Power device, display device, charge rate calculation method, program product, and storage medium

Abstract

In the electric power device (10) and the charge rate calculation method, a control unit (30) calculates a total of the full charge capacities (FCC) of the individual detachable batteries (16a to 16d (16)), and calculates a total of the current charge capacities (RC) of the individual detachable batteries (16), and calculates the SOC of the entire detachable batteries (16), that is, RSOC, from the calculated total of the full charge capacities (FCC) and the total of the current charge capacities (RC).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power device having multiple chargeable and dischargeable energy storage units, a display device for displaying the overall charging rate of the multiple energy storage units, a charging rate calculation method for calculating the overall charging rate of the multiple energy storage units, a program for calculating the overall charging rate of the multiple energy storage units, and a storage medium storing the program. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-92604 discloses a method for real-time detection of the remaining capacity of the battery (energy storage unit) of an electric vehicle (electric vehicle) and displaying the detection results on a remaining capacity display. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, when the specifications of multiple energy storage units differ from each other in terms of temperature, degree of degradation, or type, sometimes even if the average charging rate of each energy storage unit is simply calculated, the calculated average value is not the overall charging rate of the multiple energy storage units.

[0004] This invention was made in consideration of this technical problem, and its object is to provide a power device, a charging rate calculation method, a program, and a storage medium capable of accurately calculating the overall charging rate of multiple energy storage units. Furthermore, an object of this invention is to provide a display device capable of displaying the calculated overall charging rate of the multiple energy storage units.

[0005] The first aspect of the present invention is an electric device having a plurality of rechargeable and discharging energy storage units and a charging rate calculation unit that calculates the overall charging rate of the plurality of energy storage units based on the sum of the fully charged capacity of each of the plurality of energy storage units and the sum of the current charging capacity of each of the plurality of energy storage units.

[0006] A second aspect of the present invention is a display device having a receiving unit that receives the charging rate of a plurality of the aforementioned power storage units as a whole from the power device, and the display device displays the received charging rate of the plurality of the aforementioned power storage units as a whole.

[0007] The third aspect of the present invention is a method for calculating the charging rate of an electric device having multiple rechargeable and discharging energy storage units. The method for calculating the charging rate of the electric device includes the following steps: obtaining the fully charged capacity of each of the multiple energy storage units; calculating the total of the fully charged capacities of the multiple energy storage units; obtaining the current charging capacity of each of the multiple energy storage units; calculating the total of the current charging capacities of the multiple energy storage units; and calculating the overall charging rate of the multiple energy storage units based on the total of the fully charged capacities and the total of the current charging capacities.

[0008] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to perform the following steps: obtaining the fully charged capacity of each of a plurality of energy storage units; calculating the total of the multiple fully charged capacities; obtaining the current charging capacity of each of the plurality of energy storage units; calculating the total of the multiple current charging capacities; and calculating the overall charging rate of the plurality of energy storage units based on the total of the fully charged capacities and the total of the current charging capacities.

[0009] The fifth aspect of the present invention is a storage medium in which the above-described program is stored.

[0010] According to the present invention, by using the sum of the fully charged capacity of each of the multiple energy storage units and the sum of the current charging capacity of each of the multiple energy storage units, the overall charging rate of the multiple energy storage units can be calculated with high accuracy. Furthermore, in the present invention, the overall charging rate of the multiple energy storage units calculated in this way can be displayed. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of one embodiment of the power device involved in this embodiment. Figure 2 It is equipped with Figure 1 A schematic top view of a vehicle with an electric power unit. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic rear view of the vehicle. Figure 4 It means Figure 1 A diagram showing an example of a display device. Figure 5A This is a diagram showing an example of a fully charged state. Figure 5B This is a graph showing an example of a decrease in SOC. Figure 6A This is an example diagram showing a battery replacement indicator. Figure 6B This is a diagram showing an example of what happens when the cover is opened. Figure 7A This is an example diagram showing the state after the removable battery has been removed. Figure 7B This is a diagram showing an example of a display when a removable battery is installed. Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation (charging rate calculation method) of the power device according to this embodiment in the first embodiment. Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the second and third embodiments. Figure 10A This is a graph showing the relationship between the output voltage and discharge capacity of a standard removable battery. Figure 10BThis is a graph showing the relationship between the output voltage and discharge capacity of a high-output power removable battery. Detailed Implementation

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be illustrated and the power device, display device, charging rate calculation method, program and storage medium related to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] [1. General Structure of this Embodiment] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram illustrating one embodiment of the power device 10 involved in this embodiment. Figure 1 The figure illustrates the application of the power device 10 according to this embodiment to a power supply system 15 (power supply system) for supplying power to the drive motor 14, which serves as the drive source (load) of the vehicle 12.

[0014] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, vehicle 12 is a four-wheeled electric vehicle equipped with four removable batteries 16a-16d (energy storage units) constituting the power unit 10. The four removable batteries 16a-16d are detachably mounted... Figure 1 The drive motor 14 supplies electricity. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the multiple removable batteries 16a to 16d are sometimes referred to as removable battery 16. Furthermore, the removable battery 16 is charged via an external charger (not shown) when it is removed from the vehicle 12. That is, the removable battery 16 is a rechargeable and dischargeable energy storage device.

[0015] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vehicle 12 can be any electric vehicle, such as an electric car or a hybrid vehicle, equipped with a drive motor 14. Therefore, the power device 10 involved in this embodiment is not limited to four-wheeled electric vehicles, but can also be applied to the power systems of various vehicles such as one-wheeled, two-wheeled, and four-wheeled vehicles.

[0016] Furthermore, the power supply device 10 is not limited to the power system 15 applicable to the vehicle 12, but can also be applied to various power systems that supply power from each removable battery 16 to loads such as the drive motor 14. Therefore, the power supply device 10 can also be applied to power systems that can supply power to loads in various mobile bodies, including the vehicle 12 and aircraft, and various electronic devices.

[0017] Furthermore, the removable battery 16 can be a portable energy storage device that can be detached and installed relative to the power unit 10, vehicle 12, etc. Therefore, the power unit 10 can use various energy storage devices, including standard battery packs, high-output battery packs, high-capacity battery packs, and batteries for hybrid vehicles, as the removable battery 16. In addition, the power unit 10 can have two or more removable batteries 16.

[0018] In the following explanation, for example Figures 1-3 The following describes the power supply of four removable batteries 16 to the drive motor 14 in the power system 15 of a four-wheeled electric vehicle.

[0019] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in vehicle 12, a driver's seat 22 is provided at approximately the center of the vehicle body 18 in the longitudinal direction (arrow A in the direction of vehicle length), that is, at approximately the middle position between the front wheel 20F on the arrow Af direction side (front side) and the rear wheel 20R on the arrow Ab direction side (rear side). Four removable batteries 16a to 16d (16) are arranged between the vehicle body 18 in the left and right direction (arrow B in the direction of vehicle width).

[0020] Specifically, near the rear wheel 20R on the left side (in the direction of arrow B1) of the vehicle body 18, two energy storage device housings 24, each capable of housing one removable battery 16, are arranged in the direction of arrow B. Additionally, near the rear wheel 20R on the right side (in the direction of arrow B2) of the vehicle body 18, two more energy storage device housings 24, each capable of housing one removable battery 16, are arranged in the direction of arrow B. Each energy storage device housing 24 has a cover 26 that opens when the removable battery 16 is being installed or removed, located on the rear side (in the direction of arrow Ab). Furthermore, the four removable batteries 16a to 16d are not limited to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The configuration can be placed anywhere within the vehicle 12 without interfering with the driver's operation while seated in seat 22.

[0021] return Figure 1The power supply unit 10 (power system 15) includes a vehicle general control unit 30 (charging rate calculation unit), DC / DC converters 32a-32d, a junction box 34, and an inverter 36. Additionally, a display device 38 is provided in the power system 15. Furthermore, each removable battery 16a-16d has a battery management unit 40a-40d (hereinafter referred to as BMU40a-40d). In the following description, the vehicle general control unit 30 is sometimes referred to as control unit 30. Also, the DC / DC converters 32a-32d are sometimes referred to as DC / DC converter 32 unless otherwise specified. And, the multiple BMUs 40a-40d are sometimes referred to as BMU40 unless otherwise specified.

[0022] The control unit 30 has a communication unit (transmitter) 30a. Additionally, the display device 38 has a communication unit (receiver) 38a. Each communication unit 30a and 38a is connected to CAN 42 and CAN 44 respectively. CAN 42 is used for communication with various devices within the vehicle 12, and CAN 44 is used for communication with the devices associated with the removable batteries 16a to 16d. DC / DC converters 32a to 32d and the BMUs 40a to 40d of each removable battery 16a to 16d are connected to CAN 44.

[0023] The control unit 30 is a computer (information processing device) of the ECU (electronic control unit) installed in the vehicle 12. It performs various functions, including the charge rate calculation described later, by reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 30b, which is a non-temporary storage medium. Specifically, the control unit 30 obtains an ignition signal as an on signal from the ignition switch 46, which serves as the drive switch for the vehicle 12. Additionally, the control unit 30 obtains accelerator pedal opening information from the accelerator pedal sensor 48. In this case, the control unit 30 sets the torque of the drive motor 14 according to the accelerator pedal opening information and outputs it as a torque command value from the communication unit 30a to the CAN 42. Furthermore, the control unit 30 sets a current command value, which is a PWM signal used to change the output voltage of the removable battery 16, according to the torque command value, and outputs the set current command value from the communication unit 30a to the CAN 44.

[0024] Additionally, the control unit 30 obtains a cover opening / closing signal from the cover switch 50, indicating the detection result of the opening and closing of the cover component 26. Based on the open or closed state of the cover component 26 indicated by the cover opening / closing signal, the control unit 30 sets the display content of the display device 38 and outputs a display indication signal indicating the set display content from the communication unit 30a to the CAN 44.

[0025] Furthermore, when the communication unit 30a acquires (receives) information about each removable battery 16a-16d from each BMU 40a-40d via CAN 44, the control unit 30 determines the SOC (sometimes referred to as charging rate or charging capacity) of each of the multiple removable batteries 16a-16d based on the acquired information. Moreover, if there is a removable battery 16a-16d with an SOC lower than a predetermined value, the control unit 30 sets the display content for notifying replacement of that removable battery 16a-16d and outputs a display indication signal representing the set display content from the communication unit 30a to CAN 44.

[0026] Furthermore, based on the information of each removable battery 16a to 16d obtained by the communication unit 30a, the control unit 30 determines whether each removable battery 16a to 16d is installed in the energy storage device housing 24, that is, whether the removable batteries 16a to 16d and the DC / DC converters 32a to 32d are electrically connected. The control unit 30 sets the display content corresponding to the determination result and outputs a display indication signal indicating the set display content from the communication unit 30a to the CAN 44.

[0027] Furthermore, the control unit 30 calculates the overall SOC (State of Charge) of the multiple removable batteries 16a to 16d (the SOC of a single energy storage device when the multiple removable batteries 16a to 16d are considered as one energy storage device) based on the information of each removable battery 16a to 16d obtained by the communication unit 30a. The control unit 30 sets the display content of the calculated overall SOC of each removable battery 16a to 16d and outputs a display indication signal indicating the set display content from the communication unit 30a to the CAN 44.

[0028] BMU40a-40d manages the SOC, temperature (temperature coefficient), degradation level (degradation degree, degradation coefficient), internal resistance, current charging capacity as remaining capacity, and connection status between the removable batteries 16a-16d and the DC / DC converters 32a-32d. Additionally, BMU40a-40d manages the specifications (specification differences such as specification coefficients), the specified or initial value of the fully charged capacity, and the current fully charged capacity of the removable batteries 16a-16d. BMU40a-40d outputs this information to CAN44.

[0029] Therefore, the control unit 30 obtains the current charging capacity, current fully charged capacity, and specified or initial values ​​of the fully charged capacity of each removable battery 16a-16d from BMUs 40a-40d. The specified value of the fully charged capacity refers to the standard value of the fully charged capacity of the removable batteries 16a-16d. The initial value of the fully charged capacity refers to the value of the fully charged capacity (initial fully charged capacity) of the removable batteries 16a-16d when they are first used (at the time of manufacture).

[0030] The DC / DC converter 32 converts the output voltage of the removable battery 16 according to the current command value and outputs the converted output voltage to the junction box 34. The junction box 34 supplies DC power from the removable battery 16 to the inverter 36. The inverter 36 converts the DC power supplied from the junction box 34 into three-phase AC power according to the torque command value and supplies it to the drive motor 14. In addition, the inverter 36 outputs the speed information and actual torque information of the drive motor 14 to the CAN 42.

[0031] The display device 38 consists of a screen 62 (see reference) installed on the dashboard or similar component of the vehicle 12. Figure 4 The display device 38 comprises a processing unit for processing the text and images displayed on the screen 62. In the display device 38, information from the inverter 36 or drive motor 14 is input (received) via the communication unit 38a, and SOC information (information on various charging rates or charging capacities) of the removable battery 16 and display indication signals from the control unit 30 are input (received) from the CAN 44 via the communication unit 38a. The display device 38 displays the status of the removable battery 16 based on the various information input via the communication unit 38a.

[0032] [2. Display content in display device 38] Figure 4 This diagram shows an example of the display of the display device 38. The display device 38 includes battery remaining power display units 52a-52d, total remaining power display unit 54, on / off status display units 56a-56d, battery replacement display units 58a-58d, and battery connection status display units 60a-60d.

[0033] Each battery remaining power display unit 52a-52d is located on the right side of the screen 62 of the display device 38. Specifically, the two battery remaining power displays 52a and 52b on the right side correspond to those located on the vehicle body 18 (see reference 18). Figure 2 and Figure 3 The two removable batteries 16a and 16b are located on the right side of the vehicle body 18. Additionally, the two battery remaining power display units 52c and 52d on the left side correspond to the two removable batteries 16c and 16d located on the left side of the vehicle body 18.

[0034] Each battery's remaining power display section 52a-52d displays the serial number of each removable battery 16a-16d, an image of a simulated dry cell battery with a bar pattern inside, and a value indicating the SOC of each removable battery 16a-16d. Furthermore, the bar pattern inside the dry cell battery varies vertically according to the SOC of the corresponding removable battery 16a-16d.

[0035] exist Figure 4 In the image of a dry cell battery, 10 rectangular segments are arranged vertically within the battery's internal structure. Each segment is, for example, an LED, and lighting one segment indicates 10% of the battery's state of charge (SOC). Figures 4 to 7B In the diagram, a shaded line indicates the lit state, and a hollow frame indicates the off state. Therefore, each battery remaining power display section 52a-52d illuminates sequentially from the lower section to the upper section according to the SOC of the corresponding removable batteries 16a-16d, thus roughly displaying the SOC.

[0036] exist Figure 4 The diagram shows a scenario where all sections are off-light, and the SOC of each removable battery (16a-16d) is 0%. Figure 5A The image shows all sections of a removable battery 16a illuminated when the battery's SOC is 100%. Figure 5B The image shows the three illuminated sections on the lower side, indicating that the removable 16a battery has a SOC of 30%. Figure 6A The image shows one section of the lower side illuminated when the SOC of the removable battery 16a is 10%.

[0037] In this case, the lighting color of the section can also be changed according to the SOC (State of Charge) value. Figure 5B and Figure 6A In the middle, make the direction of the shaded line within the section consistent with... Figure 5A The situation varies, and this is used to show the different colors that illuminate the sections.

[0038] Around the images of simulated dry cell batteries on each of the battery remaining power display sections 52a-52d are arranged on / off status display sections 56a-56d, battery replacement display sections 58a-58d, and battery connection status display sections 60a-60d. These display sections are arranged around the battery remaining power display sections 52a-52d of the corresponding removable batteries 16a-16d.

[0039] The open / closed status display units 56a-56d indicate that the cover member 26 of the energy storage device housing section 24, which houses the corresponding removable batteries 16a-16d, is in the open state by illuminating a light, and indicate that the cover member 26 is in the closed state by turning off the light. Figures 4 to 7BSolid lines are used to indicate the lit state, and dashed lines are used to indicate the unlit state.

[0040] The battery replacement display units 58a-58d indicate that the corresponding removable batteries 16a-16d need to be replaced by illuminating an indicator light, and indicate that the corresponding removable batteries 16a-16d do not need to be replaced by turning off the indicator light. Figures 4 to 7B In the diagram, solid lines are used to indicate the lit state, and dashed lines are used to indicate the unlit state.

[0041] The battery connection status display units 60a-60d illuminate to indicate that corresponding removable batteries 16a-16d are loaded in the energy storage device receiving section 24, and that these removable batteries 16a-16d and DC / DC converters 32a-32d are electrically connected. Conversely, the battery connection status display units 60a-60d de-illuminate to indicate that the removable batteries 16a-16d are not loaded in the energy storage device receiving section 24, or that although removable batteries 16a-16d are loaded, they are not electrically connected to the DC / DC converters 32a-32d. Figures 4 to 7B In the diagram, a black circle represents the lit state, and a hollow circle represents the unlit state.

[0042] The total remaining power display unit 54 displays the overall SOC of the four removable batteries 16a to 16d. The total remaining power display unit 54 consists of 10 segments arranged horizontally. Each segment is, for example, an LED, and one segment illuminates to indicate 10% SOC. Therefore, the total remaining power display unit 54 illuminates the segments sequentially from the left (E side, indicating 0% SOC) to the right (F side, indicating 100% SOC) according to the overall SOC of each removable battery 16a to 16d, thereby displaying the approximate SOC value.

[0043] Figures 5A to 7B The diagram illustrates the change in the display content of the display device 38 before and after a battery replacement, using one removable battery 16a. Similarly, the display content of the display device 38 changes when the other removable batteries 16b to 16d are replaced.

[0044] Figure 5A This indicates that the storage device receiving section 24 (see reference) Figure 2 and Figure 3The battery contains a removable battery 16a, the cover 26 is closed, and the SOC of the removable battery 16a is 100%. In this case, all sections of the battery remaining power display 52a are illuminated, displaying the text "100%" indicating the SOC value. Additionally, the battery connection status display 60a is illuminated, while the open / closed status display 56a and the battery replacement display 58a are off.

[0045] Figure 5B This indicates that the SOC of the removable battery 16a has dropped to 30%. In this case, the lower three sections of the battery remaining power display 52a illuminate, and the text "30%" indicating the SOC value is displayed. Because the SOC has decreased, the lower three sections illuminate in accordance with... Figure 5A The different colors of the lights illuminate depending on the situation.

[0046] Figure 6A This indicates that the State of Charge (SOC) of the removable battery 16a has dropped to 10%. In this case, one section of the lower part of the battery remaining power display 52a illuminates, and the text "10%" indicating the SOC value is displayed. Additionally, the battery replacement display 58a illuminates, prompting the driver or other personnel to replace the removable battery 16a.

[0047] Seen by the driver, etc. Figure 6A The screen display opens the cover 26 of the power storage unit 24, which houses the removable battery 16a (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the case of ), the screen 62 of the display device 38 switches to Figure 6B The content displayed. Figure 6B In the middle, the open / closed status display unit 56a lights up, indicating that the cover component 26 is in the open state.

[0048] When the driver or others remove the removable battery 16a from the energy storage unit 24, the screen 62 of the display device 38 switches to... Figure 7A The content displayed. Figure 7A In the middle, the battery connection status display 60a turns off, while the on / off status display 56a and the battery replacement display 58a turn on. Additionally, the remaining battery power display 52a turns off all sections and displays the text "0%" indicating the SOC (State of Charge).

[0049] Next, when the driver or others insert the fully charged removable battery 16a into the battery storage unit 24, the screen 62 of the display device 38 switches to... Figure 7B The content displayed. Figure 7BIn this configuration, the battery connection status display 60a, the on / off status display 56a, and the battery replacement display 58a are all illuminated. Additionally, the remaining battery power display 52a illuminates all sections and displays the text "100%" indicating the state of charge (SOC).

[0050] Next, when the driver or others close the cover component 26, the screen 62 of the display device 38 switches to... Figure 5A The display content is as follows. Accordingly, the on / off status display unit 56a and the battery replacement display unit 58a turn off.

[0051] [3. SOC Calculation and Processing] Next, while referring to Figures 8 to 10B The characteristic functions of the power device 10 according to this embodiment will be explained. These characteristic functions refer to the ability to calculate the overall State of Charge (SOC) of the multiple removable batteries 16 with high accuracy, even when multiple removable batteries 16 of different types are stored in the energy storage unit 24. Furthermore, this characteristic function can also be used to perform SOC calculation processing on multiple removable batteries 16 of the same type.

[0052] Here, we will explain three methods related to SOC computation processing based on feature functions. Figure 8 The first embodiment Figure 9 (The second and third embodiments).

[0053] <3.1 First Embodiment> exist Figure 8 In the first embodiment, the control unit 30 (refer to...) Figure 1 For the four removable batteries 16, the overall SOC of the multiple removable batteries 16 is calculated by considering the temperature coefficient, degradation coefficient, and specification coefficient (specification difference) of each removable battery 16. Therefore, the first embodiment can be applied to both cases of four removable batteries 16 of the same type and four removable batteries 16 of different types.

[0054] Furthermore, the types of removable batteries 16 vary, for example, in terms of capacity, output power, or battery structure. In this embodiment, even removable batteries 16 with the same structure are considered different types of removable batteries 16 depending on whether they are standard, high-output-power, or high-capacity. Additionally, general battery packs and batteries for hybrid vehicles are also considered different types of removable batteries 16.

[0055] First, in step S1, when the driver turns on the ignition switch 46, an ignition signal is supplied from the ignition switch 46 to the control unit 30. Accordingly, the power system 15 (electrical device 10) in the vehicle 12 is activated.

[0056] In the following step S2, the communication unit 30a of the control unit 30 obtains information about each removable battery 16 from each BMU 40 via CAN 44. The obtained information includes the SOC of each removable battery 16, and information indicating whether each removable battery 16 has been loaded into each energy storage device receiving section 24. Furthermore, the SOC information obtained by the communication unit 30a in step S2 includes the current charging capacity, current fully charged capacity, and the specified or initial value of the fully charged capacity of each removable battery 16.

[0057] In the next step S3, the control unit 30 determines whether a removable battery 16 is stored in each energy storage device housing 24 based on the information of each removable battery 16 obtained by the communication unit 30a. Additionally, the control unit 30 determines whether the SOC of each removable battery 16 is not 0%.

[0058] In step S3, if all the storage devices 24 contain removable batteries 16 and there are no removable batteries 16 with a SOC of 0% (step S3: yes), the control unit 30 proceeds to the processing in step S4.

[0059] In step S4, the control unit 30 confirms the type of each removable battery 16 based on the information of each removable battery 16 obtained in step S2.

[0060] In step S5, the communication unit 30a of the control unit 30 obtains the temperature coefficient, degradation coefficient, and specification coefficient of each removable battery 16 from each BMU 40 via CAN 44. The specification coefficient refers to a coefficient relating to the specification difference between one's own removable battery 16 and the reference removable battery 16, when any removable battery 16 is used as a reference battery. Therefore, the specification coefficient is a type of specification difference value. For example, if the capacity of the reference removable battery 16 is 1000Wh, the specification coefficient of a 500Wh capacity removable battery 16 is 0.5 (500 / 1000 = 0.5). Furthermore, the specification coefficient of a 2000Wh capacity removable battery 16 is 2.0 (2000 / 1000 = 2.0).

[0061] In step S6, the control unit 30 calculates the total FCC of the fully charged capacity of each removable battery 16 based on the information of each removable battery 16 obtained by the communication unit 30a from each BMU 40 via CAN 44. In this case, if each removable battery 16 has not deteriorated, the total FCC of the fully charged capacity becomes the total FCC0 of the specified value or initial value of the fully charged capacity of each removable battery 16. In addition, if each removable battery 16 has deteriorated, the total FCC of the fully charged capacity is the sum of the fully charged capacity at the current time. That is, the total FCC of the fully charged capacity is represented by the following formula (1). In addition, Σ is a mathematical symbol representing the sum. FCC = Σ(the fully charged capacity of each removable battery 16) (1)

[0062] In step S7, the control unit 30 calculates the total RC of the current remaining capacity (current charging capacity) of each removable battery 16 based on the information of each removable battery 16 obtained by the communication unit 30a from each BMU 40 via CAN 44. In this case, the control unit 30 calculates based on the fully charged capacity and current SOC of each removable battery 16. Alternatively, the control unit 30 may calculate the total RC of the current charging capacity based on the SOC, temperature coefficient, degradation coefficient, and specification coefficient of each removable battery 16. Furthermore, the control unit 30 may also calculate the total RC of the current charging capacity based on the cumulative value of the charging and discharging current (charging current, discharging current) of each removable battery 16 over time.

[0063] Therefore, the total current charging capacity RC is expressed by any one of the following equations (2) to (4). RC=Σ{(SOC of each removable battery 16)×(temperature coefficient)×(deterioration coefficient)×(specification coefficient)}(2) RC=Σ{(fully charged capacity of each removable battery 16)×(SOC of each removable battery 16)}(3) RC = Σ (cumulative value of the charging and discharging current of each removable battery 16) (4)

[0064] In step S8, the control unit 30 calculates the RSOC, which is the SOC of each removable battery 16 as a whole, by dividing the total RC of the current charging capacity of each removable battery 16 by the total FCC of the fully charged capacity of each removable battery 16. In this case, RSOC is expressed by the following formula (5). RSOC = RC / FCC (5)

[0065] In step S9, the control unit 30 controls each BMU40 and each DC / DC converter 32 according to the calculated RSOC, etc.

[0066] In this case, the control unit 30 assigns an ID to each BMU40 (each removable battery 16) for information transmission and reception via CAN44, and outputs the assigned ID from the communication unit 30a to CAN44. Furthermore, the control unit 30 outputs control commands from the communication unit 30a to CAN44 for controlling the assigned IDs, based on RSOC or the like. Accordingly, the BMU40, based on the control commands received from CAN44, causes current to flow from the removable battery 16 to the DC / DC converter 32.

[0067] In addition, the control unit 30 takes RSOC into account, adjusts the current command values ​​for each DC / DC converter 32, and outputs the adjusted current command values ​​from the communication unit 30a to the CAN 44. The DC / DC converter 32 converts the output voltage of the removable battery 16 according to the current command values ​​obtained from the CAN 44.

[0068] In step S10, the control unit 30 sets the display content of the display device 38 corresponding to the calculated RSOC, etc., as a display indication signal, and outputs the set display indication signal from the communication unit 30a to the CAN 44. Accordingly, the display device 38 performs operations based on the display indication signal, etc., obtained by the communication unit 30a via the CAN 44. Figures 5A to 7B The screen display, etc.

[0069] If the processing of steps S2 to S11 is repeatedly executed in step S11 (step S11: Yes), the control unit 30 returns to step S2. Alternatively, after the driver confirms the display content on the display device 38 in step S10, the vehicle 12 can be moved by performing a driving operation in step S12. In this case, the determination process of step S11 is executed after step S12.

[0070] <3.2 Second Embodiment> The second embodiment relates to the calculation and processing of the overall SOC of each removable battery 16 in the case where there is a storage device housing section 24 that does not house the removable battery 16, or in the case where each storage device housing section 24 houses the removable battery 16 but there is a removable battery 16 with an SOC of 0%.

[0071] In this case, because the number of removable batteries 16 supplying power is small, the load on each removable battery 16 increases, and the overall output power of the multiple removable batteries 16 decreases. As a result, the overall capacity of the multiple removable batteries 16 actually decreases. (Referring to...) Figure 10A and Figure 10B On the one hand, the situation was explained in detail.

[0072] Figure 10A This graph shows the relationship between the voltage of a standard removable battery 16 and the overall discharge capacity of the multiple removable batteries 16. The solid line represents the result when four removable batteries 16 are installed in the vehicle 12. When the vehicle 12 is equipped with four fully charged removable batteries 16, the overall discharge capacity of the four removable batteries 16 is 100%. Furthermore, with four removable batteries 16, the discharge rate is 1C.

[0073] In addition, Figure 10A In the diagram, the dashed line represents the case where the vehicle 12 is equipped with two removable batteries 16. In this case, when the vehicle 12 is equipped with two fully charged removable batteries 16, the overall discharge capacity of the two removable batteries 16 decreases to 95% compared to the total discharge capacity (100%) of four removable batteries 16. Furthermore, compared to the case with four removable batteries 16, the load on each of the two removable batteries 16 increases, thus requiring a higher discharge rate of 2C. For example, when four removable batteries 16 (solid line) and two removable batteries 16 (dashed line) produce the same output power (10kW), the closed-circuit voltage is 50V and the discharge current is about 160A (40A each) when there are four removable batteries 16, but when there are two removable batteries 16, the closed-circuit voltage drops to 45V and the discharge current increases to 200A (100A each).

[0074] Figure 10B This graph shows the relationship between the voltage in the high-output-power removable battery 16 and the overall discharge capacity of the multiple removable batteries 16. The solid line indicates the case where four removable batteries 16 are installed in the vehicle 12. Figure 10B Similarly, when the vehicle 12 is equipped with four fully charged removable batteries 16, the overall discharge capacity of the four removable batteries 16 is 100%. In addition, the four removable batteries 16 discharge at 1C.

[0075] In addition, Figure 10B In the diagram, the dashed line indicates the case where vehicle 12 is equipped with two removable batteries 16. For high-output power removable batteries 16, in the case of the dashed line, when vehicle 12 is equipped with two fully charged removable batteries 16, compared to the overall discharge capacity (100%) of four removable batteries 16, the overall discharge capacity of the two removable batteries 16 decreases to 98%. Therefore, in... Figure 10BSimilarly, compared to the case of four removable batteries 16, the load on each of the two removable batteries 16 increases, resulting in a 2C discharge. However, the results are still better than those of the standard removable battery 16. Figure 10A Compared to the dashed line, in Figure 10B In the results shown by the dashed line, the decrease in discharge capacity was suppressed to 2%.

[0076] Therefore, in the second embodiment, the overall SOC of each removable battery 16 is calculated considering the increased load on the removable battery 16 due to the reduction in the number of batteries. Furthermore, in the following description of the second embodiment, the case where the vehicle 12 is equipped with two removable batteries 16 of the same type will be described.

[0077] Specifically, in Figure 8 In step S2, if the storage unit 24 does not contain any of the four removable batteries 16 or if at least one of the removable batteries 16 has a SOC of 0% (step S2: No), the control unit 30 enters... Figure 9 Step S21.

[0078] In step S21, the control unit 30 determines the number and type of each removable battery 16 mounted on the vehicle 12 based on the information of each removable battery 16 obtained by the communication unit 30a.

[0079] In step S22, similar to step S4, the communication unit 30a of the control unit 30 obtains the temperature coefficient, degradation coefficient, and specification coefficient of each removable battery 16 from each BMU 40 via CAN 44. Furthermore, if no removable battery 16 is stored in the energy storage unit 24, the above information cannot be obtained. Additionally, even when a removable battery 16 is stored in the energy storage unit 24, the communication unit 30a of the control unit 30 obtains information indicating that the SOC is 0% when the SOC is 0%.

[0080] In step S23, similar to step S6, the control unit 30 calculates the total FCC of the fully charged capacity of each removable battery 16. In this case, the control unit 30 calculates the total FCC of the fully charged capacity of the two removable batteries 16.

[0081] In step S24, the control unit 30 calculates the total RC0 of the current charging capacity of the two removable batteries 16. Then, the control unit 30 determines a correction factor corresponding to the number and type of removable batteries 16 mounted on the vehicle 12.

[0082] Here, the correction factor refers to, for example, the amount of reduction in discharge capacity resulting from reducing the number of removable batteries 16 in vehicle 12 from four to two. Specifically, in Figure 10A In the case of the standard removable battery 16, the correction factor is 0.95, equivalent to a 5% reduction. Additionally, in... Figure 10B In the case of the high-output power type removable battery 16, the correction factor is 0.98, which is equivalent to a 2% reduction.

[0083] In step S25, the control unit 30 calculates the total RC of the current charging capacity of each removable battery 16 with reference to a correction factor. That is, the control unit 30 uses the following equation (6) to calculate the total RC. RC = RC0 × (correction factor) (6)

[0084] Then, after step S25 Figure 8 In step S8, the control unit 30 uses the total RC of the current charging capacity calculated by equation (6) and the total FCC of the fully charged capacity to calculate RSOC according to equation (5).

[0085] <3.3 Third Embodiment> The difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment is that even when the number of removable batteries 16 mounted on the vehicle 12 is small, the sum of the full-charge capacity of the four removable batteries 16 is used as the total full-charge capacity (FCC). On the other hand, the remaining capacity corresponding to the number of removable batteries 16 mounted is used as the total current charging capacity (RC).

[0086] In this case, in step S23, similar to step S6, the control unit 30 calculates the total FCC corresponding to the number of removable batteries 16 and the total amount of full charge capacity.

[0087] After step S23, the control unit 30 proceeds to step S31, whereby it calculates the total RC of the current charging capacity, taking into account the number of removable batteries 16 not mounted on the vehicle 12. That is, the control unit 30 calculates the sum of the current charging capacities of the two removable batteries 16 mounted on the vehicle 12 as the total RC.

[0088] Then, after step S31 Figure 8 In step S8, the control unit 30 uses the total FCC of the fully charged capacity calculated in step S23 and the total RC of the current charging capacity calculated in step S31 to calculate RSOC according to equation (5).

[0089] <3.4 Variations of the Embodiments> In the above embodiments, the calculation of the total FCC of the fully charged capacity followed by the calculation of the total RC of the current charging capacity has been described (steps S6→S7, S23→S25, S31). In this embodiment, it is also possible to first calculate the total RC of the current charging capacity, and then calculate the total FCC of the fully charged capacity (steps S7→S6, S25, S31→S23).

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the case where the control unit 30 obtains the fully charged capacity and the current charging capacity in step S2 has been described. In this embodiment, the control unit 30 may also obtain the current charging capacity and the fully charged capacity in step S5 or S22. Alternatively, the control unit 30 may obtain either the fully charged capacity or the current charging capacity in step S2, and the control unit 30 may obtain the other one in step S5 or S22.

[0091] In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 30 can also perform the processing in the following manner: after obtaining either the fully charged capacity or the current charging capacity, calculate the total charging capacity of the obtained one, and then obtain the charging capacity of the other, and calculate the total charging capacity of the obtained other.

[0092] Therefore, it should be noted that the processing order of the control unit 30 in this embodiment is not limited to the order described in embodiments 1 to 3.

[0093] [4. Effects of this implementation method] As described above, this embodiment is a power device 10 having a plurality of rechargeable and removable batteries 16a to 16d (16) (energy storage unit). The control unit 30 (charge rate calculation unit) calculates the overall SOC (charge rate) or RSOC of the plurality of removable batteries 16a to 16d based on the total FCC of the fully charged capacity of each of the plurality of removable batteries 16a to 16d and the total RC of the current charging capacity of each of the plurality of removable batteries 16a to 16d.

[0094] In addition, this embodiment is a display device 38, which has a communication unit 38a (receiving unit) that receives the total SOC (RSOC) of a plurality of removable batteries 16a to 16d from the power device 10, and the display device 38 displays the received RSOC.

[0095] Furthermore, this embodiment is a method for calculating the charging rate of a power device 10, which has a plurality of removable batteries 16a to 16d (16) that can be charged and discharged. The method for calculating the charging rate of the power device 10 includes the following steps: obtaining the fully charged capacity of each of the plurality of removable batteries 16a to 16d (step S2); calculating the total FCC of the plurality of fully charged capacities (steps S6, S23); obtaining the current charging capacity of each of the plurality of removable batteries 16a to 16d (step S2); calculating the total RC of the plurality of current charging capacities (steps S7, S25, S31); and calculating the RSOC based on the total FCC of the fully charged capacities and the total RC of the current charging capacities (step S8).

[0096] Furthermore, this embodiment is a program that causes the control unit 30 of the power device 10, which is a computer, to perform the following steps: obtaining the fully charged capacity of each of the plurality of removable batteries 16a to 16d (step S2); calculating the total FCC of the plurality of fully charged capacities (steps S6, S23); obtaining the current charging capacity of each of the plurality of removable batteries 16a to 16d (step S2); calculating the total RC of the plurality of current charging capacities (steps S7, S25, S31); and calculating the RSOC based on the total FCC of the fully charged capacities and the total RC of the current charging capacities (step S8).

[0097] In addition, this embodiment is a storage unit 30b (storage medium) in which the above-described program is stored.

[0098] In this way, by using the total FCC of the fully charged capacity of each of the removable batteries 16a to 16d and the total RC of the current charging capacity of each of the removable batteries 16a to 16d, the overall SOC (RSOC) of the removable batteries 16a to 16d can be calculated with high accuracy. Furthermore, the calculated RSOC can be displayed.

[0099] In this case, the fully charged capacity is obtained based on the specified value or initial value related to the fully charged capacity of the removable batteries 16a to 16d. Based on this, RSOC can be calculated with higher accuracy.

[0100] Furthermore, the fully charged capacity is determined based on at least one of the temperature and the degree of degradation of the removable batteries 16a to 16d. Accordingly, the RSOC can be calculated with greater accuracy based on the current condition of each removable battery 16a to 16d.

[0101] Furthermore, when there are specification differences among the multiple removable batteries 16a to 16d, the fully charged capacity is obtained based on the specification difference value (e.g., specification coefficient) set according to these specification differences. Accordingly, RSOC can be calculated with high accuracy by taking into account the specification differences of each removable battery 16a to 16d.

[0102] Furthermore, the current charging capacity is obtained based on the cumulative value of the charging and discharging current of the removable battery from 16a to 16d. Based on this, the RSOC can be calculated accurately.

[0103] Additionally, the control unit 30 can calculate the RSOC by dividing the total RC of the current charging capacity by the total FCC of the fully charged capacity. Based on this, the RSOC can be calculated easily.

[0104] Furthermore, as in the second embodiment, the control unit 30 adjusts the total RC of the current charging capacity according to the number and type of the plurality of removable batteries 16a to 16d. Accordingly, the optimal RSOC can be calculated by taking into account the decrease in discharge capacity caused by the reduction in the number of removable batteries 16a to 16d.

[0105] Furthermore, as in the third embodiment, the control unit 30 adjusts the total RC of the current charging capacity according to the number of removable batteries 16a to 16d with a current charging capacity of 0. In this case, the decrease in discharge capacity caused by the reduction in the number of removable batteries 16a to 16d can also be taken into account to calculate the optimal RSOC.

[0106] In addition, multiple removable batteries 16a-16d are removable energy storage devices relative to the vehicle 12, and the control unit 30 is a control device mounted on the vehicle 12. Accordingly, the power unit 10 can be appropriately used as the power system 15 of the vehicle 12.

[0107] In addition, the power supply unit 10 also has a communication unit 30a (transmitter), which transmits the RSOC calculated by the control unit 30 to the display device 38. Accordingly, the display device 38 can receive the RSOC through the communication unit 38a and reliably display the received RSOC.

[0108] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various structures can be adopted according to the contents of this specification.

Claims

1. An electric power device (10) having a plurality of rechargeable and discharging energy storage sections (16, 16a to 16d), characterized in that, It has a charging rate calculation unit (30) that calculates the overall charging rate (RSOC) of the plurality of energy storage units based on the total full charge capacity (FCC) of each of the plurality of energy storage units and the total current charging capacity (RC) of each of the plurality of energy storage units. The charging rate calculation unit adjusts the total current charging capacity according to the number and type of the plurality of energy storage units.

2. The power device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the case where there are specification differences among the multiple energy storage units, the fully charged capacity is obtained based on the specification difference value set according to the specification difference.

3. The power device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The fully charged capacity is obtained based on the specification value or initial value related to the fully charged capacity of the energy storage unit.

4. The power device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The fully charged capacity is determined based on at least one of the temperature and the degree of degradation of the energy storage unit.

5. The power device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The current charging capacity is obtained based on the cumulative value of the current during the charging and discharging of the energy storage unit.

6. The power device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The charging rate calculation unit calculates the overall charging rate of the plurality of energy storage units by dividing the total current charging capacity by the total fully charged capacity.

7. The power device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The charging rate calculation unit corrects the total current charging capacity according to the number of energy storage units whose current charging capacity is 0.

8. The power device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plurality of said energy storage units are detachable energy storage devices relative to the vehicle (12). The charging rate calculation unit is a control device mounted on the vehicle.

9. The power device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also has a transmitting unit (30a) that transmits the charging rate of the plurality of energy storage units calculated by the charging rate calculation unit to the display device (38).

10. A display device (38), characterized in that, It has a receiving unit (38a) that receives the charging rate of the plurality of said energy storage units as a whole from the power device according to claim 1 or 2. The display device (38) displays the overall charging rate of the multiple energy storage units received.

11. A method for calculating the charging rate of an electric device (10), the electric device (10) having a plurality of chargeable and dischargeable energy storage units (16, 16a to 16d), characterized in that, It includes the following steps: The step of obtaining the fully charged capacity of each of the multiple energy storage units; The step of calculating the total (FCC) of the multiple said full-capacity charges; The step of obtaining the current charging capacity of each of the multiple energy storage units; The step of calculating the sum (RC) of the multiple current charging capacities; The step of calculating the overall charge rate (RSOC) of the plurality of energy storage units based on the total of the fully charged capacity and the total of the current charging capacity. In the step of calculating the charging rate, the total current charging capacity is adjusted according to the number and type of the plurality of energy storage units.

12. The charging rate calculation method according to claim 11, characterized in that, In the case where there are specification differences among the multiple energy storage units, the fully charged capacity is obtained based on the specification difference value set according to the specification difference.

13. The charging rate calculation method according to claim 11, characterized in that, In the step of calculating the charging rate, the total current charging capacity is adjusted according to the number of the energy storage units whose current charging capacity is 0.

14. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product enables the computer (30) to execute the charging rate calculation method according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. A storage medium (30b), characterized in that, The computer program product of claim 14 is stored thereon.

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