Charging System and Vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a charging system and a vehicle, which improve the derivation accuracy of the predicted completion time of charging. The charging system (1) includes: a charging control unit (80) that adjusts the temperature of an in-vehicle battery (30) using a heater (70) so that the temperature of the in-vehicle battery (30) that can be charged using the power supplied from an external power source (40) is maintained above a predetermined temperature, and charges the battery (30) using the remaining charging power obtained by removing the temperature adjustment power consumed by the heater (70) from the allowed supply power, which is the power allowed to be supplied from the power source (40) to the vehicle (10); and a predicted completion time derivation unit that derives the predicted completion time, which is the time predicted to complete charging, based on the predicted value of the future allowed supply power and the predicted value of the temperature adjustment power derived based on the predicted value of the future external air temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging system and a vehicle capable of charging a battery of a vehicle using electric power supplied from an external power source outside the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In vehicles such as electric vehicles and / or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the battery mounted on the vehicle can be charged by a charger connected to an external power source (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-86550 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem

[0007] Depending on the external air temperature during charging, electric power is consumed to adjust the temperature of the battery of the vehicle, and the electric power available for charging varies. Therefore, the accuracy of deriving the predicted completion time predicted to be the completion of charging is low.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a charging system and a vehicle capable of improving the accuracy of deriving the predicted completion time of charging.

[0009] Technical Solution

[0010] To solve the above problems, the charging system of the present invention includes: a charging control unit that adjusts the temperature of a vehicle-mounted battery that can be charged using electric power supplied from an external power source outside the vehicle to be equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature using a heater, and charges the battery using the remaining charging power obtained by subtracting the temperature adjustment power from the allowed supply power, where the allowed supply power is the electric power allowed to be supplied from the power source to the vehicle, and the temperature adjustment power is the electric power consumed by the heater; and a predicted completion time derivation unit that derives the predicted completion time, which is the time predicted to be the completion of charging, based on the predicted value of the future allowed supply power and the predicted value of the temperature adjustment power derived based on the predicted value of the future external air temperature.

[0011] In addition, the predicted completion time derivation unit may use, as the predicted completion time, the time when the cumulative power amount obtained by accumulating the predicted value of the charging power obtained by subtracting the predicted value of the temperature adjustment power from the predicted value of the allowed supply power into the future becomes greater than the required charging capacity, where the required charging capacity represents the insufficient power amount in the battery.

[0012] In addition, the predicted completion time derivation unit can derive the predicted completion time when power supply from the power source to the vehicle becomes possible, and notify the derived predicted completion time.

[0013] In addition, the charging system may include: an outside air temperature sensor that detects the outside air temperature; and a predicted completion time correction unit that, when the absolute value of the difference between the measured value of the current outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor and the predicted value of the outside air temperature used when deriving the predicted completion time at the time corresponding to the current time in the change over time reaches a predetermined value or more, re-derives the predicted completion time at that time point and notifies the derived predicted completion time.

[0014] To solve the above problems, a vehicle according to the present invention includes: a charging control unit that adjusts the temperature of a battery using a heater so that the temperature of the battery that can be charged using power supplied from an external power source is maintained above a predetermined temperature, and charges the battery using the remaining charging power obtained by removing the temperature adjustment power from the allowed supply power, where the allowed supply power is the power allowed to be supplied from the power source and the temperature adjustment power is the power consumed by the heater; and a predicted completion time derivation unit that derives the predicted completion time, which is the time predicted to complete charging, based on a predicted value of the future allowed supply power and a predicted value of the temperature adjustment power derived based on a predicted value of the future outside air temperature.

[0015] Technical Effects

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the derivation accuracy of the predicted completion time of charging. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the charging system of the present embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining the derivation of the predicted completion time. Figure 2 (A) shows the change over time of the predicted value of the allowed supply power and the change over time of the predicted value of the temperature adjustment power. Figure 2 (B) shows the change over time of the predicted outside air temperature. Figure 2 (C) shows the change over time of the predicted value of the battery temperature. Figure 2 (D) shows the change over time of the predicted value of the SOC.

[0019] Figure 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation flow of the predicted completion time derivation unit.

[0020] Figure 4 is a flowchart for explaining the process of preprocessing.

[0021] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the process of deriving the prediction completion time.

[0022] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the prediction completion time correction unit. Figure 6 The (A) of shows an example of the change over time of the predicted outside air temperature and the change over time of the measured value of the outside air temperature (measured outside air temperature). Figure 6 The (B) of shows an example of the change over time of the predicted value of the allowable supply power and the change over time of the predicted value of the temperature control power.

[0023] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation process of the prediction completion time correction unit.

[0024] Symbol Explanation

[0025] 1: Charging system

[0026] 10: Vehicle

[0027] 30: Battery

[0028] 40: Power supply

[0029] 70: Heater

[0030] 74: Outside air temperature sensor

[0031] 80: Charging control unit

[0032] 84: Prediction completion time derivation unit

[0033] 86: Prediction completion time correction unit Detailed Embodiment

[0034] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, other specific numerical values, etc. shown in this embodiment are only examples for easily understanding the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. It should be noted that in this specification and the accompanying drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions are omitted, and in addition, elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the charging system 1 of this embodiment. The configurations and / or processes related to this embodiment will be described in detail below, and the configurations and / or processes not related to this embodiment will be omitted from the description.

[0036] The charging system 1 includes a vehicle 10, a power management unit 12, a charger 14, a charging cable 16, a terminal device 18, and an external temperature prediction unit 20. The vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle and / or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, etc. A battery 30 that supplies power to a motor (not shown) serving as a drive source is mounted on the vehicle 10. In addition, a charging port 32 connected to the battery 30 is provided on the vehicle 10. The charging port 32 is provided, for example, on the side of the vehicle body of the vehicle 10.

[0037] The power management unit 12 includes a power source 40 such as a power generation facility. The power management unit 12 is, for example, an electric power company, and the power source 40 is, for example, a power plant, etc. The charger 14 is electrically connected to the power source 40 through a power system (not shown) and / or a switchboard, etc. The charger 14 can receive power supply from the power source 40.

[0038] At one end of the charging cable 16, a charging connector 50 that can be connected to the charging port 32 of the vehicle 10 is provided. At the other end of the charging cable 16, a power plug 52 that can be connected to the charger 14 is provided. The charger 14 can supply the power of the power source 40 to the charging port 32 of the vehicle 10 through the charging cable 16. The battery 30 of the vehicle 10 can be charged using the power of the external power source 40 supplied to the charging port 32. In addition, a control box 54 is provided in the charging cable 16. The control box 54 detects the presence or absence of electric leakage, overcurrent, and overheating during charging, and interrupts the charging when these are detected.

[0039] The charger 14 can be, for example, a home charging device installed in a general house, or a commercial charging device installed in a charging station. The charger 14 includes a charging unit 60 and a charging socket 62. The charging unit 60 is connected to the power system. The charging socket 62 is connected to the charging unit 60. The power plug 52 of the charging cable 16 is connected to the charging socket 62. The charging unit 60 supplies the power of the power source 40 to the vehicle 10 through the charging socket 62 and the charging cable 16.

[0040] The terminal device 18 is, for example, a smartphone carried by the owner of the vehicle 10. The terminal device 18 can communicate with the vehicle 10 and / or the charger 14 through a wireless communication network such as a mobile phone network and / or a wireless LAN. Although it will be described in detail later, in the charging system 1, the predicted completion time, which is the predicted time when the charging of the battery 30 is completed, is derived. In the charging system 1, the derived predicted completion time is notified to the owner of the vehicle 10 through a display, etc., of the terminal device 18.

[0041] The outside temperature prediction unit 20 derives the change of the predicted value of the outside temperature over time in the future. The outside temperature prediction unit 20 is, for example, the Meteorological Agency. Hereinafter, the predicted value of the outside temperature is sometimes referred to as the predicted outside temperature. The outside temperature prediction unit 20 can send the change of the predicted outside temperature over time in the future through a communication network such as the Internet. The vehicle 10 can receive the change of the predicted outside temperature over time in the future sent from the outside temperature prediction unit 20.

[0042] The power management unit 12 derives regional data indicating changes in representative power consumption over time in a predetermined region. The region is set as a jurisdiction of the power management unit 12, such as the North China region, but is not limited to this example. In addition, the region is set to at least an area within a common time difference. For example, the power management unit 12 derives regional data of the region to which the building where the charger 14 is installed belongs.

[0043] The data based on the region shows the change of power consumption over time for 24 hours (1 day). In addition, the data based on the region is derived based on the actual value of power consumption in a predetermined period such as 1 month. That is, the data based on the region is data that roughly shows the change of power consumption over time for 1 day in the target region (such as North China) and the target period (such as February).

[0044] The power management unit 12 derives the regional data of each region every month, for example. The power management unit 12 can transmit the regional data of each region through a communication network such as the Internet, for example. The vehicle 10 can receive the regional data of the region to which the building where the charger 14 is installed belongs (the target regional data). The target regional data corresponds to the estimated change over time of the power consumption of the building where the charger 14 is installed. It should be noted that the vehicle 10 can receive the regional data via the charger 14.

[0045] In the building where the charger 14 is installed, a predetermined agreed ampere is determined. The agreed ampere is the upper limit of the current agreed in advance between the power management unit 12 and the building (consumer). Hereinafter, the power obtained by multiplying the agreed ampere by the nominal value of the power receiving voltage is sometimes referred to as agreed power. The agreed power indicates the upper limit of the power that can be consumed in the building.

[0046] In a building equipped with the charger 14, power is also supplied to loads other than the charger 14 (for example, electrical devices such as home appliances). Therefore, the power allowed to be supplied from the charger 14 to the vehicle 10 is equivalent to the power obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the loads other than the charger 14 in the building equipped with the charger 14 from the contracted power. Hereinafter, the power allowed to be supplied from the charger 14 to the vehicle 10 is sometimes referred to as the allowed supply power. The allowed supply power is derived, for example, by subtracting the power consumption of the region-based data in question from the contracted power. That is, the charger 14 (charging unit 60) can supply such allowed supply power to the vehicle 10.

[0047] In addition to the battery 30 and the charging port 32, the vehicle 10 further includes a heater 70, a battery temperature sensor 72, an outside air temperature sensor 74, a communication unit 76, and a battery control device 78.

[0048] The heater 70 is connected to the charging port 32. The heater 70 uses the power supplied from the charger 14 to the charging port 32 (the power of the external power source 40) to heat the battery 30. Hereinafter, the temperature of the battery 30 is sometimes referred to as the battery temperature. In addition, the situation of adjusting the battery temperature is sometimes referred to as temperature adjustment. In addition, the power consumed by the heater 70 is sometimes referred to as temperature adjustment power.

[0049] The battery temperature sensor 72 detects the battery temperature. The outside air temperature sensor 74 detects the outside air temperature. The communication unit 76 can communicate with the terminal device 18, the power management unit 12, the outside air temperature prediction unit 20, and the like.

[0050] The battery control device 78 is composed of a semiconductor integrated circuit including a central processing unit (CPU), a ROM storing programs, etc., and a RAM serving as a work area. The battery control device 78 functions as a charging control unit 80, a SOC derivation unit 82, a predicted completion time derivation unit 84, and a predicted completion time correction unit 86 by executing programs. That is, the battery control device 78 is a computer in which hardware and software cooperate to function as the charging control unit 80, the SOC derivation unit 82, the predicted completion time derivation unit 84, the predicted completion time correction unit 86, and the like.

[0051] The charging control unit 80 controls the battery 30 and the heater 70. When charging the battery 30, first, the power plug 52 of the charging cable 16 is connected to the charging socket 62 of the charger 14, and the charging connector 50 is connected to the charging port 32 of the vehicle 10. Then, if an operation to instruct the start of charging is performed on the vehicle 10 and / or the charger 14, a charging start instruction is sent to the battery control device 78. The charging control unit 80 starts charging the battery 30 according to the charging start instruction.

[0052] If the battery temperature does not reach above the predetermined temperature, the battery 30 cannot be properly charged. Therefore, after receiving an instruction to start charging, the charging control unit 80 uses the heater 70 to adjust the battery temperature so that the battery temperature is maintained above the predetermined temperature. That is, the predetermined temperature corresponds to the allowable charging temperature that allows the charging of the battery 30.

[0053] In addition, the charging control unit 80 charges the battery 30 with the remaining power obtained by removing the temperature adjustment power from the allowable supply power of the charger 14. Hereinafter, the power used for charging the battery 30 (the power transmitted to the battery 30) is sometimes referred to as charging power.

[0054] When the battery temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature when the charging control unit 80 receives an instruction to start charging, the charging control unit 80 does not transmit the allowable supply power supplied to the charging port 32 to the battery 30, but only transmits it to the heater 70 to perform temperature adjustment until the battery temperature reaches the predetermined temperature. Hereinafter, such temperature adjustment is sometimes referred to as initial temperature adjustment. In the case where the initial temperature adjustment is performed, after the charging control unit 80 finishes the initial temperature adjustment, it starts to transmit the allowable supply power supplied to the charging port 32 to the battery 30 (charging of the battery 30).

[0055] When the battery temperature is above the predetermined temperature when the charging control unit 80 receives an instruction to start charging, the charging control unit 80 does not perform the initial temperature adjustment, but immediately starts to transmit the allowable supply power supplied to the charging port 32 to the battery 30.

[0056] In addition, during the actual charging period of the battery 30 (during charging), there is a possibility that the battery temperature decreases due to heat dissipation from the battery 30 according to the external air temperature. Therefore, the charging control unit 80 transmits a part of the allowable supply power to the heater 70 during charging, and while performing temperature adjustment in such a way that the battery temperature is maintained above the predetermined temperature, it charges the battery 30. Hereinafter, in order to distinguish from the initial temperature adjustment, the temperature adjustment during the actual charging process is sometimes simply referred to as intermediate temperature adjustment.

[0057] The SOC derivation unit 82 derives the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery 30. It should be noted that the SOC represents the charging rate of the battery 30, and the fully charged state is expressed as 100% in percentage.

[0058] The predicted completion time derivation unit 84 derives the predicted completion time of the charging of the battery 30. The predicted completion time derivation unit 84 derives the predicted completion time when power can be supplied from the power source 40 to the vehicle 10. Specifically, the predicted completion time derivation unit 84 derives the predicted completion time based on the reception of the charging start instruction.

[0059] The prediction completion time derivation unit 84 derives the prediction completion time based on the predicted value of the future allowable supply power and the predicted value of the future temperature adjustment power. The prediction completion time derivation unit 84 will be described in detail later.

[0060] When the possibility that the completion time of charging deviates from the predicted completion time becomes high, the prediction completion time correction unit 86 re-derives the predicted completion time at that time point and notifies again. The prediction completion time correction unit 86 will be described in detail later.

[0061] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining the derivation of the predicted completion time. Figure 2 (A) shows the change over time of the predicted value of the allowable supply power and the change over time of the predicted value of the temperature adjustment power. Figure 2 (B) shows the change over time of the predicted outside air temperature. Figure 2 (C) shows the change over time of the predicted value of the battery temperature. Figure 2 (D) shows the change over time of the predicted value of the SOC. In Figure 2 (A) to Figure 2 (D), the current time when the charging start instruction is received is set as time T10. In Figure 2 (A), the solid line A10 shows the change over time of the predicted value of the allowable supply power. The double-dot dash line A12 shows the change over time of the predicted value of the temperature adjustment power. The single-dot dash line A14 shows the agreed power. The arrow A16 shows an example of the power consumption based on the regional data.

[0062] As Figure 2 shown in (A), the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 obtains the regional data equivalent to the change over time of the predicted value of the future power consumption of the loads other than the charger 14 of the building from the power management unit 12. The prediction completion time derivation unit 84 subtracts the power consumption at each time point of the regional data (arrow A16) from the agreed power (single-dot dash line A14) of the building where the charger 14 is installed to derive the change over time of the predicted value of the future allowable supply power (solid line A10).

[0063] In addition, as Figure 2 shown in (C), at the current time (time T10) when the charging start instruction is received, it is assumed that the battery temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature (allowable charging temperature). In this case, as Figure 2 shown in (A), initial temperature adjustment is performed, so the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 derives the power amount related to the initial temperature adjustment (initial temperature adjustment power amount). Specifically, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84, as Figure 2As shown by arrow A20 in (C), the battery temperature difference is derived by subtracting the current battery temperature from the predetermined temperature. The prediction completion time derivation unit 84 multiplies the battery temperature difference by the parameters of the battery 30 (specific heat of the battery 30, volume of the battery 30, and specific gravity of the battery 30), and arranges the units to derive the initial temperature adjustment power amount.

[0064] In addition, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 derives the initial temperature adjustment prediction completion time, which is the time predicted to complete the initial temperature adjustment. For example, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 sets the time (e.g., time T11) when the power amount obtained by accumulating the predicted power supply allowed from the current time T10 becomes more than the initial temperature adjustment power amount as the initial temperature adjustment prediction completion time. Therefore, at the initial temperature adjustment prediction completion time, it is predicted that the battery temperature reaches above the predetermined temperature.

[0065] In addition, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 obtains the change over time of the predicted future external air temperature as shown in Figure 2 (B) from the external air temperature prediction unit 20. The prediction completion time derivation unit 84 derives the change over time (double-dot dash line A12) of the future temperature adjustment power (i.e., the future intermediate temperature adjustment power) after the initial temperature adjustment as shown in Figure 2 (A) based on the change over time of the predicted future external air temperature as shown in Figure 2 (B). Specifically, for each time after the initial temperature adjustment, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 derives the heat dissipation temperature by subtracting the predicted external air temperature from the predetermined temperature (allowable charging temperature). The heat dissipation temperature represents the battery temperature reduced due to heat dissipation caused by the external air temperature. For each time after the initial temperature adjustment, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 multiplies the heat dissipation temperature by the parameters of the battery 30 (specific heat of the battery 30, volume of the battery 30, and specific gravity of the battery 30) and a predetermined heat insulation coefficient, and arranges the units to derive the power amount related to the intermediate temperature adjustment, which is converted into the intermediate temperature adjustment power as shown by arrow A22 in Figure 2 (A).

[0066] In addition, as shown in Figure 2 (D), the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 obtains the current SOC from the SOC derivation unit 82. The prediction completion time derivation unit 84 derives the required charging capacity by subtracting the current SOC from the target SOC as shown by arrow A24 in Figure 2 (D). The target SOC is set to 90% or more, for example. The required charging capacity represents the insufficient power amount in the battery 30.

[0067] In addition, as shown in Figure 2As shown in (A) of, at each moment after the initial temperature adjustment, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 subtracts the predicted value of the temperature adjustment power from the predicted value of the allowable supply power, and derives the predicted value of the charging power as shown by the arrow A26 in (A) of Figure 2 The prediction completion time derivation unit 84 accumulates the predicted value of the charging power thus derived into the future from the end time of the initial temperature adjustment prediction (time T11). Hereinafter, the amount of electricity obtained by accumulating the predicted value of the charging power into the future is sometimes referred to as the accumulated power.

[0068] Then, as shown in (A) of Figure 2 and (D) of Figure 2 the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 sets the time (time T12) when the accumulated power becomes greater than the required charging capacity as the prediction completion time.

[0069] It should be noted that in (A) to Figure 2 (D) of Figure 2 the case where the battery temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature at the current time T10 (the case where the initial temperature adjustment is performed) is described. However, when the battery temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature at the current time T10, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 can omit the initial temperature adjustment. In this case, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 can set the end time of the initial temperature adjustment prediction (time T11) in (A) to Figure 2 (D) of Figure 2 to be the current time, and derive the prediction completion time (time T12).

[0070] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation process of the prediction completion time derivation unit 84. The prediction completion time derivation unit 84 performs a series of processes of Figure 3 when power can be supplied from the power source 40 to the vehicle 10. Specifically, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 performs a series of processes of Figure 3 in accordance with the reception of the charging start instruction.

[0071] The prediction completion time derivation unit 84 first performs preprocessing (S100) before deriving the prediction completion time. In the preprocessing, various information required for deriving the prediction completion time is obtained. The process flow of the preprocessing will be described in detail later.

[0072] Next, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 performs prediction completion time derivation processing (S110) for deriving the prediction completion time using the various information obtained in the preprocessing. The process flow of the prediction completion time derivation processing will be described in detail later.

[0073] Next, the prediction completion time export unit 84 sends the predicted completion time exported in the prediction completion time export process to the terminal device 18 to notify the owner of the vehicle 10 (S120), and ends a series of processes.

[0074] Figure 4 FIG. is a flowchart showing the process of the preprocessing (S100). The prediction completion time export unit 84 first obtains region-based data from the power management unit 12 (S200). Next, the prediction completion time export unit 84 derives the change over time of the predicted value of the allowable supply power based on the region-based data (S210). For example, the prediction completion time export unit 84 obtains the promised power from the charger 14. The prediction completion time export unit 84 subtracts the power consumption of the region-based data from the promised power to derive the change over time of the predicted value of the allowable supply power.

[0075] Next, the prediction completion time export unit 84 obtains the current SOC derived by the SOC export unit 82 (S220). Next, the prediction completion time export unit 84 subtracts the current SOC from the target SOC (for example, SOC 90% etc.) to derive the required charge capacity (S230).

[0076] Next, the prediction completion time export unit 84 obtains the change over time of the predicted external temperature from the external temperature prediction unit 20 (S240). Next, the prediction completion time export unit 84 obtains the current time (S250). Next, the prediction completion time export unit 84 obtains the current battery temperature from the battery temperature sensor 72 (S260), and ends a series of processes.

[0077] Figure 5 FIG. is a flowchart showing the process of the prediction completion time export process (S110). The prediction completion time export unit 84 first determines whether the current battery temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature (allowable charging temperature) (S300).

[0078] When the current battery temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature (No in S300), the prediction completion time export unit 84 derives the battery temperature difference obtained by subtracting the current battery temperature from the predetermined temperature (S310). Next, the prediction completion time export unit 84 derives the initial temperature adjustment power amount based on the battery temperature difference (S320). Next, the prediction completion time export unit 84 derives the initial temperature adjustment prediction completion time based on the initial temperature adjustment power amount (S330). Next, the prediction completion time export unit 84 assumes that the initial temperature adjustment prediction completion time is time Tk (S340), and proceeds to the process of step S360.

[0079] On the other hand, when the current battery temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature (Yes in S300), the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 assumes the current time as time Tk (S350), and proceeds to the process of step S360.

[0080] In step S360, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 extracts the predicted outside air temperature at time Tk from the change of the predicted outside air temperature over time (S360). Next, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 derives a predicted value of the intermediate temperature adjustment power at time Tk based on the predicted outside air temperature at time Tk (S370).

[0081] Next, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 extracts the predicted value of the allowable supply power at time Tk from the change of the predicted value of the allowable supply power over time (S380).

[0082] Next, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 subtracts the predicted value of the intermediate temperature adjustment power at time Tk from the predicted value of the allowable supply power at time Tk, and derives a predicted value of the charging power at time Tk (S390).

[0083] Next, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 derives the charge amount from time Tk to time Tk+α (S400). α is set to one minute, for example, but is not limited to this example. That is, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 derives the charge amount for a predetermined time (one minute) from time Tk.

[0084] Next, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 derives the cumulative charge amount based on the charge amount in step S400 (S410). Specifically, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 adds the charge amount for the predetermined time derived in step S400 to the cumulative charge amount derived in the previous step S410, and sets it as the cumulative charge amount at this time point. It should be noted that when the process in step S410 is the first time, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 sets the charge amount for the predetermined time derived in step S400 as the cumulative charge amount at this time point.

[0085] Next, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 determines whether the cumulative charge amount derived in step S410 is more than the required charge capacity (S420). When the cumulative charge amount is more than the required charge capacity (Yes in S420), the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 sets time Tk+α as the prediction completion time (S430), and ends a series of processes.

[0086] When the cumulative power is not more than the required charging capacity (No in S420), the predicted completion time derivation unit 84 sets the time Tk+α as the time Tk (S440), and repeats the processes after step S360. That is, the predicted completion time derivation unit 84 accumulates the charging power into the future until the cumulative power becomes more than the required charging capacity, and sets the time when the cumulative power becomes more than the required charging capacity as the predicted completion time.

[0087] Figure 6 It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the predicted completion time correction unit 86. Figure 6 The (A) of shows an example of the change over time of the predicted outside air temperature and the change over time of the measured value of the outside air temperature (measured outside air temperature). Figure 6 The (B) of shows an example of the change over time of the predicted value of the allowable supply power and the change over time of the predicted value of the temperature adjustment power. In Figure 6 The (A) of Figure 6 and the (B) of, it is assumed that the time T21 during the charging process is the current time. In Figure 6 The (A) of, the single-dot chain line A30 represents the change over time of the predicted outside air temperature used when deriving the predicted completion time based on the reception of the charging start instruction. The solid line A32 represents the change over time of the measured value of the outside air temperature. The double-dot chain line A34 represents the change over time of the predicted outside air temperature obtained at the current time T21. In addition, in Figure 6 The (B) of, the solid line A40 represents the change over time of the predicted value of the allowable supply power. The solid line A42 represents the change over time of the predicted value of the temperature adjustment power used when deriving the predicted completion time based on the reception of the charging start instruction. The solid line A44 represents the change over time of the predicted value of the temperature adjustment power derived at the current time T21. Hereinafter, the time when deriving the predicted completion time based on the reception of the charging start instruction is sometimes referred to as the initial time.

[0088] As Figure 6 shown in the (A) of, the actual outside air temperature (solid line A32) may deviate from the change over time of the initial predicted outside air temperature (single-dot chain line A30) over time. For example, in the example of the (A) of Figure 6 , the current outside air temperature (outside air temperature B2) is lower than the predicted outside air temperature (outside air temperature B1) corresponding to the current time T21 in the change over time of the initial predicted outside air temperature. If the actual outside air temperature deviates from the initial predicted outside air temperature, there is a possibility that the completion time of charging deviates from the initial predicted completion time.

[0089] Therefore, the predicted completion time correction unit 86 obtains the measured value of the current outside air temperature from the outside air temperature sensor 74. The predicted completion correction unit 86 is as Figure 6As shown by arrow A36 in (A), the absolute value of the difference between the measured value of the current outside air temperature and the predicted outside air temperature corresponding to the current time in the time-varying predicted outside air temperature used at the predicted completion time is derived as the outside air temperature difference.

[0090] When the outside air temperature difference reaches a predetermined value or more, the predicted completion time correction unit 86 obtains the time-varying change (dashed double-dotted line A34) of the predicted outside air temperature in the future predicted at the current time. As shown in Figure 6 the solid line A44 in (B), the time-varying change of the predicted value of the temperature control power is re-derived based on the time-varying change of the predicted outside air temperature in the future predicted at the current time.

[0091] Here, in Figure 6 (B), the cumulative charge amount of the charge power based on the time-varying change of the initial predicted temperature control power is shown by diagonal shading. In addition, in Figure 6 (B), the initial predicted completion time is assumed to be time T22.

[0092] In contrast, as shown by the vertical shading in (B) of Figure 6 , the cumulative charge amount of the charge power is derived based on the time-varying change of the predicted temperature control power at the current time (time T21). In addition, the predicted completion time correction unit 86 derives the current required charge capacity based on the current SOC. The predicted completion time correction unit 86 derives the time (time T23) when the cumulative charge amount becomes larger than the current required charge capacity as the predicted completion time at the current time. Then, the predicted completion time correction unit 86 notifies the derived predicted completion time again. For example, the predicted completion time correction unit 86 notifies the owner of the vehicle 10 again by displaying the predicted completion time at the current time on the display of the terminal device 18.

[0093] It should be noted that after the predicted completion time is notified again during the charging process, the predicted completion time correction unit 86 derives the outside air temperature difference based on the time-varying change of the predicted outside air temperature at the time when the predicted completion time notified again is derived. Then, when the outside air temperature difference reaches a predetermined value or more, the predicted completion time is derived and notified again. That is, the predicted completion time correction unit 86 repeatedly determines whether the outside air temperature difference is a predetermined value or more until the charging is completed.

[0094] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation process of the predicted completion time correction unit 86. After the predicted completion time is notified (S120) by the predicted completion time correction unit 86 (in other words, after the endFigure 3 After a series of processes), it is repeated by the interruption control of each predetermined control cycle Figure 7 A series of processes. The predetermined control cycle is set to 1 minute, for example, but is not limited to this example.

[0095] The prediction completion time correction unit 86 first obtains the current time (S500). Next, the prediction completion time correction unit 86 extracts the predicted outside air temperature corresponding to the current time based on the change over time of the predicted outside air temperature used when deriving the prediction completion time (S510).

[0096] Next, the prediction completion time correction unit 86 obtains the measured value of the current outside air temperature from the outside air temperature sensor 74 (S520). Next, the prediction completion time correction unit 86 derives the absolute value of the difference between the predicted outside air temperature corresponding to the current time and the measured value of the current outside air temperature as the outside air temperature difference (S530).

[0097] Next, the prediction completion time correction unit 86 determines whether the outside air temperature difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S540). If the outside air temperature difference is smaller than the predetermined value (No in S540), the prediction completion time correction unit 86 ends the series of processes.

[0098] If the outside air temperature difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (Yes in S540), the prediction completion time correction unit 86 performs the same process as the preprocessing described in Figure 4 (S100). Next, the prediction completion time correction unit 86 performs the same process as the prediction completion time derivation process described in Figure 5 (S110). Thus, based on the predicted outside air temperature derived at the current time, the prediction completion time at the current time is derived.

[0099] Next, the prediction completion time correction unit 86 sends the derived prediction completion time to the terminal device 18 and notifies the owner of the vehicle 10 again (S570). That is, when the outside air temperature difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the prediction completion time correction unit 86 derives the prediction completion time at the current time and notifies again because the prediction completion time is likely to deviate from the already notified prediction completion time.

[0100] As described above, in the charging system 1 of the present embodiment, the predicted completion time derivation unit 84 of the vehicle 10 derives the predicted completion time based on the predicted value of the allowable supply power in the future and the predicted value of the temperature adjustment power derived based on the predicted value of the external temperature in the future. Specifically, the predicted completion time derivation unit 84 uses, as the predicted completion time, the time when the cumulative power amount obtained by cumulatively adding the predicted value of the charging power, which is obtained by subtracting the predicted value of the temperature adjustment power from the predicted value of the allowable supply power, to the future becomes greater than the required charging capacity.

[0101] Therefore, according to the charging system 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to accurately derive the predicted value of the future temperature adjustment power and the predicted value of the future charging power, and improve the derivation accuracy of the predicted completion time of charging.

[0102] In addition, the predicted completion time derivation unit 84 of the charging system 1 of the present embodiment derives the predicted completion time when power supply from the power source 40 to the vehicle 10 becomes possible, and notifies the derived predicted completion time. Therefore, in the charging system 1 of the present embodiment, when an operation to indicate the start of charging is performed, the owner of the vehicle 10 can recognize the predicted completion time.

[0103] In addition, when the absolute value of the difference between the measured value of the current external temperature and the predicted value of the external temperature corresponding to the current time in the temporal change of the predicted value of the external temperature used when deriving the predicted completion time reaches a predetermined value or more, the predicted completion time correction unit 86 of the charging system 1 of the present embodiment re-derives the predicted completion time at that time point, and notifies the derived predicted completion time. Therefore, in the charging system 1 of the present embodiment, when the external temperature deviates from the predicted value, the owner of the vehicle 10 can recognize that the predicted completion time has changed, and can recognize a more accurate predicted completion time.

[0104] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, but it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Obviously, those skilled in the art can conceive of various modification examples or correction examples within the scope described in the claims, and it is understood that they also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0105] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the battery control device 78 in the vehicle 10 functions as the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 and the prediction completion time correction unit 86. However, the computer that functions as the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 and the prediction completion time correction unit 86 may be provided in the charger 14 or may be provided in the control box 54 of the charging cable 16. In this case, the prediction completion time derivation unit 84 and the prediction completion time correction unit 86 can execute respective processes by acquiring various information such as the measured values of the battery temperature, the outside air temperature, and the current SOC from the vehicle 10 through communication.

[0106] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the change over time of the predicted outside air temperature is acquired from the outside air temperature prediction unit 20. However, regarding the change over time of the predicted outside air temperature, the acquisition method is not limited to the one acquired from the outside air temperature prediction unit 20, and it may also be acquired from other organizations that perform weather forecasting, etc.

[0107] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the prediction completion time is notified to the terminal device 18 such as a smartphone. However, the method of notifying the prediction completion time is not limited to this example, and for example, it may be set to notify a home television or the like.

[0108] In addition, regarding the charger 14 of the above-described embodiment, a configuration is given in which the power plug 52 of the charging cable 16 is connected to the charging socket 62. However, the charger 14 may also have a configuration in which the charging cable 16 is integrally provided.

Claims

1. A charging system, characterized in that, Comprising: A charging control unit that adjusts the temperature of an in-vehicle battery that can be charged using power supplied from an external power source so as to keep the temperature of the battery above a predetermined temperature, using a heater, and charges the battery using the remaining charging power obtained by subtracting the temperature adjustment power from the allowed supply power, where the allowed supply power is the power allowed to be supplied from the power source to the vehicle, and the temperature adjustment power is the power consumed by the heater; And A predicted completion time derivation unit that derives a future time predicted to be the completion of charging, i.e., the predicted completion time, based on a predicted value of the future allowed supply power and a predicted value of the future temperature adjustment power derived based on a predicted value of the future external air temperature. The allowed supply power is the power obtained by subtracting the power consumed by loads other than the battery from the power of the power source.

2. The charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that The predicted completion time derivation unit takes, as the predicted completion time, a time when the cumulative power obtained by cumulatively adding the predicted value of the charging power obtained by subtracting the predicted value of the temperature adjustment power from the predicted value of the allowed supply power into the future becomes greater than the required charging capacity, where the required charging capacity represents the insufficient power in the battery.

3. The charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that The predicted completion time derivation unit derives the predicted completion time when power supply from the power source to the vehicle becomes possible, and notifies the derived predicted completion time.

4. The charging system according to claim 2, characterized in that The predicted completion time derivation unit derives the predicted completion time when power supply from the power source to the vehicle becomes possible, and notifies the derived predicted completion time.

5. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Comprising: An external air temperature sensor that detects the external air temperature; and A predicted completion time correction unit that, when the absolute value of the difference between the measured value of the current external air temperature detected by the external air temperature sensor and the predicted value of the external air temperature corresponding to the current time in the time-dependent change of the predicted value of the external air temperature used when deriving the predicted completion time reaches a predetermined value or more, re-derives the predicted completion time at this time point and notifies the derived predicted completion time.

6. A vehicle, characterized in that, Comprising: A charging control unit that adjusts the temperature of a battery that can be charged using power supplied from an external power source so as to keep the temperature of the battery above a predetermined temperature, using a heater, and charges the battery using the remaining charging power obtained by subtracting the temperature adjustment power from the allowed supply power, where the allowed supply power is the power allowed to be supplied from the power source, and the temperature adjustment power is the power consumed by the heater; And A predicted completion time derivation unit that derives a future time predicted to be the completion of charging, i.e., the predicted completion time, based on a predicted value of the future allowed supply power and a predicted value of the future temperature adjustment power derived based on a predicted value of the future external air temperature. The allowed power supply is the power obtained by subtracting the power consumption of loads other than the battery from the power of the power source.

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