JP2021113742A - Primary battery life determination system, life determination method, and life determination program - Google Patents

Abstract

To determine a usable time of a primary battery that is variable according to use environment at an arbitrary time during use of the primary battery.SOLUTION: A primary battery life determination system 10 includes: an acquisition unit 11 for acquiring data indicating an open circuit voltage of a primary battery 2 used in an apparatus 1; an estimation unit 12 for determining a first estimation value indicating an amount of discharge depth corresponding to the open circuit voltage of the primary battery 2 relative to total discharge depth from an expected start of use to end of use using first reference data indicating a relation between a circuit voltage of the primary battery 2 and the discharge depth from the expected start of use to end of use of the primary battery 2; a determination unit 13 for determining a usable time of the primary battery 2 based on the first estimation value and an actual use time of the primary battery; and an output unit 14 for outputting determination results by the determination unit 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a system, method and program for determining the life of a primary battery.

For example, a primary battery is used as a power source for devices such as gas meters, water meters, and communication devices. As described above, various systems for monitoring the state of the battery used in the device and detecting the abnormality of the battery have been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-65014 (Patent Document 1 below) discloses an automatic notification device that automatically notifies the center of the meter reading value of gas and the amount of tap water used. In this automatic notification device, when the battery voltage detected by the battery voltage detection unit is equal to or lower than the preset determination voltage, the battery voltage is determined to be abnormal and the center is notified.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-144642 (Patent Document 2 below) automatically determines when the operating environment temperature deviates from an appropriate temperature range, and based on the determination, outputs an alarm and gas. A gas meter that automatically shuts off and stops flow rate measurement is disclosed. This gas meter is provided with a detection means for detecting a decrease in the electromotive force of the battery by comparing the voltage between terminals of the battery that supplies power for measuring the flow rate and temperature with the minimum threshold voltage.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-65014 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-144642

For example, a primary battery used in a device such as a gas meter may have a predetermined usage period, such as being replaced once every 10 years. In such cases, the primary batteries used in the equipment are designed to be usable for at least the planned period of use. The usable period, that is, the life of the primary battery varies depending on the usage environment such as temperature. Therefore, the life of the primary battery is designed to be longer than the planned usage period. However, it is often difficult to predict how much the life of a primary battery used in a device will fluctuate depending on the environment in which it is used. In this case, it is necessary to design with a large margin so that the service life is significantly extended with respect to the planned usage period.

Therefore, the inventors have investigated a method for determining the remaining life of the primary battery in use in the device, that is, the remaining usable time, at any time during use. Although the above-mentioned prior art can detect an abnormality in the primary battery, it is difficult to estimate the usable period of the primary battery, which varies depending on the usage environment at any time during use of the primary battery.

The present application discloses a primary battery life determination system, method, and program that can determine the usable time of a primary battery, which can vary depending on the usage environment, at any time during use of the primary battery.

The primary cell life determination system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires data indicating the opening voltage of the primary battery used in the device, and the above-mentioned from the expected start of use to the end of use of the primary battery. Using the first reference data showing the relationship between the opening voltage of the primary cell and the discharge depth, the discharge depth corresponding to the acquired primary battery opening voltage is the total discharge depth from the assumed start of use to the end of use. An estimation unit that determines a first estimated value indicating the amount occupied by the primary cell, a determination unit that determines the usable time of the primary battery based on the first estimated value and the actual usage time of the primary battery, and the above. It includes an output unit that outputs a judgment result by the judgment unit. ..

According to the present disclosure, the usable time of the primary battery, which may vary depending on the usage environment, can be determined at any time during the use of the primary battery.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the life determination system of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of the first reference data. FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of the second reference data. FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of interpolation of the second reference data. FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of interpolated data of the second reference data. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the life determination system. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the first reference data used in the calculation example. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the second reference data used in the calculation example.

(Structure 1)
The primary cell life determination system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires data indicating the opening voltage of the primary battery used in the device, and the above-mentioned from the expected start of use to the end of use of the primary battery. Using the first reference data showing the relationship between the opening voltage of the primary cell and the discharge depth, the discharge depth corresponding to the acquired primary battery opening voltage is the total discharge depth from the assumed start of use to the end of use. An estimation unit that determines a first estimated value indicating the amount occupied by the primary cell, a determination unit that determines the usable time of the primary battery based on the first estimated value and the actual usage time of the primary battery, and the above. It includes an output unit that outputs a judgment result by the judgment unit.

According to the above configuration 1, the first estimated value indicating the amount of the open circuit voltage of the primary battery used in the device acquired and the discharge depth corresponding to the acquired open circuit voltage with respect to the assumed total discharge depth is It is determined. In determining the first estimated value, the first reference data showing the relationship between the open circuit voltage and the discharge depth from the assumed start of use to the end of use of the primary battery is used. This makes it possible to estimate the amount of the discharge depth corresponding to the opening voltage of the primary battery in use with respect to the assumed total discharge depth. That is, it is possible to estimate how much the discharge depth has advanced in the total discharge depth from the expected start of use to the end of use. The usable time is determined based on the first estimated value obtained by this estimation and the actual usage time which is the elapsed time from the start of use of the primary battery. As a result, the usable time is determined based on the progress of the discharge depth estimated from the opening voltage of the primary battery and the actual usage time of the primary battery. Therefore, the usable time of the primary battery, which may vary depending on the usage environment, can be determined at any time during use.

Here, the discharge depth in the first reference data and the discharge depth in the first estimated value may be values indicating a physical quantity based on the discharge depth. For example, in addition to the value of the discharge depth, the value obtained by converting the discharge depth into the usage period or the value obtained by converting the discharge depth into the remaining capacity may be used as the discharge depth of the first reference data and the discharge depth of the first estimated value. ..

The period from the start of use to the end of use assumed in the first reference data may be appropriately set according to the specifications of the primary battery. For example, it is possible to determine in advance how much electricity should be discharged before the end of use according to the specifications.

As an example, the judgment unit compares the evaluation value indicating the amount of the actual usage time of the primary battery with respect to the predetermined usage time of the primary battery with the first estimated value of the primary battery. The usable time can be determined. For example, the determination unit may determine how the amount of the discharge depth indicated by the first estimated value in the total discharge depth differs from the amount of the actual use time in the assumed use time. As a result, it is possible to determine a deviation from the assumption of the usable time of the primary battery.

Further, as another example, the determination unit can estimate the time required to reach the expected total discharge depth, that is, the usable time, from the discharge depth and the actual use time indicated by the first estimated value. The estimated usable time may be output as a judgment result. Further, the comparison result between the estimated usable time and the estimated usable time may be output as a judgment result.

As a determination result, for example, information indicating whether the usable time is longer or shorter than the assumed usage time, or how much it differs from the assumed usage time is output. This judgment result is synonymous with whether the discharge depth is deeper or shallower than the assumed discharge depth, or how much it differs. In this way, the determination unit may determine the deviation from the assumption of the usable time (life) of the primary battery.

(Structure 2)
In the above configuration 1, the acquisition unit may further acquire the closing voltage of the primary battery. The estimation unit uses the second reference data showing the time-dependent change in the relationship between the closed circuit voltage and the discharge depth of the primary battery from the assumed start of use to the end of use of the primary battery, and uses the acquired primary battery. A second estimate indicating the amount of the closed circuit voltage and the discharge depth corresponding to the actual use time to the total discharge depth may be further determined. The determination unit may determine the usable time of the primary battery based on the second estimated value and the actual usage time of the primary battery.

According to the above configuration 2, the estimation unit uses the second reference data showing the time-dependent change in the relationship between the closed circuit voltage and the discharge depth of the primary battery from the assumed start of use to the end of use of the primary battery. 2 Determine the estimated value. The second estimated value is a value indicating the amount of the acquired primary battery closing voltage and the discharge depth corresponding to the actual usage time to the total discharge depth. Here, the relationship between the closed circuit voltage and the discharge depth changes with time as the primary battery deteriorates. Therefore, the second estimated value reflects the degree of deterioration of the primary battery. That is, the second estimated value can be said to be a value indicating how much the discharge depth reflecting the degree of deterioration has advanced in the total discharge depth from the expected start of use to the end of use. The usable time is determined based on the second estimated value and the actual usage time, which is the actual usage time of the primary battery. This makes it possible to determine the usable time in consideration of the degree of deterioration of the primary battery in use.

The discharge depth in the second reference data and the second estimated value may be a value of the discharge depth, a converted value thereof, or a value indicating a physical quantity based on other discharge depths. Further, the period from the start of use to the end of use in the second reference data may be appropriately set according to the specifications of the primary battery.

(Structure 3)
In the above configuration 1 or 2, the acquisition unit may further acquire the temperature of the primary battery. The determination unit may further use the temperature to determine the usable time of the primary battery. This makes it possible to determine the life of the primary battery in consideration of the temperature.

The primary battery life determination method according to the embodiment of the present invention is a primary battery life determination method executed by a computer. The life determination method includes a step of acquiring data indicating the opening voltage of the primary battery used in the device, and the opening voltage and the discharge depth of the primary battery from the expected start of use to the end of use of the primary battery. Using the first reference data showing the relationship between the above, the first, which indicates the amount of the discharge depth corresponding to the acquired primary battery opening voltage with respect to the total discharge depth from the expected start to the end of use. It includes a step of determining an estimated value, a step of determining the usable time of the primary battery based on the first estimated value and the actual usage time of the primary battery, and a step of outputting the determination result.

The primary cell life determination program according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition process for acquiring data indicating the opening voltage of the primary battery used in the device, and the above-mentioned from the expected start to end of use of the primary battery. Using the first reference data showing the relationship between the opening voltage of the primary cell and the discharge depth, the discharge depth corresponding to the acquired primary battery opening voltage is the total discharge depth from the assumed start of use to the end of use. An estimation process for determining a first estimated value indicating the amount occupied by the primary cell, a determination process for determining the usable time of the primary battery based on the first estimated value and the actual usage time of the primary battery, and the above-mentioned Have the computer execute the output processing that outputs the judgment result by the judgment processing.

[Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The same and corresponding configurations are designated by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the same description is not repeated. In addition, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, in the drawings referred to below, the configuration is shown in a simplified or schematic manner, or some constituent members are omitted.

(System configuration example)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a primary battery life determination system according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the life determination system 10 acquires information such as voltage from the primary battery 2 in use in the device 1, and uses the data recorded in the recording unit 3, that is, the life of the primary battery 2, that is, use. It is a system that judges the possible time. The life determination system 10 can access the recording unit 4. Data related to the primary battery 2 is recorded in the recording unit 4. The life determination system 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, an estimation unit 12, a determination unit 13, and an output unit 14. The primary battery 2 provides power to the device 1. When the primary battery 2 is connected to the device 1 and can supply electric power to the device 1, the use of the primary battery 2 for the device 1 is started.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the measuring unit 3 measures the open circuit voltage (open circuit voltage) (hereinafter referred to as OCV), the closed circuit voltage (closed circuit voltage) (hereinafter referred to as CCV), and the temperature of the primary battery 2. do. The measuring unit 3 may include, for example, an open circuit voltage detection circuit, a closed circuit voltage detection circuit, and a temperature sensor. The measuring unit 3 can communicate with the life determination system 10. The measuring unit 3 and the life determination system 10 may be able to communicate with each other via a network.

The acquisition unit 11 acquires the OCV, CCV, and temperature of the primary battery 2 used in the device 1. For example, the acquisition unit 11 receives the measured OCV, CCV and temperature from the measurement unit 3. The acquisition unit 11 may instruct the measurement unit 3 to measure the OCV, CCV, and temperature, and may receive the measurement results. Alternatively, OCV, CCV and temperature may be automatically received from the measuring unit 3. The measuring unit 3 may measure OCV, CCV and temperature at a predetermined cycle, for example, and transmit the measurement to the life determination system 10. Alternatively, OCV, OCC and temperature may be measured and transmitted when predetermined conditions are met. The acquisition unit 11 is not limited to the OCV, CCV and temperature, and may acquire information on the other primary battery 2 from the measurement unit 3 or another device, and at least one of the OCV, CCV and temperature may be acquired. You may get it.

The acquisition unit 11 may record, for example, the OCV, CCV, and the time when the temperature is acquired. In this case, the time from the start of use of the primary battery 2 to the device 1 to the time of acquisition can be set as the actual use time of the primary battery 2. The actual usage time of the primary battery 2 is the actual usage time of the primary battery 2, and is the elapsed time from the start of use of the primary battery 2 with respect to the device 1. The actual usage time of the primary battery 2 does not have to be strictly specified up to the hour, minute, and second, and may be specified, for example, in hours or days. The information indicating the actual usage time of the primary battery 2 may be acquired by the acquisition unit 11 from the measurement unit 3 together with the OCV, CCV, and temperature. In this case, the acquisition unit 11 acquires, for example, information indicating when the OCV, CCV and temperature are measured, and actually obtains the time from the start of use of the primary battery 2 to the time when the OCV, CCV and temperature are measured. It can be used time. Alternatively, it is also possible to record data indicating the start of use of the primary battery 2 and calculate the time from the start of use to the present as the actual use time of the primary battery 2. Data indicating the start of use or the actual use time of the primary battery 2 is recorded in, for example, the recording unit 4. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire data indicating that the use of the primary battery 2 for the device 1 has started or the start time from the measurement unit 3.

In the recording unit 4, for example, a database including information about the primary battery 2 is recorded. The database includes, for example, first reference data, second reference data, estimated usage time of the primary battery 2, and data indicating the actual usage time of the primary battery 2.

The first reference data is data showing the relationship (OCV-DOD) between the OCV and the discharge depth (depth of dishage, hereinafter referred to as DOD) from the assumed start of use to the end of use of the primary battery 2. For example, the first reference data may be data indicating a change in DOD with respect to a change in open circuit voltage from the expected start of use to the end of use of the primary battery 2. The first reference data shows the correspondence between OCV and DOD. Further, the first reference data may be data showing a relationship with a value indicating a temperature or other usage environment in addition to OCV and DOD.

The second reference data is data showing the time course of the relationship between CCV and DOD (CCV-DOD) from the assumed start of use to the end of use of the primary battery 2. For example, the second reference data includes data indicating the correspondence relationship (CCV-DOD) between CCV and DOD at a plurality of time points from the assumed start of use to the end of use of the primary battery 2 for a plurality of elapsed times. Further, the second reference data may be data showing a relationship with a value indicating a temperature or other usage environment in addition to CCV and DOD. For example, as the second reference data, the correspondence between CCV and DOD at a plurality of elapsed times may be recorded for a plurality of temperatures.

The data formats of the first reference data and the second reference data are not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a format such as a table, map data, function, or program. The first reference data and the second reference data can be created, for example, based on OCV measured at a plurality of DOD stages with the same battery as the primary battery 2. An example of creating the first reference data and the second reference data will be described later.

The estimation unit 12 uses the first reference data to indicate the amount of the DOD corresponding to the OCV of the primary battery 2 acquired by the acquisition unit 11 with respect to the total DOD from the expected start to the end of use. To determine. For example, the estimation unit 12 can extract the DOD value corresponding to the acquired OCV from the first reference data, and use the extracted value as the first estimation value.

Using the second reference data, the estimation unit 12 uses the second reference data to obtain the CCV of the primary battery 2 and the total DOD of the DOD corresponding to the actual usage time of the primary battery 2 from the expected start to the end of use. A second estimate indicating the quantity against is determined. For example, the estimation unit 12 can extract the acquired CCV and the DOD value corresponding to the actual usage time from the second reference data, and use the extracted value as the second estimation value.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of the first reference data. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the OCV value corresponding to 0 to 100% DOD is recorded as the first reference data. Here, the assumed DOD at the end of use can be arbitrarily set. That is, the total DOD from the expected start of use to the end of use (hereinafter, referred to as "assumed end DOD") may be set to an arbitrary value between 0 and 100%. The data indicating the DOD at the end of the assumption may be included in the first reference data. The first reference data may be, for example, a function showing a curve of a graph or a set of discrete values.

The estimation unit 12 can use, for example, the value of the DOD corresponding to the OCV acquired by the acquisition unit 11 indicated by the first reference data as the first estimation value. Alternatively, the estimation unit 12 may use the value obtained by converting the DOD value corresponding to the acquired OCV into the usage time as the first estimated value. For example, the value of DOD corresponding to OCV can be converted into the usage time by the following formula.
Usage time = (estimated usage time) x (DOD value corresponding to OCV) / (estimated end DOD)

The first reference data can be created, for example, as follows. First, a plurality of primary batteries are discharged at a constant current in a temperature environment of 20 ° C., and a plurality of batteries having different DODs (for example, DOD = 3%, 15%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 80%, 90). % And 100% batteries) are prepared, and the OCV of each battery is measured. Alternatively, one primary battery may be discharged at a constant current and OCV may be measured at a plurality of different DOD stages. From these measured values, a database regarding the relationship between the DOD of the primary battery (or the value obtained by converting the DOD into the usage period) and the OCV is created. The condition for DOD = 100% can be appropriately set. That is, it is not always necessary to set DOD = 100% in the state where the capacity of the primary battery determined by the standard is discharged. For example, the discharge capacity when the battery voltage (CCV) drops to a set voltage value due to discharge can be set as the discharge capacity of DOD = 100%.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of the second reference data. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the CCV value corresponding to 0 to 100% DOD has a plurality of elapsed times (0 years, 5 years and 10 years) and a plurality of temperatures (-20 ° C, 0 ° C, 20 ° C, 60 ° C.) is recorded. Here, an assumed end DOD different from the assumed end DOD of the first reference data may be set for the second reference data. The data indicating the DOD at the end of the assumption may be included in the second reference data. In the example shown in FIG. 3, CCV-DODs having elapsed times of 0 years, 5 years, and 10 years are included in the second reference data, but CCV-DODs in the elapsed times between them may be calculated by interpolation. .. For example, CCV-DOD for each year from 0 to 10 years may be included in the second reference data. The second reference data may be, for example, a function showing a curve of a graph or a set of discrete values.

For example, the estimation unit 12 can extract the DOD value corresponding to the actual usage time of the OCV and the primary battery 2 acquired by the acquisition unit 11 from the second reference data and use it as the second estimation value. Alternatively, the estimation unit 12 may use a value obtained by converting the acquired OCV and the DOD value corresponding to the actual use time into the use time as the second estimated value. For example, the value of DOD corresponding to OCV can be converted into the usage time by the following formula.
Usage time = (estimated usage time) x (value of DOD corresponding to CCV and actual usage time) / (DOD at expected end)

The second reference data can be created, for example, as follows. First, a plurality of primary batteries are discharged at a constant current in a temperature environment of 20 ° C. to prepare a plurality of batteries having different DODs. Next, each battery is stored in a high temperature environment to cause the battery to change over time to obtain a battery in the same state as that stored at 20 ° C. for a certain period of time (for example, 5 years and 10 years) (for example, 5 years and 10 years). Accelerated test). When the assumed usage period of the battery is relatively short, the battery may be stored at 20 ° C. for a predetermined period instead of the accelerated test at a high temperature to cause the battery to change with time. The storage period of the accelerated test is determined by converting it into the storage period when stored at 20 ° C. Further, the storage temperature in the accelerated test can be appropriately set according to the degree of acceleration.

A plurality of primary batteries having different storage periods are prepared, and the CCV of the batteries when pulse discharging is performed under a plurality of measurement temperature environments is measured for each of them. As a result, a database regarding the relationship between the DOD (or usage period) of the batteries and the CCV is created for the primary batteries having different states of changes over time and the temperature environment. Conditions such as the current value of pulse discharge can be appropriately set according to the design capacity of the battery and the like.

In the first reference data and the second reference data, the values between the measured values may be complemented. FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of the interpolated value of the CCV value of the battery corresponding to the lapse of 3 years between the measured value of the CCV of the battery corresponding to the lapse of 0 years and the measured value of the CCV of the battery corresponding to the lapse of 5 years. .. In the graph, the CCV value at the intersection of the line connecting the measured value of CCV equivalent to 0 years and the measured value of CCV equivalent to 5 years and the line of usage period = 3 years is the interpolation equivalent to 3 years. It becomes a value. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the correspondence relationship of CCV-DOD created based on the interpolated value of the usage time of 3 years shown in FIG.

As described above, the second reference data includes the correspondence of CCV-DOD for a plurality of temperatures and a plurality of elapsed times. The estimation unit 12 acquires from the data showing the CCV-DOD correspondence relationship of the elapsed time corresponding to the actual usage time of the primary battery 2 and the CCV-DOD correspondence relationship corresponding to the temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The DOD corresponding to the CCV acquired by the unit 11 can be extracted and used as the second estimated value.

The determination unit 13 determines the usable time of the primary battery based on the first estimated value, the second estimated value, and the actual usage time of the primary battery 2. The determination unit 13 can execute a determination based on the first estimated value and the actual usage time and a determination based on the second estimated value and the actual usage time, respectively.

When the first estimated value is a value represented by the DOD, the determination unit 13 can determine the usable time by comparing the assumed DOD corresponding to the actual usage time of the primary battery 2 with the first estimated value. .. The assumed DOD is a DOD that is assumed at the time of actual usage time when used at the estimated usage time. For example, it is calculated based on the value obtained by multiplying the estimated total DOD from the expected start to the end of use by the ratio of the actual usage time to the estimated usage time (estimated total DOD x (actual usage time / estimated usage time)). be able to. When the second estimated value is a value indicating DOD, the usable time can be determined by comparing the assumed DOD and the second estimated value in the same manner. In this case, the determination unit 13 determines whether the DOD obtained from the OCV or CCV is deeper or shallower than expected, or how far it is from the assumption.

When the first estimated value is a value representing the amount of the DOD corresponding to the OCV with respect to the assumed total DOD in terms of usage time, the determination unit 13 compares the first estimated value with the actual usage time to obtain the usable time. Can be judged. In this case, the first estimated value is determined based on, for example, the value of the estimated usage time × (DOD corresponding to OCV / assumed total DOD). When the second estimated value is a value expressed by the usage time of the amount of the DOD corresponding to CCV with respect to the assumed total DOD, similarly, the usable time is determined by comparing the second estimated value with the actual usage time. I can judge. In this case, the determination unit 13 determines whether the usage time based on the DOD obtained from the OCV or CCV is longer or shorter than expected, or how far it is from the assumption.

The determination unit 13 may calculate the estimated value of the usable time by using the first estimated value and the actual usage time. For example, when the first estimated value is (DOD corresponding to OCV / assumed total DOD), the estimated value can be calculated by actual usage time / (DOD corresponding to OCV / assumed total DOD). Similarly, the determination unit 13 may calculate the estimated value of the usable time by using the second estimated value and the actual usage time. For example, when the second estimated value is (DOD corresponding to CCV / estimated total DOD), the estimated usable time is calculated by actual usage time / (DOD corresponding to CCV / estimated total DOD). be able to. The determination unit 13 may use the estimated value of the usable time as the determination result.

Further, the determination unit 13 may use the comparison result between the estimated value of the usable time and the estimated usage time as the determination result. In this case, the determination unit 13 determines whether the estimated usable time is longer or shorter than the assumed usage time, or how far it is from the assumption.

The determination result of the determination unit 13 is not limited to the above example. For example, the determination result may include the remaining capacity of the primary battery 2. The remaining capacity can be calculated from the DOD.

The output unit 14 outputs the determination result by the determination unit 13. The output form of the output unit 14 is not particularly limited, but the determination result is output in, for example, display on a display, audio output, data transmission, data storage, or other form. The judgment result includes information on the usable time, that is, the life of the primary battery. For example, the determination result may include information indicating a deviation from the expected usable time or information indicating the usable time. The judgment result may include both the judgment result based on the first estimated value and the judgment result based on the second estimated value, or the judgment result based on the first estimated value and the judgment result based on the second estimated value are combined. The judgment result may be included.

The life determination system 10 can be composed of one or a plurality of computers. For example, a processor included in a computer can realize the functions of the acquisition unit 11, the estimation unit 12, the determination unit 13, and the output unit 14 by executing a predetermined program stored in the memory. A program for causing a computer to execute the functions of the acquisition unit 11, the estimation unit 12, the determination unit 13, and the output unit 14, and a non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded also implements the present invention. Included in the form. The recording unit 4 can be configured by a recording device accessible to a computer constituting the life determination system 10.

The lifespan determination system 10 may be composed of, for example, a computer of a server connected to the measurement unit 3 via a network. Further, at least a part of the acquisition unit 11, the estimation unit 12, the determination unit 13, and the output unit 14 may be configured by a circuit connected to the primary battery 2 as in the measurement unit 3, for example. Alternatively, the measuring unit 3 may be included in the life determination system 10.

The life determination system 10 may be configured to determine the usable time of a plurality of primary batteries. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire at least one of OCV, CCV, and temperature from a plurality of primary batteries used for each of the plurality of devices. In this case, for example, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire battery identification information (for example, identifier, address, etc.) that identifies the primary battery together with OCV, CCV, and temperature. In the recording unit 4, the battery specific information of each of the plurality of primary batteries is recorded in association with the data related to each primary battery (for example, the first reference data, the second reference data, the estimated usage time, the actual usage time, etc.). You may. The estimation unit 12 can determine the first estimated value and the second estimated value based on the first reference data and the second reference data associated with the acquired battery specific information. The determination unit 13 can determine the usable time by using the estimated usage time and the actual usage time (or data indicating the start of use) corresponding to the battery specific information. Thereby, the usable time can be determined for each of the plurality of primary batteries of the different devices 1.

(Operation example)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the life determination system 10. In the example shown in FIG. 6, first, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the OCV, CCV, and temperature T1 of the primary battery 2 measured by the measurement unit 3 (S1).

After the start of use of the battery, the measuring unit 3 measures the OCV, CCV, and temperature of the battery at a predetermined timing and transmits the measurement to the outside (life determination system 10). The timing of measurement is not particularly limited, but for example, measurement can be performed at a predetermined cycle (for example, every month). Alternatively, it can be measured according to the usage status of the device. For example, when the device 1 is a gas meter, the measurement may be performed every time the amount of gas used reaches a certain amount.

OCV is measured in a no-load state with substantially no current flowing through the primary battery. When the primary battery is discharged, it may take some time for the battery components to reach an equilibrium state and the voltage to settle to a constant value after the discharge is completed. Therefore, it is desirable that the measuring unit 3 measures the OCV after a certain time or more has elapsed depending on the conditions such as the current value and the temperature before the primary battery is discharged and before the no-load state is reached. ..

The CCV is measured by measuring the voltage of the primary battery obtained when the primary battery is discharged. The discharge conditions at the time of CCV measurement can be determined in advance. The discharge conditions and measurement conditions at the time of CCV measurement are not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferable to perform pulse discharge once and set the minimum value of the battery voltage value that changes at that time to CCV. As a result, the influence of the measurement such as the decrease in battery capacity can be suppressed as much as possible. The discharge conditions (for example, the current value of pulse discharge) at the time of CCV measurement can be appropriately set according to the design capacity of the primary battery and the like.

The temperature measured by the measuring unit 3 may be the temperature of the surface of the primary battery or the ambient temperature of the surroundings of the battery.

The acquisition unit 11 determines the actual use time t when the OCV, CCV and the temperature T1 are acquired (S2). The actual usage time t may be, for example, the elapsed time from the start of use of the primary battery 2 recorded in the recording unit 4 to the device 1 to the present time. The determined actual use time t is used in a later process when determining the usable time based on the acquired OCV, CCV and temperature T1. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire the measurement times of OCV, CCV and the temperature T1 from the measurement unit 3 and determine the actual use time t based on the start of use and the measurement time.

The estimation unit 12 determines the first estimated value using the OCV and the first reference data (S3). The estimation unit 12 uses the first reference data showing the relationship between the DOD of the primary battery and the OCV, and uses the DOD corresponding to the value of the OCV measured for the primary battery 2 in use (hereinafter, this is x (%)). To be determined). This DOD: x (%) is used as the first estimated value. The estimation unit 12 may calculate an estimated value of the remaining capacity of the primary battery from the value of x. In the present embodiment, since the OCV is premised that the value hardly changes even if the temperature changes, it is not necessary to correct the estimated value of the DOD by the temperature. When the change in OCV due to temperature cannot be ignored, it is preferable to prepare data showing the relationship between OCV and DOD for a plurality of temperatures as the first reference data. Thereby, the DOD considering the influence of the temperature can be determined by using the data indicated by the relationship of OCV-DOD according to the temperature T1.

The determination unit 13 determines the usable time of the primary battery 2 based on the first estimated value (DOD corresponding to OCV: x (%)) (S4). The determination unit 13 obtains the assumed DOD: s (%) of the primary battery 2 that is assumed in the actual usage time t when the battery is used as scheduled. The assumed DOD: s is, for example, the estimated usage period: T from the start of use of the primary battery 2 scheduled in the device 1 to the end of use, and the assumed end time DOD: z assumed at the end of use of the primary battery 2. Using (%) and, for example, it can be obtained from the following equation.
s = z × t / T × 100 (%)

When the DOD: x (%) based on the measured value of the OCV of the primary battery 2 is equal to the assumed DOD: s (%) based on the actual usage time t (x = z), the determination unit 13 determines the battery as expected. Can be determined to be used. When x> s, it can be determined that the primary battery is used more than expected (the remaining capacity of the battery is small). When x <s, it can be determined that the primary battery is used less than expected (the remaining capacity of the battery is large). Further, the difference: x−s indicates how much the actual battery usage state deviates from the assumed battery usage state. The determination result by the determination unit 13 includes, for example, data indicating whether the primary battery 2 is used more or less than expected, and the degree of deviation (x−s) from the assumption of the use of the primary battery 2.

Based on this judgment result, for example, whether the design items such as the external environment in which the primary battery (or device) is installed, the heat dissipation structure of the primary battery, and the arrangement of the primary battery are appropriate are determined during use of the primary battery. You can check. It is also possible to determine whether it is necessary to replace the primary battery or whether it is possible to reduce the number of primary batteries before the expected usage period of the primary battery expires. The life determination system 10 may execute such evaluation of the external environment or design items based on the determination result, or determination of excess or deficiency of battery capacity.

The estimation unit 12 determines the second estimated value using the CCV, the actual usage time t, and the second reference data (S5). The second reference data shows the relationship between the CCV and the DOD of the primary battery under various conditions in which the elapsed time from the start of use of the battery and the temperature are different. From the second reference data, the value of CCV measured for the primary battery 2 in use, the temperature T1, and the DOD (referred to as y (%)) corresponding to the actual usage time t of the primary battery 2 are derived and used as this. Let it be the second estimated value. From the value of y, the degree of deterioration of the battery is estimated.

The determination unit 13 determines the usable time of the primary battery 2 based on the second estimated value (DOD: y (%) corresponding to OCV) (S6). When the DOD: y (%) of the battery is equal to the assumed DOD: s (%) (y = s), the determination unit 13 can determine that the battery has changed (deteriorated) with time as expected. When y> s, it can be determined that the deterioration of the battery is progressing more than expected. When y <s, it can be judged that the deterioration of the battery is less than expected. Further, the difference: y-s indicates how much the actual degree of deterioration of the battery deviates from the assumed deterioration state of the battery. The determination result by the determination unit 13 includes, for example, data indicating whether the deterioration of the primary battery 2 is more or less than expected, and the degree of deviation from the assumption of the degree of deterioration | ys |.

Based on this determination result, it is possible to confirm, for example, whether or not the design items such as the design capacity of the battery and the number of assembled batteries are appropriate during the use of the battery. It is also possible to determine whether the batteries need to be replaced and whether the number of batteries can be reduced before the expected battery life expires. The life determination system 10 may execute such evaluation of the external environment or design items based on the determination result, or determination of excess or deficiency of battery capacity.

The determination unit 13 may generate information as a guideline for battery design according to the comparison result of the first estimated value determined in S4 and the second estimated value determined in S6, and include it in the determination result. .. For example, when the absolute value of the difference between the first estimated value x and the second estimated value y exceeds the threshold value, design guideline data corresponding to the magnitude relationship between x and y can be generated. For example, when x> y, the decrease in the remaining capacity progresses faster than the deterioration of the primary battery, so that information for proposing a battery design that emphasizes the discharge capacity of the primary battery is generated. When x <y, the deterioration progresses faster than the decrease in the remaining capacity of the primary battery, so information that proposes a battery design that emphasizes the storage characteristics of the primary battery is generated.

The output unit 14 outputs the determination result by the determination unit 13 (S7). The output unit 14 outputs one or both of the determination result based on the first estimated value in S4 and the determination result based on the second estimated value in S6. Further, the comprehensive judgment result generated from these judgment results may be output. Further, the evaluation result of the external environment or design items based on the judgment result regarding the usable time, the judgment result of excess or deficiency of the battery capacity, and the design guideline data based on the first estimated value and the second estimated value may be output. .. By providing the information output from the output unit 14 to, for example, the manufacturer of the device 1, it is possible to contribute to the design of the device 1.

(Processing example)
Next, an example of executing the process of determining the usable time of the primary battery under the following conditions will be described. In this example, a processing example when the first reference data shown in FIG. 2 and the second reference data shown in FIG. 5 are used will be described. As a condition, the period of use of the temporary battery is 7 years. As a device design, it is assumed that the primary battery is designed to be used until the discharge depth reaches 92% (DOD at the end of the assumption: z = 92%). The primary battery is designed to be used by connecting five in parallel. Evaluate the condition of the primary battery after 3 years of use. That is, the actual usage time is 3 years. The state detected after 3 years from the start of use of the primary battery is OCV: 3.042 (V), temperature 0 ° C., and CCV is 2.945 (V). CCV is the minimum voltage for 50mA x 1 second pulse discharge.

From the relationship of OCV-DOD of the first reference data shown in FIG. 2, the DOD: x corresponding to OCV: 3.042 (V) is 31.2% (see FIG. 7). In this case, it can be determined that the remaining capacity of the primary battery is about 70%.

Since the actual usage time t is 3 years and the estimated usage time is 7 years, the assumed DOD: s of the primary battery when used for 3 years planned in the equipment design is 92% x 3 years / 7 years = 39. It is 0.4%. Since x−s = 31.2% -39.4% = −8.2%, the determination unit 13 determines that the primary battery is used by 8.2% less than the assumption of the device design.

The determination unit 13 further calculates the estimated value of the DOD of the primary battery at the stage of using it for 7 years, which is the estimated usage time, as 72.8% (31.2% × 7 years / 3 years). As a result, it is estimated that in 7 years, only 79% (72.8 / 92) of the assumed total DOD of the primary battery assumed in the equipment design will be used. From this, it can be determined that the capacity of the primary battery may be set to 80%. As a result, the determination unit 13 determines that the number of primary batteries used can be reduced from five to four. The output unit 14 outputs this determination result.

From the relationship of CCV-DOD (equivalent to 3 years, CCD-DOD at 0 ° C.) of the second reference data shown in FIG. 5, DOD corresponding to CCV: 2.945 (V) (here, deterioration rate): y Is determined to be 45.3% (see FIG. 8). y is a value 4.9% larger than the assumed DOD: s = 39.4% of the primary battery after 3 years of use (y-s = 4.9%). The determination unit 13 determines that the deterioration has progressed from the initial assumption. The determination unit 13 generates a determination result that requires consideration of factors on the device side that promote the deterioration of the battery (external environment in which the battery is installed, heat dissipation structure of the battery, arrangement of the battery in the device, etc.).

The determination unit 13 further calculates the deterioration rate of the primary battery at the stage of using it for 7 years, which is the assumed usage time, as 105.7% (45.3% × 7 years / 3 years). The determination unit 13 determines that the estimated value of the deterioration rate after 7 years of use exceeds a predetermined condition (100% in this example). In this case, the determination unit 13 generates a determination result including a battery replacement proposal.

In the above example, the second estimated value y: 45% is larger than the first estimated value x: 31.2%. The determination unit 13 can generate information that serves as a guideline for battery design according to the comparison result of the first estimated value and the second estimated value. For example, when x <y, it is possible to generate information that proposes a battery design that emphasizes storage characteristics from the aspect of primary battery design.

As in the above example, the determination unit 13 relates to the device environment or the battery design when the amount of deviation from the assumption of the use of the primary battery obtained as the determination result based on the first estimated value satisfies the preset condition. Information including suggestions can be generated and included in the judgment results. In addition, it is possible to generate information suggesting reduction or replacement of the capacity of the primary battery in use based on the amount of deviation from the assumption of use of the primary battery. For example, when the determination unit 13 determines that the usable time of the primary battery is longer than the estimated usage time by a predetermined time or more, the determination unit 13 generates information suggesting a decrease in the primary battery capacity, and the primary battery can be used. If it is determined that the time is shorter than the expected usage time by a predetermined time or more, information suggesting replacement of the primary battery capacity can be generated. As a determination result, the output unit 14 can output information including a proposal regarding the device environment or the battery design, or information proposing a reduction or replacement of the capacity of the primary battery.

Similarly, the determination unit 13 makes a proposal regarding the device environment or the battery design when the amount of deviation from the assumption of the degree of deterioration of the primary battery obtained as the determination result based on the second estimated value satisfies a preset condition. Information to be included can be generated and included in the judgment result. In addition, it is possible to generate information suggesting reduction or replacement of the capacity of the primary battery in use based on the amount of deviation from the assumption of the degree of deterioration of the primary battery.

In the present embodiment, the device using the primary battery is not limited to a specific device, but may be, for example, a gas meter. The life determination system of the present embodiment can be suitably applied to a device such as a gas meter in which an estimated usage time (replacement time) of a primary battery is determined in advance. With the life judgment system, it is possible to grasp the deviation of the usable time (life) of the primary battery from the assumption during use. The information output by this life determination system enables, for example, saving the capacity of the primary battery in use or early replacement. In addition, the above information makes it possible to improve, for example, the environment and design of the primary battery used in the device.

The primary battery targeted by the life determination system of the present embodiment is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a lithium primary battery. The lithium primary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator arranged between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. As an example, a lithium primary battery (lithium manganese dioxide battery) in which the positive electrode contains manganese dioxide as the positive electrode active material may be the primary battery subject to the life determination system. The lithium manganese dioxide battery has a characteristic that the voltage drop at the end of discharge is gradual. Therefore, the usable time can be determined more accurately by the life determination system. The voltage of the primary battery to be judged by the life judgment system is not particularly limited. For example, a primary battery having a nominal voltage in the range of 3.4 to 3.8V or a primary battery having a nominal voltage in the range of 2.7V to 3.3V may be the subject of judgment by the life determination system.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

1 Equipment 2 Primary battery 3 Measuring unit 4 Recording unit 10 Lifespan judgment system 11 Acquisition unit 12 Estimating unit 13 Judgment unit 14 Output unit

Claims (5)

An acquisition unit that acquires data indicating the opening voltage of the primary battery used in the equipment,
Using the first reference data showing the relationship between the opening voltage of the primary battery and the discharge depth from the assumed start of use to the end of use of the primary battery, the discharge depth corresponding to the acquired opening voltage of the primary battery is determined. , The estimation unit that determines the first estimated value indicating the amount occupied with respect to the total discharge depth from the expected start of use to the end of use.
A determination unit that determines the usable time of the primary battery based on the first estimated value and the actual usage time of the primary battery.
A primary battery life determination system including an output unit that outputs a determination result by the determination unit. The primary battery life determination system according to claim 1.
The acquisition unit further acquires the closing voltage of the primary battery.
The estimation unit uses the second reference data showing the time-dependent change in the relationship between the closed circuit voltage and the discharge depth of the primary battery from the assumed start of use to the end of use of the primary battery, and uses the acquired primary battery. A second estimate indicating the amount of the closed circuit voltage and the discharge depth corresponding to the actual use time to the total discharge depth is further determined.
The determination unit is a primary battery life determination system that determines the usable time of the primary battery based on the second estimated value and the actual usage time of the primary battery. The primary battery life determination system according to claim 1 or 2.
The acquisition unit further acquires the temperature of the primary battery, and obtains the temperature of the primary battery.
The determination unit is a primary battery life determination system that further uses the temperature to determine the usable time of the primary battery. It is a method of determining the life of a primary battery executed by a computer.
The process of acquiring data indicating the opening voltage of the primary battery used in the equipment, and
Using the first reference data showing the relationship between the opening voltage of the primary battery and the discharge depth from the assumed start of use to the end of use of the primary battery, the discharge depth corresponding to the acquired opening voltage of the primary battery is determined. The step of determining the first estimated value indicating the amount occupied with respect to the total discharge depth from the expected start of use to the end of use, and
A step of determining the usable time of the primary battery based on the first estimated value and the actual usage time of the primary battery, and
A method for determining the life of a primary battery, comprising a step of outputting the determination result. Acquisition process to acquire data indicating the opening voltage of the primary battery used in the equipment,
Using the first reference data showing the relationship between the opening voltage of the primary battery and the discharge depth from the assumed start of use to the end of use of the primary battery, the discharge depth corresponding to the acquired opening voltage of the primary battery is determined. , The estimation process for determining the first estimated value indicating the amount occupied with respect to the total discharge depth from the assumed start of use to the end of use.
Judgment processing for determining the usable time of the primary battery based on the first estimated value and the actual usage time of the primary battery, and
A primary battery life judgment program that causes a computer to execute an output process that outputs a judgment result by the judgment process.

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