WO2024019120A1

WO2024019120A1 - Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, program, and recording medium

Info

Publication number: WO2024019120A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/026624
Authority: WO
Inventors: 曽根崇史
Original assignee: 本田技研工業株式会社
Priority date: 2022-07-20
Filing date: 2023-07-20
Publication date: 2024-01-25

Abstract

In a server (28) (information processing device), information processing system (10), and information processing method, a replacement timing of a first battery (30) mounted in a first electric power device (12) is first acquired. Then, the required time for delivering a second battery (38) from a charging place (34) to a place (42) where the first electric power device (12) is used is acquired. Then, on the basis of the replacement timing and the required time, delivery information provided for the delivery of the second battery (38) is generated.

Description

Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, program and storage medium

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, a program, and a storage medium.

International Publication No. 2021/53802 discloses an information processing system. The information processing system includes an electric vehicle equipped with a battery, a server, and a communication device owned by a delivery person. When the electric vehicle determines that the battery needs to be replaced, it requests the server to deliver a replacement battery. The server instructs the delivery person's communication device to deliver the battery. The delivery person delivers the replacement battery to the electric vehicle based on the instructions notified from the communication device.

By the way, when a battery (portable energy storage device) is attached to a power supply device (energy device) and the power device (actuating part) and the energy device are connected, the power supply device receives output from the battery. The actuating part is actuated by supplying electric power (energy) to the actuating part. In this case, even if the same type of battery is installed in each of multiple power supply devices, the speed at which the remaining battery power (energy amount) decreases may vary depending on the power equipment connected to the power supply device. be. Therefore, the person delivering the battery needs to regularly visit the location of the power supply device to check the remaining battery power. As a result, the burden on the delivery person increases. Furthermore, when multiple power feeders are used, multiple deliverers are required, which increases costs.

Furthermore, if the delivery person delivers a replacement battery (the portable energy storage device to be replaced) to the location of the power supply after receiving a notification from the user of the power supply to request battery replacement, There is a possibility that the power supply from the power supply device to the power equipment may be cut off before the delivery person arrives.

The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

A first aspect of the present invention is an information processing device, wherein the information processing device is removably attached to an energy device, and the actuating section that operates using energy while attached to the energy device. a first acquisition unit that acquires a replacement time for replacing a portable energy accumulator that is supplying energy; a second acquisition unit that acquires the time required for delivery from the storage position of the accumulator to the location of the energy device; and the replacement time acquired by the first acquisition unit and the time acquired by the second acquisition unit. and a generation unit that generates delivery information to be used for delivery of the other portable energy storage device based on the required time.

A second aspect of the present invention is an information processing system including a portable energy storage device, an energy device, and an information processing device, wherein the portable energy storage device is detachably attached to the energy device. , a first acquisition unit that supplies the energy to an operating unit that operates using energy while being attached to the energy device, and the information processing device acquires a replacement time for replacing the portable energy storage device; and a second step of acquiring the time required to deliver another portable energy storage device with which the portable energy storage device is to be exchanged from the storage location of the other energy storage device to the location of the energy device. an acquisition unit, delivery information provided for delivery of the other portable energy storage device based on the replacement time acquired by the first acquisition unit and the required time acquired by the second acquisition unit; A generation unit that generates the data.

A third aspect of the present invention is an information processing method, the information processing method comprising: a first step of mounting a portable energy storage device on an energy device having an actuating section; a second step of operating the operating section by supplying energy from the portable energy storage device to the operating section; a third step of obtaining a replacement time for replacing the portable energy storage device; a fourth step of obtaining the time required to deliver another portable energy storage device with which the storage device is to be exchanged from the storage location of the other portable energy storage device to the location of the energy device; a fifth step of generating delivery information for delivery of the other portable energy storage device based on the replacement time obtained in the third step and the required time obtained in the fourth step; , has.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method of the third aspect.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is a storage medium that stores the program of the fourth aspect.

According to the present invention, the delivery person only needs to deliver another portable energy storage device to be exchanged to the location of the energy device when the delivery information is generated. This eliminates the need for the shipper to regularly inspect energy devices. As a result, the number of deliverers can be reduced, and costs can also be reduced.

Additionally, even if the user, owner, or manager of the energy device does not request replacement of the portable energy storage device, the delivery person may deliver another portable energy storage device to the location of the energy device. can do. Thereby, the portable energy accumulator attached to the energy device can be used until just before the amount of energy in the portable energy accumulator becomes zero. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of times the portable energy storage device is replaced, and it is also possible to improve the work efficiency of the delivery person. Furthermore, the efficiency of transmitting energy from the energy device to the operating section is improved, and it becomes possible to supply energy to the operating section for a longer period of time.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an information processing system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the information processing system. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the power device. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing an example of application of the information processing system. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between power supply amount and power generation cost. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing continuous operation and intermittent operation. FIG. 8 is a partial configuration diagram showing a first modification of this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a partial configuration diagram showing a second modified example of this embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment. The information processing system 10 includes a plurality of first power devices 12 (energy devices), a plurality of second power devices 14 (other energy devices), a power supply source 16 (external supply source), an inverter 18, and a plurality of second power devices 14 (other energy devices). a battery 20 (portable energy storage device, other portable energy storage device), an operator terminal 22, a plurality of user terminals 24 (first terminal), a delivery person terminal 26 (second terminal), It has a server 28 (information processing device, computer).

The plurality of first power devices 12 are power feeding devices (power feeding devices). The plurality of first power devices 12 are movable power supply devices. A battery 20 is removably attached to each of the plurality of first power devices 12. In the following description, the battery 20 attached to the first power device 12 will also be referred to as the first battery 30.

A load 32 (actuating section) is electrically connected to each of the plurality of first power devices 12. The plurality of first power devices 12 convert the DC power output from the first battery 30 into AC power, and supply the converted AC power to the load 32. Alternatively, the plurality of first power devices 12 supply DC power output from the first battery 30 to the load 32. The load 32 is operated by supplying power from the first power device 12 . Therefore, the first power device 12 supplies power to the load 32 while having the load 32 . Note that the load 32 may be located inside the first power device 12. In the following description, a case will be described in which the load 32 is located outside the first power device 12.

The power supply source 16, the inverter 18, and the plurality of second power devices 14 are arranged at a charging location 34 (storage location) for the battery 20. The power supply source 16 is electrically connected to the plurality of second power devices 14 via an inverter 18 . The plurality of second power devices 14 are connected in parallel to the inverter 18.

The power supply source 16 outputs power (energy). The power supply source 16 is, for example, a moving body 36 such as a bus. The power supply source 16 outputs DC power (energy) by being driven by a drive source such as a generator or a fuel cell mounted on the moving body 36 . Inverter 18 converts DC power output from power supply source 16 into AC power.

The plurality of second power devices 14 are charging devices (chargers). The plurality of second power devices 14 are movable. A battery 20 is removably attached to each of the plurality of second power devices 14. In the following description, the battery 20 attached to the second power device 14 will also be referred to as the second battery 38. Each of the plurality of second power devices 14 converts AC power supplied from the inverter 18 into DC power, and charges the second battery 38 with the converted DC power.

The plurality of user terminals 24 correspond to the plurality of first power devices 12. Each of the plurality of user terminals 24 is a terminal used by a user, owner, or manager of the first power device 12. In the following explanation, the user, owner, or manager will also be referred to as the user. The user utilizes the load 32 by operating the load 32 with the power supplied from the first power device 12 .

The operator terminal 22 is a terminal used by the operator of the information processing system 10. The operator manages the charging location 34, the plurality of first power devices 12, the plurality of batteries 20, and the like.

The delivery person terminal 26 is a terminal used by the delivery person 40 (delivery person, delivery person) of the battery 20. In the plurality of first power devices 12, when the amount of energy (remaining amount, SOC) of the first battery 30 becomes less than a threshold value (for example, 0), it is necessary to replace the first battery 30. The delivery person 40 takes out the charged (fully charged) second battery 38 (another portable energy storage device) from the second power device 14 and brings the taken out second battery 38 to the usage location 42 of the first power device 12. Deliver to (location). The second battery 38 is a battery to be replaced with the first battery 30.

The first power device 12 to which the first battery 30 is attached and the load 32 are placed at the usage location 42 . When the second battery 38 is delivered to the usage location 42, the delivery person 40 or the user replaces the first battery 30 in the first power device 12. The delivery person 40 or the user takes out the first battery 30 to be replaced from the first power device 12 and attaches the charged second battery 38 to the first power device 12 . The second battery 38 attached to the first power device 12 is used as the first battery 30.

The delivery person 40 collects the first battery 30 taken out from the first power device 12 and takes it back to the charging location 34. The delivery person 40 attaches the first battery 30 that he/she brought home to the second power device 14 that is in an empty state. The first battery 30 attached to the second power device 14 is charged as a second battery 38.

The server 28 centrally controls the information processing system 10. The server 28 communicates wirelessly with the operator terminal 22, the delivery person terminal 26, the plurality of user terminals 24, the plurality of first power devices 12, and the plurality of second power devices 14 via the communication network 44. It is connected. In the following description, a case will be described in which the server 28 is one computer (physical server). Note that the server 28 may be a cloud server composed of multiple computers.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the information processing system 10. The operator terminal 22, the delivery person terminal 26, and the plurality of user terminals 24 have the same configuration. In FIG. 2, any one of the operator terminal 22, the delivery person terminal 26, and the plurality of user terminals 24 is illustrated. Further, the plurality of first power devices 12 have the same configuration. In FIG. 2, any one first power device 12 among the plurality of first power devices 12 is illustrated. Furthermore, the plurality of second power devices 14 have the same configuration. In FIG. 2, any one second power device 14 among the plurality of second power devices 14 is illustrated.

The first power device 12 includes a first transmitting/receiving section 50, a first detecting section 52, a first controlling section 54, a first display section 56, and a first battery 30. The first transmitting/receiving unit 50 transmits and receives signals or information to and from the server 28 by wireless communication. The first detection unit 52 detects various types of information regarding the first power device 12 and the first battery 30. The first detection unit 52 detects, for example, the SOC of the first battery 30, the output power of the first power device 12, the power consumption speed of the first battery 30, the position information of the first power device 12, and the like. Therefore, the first detection unit 52 is a variety of sensors included in the first power device 12. The first power device 12 can periodically acquire the current position by being equipped with a positioning system such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). The first control unit 54 is a processor, and controls the entire first power device 12 in an integrated manner. The first display section 56 displays various display contents based on the control from the first control section 54.

The second power device 14 includes a second transmitter/receiver 58 , a second detector 60 , a second controller 62 , a second display 64 , and a second battery 38 . The second transmitter/receiver 58 transmits and receives signals or information to and from the server 28 by wireless communication. The second detection unit 60 detects various information regarding the second power device 14 and the second battery 38. The second detection unit 60 detects, for example, the SOC of the second battery 38, the input power from the inverter 18 to the second power device 14, the position information of the second power device 14, and the like. Therefore, the second detection unit 60 is a variety of sensors included in the second power device 14. The second power device 14 is equipped with a positioning system such as GNSS, so that the second power device 14 can periodically acquire the current position. The second control unit 62 is a processor, and controls the entire second power device 14 in an integrated manner. The second display section 64 displays various display contents based on the control from the second control section 62.

The operator terminal 22, the delivery person terminal 26, and the plurality of user terminals 24 are terminal devices capable of wireless communication, such as smartphones, tablets, and personal computers. The operator terminal 22 includes a transmitting/receiving section 70, an input section 72, a control section 74, a display section 76, and a memory 78. Each of the plurality of user terminals 24 includes a transmitting/receiving section 80, an input section 82, a control section 84, a display section 86, and a memory 88. The delivery person terminal 26 has a transmitting/receiving section 90, an input section 92, a control section 94, a display section 96, and a memory 98.

The transmitting/receiving units 70, 80, and 90 transmit and receive signals or information to and from the server 28 by wireless communication. The input units 72, 82, and 92 are input devices such as a touch panel, a keyboard, and a mouse that are operated by the operator, the delivery person 40, or a plurality of users. The control units 74, 84, and 94 are processors, and implement various functions by reading and executing programs stored in the memories 78, 88, and 98. The control units 74, 84, and 94 collectively control the operator terminal 22, the plurality of user terminals 24, or the delivery person terminal 26. The display units 76, 86, and 96 display various display contents based on control from the control units 74, 84, and 94.

The server 28 includes a transmitting/receiving section 100, a control section 102, a display section 104, and a memory 106 (storage medium). The transmitting/receiving unit 100 transmits and receives signals or information by wireless communication between the operator terminal 22, the delivery person terminal 26, the plurality of user terminals 24, the plurality of first power devices 12, and the plurality of second power devices 14. conduct. The control unit 102 is a processor, and reads and executes a program stored in the memory 106 to control the acquisition unit 110 (first acquisition unit to third acquisition unit), determination unit 112 (first acquisition unit), and instructions. The function of the section 114 (generation section) is realized. Details of the acquisition unit 110, determination unit 112, and instruction unit 114 will be described later. Further, the control unit 102 controls the entire server 28 in an integrated manner. The display unit 104 displays various display contents based on control from the control unit 102.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first power device 12 and the second power device 14. The first power device 12 and the second power device 14 have the same configuration. That is, the power device shown in FIG. 3 is a power device that has both a charging function (replenishment section) and a power supply function. When this power device is used as a power supply device, the power device functions as the first power device 12. Further, when this power device is used as a charging device, the power device functions as the second power device 14. In the following description, when the first power device 12 and the second power device 14 are collectively described, they may be referred to as the power device 120.

The power device 120 includes a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing 122. A storage chamber 124 is provided inside the housing 122 . The battery 20 is housed in the housing chamber 124 . The storage chamber 124 opens upward through an opening 126. A cover 128 that covers the opening 126 is provided at the top of the housing 122. The cover 128 is provided with an open button 130. When a user (operator, delivery person 40 (see FIG. 1), user) presses the open button 130, the cover 128 opens. When the cover 128 is open, the user can insert and remove the battery 20 into and from the storage chamber 124.

A handle portion 132 is provided on the top surface of the battery 20. The user can carry the battery 20 by holding the handle 132. A connection terminal 134 is provided on the bottom surface of the battery 20. The connection terminal 134 of the battery 20 is, for example, a female terminal. A connection terminal 136 (first connection portion) is provided at the bottom of the storage chamber 124. The connection terminal 136 of the storage chamber 124 is, for example, a male terminal. When the user inserts the battery 20 into the storage chamber 124, the connection terminal 134 of the battery 20 and the connection terminal 136 of the storage chamber 124 fit together. Thereby, battery 20 and power device 120 are electrically connected. Further, when the user takes out the battery 20 from the storage chamber 124, the connection terminal 134 of the battery 20 is separated from the connection terminal 136 of the storage chamber 124. As a result, the battery 20 and the power device 120 are electrically disconnected from each other.

The cover 128 is provided with an indicator 138 that displays the remaining amount of the battery 20. Indicator 138 corresponds to first display section 56 and second display section 64 in FIG.

A handle portion 140 is provided on one side of the upper surface of the housing 122.

Handles

142 and 144 are provided on two opposing sides of the bottom surface of the housing 122. The upper handle part 140 and the two

lower handle parts

142 and 144 extend parallel to each other. The user can carry the power device 120 by gripping two of the three

handles

140, 142, and 144.

A downwardly recessed recess 146 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 122 between the cover 128 and the handle 140. The recessed portion 146 becomes more obliquely inclined as it moves away from the cover 128. Therefore, a gap is formed between the handle portion 140 and the recessed portion 146. The recess 146 is provided with a USB terminal 148 (second connection section) and an AC output terminal 150 (second connection section). The USB terminal 148 is a terminal for outputting DC power to the outside. AC output terminal 150 is a terminal for outputting AC power to the outside. That is, when the power device 120 functions as the first power device 12, the AC output terminal 150 or the USB terminal 148 is electrically connected to the load 32 via a cable (not shown).

On the side surface of the housing 122, an AC input terminal 152 (third connection part) and a DC input terminal 154 (third connection part) are provided near the handle part 142. The AC input terminal 152 is a terminal for inputting AC power from the outside. That is, when the power device 120 functions as the second power device 14, the AC input terminal 152 is electrically connected to the inverter 18 (see FIG. 1) via a cable (not shown). The DC input terminal 154 is a terminal for inputting DC power from the outside.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating an application example of the information processing system 10. The information processing system 10 is applied, for example, to a service for renting out the first power device 12 at various events. In the event venue 160 shown in FIG. 4, an operator's waiting area 162 and a charging area 34 are provided on the left side. Further, loads 32 exist at a plurality of locations within the event venue 160 (locations 42 used for opening stores, etc.). At the event venue 160, multiple users use the loads 32 at multiple usage locations 42. The operator lends the first power device 12 and the first battery 30 (see FIG. 1) to a plurality of users. The operator lends out the first power device 12 with the first battery 30 housed in the first power device 12 . The delivery person 40 delivers the second battery 38 from the charging location 34 to the usage location 42 when the first battery 30 needs to be replaced.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing system 10 in the application example of FIG.

A plurality of power devices 120 containing charged batteries 20 (see FIG. 1) are stored in the charging place 34 in advance. In step S1 of FIG. 5, the operator lends the first power device 12 to a plurality of users. In this case, the operator lends out the power device 120 to which the charged battery 20 is attached as the first power device 12 . The power device 120 and battery 20 that are not lent are stored at the charging location 34 as the second power device 14 and second battery 38 . At the charging place 34, the second batteries 38 and the second power devices 14 are basically stored in a state where the plurality of second batteries 38 are accommodated in the plurality of second power devices 14. Note that in this embodiment, it is desirable to rent out the first power devices 12 and the first batteries 30 so that the number of second power devices 14 is greater than the number of first power devices 12.

In step S2, the operator operates the input unit 72 (see FIG. 2) of the operator terminal 22 to enter the numbers of the plurality of first power devices 12 that have been lent, and the usage location 42 of each of the first power devices 12. , the numbers of the plurality of second power devices 14 stored at the charging location 34, the position information of the charging location 34, the travel time Tt of the deliverer 40 from the charging location 34 to each usage location 42, and the end of the event. Enter the date and time. The operator knows in advance the charging location 34, the number of users (the number of first power devices 12), and the location where the users will use the first power device 12 (use location 42). In addition, since the operator has lent the plurality of first power devices 12 to a plurality of users, the operator also knows the numbers of the plurality of first power devices 12 and the plurality of second power devices 14. There is. Furthermore, since the operator is the event administrator, he also knows the end date and time of the event. Therefore, the operator can input each of the above information easily and accurately. The operator terminal 22 transmits each input information to the server 28 via the communication network 44.

In step S3 (fourth step), the transmitting/receiving unit 100 of the server 28 receives information from the operator terminal 22. The received information is stored in memory 106.

In step S4 (first step, second step), each of the plurality of users carries the first power device 12 to the place of use 42 and electrically connects the first power device 12 and the load 32. As a result, power supply from the first power device 12 to the load 32 is started.

In step S5, for each of the plurality of first power devices 12, the first detection unit 52 (see FIG. 2) detects the connection between the connection terminal 134 of the first battery 30 (see FIG. 3) and the connection terminal 136 of the storage chamber 124. Detection (acquisition) of connection information, SOC of the first battery 30, output power from the first battery 30, power consumption speed of the first battery 30, position information of the first power device 12, etc. is started. In this case, the first detection unit 52 periodically detects each of the above information. The first transmitter/receiver 50 periodically transmits the information detected by the first detector 52 to the server 28 via the communication network 44 .

In step S6, the transmitting/receiving unit 100 of the server 28 receives information from the first power device 12. The received information is stored in memory 106. As described above, as multiple first power devices 12 transmit information to server 28 , server 28 stores information from first power devices 12 in memory 106 .

In step S7 (third step), the acquisition unit 110 of the server 28 reads out the information stored in the memory 106. Next, the acquisition unit 110 uses the read information to calculate (acquire) the replacement time of the first battery 30. Specifically, the acquisition unit 110 calculates the replacement time of the first battery 30 based on the SOC of the first battery 30, the speed of power consumption of the first battery 30, and the like. The time to replace the first battery 30 is determined when the first battery 30 is attached to the first power device 12 and power is being supplied to the load 32 from the first battery 30. It's time to replace the 30. The replacement time is a concept that includes the date and time of replacement of the first battery 30 and the time until the SOC of the first battery 30 becomes 0 (residual power supply time Tr).

In step S8, the determination unit 112 determines, for example, whether the time difference (Tr−Tt) between the remaining power supply time Tr and the travel time Tt included in the information read by the acquisition unit 110 is larger than the threshold Tth. judge. The threshold value Tth is, for example, 0 or a positive value close to 0. The threshold Tth is a value corresponding to the energy amount threshold described above. That is, when the time difference (Tr-Tt) reaches the threshold value Tth, the energy amount (remaining amount, SOC) of the first battery 30 housed in the first power device 12 becomes less than or equal to the threshold value.

In step S8, if the time difference (Tr-Tt) is larger than the threshold Tth (step S8: YES), the determination unit 112 determines that the first battery 30 does not need to be replaced. The server 28 returns to step S7 and repeatedly executes the processes of steps S7 and S8. Therefore, the determining unit 112 determines that the first battery 30 does not need to be replaced until (Tr-Tt)=Tth (step S8: NO).

In step S8, if (Tr-Tt)=Tth (step S8: NO), the determination unit 112 determines that the first battery 30 needs to be replaced.

Note that, as described above, information from the plurality of first power devices 12 is stored in the memory 106. Therefore, in step S7, the acquisition unit 110 calculates the replacement time (remaining power supply time Tr) for each of the plurality of first power devices 12. Therefore, in step S8, the determining unit 112 determines whether the first battery 30 of each of the plurality of first power devices 12 needs to be replaced.

In step S9 (fifth step), for the first power device 12 for which the determination unit 112 has a negative determination result, the instruction unit 114 causes the second battery 38 to be transferred to the usage location 42 of the first power device 12. Generate delivery information for delivery.

Specifically, the delivery information is information for instructing the delivery person 40 (see FIG. 1) to deliver the second battery 38 to the place 42 where the first power device 12 is used. The delivery information includes the usage location 42 of the first power device 12 that houses the first battery 30 to be replaced, the time when the deliverer 40 should depart from the charging location 34, and the distance from the charging location 34 to the usage location 42. Includes delivery route. The time at which the delivery person 40 should depart from the charging location 34 is a concept that includes the date and time of departure from the charging location 34 or the remaining time until the departure date and time. Further, the memory 106 (see FIG. 2) stores the position information of the plurality of first power devices 12 and the position information of the charging place 34. Therefore, the instruction unit 114 can easily create a delivery route from the charging location 34 to the usage location 42 based on each location information stored in the memory 106. The transmitter/receiver unit 100 of the server 28 transmits delivery information to the deliverer terminal 26 via the communication network 44 .

Note that there are multiple usage locations 42 within one event venue. Therefore, it is highly likely that the delivery person 40 knows a plurality of usage locations 42. In such a case, the delivery information may include the usage location 42 of the first power device 12 that accommodates the first battery 30 to be replaced and the time when the delivery person 40 should depart from the charging location 34.

In step S10, when the transmitting/receiving unit 90 of the deliverer terminal 26 receives the delivery information, the display unit 96 displays the delivery information. By checking the delivery information displayed on the display unit 96, the delivery person 40 can recognize that replacement of the first battery 30 has been instructed. Next, the delivery person 40 moves to the charging location 34 and takes out the charged second battery 38 from the second power device 14 . The delivery person 40 carries the second battery 38 that has been taken out and moves to the place 42 where the first power device 12 is used, where the first battery 30 to be replaced is installed.

In step S11, when the delivery person 40 arrives at the place 42 where the first power device 12 is used, the delivery person 40 or the user takes out the first battery 30 from the first power device 12. Next, the delivery person 40 or the user attaches a charged second battery 38, which is a replacement for the first battery 30, to the first power device 12. Thereby, the attached second battery 38 is used as the first battery 30. As a result, power can be continuously supplied from the first power device 12 to the load 32.

In step S12, the delivery person 40 collects the first battery 30 taken out from the first power device 12 and returns to the charging location 34. The delivery person 40 attaches the collected first battery 30 to the second power device 14 to which the second battery 38 is not attached, among the plurality of second power devices 14 .

Also in the plurality of second power devices 14, the second detection unit 60 (see FIG. 2) detects the connection information between the connection terminal 134 (see FIG. 3) of the second battery 38 and the connection terminal 136 of the storage chamber 124, and the second detection unit 60 (see FIG. 2). The SOC of the battery 38, the input power to the second battery 38, the position information of the second power device 14, etc. are periodically detected (obtained). The second transmitter/receiver 58 transmits the information detected by the second detector 60 to the server 28 via the communication network 44 . Server 28 receives information from the plurality of second power devices 14 and stores it in memory 106 .

In step S13, the acquisition unit 110 reads out the information about the second power device 14 stored in the memory 106. The instruction unit 114 generates instruction information for instructing charging of the second battery 38 based on the connection information included in the read information and the SOC of the second battery 38 . The transmitting/receiving unit 100 transmits instruction information to the second power device 14 via the communication network 44 . Furthermore, the acquisition unit 110 calculates the time until the second battery 38 reaches full charge based on the SOC of the second battery 38.

In step S14, the second power device 14 starts charging the second battery 38 based on the instruction information from the server 28.

In step S15, the determination unit 112 of the server 28 determines whether or not the information processing system 10 continues to operate. Specifically, the determination unit 112 determines whether the current time has reached the end date and time of the event. If the current time has not reached the end date and time (step S15: YES), the server 28 returns to step S6 and repeatedly executes the processes from step S6 to step S15. When the current time reaches the end date and time (step S15: NO), the server 28 ends the operation of the information processing system 10.

Charging of the plurality of second batteries 38 at the charging location 34 (see FIG. 1), including step S14 in FIG. 5, will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of power supplied from the power supply source 16 (see FIG. 1) to the plurality of second batteries 38 and the power generation cost of the power supply source 16. The amount of power supplied represents the power demand of the load (the plurality of second batteries 38) connected to the power supply source 16. The power generation cost represents the power generation efficiency of the power supply source 16. As shown in FIG. 6, the larger the amount of power supplied from the power supply source 16, the higher the power generation cost of the power supply source 16. That is, the power generation efficiency of the power supply source 16 improves as the power demand of the load connected to the power supply source 16 increases.

As described above, the power supply source 16 is electrically connected to the plurality of second power devices 14 via the inverter 18. The conversion efficiency of the inverter 18 changes depending on the output band of the inverter 18. Therefore, the power supply source 16 charges the plurality of second batteries 38 at once while being electrically connected to the plurality of second batteries 38 . Thereby, power loss of the power supply source 16 can be reduced.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the operation mode of the power supply source 16 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 7, the power supply source 16 can charge a large number of second batteries 38 at once by operating intermittently. In FIG. 7, the case where the power supply source 16 (see FIG. 1) charges the second battery 38 in continuous operation (dotted chain line) and the case where the power supply source 16 charges the second battery 38 in intermittent operation (solid line) It is illustrated. In the case of continuous operation, the power supply source 16 charges the plurality of second batteries 38 with relatively low power P1. On the other hand, in the case of intermittent operation, the power supply source 16 generates relatively large power P2 (P1<P2) in the time period from time t1 to time t2 and in the time period from time t3 to time t4. The plurality of second batteries 38 are charged. By charging the plurality of second batteries 38 in intermittent operation, the power generation efficiency of the power supply source 16 can be improved.

FIG. 8 is a partial configuration diagram of a first modification example of this embodiment. In the first modification, a case is illustrated in which the second power device 164 (replenishment device) only has a function related to charging. In the first modification, a recess 170 is formed on the upper surface of the second power device 164. The second battery 38 is attached to the second power device 164 by inserting the bottom portion into the recess 170 . A male connection terminal 136 is provided at the bottom of the recess 170. When the second battery 38 is inserted into the recess 170, the connection terminal 134 of the second battery 38 and the connection terminal 136 of the recess 170 fit together. Thereby, the second battery 38 and the second power device 164 are electrically connected. In the first modification as well, it is possible to charge the plurality of second batteries 38 from the power supply source 16 using the plurality of second power devices 164 . Note that the second power device 164 may include the second transmitting/receiving section 58, the second detection section 60, the second control section 62, and the second display section 64 of the second power device 14 (see FIG. 2) described above. good.

FIG. 9 is a partial configuration diagram of a second modification example of this embodiment. In the second modification, the second power device 172 (replenishment device) can accommodate a large number of second batteries 38. Specifically, a plurality of storage chambers 174 are formed on the side (front) of the second power device 172. The plurality of accommodation chambers 174 are recesses that can accommodate the second battery 38. In FIG. 9 , a total of nine storage chambers 174 are formed on the side surface of the second power device 172 . A male connection terminal (not shown) connectable to the connection terminal 134 (see FIG. 3) of the second battery 38 is provided at the bottom of each of the plurality of storage chambers 174. The male connection terminal may be the connection terminal 136. In the second modification, multiple second batteries 38 can be charged from the power supply source 16 using one second power device 172. Further, the second power device 172 may include the second transmitting/receiving section 58, the second detection section 60, the second control section 62, and the second display section 64 of the second power device 14 (see FIG. 2). good.

Note that in this embodiment, the delivery information may be transmitted from the server 28 (see FIG. 1) to the user terminal 24, as shown by the broken line in FIG. As a result, when the delivery information is displayed on the display unit 86 (see FIG. 2) of the user terminal 24, the user can confirm that the charged second battery 38 will be delivered by checking the delivery information. can be easily recognized.

Furthermore, in FIG. 5, the server 28 may perform the process of step S3 after the process of step S6.

Further, in step S15 of FIG. 5, the determination unit 112 may determine whether the first battery 30 collected by the delivery person 40 is to be charged and used again. This makes it possible to stop using the degraded battery 20.

Furthermore, in step S15 in FIG. 5, the determining unit 112 may determine for each user (first power device 12) whether to continue using the first power device 12. This makes it possible to individually collect the first power devices 12 when the end date and time of the event venue 160 as a whole and the end date and time of use of the first power devices 12 by each user are different.

Additionally, in this embodiment, delivery information may be transmitted from the server 28 (see FIG. 1) to the operator terminal 22. As a result, when the delivery information is displayed on the display unit 76 (see FIG. 2) of the operator terminal 22, the operator can confirm the delivery information so that the delivery person 40 can use the charged second battery 38. You can easily recognize that the item is being delivered.

Furthermore, as described above, the server 28, the operator terminal 22, the delivery person terminal 26, the plurality of user terminals 24, the plurality of first power devices 12, and the plurality of second power devices 14 are connected to each other via the communication network 44. , wirelessly connected. Therefore, instead of the server 28, any one of the operator terminal 22, the delivery person terminal 26, the plurality of user terminals 24, the plurality of first power devices 12, and the plurality of second power devices 14 is connected to the first battery. It is also possible to determine whether or not replacement of 30 is necessary, and create delivery information based on this determination result.

When the operator terminal 22 or the delivery person terminal 26 functions in place of the server 28, the control units 74 and 94 function as the acquisition unit 110, the determination unit 112, and the instruction unit 114. When the plurality of second power devices 14 function in place of the server 28, the second control unit 62 functions as the acquisition unit 110, the determination unit 112, and the instruction unit 114.

When a plurality of user terminals 24 function in place of the server 28, the control unit 84 functions as the acquisition unit 110, the determination unit 112, and the instruction unit 114. In this case, each of the plurality of user terminals 24 replaces the first battery 30 attached to the first power device 12 corresponding to the user terminal 24 only when it is determined that the first battery 30 attached to the first power device 12 corresponding to the user terminal 24 needs to be replaced. Generate shipping information to instruct the exchange of.

When the plurality of first power devices 12 function in place of the server 28, the first control unit 54 functions as the acquisition unit 110, the determination unit 112, and the instruction unit 114. Each of the plurality of first power devices 12 generates delivery information for instructing the replacement of the first battery 30 only when it is determined that the first battery 30 attached to the own power device needs to be replaced. do. As a result, delivery information is transmitted from the first power device 12 whose first battery 30 needs to be replaced to the delivery person terminal 26, so that the delivery person 40 can replace the second battery at the place 42 where the first power device 12 is used. 38 can be reliably delivered.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is also possible that the device that implements the function of the acquisition section 110, the device that implements the function of the determination section 112, and the device that implements the function of the instruction section 114 are separate devices from each other. It is. Alternatively, it is also possible to realize the functions of two components among the acquisition section 110, determination section 112, and instruction section 114 with one device, and realize the function of the remaining one component with another device. For example, the first control unit 54 of each of the plurality of first power devices 12 may function as the acquisition unit 110, and the control unit 102 of the server 28 may function as the determination unit 112 and the instruction unit 114. Alternatively, the first control unit 54 of each of the plurality of first power devices 12 may function as the acquisition unit 110 and the determination unit 112, and the control unit 102 of the server 28 may function as the instruction unit 114. Even in this case, delivery information can be transmitted to the delivery person terminal 26.

In the above description, the case where the operator inputs the travel time Tt from the charging location 34 to the usage location 42 of the first power device 12 by operating the operator terminal 22 (step S2 in FIG. 5) has been described. . In the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 110 acquires location information of the first power device 12 to which the first battery 30 to be replaced is attached, and location information of the second power device 14 to which the charged second battery 38 is attached. Based on this, the travel time Tt from the charging location 34 to the usage location 42 of the first power device 12 may be calculated. Thereby, the workload of the operator can be reduced. Note that since the plurality of second power devices 14 are arranged at the charging place 34, the positional information of the plurality of second power devices 14 may be regarded as the positional information of the charging place 34.

Further, in this embodiment, the person (shipper) who carries out the work of shipping the second battery 38 at the charging place 34 is different from the person (deliverer) who delivers the second battery 38 from the charging place 34 to the use place 42. It may be a person. That is, the sender is responsible for checking the delivery information and taking out the second battery 38 from the second power device 14, among the tasks performed by the delivery person 40. The delivery person is responsible for delivering the second battery 38 from the charging location 34 to the usage location 42, among the tasks performed by the delivery person 40. In this way, by sharing the work of the delivery person 40, the burden on each worker can be reduced.

Furthermore, in the above description, the case where the first power device 12 is a power supply device has been described. In this embodiment, the first power device 12 may be any device that can supply power from the first battery 30 to the load 32. Specifically, the first power device 12 may be a mobile body or a power device on which the first battery 30 can be mounted. For example, the moving object includes various vehicles equipped with the first battery 30, such as a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, a four-wheeled vehicle, and an electric vehicle.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the load 32 may be inside the first power device 12. Examples of such a load 32 include power equipment such as an inverter, a motor, and a refrigeration unit built into the first power device 12.

Further, in this embodiment, the power supply source 16 may be any power source that can charge the plurality of second batteries 38 from the outside. Therefore, the power supply source 16 may be a power system other than the mobile body 36. Alternatively, the power supply source 16 may be an engine generator that burns fuel to generate electricity.

Furthermore, in the above description, the case where the second battery 38 is delivered has been described. In this embodiment, a portable energy storage device that stores other energy or energy sources may be delivered. For example, the portable energy storage device may be a hydrogen cartridge containing hydrogen as an energy source. In this case, the first power device 12 and the second power device 14 become energy devices to which a hydrogen cartridge can be attached. Alternatively, the second power device 14 may be an energy device (replenishment device) to which a hydrogen cartridge can be attached.

Specifically, in the replenishment device, a hydrogen cartridge is filled with hydrogen pumped from an external source. In this case, the replenishment device may be any replenishment unit that can mount a hydrogen cartridge, such as the second power device 164 shown in FIG. 8, for example. Thereby, the hydrogen cartridge can be filled with hydrogen from an external supply source while being attached to the replenishing unit. A delivery person 40 delivers the hydrogen cartridge filled with hydrogen to a usage location 42.

Alternatively, the second power device 14 may include a hydrogen cartridge and a fuel cell. The second power device 14 may be any replenishment unit to which a hydrogen cartridge can be attached, such as a second power device 164 shown in FIG. 8, for example. In this case as well, the hydrogen cartridge can be filled with hydrogen from an external source while attached to the replenishment unit. A fuel cell generates electricity using hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen cartridge. The second power device 14 can supply the power generated by the fuel cell to the outside.

The first power device 12 may be, for example, a power feeder equipped with a fuel cell. Examples of such power feeders include fuel cell vehicles and the like. In this case, in the first power device 12, the fuel cell generates electricity using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen cartridge. The load 32 operates by receiving power generated by the fuel cell.

Alternatively, the first power device 12 may supply hydrogen to the load 32 from a hydrogen cartridge. In this case, the load 32 is, for example, a fuel cell stack built into the first power device 12.

The inventions that can be understood from the above embodiments are described below.

A first aspect of the present invention is an information processing device (28), wherein the information processing device is detachably attached to an energy device (12) and uses energy while attached to the energy device. a first acquisition unit (110, 112) that acquires a replacement time (Tr) for replacing the portable energy accumulator (30) that supplies the energy to the actuating unit (32); The required time ( a second acquisition unit (110) that acquires Tt), and based on the replacement time acquired by the first acquisition unit and the required time acquired by the second acquisition unit, the other portable energy storage A generation unit (114) that generates delivery information used for delivery of the container.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the replacement time may be determined based on the time when the amount of energy in the portable energy storage device becomes less than a threshold value.

As a result, the portable energy accumulator attached to the energy device can be used efficiently until the amount of energy in the portable energy accumulator becomes zero. Furthermore, if the portable energy accumulator is replaced at a timing when the amount of energy reaches zero, the time during which the actuating section stops operating can be shortened.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the first acquisition unit may acquire the energy amount from the energy device, and acquire a time when the acquired energy amount becomes less than the threshold value as the replacement time.

As a result, the portable energy accumulator attached to the energy device can be used efficiently until the amount of energy in the portable energy accumulator becomes zero.

In the first aspect of the present invention, when the energy device identifies a time when the energy amount becomes less than the threshold, the first acquisition unit acquires the time identified by the energy device as the replacement time. You may.

As a result, the portable energy accumulator attached to the energy device can be used efficiently until the amount of energy in the portable energy accumulator becomes zero. Furthermore, since the time when the energy device becomes less than the threshold value is specified, it becomes possible to generate more accurate delivery information.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the generation unit may generate the delivery information so that the other portable energy storage device reaches the location at the time of replacement.

This makes it possible to replace the portable energy storage device at the timing when the amount of energy in the portable energy storage device becomes zero. As a result, the time during which the operation of the actuating section stops due to replacement work can be minimized.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the delivery information is information displayed on a display unit (96) of a delivery person terminal (26) used by a delivery person (40) who delivers the other portable energy storage device. May include.

Thereby, the delivery person can easily recognize that delivery of the portable energy storage device has been instructed by checking the information displayed on the display unit.

In the first aspect of the invention, the delivery information may include information regarding the time at which the delivery person (40) delivering the other portable energy storage device should depart from the storage location.

With this, it is possible to reliably instruct the delivery person to deliver the portable energy storage device.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the delivery information may include information on a delivery route from the storage location to the location.

Thereby, the delivery person can be reliably guided to the location of the power device.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the information processing device may further include a third acquisition unit (110) that acquires the location.

This makes it possible to reliably know the location of the energy device.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the second acquisition unit may calculate and acquire the required time based on the location and storage position acquired by the third acquisition unit.

Thereby, the required time can be easily and accurately calculated and obtained.

In a first aspect of the present invention, the information processing device is configured to deliver a first terminal (24) used by a user, owner, or manager of the energy device and the other portable energy storage device. The delivery information may further include a transmitter (100) that transmits the delivery information to at least one of the second terminals (26) used by the person.

Thereby, when transmitting delivery information to the first terminal, it is possible to notify the user, owner, or manager of the energy device that the deliverer will deliver another portable energy storage device. Furthermore, when transmitting delivery information to the second terminal, it is possible to reliably instruct the delivery person to deliver another portable energy storage device.

In a first aspect of the invention, the actuating part is located outside or inside the movable energy device, and the energy device has a first connection part (136) to which the portable energy storage device is connected. and a second connection part (150) to which the actuation part is connected, the portable energy storage device supplying the energy to the energy device via the first connection part, The energy may be supplied to the actuating part via the second connection part.

Thereby, energy can be reliably and efficiently supplied from the portable energy storage device to the actuating section.

In a first aspect of the invention, said other portable energy accumulator is connected in said storage position to a replenishment device (164, 172) or to another energy device (14) having a replenishment part; The replenishment device or the replenishment unit may replenish the other portable energy storage device with energy or an energy source.

This allows other portable energy storage devices to be easily replenished with energy or energy sources.

In a first aspect of the invention, said replenishment device or said replenishment part is connected to an external supply source (16) via a third connection (152, 154), said other portable energy storage device comprising: In the storage position, replenishment of the energy or the energy source may be received from the external source via the third connection.

Thereby, other portable energy accumulators can be efficiently replenished with energy or an energy source.

In a first aspect of the invention, a plurality of said other portable energy accumulators are connected in parallel to said replenishment device or said replenishment part, said external supply source via said third connection. A plurality of said other portable energy stores may be replenished with said energy or said energy source.

This makes it possible to replenish multiple other portable energy storage devices with energy or energy sources at once. As a result, energy loss of the external supply source can be reduced.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the external supply source may be a moving body (36).

This makes it possible to move the external supply source to an event venue, etc., and supply energy or energy sources from the external supply source to other portable energy storage devices at the destination.

A second aspect of the present invention is an information processing system (10) having a portable energy storage device, an energy device, and an information processing device, wherein the portable energy storage device is detachable from the energy device. the information processing device supplies the energy to an operating section that operates using energy while the information processing device is attached to the energy device, and the information processing device acquires a replacement time to replace the portable energy storage device 1 acquisition unit and the time required to deliver another portable energy storage device with which the portable energy storage device is to be exchanged from the storage location of the other energy storage device to the location of the energy device. delivery of the other portable energy accumulator based on the replacement time acquired by the first acquisition unit and the required time acquired by the second acquisition unit. A generation unit that generates delivery information.

The present invention also provides the same effects as the first aspect.

A third aspect of the present invention is an information processing method, the information processing method comprising: a first step (S4) of mounting a portable energy storage device on an energy device having an operating section; and mounting the portable energy storage device on the energy device. a second step (S4) of operating the actuating unit by supplying energy from the portable energy accumulator to the actuating unit; and a third step of obtaining a replacement time for replacing the portable energy accumulator. (S7) and the time required to deliver another portable energy storage device to be replaced with the portable energy storage device from the storage location of the other portable energy storage device to the location of the energy device. A fourth step (S3) of acquiring time, the replacement time acquired in the third step, and the required time acquired in the fourth step, for delivery of the other portable energy storage device. a fifth step (S9) of generating delivery information to be provided.

The present invention also provides the same effects as the first aspect.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer (28) to execute the information processing method of the third aspect.

The present invention also provides the same effects as the first aspect.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is a storage medium (106) that stores the program of the fourth aspect.

The present invention also provides the same effects as the first aspect.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the disclosure described above, and may take various configurations without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Claims

Replace the portable energy accumulator (30) that is removably attached to the energy device (12) and supplies energy to the actuator (32) that operates using energy while attached to the energy device. a first acquisition unit (110, 112) that acquires the replacement time (Tr) to be replaced;
for delivering another portable energy storage device (38) with which the portable energy storage device is to be exchanged from a storage location (34) of the other portable energy storage device to a location (42) of the energy device; a second acquisition unit (110) that acquires the required time (Tt);
a generation unit that generates delivery information to be used for delivery of the other portable energy storage device based on the replacement time acquired by the first acquisition unit and the required time acquired by the second acquisition unit; (114) and
An information processing device (28) comprising:
The information processing device according to claim 1,
In the information processing device, the replacement time is determined based on the time when the amount of energy in the portable energy storage device becomes less than a threshold value.
The information processing device according to claim 2,
The first acquisition unit is an information processing device that acquires the energy amount from the energy device and acquires a time when the acquired energy amount becomes less than the threshold value as the replacement time.
The information processing device according to claim 2,
The first acquisition unit is an information processing device that, when the energy device specifies a time when the energy amount becomes less than the threshold, acquires the time specified by the energy device as the replacement time.
In the information processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The generation unit is an information processing device that generates the delivery information so that the other portable energy storage device reaches the location at the time of replacement.
In the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The delivery information includes information displayed on a display unit (96) of a delivery person terminal (26) used by a delivery person (40) who delivers the other portable energy storage device.
In the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The information processing device, wherein the delivery information includes information regarding a time when a delivery person (40) who delivers the other portable energy storage device should depart from the storage location.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The information processing device, wherein the delivery information includes information on a delivery route from the storage location to the location.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
An information processing device further comprising a third acquisition unit (110) that acquires the location.
The information processing device according to claim 9,
The second acquisition unit is an information processing device that calculates and acquires the required time based on the location and storage position acquired by the third acquisition unit.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
At least a first terminal (24) used by the user, owner or manager of the energy device, and a second terminal (26) used by a delivery person who delivers the other portable energy storage device. An information processing device further comprising a transmitter (100) that transmits the delivery information to one terminal.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The actuating part is located outside or inside the movable energy device,
The energy device has a first connection part (136) to which the portable energy storage device is connected, and a second connection part (150) to which the actuation part is connected,
the portable energy storage device supplies the energy to the energy device via the first connection;
The energy device is an information processing device that supplies the energy to the operating section via the second connection section.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
said other portable energy storage device is connected in said storage position to a replenishment device (164, 172) or to another energy device (14) having a replenishment part;
The information processing device, wherein the replenishment device or the replenishment unit replenishes the other portable energy storage device with energy or an energy source.
The information processing device according to claim 13,
the replenishment device or replenishment part is connected to an external supply source (16) via a third connection (152, 154);
Information processing device, wherein said other portable energy storage device receives replenishment of said energy or said energy source from said external supply source via said third connection in said storage position.
The information processing device according to claim 14,
a plurality of said other portable energy accumulators are connected in parallel to said replenishment device or said replenishment unit;
The information processing device, wherein the external supply source replenishes the energy or the energy source to the plurality of other portable energy storage devices via the third connection.
The information processing device according to claim 14 or 15,
An information processing device in which the external supply source is a moving body (36).
An information processing system (10) comprising a portable energy storage device, an energy device, and an information processing device,
The portable energy accumulator is removably attached to the energy device, and supplies the energy to an operating part that operates using energy while attached to the energy device,
The information processing device includes:
a first acquisition unit that acquires a replacement time for replacing the portable energy storage device;
a second acquisition unit that acquires the time required to deliver another portable energy accumulator to be exchanged with the portable energy accumulator from the storage location of the other energy accumulator to the location of the energy device; and,
a generation unit that generates delivery information to be used for delivery of the other portable energy storage device based on the replacement time acquired by the first acquisition unit and the required time acquired by the second acquisition unit; and,
An information processing system comprising:
a first step (S4) of mounting a portable energy storage device on an energy device having an actuating part;
a second step (S4) of operating the operating unit by supplying energy to the operating unit from the portable energy storage device attached to the energy device;
a third step (S7) of obtaining a replacement time for replacing the portable energy storage device;
A step of acquiring the time required to deliver another portable energy storage device with which the portable energy storage device is to be exchanged from a storage location of the other portable energy storage device to a location of the energy device. 4 steps (S3) and
a fifth step of generating delivery information for delivery of the other portable energy storage device based on the replacement time obtained in the third step and the required time obtained in the fourth step; S9) and
An information processing method comprising:
A program that causes a computer (28) to execute the information processing method according to claim 18.
A storage medium (106) that stores the program according to claim 19.