JP7784604B2 - management device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a vehicle and a management server.

JP 2015-192585 A (Patent Document 1) discloses an electric vehicle whose battery can be charged by inserting a plug into a dedicated outlet at a general consumer. This electric vehicle is equipped with a contract capacity storage unit that stores the contract capacity determined by the contract between the general consumer and the power supply company, a receiving unit that receives the general consumer's current usage transmitted from the general consumer's charging device, and a target value calculation unit that calculates a current target value based on the current usage and contract capacity so that the general consumer's current usage does not exceed the contract capacity. The electric vehicle controls charging so that the charging current reaches the current target value.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-192585

The use of electric vehicles as a power resource in a virtual power plant (VPP) is being considered. In a VPP, a microgrid built in a specific area would function as if it were a single power plant.

Here, at the consumer, if power consumption exceeds the contracted capacity, the breaker will trip. Power consumption at the consumer fluctuates depending on the usage of household electrical appliances (home appliances). When responding to an "upward DR," a demand response (DR) that requests an increase in power demand within the microgrid by utilizing electric vehicles as a power resource via the consumer's charging equipment, the breaker may trip if the consumer's power consumption increases significantly due to the use of home appliances, etc. When the breaker trips, the electric vehicles connected to the consumer's charging equipment cannot be used as a power resource, and the demand response cannot be properly responded to.

It is possible to install a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) at the consumer's home to manage power consumption so that the breaker does not trip, but this would increase costs.

This disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and the purpose of this disclosure is to enable appropriate response to demand response while suppressing increases in costs.

(1) A management device according to the present disclosure is a management device that manages power in a microgrid using multiple power resources. The multiple power resources include electric vehicles equipped with batteries. The electric vehicles are capable of receiving power from the microgrid via charging equipment provided by consumers. The management device includes a control device that selects a power resource to operate as a balancing capacity from among the multiple power resources and creates a power receiving plan for the microgrid to receive power from outside, and a storage device that stores information associating electric vehicles that have lost power reception during the execution of the power receiving plan with the time when the power reception was interrupted. When creating a new power receiving plan, the control device uses the information to identify electric vehicles that have lost power reception at times included in the execution period of the new power receiving plan and excludes the identified electric vehicles from the power resources.

With the above configuration, electric vehicles that have previously lost power during a time period included in the execution period of a new power receiving plan are excluded from the power resources of the new power receiving plan. If power is lost to an electric vehicle while a power receiving plan is being executed, it is assumed that the breaker of a consumer equipped with charging equipment to which the electric vehicle is connected has been tripped. It is assumed that the power consumption of home appliances and other devices at the consumer during the same time period is about the same. Therefore, if an electric vehicle that has lost power is included in a power receiving plan, there is a high possibility that power will be lost again. By creating a power receiving plan that excludes such electric vehicles from the power resources, it is possible to prevent electric vehicles from losing power while the power receiving plan is being executed.

This disclosure makes it possible to respond appropriately to demand response while suppressing increases in costs.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a power system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an electric vehicle. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a plug-in hybrid vehicle. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the function of the EMS server responding to a second request (a request to increase power demand in the microgrid). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a procedure of a process executed by a control device of the EMS server to respond to a second request. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a procedure of processing during execution of a power receiving plan.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that identical or equivalent parts in the drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

<Overall configuration of the power system>
1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power system 1 according to the present embodiment. The power system 1 includes a power grid PG, a power transmission and distribution company server 20, a power receiving and transforming facility 35, and a microgrid MG.

The microgrid MG according to this embodiment is a small-scale power system constructed in a specific area. The microgrid MG includes an EMS (Energy Management System) server 10, a group of power resources 30, and a power line 37.

The supply and demand of power within the microgrid MG is managed by the EMS server 10. The power lines 37 for networking the power resource groups 30 in the microgrid MG may be privately operated power lines. The microgrid MG is configured to be able to be connected in parallel with and disconnected from the power grid PG.

The power transmission and distribution company server 20 is a computer that manages the supply and demand of the power system PG. The power system PG is a power grid constructed by power plants and power transmission and distribution facilities (not shown). In this embodiment, the electric power company serves as both the power generation company and the power transmission and distribution company. The electric power company maintains and manages the power system PG (commercial power system). The electric power company corresponds to the administrator of the power system PG. The power transmission and distribution company server 20 belongs to the electric power company.

The power receiving and transforming equipment 35 is provided at the interconnection point (power receiving point) of the microgrid MG and is configured to be able to switch between parallel (connection) and parallel-off (disconnection) between the power grid PG and the microgrid MG. The power receiving and transforming equipment 35 is located at the connection point between the microgrid MG and the power grid PG.

When the microgrid MG is operating in an interconnected state while connected to the power system PG, the power receiving and transforming equipment 35 receives AC power from the power system PG, steps down the received power, and supplies it to the microgrid MG. When the microgrid MG is operating in an autonomous state while disconnected from the power system PG, power is not supplied from the power system PG to the microgrid MG. The power receiving and transforming equipment 35 is composed of high-voltage side (primary side) switchgear (e.g., section switches, disconnecting switches, circuit breakers, and load switch switches), transformers, protective relays, measuring instruments, and control devices. The EMS server 10 is configured to receive information about the microgrid MG (e.g., power waveforms) from the power receiving and transforming equipment 35 and to instruct the power receiving and transforming equipment 35 to perform parallel connection and parallel-off.

The EMS server 10 is configured to be able to communicate with the power transmission and distribution company server 20 and each of the power resource groups 30. The communication protocol may be OpenADR. The power resource group 30 includes a plurality of power resources electrically connectable to a power line 37. Each of the plurality of power resources functions as a distributed power source in the microgrid MG. The EMS server 10 is configured to manage the plurality of power resources included in the power resource group 30. The EMS server 10 may perform a demand response (DR) for the power resource group 30 when requested by the power transmission and distribution company server 20 to adjust supply and demand in the power system PG. The EMS server 10 may also perform a demand response for the power resource group 30 in accordance with the results of contracts in the electricity market. The EMS server 10 may also perform a demand response for the power resource group 30 in order to adjust supply and demand in the microgrid MG. The EMS server 10 controls the power resource group 30 connected to the microgrid MG, causing the power resource group 30 to function as a VPP (virtual power plant). More specifically, the EMS server 10 uses energy management technology utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT) to remotely and collectively control the power resource group 30, causing the power resource group 30 to function as if it were a single power plant. The EMS server 10 corresponds to an example of a "management device" according to the present disclosure.

The power resource group 30 includes an ESS (Energy Storage System) 40, homes 50 and 60, and vehicles 70 and 80. ESS 40, home 50, vehicle 70, and vehicle 80 can each function as a power resource. ESS 40, home 50, and home 60 are electrically connected to each other via power lines 37. Note that while Figure 1 shows one of each resource, the number of ESSs 40, homes 50 and 60, and vehicles 70 and 80 included in the power resource group 30 can be set as appropriate.

ESS 40 is a stationary power resource and includes battery 45. ESS 40 may be installed in a building (such as a detached house, an apartment building, a commercial facility, a factory, a hospital, or a school). ESS 40 may be configured to supply power to power loads installed in the building (for example, residential air conditioning equipment, floor heating equipment, lighting fixtures, cooking appliances, water heaters, etc.). ESS 40 may also function as an emergency power source for the building. ESS 40 may also be configured to store surplus power generated by power generation equipment installed in the building (for example, renewable energy power generation equipment such as solar power generation equipment or wind power generation equipment). Note that renewable energy refers to renewable energy (RE). Known stationary power storage devices (for example, lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, redox flow batteries, or NAS (sodium-sulfur) batteries) can be used as battery 45.

The residence 50 includes various household electrical appliances (home appliances). Examples of home appliances include lighting fixtures, air conditioning equipment, cooking appliances, information devices, televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines. The residence 50 also includes charging/discharging equipment 53. The charging/discharging equipment 53 is provided with a charging/discharging cable 55. The charging/discharging cable 55 may be a type that is plugged into an outlet in the residence 50. A connector 57 is provided at the end of the charging/discharging cable 55. In this embodiment, the owner or resident of the residence 50 owns a vehicle 70. The charging/discharging equipment 53 (residence 50) and the vehicle 70 are electrically connected by connecting the connector 57 to a connection port 703 (Figure 2) of the vehicle 70. The vehicle 70 functions as a power resource by being electrically connected to the charging/discharging equipment 53.

The residence 60 includes various home appliances. The residence 60 also includes charging/discharging equipment 63. The charging/discharging equipment 63 is provided with a charging/discharging cable 65. The charging/discharging cable 65 may be a type that is plugged into an outlet in the residence 60. A connector 67 is provided at the end of the charging/discharging cable 65. In this embodiment, the owner or resident of the residence 60 owns a vehicle 80. When the connector 67 is connected to a connection port 803 (Figure 3) of the vehicle 80, the charging/discharging equipment 63 (residence 60) and the vehicle 80 are electrically connected. When the vehicle 80 is electrically connected to the charging/discharging equipment 63, it functions as a power resource.

Each of the residences 50, 60 has a contract capacity determined by a contract with the electric power company. Each of the residences 50, 60 is further equipped with a breaker (not shown). In each of the residences 50, 60, if the power usage (power consumption) exceeds the contract capacity, the breaker is tripped. Each of the residences 50, 60 corresponds to an example of a "consumer" according to the present disclosure.

Vehicle 70 is a battery electric vehicle. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of vehicle 70. Vehicle 70 includes a power line 701, a battery 702, a connection port 703, a power control unit (PCU) 704, a motor generator 705, drive wheels 706, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 707, a storage device 708, a communication device 709, and a setting device 710.

Battery 702 is installed as the driving power source (i.e., power source) of vehicle 70. Battery 702 is composed of multiple stacked batteries. The batteries are, for example, secondary batteries such as nickel-metal hydride batteries or lithium-ion batteries. The batteries may also be batteries with a liquid electrolyte between the positive and negative electrodes, or batteries with a solid electrolyte (all-solid-state batteries).

The PCU 704 is electrically connected to the battery 702 via a power line 701. In accordance with a control signal from the ECU 707, the PCU 704 converts the DC power stored in the battery 702 into AC power and supplies it to the motor generator 705. The PCU 704 also converts the AC power generated by the motor generator 705 into DC power and supplies it to the battery 702. The PCU 704 is configured to include, for example, an inverter and a converter that boosts the DC voltage supplied to the inverter to a level equal to or higher than the output voltage of the battery 702.

The motor generator 705 is, for example, a three-phase AC synchronous motor with a permanent magnet embedded in the rotor. The motor generator 705 is driven by the PCU 704 to generate rotational driving force. The driving force generated by the motor generator 705 is transmitted to the drive wheels 706 via a transmission gear.

The connection port 703 is configured to allow connection to the connector 57 of the charge/discharge cable 55 provided on the charge/discharge equipment 53. The connection port 703 outputs the power received from the charge/discharge equipment 53 to the battery 702. This allows the battery 702 to be charged with power from the charge/discharge equipment 53 (including power from the microgrid MG). The connection port 703 also outputs the power of the battery 702 to the charge/discharge equipment 53. This allows power to be supplied from the vehicle 70 to the microgrid MG.

ECU 707 is composed of a CPU, memory, and input/output ports for inputting and outputting various signals (all not shown). ECU 707 receives signals from various sensors and outputs control signals to various devices, and also controls the various devices. Note that this control is not limited to software processing, but can also be performed using dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

The storage device 708 is configured to be able to store various types of information. In addition to the programs executed by the ECU 707, the storage device 708 also stores information used by the programs (e.g., maps, formulas, and various parameters).

The communication device 709 is configured to enable two-way communication with the EMS server 10. Communication between the communication device 709 and the EMS server 10 is performed, for example, via wireless communication. The communication device 709 is also configured to enable communication with the charging/discharging equipment 53 electrically connected via the connection port 703.

The setting device 710 is a device for setting conditions related to charging and discharging the battery 702. The setting device 710 includes a display device. The setting device 710 may be provided as a standalone device, or may be one of the functions provided in, for example, a navigation device or a multi-information system. The user of the vehicle 70 can set, for example, the upper limit current, lower limit SOC (State Of Charge), upper limit SOC, etc. on the screen displayed on the display device of the setting device 710.

The upper limit current is used to specify the upper limit of the current value during charging and discharging of battery 702. When the upper limit current is set, ECU 707 controls each component during charging and discharging of battery 702 so that the upper limit current is not exceeded. The lower limit SOC is used to specify the lower limit of the SOC of battery 702. When the lower limit SOC is set, ECU 707 controls each component during charging and discharging of battery 702 so that the SOC of battery 702 does not fall below the lower limit SOC. The upper limit SOC is used to specify the upper limit of the SOC of battery 702. When the upper limit SOC is set, ECU 707 controls each component during charging and discharging of battery 702 so that the SOC of battery 702 does not exceed the upper limit SOC. In this embodiment, setting device 710 is configured to be able to set the upper limit current. The upper limit current set by setting device 710 is stored in storage device 708.

Referring again to FIG. 1, vehicle 80 is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of vehicle 80. Vehicle 80 includes power line 801, battery 802, connection port 803, PCU 804, motor generators 805 and 806, engine 807, power split device 808, drive wheels 809, ECU 810, storage device 811, communication device 812, and setting device 813. Power line 801, battery 802, connection port 803, ECU 810, storage device 811, communication device 812, and setting device 813 are basically the same as power line 701, battery 702, connection port 703, ECU 707, storage device 708, communication device 709, and setting device 710 of vehicle 70, respectively, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

In response to control signals from ECU 810, PCU 804 converts the DC power stored in battery 802 into AC power and supplies it to motor generators 805 and 806. PCU 804 also converts the AC power generated by motor generators 805 and 806 into DC power and supplies it to battery 802. PCU 804 is configured to be able to control the states of motor generators 805 and 806 separately; for example, it can place motor generator 805 in a regenerative state while placing motor generator 806 in a powering state.

Each of motor generators 805, 806 is, for example, a three-phase AC synchronous motor with a permanent magnet embedded in the rotor. When starting engine 807, motor generator 805 uses power from battery 802 to rotate the crankshaft of engine 807. Motor generator 805 can also generate electricity using the power of engine 807. Motor generator 806 rotates the drive shaft using at least one of the power from battery 802 and the power generated by motor generator 805. Motor generator 806 can also generate electricity through regenerative braking during braking or when reducing acceleration.

Engine 807 is, for example, an internal combustion engine such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine. Engine 807 is controlled by control signals from ECU 810.

The power split device 808 is, for example, a planetary gear mechanism having three rotational axes: a sun gear, a carrier, and a ring gear, and splits the power generated by the engine 807 into power transmitted to the drive wheels 809 and power transmitted to the motor generator 805.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the EMS server 10 includes a control device 11, a storage device 12, and a communication device 13. The control device 11, the storage device 12, and the communication device 13 are connected by a bus 14.

The storage device 12 is configured to be able to store various types of information. In addition to the programs executed by the control device 11, the storage device 12 also stores information used by the programs (e.g., maps, formulas, and various parameters).

The communication device 13 includes various communication I/Fs. The communication device 13 is configured to be able to communicate with the electricity transmission and distribution company server 20 and each of the power resource groups 30.

The control device 11 manages multiple power resources included in the power resource group 30. When the control device 11 acquires request information requesting supply and demand adjustment of the power grid PG from the power transmission and distribution company server 20, it creates a plan to respond to the request. The request information includes at least a type, an amount of power, a start time, and an end time. The types include a "first request" requesting a reduction in power demand or reverse flow within the microgrid MG, or a "second request" requesting an increase in power demand within the microgrid MG. When the type is a "first request," the amount of power indicates, for example, the amount of power supply requested by the power grid PG, and when the type is a "second request," the amount of power indicates, for example, the amount of power received by the power grid PG. The start time is the requested time to start power supply or reception, and the end time is the requested time to end power supply or reception.

The control device 11 creates a demand response based on a supply and demand request (request information). Demand responses include a "downward DR," which requests a reduction in power demand or reverse power flow within the microgrid MG, and an "upward DR," which requests an increase in power demand within the microgrid MG. Specifically, when the control device 11 receives request information of a first request type from the power transmission and distribution company server 20, it selects a power resource from the power resource group 30 so that the requested amount of power supply can be supplied from the microgrid MG to the power system PG, and creates a downward DR. When the control device 11 receives request information of a second request type from the power transmission and distribution company server 20, it selects a power resource from the power resource group 30 so that the microgrid MG can receive the requested amount of power from the power system PG, and creates an upward DR. The power resource group 30 that received the downward DR and upward DR responds appropriately, stabilizing the supply and demand of the power system PG.

Here, at the consumer homes 50 and 60, the breakers trip when power consumption exceeds the contracted capacity. Power consumption at homes 50 and 60 fluctuates depending on the usage of home appliances, etc. If power consumption increases significantly due to the use of home appliances while responding to an increased DR, the breakers may trip. If the breakers trip, vehicles connected to the home's charging/discharging equipment (for example, vehicle 70 connected to charging/discharging equipment 53 of home 50) cannot be used as power resources. This prevents an appropriate response to the increased DR. Therefore, the EMS server 10 of this embodiment creates a power receiving plan to prevent the breakers of homes 50 and 60 from tripping while responding to the increased DR. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between homes 50 and 60, they will simply be referred to as "homes." Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between vehicles 70 and 80, they will simply be referred to as "vehicles."

<EMS server function block>
4 is a block diagram showing functions of the EMS server 10 responding to the second request (a request to increase power demand in the microgrid MG). Referring to FIG. 4, the control device 11 of the EMS server 10 includes a request information acquisition unit 110, a resource information acquisition unit 111, an information reading unit 112, a plan creation unit 113, an execution unit 114, a monitoring unit 115, an information storage unit 116, and a notification unit 117. The control device 11 functions as the request information acquisition unit 110, the resource information acquisition unit 111, the information reading unit 112, the plan creation unit 113, the execution unit 114, the monitoring unit 115, the information storage unit 116, and the notification unit 117, for example, by executing a program stored in the storage device 12. In addition, the request information acquisition unit 110, resource information acquisition unit 111, information reading unit 112, plan creation unit 113, execution unit 114, monitoring unit 115, information storage unit 116, and notification unit 117 may be realized, for example, by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

The request information acquisition unit 110 receives a power supply and demand request from the power transmission and distribution company server 20 via the communication device 13. That is, the request information acquisition unit 110 acquires request information from the power transmission and distribution company server 20 via the communication device 13. Here, it is assumed that the type included in the request information is a "second request." That is, a request is made to increase the power demand within the microgrid MG and to receive power from the power system PG via the microgrid MG. The request information acquisition unit 110 sets the execution period of the power receiving plan (VPP execution period) based on the start time and end time included in the request information. The request information acquisition unit 110 outputs the execution period of the set power receiving plan to the resource information acquisition unit 111. The request information acquisition unit 110 also outputs the execution period of the set power receiving plan and the request information to the plan creation unit 113.

The resource information acquisition unit 111 acquires resource information corresponding to the execution period of the power receiving plan from each of the power resource groups 30 via the communication device 13. Specifically, the resource information acquisition unit 111 acquires resource information from the ESS 40, including the SOC and status (e.g., whether there is a malfunction) of the battery 45. The resource information acquisition unit 111 also acquires resource information from the vehicle via the communication device 13, including the vehicle schedule (planned use including departure time, planned driving distance), the battery SOC, and the status of on-board components (e.g., whether there is a malfunction in components related to the charging and discharging function). The vehicle schedule is a schedule corresponding to the execution period of the power receiving plan. For example, the ESS 40 and the vehicle transmit resource information in response to a request from the EMS server 10. The resource information acquisition unit 111 outputs the acquired resource information to the plan creation unit 113.

The information reading unit 112 reads breaker trip information from the storage device 12. The breaker trip information is information that associates vehicles that lost power (vehicles that stopped receiving power) while responding to a past power-up DR (while a power receiving plan was being executed) with the time of this occurrence. If power is lost while responding to a power-up DR, it is assumed that the breaker of a home equipped with charging/discharging equipment to which the electric vehicle is connected has been tripped. The vehicle that lost power while responding to a power-up DR and the time of this occurrence (the time when power was lost) are stored in the storage device 12 as breaker trip information by the information storage unit 116. The information reading unit 112 outputs the acquired breaker trip information to the plan creation unit 113.

The plan creation unit 113 creates a power receiving plan to satisfy the supply and demand request (second request) using the execution period of the power receiving plan, request information, resource information, and breaker trip information. Specifically, the plan creation unit 113 uses the resource information to select from the power resource group 30 power resources that can respond during the execution period of the power receiving plan. Then, based on the breaker trip information, the plan creation unit 113 identifies vehicles that have experienced a power interruption at a time included in the execution period of the current power receiving plan. The plan creation unit 113 excludes the identified vehicles from the power resources that can respond to the current power receiving plan. The plan creation unit 113 creates a power receiving plan using the power resources that can respond to the current power receiving plan as power resources to operate as adjustment capacity. Note that the plan creation unit 113 creates a power receiving plan taking into account the set upper limit current for vehicles included in the power resource group 30. The plan creation unit 113 outputs the created power receiving plan to the execution unit 114. In addition, in the power receiving plan, an alternative vehicle is set based on the vehicle's available power to respond to breaker tripping. If a vehicle's power supply is cut off, the alternative vehicle will function as a power resource.

The execution unit 114 transmits the increased DR based on the power receiving plan to the target power resource (the power resource to be operated as adjustment capacity). The execution unit 114 also outputs the execution period (start time and end time) of the power receiving plan to the monitoring unit 115.

The monitoring unit 115 monitors for the occurrence of vehicle breaker trips during the execution period of the power receiving plan. In other words, the monitoring unit 115 monitors whether a vehicle has lost power while responding to a raised DR. When a vehicle has lost power while responding to a raised DR, the monitoring unit 115 outputs information to identify the vehicle to the execution unit 114. In response to this, the execution unit 114 outputs a raised DR to a predetermined substitute vehicle based on the vehicle's available power in the power receiving plan.

The monitoring unit 115 also outputs the vehicle for which power reception was interrupted and the time (the time when power reception was interrupted) to the information storage unit 116.

The information storage unit 116 stores the vehicle for which power was lost and the time at which power was lost, received from the monitoring unit 115, in the storage device 12 as breaker trip information.

Furthermore, the monitoring unit 115 determines whether the vehicle that has lost power this time has also lost power at a different time in the past (a time outside the execution period of the current power receiving plan). If the monitoring unit 115 has lost power at a different time in the past, it outputs a message to that effect to the notification unit 117.

The notification unit 117 sends notifications via the communication device 13 to the target vehicle (the vehicle that has recently lost power and has also lost power at other times in the past) recommending an increase in the contract capacity, a recommendation to set a maximum current limit for the vehicle, a recommendation to review the maximum current limit set for the vehicle, and/or a notification to prevent the breaker from being tripped, such as a recommendation to save power in home appliances.

<Flowchart>
Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the procedure of a process for responding to a second request, which is executed by the control device 11 of the EMS server 10. The process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 is started by the control device 11 when the second request is received (when request information is acquired) from the electricity transmission and distribution company server 20. Note that, although the case where each step of the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 is realized by software processing by the control device 11 will be described, some or all of the steps may also be realized by hardware (electronic circuits) created within the control device 11.

In S1, when the control device 11 acquires request information whose type is a second request, it sets the execution period of the power receiving plan (VPP execution period) based on the start time and end time included in the request information.

In S2, the control device 11 acquires resource information corresponding to the VPP execution period from each of the power resource groups 30 via the communication device 13.

In S3, the control device 11 reads out the breaker trip information from the storage device 12.
In S4, the control device 11 uses the resource information to select a power resource that can respond during the VPP execution period from the power resource group 30. For example, the control device 11 excludes from the current power resources a faulty ESS 40 and vehicle, as well as vehicles scheduled to be used during the VPP execution period.

In S5, the control device 11 determines, based on the breaker trip information, whether any of the vehicles included in the power resource group 30 have experienced a power outage at a time included in the current VPP execution period. If the control device 11 determines that any vehicles have experienced a power outage (YES in S5), it proceeds to S6. On the other hand, if the control device 11 determines that no vehicles have experienced a power outage (NO in S5), it skips S6 and proceeds to S7.

In S6, the control device 11 excludes vehicles (identified vehicles) that have experienced a power outage at a time included in the current VPP execution period from the power resources that can respond to the current power receiving plan.

In S7, the control device 11 creates a power receiving plan using power resources that can respond to the current power receiving plan as power resources to operate as adjustment capacity. The control device 11 sets up an alternative vehicle to respond to breaker tripping while the power receiving plan is being executed. In addition, for vehicles for which an upper limit current is set, the control device 11 creates a power receiving plan taking into account the set upper limit current (so that the charging current of that vehicle does not exceed the upper limit current).

In S8, the control device 11 transmits the increased DR based on the created power receiving plan to the target power resource (the power resource to be operated as adjustment capacity) via the communication device 13. Then, when the start time of the VPP execution period arrives, the control device 11 executes VPP control (executes the power receiving plan).

Figure 6 shows the detailed processing steps of S8. That is, Figure 6 shows the processing steps during execution of the power receiving plan.

In S81, the control device 11 determines whether a vehicle has lost power while the power receiving plan is being executed (i.e., while responding to a power-up DR). In other words, the control device 11 determines whether a vehicle has experienced a breaker trip. If a vehicle has experienced a breaker trip (YES in S81), the control device 11 proceeds to S82. If a vehicle has not experienced a breaker trip (NO in S81), the control device 11 proceeds to S86.

In S82, the control device 11 sends a DR to the replacement vehicle for the vehicle whose breaker has tripped (the vehicle that has lost power) in accordance with the power receiving plan, and starts charging the replacement vehicle.

In S83, the control device 11 stores the vehicle whose breaker has tripped (the vehicle whose power supply has been cut off) and the time the breaker tripped (the time when power supply was cut off) as breaker trip information in the storage device 12.

In S84, the control device 11 determines whether the vehicle that has currently lost power has also lost power at a different time in the past. If the control device 11 determines that power has been lost at a different time in the past (YES in S84), the process proceeds to S85. If the control device 11 determines that power has not been lost at a different time in the past (NO in S84), the process proceeds to S86.

In S85, the control device 11 transmits, via the communication device 13, to the target vehicle (the vehicle that has experienced a power outage this time and has also experienced a power outage at a different time in the past), a notification recommending an increase in the contract capacity, a notification recommending setting a maximum current limit for the vehicle, a notification recommending a review of the maximum current limit set for the vehicle, and/or a notification recommending power saving for home appliances, to prevent the breaker from being tripped. Note that if a communication terminal for the vehicle user is set for the vehicle, the notification to prevent the breaker from being tripped may be sent to the communication terminal via the vehicle. Alternatively, information about the communication terminal corresponding to the vehicle may be pre-registered in the storage device 12, and the EMS server 10 may transmit a notification to the communication terminal to prevent the breaker from being tripped.

In S86, the control device 11 determines whether the end time of the VPP execution period has arrived. If the control device 11 determines that the end time has not arrived (NO in S86), it returns the process to S81. If the control device 11 determines that the end time has arrived (YES in S86), it ends the process. This also ends the series of processes in the flowchart of Figure 5.

As described above, in the power system 1 according to this embodiment, when creating a power receiving plan to respond to the second request from the power transmission and distribution company server 20, vehicles that have experienced a power outage at a time included in the execution period of the power receiving plan (VPP execution period) are excluded from the power resources. If a vehicle's power reception is interrupted during the execution of the power receiving plan, it is assumed that the breaker of the home equipped with the charging/discharging equipment to which the vehicle is connected has been tripped. It is assumed that the power consumption of home appliances and other devices in the home during the same time period is approximately the same. Therefore, if a vehicle that has experienced a power outage is included in the power receiving plan, there is a high possibility that the power reception will be interrupted again during the execution of the power receiving plan. By creating a power receiving plan that excludes such vehicles from the power resources, each power resource can respond appropriately to the increased DR, and the power resource group 30 can receive appropriate power in response to the second request.

In addition, the EMS server 10 sends notifications (such as a notification recommending an increase in contract capacity, a notification recommending setting a maximum current limit for the vehicle, a notification recommending reviewing the maximum current limit set for the vehicle, and/or a notification recommending power saving for home appliances) to vehicles that have experienced a power outage during the execution of the current power receiving plan and have also experienced a power outage in the past, to prevent the breaker from tripping. This allows the user to take measures to prevent the breaker from tripping.

Furthermore, the EMS server 10 creates a power receiving plan that sets up an alternative vehicle in preparation for a breaker trip. This allows the EMS server 10 to appropriately respond to the second request from the electricity transmission and distribution company server 20 even if a breaker trips.

It is also possible to install a HEMS in a home and manage power so that the breaker is not tripped. However, in this case, the cost of installing the HEMS in the home increases. This increase in cost could discourage people from participating in VPP and hinder its widespread adoption. In this embodiment, the EMS server 10 determines whether a breaker has tripped based on whether the vehicle's power supply has been cut off, and excludes the target vehicle from the power resources of the power receiving plan that includes the time the breaker tripped in its execution period. By creating a power receiving plan in this manner, it is possible to prevent breaker trips in homes without installing a HEMS. This reduces the cost of participating in VPP and promotes the use of VPP.

[Modification 1]
In the embodiment, an example has been described in which, in creating a power receiving plan, a vehicle that has experienced a power interruption at a time included in the execution period of the power receiving plan is excluded from the power resources. For example, there may be a case in which the use of home appliances coincides and causes a breaker to trip. Therefore, for example, a variable N (N: natural number) may be set, and a vehicle that has experienced a power interruption N times at a time included in the execution period of the power receiving plan may be excluded from the power resources. This prevents the vehicle from being unable to participate in a VPP whose execution period includes the time when the breaker tripped, even if the contract capacity and the upper limit current set for the vehicle are appropriate. Note that the variable N can be set appropriately based on the specifications of the power system 1, etc.

[Modification 2]
In the embodiment and the first modification, a case has been described as an example in which a response is made to a second request from the electricity transmission and distribution company server 20. The techniques described in the embodiment and the first modification can also be applied to a case in which electricity bid in the electricity market is received.

When a bid in the electricity market is agreed upon, the EMS server 10 obtains transaction information from the server that manages the electricity market. The transaction information includes at least the type, amount of power, start time, and end time. The type includes "power reception," which indicates that the ability to adjust to an increase in demand has been agreed upon in the electricity market, or "power supply," which indicates that the ability to adjust to an increase in supply has been agreed upon in the electricity market. When the type is "power reception," the amount of power indicates the amount of power received by the microgrid MG, and when the type is "power supply," the amount of power indicates the amount of power supplied from the microgrid MG. The start time indicates the start time of the electricity transaction, and the end time indicates the end time of the electricity transaction. In variant 2, it is assumed that the type is "power reception."

The EMS server 10 can handle transaction information in the same manner as request information in the embodiment. That is, the EMS server 10 executes the same processing as that described in Figures 5 and 6. By creating a power receiving plan that excludes from the power resources any vehicles that have experienced a power reception interruption at a time included in the execution period of the power receiving plan, the EMS server 10 can receive appropriate power according to the agreed-upon power from the power resource group 30, even in cases where power bids are received in the power market.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

1 Power system, 10 EMS server, 11 Control device, 12 Storage device, 13 Communication device, 14 Bus, 20 Power transmission and distribution company server, 30 Power resource group, 35 Power receiving and substation equipment, 37 Power line, 40 ESS, 45 Battery, 50 House, 53 Charging and discharging equipment, 55 Charging and discharging cable, 57 Connector, 60 House, 63 Charging and discharging equipment, 65 Charging and discharging cable, 67 Connector, 70, 80 Vehicle, 110 Request information acquisition unit, 111 Resource information acquisition unit, 112 Information reading unit, 113 Plan creation unit, 114 Execution unit, 115 Monitoring unit, 116 Information storage unit, 117 Notification unit, 701 Power line, 702 Battery, 703 Connection port, 704 PCU, 705 Motor generator, 706 Drive wheel, 707 ECU, 708 Storage device, 709 communication device, 710 setting device, 801 power line, 802 battery, 803 connection port, 804 PCU, 805, 806 motor generator, 807 engine, 808 power split device, 809 drive wheels, 810 ECU, 811 storage device, 812 communication device, 813 setting device, MG microgrid, PG power system.

Claims (1)

A management device that performs power management of a microgrid using a plurality of power resources,
the plurality of power resources include an electric vehicle equipped with a battery;
The electric vehicle is capable of receiving power from the microgrid via charging equipment provided by a consumer;
The management device
a control device that selects a power resource to be operated as an adjustment capacity from among the plurality of power resources and creates a power receiving plan for the microgrid to receive power from an external source;
a storage device that stores information associating an electric vehicle that has lost power reception during execution of the power reception plan with a time when the power reception was lost,
When creating a new power receiving plan, the control device
Based on the information, an electric vehicle that has experienced a power outage at a time included in the execution period of the new power receiving plan is identified;
A management device excludes the identified electric vehicle from the power resource.