TW202106534A - Power supply device, power supply system, power supply method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

An object is to improve the reliability of the power supply control. A power supply device (1) supplies charging power to a movable object (3). The movable object (3) includes a charging circuit (301) for charging a storage battery (300) with charging power not exceeding a maximum value thereof. The power supply device (1) includes: a first communication unit (11); a vehicle communication unit (12); a prohibition unit (132); and a responding unit (133). The first communication unit (11) receives an upper limit signal indicating an upper limit of the maximum value, from an apparatus control device (2). The vehicle communication unit (12) sends a maximum value signal indicating the maximum value to the movable object (3) based on the upper limit. The prohibition unit (132) prohibits, until a predetermined prohibition time period elapses from sending of a previous maximum value signal, the vehicle communication unit (12) from sending a next maximum value signal indicating a maximum value different from a maximum value indicated by the previous maximum value signal, to the movable object (3). The responding unit (133) sends a non-acceptance signal to the apparatus control device (2) when the first communication unit (11) receives a next upper limit signal indicating an upper limit different from an upper limit indicated by a previous upper limit signal from the apparatus control unit (2) within the prohibition time period.

Description

Power supply device, power supply system, power supply method, and program

The present disclosure relates to a power supply device, a power supply system, a power supply method, and a program, and particularly relates to a power supply device, a power supply system, a power supply method, and a program for charging a storage battery of a movable object.

JP 2013-225971 A (herein referred to as "Document 1") discloses a vehicle charging system capable of charging a plurality of vehicles with electric power supplied from an electric power system. The vehicle charging system includes a charging control device, a plurality of charging cables, and a plurality of adjusting devices.

The vehicle equipped with the battery is connected to a plurality of charging cables in a removable manner. Each of the plurality of adjustment devices adjusts the charging current supplied to the vehicle through the corresponding one of the plurality of charging cables.

The charging control device includes a controller. The controller controls a plurality of adjustment devices so that the sum of the charging power supplied to the vehicle through the plurality of adjustment devices does not exceed the available power at any point in time. The available power is the upper limit power of the electric system and the load outside the vehicle The difference between the amount of power consumed.

The controller of the charging control device monitors the change in the available power in a relatively short first time interval, and in response to the change in the available power, increases or decreases the charging current of only one or some of the adjustment devices that are supplying the charging current .

In the power supply system exemplified by the vehicle charging system of Document 1, the controller of the charging control device transmits commands to any adjustment device to change the charging current. However, the controller cannot confirm whether the adjustment device rejects these commands. Therefore, there is room for improving the reliability of power supply control.

This disclosure has been made in view of the above situation, and its purpose is to improve the reliability of power supply control.

The power supply device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is configured to supply charging power to a movable object. The movable object includes a power unit, a battery for supplying power to the power unit, and a charging circuit for charging the battery with charging power that does not exceed its maximum value. The power supply device includes: an upper limit value receiving unit, a maximum value transmitting unit, a prohibition unit, and a response unit. The upper limit receiving unit is configured to receive an upper limit signal indicating the upper limit of the maximum value from at least one external device. The maximum value transmitting unit is configured to transmit a maximum value signal indicating the maximum value to the movable object based on the upper limit value. The prohibition unit is configured to prohibit the maximum value transmission unit from transmitting a maximum value signal below the maximum value that is different from the maximum value indicated by the previous maximum value signal to the movable object until a predetermined prohibition time has elapsed since the transmission of the previous maximum value signal segment. The response unit is configured to, when the upper limit value receiving unit receives an upper limit value signal from the at least one external device that indicates an upper limit value that is different from the upper limit value indicated by the previous upper limit value signal during the prohibition period To send a rejection signal to the at least one external device.

A power supply system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes: the power supply device; and the at least one external device.

The power supply method according to another aspect of the present disclosure is executed by a power supply device configured to supply charging power to the movable object. The movable object includes a power unit, a battery for supplying power to the power unit, and a charging circuit for charging the battery with charging power that does not exceed its maximum value. The power supply method includes: an upper limit value receiving step; a maximum value transmission step; a prohibition step; and a response step. The upper limit receiving step includes receiving an upper limit signal indicating an upper limit of the maximum value from at least one external device. The maximum value transmission step includes transmitting a maximum value signal indicating the maximum value to the movable object based on the upper limit value. The prohibition step includes prohibiting the transmission of a maximum value signal below the maximum value indicated by the previous maximum value signal to the movable object until a predetermined prohibition time period has elapsed since the transmission of the previous maximum value signal. The response step includes sending a rejection signal to the at least one external device within the prohibition time period when a signal indicating an upper limit value below the upper limit value that is different from the upper limit value indicated by the previous upper limit value signal is received from the at least one external device. An external device.

A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a program configured to cause one or more processors to execute the power supply method.

A power supply system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes: a power supply device; and at least one external device. The power supply device is configured to supply charging power to the movable object. The movable object includes a power unit, a battery for supplying power to the power unit, and a charging circuit for charging the battery with charging power that does not exceed its maximum value. The at least one external device is configured to transmit an upper limit signal indicating an upper limit value of the maximum value. The power supply device includes an upper limit receiving unit and a maximum value transmitting unit. The upper limit receiving unit is configured to receive an upper limit signal from the at least one external device. The maximum value transmitting unit is configured to transmit a maximum value signal indicating the maximum value to the movable object based on the upper limit value. The at least one external device includes an upper limit transmission unit and a prohibition unit. The upper limit value transmitting unit is configured to transmit the upper limit value signal. The prohibition unit is configured to prohibit the upper limit value transmitting unit from transmitting an upper limit value signal below the upper limit value that is different from the upper limit value indicated by the previous upper limit value signal until the upper limit value transmission unit transmits the previous upper limit value. The predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the value signal.

Hereinafter, the power supply device 1 and the power supply system 10 including the power supply device 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Introduction For example, the power supply system 10 is introduced in a residential facility such as an independent house or a collective house, or a non-residential facility such as an office or a store, or a care facility. The power supply system 10 controls the power supply (charging) of the movable object 3 (for example, the vehicle 30) in such a facility. For example, in this embodiment, the power supply system 10 as shown in FIG. 2 is installed in a house H1 which is an independent residence.

As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply system 10 includes a power supply device 1 and an equipment control device 2 (external device).

The power supply device 1 is a device configured to supply charging power to the movable object 3.

The movable object 3 includes a power unit such as an electric motor (motor), and a storage battery 300 as a power source for supplying electric power to the power unit. The movable object 3 converts the electrical energy (electricity) output from the storage battery 300 into mechanical energy (driving force) by the power unit, and uses the mechanical energy to move. The movable object 3 includes a charging circuit 301. The charging circuit 301 charges the storage battery 300 with a charging power that does not exceed a predetermined maximum value.

Here, the movable object 3 is a carrier 30. For example, the vehicle is an electric vehicle that uses electric energy stored in the storage battery 300 to operate. For example, the term "electric vehicle" used in the present disclosure refers to an electric vehicle operated by the output of an electric motor, or a plug-in hybrid power operated by a combination of the output of an engine and the output of an electric motor vehicle. The electric vehicle can be an elderly scooter, a motorcycle (electric motorcycle), a tricycle or an electric bicycle, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply device 1 includes a first communication unit 11, a vehicle communication unit 12, and a processing unit 13.

The first communication unit 11 is connected to the equipment control device 2 in a communicable manner. The first communication unit 11 receives the upper limit signal from the equipment control device 2. The upper limit signal contains upper limit information indicating the upper limit value. The upper limit value is a value used when the power supply device 1 charges the storage battery 300 of the vehicle 30, and it specifies the maximum value of the charging power used by the charging circuit 301 of the vehicle 30 to charge the storage battery 300. Here, the upper limit value specifies the maximum value of the charging current. In short, the power supply device 1 includes an upper limit value receiving unit (first communication unit 11) configured to receive an upper limit value signal from the equipment control device 2.

The carrier communication unit 12 is connected to the carrier 30 in a communicable manner. The vehicle communication unit 12 transmits the maximum signal to the vehicle 30. The maximum value signal includes maximum value information indicating the maximum value. The maximum value specified by the maximum value signal means the maximum value of the charging power (charging current) used by the charging circuit 301 of the vehicle 30 to charge the storage battery 300 as described above. The maximum value specified by the maximum value signal is set by the processing unit 13 based on the upper limit value included in the upper limit value signal received by the first communication unit 11. In short, the power supply device 1 includes a maximum value transmission unit (vehicle communication unit 12) configured to transmit a maximum value signal indicating a predetermined maximum value to the vehicle 30 based on the upper limit value.

The processing unit 13 includes a timer 131, a prohibition unit 132, and a response unit 133.

The timer 131 measures the elapsed time since the vehicle communication unit 12 transmits the maximum signal. The prohibition unit 132 prohibits the vehicle communication unit 12 from transmitting to the vehicle 30 the next maximum signal indicating the maximum value different from the current maximum value until the elapsed time measured by the timer 131 reaches the specified prohibition time period, in other words , From the transmission of the previous maximum signal until the predetermined forbidden time period elapses. When the first communication unit 11 receives the next upper limit signal from the equipment control device 2 within the prohibition time period, the response unit 133 transmits a rejection signal to the equipment control device 2.

According to the power supply device 1 of this embodiment, when the processing unit 13 receives the upper limit value signal ("previous upper limit value") indicating the upper limit value (referred to as the "first upper limit value" for convenience) from the equipment control device 2 Signal"), it sets the maximum value based on the first upper limit value (referred to as the "first maximum value" for convenience). Then, the processing unit 13 instructs the vehicle communication unit 12 to transmit a maximum value signal (“previous maximum value signal”) indicating the first maximum value to the vehicle 30. Therefore, the maximum value of the charging power used by the charging circuit 301 of the vehicle 30 to charge the storage battery 300 is changed to the first maximum value.

On the other hand, even if the processing unit 13 receives an upper limit value indicating that the upper limit value is different from the current upper limit value (referred to as the "second upper limit value" for convenience) from the device control device 2 during the prohibition time period Signal ("the next upper limit signal"), it still does not set the maximum value based on the second upper limit (referred to as the "second maximum value" for convenience). Therefore, even when the processing unit 13 receives the upper limit signal (the "next upper limit signal" indicating the second upper limit) from the equipment control device 2 within the prohibition time period, it still does not allow the transmission of the second upper limit signal. The maximum value signal of the maximum value ("the next maximum value signal") to the vehicle 30. Therefore, the maximum value of the charging power used by the charging circuit 301 of the vehicle 30 to charge the storage battery 300 does not change from the current value. Then, in response to receiving an upper limit signal ("next upper limit signal") from the equipment control device 2 indicating the second upper limit within the prohibition time period, the processing unit 13 instructs the first communication unit 11 to transmit a rejection signal To equipment control device 2.

As described above, when the power supply device 1 receives the upper limit signal (the "next upper limit signal" indicating the second upper limit) from the equipment control device 2, the power supply device 1 transmits a rejection signal to the equipment control device 2 , Without transmitting the maximum value signal (the "next maximum value signal" indicating the second maximum value). Therefore, the equipment control device 2 can know that the power supply device 1 appropriately receives the maximum value change command due to the transmission of the upper limit signal ("the next upper limit signal") but refuses to accept the setting. Therefore, for example, the equipment control device 2 can perform processing, such as retransmitting the upper limit signal after receiving the rejection signal, and so on, and thus the reliability of the power supply control is improved.

Furthermore, when the maximum value signal ("previous maximum value signal") indicating the maximum value (the first maximum value) is transmitted to the vehicle 30, the power supply device 1 does not transmit the lower value indicating a different maximum value (the second maximum value). A maximum signal until the measurement of the prohibited time period is completed. In short, in the power supply system 10 of this embodiment, the maximum value of the charging current is not changed until the forbidden time period elapses from the change of the maximum value of the charging current. Therefore, the possibility of occurrence of a change (increase or decrease) in the charging current is reduced, the possibility of adversely affecting the charging control is reduced, and the reliability of the power supply control is improved.

(2) Details The power supply system 10 according to the embodiment of this document will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

(3) Overall configuration First, the overall configuration of the power supply system 10 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

As described above, the power supply system 10 includes the power supply device 1 and the equipment control device 2. In the embodiment herein, the power supply device 1 and the equipment control device 2 cooperate with each other to realize the function of the power supply system 10.

The power supply device 1 and the equipment control device 2 are configured to communicate with each other. In the present disclosure, the term "communicable" means that information can be exchanged directly or indirectly via a network, a repeater, etc., through appropriate communication methods such as wired communication or wireless communication. That is, the power supply device 1 and the equipment control device 2 can exchange information with each other. In the embodiment herein, the power supply device 1 and the equipment control device 2 can communicate with each other bidirectionally, and both can transmit information from the power supply device 1 to the equipment control device 2 and from the equipment control device 2 to the power supply device 1.

As shown in Figure 2, the equipment control device 2 is installed inside the house H1. The equipment control device 2 is a device for controlling many devices (including equipment and facilities) to be controlled including at least the power supply device 1. The equipment control device 2 uses the power supply device 1 to control the battery of the vehicle 30 by outputting a "charging start signal" for indicating the start of charging and a "charging stop signal" for indicating the stop of charging to the power supply device 1 300 start and stop of charging.

The power supply device 1 is a charging device for charging the vehicle 30. The power supply device 1 is attached to the outer wall or pillar, etc. of the house H1, and therefore is installed on the outside (outdoor) of the house H1. The charging cable 101 is electrically connected to the power supply device 1. The charging cable 101 includes a charging connector 102 at its distal end. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the charging connector 102 is removably connected to the charging port of the carrier 30. The power supply device 1 is electrically connected to the carrier 30 via the charging cable 101, and the charging connector 102 is connected to the charging port. Therefore, the power supply device 1 can supply power to the carrier 30 via the charging cable 101 and thereby charge the storage battery 300.

Furthermore, in the power supply system 10 according to the embodiment of the present application, the equipment control device 2 can control many devices other than the power supply device 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the equipment control device 2 is configured to be able to communicate with a switchboard 61 installed in the house H1, a load 62 including electrical appliances such as lighting appliances and air conditioners, and a photovoltaic power generation facility 7. Here, the equipment control device 2 is connected to the router 64, and communicates with the switchboard 61, the load 62, etc. directly or indirectly via the router 64. Therefore, the equipment control device 2 can obtain information about the state of the load 62 (for example, the on or off state of a lighting appliance) from the load 62, or transmit information for controlling the load 62 to the load 62.

The switchboard 61 is electrically connected to the power supply device 1 and the load 62. Furthermore, the switchboard 61 is electrically connected to the power system 63 such as a commercial power source and the photovoltaic power generation facility 7. Therefore, the distribution board 61 can supply the power supplied from the power system 61 or the photovoltaic power generation facility 7 to the power supply device 1 and other loads 62.

In this embodiment, the photovoltaic power generation facility 7 includes a solar cell 71, a power storage device 72, and a power conditioner 73. The solar cell 71 outputs power corresponding to the amount of solar radiation directed toward the solar cell 71 as the generated power. The power storage device 72 is configured to store the power generated by the solar cell 71 and the power supplied from the power system 63. The power storage device 72 outputs the power (electric energy) stored in the power storage device 72 as discharge power. The power conditioner 73 converts the power generated by the solar cell 71 or the discharged power of the power storage device 72 into AC power, and outputs it to the switchboard 61. Furthermore, the power conditioner 73 can convert the AC power from the switchboard 61 into DC power, and use the DC power to charge the power storage device 72 in a time period when the electricity rate at night is low, for example.

The photovoltaic power generation facility 7 is configured to achieve grid connection. The term "grid connection" in the present disclosure means the following state: for example, the power generation facility of the photovoltaic power generation facility 7 is electrically connected to the power system 63, and power is allowed to be supplied to the load from both the power generation facility and the power system 63 62. That is, the photovoltaic power generation facility 7 supplies the power generated from the solar cell 71 (or the discharged power from the power storage device 72) together with the power from the power system 63 or instead of the power from the power system 63 to the load 62 .

The switchboard 61 has a current sensor and the like to measure the power supplied from the power system 63, the power supplied from the photovoltaic power generation facility 7, and the power consumption of the load 62 (including the power supply device 1 and the photovoltaic power generation facility 7) Function. Therefore, the equipment control device 2 can obtain information about the power supplied from the power system 63, the power supplied from the photovoltaic power generation facility 7, and the power consumption of the load 62 from the switchboard 61 through appropriate communication with the switchboard 61.

Furthermore, in the embodiment herein, the device control device 2 is connected to a network 65 such as the Internet via a router 64. Therefore, the equipment control device 2 can communicate with the information terminal 4 in the house H1 via the router 64, and can communicate with the information terminal 4 outside the house H1 via the router 64 and the network 65. For example, the information terminal 4 is a terminal such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal. The server 5 is further connected to the network 65. Therefore, the equipment control device 2 can communicate with the information terminal 4 and the server 5.

(2.2) Equipment control device Next, the configuration of the equipment control device 2 will be explained. As described above, in this embodiment, the equipment control device 2 is a part of the power supply system 10 and forms the power supply system 10 with the power supply device 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the equipment control device 2 includes a second communication unit 21, an upper limit setting unit 22, a control unit, a display control unit, an input interface 25, a display unit 26 and an external communication unit 27.

The upper limit setting unit 22, the control unit 23, and the display control unit 24 of the device control device 2 are configured by a microcontroller including one or more processors and memories. In other words, at least a part of the device control device 2 is implemented by a computer system including one or more processors and memory. One or more processors execute programs stored in one or more memories, whereby the computer system operates as at least a part of the equipment control device 2. Here, the program is pre-recorded in one or more memories of the equipment control device 2, but can be provided by recording in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card or through a telecommunication line such as the Internet . For example, at least a part of the device control device 2 can be configured by FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit, Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.

The second communication unit 21 communicates with the power supply device 1 directly or indirectly via a network, a repeater, or the like. As a communication scheme between the second communication unit 21 and the power supply device 1, an appropriate communication method such as wireless communication or wired communication is adopted. In this embodiment, for example, the communication scheme between the second communication unit 21 and the power supply device 1 is wired communication based on a communication standard, such as a wired local area network (LAN). For example, the communication protocol of the communication between the second communication unit 21 and the power supply device 1 is Ethernet (registered trademark), ECHONET Lite (registered trademark), etc.

The upper limit value setting unit 22 sets the upper limit value. As described above, the upper limit value specifies the maximum value of the charging power used by the charging circuit 301 of the vehicle 30 to charge the storage battery 300 when the power supply device 1 charges the storage battery 300 of the vehicle 30.

The upper limit setting unit 22 sets the upper limit based on the power supplied from the power system 63 obtained from the switchboard 61, the power supplied from the photovoltaic power generation facility 7, and the power consumption of the load 62 and the like. Here, the upper limit setting unit 22 sets the upper limit so that the current flowing through the main circuit breaker of the switchboard 61 (that is, the supply current supplied from the power system 63 to the switchboard 61) does not exceed the rated current of the main circuit breaker. For example, the upper limit setting unit 22 uses a value obtained by subtracting the difference between the total consumption current of the load 62 and the supply current from the photovoltaic power generation facility 7 from the rated current of the main circuit breaker as the upper Limit. Here, the "total current consumption of the load 62" means the sum (total amount) of current flowing from the switchboard 61 to one or more loads 62 (except the power supply device 1) connected to the switchboard 61. The "supply current from the photovoltaic power generation facility 7" means the current flowing from the power conditioner 73 of the photovoltaic power generation facility 7 to the distribution board 61. "The difference between the total current consumption of the load 62 and the supply current from the photovoltaic power generation facility 7" means the value obtained by subtracting the supply current from the photovoltaic power generation facility 7 from the total current consumption of the load 62 value. When the supply current from the photovoltaic power generation facility 7 is greater than the total consumption current of the load 62, the "difference between the total consumption current of the load 62 and the supply current from the photovoltaic power generation facility 7" may be a negative value.

In response to the operation signal via the input interface 25, the control unit 23 commands the second communication unit 21 to transmit a charging start signal and a charging stop signal to the power supply device 1. That is, when the charging of the storage battery 300 continues, the control unit 23 outputs a charging stop signal when receiving an operation signal for stopping the charging of the storage battery 300. Furthermore, when the charging of the storage battery 300 stops, the control unit 23 outputs a charging start signal when receiving an operation signal for starting the charging of the storage battery 300.

Furthermore, for example, at the time point when the charging start signal is transmitted, the control unit 23 commands the second communication unit 21 to transmit an upper limit signal indicating the upper limit value set by the upper limit setting unit 22 to the power supply device 1. Furthermore, when the upper limit value is changed by the upper limit value setting unit 22, the control unit 23 instructs the second communication unit 21 to transmit an upper limit signal indicating the changed upper limit value to the power supply device 1. When receiving the rejection signal from the power supply device 1, the control unit 23 instructs the second communication unit 21 to transmit (retransmit) the upper limit signal to the power supply device 1 after waiting for a time period having the same length as the prohibition time period. For example, the length of the prohibition period is stored in the memory of the microcontroller forming the control unit 23.

The display control unit 24 executes control for displaying many screens on the display unit 26. That is, the display control unit 24 generates a picture to be displayed on the display unit 26 and controls the display unit 26 to thereby display many pictures on the display unit 26. The "screen" in the present disclosure means an image (including many objects, text, etc.) displayed on the display unit 26. In the embodiment herein, the display control unit 24 displays a setting screen to allow the user to operate the input interface 25. Instead of or in addition to the display unit 26, the display control unit 24 may display these screens on the display unit of an external device such as the information terminal 4.

The input interface 25 receives the user's operation and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the user's operation. The user's "operation" referred to in the present disclosure includes operations on touch panels, mechanical switches, etc., as well as operations by voice input, gestures, and the like. Therefore, for example, the input interface 25 is realized by a touch panel display, a mechanical switch, a voice input unit, or a camera. Alternatively, the input interface 25 may indirectly receive the user's operation of the external device such as the information terminal 4 through communication with the external device. Alternatively, the input interface 25 may be provided in an external device such as the information terminal 4.

The display unit 26 displays the screen generated by the display control unit 24. For example, the display unit 26 is realized by a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The display unit 26 displays a screen according to the image signal output from the display control unit 24.

In the embodiment herein, the device control device 2 is equipped with a touch panel display, and the touch panel display serves as the input interface 25 and the display unit 26. However, the input interface 25 is not limited to a touch panel display, and may be, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a mechanical switch, and so on.

The external communication unit 27 communicates with external devices such as the information terminal 4 and the server 5 directly or indirectly via a network, a repeater, and the like. The "external equipment" used in this disclosure is not included in the components of the power supply system 10, but in addition to the information terminal 4 and the server 5, it also includes, for example, the switchboard 61, the load 62, and the photovoltaic power generation facility 7. Device. As a communication scheme between the external communication unit 27 and the external device, an appropriate communication scheme of wireless communication or wired communication is adopted. In the embodiment herein, for example, the external communication unit 27 uses wireless communication that uses radio waves as a communication medium and conforms to standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and Zigbee (registered trademark). , Or low-power radios that do not require a license (specific low-power radios).

(2.3) Power supply device Next, the configuration of the power supply device 1 will be explained. In the embodiment herein, the power supply device 1 is a part of the power supply system 10 and forms the power supply system 10 together with the equipment control device 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the first communication unit 11, the vehicle communication unit 12 and the processing unit 13, the power supply device 1 further includes a relay 14, a protection circuit 15, and an allowable value setting unit 16.

The first communication unit 11 communicates with the equipment control device 2 (the second communication unit 21) directly or indirectly via a network, a repeater, or the like. As a communication scheme between the first communication unit 11 and the equipment control device 2 (the second communication unit 21), an appropriate communication method such as wireless communication or wired communication is adopted. In the embodiment herein, for example, the communication scheme between the first communication unit 11 and the device control device 2 is wired communication based on a communication standard, such as a wired local area network (LAN). For example, the communication protocol of the communication between the first communication unit 11 and the device control device 2 is Ethernet (registered trademark), ECHONET Lite (registered trademark), etc.

The vehicle communication unit 12 and the vehicle 30 communicate directly or indirectly via a network, a repeater, and the like. As a communication scheme between the vehicle communication unit 12 and the vehicle 30, an appropriate communication method such as wireless communication or wired communication is adopted. In this embodiment, for example, the carrier communication unit 12 establishes wired communication with the carrier 30 via the transmission line 1012 (described later) of the charging cable 101. In the embodiment herein, for example, the carrier communication unit 12 uses at least a CPLT (Control Pilot) signal to establish communication for confirming the connection with the power supply device 1 and the carrier 30, and for confirming the carrier. Communication with a status of 30.

As shown in FIG. 3, the relay 14 is inserted in a supply path (that is, a power supply line 1011 described later) that transmits power from the switchboard 61 to the storage battery 300. Specifically, the relay 14 is inserted between the connection terminal of the switchboard 61 and the connection terminal of the charging cable 101 of the power supply device 1. Therefore, when the relay 14 is opened (in its conducting state), the switchboard 61 and the vehicle 30 are electrically interconnected, and allow power to be supplied from the power supply source (the power system 63 or the photovoltaic power generation facility 7) to the vehicle 30 ( Battery 300). On the other hand, when the relay 14 is closed (in its non-conducting state), the switchboard 61 and the carrier 30 are electrically separated from each other, and no power is supplied to the carrier from the power supply source (the power system 63 or the photovoltaic power generation facility 7). With 30 (accumulator 300). The relay 14 should be controlled by the processing unit 13, and can be any of a mechanical relay with mechanical contacts and a semiconductor relay without mechanical contacts. In the embodiment herein, for example, the relay 14 is realized by a mechanical relay.

The protection circuit 15 is a circuit for protecting the vehicle 30 and the power supply system 10 by turning off the relay 14 in response to detecting abnormal conditions such as leakage or overcurrent. In addition to the relay 14, the protection circuit 15 may include an element for disconnecting the power supply to the carrier 30.

The allowable value setting unit 16 sets the allowable value of the maximum charging current indicated by the maximum value signal. The allowable value setting unit 16 includes an input interface such as a dip switch. For example, in the allowable value setting unit 16, the allowable value is set to one of two values (for example, 16A and 32A) according to the on/off of the dip switch. Of course, the allowable value setting unit 16 may be configured to select the allowable value from three or more values.

The processing unit 13 is formed by a microcontroller including one or more processors and memory. In other words, the processing unit 13 is implemented by a computer system including one or more processors and memories, and the one or more processors execute programs stored in one or more memories to allow the computer system to operate For processing unit 13. Here, the program is pre-recorded in one or more memories of the processing unit 13, but it can be recorded through a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or by being recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card. provide. The processing unit 13 may be formed of, for example, FPGA, ASIC, or the like.

The processing unit 13 controls the electrical conduction between the power supply device 1 and the carrier 30. As shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the timer 131, the prohibition unit 132 and the response unit 133, the processing unit 13 also includes a switching control unit 134, a maximum value determination unit 135, and a communication control unit 136. In FIG. 1, the timer 131, the prohibition unit 132, the response unit 133, the switching control unit 134, the maximum value determination unit 135, and the communication control unit 136 are not shown as tangible elements, but are shown as implemented by the processing unit 13. Features.

The switching control unit 134 controls the electrical conduction to the carrier 30 by driving the relay 14 according to the charging start signal and the charging stop signal from the equipment control device 2. Basically, when the first communication unit 11 receives the charging start signal from the equipment control device 2, the switching control unit 134 turns on the relay 14 (conducting state) to allow electrical conduction between the power supply device 1 and the carrier 30, thereby The battery 300 is charged. On the other hand, when the first communication unit 11 receives the charge stop signal from the equipment control device 2, the switching control unit 134 turns off the relay 14 (non-conduction state) to prohibit electrical conduction between the power supply device 1 and the vehicle 30, As a result, charging of the storage battery 300 is stopped.

The maximum value determination unit 135 determines the above-mentioned maximum value. The maximum value determining unit 135 determines the maximum value based on the upper limit value indicated by the upper limit signal received by the first communication unit 11. Here, the maximum value determination unit 135 determines the maximum value based on the upper limit indicated by the upper limit signal and the allowable value set by the allowable value setting unit 16. For example, the maximum value determining unit 135 selects the smaller of the upper limit value and the allowable value as the maximum value. In short, when the upper limit value indicated by the upper limit value signal is greater than the allowable value set by the allowable value setting unit 16, the allowable value is selected as the maximum value. Furthermore, when the upper limit indicated by the upper limit signal is changed from the current upper limit, the maximum value determining unit 135 determines a new maximum value based on the changed upper limit.

The communication control unit 136 controls the operations of the first communication unit 11 and the vehicle communication unit 12. The communication control unit 136 controls the first communication unit 11 to allow it to receive the charging start signal and the charging stop signal transmitted from the second communication unit 21 of the device control device 2. The communication control unit 136 controls the first communication unit 11 to allow it to receive the upper limit signal transmitted from the second communication unit 21 of the device control device 2. Furthermore, the communication control unit 136 controls the vehicle communication unit 12 to allow it to communicate with the vehicle 30 via CPLT signals. The communication control unit 136 controls the vehicle communication unit 12 to allow it to transmit a maximum value signal indicating the maximum value determined by the maximum value determination unit 135 via the CPLT signal. When the maximum value is changed by the maximum value determining unit 135, the communication control unit 136 instructs the vehicle communication unit 12 to transmit a new maximum value signal based on the changed maximum value.

The timer 131 measures the elapsed time since the vehicle communication unit 12 transmits the maximum value. The starting point of the elapsed time measured by the timer 131 is the maximum signal transmission start time point or the maximum signal change time point. The “maximum signal transmission start time point” is defined as the time point at which the maximum signal transmission starts when the vehicle communication unit 12 starts to transmit the maximum value without transmitting the maximum signal. "Maximum signal change time point" is defined by the time point for changing the maximum value indicated by the maximum signal. For example, when the vehicle communication unit 12 switches from the state of transmitting the maximum value signal indicating the first maximum value ("previous maximum value signal") to transmitting the maximum value indicating the second maximum value (not equal to the first maximum value) When the value signal ("the next maximum value signal") is in the state, the "maximum value signal change time point" is the time point when the next maximum value signal starts to be transmitted.

The prohibition unit 132 prohibits the vehicle communication unit 12 from transmitting the next maximum signal to the vehicle 30 until the elapsed time measured by the timer 131 reaches the prohibition period, that is, the prohibition period is from before the transmission by the vehicle communication unit 12 Calculated from a maximum signal. The length of the prohibition period is preferably 3 seconds or more, and is set to 5 seconds here. For example, the length of the prohibition period is stored in one or more memories of the microcontroller forming the processing unit 13.

The response unit 133 responds to the predetermined signal received from the second communication unit 21 of the equipment control device 2 and instructs the first communication unit 11 to transmit the signal to the equipment control device 2. The response unit 133 responds to receiving at least the upper limit signal from the second communication unit 21 of the equipment control device 2 and instructs the first communication unit 11 to send a reply signal to the equipment control device 2.

The response signal sent as a response to the upper limit signal includes the first signal (acceptance signal) and the second signal (rejection signal).

When the upper limit signal is received from the equipment control device 2 in a time period other than the prohibited time period, the first signal (acceptance signal) is sent as a response to the upper limit signal. The acceptance signal is a so-called confirmation signal, and is sent when the upper limit value is determined by the maximum value determination unit 135 based on the upper limit value signal.

When the upper limit signal is received from the equipment control device 2 during the prohibition period, the second signal (rejection signal) is sent as a response to the upper limit signal. The rejection signal is sent when the upper limit value based on the upper limit value signal is not considered in determining the maximum value by the maximum value determining unit 135.

In short, when the upper limit signal is received from the equipment control device 2 in a time period other than the prohibited time period, the response unit 133 transmits an acceptance signal to the equipment control device 2. When receiving the upper limit signal from the equipment control device 2 during the prohibition period, the response unit 133 transmits a rejection signal to the equipment control device 2.

In this embodiment, the rejection signal includes the rejection information indicating that the upper limit value based on the upper limit signal is not considered in determining the maximum value, that is, the maximum value based on the upper limit signal indicating the upper limit is not sent. Value signal.

In addition, in response to receiving a charging start signal or a charging stop signal from the device control device 2, the response unit 133 can cause the first communication unit 11 to transmit a reply signal indicating that the signal is received.

As described above, the charging cable 101 equipped with the charging connector 102 is electrically connected to the power supply device 1. The charging cable 101 includes a power supply line 1011 through which a charging current Ic flows to the carrier 30, and a transmission line 1012 that transmits a CPLT signal covered with an insulating sheath. The charging connector 102 is arranged at the far end of the charging cable 101.

The power supply device 1 is electrically connected to the carrier 30 via the charging cable 101, and the charging connector 102 is connected to the charging port of the carrier 30. Therefore, the power supply device 1 can supply power to the carrier 30 (the storage battery 300) through the power supply line 1011 of the charging cable 101, and can also transmit CPLT signals to or from the carrier 30 through the transmission line 1012 of the charging cable 101 Receive CPLT signal.

The power supply device 1 may include a charging switch. When the charging switch operates and the charging connector 102 is connected to the charging port of the vehicle 30, the charging switch transmits a request signal to the equipment control device 2 to request the equipment control device 2 to transmit a charging start signal.

The carrier 30 to be connected to the power supply device 1 includes the charging circuit 301 as described above. The charging circuit 301 is a circuit configured to receive electric power from the power supply device 1 and perform charging of the storage battery 300. Furthermore, the vehicle 30 includes a charging ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 302 to control the charging circuit 301 based on the CPLT signal transmitted through the transmission line 1012.

(2.4) Communication between the power supply device and the vehicle Next, the basic communication procedure in the case where the power supply device 1 charges the battery 300 of the vehicle 30 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 4.

First, when the charging connector 102 is connected to the charging port of the vehicle 30 at time t0, the processing unit 13 instructs the vehicle communication unit 12 to apply a predetermined voltage V1 (for example, V1=12 volts) to the transmission line 1012. Then, the voltage applied to the transmission line 1012 is used as the transmission medium of the CPLT signal, and a lot of information is transmitted between the charging ECU 302 of the vehicle 30 and the processing unit 13 according to the voltage level and duty cycle of the voltage.

When the CPLT signal with the voltage V1 is detected, the charging ECU 302 reduces the voltage level of the CPLT signal from V1 to V2 (for example, V2=9 volts) (time t1).

When detecting that the CPLT signal drops from V1 to V2, the processing unit 13 outputs a pulse-shaped CPLT signal (time t2 and after) with a predetermined frequency (for example, 1 kHz). This CPLT signal has its signal level of ±V1, but its upper limit level is reduced to V2.

Here, the duty cycle of the CPLT signal indicates the maximum value of the charging current Ic. For example, when the maximum value of the charging current Ic is 12 amperes, the duty cycle is set to 20%, and when the maximum value of the charging current Ic is 30 amperes, the duty cycle is set to 50%. The maximum value of the charging current Ic is a value determined by the maximum value determining unit 135 of the processing unit 13 based on the upper limit value. In short, the maximum value signal is a signal that represents the maximum value of the charging current Ic by the duty cycle of a rectangular wave with a predetermined frequency.

When the duty cycle of the CPLT signal is detected and the maximum charging current Ic is identified, the charging ECU 302 reduces the voltage level of the CPLT signal from V2 to V3 (for example, 6 volts) (time t3).

When the signal level of the CPLT signal is detected to decrease from V2 to V3, the processing unit 13 turns on the relay 14 to start supplying charging power.

The charging ECU 302 sets a current value (≦maximum value) for charging the battery 300 based on the maximum value, so that the charging level of the battery 300 reaches the target level, and outputs a charging command to the charging circuit 301 mounted on the vehicle 30.

When a charging command is received, the charging circuit 301 charges the storage battery 300 while adjusting the charging current Ic not to exceed the current value set by the charging ECU 302 (time t3 and later).

When the charging level of the battery 300 reaches the target level, the charging ECU 302 outputs a charging stop command to the charging circuit 301 to terminate the charging of the battery 300 and return the voltage level of the CPLT signal from V3 to V2 (time t4).

When receiving the charge stop command, the charging circuit 301 terminates the charging of the storage battery 300.

When detecting that the CPLT signal changes from V3 to V2, the processing unit 13 turns off the relay 14 to stop the supply of charging power.

The charging ECU 302 reverses the voltage level of the CPLT signal to the original value of V1 (time t5).

When the voltage level of the CPLT signal returns to V1, the processing unit 13 stops oscillating the CPLT signal at a predetermined frequency, maintains the voltage level of the CPLT signal equal to V1 and returns to its standby state (time t6).

As understood from the above, basically, the power supply device 1 provides the maximum value of the charging current Ic to the charging ECU 302 of the vehicle 30 to thereby adjust (increase and/or decrease) the charging current Ic supplied to the vehicle 30.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the power supply system in the case where the upper limit value setting unit 22 of the device control device 2 changes the upper limit value when the charging circuit 301 charges the storage battery 300 (between time t3 and t4) will be described. 10 of operations. For example, this situation may occur when the total current consumption of the load 62 is increased by turning on the load 62 that consumes high power such as a microwave oven, or the change in the power generated by the solar cell 71 causes the power supplied from the photovoltaic power generation facility 7 When the current changes. That is, for example, when an increase in the total current consumption of the load 62 is detected, the upper limit setting unit 22 may reduce the upper limit according to the increase in the total current consumption.

First, the power supply device 1 transmits a maximum value signal to the vehicle 30 based on the charging start signal and the upper limit value of the upper limit signal from the equipment control device 2, and then the charging ECU 302 of the vehicle 30 is instructed based on the maximum value signal The maximum value of is charged to the storage battery 300 (S101). In this case, when the upper limit signal is received from the equipment control device 2 (S102), the processing unit 13 of the power supply device 1 determines whether the current time is within the prohibition time period (whether the prohibition time period has passed since the transmission of the maximum value signal) ) (S103).

When the upper limit value is received outside the prohibited time period (S103: No), the processing unit 13 transmits an acceptance signal to the equipment control device 2 (S104). Furthermore, the processing unit 13 compares the upper limit value indicated by the received upper limit signal with the allowable value, and changes the maximum value of the charging current as needed (S105). Then, the processing unit 13 changes the duty cycle of the CPLT signal, thereby transmitting a maximum value signal indicating the changed maximum value to the carrier 30 (S106). Furthermore, the processing unit 13 transmits a confirmation signal indicating that the maximum value of the charging current is changed based on the upper limit signal to the equipment control device 2 (S107). The charging circuit 301 of the vehicle 30 charges the storage battery 300 based on the changed maximum value (S101).

On the other hand, when the upper limit value is received in the prohibited time period (S103: Yes), the processing unit 13 does not change the duty cycle of the CPLT signal, and therefore does not change the maximum value indicated by the maximum value signal. In addition, the processing unit 13 transmits a rejection signal including rejection information to the equipment control device 2 (S108). When receiving the rejection signal, the device control device 2 waits for a time having the same length as the prohibition time period (S109). After waiting, the equipment control device 2 retransmits the upper limit signal (S110). When receiving the upper limit signal from the equipment control device 2, the power supply device 1 returns to step S103 and then performs similar processing.

As understood from the above, when the power supply device 1 of this embodiment receives the upper limit signal during the prohibition time period, it transmits a rejection signal to the equipment control device 2. Therefore, the equipment control device 2 can recognize that the maximum value change command caused by the transmission upper limit signal is not received by the power supply device 1. Therefore, the equipment control device 2 can execute the procedure of retransmitting the upper limit signal, and therefore the reliability of the power supply control can be improved.

Furthermore, after sending a maximum value signal before indicating the maximum value to the vehicle 30, the power supply device 1 of the present embodiment does not transmit a maximum value signal indicating a maximum value below the maximum value that is different from the maximum value indicated by the previous maximum value signal , Until the end of the measurement of the prohibited time period. That is, in the power supply system 10 of this embodiment, the maximum value of the charging current does not change until the forbidden time period passes after the change of the maximum value of the charging current. Therefore, it reduces the possibility of occurrence of more than necessary changes (increase or decrease) in the charging current, and reduces the possibility of negatively affecting the charging control. Therefore, the reliability of power supply control can be improved.

(3) Variations The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. The above-mentioned embodiment can be modified in many ways depending on the design and the like, as long as the purpose of cost disclosure can be achieved. The same functions as the power supply device 1 according to the above-mentioned embodiment can be implemented by a power supply method, a computer program, a non-transitory recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, and so on.

The power supply method according to one aspect is the power supply method executed by the power supply device 1 configured to supply charging power to the movable object 3. The movable object 3 includes a power unit, a storage battery 300 for supplying power to the power unit, and a charging circuit 301 for charging the storage battery 300 with charging power that does not exceed the maximum value. The power supply method includes an upper limit receiving step, a maximum value transmitting step, a prohibiting step, and a response step. The upper limit receiving step includes receiving an upper limit signal indicating the upper limit of the maximum value from an external device (the equipment control device 2). The maximum value transmitting step includes transmitting a maximum value signal indicating the maximum value to the movable object 3 based on the upper limit value. The prohibition step includes prohibiting the transmission of a maximum value signal below the maximum value indicated by the previous maximum value signal to the movable object 3 until a predetermined prohibition time period has elapsed since the transmission of the previous maximum value signal. The response step includes sending a rejection signal to an external device (equipment control device 2) when receiving an upper limit signal that is different from the upper limit indicated by the previous upper limit signal during the prohibition period. ).

According to one aspect, a (computer) program is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the power supply method described above.

Other variations of the embodiment are shown below. The following modification examples can be combined and applied in an appropriate manner. In the following, the above-mentioned embodiments are sometimes referred to as "basic examples".

In the power supply system 10 in the present disclosure, for example, the computer system is included in each of the power supply device 1 and the equipment control device 2. The computer system includes hardware such as one or more processors and memory as its main components. One or more processors execute programs recorded in one or more memories of the computer system, thereby realizing the functions of the power supply system 10 in the present disclosure. The program can be pre-recorded in one or more memories of the computer system, can be provided through telecommunication lines, or can be recorded and written on non-transitory recording media such as computer system readable memory cards, optical discs, hard disks, etc. provide. One or more processors of a computer system include one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (IC) or large integrated circuits (LSI). Integrated circuits such as IC or LSI referred to herein have different names depending on the degree of integration, and include system LSI, VLSI (very large integrated circuit), or ULSI (ultra-large integrated circuit). Furthermore, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a logic element that allows the relocation of circuit sections inside the LSI can also be used as a processor. A plurality of electronic circuits can be assembled into one chip, or can be distributed in a plurality of chips. The plurality of chips can be assembled into one device, or can be distributed and arranged in a plurality of devices.

Furthermore, it is not necessary for the power supply system 10 to integrate multiple functions of each of the power supply device 1 and the equipment control device 2 in a housing, and the components of each of the power supply device 1 and the equipment control device 2 can be distributed And set in a plurality of shells. Furthermore, for example, among at least one of the functions of the power supply system 10, some functions of the power supply device 1 or the equipment control device 2 can be implemented by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

On the contrary, in the embodiment, at least some of the functions of the power supply system 10 distributed in a plurality of devices may be integrated in a single housing. For example, some of the functions of the power supply system 10 distributed in the power supply device 1 and the equipment control device 2 may be gathered in one housing.

(3.1) Variation example 1 The rejection signal sent from the response unit 133 of the power supply device 1 may include waiting time information indicating the remaining time until the end of the prohibited period as a fragment of the rejection information. The operation of the power supply system 10 in this case will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5.

In step S102, when the upper limit signal is received from the device control device 2, the power supply device 1 determines whether the reception is within the prohibition time period (S103). When the reception is within the prohibition time period (S103: Yes), the power supply device 1 transmits a rejection signal to the equipment control device (S108). Here, the power supply device 1 transmits a rejection signal including waiting time information indicating the waiting time. The waiting time is the remaining time necessary for the elapsed time measured by the timer 131 to reach the length of the prohibited time period. After just waiting for the waiting time from receiving the rejection signal (S109), the equipment control device 2 retransmits the upper limit signal (S110).

In this modified example, the waiting time information is included in the rejection signal, and therefore, the equipment control device 2 does not need to store the length of the prohibition time period. Furthermore, the equipment control device 2 can retransmit the upper limit signal immediately after the forbidden time period ends.

The waiting time indicated by the waiting time information is not limited to until the elapsed time measured by the timer 131 reaches the remaining time of the prohibited time period, but may be, for example, the length of the prohibited time period.

(3.2) Variation 2 The power supply device 1 can be allowed to receive upper limit signals from a plurality of external devices. The power supply system 10 in this case will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 6, the power supply system 10 includes a power supply device 1, a first device control device 2A, and a second device control device 2B.

Similar to the power supply device 1 of the basic example, the power supply device 1 includes a first communication unit 11, a vehicle communication unit 12, a processing unit 13, a relay 14, a protection circuit 15, and an allowable value setting unit 16. In the power supply device 1 of this modified example, the vehicle communication unit 12, the relay 14, the protection circuit 15, and the allowable value setting unit 16 are all the same as in the basic example. The first communication unit 11 can communicate with each of the first equipment control device 2A and the second equipment control device 2B. That is, the power supply device 1 of the present modification includes a first receiving unit (first communication unit 11) configured to receive an upper limit signal from a first external device (first device control device 2A), and a first receiving unit (first communication unit 11) configured to receive an upper limit signal from a second external device (first device control device 2A). The second receiving unit (the first communication unit 11) of the external device (the second device control device 2B) receiving the upper limit signal. In this variation, the first receiving unit and the second receiving unit are realized by one unit.

As shown in FIG. 6, each of the first device control device 2A and the second device control device 2B is the same as the device control device 2 in the basic example.

In the power supply system 10 of this modified example, there are two devices capable of transmitting upper limit signals, which are the first device control device 2A and the second device control device 2B. Therefore, for example, it may happen that after the first device control device 2A transmits the upper limit signal, the second device control device 2B transmits the upper limit signal before the prohibition time period has passed. In general, it may happen that the upper limit signal sent from one of the external devices (the first device control device 2A and the second device control device 2B) may be rejected because of the upper limit signal sent from the other external device. Case. In this case, one of the external devices (the first device control device 2A and the second device control device 2B) has not grasped the upper limit value specified by the upper limit signal transmitted by the other external device. Therefore, the power supply device 1 replies to the upper limit signal and the reply signal transmitted preferably includes the current maximum value information indicating the current maximum value. Therefore, the external device whose upper limit signal is rejected can determine the necessity of retransmitting the upper limit signal based on the current maximum value. For example, an external device whose upper limit signal is rejected can compare the upper limit transmitted by the upper limit signal with the current maximum value contained in the reject signal. When it is determined that the change of the maximum value is not necessary, the external device may not retransmit the upper limit signal.

In addition to the current maximum information indicating the current maximum value or instead of the current maximum information indicating the current maximum value, the rejection signal may contain information indicating the upper limit value of the current maximum value.

(3.3) Variation 3 After transmitting the upper limit signal (the previous upper limit signal), when it is necessary to transmit the next upper limit signal due to the change in the upper limit, the equipment control device 2 (external device) can wait for the prohibition period After passing, the next upper limit signal is sent. The power supply system 10 in this case will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

The power supply system 10 of this modified example includes a power supply device 1 and an equipment control device 2. The power supply device 1 supplies charging power to the vehicle 30 (movable object 3). The vehicle 30 includes a power unit, a battery 300 for supplying power to the power unit, and a charging circuit 301 for charging the battery 300 with charging power that does not exceed the maximum value. The equipment control device 2 transmits an upper limit signal indicating the upper limit value of the maximum value.

The power supply device 1 includes a first communication unit 11 (upper limit receiving unit), and a vehicle communication unit 12 (maximum value transmitting unit). The first communication unit 11 receives the upper limit signal from the equipment control device 2. Based on the upper limit value, the vehicle communication unit 12 transmits a maximum value signal indicating the maximum value to the vehicle 30.

The equipment control device 2 includes a second communication unit 21 (upper limit value transmission unit) and a prohibition unit 232. The second communication unit 21 transmits an upper limit signal. For example, the prohibition unit 232 is provided in the control unit 23. The prohibition unit 232 prohibits the second communication unit 21 from transmitting an upper limit signal that is different from the upper limit indicated by the previous upper limit signal until the previous upper limit signal is transmitted from the second communication unit 21 After the predetermined waiting time has elapsed.

For example, after the transmission of the upper limit signal reaches the waiting time, the prohibition unit 232 prohibits the second communication unit 21 from transmitting the next upper limit signal until the elapsed time measured by the timer 231 included in the control unit 23. For example, the waiting time is set to the same length as the prohibition time period for control by the power supply device 1.

In this embodiment, the equipment control device 2 transmits the upper limit signal in a time period other than the time period during which the upper limit signal may still be rejected by the power supply device 1 even when the device control device 2 transmits the upper limit signal. Therefore, the possibility that the equipment control device 2 transmits the upper limit signal to be received by the power supply device 1 can be increased, and thus the reliability of the power supply control can be improved.

(3.4) Other changes In a variation, as shown in FIG. 8, the power supply device 1 may further include a prohibition period setting unit 18 for setting the length of the prohibition period. The prohibition time period setting unit 18 can be realized by an appropriate operation unit (dip switch, touch panel, etc.). The prohibition period that can be set by the prohibition period setting unit 18 preferably has a lower limit value.

In a modified example, the control unit 23 may instruct the second communication unit 21 to transmit the upper limit only when the upper limit setting unit 22 changes the upper limit value by the amount of change equal to or greater than a threshold when the charging of the battery 300 continues. Value signal.

In a variation, the prohibition unit 132 can use a countdown method instead of the so-called positive method in which the elapsed time is measured by the timer 131 to determine whether a predetermined prohibition time period has passed after the transmission of the maximum signal.

In a modified example, the external device is not limited to the equipment control device 2 but may be, for example, an information terminal 4.

In a modified example, the power supply device 1 of the basic example does not always need to store the prohibition time period. The power supply device 1 can transmit the upper limit signal immediately after receiving the rejection signal.

In a variation, the transmission confirmation signal (S107) can be omitted.

(4 Conclusion As described above, the power supply device (1) according to the first aspect is configured to supply charging power to the movable object (3). The movable object (3) includes a power unit, a storage battery (300) for supplying power to the power unit, and a charging circuit (301) for charging the storage battery (300) with charging power that does not exceed its maximum value. The power supply device (1) includes an upper limit value receiving unit (first communication unit 11), a maximum value transmission unit (vehicle communication unit 12), a prohibition unit (132), and a response unit (133). The upper limit receiving unit is configured to receive an upper limit signal indicating the upper limit of the maximum value from at least one external device (the equipment control device 2). The maximum value transmitting unit is configured to transmit a maximum value signal indicating the maximum value to the movable object (3) based on the upper limit value. The prohibition unit (132) is configured to prohibit the maximum value transmission unit from transmitting a maximum value signal below the maximum value indicated by the previous maximum value signal that is different from the maximum value indicated by the previous maximum value signal to the movable object (3), until the value of the maximum value signal from the previous maximum value signal A predetermined prohibited time period has elapsed since the transmission. The response unit (133) is configured to receive an indication from the at least one external device during the prohibition time period from the upper limit receiving unit to an upper limit lower than an upper limit that is different from the upper limit indicated by the previous upper limit signal When the value signal is selected, a rejection signal is sent to the at least one external device.

This aspect allows the at least one external device to know that the power supply device (1) rejects the change command for the maximum value caused by the transmission of the upper limit signal (the next upper limit signal). Thus, the at least one external device (2) can perform processing, such as retransmitting the upper limit signal after receiving the rejection signal. Therefore, the reliability of power supply control can be improved.

In the power supply device (1) according to the second aspect based on the first aspect, the rejection signal includes rejection information indicating not to transmit the next maximum signal.

This aspect can improve the reliability of power supply control.

In the power supply device (1) according to the third aspect based on the second aspect, the rejection information includes waiting time information indicating the remaining time until the end of the prohibited time period.

This aspect can improve the reliability of power supply control.

In the power supply device (1) according to the fourth aspect based on the second or third aspect, the rejection information includes current maximum value information indicating the current maximum value.

This aspect can improve the reliability of power supply control.

In the power supply device (1) according to the fifth aspect based on any one of the first to fourth aspects, the response unit (133) is configured to operate from at least one external device in a time period other than the prohibited time period When the next upper limit signal is received inside, an acceptance signal indicating the transmission of the next maximum signal is sent to the at least one external device. The response unit (133) is configured to transmit a rejection signal to the at least one external device when the next upper limit signal is received from the at least one external device within the prohibition time period.

This aspect can improve the reliability of power supply control.

In the power supply device (1) according to the sixth aspect based on any one of the first to fifth aspects, the length of the prohibition period is equal to or greater than 3 seconds.

This aspect can improve the reliability of power supply control.

In the power supply device (1) according to the seventh aspect based on any one of the first to sixth aspects, the maximum value signal represents the maximum value by the duty cycle of a rectangular wave having a predetermined frequency. The prohibition unit (132) is configured to prohibit changes in the duty cycle until the prohibition time period elapses from the transmission of the maximum signal.

This aspect can improve the reliability of the transmission of the maximum signal.

The power supply device (1) according to the eighth aspect based on any one of the first to seventh aspects further includes an allowable value setting unit (16) configured to set the allowable value of the maximum value. The maximum value transmitting unit is configured to transmit the maximum value signal indicating the maximum value of the allowable value when the upper limit value indicated by the upper limit value signal is greater than the allowable value set by the allowable value setting unit (16) Moving objects (3).

This aspect can improve the reliability of power supply control.

The power supply device (1) according to the ninth aspect based on any one of the first to eighth aspects further includes a prohibition period setting unit (18) configured to set the length of the prohibition period.

This aspect can increase the flexibility of setting the prohibited time period.

In the power supply device (1) according to the tenth aspect based on any one of the first to ninth aspects, at least one external device includes a first external device and a second external device. The upper limit receiving unit includes a first receiving unit configured to receive an upper limit signal from a first external device, and a second receiving unit configured to receive an upper limit signal from a second external device.

This aspect can improve the reliability of power supply control.

The power supply system (10) according to the eleventh aspect includes: a power supply device (1) according to any one of the first to tenth aspects; and the at least one external device.

This aspect can improve the reliability of power supply control.

The power supply method according to the twelfth aspect is executed by the power supply device (1) configured to supply charging power to the movable object (3). The movable object (3) includes a power unit, a storage battery (300) for supplying power to the power unit, and a charging circuit (301) for charging the storage battery (300) with charging power that does not exceed its maximum value. The power supply method includes: an upper limit value receiving step; a maximum value transmission step; a prohibition step; and a response step. The upper limit receiving step includes receiving an upper limit signal indicating the upper limit of the maximum value from at least one external device (the equipment control device 2). The maximum value transmission step includes transmitting a maximum value signal indicating the maximum value based on the upper limit value to the movable object (3). The prohibition step includes prohibiting the transmission of a maximum value signal below the maximum value indicated by the previous maximum value signal to the movable object (3) until a predetermined prohibition time period has elapsed from the transmission of the previous maximum value signal. The response step includes sending a rejection signal to the at least one external device within the prohibition time period when a signal indicating an upper limit value below the upper limit value that is different from the upper limit value indicated by the previous upper limit value signal is received from the at least one external device. An external device.

This aspect can improve the reliability of power supply control.

The program according to the thirteenth aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the power supply method according to the twelfth aspect.

This aspect can improve the reliability of power supply control.

The power supply system (10) according to the fourteenth aspect includes a power supply device (1) and at least one external device (equipment control device 2). The power supply device (1) is configured to supply charging power to the movable object (3). The movable object (3) includes a power unit, a storage battery (300) for supplying power to the power unit, and a charging circuit (301) for charging the storage battery (300) with charging power that does not exceed its maximum value. The at least one external device is configured to transmit an upper limit signal indicating an upper limit value of the maximum value. The power supply device (1) includes an upper limit value receiving unit (first communication unit 11) and a maximum value transmission unit (vehicle communication unit 12). The upper limit receiving unit is configured to receive an upper limit signal from the at least one external device. The maximum value transmitting unit is configured to transmit a maximum value signal indicating the maximum value to the movable object (3) based on the upper limit value. The at least one external device includes an upper limit transmission unit (second communication unit) 21 and a prohibition unit (232). The upper limit value transmitting unit is configured to transmit the upper limit value signal. The prohibition unit (232) is configured to prohibit the upper limit value transmission unit from transmitting an upper limit value signal below the upper limit value that is different from the upper limit value indicated by the previous upper limit value signal until the upper limit value transmission unit transmits the instruction A predetermined waiting time has elapsed from the upper limit signal.

This aspect allows the external device to transmit the upper limit signal in a time period other than the time period in which the upper limit signal may be rejected by the power supply device (1) even when the external device transmits the upper limit signal. Therefore, the possibility that the upper limit signal transmitted by the external device is accepted by the power supply device (1) can be increased, and thus the reliability of the power supply control is improved.

The configurations according to the second to tenth aspects are not necessary for the power supply device (1), and therefore can be omitted as appropriate.

1: Power supply unit 2: Equipment control device 2A: The first equipment control device 2B: Second equipment control device 3: movable objects 4: Information terminal 5: server 7: Photovoltaic power generation facilities 10: Power system 11: The first communication unit 12: Vehicle communication unit 13: processing unit 14: Relay 15: Protection circuit 16: Allowable value setting unit 18: Prohibited time period setting unit 21: The second communication unit 22: Upper limit setting unit 23: control unit 24: Display control unit 25: Input interface 26: display unit 27: External communication unit 30: Vehicle 61: switchboard 62: Load 63: Power System 64: router 65: Internet 71: solar cell 72: Power storage device 73: Power Conditioner 101: Charging cable 102: Charging connector 131: Timer 132: Prohibited Unit 133: Response Unit 134: Switch control unit 135: Maximum value determination unit 136: Communication control unit 231: Timer 232: Prohibited Unit 300: battery 301: Charging circuit 302: Charging ECU 1011: power supply line 1012: Transmission line H1: Housing

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of use of the above-mentioned power supply system. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a power supply device used in the above-mentioned power supply system. Fig. 4 is a timing chart showing the operation of the power supply device used in the above-mentioned power supply system. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the above-mentioned power supply device. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply system of Modification 2. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply system of Modification 3. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply device of a modified example.

1: Power supply unit

2: Equipment control device

3: movable objects

4: Information terminal

5: server

10: Power system

11: The first communication unit

12: Vehicle communication unit

13: processing unit

14: Relay

15: Protection circuit

16: Allowable value setting unit

21: The second communication unit

22: Upper limit setting unit

23: control unit

24: Display control unit

25: Input interface

26: display unit

27: External communication unit

30: Vehicle

131: Timer

132: Prohibited Unit

133: Response Unit

134: Switch control unit

135: Maximum value determination unit

136: Communication control unit

300: battery

301: Charging circuit

302: Charging ECU

Claims (14)

A power supply device is configured to supply charging power to a movable object. The movable object includes a power unit, a storage battery for supplying power to the power unit, and a maximum of one of the charging powers used for utilization. A charging circuit that charges the battery with the value of the charging power, The power supply unit includes: An upper limit receiving unit configured to receive an upper limit signal indicating an upper limit of one of the maximum values from at least one external device; A maximum value transmitting unit configured to transmit a maximum value signal indicating the maximum value to the movable object based on the upper limit value; A prohibition unit configured to prohibit the maximum value transmitting unit from transmitting a maximum value signal below the maximum value indicated by the previous maximum value signal that is different from the maximum value indicated by the previous maximum value signal to the movable object until the previous maximum value signal A predetermined prohibited period of time has elapsed since the transmission of; and A response unit configured to receive an indication from the at least one external device during the prohibition period by the upper limit receiving unit to indicate an upper limit value that is different from the upper limit value indicated by the previous upper limit signal When the upper limit signal is used, a rejection signal is sent to the at least one external device. Such as the power supply device of claim 1, where The rejection signal includes rejection information indicating not to transmit the next maximum signal. Such as the power supply device of claim 2, where The rejection information includes waiting time information indicating the remaining time until the end of the prohibited time period. Such as the power supply device of claim 2 or 3, where The rejection information includes current maximum information indicating a current maximum. Such as the power supply device of any one of claims 1 to 3, where The response unit is configured as: When receiving the next upper limit signal from the at least one external device in a time period outside the prohibition time period, transmit an acceptance signal indicating transmission of the next maximum signal to the at least one external device , When the next upper limit signal is received from the at least one external device within the prohibition time period, the rejection signal is transmitted to the at least one external device. Such as the power supply device of any one of claims 1 to 3, where The length of the prohibited time period is equal to or greater than 3 seconds. Such as the power supply device of any one of claims 1 to 3, where The maximum value signal represents the maximum value by a duty cycle of a rectangular wave having a predetermined frequency, and The prohibition unit is configured to prohibit changes in the duty cycle until the prohibition time period elapses from the transmission of the maximum signal. Such as the power supply device of any one of claims 1 to 3, further including: An allowable value setting unit, which is configured to set an allowable value of the maximum value, The maximum value transmitting unit is configured to set the indication to the maximum value of the allowable value when the upper limit value indicated by the upper limit value signal is greater than the allowable value set by the allowable value setting unit The maximum signal is sent to the movable object. For example, the power supply device of any one of claims 1 to 3 further includes: a prohibition time period setting unit configured to set the length of the prohibition time period. Such as the power supply device of any one of claims 1 to 3, where The at least one external device includes a first external device and a second external device, and The upper limit receiving unit includes A first receiving unit configured to receive the upper limit signal from the first external device; and A second receiving unit configured to receive the upper limit signal from the second external device. A power supply system including: Such as the power supply device of any one of claim items 1 to 10; and The at least one external device. A power supply method is executed by a power supply device configured to supply charging power to a movable object, the movable object including a power unit, a battery for supplying power to the power unit, and A charging circuit for charging the battery with the charging power exceeding one of the maximum values of the charging power, The power supply method includes: The upper limit receiving step includes receiving an upper limit signal indicating an upper limit of the maximum value from at least one external device; The maximum value transmitting step includes transmitting a maximum value signal indicating the maximum value to the movable object based on the upper limit value; The prohibition step includes prohibiting the transmission of a maximum value signal below the maximum value indicated by the previous maximum value signal to the movable object until a predetermined prohibition time has elapsed since the transmission of the previous maximum value signal Paragraph; and The response step includes sending a rejection signal when a signal indicating an upper limit value below the upper limit value that is different from the upper limit value indicated by the previous upper limit value signal is received from the at least one external device during the prohibition time period To the at least one external device. A program that causes one or more processors to execute the power supply method as in claim 12. A power supply system including: A power supply device configured to supply charging power to a movable object, the movable object including a power unit, a storage battery for supplying power to the power unit, and a maximum of the charging power A charging circuit that charges the battery with a value of the charging power; and At least one external device configured to transmit an upper limit signal indicating an upper limit value of one of the maximum values, among them The power supply device includes An upper limit receiving unit configured to receive the upper limit signal from the at least one external device; and A maximum value transmitting unit configured to transmit a maximum value signal indicating the maximum value to the movable object based on the upper limit value, The at least one external device includes An upper limit value transmitting unit, which is configured to transmit the upper limit value signal; and A prohibition unit configured to prohibit the upper limit value transmission unit from transmitting an upper limit signal below the upper limit value that is different from the upper limit value indicated by the previous upper limit value signal until the upper limit value transmission unit A predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the transmission of the previous upper limit signal.

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