JP2023023505A - Electric power management method and electric power management device - Google Patents

Abstract

To perform a calculation in grid computing, while securing charging completion of a secondary battery.SOLUTION: In a control process controlling electric energy supplied to a processing device mounted on a vehicle and a secondary battery mounted on the vehicle, first electric energy required for completing charging of the secondary battery at a predetermined time is supplied to the secondary battery for charging from an electric power supply device, and excess electric energy is supplied to the processing device when there is excess electric energy obtained from the electric power supply device even after supplying the first electric energy to the secondary battery for charging.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present disclosure relates to a power management method and a power management device.

Some vehicles are equipped with computers that can participate in grid computing (see Patent Document 1, for example). In the example of Patent Literature 1, a signal indicating that participation in grid computing is possible is transmitted to the management server in response to the user turning off the engine or powering off the vehicle.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-160661

Patent Literature 1 does not disclose any sorting of power for charging the secondary battery and power for grid computing.

An object of the present disclosure is to enable computation in grid computing while ensuring completion of charging of a secondary battery.

A first aspect includes a control step of controlling the amount of power supplied to a processing device mounted on a vehicle and a secondary battery mounted on the vehicle,
said processing device consists of a computer allowed to participate in grid computing and auxiliary devices functioning when said computer is running;
In the control step,
supplying a first amount of power required to complete charging of the secondary battery at a predetermined time from a power supply device for charging the secondary battery;
If there is a surplus in the amount of power obtained from the power supply device even if the first amount of power is supplied for charging the secondary battery, the surplus amount of power is supplied to the processing device. power management method.

In the first mode, the secondary battery is supplied with power that completes charging at the set charging completion time. Power is supplied to the processing device when there is a surplus of power even after charging.

A second aspect is the power management method according to the first aspect,
The power management method is characterized in that the control step includes a step of supplying a second amount of power obtained by subtracting the first amount of power from the amount of power obtained from the power supply device to the processing device.

In the second mode, the maximum power is supplied to the processing device by subtracting the required power for charging from the amount of power supplied for normal charging. This enables efficient processing in grid computing.

A third aspect is the power management method according to the first or second aspect,
The control step includes
a step of determining power consumption in the processing device;
When the amount of power distributed to the processing device exceeds the amount of power consumption, increasing the amount of power supplied to charge the secondary battery while reducing the amount of power distributed to the processing device. A power management method comprising:

In the third aspect, when the power allocated to the processing device is surplus, the surplus power is distributed to charging. As a result, it is possible to advance the charging end time.

A fourth aspect is the power management method according to any one of the first to third aspects,
The control step includes
A power management method comprising the step of distributing a part or all of the electric energy distributed for charging to the processing device when the charging of the secondary battery is completed.

In a fourth aspect, power is allocated for grid computing after charging is complete.

A fifth aspect is the power management method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects,
A power management method, comprising the step of notifying a server device that allocates jobs in the grid computing of an index related to the processing capacity of the computer.

In the fifth aspect, the server device can estimate what kind of jobs are best to be assigned to computers participating in grid computing. In other words, the fifth aspect can contribute to efficient operation in grid computing.

A sixth aspect is a power management apparatus comprising an arithmetic device that executes the power management method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects.

In a sixth aspect, the power management method can be implemented.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to perform calculations in grid computing while ensuring completion of charging of the secondary battery.

It is a figure which illustrates the structure of the system of embodiment. It is a figure explaining the concept of grid computing. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a vehicle; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an arithmetic unit; FIG. Fig. 10 is a flow chart of a preparation process for power management; 4 is a flow chart showing a power control process in charging a secondary battery. 4 is a flow chart showing a power control process in secondary battery charging and grid computing. 4 is a flowchart of power management after charging is completed.

[Embodiment]
A power management method and a power management device according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. A power management method is implemented in a power management device. Note that the power management device of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle connected to a system 1 (described later). First, the system 1 will be described below. The same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

《System 1》
FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of a system 1 in this embodiment. The system 1 includes multiple vehicles 10 , multiple user terminals 20 , a client server 30 , a facility server 40 and a management server 50 .

The client server 30 is owned by the client. The client requests the management server 50 to calculate job data. Examples of such clients include companies, research institutes, and educational institutions. The facility server 40 is owned by the facility. A user visits the facility. The user can make a reservation to visit the facility. Examples of such facilities include stadiums, theaters, supermarkets, restaurants, lodging facilities, retail outlets, and the like. The management server 50 manages the operation (such as job allocation) of the system 1 in which grid computing is configured. The management server 50 is owned by an operator who operates the system 1 .

These components can communicate with each other via the communication network 5 . Each of the vehicles 10 is equipped with an arithmetic device 105 . Note that the system 1 may be provided with a plurality of client servers 30 . Similarly, the system 1 may be provided with multiple facility servers 40 .

[Grid computing]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the concept of grid computing. As shown in FIG. 2 , in system 1 , grid computing is configured by a plurality of arithmetic units 105 . In the system 1 , a process (grid computing process) is performed in which an available computing device 105 among the plurality of computing devices 105 is caused to process job data.

Note that when the vehicle 10 requires the computing power of the computing device 105, the computing device 105 is put into operation. That is, the computing power of the computing device 105 is utilized. For example, when the computing power of the computing device 105 is required for running control of the vehicle 10, the computing device 105 is put into operation.

On the other hand, in the vehicle 10, when the calculation capacity of the calculation device 105 becomes unnecessary, the calculation device 105 will be in a stopped state. That is, in the vehicle 10, the computing power of the computing device 105 is not used.

Here, in the vehicle 10, when the computing power of the computing device 105 is unnecessary, the computing power of the computing device 105 is provided to the grid computing process. As a result, it becomes possible to effectively utilize the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 .

〔vehicle〕
Vehicle 10 is owned by a user. A user may drive the vehicle 10 . In this example, vehicle 10 is a four-wheeled motor vehicle. Examples of the vehicle 10 include electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle 10 includes an actuator 11, a sensor 12, a motor 13, secondary batteries 14 and 15, an inverter circuit 16, an input section 101, an output section 102, a communication section 103, a storage section 104, and an arithmetic device 105. , power converter 106 , DC/DC converter 107 and cooling device 108 .

The voltage of the secondary battery 14 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as battery) is several hundred volts (eg, 200 V). The power of the secondary battery 14 is input to the inverter circuit 16 . The secondary battery 14 may be charged normally or rapidly charged. Although both a normal charger and a quick charger are shown in FIG. 3, two chargers are shown for convenience of explanation. Vehicle 10 is not connected to two chargers at the same time.

The inverter circuit 16 converts the input DC voltage into an AC voltage having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined voltage, and outputs the AC voltage. The output (AC voltage) of the inverter circuit 16 is supplied to a motor (motor 13) for running the vehicle.

The voltage of the secondary battery 15 is 12V. The power of the secondary battery 15 is supplied to a computer (central control unit 105b described later) and the like.

The actuator 11 includes a steering system actuator, a braking system actuator, and the like. An example of a braking system actuator is a brake. Steering is an example of a steering system actuator.

The sensor 12 acquires various information used for controlling the vehicle 10 . Examples of the sensor 12 include an exterior camera, an interior camera, a radar, a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a yaw rate sensor, an accelerator opening sensor, a steering sensor, and a brake oil pressure sensor. The vehicle exterior camera images the exterior of the vehicle. The in-vehicle camera images the interior of the vehicle. The radar images the outside of the vehicle.

The input unit 101 inputs information and data. Examples of the input unit 101 include an operation unit that inputs information according to an operation by being operated, a camera that inputs an image representing information, a microphone that inputs sound representing information, and the like. Examples of the operation unit include operation buttons and touch sensors of a car navigation system. Information and data input to the input unit 101 are sent to the arithmetic unit 105 .

The output unit 102 outputs information and data. Examples of the output unit 102 include a display unit that outputs an image representing information, a speaker that outputs sound representing information, and the like. An example of the display unit is a display of a car navigation system. An example of a speaker is a speaker of a car navigation system.

The communication unit 103 transmits and receives information and data. Information and data received by the communication unit 103 are sent to the arithmetic unit 105 . In this embodiment, the user can instruct (transmit) an operation mode (described later) in the case of being connected to a normal charger to the communication unit 103 . In this example, the user can send an instruction from the user terminal 20 to the communication unit 103 by wireless communication.

The storage unit 104 stores information and data.

Arithmetic device 105 controls each part of vehicle 10 . Arithmetic device 105 will be described later in detail.

The power conversion device 106 has a function of supplying DC power. The power conversion device 106 includes an AC/DC converter circuit and a DC/DC converter circuit to output a DC voltage. For example, the power conversion device 106 supplies power (direct current) for charging the secondary battery 14 . The output voltage of the power conversion device 106 is the DC voltage necessary for charging the secondary battery 14 . Specifically, the output voltage of the power conversion device 106 is several hundred volts (eg, 200 V).

The power electronics device 106 is connected to a normal charger during normal charging. A normal charger is, for example, a commercial power supply. When electric power is supplied to the power conversion device 106, electric power is supplied to a predetermined portion of the arithmetic device 105 (such as a power distribution control unit 105c, which will be described later). The operation of the power converter 106 is controlled by the power distribution controller 105c.

The DC/DC converter 107 steps down the output voltage of the power converter 106 and outputs a DC voltage. The output of the DC/DC converter 107 is approximately 12V. The output destination of DC/DC converter 107 is determined according to the control of power distribution control section 105c (described later). For example, the output of the DC/DC converter 107 is supplied to the video media controller 105a (described later) or to the secondary battery 15 under the control of the power distribution controller 105c (described later).

Cooling device 108 cools arithmetic device 105 and secondary battery 14 . Specifically, the cooling device 108 water-cools the secondary battery 14 . The cooling device 108 also air-conditions the interior of the vehicle (room). That is, the cooling device 108 has a water cooling function and an air conditioning function. The cooling device 108 utilizes these functions to water-cool a portion of the arithmetic device 105 and air-cool a portion thereof.

The cooling device 108 includes a condenser, an evaporator, a chiller, a pump, etc. (not shown) in order to achieve a water cooling function and an air conditioning function. The operation of cooling device 108 is controlled by computing device 105 .

[Details of computing device 105]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the arithmetic unit 105. As shown in FIG. Arithmetic device 105 controls each part of vehicle 10 . The computing device 105 includes a plurality of control units (computers). In this example, the arithmetic unit 105 includes, as control units, a video media control unit 105a, a central control unit 105b, a power distribution control unit 105c, a remaining amount control unit 105d, and a driving support unit 105e. These computers may or may not be allowed to participate in grid computing.

The video media control unit 105a includes an MPU (Media Processing Unit). An MPU is a device that includes a processor that processes image data. Note that the video media control unit 105a may allow the user to select whether or not to install the vehicle 10 when purchasing the vehicle 10 or the like.

The video media control unit 105a processes the video (image data) captured by the in-vehicle camera and the video (image data) captured by the in-vehicle camera by the MPU executing a predetermined program. The MPU can, for example, automatically edit image data by executing the program. The video media control unit 105a may communicate with the central control unit 105b and the driving support unit 105e via a local area network (Ethernet, etc.).

The MPU is a processor with relatively high computing power. The video media control unit 105a (MPU) is a computer permitted to participate in grid computing.

Electronic parts of the video media control unit 105a are cooled by the cooling device 108. FIG. For example, a predetermined semiconductor element forming the video media control unit 105a is water-cooled by the cooling device 108 . Cold air is introduced from the cooling device 108 into the housing that accommodates the video media control unit 105a. In other words, the video media controller 105a is air-cooled by the cooling device .

The video media control unit 105a can control the cooling device 108 by executing the program. The video media controller 105a can adjust the capacity of the cooling device 108 to cool itself.

The central control unit 105b includes one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units). The central control unit 105b controls the vehicle 10 during running by having its CPU execute a predetermined program. In principle, the central control unit 105b does not operate during parking.

For example, the central control unit 105b controls the actuator (motor 13) of the drive system according to various information obtained by the sensor 12. FIG. The central control unit 105b also controls the cooling device 108 (control of air conditioning in the vehicle, etc.). Note that the CPU and the like of the central control unit 105b are cooled by the cooling device 108 in the same manner as the video media control unit 105a.

The central control unit 105b is not permitted to participate in grid computing. In this embodiment, power is not supplied to the central control unit 105b while the video media control unit 105a is participating in grid computing.

The power distribution control unit 105c has a CPU. The power distribution control unit 105c distributes the power of the power conversion device 106 by having its CPU execute a predetermined program (details will be described later).

The power distribution control unit 105c is not permitted to participate in grid computing. However, the power distribution control unit 105c operates while the video media control unit 105a participates in grid computing. In other words, power is supplied to the power distribution control unit 105c while the video media control unit 105a participates in grid computing.

The remaining amount management unit 105d has a CPU. The remaining amount management unit 105d collects information on the remaining amount of the secondary battery 14 (hereinafter referred to as remaining amount information) by the CPU executing a predetermined program. Specifically, the remaining amount management unit 105d collects remaining amount information of the secondary battery 14 based on the voltage of the secondary battery 14 . The remaining amount information may be said to be the state of charge of the secondary battery 14 .

Note that the remaining amount management unit 105d is not permitted to participate in grid computing. However, the remaining amount management unit 105d operates while the video media control unit 105a participates in the grid computing. That is, while the video media control unit 105a participates in grid computing, power is supplied to the remaining amount management unit 105d.

The driving assistance unit 105e includes one or more CPUs. The driving support unit 105e controls each function of preventive safe driving support by having its CPU execute a predetermined program. In principle, the driving support unit 105e does not operate while the vehicle is parked.

For example, the driving support unit 105e performs situation evaluation, brake control, and the like related to follow-up driving to the preceding vehicle, damage mitigation braking, and the like. The driving support unit 105e is not permitted to participate in grid computing. In this embodiment, power is not supplied to the driving support unit 105e while the video media control unit 105a participates in grid computing.

For convenience of explanation, a computer permitted to participate in grid computing is hereinafter referred to as a node computer. A device that is supplied with power simultaneously with the node computer in the vehicle 10 is hereinafter referred to as an auxiliary device. In this embodiment, the communication unit 103, the storage unit 104, the power distribution control unit 105c, the remaining amount management unit 105d, the power conversion device 106, the DC/DC converter 107, and the cooling device 108 are examples of auxiliary devices. A node computer and an auxiliary device constitute a processing device for grid computing.

《Example of operation》
The power management method according to this embodiment is executed when the user connects the vehicle 10 to the normal charger. When the vehicle 10 is connected to the normal charger, the power conversion device 106 is activated in the vehicle 10 . As a result, power is supplied to the power distribution control unit 105c, and the power distribution control unit 105c is activated.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the preparation process for power management. First, the power distribution control unit 105c activates the secondary battery 14 (step S101). "Activating the secondary battery 14" means connecting the secondary battery 14 to a charging circuit (the same applies hereinafter). In this example, the power distribution control unit 105c connects the secondary battery 14 and the power conversion device 106 by operating the relay R1 (FIG. 4) between the secondary battery 14 and the power conversion device 106. FIG.

The power distribution control unit 105c causes the DC/DC converter 107 to supply power to the remaining amount management unit 105d. This activates the remaining amount management unit 105d. The power distribution control unit 105c acquires (receives) the "maximum charge capacity" of the secondary battery 14 (step S102). The “maximum charge capacity” is the maximum capacity (numerical information) of the secondary battery 14 mounted. The maximum capacity can be obtained from model information of the secondary battery 14, for example.

After completing the preparation process, the power distribution control unit 105c performs a power control process for charging the secondary battery 14 and for grid computing. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the power control process in charging the secondary battery 14 . FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a power control process in charging the secondary battery 14 and grid computing.

The power distribution control unit 105c performs loop processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 until charging of the secondary battery 14 is completed. That is, the end condition of the loop processing is completion of charging of the secondary battery 14 . Here, the completion of charging of the secondary battery 14 means that the maximum charge capacity=the remaining battery capacity. The "remaining battery capacity" can be obtained from the remaining capacity information.

When the processing of the loop is started, the power distribution control unit 105c acquires each information of the current time, the set charging completion time, and the charging power amount (step S201). The “current time” may be obtained from the clock held by the power distribution control unit 105 c itself, or may be obtained from the communication network 5 via the communication unit 103 .

"Charging completion set time" is information input by the user. By operating the user terminal 20, the user can set the time at which charging is to be completed (for example, 8:00 in the morning of the next day) in the power distribution control unit 105c.

The “charging power amount” is the power amount that can be supplied for charging or the like in normal charging. The “charging power amount” can be determined by considering the output capability of the normal charger and the capability of the power conversion device 106 . For example, the power distribution control unit 105c may acquire the output capability of the normal charger by communicating with the normal charger.

The power distribution control unit 105c obtains the power required to complete charging (hereinafter referred to as required charging power) (step S202). The power distribution control unit 105c calculates the power required for charging completion using the following equation.

Power required for charging = (maximum charging capacity - remaining battery capacity) / (set charging completion time - current time)
However, the maximum charge capacity, the remaining battery capacity, the set charging completion time, and the current time are information acquired in the preparation process or step S201.

The power distribution control unit 105c compares the charging power amount and the required charging power (step S203). In step S203, if the charging power amount≦the power required for charging, there is no margin in the charging power amount. If there is no margin in the charge power amount, the determination result in step S203 is "No". In this case, the power distribution control unit 105c causes the power converter 106 to supply power only to the secondary battery 14 (step S204).

After charging is started, the power distribution control unit 105c acquires remaining amount information of the secondary battery 14 via the remaining amount management unit 105d (step S205). The power distribution control unit 105c determines whether or not the loop end condition is satisfied based on the remaining power information and the like.

If the end condition is satisfied, the power distribution control unit 105c ends the processing in the loop and performs the next operation (described later). If the termination condition is not satisfied, the power distribution control unit 105c performs the processing from the beginning of the loop again.

In step S203, if the charging power amount>charging required power, there is a margin in the charging power amount. If there is a margin in the charge power amount, the determination result in step S203 is "Yes". In this case, the power distribution control unit 105c allocates power to both charging and grid computing. In this case, charging power control and grid computing power control are performed in parallel.

-Power Control for Grid Computing-
In the power control of grid computing (part of the control process), first, the power distribution control unit 105c confirms completion of activation of the video media control unit 105a (MPU) (step S206). The power distribution control unit 105c checks whether or not the MPU power peak value has been acquired (received) (step S206).

Here, the "MPU power peak value" is the peak value of power consumption by the processing device. More specifically, it is the sum of the maximum power consumption (specification value) of the processor installed in the video media control unit 105a and the maximum power consumption of the auxiliary device.

If the video media control unit 105a (MPU) has been activated and the MPU power peak value has been obtained, the determination result in step S206 is Yes. In this case, the power distribution control unit 105c performs the process of step S209, which will be described later.

If activation of the video media control unit 105a has not been completed (No in step S206), the power distribution control unit 105c activates the video media control unit 105a (step S207).

If the MPU power peak value has not been received (No in step S206), the power distribution control unit 105c acquires the MPU power peak value (step S208). For the maximum value of power consumption of the processor in the video media control unit 105a, for example, it is conceivable to specify the maximum value (specification value) of power consumption by acquiring the model number of the processor. The model number of the processor may be obtained by the power distribution control unit 105c communicating with the video media control unit 105a.

Next, the power distribution control unit 105c confirms whether or not the MPU is executing processing (calculation) of grid computing (step S209). When the MPU is not operating, the power distribution control unit 105c calculates the "MPU supply maximum power" (step S210). In this example, the power distribution control unit 105c calculates the "MPU supply maximum power" as follows.

(i) Charging power - required charging power ≥ MPU power peak value
Maximum power supplied to MPU = MPU power peak value (ii) When charging power - required charging power < MPU power peak value
Maximum power supplied to MPU=Amount of charging power−Required power for charging auxiliary equipment).

In the case of (i), even if there is surplus power, the minimum necessary power is supplied to the processing device. In case (ii), the maximum power that can be supplied is supplied to the processor.

Also, the power distribution control unit 105c transmits an index regarding the processing capacity of the node computer (in this example, the MPU) to the management server 50 (step S211). In general, the amount of power supplied to a computer (MPU in this example) determines the processing power of that MPU. Therefore, the power distribution control unit 105c notifies the management server 50 via the communication unit 103 of a value indicating the power to be supplied to the MPU as the index value.

From this notification, the management server 50 can estimate what kind of job is best assigned to that computer. In other words, this embodiment can contribute to efficient operation in grid computing.

If the determination in step S209 is Yes, and if the process of step S211 is finished, the power distribution control unit 105c performs the process of step S212. Specifically, the power distribution control unit 105c receives the "MPU power consumption value" (step S212). "MPU power consumption value" is the actual power consumption in the processing unit. For the actual power consumption, it is conceivable to use, for example, a time-average value of the power consumption in a predetermined period.

Based on the "MPU power consumption value", the power distribution control unit 105c calculates the power to be supplied to the processing unit (hereinafter referred to as "MPU supply power") (step S213). The power distribution control unit 105c controls the DC/DC converter 107 to supply power corresponding to "MPU supply power" to the MPU (video media control unit 105a) and auxiliary devices (step S214).

The MPU (video media control unit 105a) performs arithmetic processing with the ability corresponding to the amount of power supplied (step S215). Depending on the instruction from the management server 50, the MPU may enter a waiting state (Wait) (step S215).

If the loop end condition is satisfied, the power distribution control unit 105c ends the processing in the loop and performs the next operation (described later). When the end condition of the loop is not satisfied, the power distribution control unit 105c performs the processing from the head of the loop again.

－Control of charging power－
Charging power control (part of the control process) is performed in parallel with grid computing power control.

First, the power distribution control unit 105c sets charging power for the secondary battery 14 (step S216). Specifically, the power distribution control unit 105c sets charging power for the secondary battery 14 as follows.

(i) When required charging power ≥ current charging power set value Charging power = required charging power (ii) When required charging power < current charging power setting Charging power = current charging power setting Power distribution The control unit 105c supplies power corresponding to the "charging power" to the secondary battery 14 (step S217). Thereby, the secondary battery 14 is charged. At that time, the power distribution control unit 105 c adjusts the power supplied to the secondary battery 14 by controlling the power conversion device 106 .

Here, it is assumed that the power to be supplied to the processing device is determined in step S213. Then, the power distribution control unit 105c recalculates the required charging power (step S218). After completing the recalculation, the power distribution control unit 105c compares the required charging power obtained in step S216 with the recalculation result (step S219).

If the recalculation result is greater than the required charging power obtained in step S216 (if the determination in step S219 is Yes), the power distribution control unit 105c changes the charging power setting for the secondary battery 14 (step S220). Specifically, the power distribution control unit 105c sets the charging power for the secondary battery 14 using the same calculation method as in step S216, using the recalculated value as a new "required charging power".

The power distribution control unit 105c controls the power converter 106 to supply the secondary battery 14 with power corresponding to the newly determined "charging power" (step S221). Thereby, the secondary battery 14 is charged.

After the processing up to step S215 (grid computing power control) and the processing up to step S221 (charging power control) are completed, the power distribution control unit 105c performs the processing of step S205. After adjusting the charging power, the power distribution control unit 105c acquires the remaining amount information of the secondary battery 14 via the remaining amount management unit 105d (step S205). The power distribution control unit 105c determines whether or not the loop end condition is satisfied based on the remaining amount information.

If the end condition is satisfied, the power distribution control unit 105c ends the processing in the loop and performs the next operation (described later). If the termination condition is not satisfied, the power distribution control unit 105c performs the processing from the beginning of the loop again.

As described above, in this embodiment, charging power control and grid computing power control are performed in parallel. This parallel operation continues until charging is complete.

After charging is completed, the power distribution control unit 105c stops the secondary battery 14 (see step S222 in FIG. 6). “Stopping the secondary battery 14” means disconnecting the secondary battery 14 from the charging circuit. The power distribution control unit 105c disconnects the secondary battery 14 and the power conversion device 106 by operating the relay R1 (see FIG. 4) between the secondary battery 14 and the power conversion device 106. FIG.

MPUs can participate in grid computing even after charging is complete. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of power management after completion of charging. FIG. 8 represents the flow of power management in grid computing.

First, the power distribution control unit 105c confirms whether or not the video media control unit 105a (MPU) has been activated (step S301). The power distribution control unit 105c checks whether or not the MPU power peak value has been acquired (received) (step S301).

If activation of the MPU (video media control unit 105a) has not been completed (No in step S301), the power distribution control unit 105c activates the video media control unit 105a (step S302).

If the power distribution control unit 105c has not received the MPU power peak value (No in step S206), the power distribution control unit 105c acquires the MPU power peak value (step S303).

The power distribution control unit 105c calculates "MPU power supply" (step S304). In this example, the power distribution control unit 105c calculates "MPU supply power" as follows.

(i) Charge power ≥ MPU power peak value
MPU power supply = MPU power peak value (ii) Charge power < MPU power peak value
MPU supply power=charging power amount Further, the power distribution control unit 105c transmits an index regarding the processing capacity of the node computer (MPU) to the management server 50 (step S305). Specifically, the power distribution control unit 105c notifies the management server 50 via the communication unit 103 of a value indicating “MPU power supply” as the index value.

From this notification, the management server 50 can estimate what kind of job is best assigned to that computer. In other words, this embodiment can contribute to efficient operation in grid computing.

The MPU (video media control unit 105a) performs arithmetic processing with an ability corresponding to the amount of power supplied (step S306). Depending on the instruction from the management server 50, the MPU may enter a waiting state (Wait).

<<Effects of this embodiment>>
As described above, the secondary battery 14 is supplied with at least the electric power (required electric power for charging) to complete charging exactly at the set charging completion time. The processing device (including the video media control unit 105a and the auxiliary device) is supplied with maximum power obtained by subtracting the power required for charging from the amount of power supplied for normal charging.

While participating in grid computing, the power consumption of MPU and auxiliary equipment is monitored. If the power allocated to the MPU and auxiliary devices is surplus, the surplus power is allocated to charging. When charging of the secondary battery 14 is completed, all charging power is distributed to the processing devices (video media control unit 105a and auxiliary devices).

As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to efficiently perform calculations in grid computing while ensuring the completion of charging of the secondary battery.

[Other embodiments]
The node computer is not limited to the video media control unit 105a. In addition to the video media control unit 105a, other computers may also be allowed to participate in grid computing. In this case, the "MPU power peak value" is the sum of the power consumption (maximum value) of all computers participating in the grid computing and the sum of the maximum power consumption values of auxiliary devices.

A part or all of the processing performed by the power distribution control unit 105c may be performed by a computer participating in grid computing. For example, if the video media control unit 105a performs all the processing that the power distribution control unit 105c was performing, the power distribution control unit 105c may not be provided.

Auxiliary devices may include devices that are neither related to charging the secondary battery 14 nor to grid computing.

The vehicle 10 may be provided with a power management mode in which charging or the like is performed according to user instructions. For example, charging and participation in grid computing can be considered according to the power distribution set by the user. The user's settings may be given to the power distribution control section 105c via the user terminal 20 by the user. In this case, the power distribution control unit 105c is configured to supply power to the MPU, the secondary battery 14, etc. according to the command.

The above embodiments may be implemented in combination as appropriate. The above embodiments are essentially preferred examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the technology, its applications, or its uses disclosed herein.

10 vehicles
14 Secondary battery
50 Management server (server device)
105 Arithmetic unit

Claims (6)

Including a control step for controlling the amount of power supplied to a processing device mounted on the vehicle and a secondary battery mounted on the vehicle,
said processing device consists of a computer allowed to participate in grid computing and auxiliary devices functioning when said computer is running;
In the control step,
supplying a first amount of power required to complete charging of the secondary battery at a predetermined time from a power supply device for charging the secondary battery;
If there is a surplus in the amount of power obtained from the power supply device even if the first amount of power is supplied for charging the secondary battery, the surplus amount of power is supplied to the processing device. Power management method. The power management method of claim 1, wherein
The power management method, wherein the control step includes a step of supplying to the processing device a second amount of power obtained by subtracting the first amount of power from the amount of power obtained from the power supply device. In the power management method according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The control step includes
a step of determining power consumption in the processing device;
When the amount of power distributed to the processing device exceeds the amount of power consumption, increasing the amount of power supplied to charge the secondary battery while reducing the amount of power distributed to the processing device. A power management method, comprising: In the power management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control step includes
A power management method, comprising: distributing part or all of the electric energy distributed for charging to the processing device when the charging of the secondary battery is completed. In the power management method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A power management method, comprising the step of notifying a server device that allocates jobs in the grid computing of an index related to the processing capacity of the computer. 6. A power management device comprising an arithmetic device that executes the power management method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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