mode via the communication unit 33. It is made to send. When there is a reply from the user to the transmitted e-mail, the desired condition setting unit 62 changes the charging mode of the vehicle to the mode “fastest charging”.

  The setting information management unit 52 stores the remaining battery capacity and desired conditions output from each of the partition control units 51-1 to 51-n as setting information for each partition. In addition, the setting information management unit 52 is configured to update the setting information when a desired condition is changed in each section.

  The charge execution control unit 53 controls the charger 31 so as to supply predetermined power to the outlets of each section of the parking lot 11 based on the setting information of each section supplied from the setting information management unit 52.

  Next, the charge setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is executed, for example, when the vehicle is parked in one section of the parking lot 11, a dedicated cable is connected to the outlet of the section, and the user of the vehicle operates the GUI of the input device corresponding to the section. Is done. In addition, the desired condition setting unit 62 and the battery state calculation unit 61 in the process described here mean the desired condition setting unit 62 and the battery state calculation unit 61 of the partition control unit 51 corresponding to the partition.

  In step S <b> 21, the desired condition setting unit 62 acquires the setting information stored in the setting information management unit 52.

  In step S22, the desired condition setting unit 62 receives an input of the charging mode. At this time, the user selects the charging mode by operating the GUI of the input device, for example. As the charging mode, for example, either “fastest charging” or “normal charging” can be selected.

  In step S <b> 23, the desired condition setting unit 62 determines whether or not the mode “fastest charging” is selected in the processing of step 22. If it is determined in step S23 that the mode “fastest charging” has been selected, the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S24, the desired condition setting unit 62 selects the mode “fastest charging” based on the setting information acquired in step S21, and acquires the number of vehicles being charged.

  In step S25, the desired condition setting unit 62 determines whether it is possible to accept the vehicle currently parked in a section where the user is operating the GUI or the like. Here, for example, as a result of accepting the vehicle, it is determined whether or not the power supply capacity of the charging facility 12 is exceeded. For example, as a result of accepting the vehicle, when the mode “fastest charging” is selected and the number of vehicles being charged exceeds 15, it is determined that the vehicle cannot be accepted.

  If it is determined in step S25 that the vehicle cannot be accepted, the process proceeds to step S26, and the desired condition setting unit 62 prompts the user to perform another operation by displaying an error on the GUI. Thereafter, the process returns to step S21.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the mode “fastest charging” has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S27. That is, in this case, the mode “normal charging” is selected in step S22.

  In step S <b> 27, the desired condition setting unit 62 receives an input of the desired charging completion date and time. At this time, for example, the user inputs the desired charging completion date and time by operating the GUI of the input device. At this time, for example, input of an e-mail address is accepted as the contact information of the user. For example, a user who has registered an address in advance may only input an ID or the like.

  Alternatively, in step S27, for example, information such as whether or not charging using only nighttime electric power or whether or not charging using natural energy generation is desired may be further input as a condition. In other words, in step S27, it is possible to accept various conditions desired by the user when the mode “normal charging” is selected.

  In the following, an example will be described in which input is accepted only at the desired charging completion date and time in step S27.

  In step S28, an expected time calculation process described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4 is executed.

  Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4, a detailed example of the expected time calculation process in step S28 of FIG. 3 will be described.

  In step S51, the desired condition setting unit 62 calculates a charge amount E to be charged to the battery of the vehicle based on the value of the remaining battery level (SOC: State of Charge) output from the battery state calculation unit 61. The amount of charge to be charged in the battery of the vehicle may be the amount of charge necessary for the battery to expire (becomes 100%), or may be a target value set separately (for example, 80%) May be the amount of charge required to reach

  In step S52, the desired condition setting unit 62 sets a charge amount per unit time (unit time charge amount B).

  As described above, each compartment of the parking lot 11 is provided with a standard outlet connected to the on-vehicle charger, and each outlet is supplied with constant power from the charging facility 12 per unit time. Has been made to be able to. That is, a vehicle parked in a parking lot can be charged with a constant charge amount per unit time (for example, unit time charge amount A). However, the unit time charging amount of the vehicle for which the mode “normal charging” is selected varies depending on the number of vehicles. Therefore, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the unit time charge amount A by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 0.7) is assumed to be an average value of the unit time charge amount of the vehicle for which the mode “normal charge” is selected.

  In step S53, the desired condition setting unit 62 calculates the expected charging time MT by dividing the charging amount E of the vehicle battery calculated in step S51 by the unit time charging amount B set in step S52.

  Alternatively, in step S52, the unit time charge amount A is set as the charge amount per unit time, and in step S53, the expected charge time MT is obtained by multiplying E / B by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 1.5). May be calculated as

  In this way, the expected time calculation process is executed.

  Returning to FIG. 3, after the process of step S28, the process proceeds to step S29.

  In step S29, the desired condition setting unit 62 determines whether or not the condition is satisfied. At this time, for example, when the remaining time RT obtained as the difference between the current time and the desired charging completion date and time is compared with the expected charging time MT obtained in the process of step S28, if RT is sufficiently larger than MT, the condition is Determined to be satisfied. In this case, it is considered that the charging of the battery of the vehicle can be completed by the desired charging completion date and time.

  If it is determined in step S29 that the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S30, and the desired condition setting unit 62 prompts the user to perform another operation by displaying an error on the GUI. Thereafter, the process returns to step S21.

  If it is determined in step S25 that the vehicle can be accepted, or if it is determined in step S29 that the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S31. In step S31, the setting information management unit 52 updates the setting information.

  At this time, the setting information of the section is updated. For example, when the section in which the vehicle is parked is the section (1, 5), the charge mode, the charging completion desired date and time, Information such as an e-mail address is stored.

  In this way, the charge setting process is executed.

  The setting information is also updated when, for example, charging of the vehicle is completed. For example, when charging of the vehicle parked in the section (1, 5) is completed, for example, the battery state calculation unit 61-5 notifies the setting information management unit 52 that the remaining battery level is 100%. In addition, information such as a charging mode, a charging completion desired date and time, and an e-mail address associated with a number (for example, 5) is deleted. In this way, the setting information is updated not only in the above-described step S31 but also sequentially.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the charging process by the control part 32 of the charging equipment 12 is demonstrated.

  In step S <b> 71, the charging execution control unit 53 controls the charger 31 to supply power to the outlet of the compartment of the vehicle that is charging in the mode “fastest charging”. As described above, in the mode “fastest charging”, electric power corresponding to a constant charge amount (unit time charge amount) A per unit time is supplied. The section of the vehicle that is charged in the mode “fastest charging” can be specified based on the setting information that is updated and stored by the setting information management unit 52.

  In step S <b> 72, the charging execution control unit 53 calculates a supply surplus capacity. The surplus supply capacity is calculated by subtracting the power being supplied to the vehicle that is charging in the mode “fastest charge” from the maximum power supply capability of the charging facility 12. For example, assuming that the charging facility 12 can simultaneously supply power corresponding to the charge amount A to 15 sections of all sections of the parking lot 11, the maximum power supply capacity of the charging facility 12 is 15 ×. A power MC corresponding to A is assumed. If there are 13 vehicles that are charged in the mode “fastest charging”, the supply surplus capacity RC can be calculated by the following equation.

  RC = MC-MC (13/15)

  In step S73, the charge execution control unit 53 determines whether the supply surplus calculated in step S72 is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value. Note that the threshold value is set to 0 or more.

  If it is determined in step S73 that the supply surplus is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value, the process proceeds to step S74.

  In step S <b> 74, the charge execution control unit 53 acquires the number of vehicles that are charged in the mode “normal charge”. The section of the vehicle that is charged in the mode “normal charging” can be specified based on the setting information that is updated and stored by the setting information management unit 52, thereby charging in the mode “normal charging”. You can also get the number of vehicles inside.

  In step S75, the charging execution control unit 53 divides the surplus supply capacity calculated in step S72 in accordance with the number obtained in the process of step S74, and sets the section of the vehicle that is charging in the mode “normal charging”. Supply power to the outlet.

  For example, if there are 13 vehicles charging in the mode “fastest charging” and 4 vehicles charging in the mode “normal charging”, the number of vehicles charging in the mode “normal charging” Electric power is supplied to the outlets of these compartments so that the batteries are charged with a unit charge amount A / 2.

  In step S75, power is not supplied such that the unit time charge exceeds A. For example, in the above-described example, even if one vehicle is charged in the mode “normal charge”, the battery of the vehicle charged in the mode “normal charge” is charged with the unit charge amount A per unit time. As such, power is supplied to the outlet of the compartment.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S73 that the supply surplus is less than a preset threshold value, the processes in steps S74 and S75 are skipped.

  In step S76, the partition control unit 51 executes a mode change confirmation process which will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S91, each of the desired condition setting unit 62 of the section control unit 51 corresponding to the section of the vehicle that is charged in the mode “normal charging” acquires setting information corresponding to its own section. That is, the setting information of the section of the mode “normal charging” is acquired. In addition, when there are a plurality of sections of the vehicle that are charged in the mode “normal charging”, the processes in steps S91 to S101 are executed in parallel by the section control units 51 corresponding to these sections. .

  In step S92, the desired condition setting unit 62 calculates a remaining time RT obtained as a difference between the current time and the desired charging completion date.

  In step S93, an expected time calculation process is executed. This process is the same as the process described above with reference to FIG.

  In step S94, the desired condition setting unit 62 determines whether the condition is satisfied. At this time, the remaining time RT calculated in step S92 is compared with the expected charging time MT obtained in step S93. If RT is sufficiently larger than MT, it is determined that the condition is satisfied. In this way, during the charging process, the charging status of the vehicle charging in the mode “normal charging” is checked each time. In the case of the mode “normal charge”, the amount of charge per unit time changes depending on the number of vehicles. For example, even if it is determined in step S29 in FIG. This is because there is a possibility of becoming.

  If it is determined in step S94 that the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S95. In this case, the battery of the vehicle is not completely charged by the desired charging completion date and time.

  In step S <b> 95, the desired condition setting unit 62 transmits an e-mail prompting the user of the vehicle to change the charging mode via the communication unit 33. In addition, a user's mail address can be specified based on the setting information acquired by step S91, for example. Thereby, for example, an e-mail notifying that charging is not completed by the desired charging completion date and time is transmitted to the user's cellular phone or the like. Note that the mail may be notified of the expected completion date and time when the charging of the battery is completed, assuming that the mode is immediately changed to “fastest charging”.

  For example, if it is important for the user to complete charging up to the desired charging completion date and time, a charge may be paid separately to change the charging mode. On the other hand, if it is not so important for the user to complete the charging until the desired charging completion date and time, there is no need to pay a separate charge, so the charging mode need not be changed.

  By doing in this way, the optimal charge control according to each user can be performed.

  The user who receives the mail determines whether or not to change the charging mode to the mode “fastest charging”. However, when changing to the mode “fastest charging”, a predetermined additional charge is charged. When changing to the mode “fastest charge”, for example, the user performs a predetermined operation and transmits a mode change request mail. When the mode is not changed to “fastest charging”, for example, the user may ignore the received mail.

  In step S96, the desired condition setting unit 62 determines whether a mode change request mail has been received. If it is determined in step S96 that the mode change request mail has been received, the process proceeds to step S97.

  In step S97, the desired condition setting unit 62 acquires setting information for all sections of the parking lot 11.

  In step S98, the desired condition setting unit 62 selects the mode “fastest charging” based on the setting information acquired in step S98, and acquires the number of vehicles being charged.

  In step S99, the desired condition setting unit 62 determines whether or not the change of the charging mode of the vehicle can be accepted. Here, for example, as a result of accepting the vehicle, it is determined whether or not the power supply capacity of the charging facility 12 is exceeded. For example, as a result of accepting the vehicle, when the mode “fastest charging” is selected and the number of vehicles being charged exceeds 15, it is determined that the vehicle cannot be accepted.

  If it is determined in step S99 that the change of the charging mode of the vehicle can be accepted, the process proceeds to step S100.

  In step S100, the setting information management unit 52 updates the setting information of the section of the vehicle. Thereby, in the setting information associated with the section, the charging mode is changed to the mode “fastest charging”.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S99 that the vehicle cannot be accepted, the process proceeds to step S101, and the desired condition setting unit 62 sends an email indicating an error to the user of the vehicle to the communication unit 33. To send through. Thereby, the user knows that the change of the charging mode has not been accepted.

  In this way, the mode change confirmation process is executed.

  Returning to FIG. 5, after the process of step S <b> 76, the process proceeds to step S <b> 77, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, and waits until it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed.

  If it is determined in step S77 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step S71, and the subsequent processes are repeatedly executed. Therefore, the mode change confirmation process in step S76 is also repeatedly executed at a constant cycle, so that the charging status of the vehicle charged in the mode “normal charging” is checked each time.

  Note that the email notifying that charging is not completed by the desired charging completion date and time may be transmitted only once to the same user.

  In this way, the charging process is executed.

  In order to promote the spread of EVs and HEVs, further enhancement of charging related facilities is required. However, the conventional charging equipment does not perform the control in consideration of the charging completion time and the charge, so that the desired conditions of each user cannot be reflected.

  In addition, the power that can be supplied by the charging facility is limited, and when a vehicle that desires charging exceeds that time, the charging time of all the vehicles that are being charged must be extended. For this reason, in a conventional charging facility, there are cases where a user who wants to use the vehicle as soon as possible cannot perform charging with peace of mind.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, since the selection of the charging mode and the input of the desired charging completion date and time are accepted as necessary, it is possible to perform control in consideration of the charging completion time and the charge. Furthermore, since the limited power is supplied according to the charging mode, it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the equipment.

  In addition, when it is expected that charging will not be completed by the date and time when charging is desired, the user is given an opportunity to change the charging mode. You can choose the most suitable charging method.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to increase the utilization efficiency of equipment and perform optimum charging control according to individual users.

  In this example, the notification that the charging is not completed by the desired charging completion date and time is transmitted by e-mail to the user's mobile phone, but may be notified by other methods. In addition, the request for changing the charging mode is made by the mode change request mail. For example, the user accesses the server of the operator of the parking lot 11 by a personal computer or the like and performs a predetermined operation. A request for changing the charging mode may be made.

  In the above, the charging mode can be selected from, for example, two modes of “fastest charging” and “normal charging”. However, for example, three charging modes may be selected. For example, it may be possible to select from three modes of “fastest charge”, “normal charge”, and “cheap charge”.

  In this case, in the mode “fastest charge”, the battery of the vehicle is always charged with the charge amount A per unit time. In the mode “normal charge”, the battery of the vehicle is configured such that the charge amount per unit time is variable according to the number of parked vehicles. However, in the mode “normal charge”, the charge amount per unit time is set to A / 2 or more, and the lower limit of the charge amount per unit time is set. In the mode “low-cost charging”, the charging amount per unit time of the vehicle battery is variable according to the number of parked vehicles, and the lower limit of the charging amount per unit time is not set.

  That is, the user's vehicle that has selected the mode “fastest charging” is preferentially charged, and the user's vehicle that has selected the mode “normal charging” has a lower priority than the vehicle having the mode “fastest charging”. In other words, the vehicle in the mode “cheap charge” is preferentially charged.

  When the mode “fastest charging” is selected, for example, a certain additional fee is charged in addition to the power charge required for charging. In addition, when the mode “normal charging” is selected, in addition to the power charge required for charging, a certain additional charge that is lower than that in the mode “fastest charging” is charged. Further, when the mode “low-cost charging” is selected, for example, only the power charge required for charging is charged.

  For example, it is assumed that power corresponding to the charge amount A can be supplied to 15 sections of all the parking lots 11 at the same time. In this example, when 14 vehicles that have selected the mode “fastest charge” are charging, and another vehicle parks in one section of the parking lot 11 and selects the mode “fastest charge”, it is no longer acceptable. Can not.

  For example, 14 vehicles that have selected the mode “fastest charging” are charging, and one vehicle that has selected the mode “normal charging” is charging while another vehicle is parked in one section of the parking lot 11. If the mode “normal charge” is selected, it can be accepted. This is because the charging amount per unit time of the vehicle for which the mode “normal charging” is selected may be (A / 2). However, if another vehicle then parks in one section of the parking lot 11 and selects the mode “normal charging”, it can no longer be accepted.

  While 14 vehicles that have selected the mode “fastest charging” are charging and 2 vehicles that have selected the mode “normal charging” are charging, another vehicle parks in one section of the parking lot 11 and If you choose “low cost charging”, you can accept it. However, since there is no surplus supply capacity at the present time, the vehicle is not charged until the surplus supply capacity is achieved.

  In this way, if three charging modes are prepared, it will be possible to select the most suitable charging method according to the user's wish, compared to the case where there are two charging modes, and the equipment utilization efficiency will be improved. It can also be made.

  Similarly, it is possible to prepare a multi-stage charging mode.

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, or can be executed by software. When the above-described series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software executes various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, a general-purpose personal computer 700 as shown in FIG. 7 is installed from a network or a recording medium.

  In FIG. 7, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 701 executes various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 702 or a program loaded from a storage unit 708 to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 703. To do. The RAM 703 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 701 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 701, ROM 702, and RAM 703 are connected to each other via a bus 704. An input / output interface 705 is also connected to the bus 704.

  The input / output interface 705 includes an input unit 706 including a keyboard and a mouse, a display including an LCD (Liquid Crystal display), an output unit 707 including a speaker, a storage unit 708 including a hard disk, a modem, a LAN, and the like. A communication unit 709 including a network interface card such as a card is connected. The communication unit 709 performs communication processing via a network including the Internet.

  A drive 710 is also connected to the input / output interface 705 as necessary, and a removable medium 711 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory is appropriately mounted, and a computer program read from them is loaded. It is installed in the storage unit 708 as necessary.

  When the above-described series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed from a network such as the Internet or a recording medium such as a removable medium 711.

  The recording medium shown in FIG. 7 is a magnetic disk (including a floppy disk (registered trademark)) on which a program is recorded, which is distributed to distribute the program to the user separately from the apparatus main body. Removable media consisting of optical disks (including CD-ROM (compact disk-read only memory), DVD (digital versatile disk)), magneto-optical disks (including MD (mini-disk) (registered trademark)), or semiconductor memory It includes not only those configured by 711 but also those configured by a ROM 702 storing a program, a hard disk included in the storage unit 708, and the like that are distributed to the user in a state of being incorporated in the apparatus main body in advance.

  Note that the series of processes described above in this specification includes processes that are performed in parallel or individually even if they are not necessarily processed in time series, as well as processes that are performed in time series in the order described. Is also included.

  The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Charging system, 11 Parking lot, 12 Charging equipment, 31 Charger, 32 Control part, 33 Communication part, 34 Network, 51-1 thru | or 51-n Partition control part, 61-1 thru | or 61-n Battery state calculation part, 62-1 to 62-n desired condition setting unit, 52 setting information management unit, 53 charge execution control unit

Claims (7)

A charge control device that controls charging of a battery of a vehicle parked in each of the parking lot sections,
Mode selection accepting means for accepting selection of the first charging mode for each section or the second charging mode for receiving power supply preferentially over the first charging mode;
Condition accepting means for accepting an input of a condition relating to charging of the battery when accepting the selection of the first mode;
Condition determining means for determining whether or not the condition is satisfied based on a battery remaining amount of the vehicle that is periodically acquired;
A notification means for notifying the user of the vehicle of information prompting to change the charging mode of the vehicle to the second charging mode when the determination means determines that the condition is not satisfied;
A charge control device comprising: mode update means for updating information related to the charge mode of the vehicle based on a response to the notification. The charging in the second charging mode is performed with a constant charging amount per unit time,
In the charging in the first charging mode, the amount of charge per unit time changes according to the number of vehicles being charged,
The charge control device according to claim 1, wherein the second charge mode is charged a higher fee than the first charge mode. When the second charging mode is selected and charging is performed in a predetermined number of predetermined sections among all the sections of the parking lot, the second charging mode is selected in the other sections. When
The charge control device according to claim 2, wherein the mode selection accepting unit rejects acceptance of selection of the second charge mode in the other section. The charge control device according to claim 2, wherein a lower limit of a charge amount per unit time in the first charge mode is further set. The charging control device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit transmits information prompting to change to the second charging mode to the user's mobile phone as an e-mail. A charge control method for a charge control device that controls charging of a battery of a vehicle parked in each of the parking lot sections,
Accepting the selection of the first charging mode for each section, or the second charging mode that receives power supply preferentially over the first charging mode,
When the selection of the first mode is accepted, the input of the condition relating to the charging of the battery is accepted,
Based on the battery remaining amount of the vehicle that is periodically acquired, determine whether the condition is satisfied,
If it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, the vehicle user is notified of information prompting to change the vehicle charging mode to the second charging mode,
A charging control method comprising: updating information related to the charging mode of the vehicle based on a response to the notification. Computer
A charge control device that controls charging of a battery of a vehicle parked in each of the parking lot sections,
Mode selection accepting means for accepting selection of the first charging mode for each section or the second charging mode for receiving power supply preferentially over the first charging mode;
Condition accepting means for accepting an input of a condition relating to charging of the battery when accepting the selection of the first mode;
Condition determining means for determining whether or not the condition is satisfied based on a battery remaining amount of the vehicle that is periodically acquired;
A notification means for notifying the user of the vehicle of information prompting to change the charging mode of the vehicle to the second charging mode when the determination means determines that the condition is not satisfied;
A program that functions as a charge control device comprising: mode update means for updating information related to the charge mode of the vehicle based on a response to the notification.

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