UENO, Satoru (1048, Oaza-Kadoma, Kadoma-sh, Osaka 86, 57186, JP)
| Claims 1. An electrical power feeding system for vehicle being configured to supply an electrical power to an electrical vehicle having a battery and a charging circuit, said battery being provided for producing the electrical power which allows the electrical vehicle to run, the charging circuit being configured to charge the battery, whereby the battery is charged by the charging circuit, said electrical power feeding system for vehicle comprising: a breaker means; an electrical current measurement unit being configured to measure an electrical current value of a main electrical current which is applied to said breaker means; a control means being configured to generate the electrical power feeding limitation signal when a measured electrical current value of the main electrical current exceeds a first threshold value, the electrical power feeding limitation signal includes an instruction of limiting the electrical power supplied to the electrical vehicle; an electrical power feeding unit for vehicle being configured to receive the electrical power through said breaker means, and being configured to supply the electrical power to the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle, said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle being configured to limit the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle when the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal. 2. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said breaker means comprises a distribution board, said distribution board comprising a main breaker and a branch breaker, said electrical current measurement unit being configured to measure the electrical current value of the main electrical current which is applied to the main breaker, said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle being configured to receive the electrical power through said branch breaker, and being configured to supply the electrical power to the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle, said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle being configured to limit the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle when the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal. 3. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprises a connecter terminal which is detachably attached to a connector of the vehicle, said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle being configured to receive the electrical power through the breaker means, and being configured to supply the electrical power to the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle through the connector terminal. 4. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said breaker means has an amperage rating, the first threshold value being higher than the amperage rating. 5. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle as set forth in claim 2, wherein said main breaker has an amperage rating, the first threshold value being higher than the amperage rating. 6. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprises a disconnect member being configured to cut a power feeding path which is provided for supplying the electrical power to the electrical vehicle, wherein when said control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle cuts said power feeding path, whereby said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to limit the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle. 7. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle as set froth in claim 6, wherein said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprising an electrical leak detector, said electrical leak detector being configured to detect existence or nonexistence of the electrical leakage on the basis of the electrical current which flows through said power feeding path, said electrical leak detector being configured to allow said disconnect member to cut said power feeding path when said electrical leak detector detects the electrical leakage. 8. The electrical power feeding system as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprises a signal transmission unit being configured to send signal to the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle, wherein when said control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle being configured to allow said signal transmission unit to send a charge stop signal to the charging circuit, the charge stop signal including an instruction of stopping supplying the electrical power to the electrical vehicle, whereby said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to limit the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle. 9. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle as set forth in claim 3, wherein said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprises a signal transmission unit, said signal transmission unit being configured to send signal to the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle through the connector terminal, wherein when said control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle being configured to allow said signal transmission unit to send the charge stop signal to the charging circuit, said charge stop signal including an instruction of stopping the charging, whereby the electrical current being supplied to the electrical vehicle is limited. 10. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprises a signal transmission unit, said signal transmission unit being configured to send the signal to the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle, wherein when said control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle being configured to allow said signal transmission unit to send the electrical current decreasing signal to said charging circuit, said electrical current decreasing signal including an instruction of decreasing the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle, whereby the electrical current being supplied to the electrical vehicle is limited. 11. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle as set forth in claim 3, wherein said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprises a signal transmission unit, said signal transmission unit being configured to send signal to the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle through said connector terminal, wherein when said control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle being configured to allow said signal transmission unit to send the electrical current decreasing signal to said charging circuit, said electrical current decreasing signal including an instruction of decreasing the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle, whereby the electrical current being supplied to the electrical vehicle is limited. 12. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein when the measured electrical current value of the main electrical current exceeds the first threshold value over a first period of time, said control means is configured to limit the electrical power supplied to the electrical vehicle. 13. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein when the measured electrical current value which is measured by the electrical current measurement unit exceeds a second threshold value over a predetermined period of time, the control means is configured to send the electrical power feeding limitation signal to said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle, wherein the second threshold value is set to be lower than the first threshold value. 14. The electrical power feeding system as set forth in claim 13, wherein the predetermined period of time is set to be longer than the first period of time. 15. The electrical power feeding system as set forth in claim 13 or 14, wherein the second threshold value is set to be equal to or more than the amperage rating. 16. The electrical power feeding system as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein when the measured electrical current value becomes lower than a third threshold value which is lower than the first threshold value over a certain period of time under the condition where the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle decreases the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle, the control means being configured to generate an electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal, the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal including an instruction of a cancellation of limiting the electrical power supplied to the electrical vehicle, wherein said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to make a cancellation of limiting the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle on the basis of the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal. 17. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle as set forth in claim 16, wherein said third threshold value is set to be lower than the amperage rating. 18. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein when the measured electrical current value becomes lower than a third threshold value which is lower than the first threshold value over a certain period of time under the condition where the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle stops supplying the electrical power to the electrical vehicle, the control means being configured to generate an electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal, the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal including an instruction of a cancellation of limiting the electrical power supplied to the electrical vehicle, wherein said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to make a cancellation of limiting the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle on the basis of the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal. 19. The electrical power feeding system as set forth in claim 18, wherein said third threshold value is set to be lower than the amperage rating. 20. The electrical power feeding system as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein when said control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle limits the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle such that the main electrical current becomes lower than the amperage rating. 21. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein said control means is a control unit disposed within said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle. 22. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 21 , wherein said control means is a control device. 23. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle being configured to supply the electrical power to a first electrical equipment and a second electrical equipment, said electrical power feeding system for vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said control means is configured to determine a priority order of the first electrical equipment as a first-order priority, said control means is configured to determine a priority order of the second electrical equipment as a second-order priority, said control means is configured to determine a priority order of the electrical vehicle as a third-order priority, the third-order priority is lower than the second-order priority, the second-order priority is lower than the first-order priority, wherein when said control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to limit the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle having the third-order priority, wherein when said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle limits the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle, said control means is configured to recognize the first limitation condition, wherein when the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal under the first limitation condition, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle limits the electrical power supplied to the second electrical equipment having the second-order priority. 24. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle being configured to supply electrical power to a plurality of electrical equipments, said electrical power feeding system for vehicle as set froth in claim 1 , wherein said control means is configured to determine a priority order of each one of the electrical equipments, said control means is configured to determine a priority order of the electrical vehicle as a lowest-order priority among the electrical vehicle and the electrical equipments, wherein when said control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to limit the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle having the lowest-order priority, wherein when said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle limits the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle having the lowest-order priority, said control means is configured to recognize a first limitation condition, wherein when said control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal under the first limitation condition, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to limit the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical equipment in the order of the electrical equipment having the lowest-order priority to the electrical equipment having a highest- order priority among a plurality of the electrical equipment. |
TITLE OF INVENTION
ELECTRICAL POWER FEEDING SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICAL VEHICLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to an electrical power feeding system for electrical vehicle.
BACKGROUND ART
Recently, electrical vehicles such as a plug in hybrid vehicle (PHV:Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle) and a battery electric vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle) are developed. In addition, to supply a commercial alternating current to the electrical vehicle through the plug of the residences is considered as a method for charging the electrical vehicle. (This is, for example, disclosed in the patent literature 1.)
PATENT LITERATURE
Patent literature 1 : Japanese patent application publication No. 8-33121
PROBLEM TO BE RESOLVED BY THE INVENTION
The electrical current for charging the electrical vehicle is expected as 20 amperes to 30 amperes at 200 volts. The electrical current accounts for a great percentage of the consumption electrical current in standard residences. In addition, when assuming the usage of the electrical equipments in the standard residences, there is a possibility of that electrical cooking appliance and heating, ventilation, and air- conditioning equipment is used while the electrical vehicle is charged. The electrical cooking appliance consumes a large amount of the electrical current. The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment is exemplified by an air conditioner which also consumes a large amount of the electrical current. Therefore, in order to respond to the usage of the above, there is a need to use a lead-in cable and main breaker which are adaptable to a large amount of the electrical current. This means that it is actually difficult to introduce the implement for charging the electrical vehicle to the existing residences. In addition, there is a case where the electrical vehicle becomes common in the whole region. In this case, there is a possibility that the electrical equipments are used to consume a large amount of the electrical current in each the residence, and also the electrical vehicles are charged in each the residence, simultaneously. This results in voltage drop and electrical power failure of the commercial power source in entire the region.
This invention is achieved to solve the above problem. An object in this invention is to produce an electrical power feeding system for electrical vehicle which resolve the following problems. One of the problems is to keep the convenience when the electrical equipments are used and electrical vehicle is charged. One of the problems is to limit the peak value of the consumption of the electrical current. In addition, the electrical power feeding system for electrical vehicle in this invention is easily introduced in the existing residences.
MEANS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEM
In order to solve the above problem, this invention discloses an electrical power feeding system for vehicle. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle is configured to supply the electrical power to an electrical vehicle having a battery and a charging circuit. The battery is provided for producing the electrical power which allows the vehicle to run. The charging circuit is configured to charge the battery, whereby the battery is charged by the charging circuit. The electrical power feeding system comprises a breaker means, an electrical current measurement unit, a control means, and an electrical power feeding unit for vehicle. The electrical current measurement unit is configured to measure the electrical current value of a main electrical current which is applied to the breaker means. The control means is configured to generate the electrical power feeding limitation signal when the measured electrical current value of the main electrical current exceeds the first threshold value. The electrical power feeding limitation signal includes the instruction of limiting the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to receive the electrical power through the breaker means, and is configured to supply the electrical power to the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle. When the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to limit the electrical current which is applied to the electrical vehicle.
It is preferred that the breaker means is defined by a main breaker.
It is preferred that the breaker means comprises a distribution board which comprises a main breaker and a branch breaker. The electrical current measurement unit is configured to measure the electrical current value of the main electrical current which is applied to the main breaker. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to receive the electrical power through the branch breaker. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to supply the electrical power to the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to limit the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle when the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal.
It is preferred that the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprises a connecter terminal which is detachably attached to a connector of the vehicle. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to receive the electrical power through the breaker means. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to supply the electrical power to the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle through the connector terminal.
That is, the electrical power feeding system for vehicle is configured to supply an electrical power to an electrical vehicle having a battery and a charging circuit. The battery is provided for producing an electrical power which allows the vehicle to run. The charging circuit is configured to charge the battery when the charging circuit receives the electrical power. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle comprises the distribution board, the electrical current measurement device, the control means, and the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle. The distribution board comprises a main breaker and a branch breaker. The electrical current measurement device is configured to measure an electrical current value of a main electrical current which is applied to the main breaker. The control device is configured to generate an electrical power limitation signal including the instruction of limiting the electrical power supplied to the electrical vehicle when value of the main electrical current exceeds a first threshold. The electrical power feeding unit comprises a connector terminal which is detachably attached to a vehicle's connector of the electrical vehicle. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to receive the electrical power through the branch breaker. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to supply the electrical power to the charging circuit through the connector terminal. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to limit the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle when the control device generates the electrical current limitation signal.
It is preferred that the breaker means has an amperage rating. The first threshold is set to be higher than the amperage rating.
It is preferred that the main breaker has an amperage rating. The first threshold is set to be higher than the amperage rating.
It is preferred that the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprises a disconnect member. The disconnect member is configured to disconnect a power feeding path which is provided for supplying the electrical power to the electrical vehicle. When the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle cuts the power feeding path, whereby the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to limit the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle.
It is preferred that the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprises an electrical leak detector. The electrical leak detector is configured to detect existence or nonexistence of the electrical leakage on the basis of the electrical current which flows through the power feeding path. The electrical leak detector is configured to allow the disconnect member to cut the power feeding path when the electrical leak detector detects the electrical leakage.
It is preferred that the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprises a signal transmission unit. The signal transmission unit is configured to send the signal to the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle. When the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to allow the signal transmission unit to send a charge stop signal to the charging circuit. The charge stop signal includes an instruction of stopping supplying the electrical power to the electrical vehicle. Consequently, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to limit the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle.
It is preferred that the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprises a signal transmission unit. The signal transmission unit is configured to send the signal to the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle through the connector terminal. When the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to allow the signal transmission unit to send the charge stop signal to the charging circuit. The charge stop signal includes an instruction of stopping the charging. Consequently, the electrical current which is supplied to the electrical vehicle is limited.
It is preferred that the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprises a signal transmission unit. The signal transmission unit is configured to send the signal to the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle. When the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to allow the signal transmission unit to send the electrical current decreasing signal to the charging circuit. The electrical current decreasing signal including an instruction of decreasing the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle. Consequently, the electrical current which is supplied to the electrical vehicle is limited.
It is preferred that the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprises a signal transmission unit. The signal transmission unit is configured to send the signal to the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle through the connector terminal. When the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to allow said signal transmission unit to send the electrical current decreasing signal to the charging circuit. The electrical current decreasing signal including an instruction of decreasing the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle. Consequently, the electrical current which is supplied to the electrical vehicle is limited.
It is preferred that when the measured electrical current value of the main electrical current exceeds the first threshold over a first period of time, the control means is configured to limit the electrical power supplied to the electrical vehicle.
It is preferred that when the measured electrical current value which is measured by the electrical current measurement unit exceeds a second threshold value over a predetermined period of time, the control means is configured to send the electrical power feeding limitation signal to said electrical power feeding unit for vehicle. The second threshold value is set to be lower than the first threshold value.
It is preferred that the predetermined period of time is set to be longer than the first period of time.
It is preferred that the second threshold value is set to be equal to or more than the amperage rating.
It is preferred that, when the measured electrical current value becomes lower than a third threshold value which is lower than the first threshold value over a certain period of time under the condition where the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle decreases the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle, the control means is configured to generate the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal. The electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal includes an instruction of a cancellation of limiting the electrical power supplied to the electrical vehicle. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to make a cancellation of limiting the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle on the basis of the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal.
It is preferred that when both a first condition and a second condition are satisfied, the control means is configured to generate an electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal. The electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal includes an instruction of a cancellation of limiting the electrical power supplied to the electrical vehicle. The first condition is a condition where the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle decreases the electrical current which is supplied to the electrical vehicle. The second condition is a condition where the measured electrical current value becomes lower than a third threshold value which is predetermined. The third threshold value is set to be lower than the first threshold value. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to make a cancellation of limiting the electrical current which is supplied to the electrical vehicle on the basis of the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal.
It is preferred that the third threshold value is set to be lower than the amperage rating.
It is preferred that when the measured electrical current value becomes lower than a third threshold value which is lower than the first threshold over a certain period of time under the condition where the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle stops supplying the electrical power to the electrical vehicle, the control means is configured to generate an electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal. The electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal includes an instruction of a cancellation of limiting the electrical power supplied to the electrical vehicle. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to make a cancellation of limiting the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle on the basis of the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal.
In other words, it is preferred that the control unit is configured to generate the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal when the control unit recognizes that a first condition and a second condition are satisfied simultaneously. The first condition is a condition where the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle stops supplying the electrical power to the electrical vehicle. The second condition is a condition where the measured electrical current becomes lower than the third threshold value which is lower than the first threshold value. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to make a cancellation of limiting the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle on the basis of the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal.
It is preferred that, when said control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle limits the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle such that the main electrical current becomes lower than the amperage rating.
It is preferred that the control means is a control unit disposed within the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle.
It is preferred that the control means is a control device.
It is preferred that the electrical power feeding system for vehicle is configured to supply an electrical power to an electrical vehicle having a battery and a charging circuit.
In addition, it is preferred that the electrical power feeding system for vehicle is configured to supply the electrical power to a first electrical equipment and a second electrical equipment. The control means is configured to determine a priority of the first electrical equipment as a first-order priority. The control means is configured to determine a priority of the second electrical equipment as a second-order priority. The control means is configured to determine a priority of the electrical vehicle as a third-order priority. The third-order priority is lower than the second-order priority. The second-order priority is lower than the first-order priority. When the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to limit the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle having the third-order priority. When the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle limits the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle, the control means is configured to recognize the first limitation condition. When the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal under the first limitation condition, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle limits the electrical power supplied to the second electrical equipment having the second-order priority.
In addition, it is preferred that the electrical power feeding system for vehicle is configured to supply electrical power to a plurality of electrical equipments. The control means is configured to determine a priority order of each one of the electrical equipments. The control means is configured to determine a priority order of the electrical vehicle as a lowest-order priority among the electrical vehicle and the electrical equipments. When the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to limit the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle having the lowest-order priority. When the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle limits the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle having the lowest-order priority, said control means is configured to recognize a first limitation condition. When the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal under the first limitation condition, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to limit the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical equipment in the order of the electrical equipment having the lowest-order priority to the electrical equipment having a highest-order priority among a plurality of the electrical equipment.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
The configuration that "the control unit is configured to generate the electrical power feeding limitation signal to the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle when the main electrical current becomes greater than the first threshold value", and that "the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to limit the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle on the basis of the electrical power feeding limitation signal", makes it possible to prioritize the usage of the electrical equipment in the residence over the charging of the battery. For example, a temporary usage of the electrical cooker applies the great influence to the daily life. In contrast, the battery of the electrical vehicle is charged over a long period of time. Therefore, a temporary limitation of the electrical power supplied to the battery applies a little influence to the charging of the battery. Therefore, when the main electrical current exceeds the first threshold value, the electrical power supplied to the electrical vehicle is limited. Consequently, the electrical power supplied to the electrical equipment in the residence is prioritized. As a result, the peak of the main electrical current is reduced, whereby this configuration makes it possible to keep the convenience of the daily life. In addition, according to the prevention of the peak of the main electrical current, it is possible to reduce the peak value of the consumption of the electrical current in the entire region even if the electrical vehicle becomes common in the whole region. Therefore, it is possible to supply the electrical power steadily. In addition, the configuration that the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle with the disconnect member in the power feeding path makes it possible to limit the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible for this system to free from the necessity of employing the communication circuit which is configured to communicate with the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle, compared with the case where the charging electrical current is limited by the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle. That is, this configuration makes it possible to reduce the cost of the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle.
In addition, when the electrical leak detector being configured to detect the electrical leakage is employed, it is possible for the electrical leak detector to use the disconnect member when the electrical leak detector detects the electrical leakage.
In addition, when the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle "being configured to send the charge stop signal to the electrical vehicle in order to allow the charging circuit to stop charging", is employed, it is possible to stop the electrical power supplying to the electrical vehicle.
In addition, when the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle being configured to send the charge decrease signal to the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle is employed, it is possible to reduce the electrical current supplied to the charging circuit. Consequently, it is possible to limit the electrical power supplied to the electrical vehicle.
In addition, when the configuration "that the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle is limited when the electrical current which is greater than the second threshold value which is lower than the first threshold value is supplied" is employed, even if the main electrical current is lower than the first threshold value, it is possible to reduce the peak value of the main electrical current.
In addition, when the configuration "which is configured to make a cancellation of limiting the electrical current when the main electrical current becomes lower than the third threshold value over a certain period of time under the condition where the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle is decreased" is employed, it is possible to charge the battery by the electrical current before the limitation of electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle.
In addition, when the configuration being configured to make a cancellation of limiting the electrical current when the main electrical current becomes lower than the third threshold value over a certain period of time under the condition where the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle is stopped" is employed, it is possible to charge the battery by the electrical current before the limitation of the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle.
BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 shows a system configuration diagram of a first embodiment.
Fig. 2 A to Fig. 2 E show waveforms of respective members of the above.
Fig. 3 shows a system configuration diagram of a second embodiment.
Fig. 4 Ato Fig. 4 C shows waveforms of respective members of the above.
Fig. 5 A to Fig. 5 D shows waveforms of respective members of a third embodiment.
Fig. 6 Ato Fig. 6 D shows waveforms of respective members of a fourth embodiment.
Fig. 7 shows a system configuration diagram of the fifth embodiment.
Fig. 8 shows a system configuration diagram of a sixth embodiment.
Fig. 9 Ato Fig. 9 F shows waveforms of respective members of the above.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter the invention of each embodiment is explained with attached drawings.
(FIRST EMBODIMENT)
The invention in the first embodiment is explained with Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of the electrical power feeding system for vehicle in the first embodiment. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle comprises a distribution board 1 , an electrical current measurement unit 2, a control box 3, an electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4. The distribution board 1 is disposed in the residences H. The distribution board 1 comprises a main breaker 11 and branch breakers 12. The electrical current measurement unit 2 is realized by a current transformer. The electrical current measurement unit 2 is configured to measure a main electrical current 11 which flows to the main breaker 11. The control box (control unit) 3 is configured to generate an electrical power feeding limitation signal when the electrical current value measured by the electrical current measurement unit 2 exceeds a predetermined first threshold. The electrical current supply limitation signal indicates the instruction of limitation of the electrical current supply to the electrical vehicle 50. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 is configured to receive the commercial alternating current power. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 is configured to supply the electrical power to the electrical vehicle, whereby the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 charges the battery.
The electrical vehicle 50 is exemplified by a battery electric vehicle and a plug in hybrid vehicle. The car body of the electrical vehicle 50 is provided with a vehicle's connector 53 which is detachably attached to the connector terminal 5 of the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4. When the charging circuit 51 receives the commercial alternating current power through the vehicle's connector 53 and the connector terminal 5, the charging circuit 51 converts the commercial alternating current power into the direct current power. The charging circuit 51 charges the battery 52. The battery 52 is exemplified by a battery such as a lithium ion battery.
The distribution board 1 is installed in portions of the residences. The distribution board 1 comprises the main breaker 11 and a plurality of the branch breaker 12. The main breaker 11 is connected to a trunk power line L1 which is led to the inside of the residence H. The branch breakers 12 are connected to the main breaker through the electrical conductive bar 13 such that the branch breakers 12 are located downstream of the main breaker 11.
The control box 3 is configured to compare the electrical current value of the main electrical current which is measured by the electrical current measurement unit 2 with the first threshold, whereby the control box 3 judges whether the electrical current value is higher than the first threshold, or is lower than the first threshold. When the electrical current value which is measured by the electrical current measurement unit 2 exceeds the first threshold over a predetermined period of time, the control box 3 outputs the electrical power feeding limitation signal through a signal line to the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4. The electrical power feeding limitation signal instructs the stop of the electrical power supply. For example, the main breaker 11 has an amperage rating of 50 amperes. The control box 3 has the first threshold value Th1 of 55 amperes. The first threshold value Th1 of 55 amperes corresponds to 110 % of the amperage rating. When "the condition where the electrical current value which is measured by the electrical current measurement unit 2 becomes equal to or more than 55 amperes over one second" is satisfied, the control box 3 outputs, the electrical power feeding limitation signal which instructs the stop of the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50 is transmitted to the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4.
The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 is, for example, installed in exterior walls of the residence H which is adjacent to a parking space for the electrical vehicle 50. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 receives the commercial alternating current power (for example, AC 200V) from the branch breaker 12 in the distribution board 1 through the branch line 12. In addition, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 is provided with a charging cable CA. The charging cable CA comprises an electrical power line L3 and a signal line LA The charging cable CA is provided at its one end with the connector terminal 5. The connector terminal 5 is detachably attached to the vehicle's connector 53 of the electrical vehicle 50. The charging cable CA has a cable length which is enough to reach the electrical vehicle 50 which is parked in the packing space. The charging cable CA is wounded around the retractable drum (not shown), whereby the charging cable CA is put away. The charging cable is pulled out from the retractable drum when the charging cable CA is used.
The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 comprises an electrical relay 41 , a zero phase sequence current transformer (ZCT) 42, and an electrical leak detector 43. The relay 41 is disposed in a mid portion of the internal line 40 which connects the branch line L2 with the electrical power line L3. The relay 41 is configured to turn on and turn off the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50. The zero phase sequence current transformer 42 is configured to detect an unbalanced current which flows through the internal line 40. The electrical leak detector 43 is configured to detect the electrical leakage on the basis of the induced electrical current which is induced in the zero phase sequence current transformer 42. The electrical leak detector 43 is configured to switch off the relay when the electrical leak detector 43 detects the electrical leakage. In addition, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 comprises a control unit 44, a signal conversion unit 45, a signal output unit 46, and an electrical power source 47. The control unit 44 is configured to generate the charge control signal SA on the basis of the signal which is sent from the control box 3. The charge control signal SA is provided for controlling the charging of the electrical vehicle 50. The signal conversion unit 45 is configured to convert the charge control signal SA which is generated in the control unit 44 into the signal which is standardized by an automobile industry. The signal which is standardized by the automobile industry is, for example, a signal which is standardized by Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE: registered trademark). The signal output unit 46 is configured to send "the charge control signal SA which is converted its signal form by the signal conversion unit 45" to the electrical vehicle through the signal line LA. The electrical power source 47 is configured to receive the commercial alternating current power from the distribution board 1 , and is configured to generate the operating power for operating the electrical leak detector 43, the control unit 44, the signal conversion unit 45, and the signal output unit 46. The charge control signal SA which is sent from the signal output unit 46 is a pulse signal which has a variable duty cycle. The charging circuit 51 of the electrical vehicle 50 is configured to determine the limitation value of the electrical current value for charging. The limitation value of the electrical current value for charging is proportioned to the duty cycle of the of the charge control signal SA.
An explanation of operation of the electrical power feeding system in this embodiment is made with Fig. 2. Fig. 2 A shows a measurement value of the main electrical current 11 which is measured by the electrical current measurement unit 2. Fig. 2 B shows an output signal which is output from the control box 3. Fig. 2 C shows a duty cycle of the charge control signal SA which is sent to the electrical vehicle 50 from the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4. Fig. 2 D shows the charging electrical current 12. In addition, a shadow area in Fig. 2 A indicates the charging electrical current 12 which is included in the main electrical current 11. The charging electrical current I2 is used for charging the electrical vehicle 50.
In period between time to and time t1 , the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 supplies the electrical power to the electrical vehicle 50, whereby the battery of the electrical vehicle 50 is charged. In addition, also in period between to and t1 , the electrical equipments is used in the residence H. A sum of "the consumption of the electrical current by the electrical equipments in the residence H" and 'the charging electrical current I2" corresponds to the measurement value of the main electrical current 11. The main electrical current 11 is lower than the first threshold value Th1. Therefore, the control box 3 outputs no "electrical power feeding limitation signal". In this embodiment, the first threshold value Th1 is determined as 55 amperes. 55 amperes of the first threshold value Th1 corresponds to the 110 % of the amperage rating of the main breaker 11. That is, the amperage rating of the main breaker is equal to 50 amperes.
In time t1 , the electrical equipment which is configured to consume a large amount of the electrical power comes into use in the residence H. As a result, the measurement value of the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1 (55 amperes). The control box 3 is configured to compare the measurement value of the main electrical current 11 with the first threshold value Th1 successively, whereby the control box 3 judges whether the measurement value of the main electrical current 11 is higher than the first threshold value Th1 or is lower than the first threshold value Th1. In time t2, "a condition where the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1" is kept over a predetermined period of time dT1. Therefore, in time t2, the control box 3 sends "the electrical power feeding limitation signal S1 which instructs the stop of the charging of the electrical vehicle 50" to the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4.
When the control unit 44 of the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 receives the electrical power feeding limitation signal S1 at time t2, the control unit 44 generates the charge control signal SA instructing to reduce the charging electrical current 12 to zero. (The charge control signal SA instructing to reduce the charging electrical current 12 to zero is, in other words, charge stop signal SA.) The signal conversion unit 45 converts the signal form of the charge control signal SA. Subsequently, the signal output unit 46 sends the charge control signal SA to the electrical vehicle 50.
When the charging circuit 51 of the electrical vehicle 50 receives the charge control signal SAfrom the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4, the charging circuit 51 of the electrical vehicle 50 controls the electrical current value of the charging electrical current I2 according to the duty cycle of the charge control signal SA. When the duty cycle of the charge control signal SA becomes 0 % at time t2, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 reduces the charging electrical current I2 to zero. That is, the first threshold value Th1 (which is equal to 55 amperes) is higher than the amperage rating of the main breaker 11. When the electrical current which is equal to or more than the first threshold value Th1 is applied to the main breaker 11, the control box 3 generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal S1. On the basis of the electrical power feeding limitation signal S1 , the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 stops charging the battery of the electrical vehicle 50. Therefore, the main electrical current 11 is adjusted within the amperage rating after time t2. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the cut of the main breaker 11 when the excess electrical current is applied to the main breaker 11.
In addition, if the electrical equipment of the residence H is stopped in period after time t3 when the charging of the battery of the electrical vehicle 50 is stopped, the main electrical current 11 is reduced to a predetermined current value which is less than a third threshold value Th3. (The third threshold value Th3 is defined as a recovery current value.) When a condition where the main electrical current I3 is kept lower than the third threshold value Th3 over a certain period of time dT2, the control box 3 generates the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal S2. The electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal S2 instructs the cancellation of the limitation of the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50.
When the control unit 44 of the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 receives the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal S2 at time t4, the control unit 44 generates the charge control signal SA for adjusting the charging electrical current 12 to the electrical current value which is equal to the electrical current value before the electrical current is stopped. The signal conversion unit 45 converts the signal form of the charge control signal. Subsequently, the signal output unit 46 outputs the charge control signal to the electrical vehicle 50. Consequently, in time t4, the duty cycle of the charge control signal SA is varied to the duty cycle which is equal to the duty cycle in the period before the electrical current is stopped. (In other words, in time t4, the duty cycle of the charge control signal SA is varied to the duty cycle which is equal to the duty cycle in the period before time t2.) As a result, the electrical current value of the charging electrical current 12 is varied to the electrical current value which is equal to the electrical current value in the period before the electrical current value is stopped. In this manner, the charging circuit 51 charges the battery 52 with the electrical current value which is equal to the electrical current value in the period before the electrical current is stopped. Under this condition, the electrical current consumed by the electrical equipment in the residence H is decreased. Therefore, even if the charging electrical current I2 is increased, the electrical current value of the main electrical current 11 is lower than the first threshold value Th1. Therefore, the electrical power is continuously supplied to the electrical vehicle 50.
It is possible to set the third threshold value Th3 to 26 amperes under a situation where "the main breaker has the amperage rating of 50 amperes" and 'the maximum value of the charging electrical current of the electrical vehicle 50 is 24 amperes". However, considering the additional margin of the electrical current value of 2 amperes, the third threshold value Th3 is set to 24 amperes. The first threshold value Th1 and the third threshold value Th3 are arbitrarily set by users, considering specification of the electrical power distribution equipment in the residence and specification of the electrical vehicle 50.
As will be recognized from the above explanation, in the electrical power feeding system for vehicle in this embodiment, when the measurement value of the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1 , the control box 3, defined as the control device, sends the electrical power feeding limitation signal to the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 limits the electrical power supplied to the electrical vehicle 50 on the basis of the electrical power feeding limitation signal. Therefore, it is possible to prioritize the usage of the electrical equipments in the residence H over the charging of the electrical vehicle. That is to say, the electrical equipments such as electrical cooker are temporarily used in the life. The electrical equipments such as the electrical cooker have a considerable impact on the life. In contrast, the battery of the electrical vehicle is charged over time. Therefore, temporary stop of the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle have a little impact to the charging of the electrical vehicle. Therefore, when the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1 , the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50 is limited. Consequently, the electrical power is supplied to the electrical equipments of the residence H on a priority basis. As a result, it is possible to prevent a development of a peak of the main electrical current, whereby it is possible to keep the convenience of the life. In addition, prevention of the development of the peak of the main electrical current 11 makes it possible to reduce the peak value of the consumption of the electrical current in the whole region even if the electrical vehicle becomes widely used in the whole region. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to supply the electrical power stably.
As mentioned above, the electrical power feeding system for vehicle in this invention is configured to supply the electrical power to the electrical vehicle. The electrical vehicle comprises a battery and a charging circuit. The charging circuit is configured to charge the battery. The electrical power feeding system for vehicle in this invention comprises a distribution board, an electrical current measurement unit, a control unit, and an electrical power feeding unit for vehicle. The distribution board comprises a breaker means which has a main breaker and branch breakers. The electrical current measurement unit is configured to measure the electrical current value of the main electrical current which is applied to the main breaker. The control unit is configured to determine the first threshold value. The control unit is configured to generate the electrical power feeding limitation signal when the measured current value exceeds the first threshold value. The electrical power feeding limitation signal includes the instruction of limiting the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprises a connector terminal. The connector terminal is detachably attached to the connector of the vehicle. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to receive the alternating current power from the branch breaker, and is configured to supply the alternating current power to the charging circuit of the electrical vehicle through the connector. When the control unit generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, the control unit limits the electrical current supplied to the vehicle.
Consequently, when the main electrical current exceeds the first threshold, the control unit sends the electrical power feeding limitation signal to the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle. On the basis of the electrical power limitation signal, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle limits the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to prioritize the usage of the electrical equipment over the battery of the vehicle. That is to say, it is possible to prevent the peak of the main electrical current by supplying the electrical current to the electrical equipment of the residence on a priority basis. As a result, it is possible to keep the convenience of the daily life. In addition, it is possible to prevent the peak value of the consumption of the electrical current even if the electrical vehicle becomes common in the whole region. Therefore, it is possible to supply the electrical power steadily.
In addition, the main breaker has an amperage rating. The first threshold is set to be higher than the amperage rating. Consequently, when the main electrical current exceeds the first threshold value, the condition where the main electrical current exceeds the amperage rating is recognized. Therefore, it is possible to immediately limit the electrical power supplied to the electrical vehicle when the main electrical current exceeds the first threshold value. That is to say, it is possible to prevent the excess current from being applied to the main breaker continuously. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cut of the main breaker.
In this embodiment, when the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1 over a certain period of time, the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50 is stopped. However, it is also possible to stop the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50 at a moment when the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1.
In contrast, it is also preferred that the control unit is configured to generate the electrical power feeding limitation signal when the measured electrical current value exceeds the first threshold value over one second (1 sec) period of time. This is because the following reason. That is, when the electrical equipment is started, there is a possibility that overshoot is caused. According to the overshooting, there is a possibility that the main electrical current instantaneously exceeds the first threshold value. It is not preferred to immediately stop supplying the electrical current to the electrical vehicle when the main electrical current exceeds the first threshold value instantaneously. This is because the charging circuit receives the load when the electrical current is varied frequently. Therefore, it is preferred for the control unit to judge the condition where the main electrical current exceeds the first threshold value or not when the main electrical current is free from the influence of the overshooting of the main electrical current.
In this embodiment, the control unit is configured to generate the electrical power feeding limitation signal when the measured electrical current value exceeds the first threshold value over a first period. The first period is set to be one second period of time (1 sec). However, it is not limited that the first period is set to be one second period of time. It is possible to determine the first period arbitrarily. This is similarly applied to the following embodiments.
(SECOND EMBODIMENT)
An explanation of the second embodiment in this embodiment is made with Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 shows a system configuration diagram of this embodiment. Components in common with the components of the first embodiment are symbolized by the same reference numerals. Therefore, explanations of the components in common with the components of the first embodiment are omitted. In the first embodiment, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 is configured to receive the electrical power feeding limitation signal from the control box 3, and to send the charge control signal SA to the electrical vehicle 50 on the basis of the electrical power feeding limitation signal. Consequently, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 allows the charging circuit 51 to limit the charging electrical current I2. However, in this embodiment, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 further comprises a relay 41. The relay 41 is configured to start/stop supplying the electrical power to the electrical vehicle 50. The control unit 44 of the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 turns off the relay 41 on the basis of the electrical power feeding limitation signal which is sent from the control box 3. Consequently, the control unit 44 stops supplying the electrical power to the electrical vehicle 50.
An explanation of operation in this embodiment is made with Fig. 4 A to Fig. 4 C. Fig. 4 A shows a measurement value of the main electrical current which is measured by the electrical current measurement unit 2. Fig. 4 B shows an output signal which is output from the control box 3. Fig. 4 C shows a condition where the relay 41 is turned on or turned off. A shadow portion of Fig. 4 A indicates the charging electrical current I2 which is included in the main electrical current 11. The charging electrical current I2 is used for charging the battery of the electrical vehicle 50.
In period between time to and time t1 , the relay 41 of the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 has on state. Therefore, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 supplies the electrical power to the electrical vehicle 50, whereby the battery of the electrical vehicle 50 is charged. In addition, also in period between to and t1, the electrical equipments are used in the residence H. A sum of "the consumption of the electrical current by the electrical equipments in the residence H" and "the charging electrical current I2" corresponds to the measurement value of the main electrical current 11. The main electrical current 11 is lower than the first threshold value Th1. Therefore, the control box 3 outputs no "electrical power feeding limitation signal". In this embodiment, the first threshold value Th1 is determined as 55 amperes. 55 amperes of the first threshold value Th1 corresponds to the 110 % of the amperage rating of the main breaker 11. That is, the amperage rating of the main breaker is equal to 50 amperes.
In time t1 , the electrical equipment which is configured to consume a large amount of the electrical power comes into use in the residence H. As a result, the measurement value of the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1 (55 amperes). The control box 3 is configured to compare the measurement value of the main electrical current 11 with the first threshold value Th1 successively, whereby the control box 3 judges whether the measurement value of the main electrical current 11 is higher than the first threshold value Th1 or is lower than the first threshold value Th1. In time t2, "a condition where the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1" is kept over a predetermined period of time dT1. Therefore, in time t2, the control box 3 sends "the electrical power feeding limitation signal S1 which instructs the stop of the charging of the electrical vehicle 50" to the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4. In time t2, the control unit 44 of the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 receives the electrical power feeding limitation signal S1. Consequently, the control unit 44 turns off the relay 41 , whereby the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50 is stopped.
In this manner, when the electrical current which is higher than the first threshold value Th1 (55 amperes) is applied to the main breaker 11 over a period of one second, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 stops supplying "the charging electrical current I2" to the electrical vehicle 50 on the basis of "the electrical power feeding limitation signal S1 which is sent from the control box 3". Therefore, the main electrical current 11 is adjusted within the amperage rating. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the cut of the main breaker 11 when the excess electrical current is applied to the main breaker 11.
In addition, if the electrical equipment of the residence H is stopped in period after time t3 when the charging of the battery of the electrical vehicle 50 is stopped, the main electrical current 11 is reduced to a predetermined current value which is less than a third threshold value Th3. (The third threshold value Th3 is defined as a recovery current value.) When a condition where the main electrical current I3 becomes lower than the third threshold value Th3 is kept over a certain period of time dT2, the control box 3 generates the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal S2. The electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal S2 instructs the cancellation of the limitation of the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50. When the control unit 44 of the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 receives the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal S2, the control unit 33 turns on the relay 41. Consequently, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 supplies the electrical power to the electrical vehicle 50. In this manner, charging circuit 51 of the electrical vehicle restart the charging of the battery 52. Under this condition, the consumption of the electrical current by the electrical equipment in the residence H is reduced. Therefore, even if the charging electrical current I2 is increased, the main electrical current 11 is lower than the first threshold value Thi . Therefore, electrical power is continuously supplied to the electrical vehicle 50.
It is possible to set the third threshold value Th3 to 26 amperes under a situation where 'the main breaker has the amperage rating of 50 amperes" and "the maximum value of the charging electrical current of the electrical vehicle 50 is 24 amperes". However, considering the additional margin of the electrical current value of 2 amperes, the third threshold value Th3 is set to 24 amperes. The first threshold value Th1 and the third threshold value Th3 are arbitrarily set by users, considering specification of the electrical power distribution equipment in the residence and specification of the electrical vehicle 50.
As will be recognized from the above explanation, in the electrical power feeding system for vehicle in this embodiment, when the measurement value of the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1 , the control box 3, defined as the control device, sends the electrical power feeding limitation signal to the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 is configured to turn off the relay 41 on the basis of the electrical power feeding limitation signal. Consequently, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 stops supplying the electrical power to the electrical vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to prioritize the usage of the electrical equipments in the residence H over the charging of the electrical vehicle. That is to say, the electrical equipments such as electrical cooker are temporarily used in the life. Therefore, the electrical equipments such as the electrical cooker have a considerable impact on the life. In contrast, the battery of the electrical vehicle is charged over time. Therefore, temporary stop of the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle have a little impact to the charging of the electrical vehicle. Therefore, when the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1 , the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50 is limited. Consequently, the electrical power is supplied to the electrical equipments of the residence H on a priority basis. As a result, it is possible to prevent a development of a peak of the main electrical current, whereby it is possible to keep the convenience of the life. In addition, prevention of the development of the peak of the main electrical current 11 makes it possible to reduce the peak value of the consumption of the electrical current in the whole region even if the electrical vehicle becomes widely used in the whole region. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to supply the electrical power stably.
That is, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle in this embodiment comprises the disconnect member. The disconnect member is configured to cut the power feeding path. When the control unit generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, the disconnect member cuts the power feeding path. Consequently, the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle is limited.
Consequently, when the main electrical current exceeds the amperage rating of the main breaker, the electrical power supplied to the electrical vehicle is immediately limited. That is, it is possible to prevent the continuous excess electrical current applied to the main breaker. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cutting of the main breaker.
In this embodiment, when the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1 over a certain period of time, the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50 is stopped. However, it is also possible to stop the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50 at a moment when the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1.
(THIRD EMBODIMENT) An explanation of the second embodiment in this embodiment is made with Fig. 5. Components in this embodiment are in common with the components of the first embodiment. Therefore, explanations and illustrations of the components are omitted.
In the first embodiment, when the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1 over a certain period of time, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 stops supplying the electrical power to the electrical vehicle 50. However, in this embodiment, when the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1 over a certain period of time, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 decreases the electrical current value of the charging electrical current I2.
An explanation of operation in this embodiment is made with Fig. 5. Fig. 5 A shows a measurement value of the main electrical current 11 which is measured by the electrical current measurement unit 2. Fig. 5 B shows an output signal which is output from the control box 3. Fig. 5 C shows a duty cycle of the charge control signal SA which is sent from the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 to the electrical vehicle. Fig. 5 D shows a charging electrical current I2.
In period between time to and time t1 , the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 supplies the electrical power to the electrical vehicle 50, whereby the battery of the electrical vehicle 50 is charged. In addition, also in period between to and t1 , the electrical equipments is used in the residence H. A sum of "the consumption of the electrical current by the electrical equipments in the residence H" and "the charging electrical current I2" corresponds to the measurement value of the main electrical current 11. The main electrical current 11 is lower than the first threshold value Th1. Therefore, the control box 3 outputs no "electrical power feeding limitation signal". In this embodiment, the first threshold value Th1 is determined as a predetermined ampere. The predetermined ampere of the first threshold value Th1 exceeds the electrical current value corresponding to the 110 % of the amperage rating of the main breaker 11. That is, the amperage rating of the main breaker is, for example, equal to 60 amperes.
In time t1 , the electrical equipment which is configured to consume a large amount of the electrical power comes into use in the residence H. As a result, the measurement value of the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1 (60 amperes). The control box 3 is configured to compare the measurement value of the main electrical current 11 with the first threshold value Th1 successively, whereby the control box 3 judges whether the measurement value of the main electrical current 11 is higher than the first threshold value Th1 or is lower than the first threshold value Th1. In time t2, "a condition where the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1" is kept over a predetermined period of time dT1. Therefore, in time t2, the control box 3 sends "the electrical power feeding limitation signal S3 which includes the instruction of reducing the charging electrical current I2" to the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4.
When the control unit 44 of the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 receives the electrical power feeding limitation signal S1 at time t2, the control unit 44 generates the charge control signal SA instructing to reduce the charging electrical current by dl1. (The charge control signal SA instructing to reduce the charging electrical current I2 by dl1 is, in other words, a charge stop signal SA.) The first threshold value Th1 is 10 amperes higher than the amperage rating of the main breaker 11. According to this setting, an amount of decrease in the electrical current dl1 is set to 12 amperes, considering the margin of 2 amperes. During the period until time t1 , if the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle sends the signal which permits the charging circuit 51 to charge the battery by equal to or less than 30 amperes, the charging circuit 51 of the electrical vehicle 50 charges the battery by equal to or less than 30 amperes. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprises an electrical current detector 48 which is realized by a current transformer. The electrical current detector 48 is configured to detect the electrical current which flows through the internal line 40. On the basis of the detecting result which is produced by the electrical current detector 48, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 generates the charge control signal SA which instructs the adjustment of charging electrical current I2 to have an electrical current value which is dl1 lower than the charging electrical value in the present. The signal conversion unit 45 converts the signal form of the charge control signal SA, and output the charge control signal SA from the signal output unit 46 to the electrical vehicle 50.
When the charging circuit 51 of the electrical vehicle 50 receives the charge control signal SA from the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4, the charging circuit 51 of the electrical vehicle 50 controls the electrical current value of the charging electrical current I2 according to the duty cycle of the charge control signal SA. When the duty cycle of the charge control signal SA is varied at time t2, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 decreases the charging electrical current I2 according to the variation of the duty cycle. Consequently, the charging electrical current I2 is decreased by dl1. That is, the first threshold value Th1 (which is equal to 60 amperes) is higher than the amperage rating of the main breaker 11. When the electrical current which is equal to or more than the first threshold value Th1 is applied to the main breaker 11 over one second, the control box 3 generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal S3. On the basis of the electrical power feeding limitation signal S3, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 decreases "the charging electrical current I2 which is supplied to the electrical vehicle 50" by dl1. Consequently, the main electrical current 11 is decreased by dl1 , whereby the main electrical current 11 becomes equal to or lower than 48 amperes. Therefore, the main electrical current 11 is adjusted within the amperage rating. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the cut of the main breaker 11 when the excess electrical current is applied to the main breaker 11. In addition, although the electrical current value supplied to the electrical vehicle 50 is decreased, it is possible to continuously charge the battery, not stop charging the battery.
In addition, if the electrical equipment of the residence H is stopped in period after time t3 when the charging of the battery of the electrical vehicle 50 is stopped, the main electrical current 11 is reduced to a predetermined current value which is less than a third threshold value Th3. (The third threshold value Th3 is defined as a recovery current value.) When a condition where the main electrical current 11 is kept lower than the third threshold value Th3 over a certain period of time dT2, the control box 3 generates the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal S4. The electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal S4 instructs the cancellation of the limitation of the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50.
When the control unit 44 of the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 receives the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal S4 at time t4, the control unit 44 generates the charge control signal SA for increasing the charging electrical current 12 at present by dl1. The signal conversion unit 45 converts the signal form of the charge control signal. Subsequently, the signal output unit 46 outputs the charge control signal to the electrical vehicle 50. The charging circuit 51 of the electrical vehicle 50 is configured to adjust the charging electrical current on the basis of the duty cycle of the charge control signal SA which is sent from the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4. Consequently, in time t4, the duty cycle of the charge control signal SA is varied to the duty cycle which is equal to the duty cycle in the period before the electrical current is reduced. (In other words, in time t4, the duty cycle of the charge control signal SA is varied to the duty cycle which is equal to the duty cycle in the period before time t2.) As a result, the charging circuit 51 of the electrical vehicle 50 increases the charging electrical current by dl1. Consequently, the charging circuit 51 charges the battery 52 by the electrical current value which is equal to the electrical current value in the period before time t2. Under this condition, the electrical current consumed by the electrical equipment in the residence H is decreased. Therefore, even if the charging electrical current I2 is increased, the electrical current value of the main electrical current 11 is lower than the first threshold value Th1. Therefore, the electrical power is continuously supplied to the electrical vehicle 50.
As will be recognized from the above explanation, in the electrical power feeding system for vehicle in this embodiment, when the measurement value of the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1 , the control box 3, defined as the control device, sends the electrical power feeding limitation signal to the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 decreases the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50 on the basis of the electrical power feeding limitation signal. Therefore, it is possible to prioritize the usage of the electrical equipments in the residence H over the charging of the electrical vehicle. That is to say, the electrical equipments such as electrical cooker are temporarily used in the life. Therefore, the electrical equipments such as the electrical cooker have a considerable impact on the life. In contrast, the battery of the electrical vehicle is charged over time. Therefore, temporary stop of the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle have a little impact to the charging of the electrical vehicle. Therefore, when the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1 , the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50 is decreased. Consequently, the electrical power is supplied to the electrical equipments of the residence H on a priority basis. As a result, it is possible to prevent a development of a peak of the main electrical current, whereby it is possible to keep the convenience of the life. In addition, prevention of the development of the peak of the main electrical current 11 makes it possible to reduce the peak value of the consumption of the electrical current in the whole region even if the electrical vehicle becomes widely used in the whole region. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to supply the electrical power stably.
In this embodiment, when the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1 over a certain period of time, the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50 is decreased. However, it is also possible to immediately reduce the charging electrical current I2 supplied to the electrical vehicle 50 at a moment when the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1.
(FOURTH EMBODIMENT)
An explanation of the second embodiment in this embodiment is made with Fig. 6. Components in this embodiment are in common with the components of the first embodiment. Therefore, explanations and illustrations of the components are omitted.
In the third embodiment, when the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1 over a certain period of time dT1 , the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 limits the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50. In contrast, in this embodiment, when the main electrical current 11 exceeds a second threshold value Th2 over a predetermined period of time dT3, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 limits the electrical supply to the electrical vehicle 50. The second threshold value Th2 is set to be lower than the first threshold value Th1. The predetermined period of time dT3 is set to be longer than the certain period of time dT1.
An explanation of operation of this embodiment is made with Fig. 6. Fig. 6 A shows a measurement value of the main electrical current 11 which is measured by the electrical current measurement unit 2. Fig. 6 B shows an output signal which is output from the control box 3. Fig. 6 C shows a duty cycle of "the charge control signal SA which is output from the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 to the electrical vehicle 50". Fig. 6 D shows a charging electrical current I2.
In period between time to and time t1 , the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 supplies the electrical power to the electrical vehicle 50, whereby the battery of the electrical vehicle 50 is charged. In addition, also in period between to and t1, the electrical equipments are used in the residence H. The electrical current measurement unit 2 is configured to provide the measurement value of the main electrical current 11. The control box 3 is configured to compare the measurement value with each one of the first threshold value Th1 and the second threshold value Th2. The control box 3 is configured to output the electrical power feeding limitation signal S3 when the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1 over the predetermined period of time dT1. Or, the control box 3 is configured to output the electrical power feeding limitation signal S3 when the main electrical current 11 exceeds the second threshold value Th2 over the predetermined period of time dT3. (The predetermined period of time dT3 is set to be longer than the predetermined period of time dT1.) The electrical power feeding limitation signal S3 includes the instruction of decreasing the charging electrical current I2 which is supplied to the electrical vehicle 50. The electrical power feeding limitation signal S3 is sent to the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4. In the period between the time to and the time t1 , a sum of "the consumption of the electrical current by the electrical equipments in the residence H" and "the charging electrical current I2" corresponds to the measurement value of the main electrical current 11. The main electrical current 11 is lower than the first threshold value Th1 , and is lower than the second threshold value Th2. Therefore, the control box 3 outputs no "electrical power feeding limitation signal". In this embodiment, the first threshold value Th1 is determined as a predetermined ampere. In this embodiment, the first threshold value Th1 is set to be the electrical current value corresponding to the 110 % of the amperage rating of the main breaker 11. That is, the first threshold value Th1 is set to be 55 amperes which corresponds to the 110 % of the 50 amperes equal to the amperage rating of the main breaker 11. The second threshold value Th2 is set to be the value equal to the amperage rating (50 amperes) of the main breaker 11.
In time t1, the electrical equipment which is configured to consume a large amount of the electrical power comes into use in the residence H. As a result, the measurement value of the main electrical current 11 exceeds the second threshold value Th2 (50 amperes). However, the measurement value of the main electrical current 11 is lower than the first threshold value (55 amperes). When a condition where the electrical current value of the main electrical current 11 becomes higher than the second threshold value Th2 and becomes lower than the first threshold value Th1 over a predetermined period of time <5 T3, the control box 3 sends the electrical power feeding limitation signal S3 to the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4. (The predetermined period of time <5 T3 is, for example, set to be five minutes. The electrical power feeding limitation signal S3 includes the instruction of decreasing the charging electrical current I2.)
When the control unit 44 of the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 receives the electrical power feeding limitation signal S3 at time t2, the control unit 44 generates the charge control signal SA. (The charge control signal SA is, in other words, the electrical current decreasing signal.) The charge control signal SA includes the instruction of decreasing the electrical current value at present by dl2. The first threshold value Th1 is set to be 5 amperes higher than the amperage rating of the main breaker 11. (The first threshold value Th1 is set to be 55 amperes higher than the amperage rating of the main breaker 11.) The second threshold value Th1 is set to the value which is equal to the amperage rating (50 amperes) of the main breaker 11. Therefore, the amount of the decrease in the electrical current dl1 under the condition where the charging electrical current I2 exceeds the second threshold value Th2 is set to be 7 amperes, considering the margin of 2 amperes. When the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 sends the signal which permits the charging of the battery by equal to or less than 30 amperes during the period until time t1 , the charging circuit 51 of the electrical vehicle 50 charges the battery by equal to or less than 30 amperes. The electrical current detector 48 which is realized by the current transformer is configured to detect the electrical current which flows through the internal line 40. Therefore, on the basis of the electrical current which is detected by the electrical current detector 48 the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 generates the charge control signal SA. The charge control signal SA includes the instruction of adjusting the charging electrical current I2 by decreasing the electrical current value at present by dl2. (For example, if the charging electrical current at present is 25 amperes, the electrical current which is decreased by dl1 is 18 amperes. 25 amperes - 7 amperes = 18 amperes) The signal conversion unit 45 converts the signal form of the charge control signal SA. Subsequently, the signal output unit 46 sends the charge control signal SA to the electrical vehicle 50.
The charging circuit 51 of the electrical vehicle 50 adjusts the electrical current value of the charging electrical current according to the duty cycle of the charge control signal SA which is sent from the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4. When the duty cycle of the charge control signal SA is varied at time t2, the charging electrical current I2 is decreased by dl2 according to the duty cycle which is varied. As a result, the charging electrical current I2 becomes equal to or less than 18 amperes. In addition, the main electrical current I2 becomes equal to or less than 48 amperes. Consequently, it is possible to adjust the main electrical current 11 within the amperage rating.
As explained above, when the electrical current which is higher than the second threshold value Th2 and which is lower than the first threshold value Th1 over five minutes, the control box 3 generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal S3. (Specifically, when the excess electrical current is within 5 amperes, compared with the amperage rating of the main breaker 11 over five minutes, the control box 3 generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal S3.) The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 decreases the charging electrical current I2 by dl2 on the basis of the electrical power feeding limitation signal S3 sent from the control box 3. Therefore, the main electrical current 11 is decreased by dl2, whereby the main electrical current 11 has a value equal to or less than 48 amperes. That is to say, the main electrical current 11 is adjusted within the amperage rating. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cut of the main breaker 11 due to the excess electrical current. In addition, although, in the electrical vehicle 50, the charging electrical current is decreased, it is possible to continuously charge the battery of the electrical vehicle 50, without stopping charging the battery.
Subsequently, in the period after time t3, the charging electrical current I2 supplied to the electrical vehicle 50 is decreased. Under this condition, when the electrical equipments of the residence H are stopped, the main electrical current 11 becomes lower than the third threshold value Th3 which is predetermined. (The main electrical current becoming lower than the third threshold value Th3" is, in other words, defined as recovery electrical current.) When a condition where the main electrical current 11 becomes lower than the third threshold is kept over a certain period of time dT4, the control box 3 generates the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal S4. The electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal S4 includes the instruction of cancellation of the limitation of the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50.
When the control unit 44 of the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 receives the electrical current supply limitation cancellation signal S4 at time t4, the control unit 44 generates the charge control signal SA. The charge control signal SA includes the instruction of increasing the electrical current at present by dl2. The signal conversion unit 45 converts the signal form of the charge control signal SA. Subsequently, the signal output unit 46 sends the charge control signal to the electrical vehicle 50. In the charging circuit 51 of the electrical vehicle 50 at time t4, when the duty cycle is varied to the duty cycle which is equal to the duty cycle in the period before the duty cycle of the charge control signal SA is decreased, the charging circuit 51 increases the charging electrical current I2 by dl2. Consequently, the charging circuit 51 charges the battery 52 by the electrical current value which is equal to the electrical current value in the period before time t2. Under this condition, even if the charging electrical current I2 is increased, consumption of the electrical current by the electrical equipments in the residence H is already decreased. Therefore, the main electrical current 11 has the electrical current value which is lower than both the first threshold value Th1 and the second threshold value Th2. Thus, the charging to the electrical vehicle 50 is continued.
As will be understood from the above explanation, even if the main electrical current 11 which is applied to the main breaker 11 is lower than the first threshold value Th1 , it is possible to limit the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50 under a condition where the electrical current which is lower than the first threshold value Th1 and which is equal to or higher than the second threshold value Th2 over a predetermined period of time dT3. Therefore, it is possible to decrease the peak value of the main electrical current 11.
(FIFTH EMBODIMENT)
An explanation of the invention in the fifth embodiment is made with Fig. 7. The components in this embodiment are approximately in common with the components of the first embodiment, except for the omission of the control box 3. Therefore, the components in common with the components in the first embodiment are symbolized by the same reference numerals. According to the above, the explanations of the components in common with the components in the first embodiment are omitted.
In the first embodiment, the electrical current measurement unit 2 is configured to measure the main electrical current 11 whereby the electrical current measurement unit 2 produces the measurement electrical current. The control box 3 is configured to compare the measured electrical current with the first threshold value Th1 , whereby the control box 3 judges whether the main electrical current 11 is higher than the first threshold value Th1 or is lower than the first threshold value Th1. When the electrical current value of the main electrical current 11 is kept higher than the first threshold value Th1 over a certain period of time dT, the control box 3 sends the electrical power supply control signal to the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4. The electrical power supply control signal includes the instruction of limiting the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50. Consequently, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 limits the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle 50. In contrast, in this embodiment, the control unit 44 of the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 is given the function that the control box 3 includes.
That is to say, the electrical current measurement unit 2 measures the electrical current value of the main electrical current 11 , whereby the electrical current measurement unit 2 producing the measured electrical current value. The control unit 44 of the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 compares the measured electrical current value with the first threshold value Th1, whereby the control unit 44 judges whether the measured electrical current value is higher than the first threshold value Th1 or is lower than the first threshold value Th1 , successively. When the electrical current value of the main electrical current 11 becomes higher than the first threshold value Th1 over a certain period of time dT1, the control unit 44 generates the charge control signal SA. The charge control signal SA is, in other words, the charge stop signal. The charge control signal SA includes the instruction of stopping of the charging of the battery. The signal conversion unit 45 converts the signal form of the signal. Then, the signal output unit 46 sends the signal to the electrical vehicle 50 from the signal output unit 46. In addition, when the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle 50 is stopped, the control unit 44 of the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 compares the measured electrical current value with the third threshold value Th3. (The measured electrical current value is produced by the electrical current measurement unit 2 when the electrical current measurement unit measures an amount of the electrical current.) Consequently, the control unit 44 recognizes whether the main electrical current 11 is higher than the third threshold value Th3 or lower than the third threshold value Th3. When the electrical current value of the main electrical current 11 is kept lower than the third threshold value Th3 over a certain period of time dT2, the control unit 44 generates the charge control signal SA. The charge control signal SA includes the instruction of restarting the charging of the battery. The signal conversion unit 45 converts the signal form of the charge control signal SA. Subsequently, the signal output unit 46 sends the signal to the electrical vehicle 50. As will be understood from the above explanations, this embodiment discloses the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 comprising the control unit 44 having a function of the control box 3. Therefore, there is no need to employ the control box 3. As a result, it is possible to simplify the system configuration.
It goes without saying that it is possible for the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the fourth embodiment to employ the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprising the control unit 44 having the function of the control box 3. This configuration makes it possible for the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the fourth embodiment to omit the control box 3, respectively.
(SIXTH EMBODIMENT)
An explanation of the invention in this embodiment is made with Fig. 8 and Fig. 9.
The electrical power feeding system for vehicle in this embodiment is approximately equivalent to the electrical power feeding system for vehicle in the third embodiment, except for the following two features, one is air conditioners 7a, 7b, and the other is interface unit 6a, 6b. Each one of the air conditioners 7a, 7b comprises a JEM-A terminal. JEM-A terminal complies with a standard of Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association. Each one of the interface units 6a, 6b is configured to convert the signal which is sent from the control box 3 into the signal corresponding to the JEM-A terminal, and is configured to send the signal to corresponding air conditioner 7a, 7b. The components in common with the components of the third embodiment are symbolized by the same reference numerals. Therefore, explanations of the components in common with the components of the third embodiment are omitted.
The electrical power feeding system for vehicle in the third embodiment is configured to limit the electrical power supply to the electrical vehicle when the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value which is predetermined. However, the electrical power feeding system for vehicle in this embodiment is configured to set the air conditioners 7a, 7b, in addition to the electrical vehicle 50 as targets for limitation of the electrical power supply when the main electrical current 11 exceeds the threshold. The electrical vehicle 50 and the air conditioners 7a, 7b are provided with priority orders. Relationships of the priority orders of the electrical vehicle 50 and the air conditioners 7a, 7b are determined as follows. ( The electrical vehicle 50 < the air conditioner 7a < the air conditioner 7b ) The electrical power supply is stopped in the order of the priority order from the lowest to the highest. That is, when the main electrical current exceeds the first threshold value, the electrical power supply which is supplied to the electrical vehicle 50, having the lowest priority order, is stopped. Then, when the main electrical current 11 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the electrical power supply which is supplied to the air conditioner 7a, having the lowest priority next to the electrical vehicle 50, is stopped. Subsequently, when the main electrical current 11 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the electrical power supply which is supplied to the air conditioner 7b, having the lowest priority order next to the air conditioner 7a, is stopped.
An explanation of operation in this embodiment is made with Fig. 9. Fig. 9 A shows a measurement value of the main electrical current 11 which js measured by the electrical current measurement unit 2. Fig. 9 B shows an output signal which is output from the control box 3. Fig. 9 C shows a duty cycle of the charge control signal SA which is output from the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 to the electrical vehicle 50. Fig. 9 D shows the charge electrical current I2. Fig. 9 E shows a JEMA signal which is applied to the air conditioner 7a. Fig. 9 F shows an on state or off state of the air conditioner 7a. Shadow portion A in Fig. 9 A shows the charging electrical current I2 included in the main electrical current 11. The charging electrical current I2 is supplied to the electrical vehicle 50. Shadow portion B shows the consumption of the electrical current by the air conditioner 7a.
In period between time to and time t1 , the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 supplies the electrical power to the electrical vehicle 50, whereby the battery of the electrical vehicle 50 is charged. In addition, also in period between to and t1, the electrical equipments are used in the residence H. A sum of "the consumption of the electrical current by the electrical equipments in the residence H" and "the charging electrical current I2" corresponds to the measurement value of the main electrical current 11. The main electrical current 11 is lower than the first threshold value Th1. Therefore, the control box 3 outputs no "electrical power feeding limitation signal". In this embodiment, the first threshold value Th1 is determined as 55 amperes. 55 amperes of the first threshold value Th1 corresponds to the 110 % of the amperage rating of the main breaker 11. That is, the amperage rating of the main breaker is equal to 50 amperes.
In time t1, the electrical equipment which is configured to consume a large amount of the electrical power comes into use in the residence H. As a result, the measurement value of the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1 (55 amperes). The control box 3 is configured to compare the measurement value of the main electrical current 11 with the first threshold value Th1 successively, whereby the control box 3 judges whether the measurement value of the main electrical current 11 is higher than the first threshold value Th1 or is lower than the first threshold value Th1. In time t2, "a condition where the main electrical current 11 exceeds the first threshold value Th1" is kept over a predetermined period of time dT1. Therefore, in time t2, the control box 3 sends "the electrical power feeding limitation signal S1 which includes the instruction of decreasing the charging electrical current I2 supplied to the electrical vehicle 50" to the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4.
When the control unit 44 of the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 receives the electrical power feeding limitation signal S3 at time t2, the control unit 44 generates the charge control signal SA instructing to decrease the charging electrical current I2 by dl1. (The charge control signal SA instructing to decrease the charging electrical current I2 by dl1 is, in other words, charge decrease signal SA.) The first threshold value Th1 is 5 amperes higher than the amperage rating of the main breaker 11. According to this setting, an amount of decrease in the electrical current dl1 is set to 7 amperes, considering the margin of 2 amperes. During the period until time t1 , if the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle sends the signal which permits the charging circuit 51 to charge the battery by equal to or less than 30 amperes, the charging circuit 51 of the electrical vehicle 50 charges the battery by equal to or less than 30 amperes. The electrical power feeding unit for vehicle comprises an electrical current detector 48 which is realized by a current transformer. The electrical current detector 48 is configured to detect the electrical current which flows through the internal line 40. On the basis of the detecting result which is produced by the electrical current detector 48, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 generates the charge control signal SA which instructs the adjustment of charging electrical current 12 to have an electrical current value which is dl1 lower than the value of the charging electrical current in the present. ( For example, when the value of the charging electrical current in the present is 25 amperes, adjusted value of the electrical current is 18 amperes. ( 25 amperes - 7 amperes = 18 amperes ) ) The signal conversion unit 45 converts the signal form of the charge control signal SA, and output the charge control signal SAfrom the signal output unit 46 to the electrical vehicle 50.
When the charging circuit 51 of the electrical vehicle 50 receives the charge control signal SAfrom the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4, the charging circuit 51 of the electrical vehicle 50 controls the electrical current value of the charging electrical current I2 according to the duty cycle of the charge control signal SA. When the duty cycle of the charge control signal SA is varied at time t2, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 decreases the charging electrical current I2 by dl1 according to the duty cycle which is varied at time t2. That is, the first threshold value Th1 (which is equal to 55 amperes) is higher than the amperage rating of the main breaker 11. When the electrical current which is equal to or more than the first threshold value Th1 is applied to the main breaker 11 over one second, the control box 3 generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal S3. On the basis of the electrical power feeding limitation signal S3, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 decreases "the charging electrical current I2 which is supplied to the electrical vehicle 50" by dl1. However, there is a case where the main electrical current 11 exceeds the amperage rating (50 amperes) in spite of that the main electrical current 11 is decreased by dl1. In this case, at time t3, the electrical current which exceeds the amperage rating is continuously applied over a predetermined period of time dT4. Therefore, the control box 3 sends "the signal which includes the instruction of stopping the air conditioner 7a having the lowest priority order next to the electrical vehicle" to the IFU 6a, at time t3. In response to this, the IFU 6a sends the JEMA signal including the stop instruction S5 to the conditioner 7a. At this moment, the air conditioner 7a is stopped by the JEMA signal which is sent from the IFU 6a. As a result, the main electrical current 11 is adjusted within the amperage rating. In this manner, it is possible to prevent the cut of the main breaker due to the excess electrical current applied to the main breaker 11. In addition, although the electrical current value of the charging electrical current in the electrical vehicle 50 is decreased, it is possible to continuously charge the battery, without stopping the charging.
Subsequently, in the period after the time t4, the charging electrical current I2 of the electrical vehicle 50 is decreased, and also the air conditioner 7a is stopped. Under this condition, when the electrical equipments of the residence H is stopped, the main electrical current 11 becomes lower than the third threshold value Th3 which is predetermined. ( 'The main electrical current 11 which becomes lower than the third threshold value Th3 is defined as the recovery electrical current." ) When the main electrical current 11 becomes lower than the third threshold value Th3 over the certain period of time dT2, the control box 3 sends "the signal which includes the instruction of operating the air conditioner 7a" to the IFU 6a. In response to this, the IFU 6a sends the JEMA signal including the operation instruction S6 to the air conditioner 7a. As a result, the air conditioner 7a is restarted by the JEMA signal which is sent from the IFU 6a. Consequently, the main electrical current 11 is increased by the electrical current which is consumed by the air conditioner 7a. However, if the main electrical current 11 is still lower than the third threshold Th3, the control box 3 sends "the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal S4" to the electrical vehicle 50 "in the time t6 when the predetermined period of time dT5 is passed". The electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal S4 includes the instruction of cancellation of the limitation of the electrical power supply.
When the control unit 44 of the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4 receives the electrical power feeding limitation cancellation signal S4 at time t6, the control unit 44 generates the charge control signal SA including the instruction of increasing the electrical current value of the charging electrical current I2 at the present by dl1. The signal conversion unit 45 converts the signal form of the charge control signal SA. The signal output unit 46 sends the charge control signal SA to the electrical vehicle 50. The charging circuit 51 of the electrical vehicle 50 is configured to adjust the charging electrical current according to the duty cycle of the charge control signal which is sent from the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle 4. In time t6, the duty cycle of the charge control signal SA is varied to the duty cycle which is equal to the duty cycle during the period before time t2. As a result, the charging circuit 51 of the electrical vehicle 50 increases the charging electrical current by dl1. Consequently, the charging circuit 51 charges the battery 52 by the electrical current value which is equal to the electrical current value in the period before the time t2. In this time, even if the charging electrical current I2 is increased, the consumption of the electrical current by the electrical equipment in the residence H is decreased. Therefore, the main electrical current 11 becomes lower than the first threshold value Th1. Therefore, "the electrical power feeding" to the electrical vehicle 50 is continued.
In addition, the electrical power feeding system for vehicle is configured to supply the electrical power to a first electrical equipment and a second electrical equipment. The control means is configured to determine a priority of the first electrical equipment as a first-order priority. The control means is configured to determine a priority of the second electrical equipment as a second-order priority. The control means is configured to determine a priority of the electrical vehicle as a third-order priority. The third-order priority is lower than the second-order priority. The second-order priority is lower than the first-order priority. When the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to limit the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle having the third-order priority. When the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle limits the electrical current supplied to the electrical vehicle, the control means is configured to recognize the first limitation condition. When the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal under the first limitation condition, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle limits the electrical power supplied to the second electrical equipment having the second-order priority.
In addition, the electrical power feeding system for vehicle is configured to supply electrical power to a plurality of electrical equipments. The control means is configured to determine a priority order of each one of the electrical equipments. The control means is configured to determine a priority order of the electrical vehicle as a lowest-order priority among the electrical vehicle and the electrical equipments. When the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to limit the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle having the lowest-order priority. When the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle limits the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical vehicle having the lowest-order priority, said control means is configured to recognize a first limitation condition. When the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal under the first limitation condition, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle is configured to limit the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical equipment in the order of the electrical equipment having the lowest-order priority to the electrical equipment having a highest- order priority among a plurality of the electrical equipment.
This configuration makes it possible to keep the convenience of the life when the electrical equipment is used. In addition, it is possible to prevent the peak of the consumption of the electrical current.
In addition, a plurality of the electrical equipments is provided to the residence. Consequently, it is possible to keep the convenience of the life of the user in the residence when the electrical equipment is used.
In addition, when the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal under the first condition, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle stop or decrease the electrical power supplied to the second electrical equipment.
In addition, when the control means generates the electrical power feeding limitation signal under the first condition, the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle stop or decrease the electrical power which is supplied to the electrical equipment in the order from the electrical equipment having the lowest-order priority to the electrical equipment having the highest-order priority among the electrical equipment.
It goes without saying that it is possible to apply "the means of controlling "the electrical power feeding" to the above explained embodiments except for the third embodiment. Consequently, it is possible to control the electrical power which is supplied to "the electrical equipment with JEM-A terminal, such as the air conditioner" and 'the electrical vehicle". Therefore, it is possible to obtain the same effect in this embodiment. Furthermore, the explanation of this embodiment is made with using the electrical equipments which is the air conditioners 7a, 7b having the JEM-A terminal. However, it is possible to apply the means disclosed in this embodiment to the electrical equipment such as floor heating system having the JEM-A terminal.
In addition, in each one of the above embodiments, the distribution board 1 supplies the commercial alternating power to the electrical vehicle 50. However, when "the electrical vehicle 50 accepts the direct current power" and ' he battery 52 is configured to be charged by the direct current power", it is possible to employ the distribution board being configured to distribute the direct current electrical power to the electrical equipment in the residence, whereby the electrical vehicle 50 is supplied with the direct current power.
That is, the electrical power which is supplied to from the power source through the breaker means may be the direct current power and the alternating current power.
In the above embodiments, the distribution board comprises the main breaker and the branch breakers. However, the branch breaker is not essential for the distribution board. That is, it is required for the distribution board to have the breaker.
In addition, the branch breaker is disposed in the line between the main breaker and the electrical power feeding unit for vehicle. In addition, the branch breaker is disposed in the line between the main breaker and the electrical equipment.
In addition, in the above embodiments, the first threshold value is set to be equal to or higher than 110 percents of the amperage rating. However, it is not essential to set the first threshold value as the value equal to or higher than the 110 percents of the amperage rating. That is, the first threshold value is determined arbitrarily.
In addition, in the above embodiments, the electrical vehicle is connected with the electrical power feeding system for vehicle by the connectors. However, the connection established by the connectors is not essential in this invention. That is, it is possible to apply the system to a wireless charging system. EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
1 distribution board
2 electrical current measurement unit
3 control box ( control device)
4 electrical power feeding unit for vehicle
5 vehicle's connector
11 main breaker
12 branch breaker
43 electrical leak detector
44 control unit
45 signal conversion unit
46 signal output unit
47 electrical power source
50 electrical vehicle
51 charging circuit
52 battery
53 connector terminal