JP7438844B2 - Multi-battery device, multi-battery system, multi-battery control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a multi-battery device, a multi-battery system, a multi-battery control method, and a program.

Conventionally, there have been two types of secondary batteries: low capacity but high output secondary batteries (hereinafter referred to as "output type batteries") and low output but high capacity secondary batteries (hereinafter referred to as "capacity type batteries"). A battery system that combines two different types of secondary batteries (batteries) has been put into practical use. A conventional battery system is realized, for example, as a power storage device that stores power generated in a power generation system using natural energy. In such a battery system, techniques related to a method of linking an output type battery and a capacity type battery have been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

In recent years, such battery systems have been used in vehicles such as EVs (Electric Vehicles) and HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) that are driven by at least electric power supplied by batteries (secondary batteries). Installation in vehicles that run using electric motors is being considered. In this case, for example, it is possible to use the output type battery as a removable battery that can be attached to and removed from the vehicle, and the capacity type battery as a stationary battery that cannot be attached to or removed from the vehicle. It will be done.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-234696 International Publication No. 2014/118903 JP2012-205437A

However, in the conventional technology, sufficient consideration has not been made regarding suitable control of a battery system that combines an output type battery and a capacity type battery.

The present invention has been made based on the above-mentioned problem recognition, and provides a multi-battery device, a multi-battery system, and a multi-battery control method that can suitably control a battery system that combines an output type battery and a capacity type battery. , and programs.

A multi-battery device, a multi-battery system, a multi-battery control method, and a program according to the present invention employ the following configuration.
(1): A multi-battery device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first battery, a second battery having a higher capacity and lower output than the first battery, and a first battery that detects the state of the first battery. a second sensor for detecting a state of the second battery; and an external device from each of the first battery and the second battery depending on the state of the first battery and the state of the second battery. The multi-battery device includes a control unit that switches between supplying power to the first battery and charging the first battery and the second battery with power supplied from an external device.

(2): In the aspect of (1) above, the control unit obtains a discharge limit line and a charge limit line in the second battery, and the control unit obtains a discharge limit line and a charge limit line in the second battery, and Calculate the actual power that is the amount of discharge or charge per unit time, and if the actual power is equal to or higher than the discharge limit line, switch the battery that supplies power to the external device from the second battery to the first battery. , charging the second battery with power supplied from an external device, and switching the battery supplying power to the external device from the first battery to the second battery when the actual power is not less than the charging limit line; , the first battery is charged with power supplied from an external device.

(3): In the aspect of (1) above, the second sensor detects a voltage value, a current value, and a temperature, and the control unit detects the second sensor based on the voltage value and the current value. Calculate the actual power that is the amount of discharge or charge per unit time of the battery, calculate the charging rate of the second battery based on the voltage value and the current value, and calculate the charging rate of the second battery based on the charging rate and the temperature. calculating a discharge limit line and a charge limit line of a second battery, and when the actual power is equal to or higher than the discharge limit line, switching a battery that supplies power to an external device from the second battery to the first battery; charging the second battery with power supplied from an external device, and when the actual power is not less than the charging limit line, switching the battery that supplies power to the external device from the first battery to the second battery; The first battery is charged with power supplied from an external device.

(4): In the aspect of (1) above, the second sensor detects a voltage value and a current value, and the control unit controls the charging rate of the second battery based on the voltage value and the current value. and when the charging rate is within a range between a first threshold value and a second threshold value, the battery that supplies power to the external device is set as the second battery, and the charging rate is less than or equal to the first threshold value. In this case, the second battery is charged with power supplied from an external device, and when the charging rate exceeds the first threshold, the first battery is charged with power supplied from the external device. .

(5): In the aspect of (4) above, when the voltage value is within a range from a third threshold value to a fourth threshold value, the control unit causes the battery to supply power to an external device to a battery; when the voltage value is below the third threshold, the second battery is charged with power supplied from an external device; and when the voltage value exceeds the third threshold, the second battery is supplied with power from the external device; The first battery is charged with the generated power.

(6): In the aspect of (1) above, the second sensor detects temperature, and when the temperature is less than or equal to a fifth threshold, the control unit controls whether the second battery and the first battery are connected to each other. This allows charging and discharging to occur between the two.

(7): In the aspect of (6) above, the control unit may cause the temperature to be equal to or lower than the fifth threshold, and to cause charging and discharging to occur between the second battery and the first battery. When the temperature rise of the second battery is below a reference value, a heater for keeping at least the second battery warm is activated.

(8): In the aspect of (6) or (7) above, the first sensor detects temperature, and when the temperature of the first battery is equal to or lower than a sixth threshold, the first sensor detects the temperature. The second battery is charged and discharged between the second battery and the first battery.

(9): In the aspect of (1) above, the second sensor detects a voltage value and a current value, and the control unit detects a unit of the second battery based on the voltage value and the current value. Calculate the actual power that is the amount of discharge or charge per hour, calculate the charging rate of the second battery based on the voltage value and the current value, and if the charging rate is within a target charging rate, Charging of the second battery with power supplied from an external device or power supply from the second battery to the external device is controlled so that the actual power is less than a seventh threshold.

(10): In the aspect of (9) above, when the charging rate is not within the range of the target charging rate, the control unit may adjust the actual power to the target charging rate even when increasing the target charging rate. 7 threshold.

(11): In the aspect of (1) above, the first sensor detects a voltage value and a current value during charging and discharging, and the control unit detects the voltage value and the current value based on the voltage value and the current value. Calculate the charging power and discharging power of a first battery, calculate the amount of deterioration of the first battery based on the charging power and the discharging power, and the calculated deterioration amount is equal to or lower than an eighth threshold. In this case, it is proposed that the first battery be replaced.

(12): A multi-battery system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of multi-battery devices according to any one of (1) to (11) above, and a state of a battery included in each of the multi-battery devices. and a battery management server device for managing the battery, wherein the second sensor included in each of the multi-battery devices detects the voltage value and current value of the corresponding second battery, and controls the battery management server device provided in each of the multi-battery devices. The unit calculates a charging rate of the corresponding second battery based on the corresponding voltage value and the current value, transmits information on the calculated charging rate to the battery management server device, and transmits information on the calculated charging rate to the battery management server device. is a multi-battery system in which power of the second battery is transferred between different multi-battery devices based on the charging rate of each of the second batteries.

(13): A multi-battery system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of multi-battery devices according to any one of (1) to (11) above, and a state of a battery included in each of the multi-battery devices. a battery management server device for managing the battery, each of the multi-battery devices includes a plurality of the first batteries and a plurality of the second batteries, and the first sensor of each of the multi-battery devices includes: , detects the voltage value and current value of the corresponding first battery during charging and discharging, and the control unit included in each of the multi-battery devices takes a corresponding action based on the corresponding voltage value and current value. The charging power and the discharging power of the first battery are calculated, the deterioration amount of the first battery is calculated based on the charging power and the discharging power, and information on the calculated deterioration amount is used as the In a multi-battery system, the information is transmitted to a battery management server device, and the battery management server device proposes replacement of the first battery based on the amount of deterioration of each of the first batteries.

(14): In the aspect of (13) above, if the multi-battery device proposing replacement of the first battery does not have another replaceable first battery in stock, the battery management server device This is a proposal to replace the first battery with another one that is in stock in the device.

(15): In the aspect of (14) above, the battery management server device proposes replacement of the first battery if there is no other replaceable first battery in stock in all the multi-battery devices. The present invention proposes that any of the second batteries included in the multi-battery device operate as the first battery.

(16): In the multi-battery control method according to one aspect of the present invention, the computer detects the state of a first battery using a first sensor, and selects a second battery that has a higher capacity and lower output than the first battery. the state is detected by a second sensor, and depending on the state of the first battery and the state of the second battery, power is supplied from each of the first battery and the second battery to the external device, and the external device This is a multi-battery control method that switches between charging the first battery and the second battery with power supplied from the battery.

(17): The program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to detect the state of a first battery using a first sensor, and detects the state of a second battery having a higher capacity and lower output than the first battery. 2 sensors, and depending on the state of the first battery and the state of the second battery, power is supplied to the external device from each of the first battery and the second battery, and power is supplied from the external device. The program switches between charging the first battery and the second battery with electric power.

According to the above-mentioned aspects (1) to (17), it is possible to suitably control a battery system that combines an output type battery and a capacity type battery.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a vehicle in which a multi-battery device according to a first embodiment is adopted. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration and usage environment of a multi-battery device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed when switching between discharging and charging a battery in the multi-battery device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for determining a discharge limit line and a charge limit line in the multi-battery device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another method of switching between discharging and charging a battery in the multi-battery device according to the first embodiment. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed when controlling the temperature of a battery in the multi-battery device according to the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed when controlling the actual power of a battery in the multi-battery device according to the first embodiment. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed when determining the state of battery deterioration in the multi-battery device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration and usage environment of a multi-battery system according to a second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed when power is exchanged between different multi-battery devices in the multi-battery system according to the second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow executed when determining a state of deterioration of a battery included in each multi-battery device in a multi-battery system according to a second embodiment.

<First embodiment>
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a multi-battery device, a multi-battery system, a multi-battery control method, and a program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, an example in which the multi-battery device of the present invention is employed in an electric vehicle (EV) (hereinafter simply referred to as "vehicle") will be described.

[Configuration of vehicle in which multi-battery device is adopted]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle in which a multi-battery device according to a first embodiment is adopted. The vehicle 10 is a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) that runs on an electric motor that is driven by electric power supplied from a multi-battery (a plurality of secondary batteries) for driving. The vehicle 10 is, for example, not only a four-wheeled vehicle, but also a saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle (including a vehicle with one front wheel and two rear wheels, as well as a vehicle with two front wheels and one rear wheel), and furthermore, It may also be an assisted bicycle. The vehicle 10 is, for example, a hybrid electric vehicle that runs on an electric motor driven by electric power supplied by the operation of an internal combustion engine that uses fuel as an energy source, such as a diesel engine or a gasoline engine, or electric power supplied from a multi-battery. HEV) may also be used.

The vehicle 10 includes, for example, a motor 12, drive wheels 14, a brake device 16, a vehicle sensor 20, a PCU (Power Control Unit) 30, a multi-battery 40, a communication device 50, and an HMI (including a display device). (Human Machine Interface) 60, a charging port 70, and a connection circuit 72.

The motor 12 is, for example, a three-phase AC motor. A rotor of the motor 12 is connected to a drive wheel 14 . The motor 12 is driven by electric power supplied from each battery (not shown), which is a power storage unit included in the multi-battery 40, and transmits rotational power to the drive wheels 14. The motor 12 operates as a regenerative brake and generates electricity using the kinetic energy of the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is decelerated.

The brake device 16 includes, for example, a brake caliper, a cylinder that transmits hydraulic pressure to the brake caliper, and an electric motor that generates hydraulic pressure in the cylinder. The brake device 16 may be provided with a mechanism as a backup mechanism that transmits hydraulic pressure generated by the operation of a brake pedal (not shown) by a user (driver) of the vehicle 10 to a cylinder via a master cylinder. The brake device 16 is not limited to the configuration described above, and may be an electronically controlled hydraulic brake device that transmits the hydraulic pressure of the master cylinder to the cylinders.

The vehicle sensor 20 includes, for example, an accelerator opening sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and a brake depression amount sensor. The accelerator opening sensor is attached to the accelerator pedal, detects the amount of operation of the accelerator pedal by the driver, and outputs the detected amount of operation to the control unit 36 included in the PCU 30 as the accelerator opening. The vehicle speed sensor includes, for example, a wheel speed sensor and a speed calculator attached to each wheel of the vehicle 10, and integrates the wheel speeds detected by the wheel speed sensors to derive the speed (vehicle speed) of the vehicle 10 and performs control. unit 36 and HMI 60. The brake depression amount sensor is attached to the brake pedal, detects the amount of operation of the brake pedal by the driver, and outputs the detected amount of operation to the control unit 36 as the amount of brake depression.

The PCU 30 includes, for example, a converter 32, a VCU (Voltage Control Unit) 34, and a control section 36. In FIG. 1, the configuration in which these components are integrated as a PCU 30 is merely an example, and these components in the vehicle 10 may be arranged in a dispersed manner.

Converter 32 is, for example, an AC-DC converter. A DC side terminal of the converter 32 is connected to a DC link DL. A multi-battery 40 is connected to the DC link DL via a VCU 34. The converter 32 converts the alternating current generated by the motor 12 into direct current and outputs it to the direct current link DL.

The VCU 34 is, for example, a DC-DC converter. The VCU 34 boosts the power supplied from the multi-battery 40 and outputs it to the DC link DL.

The control unit 36 includes, for example, a motor control unit, a brake control unit, and a battery/VCU control unit. The motor control section, the brake control section, and the battery/VCU control section may be replaced with separate control devices, such as a motor ECU (Electronic Control Unit), a brake ECU, and a battery ECU.

The control unit 36, the motor control unit, the brake control unit, and the battery/VCU control unit included in the control unit 36 each have a program (software) executed by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). This is achieved by Some or all of these components are hardware (circuit parts) such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). (including circuitry), or may be realized by collaboration between software and hardware. Some or all of the functions of these components may be realized by a dedicated LSI. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (a storage device including a non-transitory storage medium) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory included in the vehicle 10, or may be stored in a storage device such as a DVD or CD-ROM. The information is stored in a removable storage medium (non-transitory storage medium), and may be installed in the HDD or flash memory of the vehicle 10 by attaching the storage medium to a drive device of the vehicle 10.

The motor control unit of the control unit 36 controls the drive of the motor 12 based on the output from the accelerator opening sensor included in the vehicle sensor 20. The brake control unit of the control unit 36 controls the brake device 16 based on the output from the brake depression amount sensor included in the vehicle sensor 20. The battery/VCU control unit of the control unit 36 determines, for example, the SOC (State of Charge; Hereinafter also referred to as "battery charging rate") is calculated and output to the VCU 34 and HMI 60. The control unit 36 may output vehicle speed information output by the vehicle sensor 20 to the HMI 60. The VCU 34 increases the voltage of the DC link DL in response to instructions from the battery/VCU control unit.

The multi-battery 40 includes, for example, a battery with a low capacity but high output (hereinafter referred to as an "output type battery"), and a battery with a lower output than the output type battery but with a higher capacity (hereinafter referred to as a "capacity type battery"). ). The output type battery included in the multi-battery 40 has a configuration that can be easily attached to and detached from the vehicle 10, such as a cassette-type battery pack, for example. On the other hand, the capacity type battery included in the multi-battery 40 has a fixed configuration that is not easy to attach or detach from the vehicle 10. Each battery included in the multi-battery 40 is a secondary battery, such as a lithium ion battery, that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. The secondary batteries included in the multi-battery 40 include, for example, lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, sodium ion batteries, etc., as well as capacitors such as electric double layer capacitors, and composite batteries that combine secondary batteries and capacitors. Conceivable. In the present invention, the structure of the secondary battery included in the multi-battery 40 is not particularly defined. Each battery included in the multi-battery 40 stores electric power introduced from a charger 90 outside the vehicle 10, and discharges the stored electric power in order to drive the vehicle 10. Each battery included in the multi-battery 40 stores electric power generated by the motor 12 operating as a regenerative brake when the vehicle 10 decelerates, and uses the stored electric power for the next traveling (for example, acceleration) of the vehicle 10. It can also be discharged.

In the vehicle 10, the combination of the multi-battery 40 and the control unit 36 is an example of a "multi-battery device" in the claims.

[Multi-battery device configuration]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and usage environment of the multi-battery device according to the first embodiment. The multi-battery device 100 includes, for example, a multi-battery 40 and a control unit 36. The multi-battery 40 includes, for example, an output type battery 420, a battery sensor 422, a capacity type battery 440, a battery sensor 442, and a switching section 460. The switching unit 460 includes, for example, a switch 462, a switch 464, a switch 466, and a switch 468.

FIG. 2 also shows a connection circuit 72 that is an external device that supplies power stored in the multi-battery device 100, and a VCU 34 that is an external device that supplies power stored in the multi-battery device 100. . In vehicle 10, when motor 12 operates as a regenerative brake to generate electricity, VCU 34 is also an external device that supplies electric power to be stored in multi-battery device 100.

The output type battery 420 is an example of a "first battery" in the claims, and the capacity type battery 440 is an example of a "second battery" in the claims.

The battery sensor 422 detects physical quantities such as voltage, current, and temperature of the output battery 420. The battery sensor 442 detects physical quantities such as voltage, current, and temperature of the capacitive battery 440. Each of battery sensor 422 and battery sensor 442 includes, for example, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and a temperature sensor. Each battery sensor uses a voltage sensor to detect the voltage of a secondary battery (hereinafter simply referred to as a "battery") that constitutes the corresponding battery, a current sensor to detect the current of the corresponding battery, and a temperature sensor to detect the corresponding battery current. Detect battery temperature. Each battery sensor outputs information such as the detected voltage value, current value, and temperature of the corresponding battery to the control unit 36. It is also conceivable that each battery sensor includes a plurality of temperature sensors (for example, four temperature sensors) in order to detect temperatures at a plurality of locations on the battery. In this case, each battery sensor may output information on the respective temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature sensors to the control unit 36, or output the maximum temperature among the respective temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature sensors. , may be output to the control unit 36 as information on the detected battery temperature.

The battery sensor 422 is an example of a "first sensor" in the claims, and the battery sensor 442 is an example of a "second sensor" in the claims.

The control unit 36 calculates the state of the output type battery 420 based on information such as the voltage value, current value, and temperature of the output type battery 420 outputted by the battery sensor 422. The control unit 36 calculates the state of the capacitive battery 440 based on information such as the voltage value, current value, and temperature of the capacitive battery 440 output by the battery sensor 442. The state of the battery includes, for example, the amount of discharge or charge per unit time (hereinafter referred to as "actual power"), SOC (battery charging rate), power during charging (power during charging), power during discharging ( power during discharge), etc. The battery status calculated by the control unit 36 may include the amount of deterioration indicating the degree of deterioration of each battery.

The control unit 36 controls the supply of power from the output battery 420 and the capacity battery 440 to the external device, and the external control according to the calculated states of the output battery 420 and the capacity battery 440. The power supplied from the device is switched between charging the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440, respectively. In other words, the control unit 36 controls discharging and charging of each of the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440, depending on the state of each battery. Then, the control unit 36 sends a switching signal to the switching unit 460 for switching the connection between each of the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440 and an external device that supplies power or an external device that receives power. Output.

These processes in the control unit 36 are performed by, for example, a battery/VCU control unit.

The switching unit 460 switches the connection between each of the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440 and an external device according to the switching signal outputted by the control unit 36. Switch 462 connects or disconnects the path between output type battery 420 and connection circuit 72, and switch 464 connects or disconnects the path between capacity type battery 440 and connection circuit 72. Switch 466 connects or disconnects the path between output type battery 420 and VCU 34, and switch 468 connects or disconnects the path between capacity type battery 440 and VCU 34.

Although FIG. 2 shows a configuration in which the switching unit 460 includes a plurality of switches, this configuration is merely an example. The configuration of the switching unit 460 includes an external device (here, the connection circuit 72) that supplies power to each of the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440, and a power supply from each of the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440. Any configuration may be used as long as it can switch between the external device (in this case, the VCU 34) that receives the supply. The switching unit 460 may be configured to switch the connection between each battery and an external device using, for example, an electromagnetic contactor, a converter, or the like (which may include a switch).

Returning to FIG. 1, the communication device 50 includes a wireless module for connecting to a cellular network or a Wi-Fi network. The communication device 50 may include a wireless module for utilizing Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like. Through communication in the wireless module, the communication device 50 transmits information representing the state of each battery calculated by the control unit 36 to a network (not shown) that manages the state of the multi-battery 40 mounted on the vehicle 10, for example. It may also be transmitted and received with a server device (hereinafter referred to as "battery management server device"), which will be described later. Further, the communication device 50 may transmit and receive various information related to the vehicle 10 to and from, for example, a server device on a network (not shown) that manages the running state of the vehicle 10 through communication in the wireless module. good.

The HMI 60 presents various information to a user of the vehicle 10, such as a driver, and accepts input operations from the user. The information that the HMI 60 presents to the user of the vehicle 10 may include, for example, the state of each battery calculated by the control unit 36. The HMI 60 is a so-called touch panel that is a combination of a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and an input device that detects input operations. The HMI 60 may include various display units other than the display device, a speaker, a buzzer, switches other than the input device, keys, and the like. The HMI 60 may share a display device and an input device with a display device and an input device such as an in-vehicle navigation device, for example.

The charging port 70 is a mechanism for charging each battery included in the multi-battery 40. Charging port 70 is provided toward the exterior of the vehicle 10. Charging port 70 is connected to charger 90 via charging cable 92. Charging cable 92 includes a first plug 94 and a second plug 96. The first plug 94 is connected to the charger 90, and the second plug 96 is connected to the charging port 70. Electricity supplied from charger 90 is input (supplied) to charging port 70 via charging cable 92 .

Charging cable 92 includes a signal cable attached to a power cable. The signal cable mediates communication between vehicle 10 and charger 90. Therefore, each of the first plug 94 and the second plug 96 is provided with a power connector for connecting a power cable and a signal connector for connecting a signal cable.

Connection circuit 72 is provided between charging port 70 and multi-battery 40. Connection circuit 72 transmits a current introduced from charger 90 via charging port 70, for example, a direct current, as a current to be supplied to multi-battery 40. For example, the connection circuit 72 outputs direct current to the multi-battery 40 and supplies power to be stored (charged) in each battery included in the multi-battery 40.

In the multi-battery device 100, the control unit 36 switches between discharging from each battery and charging the respective battery according to the states of the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440 included in the multi-battery 40 (control unit 36). do).

[First example of switching process between battery discharging and charging]
Next, an example of a process flow when switching between discharging and charging each battery in the multi-battery device 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed when switching between discharging and charging a battery in the multi-battery device 100 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, it is assumed that the capacitive battery 440 is supplying power to the VCU 34 at the time when the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is started.

First, the control unit 36 acquires the discharge limit line of the capacity battery 440 (step S100). The discharge limit line is a threshold value based on a discharge limit value set in advance when discharging the power stored in the capacity battery 440 (here, discharging to supply power to the VCU 34). . The discharge limit value of the capacity type battery 440 is set, for example, in order to increase the durability of the capacity type battery 440 (that is, to suppress deterioration). The discharge limit line is a value that has a predetermined margin with respect to the discharge limit value.

Next, the control unit 36 acquires the charge limit line of the capacity battery 440 (step S102). The charge limit line is a charge limit set in advance when charging the capacitive battery 440 with electric power (here, charging with electric power generated by the motor 12, which is supplied from the VCU 34 and operated as a regenerative brake). This is a value-based threshold. The charging limit value of the capacity battery 440 is set, like the discharge limit value, for example, in order to increase the durability (suppressing deterioration) of the capacity battery 440. The charge limit line, like the discharge limit line, has a predetermined margin with respect to the charge limit value.

Next, the control unit 36 calculates the actual power (here, the amount of discharge per unit time) of the capacity battery 440 (step S104). At this time, the control unit 36 acquires the voltage value and current value of the capacitive battery 440 from the battery sensor 442, and calculates the actual power of the capacitive battery 440 based on the acquired voltage value and current value. Since the present invention mainly focuses on the control of switching between discharging and charging in the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440, more details regarding the method of calculating the actual power based on the voltage value and the current value are provided. Further explanation will be omitted.

Next, the control unit 36 checks whether the capacity battery 440 is being discharged (step S106). If it is confirmed in step S106 that the capacity battery 440 is being discharged, the control unit 36 determines whether the calculated actual power is equal to or higher than the discharge limit line (step S110). In other words, in the process of step S110, the control unit 36 determines whether the amount of power stored in the capacity battery 440 is less than the discharge limit line. If it is determined in step S110 that the actual power is not equal to or higher than the discharge limit line, the control unit 36 returns the process to step S100 (or may be step S104) and continues to monitor the actual power of the capacity battery 440. .

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that the actual power is equal to or higher than the discharge limit line, the control unit 36 switches the battery that supplies power to the VCU 34 from the capacity battery 440 to the output battery 420 (step S112). Thereafter, the control unit 36 causes the capacity battery 440 to be charged with the power generated by the motor 12 and supplied via the VCU 34 (step S114). That is, in the process of step S114, the control unit 36 continues charging the capacity battery 440 with the power supplied from the VCU 34. More specifically, in the processing of steps S112 and S114, the control unit 36 uses the output type battery 420 as the battery that supplies power to the VCU 34, and uses the capacity type battery 440 as the battery that charges the power supplied via the VCU 34. A switching signal is output to the switching section 460.

Thereafter, the control unit 36 returns the process to step S100 (or step S104), continues to monitor the actual power of the capacity battery 440, and controls switching between discharging and charging each battery. .

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S106 that the capacity battery 440 is not being discharged (that is, being charged), the control unit 36 determines whether the calculated actual power is less than the charging limit line. (Step S120). In other words, in the process of step S120, the control unit 36 determines whether the amount of power stored in the capacity battery 440 has not reached the charging limit line. If it is determined in step S120 that the actual power is less than the charging limit line, the control unit 36 returns the process to step S100 (or may be step S104) and continues to monitor the actual power of the capacity battery 440. .

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S120 that the actual power is not below the charging limit line, the control unit 36 switches the battery that supplies power to the VCU 34 from the output type battery 420 to the capacity type battery 440 (step S122). Thereafter, the control unit 36 causes the output battery 420 to be charged with the power generated by the motor 12 and supplied via the VCU 34 (step S124). In other words, when the amount of power stored in the capacity battery 440 has reached the charging limit line, the control unit 36 prevents the capacity battery 440 from being charged with power any more in the processing of step S122 and step S124. Make it. More specifically, in the processing of steps S122 and S124, the control unit 36 uses the capacity type battery 440 as the battery that supplies power to the VCU 34, and uses the output type battery 420 as the battery that charges the power supplied via the VCU 34. A switching signal is output to the switching section 460.

Thereafter, the control unit 36 returns the process to step S100 (or step S104), continues to monitor the actual power of the capacity battery 440, and controls switching between discharging and charging each battery. .

Through such processing, the multi-battery device 100 switches (controls) discharging and charging in the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440. Thereby, in the multi-battery device 100, the durability of the capacity battery 440 included in the multi-battery 40 can be increased (deterioration can be suppressed).

[Second example of switching process between battery discharging and charging]
In the first example of the process of switching between discharging and charging the battery shown in FIG. The case of acquiring the line was explained. However, the discharge limit line and the charge limit line can also be determined based on the physical quantity output by the battery sensor 442. More specifically, the control unit 36 acquires the voltage value, current value, and temperature of the capacitive battery 440 from the battery sensor 442, and determines the SOC (battery charging rate) based on the acquired voltage value and current value. Calculate. Then, the control unit 36 calculates a discharge limit line and a charge limit line of the capacity battery 440 based on the calculated SOC and the acquired temperature. Since the present invention mainly focuses on the control of switching between discharging and charging in the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440, more detailed information regarding the SOC calculation method based on the voltage value and the current value is provided. The explanation will be omitted.

Here, an example will be described in which the discharge limit line and the charge limit line are determined based on the calculated SOC and the temperature acquired from the battery sensor 442. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for determining a discharge limit line and a charge limit line in the multi-battery device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an example of the relationship between temperature T, power P, and SOC by representing (plotting) SOC on a graph with temperature T on the horizontal axis and power P on the vertical axis. The graph shown in FIG. 4 is an example of a case where a capacity type battery 440 whose operating temperature ranges from -10° C. to 40° C. is used at an SOC (battery charging rate) between 30% and 70%.

The control unit 36 determines the discharge limit line and charge limit line of the capacity battery 440 based on the graph shown in FIG. For example, the control unit 36 determines the electric power P corresponding to the point where the current temperature t of the capacity battery 440 outputted by the battery sensor 442 and SOC=30% intersect, as the discharge limit line. For example, the control unit 36 determines the electric power P corresponding to the point where the current temperature t of the capacity battery 440 outputted by the battery sensor 442 and SOC=70% intersect, as the charging limit line.

The method of determining the discharge limit line and charge limit line in the control unit 36 is not limited to the method described above. For example, the control unit 36 may determine each of the discharge limit line and the charge limit line based on a relational expression between temperature T, power P, and SOC that represents a graph as shown in FIG. 4. For example, the control unit 36 may determine each of the discharge limit line and the charge limit line based on a graph as shown in FIG. 4 or a table representing the relationship between temperature T, power P, and SOC.

The control unit 36 sets the discharge limit line and charge limit line of the capacity battery 440 calculated based on the calculated SOC and the acquired temperature to the first step of the process of switching between discharging and charging the battery shown in FIG. In the example, discharging and charging in the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440 are switched (controlled) as the discharge limit line and the charge limit line obtained in the processing of step S100 and step S102. The process flow in this case is that step S100 in the first example of the process of switching between discharging and charging the battery shown in FIG. 3 is replaced with a process of calculating a discharge limit line, and step S102 is a process of calculating a charge limit line. It can be easily understood by replacing it with . Therefore, a detailed description of the process flow when the control unit 36 calculates the discharge limit line and the charge limit line based on the physical quantity output by the battery sensor 442 will be omitted.

Through such processing, the multi-battery device 100 switches between discharging and charging the output battery 420 and the capacity battery 440, thereby increasing the durability (suppressing deterioration) of the capacity battery 440 included in the multi-battery 40. I can do it.

[Third example of switching process between battery discharging and charging]
In the first example of the process of switching between battery discharging and charging shown in FIG. 3 and the second example of the process of switching between battery discharging and charging described using FIG. The case where discharging and charging of the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440 are switched based on the discharge limit line and the charge limit line of 440 has been described. However, the control unit 36 can also switch between discharging and charging the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440 without using the discharge limit line or the charge limit line. More specifically, the control unit 36 calculates the SOC (battery charging rate) calculated based on the voltage value and current value of the capacity battery 440 output from the battery sensor 442 and the capacity output from the battery sensor 442. It is also possible to switch between discharging and charging in the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440 using the voltage value of the type battery 440.

Here, an example will be described in which the control unit 36 switches between discharging and charging the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440 using the calculated SOC and the acquired voltage value. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another method for switching between battery discharging and charging in the multi-battery device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 shows an example of the relationship between the voltage value V and the SOC using a graph in which the horizontal axis is the voltage value V and the vertical axis is the SOC. The graph shown in FIG. 5 is an example of a case where the capacity type battery 440 is used at an SOC (battery charging rate) between 30% and 70% or between voltage values v1 and v2.

For example, when the calculated SOC is within the range of 70% to 30%, the control unit 36 sets the battery that supplies power to the VCU 34 as the capacity battery 440. Then, for example, when the calculated SOC is 70% or less, the control unit 36 charges the capacity battery 440 with the electric power generated by the motor 12 supplied via the VCU 34, so that the calculated SOC is 70% or less. If the output voltage exceeds the current value, the output type battery 420 is charged with the power supplied via the VCU 34.

For example, when the obtained voltage value V is within the range of voltage values v2 to v1, the control unit 36 sets the battery that supplies power to the VCU 34 as the capacitive battery 440. Then, for example, when the voltage value V is equal to or lower than the voltage value v2, the control unit 36 charges the capacity battery 440 with the electric power generated by the motor 12 supplied via the VCU 34, so that the voltage value V is lower than or equal to the voltage value v2. When the voltage exceeds v2, the output battery 420 is charged with the power supplied via the VCU 34.

SOC=70% is an example of a "first threshold" in the claims, and SOC=30% is an example of the "second threshold" in the claims. The voltage value v2 is an example of the "third threshold" in the claims, and the voltage value v1 is an example of the "fourth threshold" in the claims.

Through such processing, the multi-battery device 100 switches between discharging and charging the output battery 420 and the capacity battery 440, thereby increasing the durability (suppressing deterioration) of the capacity battery 440 included in the multi-battery 40. I can do it.

In the process of switching between discharging and charging in the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440 without using the discharge limit line or the charge limit line described above, two threshold values of 70% and 30% are used for the SOC, The case where two threshold values, voltage value v1 and voltage value v2, are used for voltage value V has been described. However, the threshold values used in the process of switching between discharging and charging in each battery without using a discharge limit line or a charge limit line are not limited to the four mentioned above. For example, the control unit 36 may use one threshold value for each of the SOC and the voltage value V to switch between discharging and charging in each battery.

For example, when the SOC is 70% or less, the control unit 36 determines that the battery that supplies power to the VCU 34 and the battery that charges the power supplied via the VCU 34 are the capacity battery 440, and the calculated SOC is 70%. %, the battery that supplies power to the VCU 34 and the battery that charges the power supplied via the VCU 34 may be the power output type battery 420.

For example, when the voltage value V is less than or equal to the voltage value v2, the control unit 36 sets the battery that supplies power to the VCU 34 and the battery that charges the power supplied via the VCU 34 as the capacity battery 440, and sets the voltage value When V exceeds the voltage value v2, the battery that supplies power to the VCU 34 and the battery that charges the power supplied via the VCU 34 may be the power output type battery 420.

The process flow when the control unit 36 switches between discharging and charging the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440 without using the discharge limit line or the charge limit line is the process flow shown in FIG. This can be easily understood based on the first example of the process of switching between the two and the above explanation. Therefore, a detailed description of the process flow when the control unit 36 switches between discharging and charging the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440 without using the discharge limit line or the charge limit line will be omitted.

[Example of processing to control battery temperature]
In the example of the process in the multi-battery device 100 described above, the process in which the control unit 36 switches between discharging and charging the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440 has been described. By the way, a battery can discharge stored power more efficiently if its temperature has risen to a certain extent. Therefore, in the multi-battery device 100, the control unit 36 controls the temperature of each battery in addition to switching between discharging and charging each battery.

Next, an example of a process flow when controlling the temperature of each battery in the multi-battery device 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed when controlling the temperature of the battery in the multi-battery device 100 according to the first embodiment.

First, the control unit 36 acquires the temperature of the capacity battery 440 (step S200). Here, if the battery sensor 442 includes a plurality of (for example, four) temperature sensors that detect the temperature of the capacitive battery 440, the control unit 36 controls the temperature of the capacitive battery 440 detected by each temperature sensor. may be obtained, and the maximum temperature among the plurality of obtained temperatures may be set as the temperature of the capacity battery 440.

Next, the control unit 36 checks whether the obtained temperature of the capacity battery 440 is below a predetermined temperature threshold (step S202). The predetermined temperature threshold is, for example, when discharging the power stored in the battery (in this case, discharging the power stored in the capacity battery 440 to supply the VCU 34). This is the temperature that allows for good discharge. The predetermined temperature threshold is an example of a "fifth threshold" in the claims.

If it is confirmed in step S202 that the temperature of the capacitive battery 440 is not below the predetermined temperature threshold, the control unit 36 returns the process to step S200 and continues to monitor the temperature of the capacitive battery 440.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S202 that the temperature of the capacity battery 440 is below the predetermined temperature threshold, the control unit 36 performs charging and discharging of power between the capacity battery 440 and the output battery 420. (step S204). At this time, the battery that discharges power and the battery that charges power are not particularly defined. For example, the control unit 36 calculates the current SOC (battery charging rate) of each of the capacity type battery 440 and the output type battery 420, selects the battery with a higher SOC as the battery from which power is discharged, and selects the battery with a higher SOC as the battery with a lower SOC. The battery may be used as the battery for charging the power. Furthermore, when the SOC is reversed due to charging and discharging between the capacity type battery 440 and the output type battery 420, the control unit 36 reverses (reverses) the battery for discharging power and the battery for charging power. Good too.

By the way, for example, a case may be considered in which both the capacity type battery 440 and the output type battery 420 are fully charged (for example, SOC is 70%). In this case, the control unit 36 discards the electric power stored in the capacitive battery 440 by, for example, discharging it into the electric motor included in the brake device 16 or the mechanical mechanism part of the brake device 16. may be controlled. Conversely, for example, a case may be considered in which both the capacity type battery 440 and the output type battery 420 are in an empty state (for example, SOC is 30%). In this case, the control unit 36 may, for example, request the user of the vehicle 10 to charge the capacitive battery 440 using the charger 90, or if the vehicle 10 is a hybrid electric vehicle, , the capacitive battery 440 may be charged by operating the engine.

After that, the control unit 36 determines whether predetermined charging and discharging has been performed between the capacity battery 440 and the output battery 420 in step S204 (step S206). For example, the control unit 36 determines whether a predetermined period of time or more has elapsed during charging and discharging between the capacity battery 440 and the output battery 420. If it is determined in step S206 that the predetermined charging and discharging is not performed between the capacity battery 440 and the output battery 420, the control unit 36 continues monitoring until the predetermined charging and discharging is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S206 that predetermined charging and discharging have been performed between the capacity battery 440 and the output battery 420, the control unit 36 acquires the temperature of the capacity battery 440 (step S208). Next, the control unit 36 checks whether the temperature rise of the capacitive battery 440 is equal to or lower than the reference value, based on the obtained temperature of the capacitive battery 440 (step S210). In other words, in the process of step S210, the control unit 36 checks whether or not the temperature of the capacitive battery 440 rises above the reference value due to charging and discharging between the capacitive battery 440 and the output battery 420. The reference value is, for example, the temperature of the capacity battery 440 that is assumed when charging and discharging are performed between the capacity battery 440 and the output battery 420 for a predetermined period of time. The reference value can be determined, for example, based on the current value of the current flowing due to charging and discharging between the capacity type battery 440 and the output type battery 420, and the resistance value of the internal resistance of the capacity type battery 440.

If it is determined in step S210 that the temperature rise of the capacitive battery 440 is not below the reference value, the control unit 36 returns the process to step S200 (or may be step S202) so that the temperature of the capacitive battery 440 increases. Electric power is continuously charged and discharged between the capacity battery 440 and the output battery 420 until the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S210 that the temperature rise of the capacitive battery 440 is below the reference value, the control unit 36 performs processing to deal with the abnormality of the capacitive battery 440 (step S212). Processing for responding to an abnormality in the capacity battery 440 includes, for example, disconnecting the capacity battery 440 from the output battery 420, that is, the multi-battery device 100, such as by disconnecting an electromagnetic contactor connected to the capacity battery 440. Such processing may also be included. This means that if the temperature of the capacitive battery 440 does not rise above the reference value due to charging and discharging between the capacitive battery 440 and the output battery 420, for example, the capacitive battery 440 may be malfunctioning. This is because it is conceivable that the output type battery 420 and the components included in the multi-battery device 100 may be adversely affected.

Here, the multi-battery device 100 may be configured to include a heater for keeping the capacity battery 440 and the output battery 420 warm and heating them, for example. In the multi-battery device 100 having this configuration, when it is determined in step S210 that the temperature rise of the capacitive battery 440 is below the reference value, the control unit 36 first operates the heater to keep the capacitive battery 440 warm. If the temperature rise of the capacity battery 440 is still determined to be below the reference value even after a predetermined period of time, the process for dealing with the abnormality of the capacity battery 440 in step S212 may be performed.

Through such processing, the multi-battery device 100 controls the temperature of the capacity battery 440. Thereby, in the multi-battery device 100, the temperature of the capacitive battery 440 included in the multi-battery 40 can be raised, and the stored power can be discharged more efficiently. This is considered to be effective, for example, when the vehicle 10 is driven while the battery temperature is low due to being stopped for a long time.

By the way, in the multi-battery device 100, the temperature of the output type battery 420 can also be controlled based on the same idea. The flow of processing executed by the control unit 36 in this case is similar to the flow of processing shown in FIG. However, the predetermined temperature threshold corresponding to the output type battery 420 checked by the control unit 36 in step S202 may be the same threshold as the predetermined temperature threshold corresponding to the capacity type battery 440, or may be a different threshold. It's okay. The predetermined temperature threshold corresponding to the output type battery 420 is an example of a "sixth threshold" in the claims.

[Example of processing to control the actual power of the battery]
In order to increase the durability of the battery (suppress its deterioration), as explained in the process of switching between discharging and charging the battery above, for example, discharging and charging should be performed between the discharge limit line and the charge limit line. This is effective. Furthermore, in order to increase the durability of the battery (suppress its deterioration), it is necessary to control the amount of discharge when discharging the battery and the amount of charge when charging the battery, that is, the actual power, within a predetermined amount of power. is also valid. Therefore, in the multi-battery device 100, the control unit 36 controls the discharge amount and charge amount of the capacitive battery 440 when discharging or charging the capacitive battery 440, thereby further improving the durability of the capacitive battery 440. (to further suppress deterioration).

Next, an example of a process flow when controlling the actual power of the capacity battery 440 in the multi-battery device 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed when controlling the actual power of the battery in the multi-battery device 100 according to the first embodiment.

First, the control unit 36 acquires the voltage value and current value of the capacity battery 440 (step S300). Then, the control unit 36 calculates the SOC (battery charging rate) and actual power of the capacity battery 440 based on the obtained voltage value and current value (step S302).

Next, the control unit 36 determines whether the calculated SOC is within the range of the target SOC (hereinafter referred to as "target SOC") and the calculated actual power is less than a predetermined value (step S304). The target SOC range is, for example, an SOC range for using the capacity battery 440 with increased durability (suppressed deterioration). For example, the range of the target SOC is the second example of the process of switching between battery discharging and charging explained using FIG. 4, or the third example of the process of switching between battery discharging and charging explained using FIG. The SOC ranges between 70% and 30%. The target SOC may be defined as, for example, SOC=50%, or a predetermined value range centered around SOC=50% (eg, ±10%, etc.). The predetermined value for the actual power is, for example, the amount of discharge per unit time for discharging the capacitive battery 440 with increased durability (suppressing deterioration), or the unit time for charging the capacitive battery 440. This is the threshold for the amount of charge per unit. As the predetermined value for the actual power, a threshold value (for example, 3 kW/sec, etc.) is set so that the discharge from the capacitive battery 440 and the charging to the capacitive battery 440 do not become rapid. The predetermined value for the actual power is an example of a "seventh threshold" in the claims.

If it is determined that the SOC calculated in step S302 is within the range of the target SOC and the calculated actual power is less than the predetermined value, the control unit 36 returns the process to step S300 and continues to adjust the voltage value of the capacity battery 440. and monitor the current value.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that the calculated SOC is within the range of the target SOC and the calculated actual power is not less than the predetermined value, the control unit 36 controls the actual power in the capacity battery 440 to be less than the predetermined value. Then, the actual power of the capacity battery 440 is controlled (step S306). More specifically, when supplying power stored in the capacitive battery 440 to the VCU 34, the control unit 36 controls the amount of power discharged from the capacitive battery 440 to the VCU 34 to be less than a predetermined value. . When the capacity battery 440 is charged with the power supplied from the VCU 34, the control unit 36 controls the capacity battery 440 so that the amount of charge of the power supplied from the VCU 34 is less than a predetermined value. At this time, it is possible that the amount of power requested to be supplied by the VCU 34 or the amount of power supplied by the VCU 34 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. In this case, the control unit 36 controls the capacity battery 440 to maintain a state in which the amount of discharge and amount of charge is less than a predetermined value, and in order to satisfy the request from the VCU 34 (compensate for the difference), output The amount of discharge and charge in the type battery 420 is controlled. At this time, if the amount of discharge or charge in the output type battery 420 can be increased, the control unit 36 sets the amount of discharge or charge in the capacity type battery 440 to a larger margin with respect to the predetermined value. It may be controlled so that the power is maintained (for example, 2 kW/sec).

Here, when supplying power from the capacitive battery 440 to the VCU 34, or when charging the capacitive battery 440 with power supplied by the VCU 34, it is possible to increase the SOC. For example, if the electric power supplied from the VCU 34 is large (that is, the amount of power generated by the motor 12 operating as a regenerative brake is large), it is possible to increase the SOC. Even in such a case, the control unit 36 controls so that the amount of discharge in the capacity battery 440 or the amount of charge in the capacity battery 440 is maintained at less than a predetermined value.

Through such processing, the multi-battery device 100 controls the amount of discharge and amount of charge (actual power) in the capacity battery 440. Thereby, in the multi-battery device 100, the durability of the capacity battery 440 included in the multi-battery 40 can be further increased (deterioration can be further suppressed). In other words, in the multi-battery device 100, the life of the capacity battery 440 can be extended.

[Example of processing to manage battery deterioration]
In the multi-battery device 100, in order to increase the durability (suppress deterioration) of the capacity type battery 440, discharge from each battery and discharge from each battery are performed according to the states of the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440. is charging and controlling. Conversely, in the multi-battery device 100, control for increasing the durability (suppressing deterioration) of the output type battery 420 is given less importance than in the case of the capacity type battery 440. This is because, in the multi-battery device 100, the output type battery has a configuration that can be easily attached to and detached from the multi-battery 40, that is, the vehicle 10, and the capacity type battery has a configuration that cannot be easily attached to and detached from the vehicle 10. It's for a reason. Therefore, in the multi-battery device 100, the control unit 36 determines the state of deterioration of the output type battery 420, and, for example, suggests to the user of the vehicle 10 that the output type battery 420 be replaced.

Next, an example of a process flow when determining the state of deterioration of the output type battery 420 and suggesting replacement in the multi-battery device 100 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed when determining the state of battery deterioration in the multi-battery device 100 according to the first embodiment.

First, the control unit 36 acquires voltage values and current values when charging power to the output battery 420 (during charging) and when discharging power stored in the output battery 420 (during discharging). (Step S400). At this time, the control unit 36 acquires the voltage value and current value output by the battery sensor 422 at predetermined time intervals. Based on the obtained voltage value and current value, the control unit 36 determines the power when charging the output type battery 420 (hereinafter referred to as "charging power") and the power when discharging (hereinafter referred to as "discharging power"). (hereinafter referred to as "electric power") is calculated (step S402). At this time, the control unit 36 calculates the charging power and the discharging power of the output type battery 420 at a predetermined time interval based on the voltage value and current value acquired at a predetermined time interval.

Next, the control unit 36 calculates the amount of deterioration representing the deterioration state of the output battery 420 based on the calculated charging power and discharging power (step S404). More specifically, it is calculated backward from the relationship between OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) based on charging power and discharging power calculated at predetermined time intervals and CCV (Closed Circuit Voltage). The amount of deterioration is calculated based on the internal resistance of the output type battery 420 determined by the method.

The method of calculating the amount of deterioration of the output type battery 420 in the control unit 36 is not limited to the method described above. For example, the control unit 36 calculates the IV characteristic and the PV characteristic representing the change in internal resistance of the output battery 420 based on the voltage value and current value acquired at predetermined time intervals in the process of step S400. The amount of deterioration of the output type battery 420 may be calculated from the obtained IV characteristics and PV characteristics. Since the present invention mainly focuses on the control of switching between discharging and charging in the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440, the present invention relates to a method for calculating the amount of battery deterioration based on the voltage value and the current value. A more detailed explanation will be omitted.

Next, the control unit 36 determines whether the calculated amount of deterioration is less than or equal to a predetermined value (step S406). The predetermined value for the amount of deterioration is set for the output type battery 420, for example, in order to determine whether sufficient performance (power amount, etc.) that does not impede the running of the vehicle 10 is ensured. This is a threshold value (for example, an internal resistance value of the output type battery 420). The predetermined value for the amount of deterioration is, for example, an output that actually impedes the running of the vehicle 10 so that the output battery 420 can be used continuously during the period assumed to be required to replace the output battery 420. The threshold value may have a predetermined margin with respect to the amount of deterioration of the type battery 420. The predetermined value for the amount of deterioration is an example of the "eighth threshold" in the claims.

If it is determined that the amount of deterioration calculated in step S406 is not less than the predetermined value, the control unit 36 returns the process to step S400 and continues to calculate the voltage value and current value during charging and discharging of the output battery 420. Monitor.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the amount of deterioration calculated in step S406 is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the control unit 36 determines that the output type battery 420 has deteriorated, and outputs an output signal to the user of the vehicle 10, for example. A proposal is made to replace the type battery 420 (step S408). At this time, the control unit 36 may, for example, output information suggesting replacement of the output type battery 420 to the HMI 60 and display a screen prompting the replacement of the output type battery 420 on a display device included in the HMI 60; A speaker or a buzzer included in the HMI 60 may generate a sound (such as an alarm) to prompt replacement of the battery 420.

Through such processing, the multi-battery device 100 calculates the amount of deterioration of the output type battery 420, and proposes replacement of the output type battery 420 based on the calculated amount of deterioration. Thereby, in the multi-battery device 100, the output type battery 420 included in the multi-battery 40 can be replaced, for example, before it deteriorates to the point that it interferes with the running of the vehicle 10. In other words, in the multi-battery device 100, maintenance of the output type battery 420 can be performed optimally in the vehicle 10 in which the multi-battery device 100 is adopted.

As described above, according to the multi-battery device 100 of the first embodiment, the battery sensor 422 included in the multi-battery 40 detects the physical quantity of the output type battery 420, and the battery sensor 442 detects the physical quantity of the capacity type battery 440. do. According to the multi-battery device 100 of the first embodiment, the control unit 36 controls each of the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440 based on the physical quantities acquired from each of the battery sensor 422 and the battery sensor 442. to suitably control. More specifically, in the multi-battery device 100 of the first embodiment, the control unit 36 increases the durability of the capacity battery 440 (suppresses deterioration), and more efficiently uses the power stored in each battery. It puts the battery in a state where it can be discharged, manages the deterioration of the output type battery 420, and suggests replacement. Thereby, in the vehicle 10 in which the multi-battery device 100 of the first embodiment is adopted, each battery included in the multi-battery device 100 can be suitably used.

In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which the capacity type battery 440 included in the multi-battery device 100 is a battery having the same configuration as the output type battery 420 (for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery). However, the capacity type battery 440 included in the multi-battery device 100 may have a different configuration from the output type battery 420. For example, capacitive battery 440 may be a fuel cell. In this case, the vehicle 10 employing the multi-battery device 100 in which the capacitive battery 440 is a fuel cell is an electric vehicle that runs on an electric motor driven by electric power supplied from a fuel cell, a so-called FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle : fuel cell vehicle). The configuration, operation, processing, and calculation method of each value of the multi-battery device 100 in this case are as follows: and the calculation method of each value may be equivalent. For example, the above-mentioned SOC may be replaced with the remaining amount of fuel (eg, hydrogen, etc.) consumed to supply electric power from the fuel cell. For example, the amount of electric power charged to the capacity battery 440 described above may be replaced with the amount of fuel (eg, hydrogen, etc.) produced by electrolysis of water using electric power.

According to the multi-battery device 100 of the first embodiment described above, the output type battery 420, the capacity type battery 440 which has a higher capacity and lower output than the output type battery 420, and the state (physical quantity) of the output type battery 420 The battery sensor 422 detects the state (physical quantity) of the capacity battery 440, and the battery sensor 442 detects the state (physical quantity) of the capacity battery 440. 440 to an external device (VCU 34 here), and output type battery 420 and capacity type battery 420 of power supplied from the external device (VCU 34 here, which may be connection circuit 72). By including the control unit 36 that switches between charging and charging the battery 440, it is possible to suitably control the discharging and charging of each battery. Thereby, the vehicle 10 employing the multi-battery device 100 of the first embodiment can travel by suitably utilizing each battery included in the multi-battery device 100.

<Second embodiment>
The second embodiment will be described below. In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the multi-battery device 100 of the present invention is adopted in the vehicle 10 (EV: electric vehicle). However, the multi-battery device 100 of the present invention can be employed not only in the vehicle 10 but also in various systems that store and utilize electric power. In the following description, an example in which the multi-battery device 100 of the present invention is employed in a power generation system using natural energy will be described.

[Configuration of power generation system using multi-battery device]
Next, an example of a multi-battery system including the multi-battery device 100 and a server device will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration and usage environment of a multi-battery system according to the second embodiment. The multi-battery system 500 includes, for example, a plurality of multi-battery devices 100-1 to 100-j and a battery management server device 600.

FIG. 9 also shows a power generation device 800, which is an external device in the multi-battery system 500, and an output system 900.

The power generation device 800 is a power generation device that uses natural energy. The power generation device 800 is, for example, a solar cell for solar power generation, a windmill for wind power generation, or the like. The power generation device 800 supplies the generated power to each of the multi-battery devices 100-1 to 100-j included in the multi-battery system 500 for storage. Power generation device 800 may directly supply the generated power to output system 900.

The output system 900 supplies power stored in each of the multi-battery devices 100-1 to 100-j included in the multi-battery system 500, or various devices and devices that receive and consume power directly from the power generator 800. It is. The output system 900 is, for example, an electrical device installed in the home of a contractor who has a contract with an operator, such as an electric power company, that operates the power generation device 800.

In the multi-battery system 500, the multi-battery devices 100-1 to 100-j and the battery management server device 600 communicate with each other via the network NW. The network NW is a wireless communication network including, for example, the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), a provider device, a wireless base station, and the like.

Each of the multi-battery devices 100-1 to 100-j is a multi-battery device similar to the multi-battery device 100 of the first embodiment. Each of the multi-battery devices 100-1 to 100-j includes a plurality of output type batteries and a plurality of capacity type batteries. Here, the configuration of multi-battery device 100-1 will be described as a representative of each of multi-battery devices 100-1 to 100-j.

In the following description, when the multi-battery devices 100-1 to 100-j included in the multi-battery system 500 and the components included in each of the multi-battery devices 100-1 to 100-j are not distinguished, the respective components will be referred to as The ``-'' (hyphen) at the end of the component code and the code below the hyphen are omitted.

The multi-battery device 100-1 includes, for example, a multi-battery 40-1 and a control unit 36-1. The multi-battery 40-1 includes, for example, a plurality of output type batteries 420-1 to 420-m, a battery sensor 422, a plurality of capacity type batteries 440-1 to 440-n, and a battery sensor 442. The multi-battery 40-1 has output type batteries 420-1 to 420-m and capacity type batteries 440-1 to 440-n, respectively, similar to the switching unit 460 included in the multi-battery 40 of the first embodiment. , is also provided with a switching section, which is a component for switching the connection with an external device, but is omitted in FIG.

Each of output type batteries 420-1 to 420-m is a battery similar to output type battery 420 of the first embodiment. Each of the output type batteries 420-1 to 420-m has a problem in using the stored electric power for, for example, driving the vehicle 10, but it can be used sufficiently for purposes other than driving the vehicle 10. It may also be a battery that can. In other words, each of the output type batteries 420-1 to 420-m has deteriorated to the extent that it is not suitable for use in the vehicle 10, so the recovered capacity type battery 440 is reused (secondary) in the multi-battery system 500. It may also be a battery that has been used (used). Each of the capacity type batteries 440-1 to 440-n is a battery similar to the capacity type battery 440 of the first embodiment.

The battery sensor 422 is a battery sensor similar to the battery sensor 422 of the first embodiment. However, since the multi-battery 40-1 includes a plurality of output type batteries 420, the battery sensor 422 detects the physical quantity of each output type battery 420. The battery sensor 422 may include a plurality of battery sensors corresponding to each output type battery 420. The battery sensor 442 is a battery sensor similar to the battery sensor 442 of the first embodiment. However, since the multi-battery 40-1 includes a plurality of capacity batteries 440, the battery sensor 442 detects the physical quantity of each capacity battery 440. Battery sensor 442 may include a plurality of battery sensors corresponding to each capacitive battery 440.

The control unit 36-1 is a control unit similar to the control unit 36 included in the multi-battery device 100 of the first embodiment. However, in the multi-battery system 500, the control unit 36-1 transmits and receives information to and from the battery management server device 600 via the network NW. For this reason, the control unit 36-1 includes a communication unit (not shown) for communicating with the battery management server device 600 via the network NW.

The battery management server device 600 communicates with the control unit 36 included in each multi-battery device 100, and based on the communicated information, the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440 included in each multi-battery 40 are controlled. Manage the state of. The battery management server device 600 instructs (controls) the exchange of power between different multi-battery devices 100 based on the respective states of the managed output type battery 420 and capacity type battery 440. That is, the battery management server device 600 controls discharging and charging of power to each multi-battery 40 provided in different multi-battery devices 100.

[Example of multi-battery system processing]
Next, an example of a process flow when power is exchanged between different multi-battery devices 100 in the multi-battery system 500 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed when power is exchanged between different multi-battery devices 100 in the multi-battery system 500 according to the second embodiment.

First, the control unit 36 included in each multi-battery device 100 acquires the voltage value and current value of each corresponding capacity type battery 440 (step S500). Then, each control unit 36 calculates the SOC (battery charging rate) of each corresponding capacity type battery 440 based on the acquired voltage value and current value (step S502).

Each control unit 36 transmits the calculated SOC information of each corresponding capacity type battery 440 to the battery management server device 600 via the network NW (step S504).

The battery management server device 600 determines whether the capacity type batteries 440 included in all the multi-battery devices 100 are fully charged or not based on the SOC information transmitted by the control unit 36 included in each multi-battery device 100. (Step S506). That is, the battery management server device 600 checks whether all the capacity batteries 440 included in the multi-battery system 500 are fully charged. When the capacity battery 440 is fully charged, the SOC is, for example, 70%.

If it is confirmed in step S506 that all capacity type batteries 440 are fully charged, the battery management server device 600 transfers the power generated by the power generation device 800 to the output type battery 420 of each multi-battery device 100. to charge the battery (step S510). At this time, the battery management server device 600 transmits an instruction signal indicating that the output battery 420 is to be charged with the power generated by the power generation device 800 to each control unit 36 via the network NW. Thereby, each control unit 36 causes the corresponding output type battery 420 to be charged with the electric power generated and supplied by the power generation device 800.

If it is confirmed in step S506 that all capacity batteries 440 are fully charged, the battery management server device 600 directly supplies the power generated by the power generation device 800 to the output system 900 in the process of step S510. You can do it like this. In this case, battery management server device 600 transmits an instruction signal indicating that the generated power is to be directly supplied to output system 900 to each control unit 36 via network NW. Thereby, each control unit 36 prevents either the output type battery 420 or the capacity type battery 440 from being charged with the electric power generated and supplied by the power generation device 800.

Thereafter, the battery management server device 600 returns the process to step S500 (or step S506) and continues to wait for SOC information to be transmitted from the control unit 36 included in each multi-battery device 100. . That is, the battery management server device 600 continues to monitor the SOC of each capacity type battery 440.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S506 that all the capacity batteries 440 are not fully charged, the battery management server device 600 uses the SOC information transmitted by the control unit 36 included in each multi-battery device 100. Based on this, it is determined whether there is a capacity battery 440 whose SOC is below a certain value (step S520). The constant value of SOC is, for example, 50% SOC. Therefore, in the process of step S520, the battery management server device 600 checks whether there is a capacity battery 440 with a low SOC among all the capacity batteries 440 included in the multi-battery system 500.

If it is confirmed in step S520 that there is no capacity type battery 440 with an SOC below a certain value, the battery management server device 600 transfers the power generated by the power generation device 800 to the capacity type battery 440 included in each multi-battery device 100. An instruction is given to charge the battery (step S522). At this time, the battery management server device 600 transmits an instruction signal indicating that the capacity battery 440 is to be charged with the power generated by the power generation device 800 to each control unit 36 via the network NW. Thereby, each control unit 36 causes the corresponding capacity type battery 440 to be charged with the electric power generated and supplied by the power generation device 800.

Thereafter, the battery management server device 600 returns the process to step S500 (or step S506) and continues to monitor the SOC of each capacity type battery 440.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S520 that there is a capacity battery 440 whose SOC is below the certain value, the battery management server device 600 transfers the power stored in the capacity battery 440 whose SOC exceeds the certain value to An instruction is given to charge the following capacity type battery 440 (step S524). At this time, the battery management server device 600 transmits an instruction signal indicating that power is to be charged and discharged between the capacity battery 440 whose SOC exceeds a certain value and the capacity battery 440 whose SOC is below a certain value to the network. It is transmitted to each control unit 36 via the NW. As a result, the control unit 36 corresponding to the capacity type battery 440 whose SOC exceeds a certain value discharges the power stored in the corresponding capacity type battery 440, and the control unit 36 corresponding to the capacity type battery 440 whose SOC exceeds the certain value 36 causes the corresponding capacity type battery 440 to be charged with the power discharged by the other capacity type battery 440. As a result, power is charged and discharged between the capacity batteries 440 included in different multi-battery devices 100. At this time, the path for transmitting power between the different capacity batteries 440 may be a path connecting the power generation device 800 and the output system 900 shown in FIG. (For example, a dedicated path for transmitting power between the multi-battery devices 100: not shown) may be used.

Thereafter, the battery management server device 600 returns the process to step S500 (or step S506) and continues to monitor the SOC of each capacity type battery 440.

Through such processing, in the multi-battery system 500, the SOCs of the capacity batteries 440 included in the respective multi-battery devices 100 are made more uniform. In the multi-battery system 500, each capacity type battery 440 with a uniform SOC is charged with the power generated by the power generation device 800. Thereby, in the multi-battery system 500, it is possible to increase the durability (suppress deterioration) of the capacitive battery 440 included in each multi-battery device 100.

[Another example of multi-battery system processing]
In an example of the processing of the multi-battery system 500 shown in FIG. 10, in order to increase the durability (suppress deterioration) of each capacity type battery 440, discharging and charging in the capacity type battery 440 are performed so as to equalize the SOC. The processing for controlling has been explained. In the multi-battery system 500, as each output type battery 420, for example, an output type battery 420 that is collected because it is not suitable for use in the vehicle 10 can be used. For this reason, in the multi-battery system 500 as well, the state of deterioration of the output type battery 420 is determined, and if the output type battery 420 has deteriorated significantly, the administrator of the multi-battery system 500, for example, can notify the administrator of the output type battery 420 that it has deteriorated. I suggest replacing it with 420.

Next, an example of a process flow when determining the state of deterioration of each output type battery 420 in the multi-battery system 500 and proposing replacement will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed when determining the state of deterioration of the batteries included in each multi-battery device 100 in the multi-battery system 500 according to the second embodiment.

First, the control unit 36 included in each multi-battery device 100 acquires the voltage value and current value of the corresponding output type battery 420 during charging and discharging (step S600). At this time, the time interval at which each control unit 36 acquires the voltage value and current value output by the corresponding battery sensor 422 is the same as the predetermined time interval in the first embodiment. Then, each control unit 36 calculates the charging power and discharging power of each corresponding output type battery 420 based on the acquired voltage value and current value (step S602). At this time, as in the first embodiment, each control unit 36 determines the charging power and discharging power of each corresponding output type battery 420 based on the voltage value and current value acquired at predetermined time intervals. The power is calculated at predetermined time intervals. Thereafter, each control unit 36 calculates a deterioration amount representing a deterioration state of each corresponding output type battery 420 based on the calculated charging power and discharging power (step S604). At this time, each control unit 36 calculates the amount of deterioration of each corresponding output type battery 420 using the same calculation method as in the first embodiment.

Next, each control unit 36 determines whether the calculated amount of deterioration is less than or equal to a predetermined value for each corresponding output type battery 420 (step S606). The predetermined value for the amount of deterioration at this time is determined, for example, in order to determine whether sufficient performance (power amount, etc.) that does not impede charging of the power generated by the power generation device 800 is ensured. This is a threshold value set for the output type battery 420 (for example, the internal resistance value of the output type battery 420). Similarly to the first embodiment, the predetermined value for the amount of deterioration is also set in the power generation device so that the output battery 420 can be continuously used for a period assumed to be required for replacing the output battery 420. The threshold value may be a threshold value having a predetermined margin with respect to the amount of deterioration of the output type battery 420 that interferes with charging of the electric power generated by the output battery 800 .

When the control unit 36 determines that the amount of deterioration of any of the corresponding output type batteries 420 is not less than the predetermined value in step S606, the control unit 36 returns the process to step S600 and continues charging and discharging of each of the corresponding output type batteries 420. Monitor voltage and current values at different times.

On the other hand, the control unit 36 that has determined in step S606 that the amount of deterioration of one of the corresponding output type batteries 420 is less than or equal to the predetermined value, provides information on the amount of deterioration of the output type battery 420 that has been determined that the amount of deterioration is less than or equal to the predetermined value. is transmitted to the battery management server device 600 via the network NW (step S610). That is, the control unit 36 transmits information on the amount of deterioration of the output type battery 420 determined to be deteriorated to the battery management server device 600.

When information on the amount of deterioration is transmitted by the control unit 36 included in any of the multi-battery devices 100, the battery management server device 600 controls the control unit that has transmitted the information on the amount of deterioration based on the information on the amount of deterioration that has been sent. It is confirmed whether there is a replaceable output type battery 420 in the multi-battery device 100 including the unit 36 (step S612). The replaceable output battery 420 in the multi-battery device 100 is, for example, a storage location such as a warehouse that is compatible with the multi-battery device 100 that is collected from the vehicle 10 and includes the control unit 36 that has transmitted information on the amount of deterioration. This is an output type battery 420 stored in the. In other words, the replaceable output type battery 420 is the output type battery 420 that is in stock in the multi-battery device 100.

If it is confirmed in step S612 that there is a replaceable output battery 420, the battery management server device 600, for example, informs the administrator of the multi-battery system 500 or the multi-battery device 100 that the battery has deteriorated. It is proposed to replace the output type battery 420 that is determined to be in stock with an output type battery 420 in stock (step S614). At this time, the battery management server device 600 outputs information suggesting replacement of the output type battery 420 to the notification device included in the battery management server device 600 or the multi-battery device 100, and informs the notification device of the output type battery 420. Make a notification prompting for replacement. For example, when the notification device is a display device such as an LCD, this notification is performed by displaying a screen on the display device that prompts the user to replace the output battery 420, and when the notification device is a sounding device such as a speaker or a buzzer. In some cases, this is done by emitting a sound (such as an alarm) that prompts the output battery 420 to be replaced.

Thereafter, the battery management server device 600 returns the process to step S600 (or may be step S610), and subsequently receives information on the amount of deterioration from the control unit 36 included in one of the multi-battery devices 100, that is, output type battery. Wait for the determination result of the deterioration state of 420 to be sent.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S612 that there is no replaceable output type battery 420, the battery management server device 600 checks whether there is a replaceable output type battery 420 in another multi-battery device 100 ( Step S620). If it is confirmed in step S620 that there is a replaceable output battery 420 in another multi-battery device 100, the battery management server device 600, for example, A proposal is made to the administrator of the multi-battery device 100 in which the output type battery 420 is located to replace it with an output type battery 420 in stock from another multi-battery device 100 (step S622). The proposal (notification) method in the battery management server device 600 at this time is the same as the notification method described above.

Thereafter, the battery management server device 600 returns the process to step S600 (or may be step S610) and continues to wait for the determination result of the deterioration state of one of the output batteries 420 to be transmitted.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S620 that there is no replaceable output type battery 420 in another multi-battery device 100, the battery management server device 600 determines whether the output type battery 420 that is replaceable in the other multi-battery device 100 is present Among the plurality of capacity batteries 440 included in the device 100, one of the capacity batteries 440 is selected (step S630). At this time, the battery management server device 600 selects a predetermined battery such as one that is the most degraded among the plurality of capacity batteries 440, one that has the lowest SOC, one that has the smallest capacity, or one that has the oldest manufacturing date. The capacity type battery 440 is selected according to the conditions.

Then, the battery management server device 600 instructs the selected capacity type battery 440 to operate as the output type battery 420 (step S632). At this time, the battery management server device 600 sends an instruction signal indicating that the operation of the selected capacity battery 440 is to be changed to the control unit 36 of the multi-battery device 100 including the output battery 420 determined to be degraded. , is transmitted via the network NW. Thereby, the control unit 36 that has received the instruction signal causes the selected capacity type battery 440 to operate as the output type battery 420 from now on.

Thereafter, the battery management server device 600 returns the process to step S600 (or may be step S610) and continues to wait for the determination result of the deterioration state of one of the output batteries 420 to be transmitted.

Through such processing, the multi-battery system 500 proposes replacement of the output type battery 420 based on the determination result of the deterioration state of the output type battery 420 included in each multi-battery device 100. As a result, in the multi-battery system 500, the output type battery 420 included in any one of the multi-battery devices 100 is replaced, for example, before it deteriorates to the point where charging of the electric power generated by the power generation device 800 is hindered. It can be done. In other words, in the multi-battery system 500, maintenance of the output type batteries 420 can be performed optimally in each multi-battery device 100.

In the example of the process shown in FIG. 11 that determines the state of deterioration of the output battery 420 and proposes replacement, the control unit 36 included in each multi-battery device 100 determines whether the corresponding output battery 420 is The case in which it is determined whether or not is determined has been explained. However, in the multi-battery system 500, the battery management server device 600 manages the states of the vehicle sensor 20 and the capacitive battery 440 included in each multi-battery device 100. For this reason, the battery management server device 600 may determine whether all output type batteries 420 included in the multi-battery system 500 have deteriorated. In this case, the control unit 36 included in each multi-battery device 100 outputs each output calculated in the process of step S604 in the example of the process of determining the state of deterioration of the output type battery 420 shown in FIG. 11 and proposing replacement. Information on the amount of deterioration of type battery 420 is transmitted to battery management server device 600 via network NW. Then, the battery management server device 600 determines whether or not each output type battery 420 has deteriorated based on the information on the amount of deterioration transmitted by the control unit 36 included in each multi-battery device 100. At this time, the battery management server device 600 also manages the output type batteries 420 in stock in each multi-battery device 100. That is, the battery management server device 600 also manages the number of replaceable output type batteries 420 in stock in each multi-battery device 100. Therefore, the battery management server device 600 can determine whether the output type batteries 420 have deteriorated in multiple stages depending on the number of output type batteries 420 in stock in the multi-battery device 100. For example, if there is a sufficient number of output type batteries 420 in stock in the multi-battery device 100, the threshold value for determining whether or not the output type batteries 420 has deteriorated, that is, the predetermined value of the amount of deterioration, may be set high. Therefore, a proposal may be made to proactively (early) replace the output battery 420 that has deteriorated to some extent. For example, when the number of output type batteries 420 in the multi-battery device 100 is small, the predetermined value of the amount of deterioration for determining whether the output type batteries 420 has deteriorated is set low, and the power generation apparatus 800 Replacement of the output type battery 420 may not be proposed until close to the limit (very close to the limit) within a range that does not impede charging of the generated power. Such a process is an example of the process of determining the state of deterioration of the output battery 420 and proposing replacement shown in FIG. Since it can be easily understood that the battery management server device 600 makes the determination in multiple stages as described above in S606, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

As described above, according to the multi-battery system 500 of the second embodiment, the control unit 36 of each multi-battery device 100 controls each capacity type battery, similarly to the multi-battery device 100 of the first embodiment. 440 (suppressing deterioration), making it possible to discharge the power stored in each battery more efficiently, and managing the deterioration of each output type battery 420 and suggesting replacement. or Furthermore, according to the multi-battery system 500 of the second embodiment, the physical quantities of the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440 included in each multi-battery device 100 are detected, and the control unit 36 provided in each multi-battery device 100 transmits information representing the states of the output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440 based on the detected physical quantities to the battery management server device 600. According to the multi-battery system 500 of the second embodiment, the battery management server device 600 performs the following operations based on the information representing the state of each battery transmitted by the control unit 36 included in each multi-battery device 100. The output type battery 420 and the capacity type battery 440 included in the multi-battery device 100 are suitably controlled. More specifically, in the multi-battery system 500 of the second embodiment, the battery management server device 600 increases the durability (suppresses deterioration) of the capacity type batteries 440 included in each multi-battery device 100, and The deterioration of the output type battery 420 included in the multi-battery device 100 is managed and a replacement is proposed. Thereby, in the power generation system employing the multi-battery system 500 of the second embodiment, each battery included in each multi-battery device 100 can be suitably utilized.

According to the multi-battery system 500 of the second embodiment described above, the plurality of multi-battery devices 100 (the multi-battery device 100 of the first embodiment) and the batteries (output type batteries 420 and A battery management server device 600 that manages the state of a capacitive battery 440), and a battery sensor 442 included in each multi-battery device 100 detects the voltage value and current value of the corresponding capacitive battery 440, respectively. The control unit 36 included in the multi-battery device 100 calculates the charging rate (SOC) of the corresponding capacity battery 440 based on the corresponding voltage value and current value, and uses information on the calculated charging rate (SOC) in battery management. The battery management server device 600 transmits the power of the capacitive batteries 440 between different multi-battery devices 100 based on the charging rate (SOC) of each capacitive battery 440. Discharging and charging of each battery can be suitably controlled. As a result, in a power generation system employing the multi-battery system 500 of the second embodiment, each battery included in each multi-battery device 100 can be suitably used to reach a supply destination (for example, the home of a subscriber). can supply power to.

The embodiment described above can be expressed as follows.
a hardware processor;
A storage device storing a program;
The hardware processor reads and executes a program stored in the storage device,
detecting the state of the first battery by a first sensor;
A second sensor detects the state of a second battery that has a higher capacity and lower output than the first battery,
Depending on the state of the first battery and the state of the second battery, power is supplied from the first battery and the second battery to the external device, and power supplied from the external device is supplied to the first battery. switching between charging the battery and the second battery, respectively;
A multi-battery device configured as follows.

In the embodiment described above, a case has been described in which the multi-battery device 100 is employed in the vehicle 10 or a power generation system using natural energy. However, the system employing the multi-battery device 100 can be employed in any system as long as it stores generated power and utilizes the stored power. Even in this case, it is possible to suitably control the discharging and charging of each battery included in the multi-battery device 100. The configuration, operation, processing, and calculation method of each value of the multi-battery device 100 in this case are equivalent to the configuration, operation, processing, and calculation method of each value of the multi-battery device 100 in the embodiment described above. This can be easily understood based on the embodiments described above. Therefore, detailed explanations regarding the configuration, operation, processing, and calculation method of each value in other systems employing the multi-battery device 100 will be omitted.

Although the mode for implementing the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments in any way, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. can be added.

10...Vehicle 12...Motor 14...Drive wheel 16...Brake device 20...Vehicle sensor 30...PCU
32...Converter 34...VCU
36, 36-1, 36-2, 36-j... Control unit 40, 40-1, 40-2, 40-j... Multi-battery 50... Communication device 60... HMI
70... Charging port 72... Connection circuit 90... Charger 92... Charging cable 94... First plug 96... Second plug 100,100-1,100-2,100- j...Multi-battery device 420,420-1,420-2,420-m...Output type battery 422...Battery sensor 440,440-1,440-2,440-n...Capacity type Battery 442...Battery sensor 460...Switching unit 462...Switch 464...Switch 466...Switch 468...Switch 500...Multi-battery system 600...Battery management server device 800. ...Power generation device 900...Output system NW...Network

Claims (18)

a first battery;
a second battery having a higher capacity and lower output than the first battery;
a first sensor that detects the state of the first battery;
a second sensor that detects the state of the second battery;
Depending on the state of the first battery and the state of the second battery, power is supplied from the first battery and the second battery to the external device, and power supplied from the external device is supplied to the first battery. A control unit that switches between charging the battery and the second battery, respectively;
Equipped with
The control unit includes:
obtaining a discharge limit line and a charge limit line in the second battery;
Calculating actual power that is the amount of discharge or charge per unit time of the second battery obtained based on the output of the second sensor,
When the actual power is equal to or higher than the discharge limit line, switching a battery that supplies power to an external device from the second battery to the first battery, charging the second battery with the power supplied from the external device,
When the actual power is not less than the charging limit line, switching a battery that supplies power to an external device from the first battery to the second battery, and charging the first battery with the power supplied from the external device.
Multi-battery device. a first battery;
a second battery having a higher capacity and lower output than the first battery;
a first sensor that detects the state of the first battery;
a second sensor that detects the state of the second battery;
Depending on the state of the first battery and the state of the second battery, power is supplied from the first battery and the second battery to the external device, and power supplied from the external device is supplied to the first battery. A control unit that switches between charging the battery and the second battery, respectively;
Equipped with
The second sensor detects a voltage value, a current value, and a temperature,
The control unit includes:
Calculating actual power that is the amount of discharge or charge per unit time of the second battery obtained based on the voltage value and the current value,
Calculating the charging rate of the second battery based on the voltage value and the current value,
calculating a discharge limit line and a charge limit line of the second battery based on the charging rate and the temperature;
When the actual power is equal to or higher than the discharge limit line, switching a battery that supplies power to an external device from the second battery to the first battery, charging the second battery with the power supplied from the external device,
When the actual power is not less than the charging limit line, switching a battery that supplies power to an external device from the first battery to the second battery, and charging the first battery with the power supplied from the external device .
Multi-battery device. The second sensor detects a voltage value and a current value,
The control unit includes:
Calculating the charging rate of the second battery based on the voltage value and the current value,
When the charging rate is within a range between a first threshold value and a second threshold value, the battery that supplies power to an external device is the second battery,
charging the second battery with power supplied from an external device when the charging rate is less than or equal to the first threshold;
charging the first battery with power supplied from an external device when the charging rate exceeds the first threshold;
The multi-battery device according to claim 1. The control unit includes:
When the voltage value is within a range between a third threshold value and a fourth threshold value, the battery that supplies power to the external device is the second battery,
charging the second battery with power supplied from an external device when the voltage value is less than or equal to the third threshold;
charging the first battery with power supplied from an external device when the voltage value exceeds the third threshold;
The multi-battery device according to claim 3 . the second sensor detects temperature;
The control unit includes:
When the temperature is below a fifth threshold, charging and discharging is performed between the second battery and the first battery.
The multi-battery device according to claim 1. The control unit includes:
When the temperature is below the fifth threshold and the temperature rise of the second battery due to charging and discharging between the second battery and the first battery is below a reference value, at least activating a heater that keeps the second battery warm;
The multi-battery device according to claim 5 . the first sensor detects temperature;
The control unit includes:
performing charging and discharging between the second battery and the first battery when the temperature of the first battery is below a sixth threshold;
The multi-battery device according to claim 5 or claim 6 . The second sensor detects a voltage value and a current value,
The control unit includes:
Calculating actual power that is the amount of discharge or charge per unit time of the second battery obtained based on the voltage value and the current value,
Calculating the charging rate of the second battery based on the voltage value and the current value,
Charging the second battery with power supplied from an external device or external power from the second battery so that the charging rate is within a target charging rate range and the actual power is less than a seventh threshold. control the power supply to the device,
The multi-battery device according to claim 1. The control unit includes:
When the charging rate is not within a range of a target charging rate, maintaining the actual power below the seventh threshold even when increasing the target charging rate;
The multi-battery device according to claim 8 . The first sensor detects voltage values and current values during charging and discharging,
The control unit includes:
Calculating charging power and discharging power of the first battery based on the voltage value and the current value,
Calculating the amount of deterioration of the first battery based on the charging power and the discharging power,
Proposing replacement of the first battery when the calculated amount of deterioration is less than or equal to an eighth threshold;
The multi-battery device according to claim 1. A plurality of multi-battery devices according to any one of claims 1 to 10 ,
a battery management server device that manages states of batteries included in each of the multi-battery devices;
Equipped with
The second sensor included in each of the multi-battery devices detects the voltage value and current value of the corresponding second battery,
The control unit included in each of the multi-battery devices includes:
Calculating the charging rate of the corresponding second battery based on the corresponding voltage value and the current value,
transmitting information on the calculated charging rate to the battery management server device;
The battery management server device transmits power of the second battery between different multi-battery devices based on the charging rate of each of the second batteries.
Multi-battery system. A plurality of multi-battery devices according to any one of claims 1 to 10 ,
a battery management server device that manages states of batteries included in each of the multi-battery devices;
Equipped with
Each of the multi-battery devices includes a plurality of the first batteries and a plurality of the second batteries,
The first sensor included in each of the multi-battery devices detects a voltage value and a current value of the corresponding first battery during charging and discharging,
The control unit included in each of the multi-battery devices includes:
Calculating charging power and discharging power of the first battery based on the corresponding voltage value and current value,
Calculating the amount of deterioration of the first battery based on the charging power and the discharging power,
transmitting information on the calculated amount of deterioration to the battery management server device;
The battery management server device proposes replacement of the first battery based on the amount of deterioration of each of the first batteries.
Multi-battery system. If there is no other replaceable first battery in stock in the multi-battery device that proposes replacement of the first battery, the battery management server device may replace the other first battery in stock in a different multi-battery device. Suggest battery replacement.
The multi-battery system according to claim 12 . If there is no other replaceable first battery in stock in all of the multi-battery devices, the battery management server device selects one of the second batteries included in the multi-battery device that proposes replacement of the first battery. propose to operate as the first battery;
The multi-battery system according to claim 13 . The computer is
detecting the state of the first battery by a first sensor;
A second sensor detects the state of a second battery that has a higher capacity and lower output than the first battery,
Depending on the state of the first battery and the state of the second battery, power is supplied from the first battery and the second battery to the external device, and power supplied from the external device is supplied to the first battery. When switching between charging the battery and the second battery,
obtaining a discharge limit line and a charge limit line in the second battery;
Calculating actual power that is the amount of discharge or charge per unit time of the second battery obtained based on the output of the second sensor,
When the actual power is equal to or higher than the discharge limit line, switching a battery that supplies power to an external device from the second battery to the first battery, charging the second battery with the power supplied from the external device,
When the actual power is not less than the charging limit line, switching a battery that supplies power to an external device from the first battery to the second battery, and charging the first battery with the power supplied from the external device.
Multi-battery control method. The computer is
detecting the state of the first battery by a first sensor;
A second sensor detects the state of a second battery that has a higher capacity and lower output than the first battery,
Depending on the state of the first battery and the state of the second battery, power is supplied from the first battery and the second battery to the external device, and power supplied from the external device is supplied to the first battery. When switching between charging the battery and the second battery,
Calculating actual power, which is the amount of discharge or charge per unit time of the second battery, obtained based on the voltage value and current value detected by the second sensor,
Calculating the charging rate of the second battery based on the voltage value and the current value,
calculating a discharge limit line and a charge limit line of the second battery based on the charging rate and the temperature detected by the second sensor;
When the actual power is equal to or higher than the discharge limit line, switching a battery that supplies power to an external device from the second battery to the first battery, charging the second battery with the power supplied from the external device,
When the actual power is not less than the charging limit line, switching a battery that supplies power to an external device from the first battery to the second battery, and charging the first battery with the power supplied from the external device.
Multi-battery control method. to the computer,
causing the first sensor to detect the state of the first battery;
causing a second sensor to detect a state of a second battery that has a higher capacity and lower output than the first battery;
Depending on the state of the first battery and the state of the second battery, power is supplied from the first battery and the second battery to the external device, and power supplied from the external device is supplied to the first battery. When switching between charging the battery and the second battery,
acquiring a discharge limit line and a charge limit line in the second battery;
calculating the actual power that is the amount of discharge or charge per unit time of the second battery obtained based on the output of the second sensor;
When the actual power is equal to or higher than the discharge limit line, switching a battery that supplies power to an external device from the second battery to the first battery, charging the second battery with the power supplied from the external device,
When the actual power is not less than the charging limit line, switching a battery that supplies power to an external device from the first battery to the second battery, and charging the first battery with the power supplied from the external device.
program. to the computer,
causing the first sensor to detect the state of the first battery;
causing a second sensor to detect a state of a second battery that has a higher capacity and lower output than the first battery;
Depending on the state of the first battery and the state of the second battery, power is supplied from the first battery and the second battery to the external device, and power supplied from the external device is supplied to the first battery. When switching between charging the battery and the second battery,
Calculate actual power, which is the amount of discharge or charge per unit time of the second battery, obtained based on the voltage value and current value detected by the second sensor,
Calculating the charging rate of the second battery based on the voltage value and the current value,
calculating a discharge limit line and a charge limit line of the second battery based on the charging rate and the temperature detected by the second sensor;
When the actual power is equal to or higher than the discharge limit line, the battery that supplies power to an external device is switched from the second battery to the first battery, and the second battery is charged with the power supplied from the external device. ,
When the actual power is not less than the charging limit line, switching a battery that supplies power to an external device from the first battery to the second battery, and charging the first battery with the power supplied from the external device. ,
program.

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