Vehicle system, control method of vehicle system, and storage medium

Abstract

A vehicle system, a control method for the vehicle system, and a storage medium that can quickly start the running of a vehicle after power supply from the vehicle. The vehicle system includes: a fuel cell; a power storage device that stores the power generated by the fuel cell; and a control device that performs power generation control of the fuel cell. The control device obtains the charging rate of the power storage device. When the power stored in the power storage device is supplied to an external device of the vehicle, the first control and the second control are executed. The first control is a control that causes the fuel cell to generate power to increase the charging rate of the power storage device to a first value. The second control is a control that limits the power generation power of the fuel cell compared with the first control to reduce the charging rate of the power storage device to a second value. Before the power supply to the external device of the vehicle stops, the second value is changed to at least above the lower limit value of the usage range of the charging rate of the power storage device when the vehicle is running.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle system, a control method for a vehicle system, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the following technique has been disclosed: when power is supplied from a fuel cell vehicle to an external power supply device, in a case where the state of a fuel cell stack is intermittently switched between efficiency-priority operation and output suppression operation or power generation stop based on the SOC of a storage battery, the flow rate of air supplied to the fuel cell stack is maintained at a specified flow rate or more regardless of the state of the fuel cell stack, thereby ensuring the operation efficiency of the fuel cell stack (for example, refer to Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-56771)). Summary of the Invention

[0003] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technique, power supply control has not been studied in consideration of the driving schedule of the vehicle.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle system, a control method for a vehicle system, and a program that can quickly start the driving of a vehicle after power supply from the vehicle.

[0006] Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The vehicle system, the control method for the vehicle system, and the storage medium of the present invention adopt the following configuration.

[0008] (1): A vehicle system according to one aspect of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle, and the vehicle system includes: a fuel cell; a power storage device that stores power generated by the fuel cell; and a control device that at least performs power generation control of the fuel cell. The control device obtains the charge rate of the power storage device, and when power stored in the power storage device is supplied to an external device of the vehicle, executes first control and second control. The first control is control for causing the fuel cell to generate power and increasing the charge rate of the power storage device to a first value, and the second control is control for restricting the power generation power of the fuel cell compared with the first control and reducing the charge rate of the power storage device to a second value. The second value is set to be smaller than the lower limit value of the usage range of the charge rate of the power storage device when the vehicle is running, and before power supply to the external device of the vehicle is stopped, the second value is changed to at least the lower limit value or more.

[0009] (2): Based on the aspect of (1) above, the control device changes the second value to the lower limit value or more at a time that is a specified time earlier than a predetermined vehicle use start time.

[0010] (3): Based on the solution in (1) or (2) above, the control device changes the second value to be equal to or higher than the lower limit value at a time that is a specified time earlier than the end time of power supply to the device set in advance.

[0011] (4): Based on the solutions in (1) to (3) above, the control device changes the second value to be equal to or higher than the lower limit value when the fuel remaining amount of the fuel cell becomes a specified amount that is more than the amount of fuel required for the vehicle to travel from the power supply position to the nearest fuel refueling facility.

[0012] (5): Based on the solutions in (1) to (4) above, the control device changes the second value to be equal to or higher than the lower limit value when a specified operation is performed by the user of the vehicle.

[0013] (6): Based on the solutions in (1) to (5) above, when the power supply to the device stops in a state where the charging rate is lower than the lower limit value, the control device causes the fuel cell to generate power before the vehicle travels to increase the charging rate of the power storage device to at least the lower limit value.

[0014] (7): A vehicle system according to another aspect of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle, and the vehicle system includes: a fuel cell; a power storage device that stores electric power generated by the fuel cell; and a control device that at least performs power generation control of the fuel cell. The control device obtains the charging rate of the power storage device, and when the electric power stored in the power storage device is supplied to an external device of the vehicle, the control device executes a first control and a second control. The first control is a control that causes the fuel cell to generate power to increase the charging rate of the power storage device to a first value, and the second control is a control that limits the power generation power of the fuel cell compared to the first control to reduce the charging rate of the power storage device to a second value. The second value is set to be smaller than the lower limit value of the usage range of the charging rate of the power storage device when the vehicle is traveling. When the power supply to the external device of the vehicle stops and the vehicle starts to travel, the second value is changed to be equal to or higher than the lower limit value.

[0015] (8): The control method of the vehicle system according to another aspect of the present invention causes a control device of a vehicle system including a fuel cell and a power storage device that stores power generated by the fuel cell to perform the following processes: at least performing power generation control of the fuel cell; obtaining a charging rate of the power storage device; when power stored in the power storage device is supplied to an external device of the vehicle, performing first control and second control, the first control being control to increase the charging rate of the power storage device to a first value by causing the fuel cell to generate power, and the second control being control to limit the power generation power of the fuel cell compared to the first control and reduce the charging rate of the power storage device to a second value; the second value being set to be smaller than a lower limit value of a usage range of the charging rate of the power storage device when the vehicle is traveling; and before stopping power supply to the external device of the vehicle, changing the second value to be equal to or greater than the lower limit value.

[0016] (9): A storage medium according to another aspect of the present invention stores a program, wherein the program causes a control computer of a vehicle system including a fuel cell and a power storage device that stores power generated by the fuel cell to perform the following processes: at least performing power generation control of the fuel cell; obtaining a charging rate of the power storage device; when power stored in the power storage device is supplied to an external device of the vehicle, performing first control and second control, the first control being control to increase the charging rate of the power storage device to a first value by causing the fuel cell to generate power, and the second control being control to limit the power generation power of the fuel cell compared to the first control and reduce the charging rate of the power storage device to a second value; and before stopping power supply to the external device of the vehicle, changing the second value to be at least equal to or greater than a lower limit value of a usage range of the charging rate of the power storage device when the vehicle is traveling.

[0017] Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to (1) to (9), it is possible to quickly start the vehicle after power supply from the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 FIG. is an example showing the structure of the electric vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 FIG. is an example showing the structure of the FC system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 FIG. is a graph showing an example of the SOC of the storage battery 42 and the FC output during vehicle travel when the FC required power is small.

[0022] Figure 4It is a diagram showing an example of the SOC of the battery 42 and the FC output during vehicle travel when the FC power requirement is relatively large.

[0023] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of the SOC of the battery 42 and the FC output when powering the electric device 220.

[0024] Figure 6 It is a flowchart showing an example of the process of a series of processes in the vehicle system 10 of the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the vehicle system 10 of the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the vehicle system 10 of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 9 It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the vehicle system 10 of the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 10 It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the vehicle system 10 of the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 11 It is a flowchart showing an example of the process of a series of processes in the vehicle system 10 of the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 12 It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the vehicle system 10 of the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 13 It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the vehicle system 10 of the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 14 It is a flowchart showing an example of the process of a series of processes in the vehicle system 10 of the third embodiment.

[0033] Figure 15 It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the vehicle system 10 of the third embodiment.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0035] 1… Electric vehicle, 10… Vehicle system, 12… Motor, 14… Drive wheel, 16… Braking device, 20… Vehicle sensor, 32… Converter, 34… BTVCU (Battery Voltage Control Unit), 40… Battery system, 42… Battery, 44… Battery sensor, 46… Heater, 48… SOC calculation unit, 50… Control device, 52… Motor control unit, 54… Braking control unit, 56… Power control unit, 60… Charging port, 100… FC system, 200… Charging device, 210… Power supply device, 220… Electric equipment. Detailed implementation manners

[0036] <First implementation manner>

[0037] Hereinafter, a first implementation manner of the vehicle system, the control method of the vehicle system, and the storage medium according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the electric vehicle 1 is a fuel cell vehicle that uses the power generated in a fuel cell as the driving power.

[0038] [Electric vehicle]

[0039] Figure 1 FIG. is an example showing the structure of the vehicle system 10. The vehicle system 10 is a system mounted on the electric vehicle 1. The electric vehicle 1 is a fuel cell vehicle that uses the power generated in a fuel cell as the driving power. The vehicle system 10 includes at least a motor 12, a drive wheel 14, a braking device 16, a vehicle sensor 20, a converter 32, a BTVCU (Battery Voltage Control Unit) 34, a battery system (power storage device) 40, a control device 50, a charging port 60, and an FC (Fuel Cell) system 100. The vehicle system 10 may also include a power supply device 210.

[0040] The motor 12 is, for example, a three-phase AC motor. The rotor of the motor 12 is connected to the drive wheel 14. The motor 12 uses at least one of the power generated by the FC system 100 and the power stored in the battery system 40 to output the driving force for the running of the electric vehicle 1 to the drive wheel 14. In addition, the motor 12 generates electricity using the kinetic energy of the vehicle when the vehicle decelerates.

[0041] The braking device 16 includes, for example, a brake caliper, a hydraulic cylinder that transmits hydraulic pressure to the brake caliper, and an electric motor that generates hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic cylinder. The braking device 16 may include a mechanism that transmits the hydraulic pressure generated by the operation of the brake pedal to the hydraulic cylinder via a master hydraulic cylinder as a backup. It should be noted that the braking device 16 is not limited to the structure described above, and may also be an electronically controlled hydraulic braking device that transmits the hydraulic pressure of the master hydraulic cylinder to the hydraulic cylinder.

[0042] The vehicle sensor 20 includes a throttle opening sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and a brake pedal depression amount sensor. The throttle opening sensor is installed on the throttle pedal, which is an example of an operating member that receives an acceleration instruction from the driver, and is used to detect the operation amount of the throttle pedal and output the operation amount as the throttle opening to the control device 50. The vehicle speed sensor includes, for example, wheel speed sensors installed on each wheel and a speed computer, synthesizes the wheel speeds detected by the wheel speed sensors to derive the vehicle speed (vehicle speed), and outputs it to the control device 50. The brake pedal depression amount sensor is installed on the brake pedal, is used to detect the operation amount of the brake pedal, and outputs the operation amount as the brake pedal depression amount to the control device 50.

[0043] The converter 32 is, for example, an AC-DC converter. The DC side terminal of the converter 32 is connected to the DC line DL. The DC line DL is connected to the battery system 40 via the BTVCU 34. The converter 32 converts the AC voltage generated by the motor 12 into a DC voltage and outputs it to the DC line DL.

[0044] The BTVCU 34 is, for example, a step-up DC-DC converter. The BTVCU 34 boosts the DC voltage supplied from the battery system 40 and outputs it to the DC line DL. In addition, the BTVCU 34 outputs the regenerative voltage supplied from the motor 12 or the FC voltage supplied from the FC system 100 to the battery system 40.

[0045] The battery system 40 includes, for example, a battery 42, a battery sensor 44, a heater 46, and an SOC calculation unit 48.

[0046] The battery 42 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery. The battery 42 stores, for example, the electric power generated in the motor 12 or the FC system 100 and discharges it for the operation of the electric vehicle 1.

[0047] The battery sensor 44 includes, for example, a current sensor, a voltage sensor, and a temperature sensor. The battery sensor 44 detects, for example, the current value, voltage value, and temperature of the battery 42. The battery sensor 44 outputs the detected current value, voltage value, temperature, etc. to the control device 50.

[0048] The heater 46 is provided at a position where heat is transferred to the battery 42 and uses the electric power stored in the battery 42 to heat the battery 42. The heater 46 is controlled by a battery ECU (not shown), for example, to operate when the temperature of the battery 42 detected by the battery sensor 44 is less than a specified temperature and heat the battery 42.

[0049] The SOC calculation unit 48 calculates the SOC (State Of Charge; hereinafter also referred to as "battery charge rate") of the battery 42 based on the output of the battery sensor 44.

[0050] FC system 100 includes a fuel cell. The fuel cell generates electricity by reacting hydrogen contained as fuel in the fuel gas and oxygen contained as an oxidant in the air. FC system 100 outputs the generated electricity to a DC line between the converter 32 and the BTVCU 34, for example. Thus, the electricity supplied by FC system 100 is supplied to the motor 12 via the converter 32, or is supplied to the battery system 40 via the BTVCU 34 and stored in the battery 42.

[0051] The control device 50 includes, for example, a motor control unit 52, a brake control unit 54, and a power control unit 56. The motor control unit 52, the brake control unit 54, and the power control unit 56 may be replaced by separate control devices, such as a motor ECU, a brake ECU, and a battery ECU.

[0052] The motor control unit 52 calculates the driving force required for the motor 12 based on the output of the vehicle sensor 20, and controls the motor 12 to output the calculated driving force.

[0053] The brake control unit 54 calculates the braking force required for the braking device 16 based on the output of the vehicle sensor 20, and controls the braking device 16 to output the calculated braking force.

[0054] The power control unit 56 calculates the total required power for the battery system 40 and the FC system 100 based on the output of the vehicle sensor 20. For example, the power control unit 56 calculates the torque that the motor 12 should output based on the throttle opening and the vehicle speed, and calculates the total required power by adding the drive shaft required power obtained from the torque and the speed of the motor 12 and the power required for auxiliary equipment.

[0055] The power control unit 56 calculates the charge / discharge required power of the battery 42 based on the SOC of the battery 42. Then, the power control unit 56 subtracts the charge / discharge required power of the battery 42 (with the discharge side being positive) from the total required power, calculates the FC required power for the FC system 100, and causes the FC system 100 to generate power equivalent to the calculated FC required power.

[0056] The charging port 60 is provided facing the outside of the body of the electric vehicle 1. The charging port 60 is connected to the charging device 200 or the power supply device 210. The charging device 200 is a device that supplies power to the battery system 40 using a commercial power supply (or obtains power in the case of V2G). The charging port 60 is connected to the charging device 200 by inserting a charging connector connected to the charging device 200 into the charging port 60.

[0057] The power supply device 210 can be connected to the electric device 220 and supply the power supplied from the battery system 40 to the electric device 220. For example, the power supply device 210 is internally provided with a power converter that converts the current supplied from the battery system 40 via the charging port 60, such as a direct current, into an alternating current and supplies power to the electric device 220. The electric device 220 is an electric device that can be used outdoors, such as a camping ground, and includes a rice cooker, a large heating device, an air conditioner, etc.

[0058] When the power stored in the battery system 40 is supplied to the electric device 220 via the power supply device 210, the power control unit 56 performs the power generation control of the FC system 100. In this case, the power control unit 56 alternately executes the first control and the second control. The first control is the control to generate power by the FC system 100 to increase the SOC of the battery 42 to the first threshold value (the first value), and the second control is the control to limit the power generation power of the FC system 100 compared with the first control to decrease the SOC of the battery 42 to the second threshold value (the second value).

[0059] When performing the first control, the power control unit 56 causes the FC system 100 to generate power with the power generation power at which the power generation efficiency of the FC system 100 is maximized (for example, the power generation power around 8 [kW]). When performing the second control, the power control unit 56 stops the power generation of the FC system 100, for example.

[0060] When the switching condition is satisfied before the power supply to the electric device 220 stops, the power control unit 56 changes the second threshold value to be equal to or higher than the lower limit value of the usage range of the SOC of the battery 42 when the electric vehicle 1 is running. For example, when the switching condition is satisfied before the power supply to the electric device 220 stops, the power control unit 56 raises the second threshold value to at least the third threshold value (the third value). In this case, the power control unit 56 can raise the second threshold value to the third threshold value, or can raise the second threshold value to a value larger than the third threshold value. In addition, the power control unit 56 can also switch the second threshold value to the third threshold value.

[0061] When the SOC of the battery 42 decreases to the third threshold value when the second control is being performed after the switching condition is satisfied, the power control unit 56 switches from the second control to the first control.

[0062] When the power control unit 56 determines that the power supply to the electric device 220 has been completed during the period of alternately executing the first control and the second control, the power supply to the electric device 220 is stopped. For example, when the connection between the battery system 40 and the power supply device 210 is released or a specified operation is received, the power control unit 56 determines that the power supply to the electric device 220 has been completed. After the switching condition is satisfied, when the stop condition for stopping the power supply to the electric device 220 is satisfied, the power supply to the electric device 220 is also stopped.

[0063] The switching conditions include some or all of the conditions described below. For each switching condition, the stop condition is different.

[0064] The switching condition is satisfied, for example, at a time that is a specified time earlier than the start time of use of the electric vehicle 1 set in advance. In this case, the stop condition is satisfied, for example, when the current time becomes the start time of use of the electric vehicle 1.

[0065] The switching condition is satisfied, for example, at a time that is a specified time earlier than the end time of the power supply to the electric device 220 set in advance. In this case, the stop condition is satisfied, for example, when the current time becomes the end time of the power supply to the electric device 220.

[0066] The switching condition is satisfied, for example, when the hydrogen remaining amount (fuel remaining amount) in the FC system 100 becomes a specified amount that is more than the amount of hydrogen required for the electric vehicle 1 to travel from the power supply position to the nearest hydrogen station (fuel refueling facility). The specified amount can be the same as, relatively more than, or relatively less than the amount of hydrogen required for the electric vehicle 1 to travel. In this case, the stop condition is satisfied, for example, when the hydrogen remaining amount in the FC system 100 decreases to the amount of hydrogen required for the electric vehicle 1 to travel from the power supply position to the nearest hydrogen station. The stop condition is satisfied, for example, when the available travel distance of the electric vehicle 1 obtained based on the hydrogen remaining amount in the FC system 100 and the SOC of the battery 42 decreases to the travel distance of the electric vehicle 1 from the power supply position to the nearest hydrogen station.

[0067] The switching condition is satisfied, for example, when the user of the electric vehicle 1 performs a specified operation. The specified operation is, for example, an operation such as pressing a specified button that instructs the electric vehicle 1 to start traveling. In this case, the stop condition is satisfied, for example, when a certain period of time has elapsed since the user of the electric vehicle 1 performed the specified operation.

[0068] <FC system 100>

[0069] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the FC system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0070] As Figure 2 shown, the FC system 100 includes, for example, an FC stack 110, an intake device 112, an air pump 114, a sealing inlet valve 116, a humidifier 118, a gas-liquid separator 120, an exhaust gas recirculation pump 122, a drain valve 124, a hydrogen tank 126, a hydrogen supply valve 128, a hydrogen circulation section 130, a gas-liquid separator 132, a temperature sensor 140, a contactor 142, an FCVCU (Fuel Cell Voltage Control Unit) 144, and an FC control device 146.

[0071] The FC stack 110 includes a stack (not shown) formed by laminating a plurality of fuel cell units and a pair of end plates (not shown) that sandwich the stack from both sides in the lamination direction.

[0072] The fuel cell unit includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA: Membrane Electrode Assembly) and a pair of separators that sandwich the membrane electrode assembly from both sides in the bonding direction.

[0073] The membrane electrode assembly includes an anode 110A composed of an anode catalyst and a gas diffusion layer, a cathode 110B composed of a cathode catalyst and a gas diffusion layer, and a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 110C composed of a cation exchange membrane or the like that is sandwiched from both sides in the thickness direction by the anode 110A and the cathode 110B.

[0074] Fuel gas containing hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen tank 126 to the anode 110A as fuel, and air containing oxygen (reaction gas), that is, air, is supplied from the air pump 114 to the cathode 110B as an oxidant.

[0075] The hydrogen supplied to the anode 110A is ionized by a catalyst reaction on the anode catalyst, and hydrogen ions move to the cathode 110B via the moderately humidified solid polymer electrolyte membrane 110C. Electrons generated along with the movement of hydrogen ions can be taken out as direct current to an external circuit (such as the FCVCU 144).

[0076] Hydrogen ions that have moved from the anode 110A to the cathode catalyst on the cathode 110B react with oxygen supplied to the cathode 110B and electrons on the cathode catalyst to generate water.

[0077] The air pump 114 includes a motor or the like that is driven and controlled by the FC control device 146, takes in air from the outside and compresses it using the driving force of the motor, and sends the compressed air to an oxidant gas supply path 150 connected to the cathode 110B.

[0078] The seal inlet valve 116 is provided in the oxidant gas supply path 150 that connects the air pump 114 and the cathode supply port 110a capable of supplying air to the cathode 110B of the FC stack 110, and is opened and closed under the control of the FC control device 146.

[0079] The humidifier 118 humidifies the air sent from the air pump 114 into the oxidant gas supply path 150. More specifically, the humidifier 118 includes a water permeable membrane such as a hollow fiber membrane, and adds moisture to the air by bringing the air from the air pump 114 into contact with the water permeable membrane.

[0080] The gas-liquid separator 120 separates the cathode exhaust gas discharged to the oxidant gas discharge path 152 without being consumed by the cathode 110B from the liquid water. The cathode exhaust gas separated from the liquid water by the gas-liquid separator 120 flows into the exhaust gas recirculation path 154.

[0081] The exhaust gas recirculation pump 122 is provided in the exhaust gas recirculation path 154, mixes the cathode exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust gas recirculation path 154 from the gas-liquid separator 120 with the air flowing through the oxidant gas supply path 150 from the seal inlet valve 116 to the cathode supply port 110a, and supplies it to the cathode 110B again.

[0082] The liquid water separated from the cathode exhaust gas by the gas-liquid separator 120 is discharged to the gas-liquid separator 132 provided in the fuel gas supply path 156 via the connection path 162. The liquid water discharged to the gas-liquid separator 132 is discharged to the atmosphere via the discharge pipe 164.

[0083] The hydrogen tank 126 stores hydrogen in a compressed state.

[0084] The hydrogen supply valve 128 is provided in the fuel gas supply path 156 that connects the hydrogen tank 126 and the anode supply port 110c capable of supplying hydrogen to the anode 110A of the FC stack 110. When the hydrogen supply valve 128 is opened under the control of the FC control device 146, the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank 126 is supplied to the fuel gas supply path 156.

[0085] The hydrogen circulation unit 130 circulates the anode exhaust gas discharged to the fuel gas discharge path 158 without being consumed by the anode 110A to the fuel gas supply path 156.

[0086] The gas-liquid separator 132 separates the anode exhaust gas circulated from the fuel gas discharge path 158 to the fuel gas supply path 156 by the action of the hydrogen circulation unit 130 from the liquid water. The gas-liquid separator 132 supplies the anode exhaust gas separated from the liquid water to the anode supply port 110c of the FC stack 110.

[0087] The temperature sensor 140 detects the temperatures of the anode 110A and the cathode 110B of the FC stack 110, and outputs a detection signal to the FC control device 146.

[0088] The contactor 142 is disposed between the anode 110A and the cathode 110B of the FC stack 110 and the FCVCU 144. The contactor 142 electrically connects or disconnects between the FC stack 110 and the FCVCU 144 based on control from the FC control device 146.

[0089] The FCVCU 144 is, for example, a step-up DC-DC converter. The FCVCU 144 is disposed between the anode 110A and the cathode 110B of the FC stack 110 after passing through the contactor 142 and an electrical load. The FCVCU 144 boosts the voltage of the output terminal 148 connected to the electrical load side to a target voltage determined by the FC control device 146. For example, the FCVCU 144 boosts the voltage output from the FC stack 110 to the target voltage and outputs it to the output terminal 148.

[0090] When the power control unit 56 determines that preheating of the FC system 100 is required and the FC required power demanded for the FC system 100 is equal to or higher than a specified value, the FC control device 146 performs preheating control of the FC system 100. For example, the power control unit 56 obtains a detection signal detected by the temperature sensor 140 from the FC control device 146, and determines that preheating of the FC system 100 is required when the temperature of the FC stack 110 detected by the temperature sensor 140 is lower than a temperature threshold. In addition, during the period when the power control unit 56 is performing preheating control of the FC system 100, the power control unit 56 obtains a detection signal detected by the temperature sensor 140 from the FC control device 146, and determines that the preheating control of the FC system 100 is completed when the temperature of the FC stack 110 detected by the temperature sensor 140 becomes equal to or higher than the temperature threshold.

[0091] [Output control of FC system]

[0092] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the SOC of the battery 42 and the power output from the FC system 100 ("FC output") when the FC required power demanded for the FC system 100 is relatively small during vehicle travel. In Figure 3 the example shown, when the initial value of the SOC of the battery 42 is lower than the first threshold X1, the FC system 100 outputs power to the battery 42 to increase the SOC of the battery 42. The FC system 100 may always generate power based on the FC system 100 when the FC required power demanded for the FC system 100 is relatively small during vehicle travel.

[0093] Next, when the SOC of the storage battery 42 reaches the first threshold X1, the FC system 100 restricts the power output from the FC system 100 to the storage battery 42, causing the SOC of the storage battery 42 to decrease. Next, when the SOC of the storage battery 42 reaches the third threshold X2, the FC system 100 returns the power output from the FC system 100 to the storage battery 42 to the state before restriction, causing the SOC of the storage battery 42 to increase. The third threshold X2 is, for example, the lower limit value of the usage range of the SOC of the storage battery 42 during vehicle travel. As a result, the FC system 100 repeatedly executes a process of increasing the SOC of the storage battery 42 from the third threshold X2 to the first threshold X1 by performing the first control, and a process of decreasing the SOC of the storage battery 42 from the first threshold X1 to the third threshold X2 by performing the second control.

[0094] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the SOC of the storage battery 42 and the power output from the FC system 100 when the FC required power demanded of the FC system 100 is relatively large during vehicle travel. In Figure 4 the example shown, the FC system 100 uses the power generated in the FC system 100 instead of the power stored in the storage battery 42 to output the driving force for the electric vehicle 1 to the drive wheels 14 from the motor 12. As a result, the SOC of the storage battery 42 is maintained, and power generation is performed by the FC system 100 according to the FC required power demanded of the FC system 100, and the generated power is output to the motor 12.

[0095] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the SOC of the storage battery 42 and the power output from the FC system 100 when power is supplied to the electric device 220. In Figure 5 the example shown, the FC system 100 repeatedly executes a process of increasing the SOC of the storage battery 42 from the second threshold X2A to the first threshold X1 by performing the first control, and a process of decreasing the SOC of the storage battery 42 from the first threshold X1 to the second threshold X2A by performing the second control. The second threshold X2A is smaller than the third threshold X2.

[0096] [Processing Flow of Vehicle System]

[0097] Hereinafter, a flowchart is used to describe the flow of a series of processes of the control device 50, which is the control computer of the vehicle system 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the process executed by the control device 50. Figure 6 The flowchart shown is executed, for example, when the battery system 40 is connected to the power supply device 210 via the charging port 60.

[0098] The power control unit 56 first starts supplying power to the electric device 220 (step S10). When the power supply device 210 starts supplying power to the electric device 220, it supplies the power stored in the storage battery 42 to the electric device 220 via the charging port 60.

[0099] When the power control unit 56 starts supplying power to the electric device 220, it first performs the first control (step S12). When performing the first control, the SOC of the storage battery 42 increases. Next, the power control unit 56 determines whether the SOC of the storage battery 42 calculated by the SOC calculation unit 48 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value X1 (step S14). When the power control unit 56 determines that the SOC of the storage battery 42 is less than the first threshold value X1, it continues the first control during the period until the SOC of the storage battery 42 increases to the first threshold value X1. When the power control unit 56 determines that the SOC of the storage battery 42 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value X1, it determines whether the switching condition is satisfied (step S16).

[0100] When the power control unit 56 determines that the switching condition is not satisfied, it sets the determination threshold value for switching from the second control to the first control to the second threshold value X2A and performs the second control (step S18). Next, the power control unit 56 determines whether the SOC of the storage battery 42 calculated by the SOC calculation unit 48 is less than the second threshold value X2A (step S20). When the power control unit 56 determines that the SOC of the storage battery 42 is equal to or higher than the second threshold value X2A, it returns this process to step S16. When the power control unit 56 determines that the SOC of the storage battery 42 is less than the second threshold value X2, it determines whether the power supply to the electric device 220 has been completed (step S22).

[0101] When the power control unit 56 determines that the switching condition is satisfied, it raises the determination threshold value for switching from the second control to the first control from the second threshold value X2A to the third threshold value X2 and performs the second control (step S24). Next, the power control unit 56 determines whether the SOC of the storage battery 42 calculated by the SOC calculation unit 48 is less than the third threshold value X2 (step S26). When the power control unit 56 determines that the SOC of the storage battery 42 is equal to or higher than the third threshold value X2, it determines whether the stop condition has been established (step S28). When the power control unit 56 determines that the stop condition has not been established, it returns this process to step S16. When the power control unit 56 determines that the SOC of the storage battery 42 is less than the third threshold value X2, it determines whether the power supply to the electric device 220 has been completed (step S22).

[0102] When the power control unit 56 determines that the power supply to the electric device 220 is not completed, it returns this process to step S12. On the other hand, when the power control unit 56 determines that the power supply to the electric device 220 is completed, it stops the power supply to the electric device 220 (step S30). Thus, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0103] When the power control unit 56 determines in step S28 that the stop condition is satisfied, it stops the power supply to the electric device 220 without going through the process of step S22 (step S30). Thus, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0104] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the vehicle system 10 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in this diagram, the switching condition is satisfied at a time point that is a specified time earlier than the start time of use of the electric vehicle 1 set in advance, and the stop condition is satisfied when the current time has passed the start time of use of the electric vehicle 1.

[0105] As Figure 7 shown, immediately after starting the power supply to the electric device 220, the switching condition is not satisfied, so the determination threshold for determining the switching from the second control to the first control is set to the second threshold X2A. Therefore, the power control unit 56 repeatedly executes the process of increasing the SOC of the storage battery 42 from the second threshold X2A to the first threshold X1 by performing the first control, and the process of decreasing the SOC of the storage battery 42 from the first threshold X1 to the second threshold X2A by performing the second control.

[0106] In addition, in the example shown in the diagram, the switching condition is satisfied at time t1, so the power control unit 56 increases the determination threshold from the second threshold X2A to the third threshold X2. And thereafter, when the SOC of the storage battery 42 decreases to the third threshold X2 while the second control is being performed, the power control unit 56 switches from the second control to the first control. Then, when the stop condition is satisfied at time t2 when the current time has passed the start time of use of the vehicle, the power control unit 56 switches the power supply flag from active to inactive and stops the power supply to the electric device 220.

[0107] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the vehicle system 10 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in this diagram, the switching condition is satisfied at a time point that is a specified time earlier than the end time of the power supply to the electric device 220 set in advance, and the stop condition is satisfied when the current time has passed the end time of the power supply to the electric device 220.

[0108] As Figure 8As shown, after the power control unit 56 has just started supplying power to the electric device 220, the switching condition is not satisfied. Therefore, the determination threshold for determining the switching from the second control to the first control is set to the second threshold X2A. Accordingly, the power control unit 56 repeatedly executes the process of increasing the SOC of the storage battery 42 from the second threshold X2A to the first threshold X1 by performing the first control, and the process of decreasing the SOC of the storage battery 42 from the first threshold X1 to the second threshold X2A by performing the second control.

[0109] In addition, in the example shown in the figure, at time t11, the switching condition is satisfied. Therefore, the power control unit 56 increases the determination threshold from the second threshold X2A to the third threshold X2. Thereafter, when the SOC of the storage battery 42 decreases to the third threshold X2 while the power control unit 56 is performing the second control, the power control unit 56 switches from the second control to the first control. Further, when the stop condition is satisfied at time t12 after the current time has passed the end time of the power supply to the electric device 220, the power control unit 56 switches the power supply flag from active to inactive and stops supplying power to the electric device 220.

[0110] Figure 9 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the vehicle system 10 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in this diagram, the switching condition is satisfied when the hydrogen remaining amount in the FC system 100 decreases to a hydrogen remaining amount threshold Hth1 that is more than a hydrogen remaining amount set value Hth2 required for the electric vehicle 1 to travel from the power supply position to the nearest hydrogen station, and the stop condition is satisfied when the hydrogen remaining amount in the FC system 100 decreases to the hydrogen remaining amount set value Hth2.

[0111] As Figure 9 shown, after the power control unit 56 has just started supplying power to the electric device 220, the hydrogen remaining amount in the FC system 100 is more than the hydrogen remaining amount threshold Hth1. Therefore, the determination threshold for determining the switching from the second control to the first control is set to the second threshold X2A. Accordingly, the power control unit 56 repeatedly executes the process of increasing the SOC of the storage battery 42 from the second threshold X2A to the first threshold X1 by performing the first control, and the process of decreasing the SOC of the storage battery 42 from the first threshold X1 to the second threshold X2A by performing the second control.

[0112] In addition, in the illustrated example, at time t21, the hydrogen remaining amount of the FC system 100 decreases to the hydrogen remaining amount threshold Hth1. Therefore, the power control unit 56 increases the determination threshold from the second threshold X2A to the third threshold X2. And thereafter, when the SOC of the storage battery 42 decreases to the third threshold X2 while the second control is being performed, the power control unit 56 switches from the second control to the first control. Then, at time t22, when the hydrogen remaining amount of the FC system 100 decreases to the hydrogen remaining amount set value Hth2 and the stop condition is satisfied, the power control unit 56 switches the power supply flag from active to inactive and stops supplying power to the electric device 220.

[0113] Figure 10 FIG. is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the vehicle system 10 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in this figure, the switching condition is satisfied when the user of the electric vehicle 1 performs a specified operation, and the stop condition is satisfied when a certain time has elapsed since the user of the electric vehicle 1 performed the specified operation.

[0114] As Figure 10 shown, immediately after the power control unit 56 starts supplying power to the electric device 220, the user of the electric vehicle 1 does not perform a specified operation. Therefore, the determination threshold for determining the switching from the second control to the first control is set to the second threshold X2A. Therefore, the power control unit 56 repeatedly executes the process of increasing the SOC of the storage battery 42 from the second threshold X2A to the first threshold X1 by performing the first control and the process of decreasing the SOC of the storage battery 42 from the first threshold X1 to the second threshold X2A by performing the second control.

[0115] In addition, in the illustrated example, at time t31, the user of the electric vehicle 1 performs a specified operation. Therefore, the power control unit 56 increases the determination threshold from the second threshold X2A to the third threshold X2. And thereafter, when the SOC of the storage battery 42 decreases to the third threshold X2 while the second control is being performed, the power control unit 56 switches from the second control to the first control. And at time t32, when a certain time has elapsed since the user of the electric vehicle 1 performed the specified operation and the stop condition is satisfied, the power control unit 56 switches the power supply flag from active to inactive and stops supplying power to the electric device 220.

[0116] The vehicle system 10 according to the first embodiment described above can quickly start the running of the electric vehicle 1 after power supply from the electric vehicle 1. For example, when the second threshold X2A, which is the lower limit value of the SOC of the storage battery 42 when supplying power to the electric device 220, is set lower than the third threshold X2, which is the lower limit value of the SOC of the storage battery 42 during vehicle running, although the range of the SOC of the storage battery 42 can be used more widely compared to during vehicle running and the power generation frequency of the FC system 100 can be suppressed, there is a case where the SOC of the storage battery 42 is lower than the third threshold X2 when the power supply to the electric device 220 stops. In this case, the charging capacity for the emergency running during the running of the electric vehicle 1 cannot be ensured. Therefore, in the vehicle system 10 according to the first embodiment, the determination threshold value used for the determination of the switch from the second control to the first control rises from the second threshold X2A to the third threshold X2 before the power supply to the electric device 220 stops. Thereby, the running of the electric vehicle 1 can be quickly started after the power supply from the electric vehicle 1.

[0117] <Second Embodiment>

[0118] Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described. Compared with the first embodiment, the processing content when supplying power to the electric device 220 is different. Hereinafter, the description will focus on this difference.

[0119] When the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped, the power control unit 56 of the second embodiment causes the FC system 100 to generate power so that the SOC of the storage battery 42 rises to at least a third threshold value X2. For example, when the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped, the power control unit 56 raises the SOC of the storage battery 42 to the third threshold value X2. For example, when the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped, the power control unit 56 may also raise the SOC of the storage battery 42 to a value greater than the third threshold value X2. For example, when the power supply device 210 is disconnected from the charging port 60 during the power supply to the electric device 220, or when an abnormality occurs in the operation of the power supply device 210 and it becomes difficult to continue the power supply, etc., the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped. For example, when the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped, when the SOC of the storage battery 42 is less than the third threshold value X2, the power control unit 56 causes the FC system 100 to generate power so that the SOC of the storage battery 42 rises to the third threshold value X2. And, after the SOC of the storage battery 42 rises to the third threshold value X2, the power control unit 56 stops the power generation by the FC system 100 and maintains the SOC of the storage battery 42. On the other hand, for example, when the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped, when the SOC of the storage battery 42 is equal to or greater than the third threshold value X2, the power control unit 56 stops the power generation by the FC system 100 and maintains the SOC of the storage battery 42.

[0120] Hereinafter, a flowchart will be used to illustrate the flow of a series of processes of the control device 50 of the vehicle system 10 according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 It is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the process executed by the control device 50. Figure 11 The shown flowchart is executed, for example, when the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped.

[0121] When the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped, the power control unit 56 first determines whether the SOC of the storage battery 42 calculated by the SOC calculation unit 48 is less than the third threshold value X2 (step S40). When the power control unit 56 determines that the SOC of the storage battery 42 is less than the third threshold value X2, it stores the power generated by the FC system 100 in the storage battery 42 (step S42). The power control unit 56 continues to store power in the storage battery 42 until the SOC of the storage battery 42 reaches the third threshold value X2. And, when the power control unit 56 determines that the SOC of the storage battery 42 has become the third threshold value X2, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0122] Figure 12This is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the vehicle system 10 according to the second embodiment. In the illustrated example, when the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped, the SOC of the storage battery 42 is less than the third threshold value X3.

[0123] In Figure 12 the illustrated example, during the period from time t41 when the SOC of the storage battery 42 is less than the third threshold value X2 to time t42, the power control unit 56 switches the power supply flag from active to inactive and forcibly stops the power supply to the electric device 220. Therefore, the power control unit 56 stores the power generated by the FC system 100 in the storage battery 42. When the SOC of the storage battery 42 rises to the third threshold value X2 at time t42, the power control unit 56 stops the power generation by the FC system 100 and maintains the SOC of the storage battery 42 thereafter.

[0124] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the vehicle system 10 according to the second embodiment. In the illustrated example, when the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped, the SOC of the storage battery 42 is equal to or higher than the third threshold value X2.

[0125] In Figure 13 the illustrated example, during the period from time t51 when the SOC of the storage battery 42 is equal to or higher than the third threshold value X2, the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped, and the power control unit 56 switches the power supply flag from active to inactive. Therefore, the power control unit 56 stops the power generation by the FC system 100 and maintains the SOC of the storage battery 42 thereafter.

[0126] According to the vehicle system 10 of the second embodiment described above, in addition to achieving the effects of the vehicle system 10 of the first embodiment, when the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped, the electric vehicle 1 can also start running quickly.

[0127] <Third Embodiment>

[0128] Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described. Compared with the second embodiment, the processing content when the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped is different. Hereinafter, the description will focus on this difference.

[0129] When the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped, the power control unit 56 of the third embodiment causes the FC system 100 to generate power to increase the SOC of the storage battery 42 to at least the third threshold X2 when the start of the running of the electric vehicle 1 is instructed. For example, when the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped, if the SOC of the storage battery 42 is less than the third threshold X2, during the period before the start of the running of the electric vehicle 1 is instructed, the power generation by the FC system 100 is stopped to maintain the SOC of the storage battery 42. And, when the start of the running of the electric vehicle 1 is instructed, the power control unit 56 causes the FC system 100 to generate power to increase the SOC of the storage battery 42 to the third threshold X2. After the SOC of the storage battery 42 rises to the third threshold X2, the power control unit 56 stops the power generation by the FC system 100 to maintain the SOC of the storage battery 42.

[0130] Hereinafter, a flowchart will be used to illustrate the flow of a series of processes of the control device 50 of the vehicle system 10 according to the third embodiment. Figure 14 It is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the process executed by the control device 50. Figure 14 The illustrated flowchart is executed, for example, when the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped.

[0131] When the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped, the power control unit 56 first determines whether the SOC of the storage battery 42 calculated by the SOC calculation unit 48 is less than the third threshold X2 (step S50). When the power control unit 56 determines that the SOC of the storage battery 42 is less than the third threshold X2, it determines whether the start of the running of the electric vehicle 1 is instructed (step S52). When the power control unit 56 determines that the start of the running of the electric vehicle 1 is instructed, it stores the power generated by the FC system 100 in the storage battery 42 (step S54). During the period before the SOC of the storage battery 42 reaches the third threshold X2, the power control unit 56 continues to store power in the storage battery 42. And, when the power control unit 56 determines that the SOC of the storage battery 42 has become the third threshold X2, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0132] Figure 15 It is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the vehicle system 10 according to the third embodiment. In the illustrated example, when the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped, the SOC of the storage battery 42 is less than the third threshold X2.

[0133] At Figure 15In the example shown, during the period when the SOC of the storage battery 42 is less than the third threshold value X2 at time t61, the power supply to the electric device 220 is forcibly stopped, and the power supply flag is switched from active to inactive. Therefore, the power control unit 56 stops the power generation by the FC system 100 and maintains the SOC of the storage battery 42.

[0134] When the power control unit 56 is instructed to start the running of the electric vehicle 1 at time t62, it restarts the power generation by the FC system 100 and stores the power generated by the FC system 100 in the storage battery 42. When the SOC of the storage battery 42 rises to the third threshold value X2 at time t63, the power control unit 56 starts the running of the electric vehicle 1. And thereafter, the power control unit 56 repeatedly executes the process of increasing the SOC of the storage battery 42 from the third threshold value X2 to the first threshold value X1 by performing the first control, and the process of decreasing the SOC of the storage battery 42 from the first threshold value X1 to the third threshold value X2 by performing the second control.

[0135] According to the vehicle system 10 of the third embodiment described above, in addition to achieving the effects of the vehicle system 10 of the second embodiment, since the power storage in the storage battery 42 is performed after the power output from the FC system 100 is stabilized, deterioration during the power storage of the storage battery 42 can be suppressed.

[0136] The specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above using embodiments, but the present invention is in no way limited to such embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle system mounted on a vehicle, wherein, the vehicle system includes: a fuel cell; a power storage device that stores the power generated by the fuel cell; and a control device that performs at least power generation control of the fuel cell, the control device obtains the charging rate of the power storage device, when the power stored in the power storage device is supplied to an external device of the vehicle, the first control and the second control are executed. The first control is a control that causes the fuel cell to generate power and raises the charging rate of the power storage device to a first value, and the second control is a control that limits the power generation power of the fuel cell compared with the first control and reduces the charging rate of the power storage device to a second value, the second value is set to be smaller than the lower limit value of the usage range of the charging rate of the power storage device when the vehicle is running, before the stop condition for stopping the power supply to the external device of the vehicle is established, when a switching condition set before the stop condition is satisfied, the second value is changed to a third value equal to or higher than the lower limit value, when the switching condition is satisfied, the first control is executed when the charging rate of the power storage device becomes less than the third value, when the stop condition is satisfied, the power supply to the external device of the vehicle is stopped.

2. The vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein, the control device changes the second value to be equal to or higher than the lower limit value at a time that is a predetermined time earlier than a predetermined vehicle use start time.

3. The vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein, the control device changes the second value to be equal to or higher than the lower limit value at a time that is a predetermined time earlier than a predetermined power supply end time to the device.

4. The vehicle system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the control device changes the second value to be equal to or higher than the lower limit value when the fuel remaining amount of the fuel cell becomes a specified amount that is more than the amount of fuel required for the vehicle to travel from the power supply position to the nearest fuel supply facility.

5. The vehicle system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the control device changes the second value to be equal to or higher than the lower limit value when a specified operation is performed by a user of the vehicle.

6. The vehicle system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, when the power supply to the device is stopped in a state where the charging rate is lower than the lower limit value, the fuel cell is caused to generate power before the vehicle travels to raise the charging rate of the power storage device to at least the lower limit value.

7. A control method for a vehicle system, wherein, the control method of the vehicle system causes a control device of a vehicle system including a fuel cell and a power storage device that stores the power generated by the fuel cell to perform the following processing: performing at least power generation control of the fuel cell; obtaining the charging rate of the power storage device; When power stored in the power storage device is supplied to devices outside the vehicle, first control and second control are executed. The first control is control to generate power by the fuel cell and increase the charge rate of the power storage device to a first value. The second control is control to limit the power generation power of the fuel cell compared with the first control and decrease the charge rate of the power storage device to a second value. The second value is set to be smaller than the lower limit value of the usage range of the charge rate of the power storage device when the vehicle is running. And Before the stop condition for stopping the power supply to the devices outside the vehicle is established, when a switching condition set before the stop condition is satisfied, the second value is changed to at least a third value equal to or higher than the lower limit value. When the switching condition is satisfied, the first control is executed when the charge rate of the power storage device becomes less than the third value. When the stop condition is satisfied, the power supply to the devices outside the vehicle is stopped.

8. A storage medium storing a program, wherein, the program causes a control computer of a vehicle system including a fuel cell and a power storage device that stores power generated by the fuel cell to execute the following processing: at least perform power generation control of the fuel cell; acquire the charge rate of the power storage device; When power stored in the power storage device is supplied to devices outside the vehicle, first control and second control are executed. The first control is control to generate power by the fuel cell and increase the charge rate of the power storage device to a first value. The second control is control to limit the power generation power of the fuel cell compared with the first control and decrease the charge rate of the power storage device to a second value. And Before the stop condition for stopping the power supply to the devices outside the vehicle is established, when a switching condition set before the stop condition is satisfied, the second value is changed to at least a third value equal to or higher than the lower limit value of the usage range of the charge rate of the power storage device when the vehicle is running. When the switching condition is satisfied, the first control is executed when the charge rate of the power storage device becomes less than the third value. When the stop condition is satisfied, the power supply to the devices outside the vehicle is stopped.

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