Power control device, vehicle, power control method, and power control program

Abstract

To provide a power control device that effectively consumes battery power, thereby enabling the proper operation of equipment in response to environmental conditions. [Solution] The power control device includes a controller, which, in a vehicle capable of storing regenerative power generated by a motor in a battery, causes the power stored in the battery to be consumed by one of several loads other than the motor, at least based on the fact that the battery charge level is above a standard value. In consuming the battery power, the controller selects a destination for the battery power from among several loads in accordance with the state of the equipment installed in the vehicle and the interior and exterior environment of the vehicle, and controls the power consumption at the destination load.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power control device, a vehicle, a power control method, and a power control program.

Background Art

[0002] In a vehicle equipped with a motor capable of generating regenerative power, the regenerative power generated by the motor is stored in a battery. In such a vehicle, when the battery charge level is high, such as in a fully charged state, the controller causes the power stored in the battery to be supplied to loads other than the motor, such as a refrigeration cycle device and a heating cycle device. Then, the controller reduces the charge level of the battery by forcing the power supplied from the battery to be consumed by the load (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a vehicle in which a motor can generate regenerative power, when the charge level of the battery is high, it is required to effectively consume the power of the battery to quickly reduce the charge level of the battery to an appropriate level for proper regenerative braking. Also, it is required to appropriately operate the equipment in response to the vehicle interior and external environment, etc. by consuming the power of the battery.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a power control device, a vehicle, a power control method, and a power control program that can appropriately operate equipment in response to the environment, etc. by effectively consuming the power of the battery.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, the power control device includes a controller, which, in a vehicle capable of storing regenerative power generated by a motor in a battery, causes the power stored in the battery to be consumed by one of several loads other than the motor, at least based on the fact that the battery charge level is above a reference value. In consuming the battery power, the controller selects a destination for the battery power from among several loads in accordance with the state of the equipment installed in the vehicle and the interior and exterior environment of the vehicle, and controls the power consumption at the destination load. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power control device, a vehicle, a power control method, and a power control program that effectively consume battery power to appropriately operate equipment in response to environmental conditions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a power system and control system in a vehicle according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of how the controller controls the supply of battery power to multiple loads in this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of battery power consumption control for the air conditioner and heater shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic example of controlling battery power consumption using the cooling fan shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing, in an embodiment, the relationship between the battery's State of Charge (SOC) value and the power consumption state from the battery for the air conditioner and heater, respectively, in a table format. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing, in an embodiment, the relationship between the battery's SOC value and the power consumption state from the battery by each cooling fan in a table format. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control of regenerative power supply to the motor performed by the controller in this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a power system and control system in a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 1 is equipped with a power control device 2, and the power control device 2 is equipped with a controller 3. The controller 3 is composed of a computer such as an on-board computer, and the computer constituting the controller 3 is equipped with a processor or integrated circuit and a storage medium. In the controller 3, the processor or integrated circuit is equipped with one of the following: ECU (electronic control unit), CPU (central processing unit), ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), microcontroller, FPGA (field programmable gate array), and DSP (digital signal processor). The controller 3 may be equipped with only one processor, etc., or may be equipped with multiple processors, etc. The controller 3 is also equipped with either a main storage medium including memory and an auxiliary storage medium as a storage medium. The controller 3 executes programs stored in the storage medium.

[0011] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a power conversion unit 5. The power conversion unit (power conversion circuit) 5 is composed of, for example, an inverter and a PCU (power control unit). The power conversion unit 5 performs, for example, voltage transformation, DC / DC conversion, DC / AC conversion and AC / DC conversion. The controller 3 controls the operation of the power conversion unit 5.

[0012] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a battery 6 and a motor (motor generator) 7. The battery 6 is capable of storing electricity. The battery 6 can supply the stored electricity to the motor 7 via a power conversion unit 5. When supplying electricity from the battery 6 to the motor 7, the power conversion unit 5 converts the DC electricity discharged from the battery 6 into electricity corresponding to the motor 7. The motor 7 is driven by the supplied electricity, and the driving force from the motor 7 is transmitted to the axle. This causes vehicle 1 to move.

[0013] Furthermore, when vehicle 1 is decelerating, the motor 7 generates regenerative power. The motor 7 can supply regenerative power to the battery 6 via the power conversion unit 5. When supplying power from the motor 7 to the battery 6, the power conversion unit 5 converts the regenerative power from the motor 7 into DC power corresponding to the battery 6. The battery 6 is charged by the supplied power. When vehicle 1 is decelerating, the regenerative power generated by the motor 7 is stored in the battery 6 as described above, thereby performing regenerative braking.

[0014] Vehicle 1 is equipped with multiple loads other than motor 7. In the example shown in Figure 1, vehicle 1 is equipped with an air conditioner 11, multiple heaters 12A to 12D, and multiple cooling fans 13A to 13D as multiple loads. Battery 6 can supply the stored power to each of the multiple loads via power conversion unit 5. When supplying power from battery 6 to each of the multiple loads, power conversion unit 5 converts the DC power discharged from battery 6 into power corresponding to the load to which it is supplied. Motor 7 can also supply the regenerated power it generates to each of the multiple loads via power conversion unit 5. When supplying power from motor 7 to each of the multiple loads, power conversion unit 5 converts the regenerated power from motor 7 into power corresponding to the load to which it is supplied. Each of the multiple loads consumes the supplied power by operating. The controller 3 controls the operation of the power conversion unit 5, switching the power supply to each of the multiple loads on and off. The controller 3 also controls the operation of the power conversion unit 5, adjusting the amount of power supplied to each load and thus the amount of power consumed. Therefore, the controller 3 controls the power supply to each of the multiple loads and controls the power consumption at each of the multiple loads by controlling the operation of the power conversion unit 5.

[0015] The air conditioner 11 performs heating and cooling operations when power is supplied. Each of the heaters 12A to 12D performs a heating operation to heat a target when power is supplied. Heaters 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D can heat the seats, steering wheel, side mirrors, and front and rear windows (front and rear windshields), respectively. In addition, heater 12B, which heats the seats, can heat each of the multiple seats installed in the vehicle 1 independently of the other seats. That is, for multiple seats, the heating by heater 12B can be switched on or off for each individual seat.

[0016] Each of the cooling fans 13A to 13D performs a cooling operation by blowing air onto the equipment to be cooled, upon receiving power. Cooling fans 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D can cool the battery 6, motor 7, controller 3, and power conversion unit 5, respectively, as the equipment to be cooled.

[0017] Vehicle 1 includes an ammeter 15 and a voltmeter 16. The ammeter 15 measures the current flowing through the battery 6. When the battery 6 is being charged, the ammeter 15 measures the current input to the battery 6, and when the battery 6 is discharging, the ammeter 15 measures the current output from the battery 6. The voltmeter 16 measures the voltage applied to the battery 6. The controller 3 periodically acquires the measurement results of the ammeter 15 and the voltmeter 16 respectively. Then, the controller 3 obtains the time change of the current of the battery 6 from the measurement result of the ammeter 15, and obtains the time change of the voltage of the battery 6 from the measurement result of the voltmeter 16.

[0018] The controller 3 calculates the charge amount of the battery 6 and the time change of the charge amount. The controller 3 calculates, for example, the SOC (state of charge) value η as the charge amount of the battery 6. In the battery 6, a fully charged state with an SOC value of 100% and a fully discharged state with an SOC value η of 0% are defined. Also, in the battery 6, for example, the discharge charge amount from the fully charged state to the fully discharged state is defined as the storage capacity. And in the battery 6, the ratio of the remaining charge amount to the storage capacity until the fully discharged state is defined as the SOC value η. For example, when the remaining charge amount is 1 / 2 of the storage capacity, the SOC value η of the battery 6 is 50%. The controller 3 calculates the SOC value η of the battery 6 in real time, for example, using the SOC value η of the battery 6 at the reference time point and the time integral value of the current of the battery 6 from the reference time point.

[0019] Vehicle 1 includes a plurality of detectors. In an example of FIG. 1, Vehicle 1 includes a temperature sensor 21, a seat pressure sensor 22, a raindrop sensor 23, and a plurality of temperature sensors 25A to 25D as a plurality of detectors. The controller 3 periodically acquires the detection results of each of the plurality of detectors. The temperature sensor 21 detects the temperature T inside the vehicle 1. The controller 3 acquires the temperature T inside the vehicle 1 as information regarding the environment inside the vehicle 1 from the detection result of the temperature sensor 21.

[0020] The seat pressure sensor 22 detects the seat pressure on each of the plurality of seats. The controller 3 determines whether an occupant is sitting on each of the plurality of seats based on the detection results of the seat pressure sensor 22. Thereby, the controller 3 acquires the seating status of the occupant on each of the plurality of seats as information regarding the environment inside the vehicle 1. The raindrop sensor 23 detects raindrops outside the vehicle 1. The controller 3 acquires the rainfall status, snowfall status, etc. outside the vehicle 1 as information regarding the environment outside the vehicle 1 based on the detection results of the raindrop sensor 23. For example, the controller 3 determines that either rainfall or snowfall is occurring outside the vehicle 1 in response to the raindrop sensor 23 detecting raindrops.

[0021] The temperature sensors 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D detect the temperature of the battery 6 (Tb), the temperature of the motor 7 (Tm), the temperature of the controller 3 (Tc), and the temperature of the power conversion unit 5 (Ti) as the temperatures of the devices mounted on the vehicle 1, respectively. The controller 3 acquires the temperatures Tb, Tm, Tc, Ti as information regarding the status of the devices mounted on the vehicle 1 based on the detection results of the temperature sensors 25A to 25D. Further, the temperature sensors 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D detect the temperatures of the devices to be cooled by the cooling fans 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, respectively.

[0022] The controller 3 controls the supply of power from the battery 6 to the motor 7 by controlling the operation of the power conversion unit 5, thereby controlling the drive of the motor 7. Furthermore, when the motor 7 is generating regenerative power, the controller 3 controls the operation of the power conversion unit 5 to adjust the destination of the regenerative power and the amount of power supplied to the destination. The controller 3 then controls the supply of power stored in the battery 6 to multiple loads by controlling the operation of the power conversion unit 5. In this case, the controller 3 adjusts the destination of the power supply and controls the amount of power supplied to the destination load based on the calculation result of the battery 6's charge amount (SOC value η) and the detection results of each of the multiple sensors. For this reason, the controller 3 selects a destination for the battery 6's power from among multiple loads in accordance with the battery 6's charge amount, the state of the equipment installed in the vehicle 1, and the indoor and outdoor environment of the vehicle 1, and controls the consumption of the battery 6's power at the destination load.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of how the controller 3 controls the supply of battery power to multiple loads in this embodiment. The supply control in Figure 2 is performed repeatedly over time during the operation of the vehicle 1, including driving. Furthermore, the supply control in Figure 2 is also performed repeatedly over time when the vehicle 1 is not driving, such as when any of the aforementioned loads are operating. Note that the power supply control from the battery 6 to the motor 7 is performed in parallel with the supply control in Figure 2.

[0024] When the supply control shown in Figure 2 is started, the controller 3 determines whether the State of Charge (SOC) value η of the battery 6 is equal to or greater than the reference value (first reference value) η1ref (S101). The controller 3 calculates the SOC value η, which is the amount of charge, based on the measurement results from the ammeter 15 as described above. The reference value η1ref of the SOC value η is set to a relatively high value, for example, to about 70%.

[0025] If the SOC value η of battery 6 is equal to or greater than the reference value η1ref (S101-Yes), the controller 3 controls the power consumption of battery 6 by the air conditioner 11 and heaters 12A~12D (S102). The controller 3 then controls the power consumption of battery 6 by the cooling fans 13A~13D (S103). On the other hand, if the SOC value η of battery 6 is less than the reference value η1ref (S101-No), the controller 3 stops supplying power from battery 6 to any of the loads (S104). Therefore, none of the air conditioner 11, heaters 12A~12D, or cooling fans 13A~13D are selected as recipients of power from battery 6.

[0026] However, if the SOC value η of battery 6 is less than the reference value η1ref, power may be supplied to each of the multiple loads from a power source other than battery 6. In this case, for example, regenerative power from motor 7 and power stored in a power storage unit other than battery 6 may be supplied to each of the multiple loads. Also, even if the SOC value η of battery 6 is less than the reference value η1ref, the power stored in battery 6 may be supplied to motor 7.

[0027] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of power consumption control of the battery 6 for the air conditioner 11 and heaters 12A to 12D shown in Figure 2. The power consumption control in Figure 3 is performed when the State of Charge (SOC) value η of the battery 6 is equal to or greater than the reference value η1ref. When the power consumption control in Figure 3 is started, the controller 3 determines from the detection result of the temperature sensor 21 whether the temperature T inside the vehicle 1 is less than the reference temperature (first reference temperature) T1ref (S111). The reference temperature T1ref is set to a relatively low temperature, for example, to about 10℃. If the temperature T is less than the reference temperature T1ref (S111-Yes), the controller 3 selects the air conditioner 11 as the power source for the battery 6 and operates the air conditioner 11 in heating mode using power from the battery 6 (S112).

[0028] The controller 3 then determines whether the SOC value η of the battery 6 is equal to or greater than the reference value (second reference value) η2ref (S113). The reference value η2ref of the SOC value η is set to a value higher than η1ref, for example, to about 80%. If the SOC value η of the battery 6 is equal to or greater than the reference value η2ref (S113-Yes), the controller 3 selects heater 12A as the power source for the battery 6. The controller 3 then uses the power from the battery 6 to heat heater 12A, thereby heating all of the multiple seats installed in the vehicle 1 with heater 12A (S114). The controller 3 also selects heaters 12B and 12D as power sources for the battery 6. The controller 3 then uses the power from the battery 6 to heat heaters 12B and 12D, thereby heating the steering wheel with heater 12B and the front and rear windows with heater 12D (S115).

[0029] The controller 3 then determines whether the raindrop sensor 23 has detected raindrops (S116). If raindrops are detected (S116-Yes), the controller 3 selects the heater 12C as the power source for the battery 6. The controller 3 then heats the heater 12C using the power from the battery 6, thereby heating the side mirror with the heater 12C (S117). On the other hand, if raindrops are not detected (S116-No), the controller 3 does not select the heater 12C as the power source for the battery 6 and stops supplying power from the battery 6 to the heater 12C.

[0030] Furthermore, in S113, if the SOC value η of battery 6 is less than the reference value η2ref (S113-No), the controller 3 selects heater 12A as the destination for power supply from battery 6, but does not select heaters 12B to 12D as destinations for power supply from battery 6. Therefore, if the SOC value η is greater than or equal to the reference value η1ref and less than the reference value η2ref, the controller 3 stops supplying power from battery 6 to heaters 12B to 12D. Also, if the SOC value η is greater than or equal to the reference value η1ref and less than the reference value η2ref, the controller 3 uses power from battery 6 to heat heater 12A, thereby heating only the seat in which an occupant is sitting among the multiple seats (S118). At this time, the controller 3 identifies the seat in which an occupant is sitting based on the detection result from the seat pressure sensor 22.

[0031] Furthermore, if the indoor temperature T in S111 is equal to or greater than the reference temperature T1ref (S111-No), the controller 3 determines whether the indoor temperature T is equal to or greater than the reference temperature (second reference temperature) T2ref (S119). The reference temperature T2ref is set to a temperature higher than the reference temperature T1ref, for example, to about 25°C. If the temperature T is equal to or greater than the reference temperature T2ref (S119-Yes), the controller 3 selects the air conditioner 11 as the power source for the battery 6 and operates the air conditioner 11 in cooling mode using power from the battery 6 (S120). On the other hand, if the temperature T is less than the reference temperature T2ref (S119-No), the controller 3 does not select the air conditioner 11 as the power source for the battery 6 and stops supplying power from the battery 6 to the air conditioner 11.

[0032] The controller 3 then determines whether the SOC value η of the battery 6 is equal to or greater than the reference value (second reference value) η2ref (S121). If the SOC value η is equal to or greater than the reference value η2ref (S121-Yes), the controller 3 determines whether the raindrop sensor 23 has detected raindrops (S122). If raindrops have been detected (S122-Yes), the controller 3 selects the heater 12C as the power source for the battery 6. The controller 3 then heats the heater 12C using the power from the battery 6, thereby heating the side mirror with the heater 12C (S123).

[0033] In S121, if the SOC value η is less than the reference value η2ref (S121-No), and in S122, if no raindrops are detected (S122-No), the controller 3 does not select heater 12C as a power source for battery 6 and stops supplying power from battery 6 to heater 12C. Also, in S111, if the indoor temperature T is equal to or greater than the reference temperature T1ref (S111-No), the controller 3 does not select heaters 12A, 12B, and 12D as power sources for battery 6 and stops supplying power from battery 6 to heaters 12A, 12B, and 12D.

[0034] Figure 4 shows that the power consumption control in Figure 4 is performed when the State of Charge (SOC) value η of the battery 6 is the reference value η1ref. In the power consumption control in Figure 4, reference temperatures Tbref, Tmref, Tcref, and Tiref are set for the temperature Tb of the battery 6, the temperature Tm of the motor 7, the temperature Tc of the controller 3, and the temperature Ti of the power conversion unit 5, respectively. Each of the reference temperatures Tbref, Tmref, Tcref, and Tiref is set to, for example, about 50°C.

[0035] When the power consumption control shown in Figure 4 is started, the controller 3 determines from the temperature sensor 25A whether the temperature Tb of the battery 6 is higher than the reference temperature Tbref (S131). If the temperature Tb is higher than the reference temperature Tbref (S131-Yes), the controller 3 selects the cooling fan 13A as the power source for the battery 6. The controller 3 then uses the power from the battery 6 to operate the cooling fan 13A, thereby cooling the battery 6 with the cooling fan 13A (S132). On the other hand, if the temperature Tb is less than or equal to the reference temperature Tbref (S131-No), the controller 3 does not select the cooling fan 13A as the power source for the battery 6 and stops supplying power from the battery 6 to the cooling fan 13A.

[0036] The controller 3 then determines from the temperature sensor 25B's detection result whether the motor 7's temperature Tm is higher than the reference temperature Tmref (S133). If the temperature Tm is higher than the reference temperature Tmref (S133-Yes), the controller 3 selects the cooling fan 13B as the power source for the battery 6. The controller 3 then uses the power from the battery 6 to operate the cooling fan 13B, thereby cooling the motor 7 with the cooling fan 13B (S135). On the other hand, if the temperature Tm is less than or equal to the reference temperature Tmref (S133-No), the controller 3 does not select the cooling fan 13B as the power source for the battery 6 and stops supplying power from the battery 6 to the cooling fan 13B.

[0037] The controller 3 then determines, based on the detection result from the temperature sensor 25C, whether the temperature Tc of the controller 3 is higher than the reference temperature Tcref (S135). If the temperature Tc is higher than the reference temperature Tcref (S135-Yes), the controller 3 selects the cooling fan 13C as the power source for the battery 6. The controller 3 then cools the controller 3 by operating the cooling fan 13C with power from the battery 6 (S136). On the other hand, if the temperature Tc is less than or equal to the reference temperature Tcref (S135-No), the controller 3 does not select the cooling fan 13C as the power source for the battery 6 and stops supplying power from the battery 6 to the cooling fan 13C.

[0038] The controller 3 then determines from the temperature sensor 25D whether the temperature Ti of the power conversion unit 5 is higher than the reference temperature Tiref (S137). If the temperature Ti is higher than the reference temperature Tiref (S137-Yes), the controller 3 selects the cooling fan 13D as the power source for the battery 6. The controller 3 then uses the power from the battery 6 to operate the cooling fan 13D, thereby cooling the power conversion unit 5 with the cooling fan 13D (S138). On the other hand, if the temperature Ti is less than or equal to the reference temperature Tiref (S137-No), the controller 3 does not select the cooling fan 13D as the power source for the battery 6 and stops supplying power from the battery 6 to the cooling fan 13D.

[0039] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in this embodiment, the control shown in Figures 2 to 4 is performed, so if the SOC value η is less than the reference value (first reference value) η1ref, none of the multiple loads are selected as the power supply destination from the battery 6.

[0040] If the SOC value η is equal to or greater than the reference value (first reference value) η1ref, the air conditioner 11 will perform heating operation using power from the battery 6, provided that the room temperature T is less than the reference temperature (first reference temperature) T1ref. If the SOC value η is equal to or greater than the reference value η1ref, the air conditioner 11 will perform cooling operation using power from the battery 6, provided that the temperature T is equal to or greater than the reference temperature (second reference temperature) T2ref. Furthermore, if the SOC value η is equal to or greater than the reference value η1ref and less than the reference value (second reference value) η2ref, the heater 12A will perform heating operation using power from the battery 6, provided that the temperature T is less than the reference temperature T1ref. Furthermore, if the SOC value η is equal to or greater than the reference value η2ref, the heater 12A will perform heating operation using power from the battery 6, provided that the temperature T is less than the reference temperature T1ref.

[0041] If the SOC value η is greater than or equal to the reference value η1ref and less than the reference value η2ref, heaters 12B to 12D are not selected as recipients of power from battery 6. If the SOC value η is greater than or equal to the reference value η2ref, heaters 12B and 12D will each perform heating operations using power from battery 6, provided that the room temperature T is less than the reference temperature T1ref. Furthermore, if the SOC value η is greater than or equal to the reference value η2ref, heater 12C will perform heating operations using power from battery 6, provided that raindrops are detected. Also, if the SOC value η is greater than or equal to the reference value η1ref, cooling fans 13A to 13D will each perform cooling operations using power from battery 6, provided that the temperature of the object being cooled is above the reference temperature.

[0042] As described above, the supply of power from the battery 6 to multiple loads is controlled. In this embodiment, the controller 3 consumes the power stored in the battery 6 at one of the multiple loads other than the motor 7, at least based on the fact that the State of Charge (SOC) value η, which is the charge level of the battery 6, is equal to or greater than a reference value (first reference value) η1ref. The controller 3 then selects a destination for the power supply from the multiple loads in response to the state of the equipment mounted on the vehicle 1 and the indoor and outdoor environment of the vehicle 1, and controls the power consumption of the battery 6 at the destination load.

[0043] Furthermore, in the examples shown in Figures 1 to 6, the controller 3 selects the load to which power will be supplied from among the air conditioner 11, heaters 12A to 12D, and cooling fans 13A to 13D when consuming power from the battery 6. The controller 3 then selects the load to which power will be supplied and controls the power consumption of the selected load, based at least on the temperature T inside the vehicle 1, the rainfall conditions outside the vehicle 1, and the temperatures Tb, Tm, Tc, Ti of the equipment being cooled by the cooling fans 13A to 13D.

[0044] Furthermore, by controlling the supply of power from battery 6 to multiple loads as described above, the controller 3 increases the power consumption at the receiving loads when the SOC value η, which is the charge level of battery 6, is equal to or greater than the reference value η2ref, compared to when the SOC value η is equal to or greater than the reference value η1ref and less than the reference value η2ref. For example, in the examples in Figures 1 to 6, when the room temperature T is equal to or greater than the reference temperature T1ref, power from battery 6 is consumed by heaters 12B and 12D only when the SOC value η is equal to or greater than the reference value η2ref. And when the room temperature T is equal to or greater than the reference temperature T1ref, the power consumption of battery 6 by heater 12A is greater when the SOC value η is equal to or greater than the reference value η2ref, compared to when the SOC value η is equal to or greater than the reference value η1ref and less than the reference value η2ref. Furthermore, in the examples shown in Figures 1 to 6, when rain and snow are occurring outside the vehicle 1, the heater 12C consumes power from the battery 6 only when the SOC value η is equal to or greater than the standard value η2ref.

[0045] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of the power supply control of the motor 7 performed by the controller 3 in this embodiment. The power supply control in Figure 7 is performed repeatedly over time while the motor 7 is generating regenerative power. Furthermore, the power supply control in Figure 7 is performed in parallel with the power supply control of the battery 6 to multiple loads shown in Figure 2. When the power supply control in Figure 7 is started, the controller 3 determines whether the SOC value η of the battery 6 is equal to or greater than the reference value (first reference value) η1ref (S141).

[0046] If the SOC value η is equal to or greater than the reference value η1ref (S141-Yes), the controller 3 determines whether there is a load among the aforementioned multiple loads that can be supplied with regenerative power (S142). At this time, the controller 3 determines whether there is a load among the multiple loads that requires power supply, based on the state of the equipment installed in the vehicle 1 and the indoor and outdoor environment of the vehicle 1. For example, the controller 3 determines whether there is a load among the air conditioner 11, heaters 12A-12D, and cooling fans 13A-13D that requires power supply (regenerative power), based at least on the indoor temperature T of the vehicle 1, the rainfall conditions outside the vehicle 1, and the temperatures Tb, Tm, Tc, Ti of the equipment cooled by the cooling fans 13A-13D.

[0047] If there is a load to which regenerative power can be supplied (S142-Yes), the controller 3 supplies the regenerative power from the motor 7 to the load to which it can be supplied (S143). In one example, the controller 3 stops supplying the regenerative power to the battery 6, and the regenerative power from the motor 7 is not stored in the battery 6. If there is no load to which regenerative power can be supplied (S142-No), the regenerative power from the motor 7 is stored in the battery 6, for example, and / or consumed by a method other than storage in the battery 6 and supply to a load. Furthermore, if the SOC value η is less than the reference value η1ref (S141-No), the regenerative power from the motor 7 is supplied to the battery 6 and one or more of the multiple loads, for example, in accordance with the state of the battery 6, the status of the equipment installed in the vehicle 1, and the indoor and outdoor environment of the vehicle 1.

[0048] In this embodiment, as described above, the supply control shown in Figure 7 is performed in parallel with the supply control shown in Figure 2. Therefore, if the SOC value η is equal to or greater than the reference value η1ref and there is a load to which power is to be supplied, the regenerative power generated by the motor 7 is also supplied to the load consuming power from the battery 6. Accordingly, the controller 3, at least based on the fact that the SOC value η is equal to or greater than the reference value η1ref, causes the regenerative power generated by the motor 7 to be supplied to one of the multiple loads (air conditioner 11, heaters 12A~12D and cooling fans 13A~13D) in parallel with the consumption of power stored in the battery 6.

[0049] As described above, in this embodiment, the power stored in the battery 6 is consumed by one of several loads other than the motor 7, at least based on the fact that the State of Charge (SOC) value η, which is the charge level of the battery 6, is equal to or greater than a reference value (first reference value) η1ref. When consuming the power of the battery 6, the destination for the power supply from the battery 6 is selected from among several loads in accordance with the state of the equipment installed in the vehicle 1 and the indoor and outdoor environment of the vehicle 1, and the power consumption at the destination load is controlled. By controlling the power consumption of the battery 6 in this manner, multiple loads become options for the power supply destination of the battery 6. And by making the destination for the power supply of the battery 6 selectable from multiple loads, the power of the battery 6 can be consumed effectively. By effectively consuming the power of the battery 6, it is possible to reduce the charge level of the battery 6 early enough to enable appropriate regenerative braking.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the power consumption from the battery 6 is controlled as described above, the equipment operates appropriately in response to the state of the equipment installed in the vehicle 1, as well as the indoor and outdoor environment of the vehicle 1, etc., based on the power consumption of the battery 6. For example, as in the example described above, when the room temperature is low, the power consumption of the battery 6 causes the air conditioner 11 to operate appropriately for heating, and the heaters 12A, 12B, 12D, etc., to operate appropriately for heating. Also, when it is raining outside the vehicle 1, the power consumption of the battery 6 causes the heater 12C to operate appropriately for heating. And when the temperature of the equipment to be cooled is high, the power consumption of the battery 6 causes the fan (corresponding to one of 13A to 13D) that cools the equipment to be cooled to operate appropriately for cooling.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the State of Charge (SOC) value η of the battery 6 is greater than or equal to a reference value (second reference value) η2ref, the amount of power consumed by the load to which the power is supplied is increased compared to when the SOC value η is greater than or equal to the reference value η1ref and less than the reference value η2ref. As a result, even when the battery 6 is fully charged or nearly fully charged, it is possible to reduce the charge level of the battery 6 early enough to enable appropriate regenerative braking.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, based at least on the fact that the SOC value η is equal to or greater than the reference value η1ref, the regenerative power generated by the motor 7 is supplied to one of the multiple loads (air conditioner 11, heaters 12A~12D and cooling fans 13A~13D) in parallel with the consumption of power stored in the battery 6. Therefore, when the power of the battery 6, which has a high charge level, is being consumed by the load to which it is supplied, the storage of regenerative power in the battery 6 is effectively suppressed. As a result, even if the motor 7 generates regenerative power while the power of the battery 6 is being consumed by the load to which it is supplied, it is possible to reduce the charge level of the battery 6 early enough to enable appropriate regenerative braking.

[0053] Note that the multiple loads other than motor 7 are not limited to the aforementioned air conditioner 11, heaters 12A-12D, and cooling fans 13A-13D. Also, the manner of controlling the supply of power from battery 6 to the multiple loads is not limited to the control shown in Figures 2 to 4, etc. However, in all cases, vehicle 1 is equipped with multiple loads other than motor 7, and these multiple loads become options for the supply of power stored in battery 6 when the charge level of battery 6 is equal to or greater than a first reference value (e.g., reference value η1ref). The controller 3 then consumes the power from battery 6 at one of the multiple loads other than motor 7, at least based on the fact that the charge level of battery 6 is equal to or greater than the first reference value. When consuming the power from battery 6, the controller 3 selects a destination for the supply of power from battery 6 from among the multiple loads, corresponding to the state of the equipment installed in vehicle 1 and the indoor and outdoor environment of vehicle 1, and controls the power consumption at the destination load.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, a first reference value (e.g., η1ref) and a second reference value (e.g., η2ref) higher than the first reference value are set for the charge level of the battery 6. The controller 3 then increases the power consumption at the receiving load when the charge level of the battery 6 is equal to or greater than the second reference value, compared to when the charge level of the battery 6 is equal to or greater than the first reference value but less than the second reference value. In another preferred embodiment, the controller 3 supplies the regenerative power generated by the motor 7 to one of the multiple loads in parallel with the power consumption of the battery 6.

[0055] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways during implementation without departing from its essence. The embodiments may also be combined as appropriate as possible, and the combined effects can be obtained in such cases. Moreover, the embodiments described above include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the multiple disclosed constituent elements. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 1...Vehicle, 2...Power control device, 3...Controller, 5...Power conversion unit, 6...Battery, 7...Motor, 11...Air conditioner, 12A~12D...Heater, 13A~13D...Cooling fan, 21,25A~25D...Temperature sensor, 22...Seat pressure sensor, 23...Raindrop sensor, η...SOC value, T,Tb,Tm,Tc,Ti...Temperature.

Claims

1. In a vehicle capable of storing regenerative power generated by a motor in a battery, the power stored in the battery is consumed by one of several loads other than the motor, at least based on the fact that the charge level of the battery is equal to or greater than a first reference value. In the consumption of the power of the battery, the system selects a power supply destination from among the multiple loads in accordance with the state of the equipment installed in the vehicle and the interior and exterior environment of the vehicle, and controls the power consumption at the power supply destination load. A power control device equipped with a controller.

2. The power control device according to claim 1, wherein the controller, in terms of the consumption of power from the battery, increases the amount of power consumed at the load to which the power is supplied when the charge level of the battery is greater than or equal to the first reference value and less than the second reference value, compared to when the charge level of the battery is greater than or equal to the first reference value and less than the second reference value.

3. The power control device according to claim 1, wherein the controller supplies the regenerative power generated by the motor to any of the plurality of loads in parallel with the consumption of the power of the battery.

4. The controller selects the load to be supplied from among the air conditioner, heater and cooling fan in the consumption of the battery's power. The controller selects a load to which the power will be supplied, and controls the power consumption at the load to which the power will be supplied, based at least on the temperature inside the vehicle, the rainfall conditions outside the vehicle, and the temperature of the equipment to be cooled by the cooling fan, in relation to the power consumption of the battery. A power control device according to claim 1.

5. A power control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The motor capable of generating regenerative power, The battery is capable of storing the regenerative power generated by the motor, When the charge level of the battery is equal to or greater than the first reference value, the plurality of loads that are options for the destination of the power stored in the battery, A vehicle equipped with [a certain feature].

6. In a vehicle capable of storing regenerative power generated by a motor in a battery, the power stored in the battery is consumed by one of several loads other than the motor, at least based on the fact that the battery's charge level is above a standard value. In the consumption of the power of the battery, the system selects a power supply destination from among the multiple loads in accordance with the state of the equipment installed in the vehicle and the interior and exterior environment of the vehicle, and controls the power consumption at the power supply destination load. A power control method comprising the following:

7. On the computer, In a vehicle capable of storing regenerative power generated by a motor in a battery, the power stored in the battery is consumed by one of several loads other than the motor, at least based on the fact that the battery's charge level is above a standard value. In the consumption of the power of the battery, the system selects a power supply destination from among the multiple loads in accordance with the state of the equipment installed in the vehicle and the interior and exterior environment of the vehicle, and controls the power consumption at the power supply destination load. Power control program.

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