Power supply system and control device

Abstract

The present application provides a power supply system and a control device. The control device (500) is configured to divide a plurality of batteries included in a battery string (St) into a first battery (for example, Ni-MH) and a second battery (for example, LiB). The control device is configured to connect only the first battery among the batteries included in the battery string to a power supply circuit (100, 200, PL1, PL2, PL3) when a predetermined first condition is satisfied. The control device is configured to connect only the second battery among the batteries included in the battery string to the power supply circuit when a predetermined second condition is satisfied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to power systems and control devices, and more particularly to techniques for controlling battery strings. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-074709 discloses a power system comprising a power supply circuit, a battery string capable of being connected to the power supply circuit, and a control device for controlling the battery string. The battery string includes multiple battery circuits interconnected. Each of the multiple battery circuits includes a battery in a manner that allows it to be connected / disconnected (detached) from the power supply circuit.

[0003] The control device can adjust the output voltage of the battery string to a desired level by controlling the connection and disconnection of the batteries. Such a battery string can function as an energy storage device. Hereinafter, each battery constituting the battery string will be referred to as a "battery element." Even if one of the battery elements in the battery string fails, it can still operate normally as an energy storage device by disconnecting the faulty battery element. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In recent years, from the perspective of environmental protection, there has been a trend of increasing electric vehicles (such as electric cars or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, xEVs) that primarily use electricity as a power source. Therefore, in order to achieve efficient utilization of batteries used in electric vehicles, it is considered to manufacture battery strings using batteries already used in electric vehicles. In cases where different types of batteries are used for each vehicle, it is possible to manufacture battery strings using different types of batteries. However, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-074709 does not provide a control device suitable for controlling battery strings that mix and include dissimilar types of batteries (hereinafter also referred to as "dissimilar battery mixed strings").

[0005] This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a control device suitable for controlling mixed strings of dissimilar batteries, and a power supply system having such a control device.

[0006] The power supply system disclosed herein includes a power supply circuit, a battery string connectable to the power supply circuit, and a control device for controlling the battery string. The battery string includes multiple interconnected battery circuits. Each of the multiple battery circuits includes a battery in a manner capable of being connected / disconnected relative to the power supply circuit. The control device is configured to distinguish at least a first battery and a second battery among the multiple batteries included in the battery string. The control device is configured to connect only the first battery among the batteries included in the battery string to the power supply circuit when a predetermined first condition is met. The control device is configured to connect only the second battery among the batteries included in the battery string to the power supply circuit when a predetermined second condition is met.

[0007] The control device disclosed herein is a control device for controlling a battery string that can be connected to a power supply circuit. The battery string includes multiple interconnected battery circuits. Each of the multiple battery circuits includes a battery in a manner that allows it to be connected / disconnected relative to the power supply circuit. The control device is configured to distinguish at least a first battery and a second battery among the multiple batteries included in the battery string. The control device is configured to connect only the first battery among the batteries included in the battery string to the power supply circuit when a predetermined first condition is met. The control device is configured to connect only the second battery among the batteries included in the battery string to the power supply circuit when a predetermined second condition is met.

[0008] The aforementioned control device is configured to selectively connect either the first battery or the second battery to the power supply circuit. Therefore, when controlling a mixed string of dissimilar batteries, the control device can connect only batteries of the same type to the power supply circuit. The control device can output power from the power supply circuit matching either the first battery or the second battery. According to the aforementioned control device, the output characteristics of the battery string can be varied extensively. Furthermore, since the control device can selectively connect only batteries of the same type to the power supply circuit, it can also appropriately control mixed strings of dissimilar batteries that cannot operate simultaneously (e.g., two or more batteries with significantly different voltages).

[0009] The aforementioned control device can distinguish the multiple batteries in a battery string into two categories (battery 1 / battery 2) or three or more categories. The first condition, which is the condition for using only battery 1, can be arbitrarily set. Similarly, the second condition, which is the condition for using only battery 2, can also be arbitrarily set. Both the first and second conditions can also be set to allow only one of them to be true.

[0010] Each of the multiple battery circuits may also include a battery, a first switch connected in parallel with the battery, and a second switch connected in series with the battery. Furthermore, each of the multiple battery circuits may be configured such that the battery is disconnected from the power supply circuit when the second switch is in the OFF state, and the battery is connected to the power supply circuit when the first switch is in the OFF state and the second switch is in the ON state.

[0011] According to the battery circuit with the above configuration, the battery can be properly connected / disconnected from the power supply circuit by means of the first switch and the second switch.

[0012] Each of the aforementioned battery circuits may also have a first output terminal and a second output terminal on which the battery voltage is applied when the first switch is in the off state and the second switch is in the on state. Furthermore, the second output terminal of one battery circuit can be connected to the first output terminal of an adjacent battery circuit, thereby connecting the battery circuits included in the battery string to each other.

[0013] The battery string may also include multiple battery circuits: multiple first battery circuits, each including a battery classified as a first battery; and multiple second battery circuits, each including a battery classified as a second battery. The control device may also be configured to send a first control command to the battery string when a first condition is met. The control device may also be configured to send a second control command to the battery string when a second condition is met. The battery string may also be configured to, upon receiving the first control command, drive the first and second switches of each first battery circuit to connect each battery included in the multiple first battery circuits to a power supply circuit. The battery string may also be configured to, upon receiving the second control command, drive the first and second switches of each second battery circuit to connect each battery included in the multiple second battery circuits to a power supply circuit.

[0014] Based on the above configuration, the first and second batteries included in the battery string can be appropriately distinguished and controlled.

[0015] The aforementioned control device can also generate control commands (e.g., a first control command or a second control command) for the battery string to make the output power of the battery string reach a target value. The first and second switches can each be semiconductor relays such as SSRs (Solid State Relays). An example of a semiconductor relay is a field-effect transistor.

[0016] The battery string may also include a control circuit, a first drive circuit, and a second drive circuit that generate switching signals according to control instructions from the control device. The first drive circuit may also be configured to drive the first and second switches of each of the plurality of first battery circuits using a first switch signal generated by the control circuit according to the first control instruction from the control device, or a switch signal obtained by delaying the first switch signal. The second drive circuit may also be configured to drive the first and second switches of each of the plurality of second battery circuits using a second switch signal generated by the control circuit according to the second control instruction from the control device, or a switch signal obtained by delaying the second switch signal.

[0017] Based on the above configuration, it is possible to properly control a battery string that includes many batteries.

[0018] The battery string can also be configured such that predetermined batteries (e.g., the first battery or the second battery) are sequentially connected to the power circuit according to control commands received from the control device described above. For example, in the battery string, the drive circuits provided for each battery circuit can also be arranged from upstream to downstream in the signal transmission direction. Furthermore, the drive circuit located at the very upstream can be configured to drive the first and second switches of the battery circuit corresponding to that drive circuit according to a switch signal generated based on the control command received from the control device described above, while each drive circuit not located at the very upstream can be configured to receive a switch signal from the upstream drive circuit, generate a switch signal that delays the received switch signal by a predetermined time, and drive the first and second switches of the battery circuit corresponding to that drive circuit according to the generated switch signal.

[0019] The first battery can also be a nickel-metal hydride battery. The second battery can also be a lithium-ion battery.

[0020] Most currently available electric vehicles use either nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries or lithium-ion batteries to store power for driving. The aforementioned power system can appropriately control the use of both NiMH and lithium-ion batteries, creating hybrid battery strings of different types. Therefore, efficient utilization of the batteries used in electric vehicles can be achieved.

[0021] In the power system described above, the second battery can also be compared with the first battery, with a smaller output power but a larger capacity.

[0022] In a power supply system with the above configuration, by combining a high-output, low-capacity first battery with a low-output, high-capacity second battery, the output characteristics of the battery string (especially the output power and output duration) can be varied extensively.

[0023] The control device can also be configured to discharge each battery connected to the power circuit when only the first battery in the battery string is connected to the power circuit, provided that the first condition is met. Alternatively, the control device can be configured to discharge each battery connected to the power circuit when only the second battery in the battery string is connected to the power circuit, provided that the second condition is met. Finally, the control device can be configured to discharge each battery connected to the power circuit when both the first and second batteries are connected to the power circuit, provided that the third predetermined condition is met.

[0024] Based on the above configuration, depending on which of the first to third conditions is met, the power supply circuit can selectively output power corresponding to the first battery, power corresponding to the second battery, and power corresponding to a combination of the first and second batteries. The first and second batteries can also have voltages close to the level at which both can operate simultaneously. The first to third conditions can also be set to be met only once.

[0025] The control device may also be configured to repeatedly charge and discharge each battery connected to the power circuit when the predetermined fourth condition is met, provided that at least one of the first battery and the second battery is connected to the power circuit.

[0026] The aforementioned power supply system can be used for energy management, for example. The aforementioned control device can also adjust the power frequency by repeatedly charging and discharging the batteries connected to the power circuit.

[0027] The power supply circuit can also be configured to be electrically connected to an external power source. The control device can also control the power supply circuit to adjust the power of the external power source using the input and output power of the power supply circuit. The control device can also be configured to determine whether each of the first, second, third, and fourth conditions is met, based on the required degree and duration of power adjustment.

[0028] The aforementioned control device can selectively perform the discharge of the first battery, the discharge of the second battery, the discharge of both the first and second batteries, and the repeated charging and discharging of at least one of the first and second batteries, depending on the required degree and duration of power adjustment. Based on this configuration, power adjustment of the external power supply can be easily and appropriately performed.

[0029] The power system may also include a management device for adjusting the power supply required by the control device from an external power source. The management device may also be a server that manages the supply and demand of the external power source. The power adjustment requested by the management device from the control device may also include power supply for compensating for insufficient power from the external power source and frequency adjustment of the power supplied by the external power source.

[0030] The above and other objects, features, conditions and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description relating to the invention, which is understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the configuration of the battery string.

[0033] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 The diagram shows the configuration of the drive circuit and battery circuit.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a timeline illustrating an example of the operation of a battery circuit controlled by a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the battery circuit in its operating state.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the state of the battery circuit during the delay period.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the state of the battery circuit during a shutdown period.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates an example of the operation of a battery string that performs Ni and Li outputs without performing delay processing based on each SUA.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a battery string performing Ni output under conditions of delayed processing.

[0041] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a battery string performing Li output under conditions of delayed processing.

[0042] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a battery string that performs Ni+Li output.

[0043] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a Ni+Li battery string undergoing charging and discharging.

[0044] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when it receives a request for power output.

[0045] Figure 15 This is a diagram used to illustrate the magnitude of the power output by the Li in the battery string and the duration of discharge.

[0046] Figure 16 This is a diagram used to illustrate the magnitude of the power output from Ni in a battery string and the duration of discharge.

[0047] Figure 17 It is shown in Figure 14A diagram illustrating an example of Ni+Li charge-discharge performed during the process shown.

[0048] Figure 18 It is shown Figure 14 The flowchart of the first variation of the process shown.

[0049] Figure 19 It is shown in Figure 14 The flowchart shows the process involved in frequency adjustment in the second variation of the process shown.

[0050] Figure 20 It is shown Figure 14 The flowchart of the third variation of the process is shown.

[0051] Figure 21 It is shown Figure 2 The diagram shows a modified example of the configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals without repeating the description.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the power supply system according to this embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The power system 1 includes: battery strings St1, St2, St3...; distribution panel 100; PCS (Power Conditioning System) 200; HUB 300; and GCU (Group Control Unit) 500.

[0054] The battery strings St1, St2, St3... included in the power system 1 may have different configurations, but in this embodiment, they have the same configuration. Hereinafter, unless described separately, each of the battery strings St1, St2, St3... will be referred to as "battery string St".

[0055] Battery strings St1, St2, St3… are connected to the distribution panel 100 via wires PL1, PL2, PL3… respectively. Circuit breakers R1, R2, R3… are installed on wires PL1, PL2, PL3… respectively. The GCU500 is configured to switch the connection / disconnection of wires PL1, PL2, PL3… by controlling the ON / OFF state of circuit breakers R1, R2, R3… respectively.

[0056] The distribution panel 100, PCS200, and wires (such as wires PL1, PL2, PL3, etc. included in the power system 1) form a power circuit that can be connected to the battery strings St1, St2, St3, etc. The power circuit of the power system 1 is electrically connected to at least one of the power supply object and the power system PG.

[0057] In power system 1, the power circuit connected to at least one battery string St is configured to output power generated by at least one battery string St to the object to be supplied. Furthermore, in power system 1, the power circuit connected to at least one battery string St is configured to supply power input from power system PG to at least one battery string St.

[0058] As described above, the power supply circuit of power supply system 1 is configured to be connected to power system PG. Specifically, PCS200 included in power supply system 1 is connected to distribution panel 100 via power line SL1, and connected to power system PG via power line SL2.

[0059] Furthermore, PCS200 is configured to switch the parallel (connection) / disconnection (breakdown) of the power supply circuit of power system 1 and power system PG. Power system PG is equivalent to an example of the "external power supply" of this disclosure.

[0060] PCS200 includes a power conversion device that performs a predetermined power conversion on power supplied from at least one battery string St via a switchboard 100. The power conversion device may also be an inverter that converts DC power to AC power.

[0061] In addition, the PCS200 also has operation control devices and protection devices. The PCS200 is configured to perform system coordinated control according to control commands from the GCU500 when the switchboard 100 is interconnected with the power system PG.

[0062] PCS200 uses power supplied from battery string St to adjust the power supplied from power system PG, and outputs the adjusted power to the target device. However, in the event of an anomaly in power system PG, GCU500 controls PCS200 to disconnect the switchboard 100 from power system PG. This stops the power supply from power system PG to the target device.

[0063] Additionally, the GCU500 controls the PCS200 to supply power from the battery string St as emergency power to the recipient. During the period until the power system PG is restored, each battery string St becomes the main power source, replacing the power system PG.

[0064] In this embodiment, a residential house is used as the power supply target. The PCS200 can also output power to a distribution panel (not shown) connected to the wiring (in-home wiring) within the residential house. However, the power supply target is not limited to residential houses and can be any location.

[0065] For example, the power supply can also be used for commercial facilities. Additionally, the power system 1 can be mounted on mobile vehicles such as cars, ships, drones, or space probes, serving as a power source for mobility.

[0066] Server 700 belongs to the power transmission and distribution operator. The power system PG is the power grid provided by the power company. The power company uses power plants and transmission and distribution equipment to construct the power grid (i.e., the power system PG), and maintains and manages Server 700 and the power system PG.

[0067] Server 700 is equivalent to the management computer of the power system PG. Server 700 manages the supply and demand of the power system PG. The power company can profit by transacting with consumers who use electricity (such as individuals or legal entities). The power system PG, for example, supplies electricity to consumers who have signed contracts with the power company.

[0068] In this embodiment, the supply target is a residence that receives electricity from the power system PG. The server 700 is configured to communicate with the GCU 500 and, as needed, request power adjustments from the power system PG to the GCU 500. The server 700 can also perform demand response (DR) on the GCU 500.

[0069] The GCU500 is configured to send signals (e.g., control commands) to the PCS200, battery strings St1, St2, St3... and circuit breakers R1, R2, R3... via the HUB300. The GCU500 is an example of the "control device" disclosed herein.

[0070] The HUB300 has multiple ports that can be connected to the PCS200, GCU500, battery strings St1, St2, St3… and circuit breakers R1, R2, R3… respectively. The HUB300 is configured to electrically amplify the input signal and output it to the designated port (i.e., the destination indicated by the input signal). The HUB300 can also have a switching function.

[0071] Unless otherwise specified, wires PL1, PL2, PL3… will each be referred to as “wire PL”, and circuit breakers R1, R2, R3… will each be referred to as “circuit breaker R”. Circuit breaker R may also be an electromagnetic mechanical relay. Circuit breaker R may also be configured to be manually switched on / off by the user.

[0072] Figure 2This is a diagram showing the configuration of the battery string St. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The battery string St has an SCU (String Control Unit) 10, drive circuits SUA1 to SUA16 and battery circuits BC1 to BC16.

[0073] SCU10 includes a control circuit that generates gate signals according to control instructions from GCU500. Details will be provided later. The gate signal is a signal that specifies the on / off timing of the switches included in each of the battery circuits BC1 to BC16, and is equivalent to an example of the "switch signal" of this disclosure.

[0074] In this embodiment, the SCU10 is configured to have a processor that performs predetermined calculations. Specifically, the SCU10 uses sensor signals described later to obtain the state of each battery included in the battery circuits BC1 to BC16. However, it is not limited to this; the power system 1 may also be configured so that no calculations are performed in the SCU10, but only in the GCU500.

[0075] Battery circuits BC1 to BC8 each include power circuits SUB1 to SUB8 and cartridges Cg1 to Cg8. Cartridges Cg1 to Cg8 each include batteries B1 to B8 and monitoring units BS1 to BS8. Power circuits SUB1 to SUB8 are connected to batteries B1 to B8 respectively, forming battery circuits BC1 to BC8, each including batteries B1 to B8. Each battery circuit BC1 to BC8 corresponds to an example of the "first battery circuit" of this disclosure. Drive circuits SUA1 to SUA8 are configured to drive the switches (more specifically, SW11 and SW12 described later) included in battery circuits BC1 to BC8 respectively. Drive circuits SUA1 to SUA8 function as the "first drive circuit" of this disclosure.

[0076] In this embodiment, batteries B1 to B8 are each nickel-metal hydride secondary batteries (hereinafter, there may be cases where they are referred to as "Ni-MH"). In this embodiment, batteries B1 to B8 are manufactured by connecting multiple Ni-MH batteries used in electric vehicles in series.

[0077] In this embodiment, batteries B1 to B8 are each composed of six Ni-MH modules (old batteries) with voltages of 6.0 to 7.2V connected in series. The total capacity of batteries B1 to B8 is, for example, 4Ah. The Ni-MH modules constituting each battery B1 to B8 are equivalent to high-output, low-capacity batteries.

[0078] Battery circuits BC9 to BC16 each include power circuits SUB9 to SUB16 and boxes Cg9 to Cg16. Boxes Cg9 to Cg16 each include batteries B9 to B16 and monitoring units BS9 to BS16. Power circuits SUB9 to SUB16 are connected to batteries B9 to B16 respectively, forming battery circuits BC9 to BC16, each including batteries B9 to B16.

[0079] Battery circuits BC9 to BC16 each correspond to an example of the "second battery circuit" of this disclosure. Drive circuits SUA9 to SUA16 are configured to drive the switches (more specifically, SW11 and SW12 described later) included in battery circuits BC9 to BC16, respectively. Drive circuits SUA9 to SUA16 function as the "second drive circuit" of this disclosure.

[0080] In this embodiment, batteries B9 to B16 are each lithium-ion secondary batteries (hereinafter, some may be designated as "LiB"). In this embodiment, batteries B9 to B16 are manufactured by connecting multiple LiB batteries used in electric vehicles in series.

[0081] In this embodiment, batteries B9 to B16 are each composed of 12 LiB cell units (old batteries) with a voltage of 3.1 to 3.8V connected in series. The total capacity of batteries B9 to B16 is, for example, 50 Ah. The LiB cells constituting each of batteries B9 to B16 are equivalent to low-output, high-capacity batteries, with lower output power but higher capacity compared to the Ni-MH cells constituting each of batteries B1 to B8.

[0082] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, drive circuits SUA1 to SUA16 will each be referred to as "SUA", power circuits SUB1 to SUB16 will each be referred to as "SUB", battery circuits BC1 to BC16 will each be referred to as "battery circuit BC", boxes Cg1 to Cg16 will each be referred to as "Cg", batteries B1 to B16 will each be referred to as "battery B", and monitoring units BS1 to BS16 will each be referred to as "monitoring unit BS". Each battery B corresponds to a battery element (a battery that constitutes a battery string).

[0083] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the aforementioned drive circuit (SUA) and battery circuit BC. Please refer to the diagram as well. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The battery circuit BC includes a power circuit (SUB), a box (Cg), and circuit breakers RB1 and RB2 (hereinafter referred to as "circuit breakers RB" without distinction). SUB and Cg are interconnected via circuit breakers RB1 and RB2.

[0084] SCU10 is configured to control the on / off state of each circuit breaker RB according to control commands from GCU500, and to switch the connection state (on / off) of SUB and Cg. Circuit breaker RBs can also be electromagnetic mechanical relays. Circuit breaker RBs can also be configured to be manually on / off by the user.

[0085] In this embodiment, the battery string St has multiple combinations, which have the same configuration and are interchangeable. These combinations are combinations of SUA, SUB, and circuit breaker RB. Therefore, SUA, SUB, and circuit breaker RB can also be modularized.

[0086] By modularizing common components, cost reduction can be expected through mass production. Furthermore, each module becomes easier to handle, making it easier to replace faulty modules.

[0087] Furthermore, Cg is designed to be detachable from SUB. For example, when circuit breakers RB1 and RB2 are both in the off state (open circuit state), the user can remove Cg from SUB. The battery string St can operate even with an empty box, so the user can easily increase or decrease the number of Cgs contained in the battery string St.

[0088] The battery string St can also have an empty box for installation. Such a battery string St is suitable for battery reuse.

[0089] In Cg, the monitoring unit BS is configured to detect the state of battery B (e.g., voltage, current, and temperature) and output the detection results to SCU10. The monitoring unit BS includes a voltage sensor for detecting the voltage of battery B, a current sensor for detecting the current of battery B, and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of battery B.

[0090] In addition, the monitoring unit BS can also be a BMS (Battery Management System) that, in addition to the above-mentioned sensor functions, also has SOC (State of Charge) estimation function, SOH (State of Health) estimation function, battery voltage equalization function, diagnostic function, and communication function.

[0091] Based on the output of each monitoring unit BS, SCU10 obtains the status (e.g., temperature, current, voltage, SOC, and internal resistance) of each battery B included in the battery circuits BC1 to BC16, and outputs the obtained status of each battery B to GCU500.

[0092] The GCU500 controls the charging and discharging of the battery string St to ensure that the SOC of each battery B in the battery string St is not lower than the lower limit SOC value and does not exceed the upper limit SOC value.

[0093] In this embodiment, the lower limit SOC value is set to 20%, and the upper limit SOC value is set to 80%. Therefore, each battery B included in the battery string St is charged and discharged within the SOC range of 20% to 80% (using the SOC range).

[0094] The battery circuits BC1 to BC16 contained in the battery string St are connected by a common wire PL. The wire PL includes the output terminals OT1 and OT2 of each battery circuit BC. The output terminal OT2 of each battery circuit is connected to the output terminal OT1 of the adjacent battery circuit, and the battery circuits BC contained in the battery string St are connected to each other.

[0095] For example, the output terminal OT2 of battery circuit BC1 is electrically connected to the output terminal OT1 of battery circuit BC2, which is adjacent to battery circuit BC1.

[0096] The SUB includes a first switching element 11 (hereinafter referred to as "SW11"), a second switching element 12 (hereinafter referred to as "SW12"), a first diode 13, a second diode 14, a choke 15, a capacitor 16, and output terminals OT1 and OT2.

[0097] SW11 and SW12 are each driven by SUA. In this embodiment, SW11 and SW12 are respectively equivalent to an example of the "first switch" and "second switch" of this disclosure.

[0098] Between output terminals OT1 and OT2 of SUB, SW11, capacitor 16, and battery B are connected in parallel. SW11 is located on wire PL and is configured to switch the connection state (on / off) of output terminals OT1 and OT2. Output terminal OT1 is connected to the positive terminal of battery B via wire BL1, and output terminal OT2 is connected to the negative terminal of battery B via wire BL2.

[0099] Circuit breakers RB1 and RB2 are respectively installed on wires BL1 and BL2. SW12 and choke 15 are also installed on wire BL1. In the battery circuit BC, when SW12, which is connected in series with battery B, is in the ON state (connected state) and SW11, which is connected in parallel with battery B, is in the OFF state (open state), the voltage of battery B is applied between the output terminals OT1 and OT2.

[0100] A capacitor 16 is provided between the output terminals OT1 and OT2 and the battery B, and is connected to wires BL1 and BL2 respectively. One end of the capacitor 16 is connected to wire BL1 between SW12 and choke coil 15. The capacitor 16 smooths the voltage of the battery B and outputs it between the output terminals OT1 and OT2.

[0101] SW11 and SW12 are each, for example, FETs (Field-Effect Transistors). Diode 13 and Diode 14 are connected in parallel with respect to SW11 and SW12, respectively. SW12 is located between the output terminal OT1 and the choke coil 15. The choke coil 15 is located between SW12 and the positive terminal of battery B.

[0102] An RCL filter is formed by battery B, choke 15, and capacitor 16. This RCL filter aims to equalize the current. Furthermore, SW11 and SW12 are not limited to FETs; they can also be switches other than FETs.

[0103] The drive circuit (SUA) is provided for each battery circuit BC. The SUA includes a GD (gate driver) 31 that drives SW11 and SW12 according to gate signals and a delay circuit 32 that delays the gate signals. SW11 and SW12 included in the battery circuit BC are each controlled to be turned on / off according to gate signals.

[0104] Figure 4 This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the battery circuit BC controlled by gate signals. In this embodiment, a rectangular wave signal is used as the gate signal to drive SW11 and SW12.

[0105] Figure 4 The "Low" and "High" in the gate signal diagram represent the L level and H level of the gate signal (rectangular wave signal), respectively. Additionally, "output voltage" refers to the voltage output between output terminals OT1 and OT2.

[0106] Refer to together Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the initial state of the battery circuit BC, no gate signal (gate signal = L level) is input to SUA, and SW11 and SW12 become ON (connected) and OFF (off) states, respectively.

[0107] When a gate signal is input to SUA, GD31 drives SW11 and SW12 according to the input gate signal. Figure 4 In the example shown, at time t1, the gate signal rises from level L to level H, and simultaneously with the rise of the gate signal, SW11 switches from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0108] Then, at time t2, after a predetermined time delay (hereinafter referred to as "dt1") following the rise of the gate signal, SW12 switches from the OFF state to the ON state. Thus, the battery circuit BC becomes operational. Hereinafter, the period from the rise of the gate signal to the passage of dt1 is also referred to as the "first delay period".

[0109] Figure 5This is a diagram showing the battery circuit BC in its operating state. (Refer to...) Figure 5 In the working state of the battery circuit BC, SW11 is turned off and SW12 is turned on, applying the voltage of battery B to the output terminals OT1 and OT2.

[0110] The voltage of battery B is applied between output terminals OT1 and OT2 via capacitor 16, and voltage Vm is output between output terminals OT1 and OT2. When battery circuit BC is in operation, battery B included in battery circuit BC is connected to the power supply circuit of power supply system 1.

[0111] Please refer to this again. Figure 3 and Figure 4 At time t3, when the gate signal drops from H level to L level, SW12 switches from ON state to OFF state simultaneously with the drop in the gate signal. As a result, the battery circuit BC is stopped.

[0112] In the stopped battery circuit BC, SW12 becomes OFF, and the voltage of battery B is no longer applied between output terminals OT1 and OT2. Then, at time t4, after a predetermined time delay (hereinafter referred to as "dt2") from the fall of the gate signal, SW11 switches from OFF to ON.

[0113] dt1 and dt2 can be the same or different from each other. In this embodiment, dt1 and dt2 are each set to 100n seconds. However, dt1 and dt2 can be set arbitrarily.

[0114] When the battery circuit BC is in a stopped state, the battery B contained in the battery circuit BC is disconnected from the power supply circuit of the power supply system 1.

[0115] Hereinafter, the period from the fall of the gate signal to the passage of dt2 is also called the "second delay period". In addition, the period from the end of the second delay period to the battery circuit BC becoming active is also called the "stop period".

[0116] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the state of the battery circuit BC during the delay period. (Example) Figure 6 As shown, during the first delay period and the second delay period respectively, both SW11 and SW12 are in the off state.

[0117] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the state of the battery circuit BC during the shutdown period. (Example) Figure 7 As shown, during the stop period, SW11 becomes the ON state and SW12 becomes the OFF state, just like in the initial state.

[0118] During either the aforementioned delay period or the stop period, the battery circuit BC is in a stopped state. In the stopped state of the battery circuit BC, no voltage is applied between the output terminals OT1 and OT2. By providing the first and second delay periods, the simultaneous on-state of SW11 and SW12 is prevented (i.e., the battery circuit BC becomes short-circuited).

[0119] As described above, battery circuits BC1 to BC16 each include batteries B1 to B16 in a configuration that allows them to be connected / disconnected relative to the power supply circuit of power system 1. Connection / disconnection of battery B is performed via SW11 and SW12.

[0120] Each battery circuit BC includes a battery B, an SW11 connected in parallel with battery B, and an SW12 connected in series with battery B. In each battery circuit BC, battery B is disconnected from the power supply circuit when SW12 is in the off state, and battery B is connected to the power supply circuit when SW11 is in the off state and SW12 is in the on state.

[0121] Please refer to this again. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the battery string St, the SUA circuits configured for each battery circuit BC are arranged from upstream to downstream in the signal transmission direction. The drive circuits SUA1 to SUA16 are arranged from upstream in the order of SUA1, SUA2, SUA3… That is, drive circuit SUA1 is located at the very upstream. SCU10 generates gate signals according to control instructions from GCU500 and outputs the generated gate signals to drive circuit SUA1.

[0122] In this embodiment, the control commands sent from GCU500 to SCU10 include commands for SCU10 (hereinafter referred to as "SCU commands") and commands for each SUA (hereinafter referred to as "SUA commands").

[0123] The SCU instruction includes switching information indicating the timing of the rise / fall of the gate signal. In addition to the rise / fall timing, the switching information can also specify the gate signal period and duty cycle (the proportion of the H-level period relative to the period).

[0124] SUA instructions include operating information for the battery circuit BC (i.e., at least one of battery circuits BC1 to BC16) that is the target of operation, and delay information indicating whether there is delay processing in each SUA.

[0125] In addition to specifying whether delay processing is present, the delay information can also specify the delay time in the delay processing. The GCU500 causes the SCU10 to generate the desired gate signal and, as needed, causes each SUA to delay the generated gate signal, thereby controlling the output of the battery string St. The GCU500 can also use a rectangular wave gate signal for PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control.

[0126] SCU10 generates gate signals according to the control instructions (SCU instructions) from GCU500, and sends the generated gate signals along with the SUA instructions to the drive circuit SUA1. The gate signals are transmitted downstream from the upstream drive circuit SUA1. Gate signals and SUA instructions are input to each SUA. The operation of each SUA is explained below.

[0127] Each SUA's GD31 determines whether the battery circuit BC corresponding to that SUA is a working object based on the SUA instruction (operation information). If the battery circuit BC corresponding to that SUA is a working object, GD31 drives SW11 and SW12 of the battery circuit BC according to the gate signal before transmitting the input gate signal and SUA instruction downstream.

[0128] GD31 operates at the timing indicated by the gate signal (e.g., Figure 4 The timing t2 shown causes the battery circuit BC to enter the working state, and the stop timing shown by the gate signal (e.g., Figure 4 The timing t3 shown causes the battery circuit BC to stop.

[0129] Each SUA's GD31 determines whether there is delay processing for the gate signal based on the SUA instruction (delay information). If the delay information indicates "delay processing exists", GD31 outputs the gate signal to the delay circuit 32.

[0130] The delay circuit 32 generates a gate signal that delays the input gate signal by a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the "SUA delay time"), and outputs the generated gate signal to the downstream SUA. The SUA delay time is, for example, a fixed value. However, it is not limited to this; the SUA delay time can also be set according to the SUA command (delay information) from the GCU500.

[0131] When the delay information indicates "no delay processing", GD31 outputs the gate signal directly to the downstream SUA without going through the delay circuit 32. Therefore, the delay processing based on the delay circuit 32 described above is not performed.

[0132] When the battery circuit BC corresponding to the SUA is not in operation, GD31 allows the input gate signal and SUA command to pass (straight-through). In this case, the switching of the battery circuit BC is not performed, and the gate signal is transmitted downstream to the SUA. Therefore, the battery circuit BC becomes stopped.

[0133] The downstream SUA (in this embodiment, the drive circuit SUA16) can also transmit the gate signal to SCU10 instead of the downstream SUA. By receiving the gate signal from the downstream SUA, SCU10 can recognize that the gate signal has been transmitted to the downstream end.

[0134] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the GCU500. Please refer to it as well. Figures 1-3 and Figure 8 The GCU500 is configured to perform comprehensive control on the multiple battery strings St contained in the power system 1.

[0135] The number of battery strings St included in the power system 1 can be 5 to 10. In addition, the number of battery strings included in the power system is arbitrary, and can be 2 to 4, or more than 100.

[0136] The GCU500 includes a control unit 510, a storage unit 520, a communication unit 530, an input unit 540, and a display unit 550. The control unit 510 may also be a computer.

[0137] The control device 510 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data processed by the processor. The storage device 520 is configured to store the stored information. For example, the storage device 520 stores programs executed by the processor and information used in the program (e.g., mappings, formulas, and various parameters). The communication device 530 includes various communication I / F (interfaces).

[0138] The control device 510 is configured to communicate with the external GCU 500 via the communication device 530. In this embodiment, the control device 510 executes a program stored in the storage device 520 to perform various processes in the GCU 500. However, the various processes in the GCU 500 are not limited to software-based execution; they can also be executed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuitry).

[0139] Input device 540 is a device that accepts input from the user. Input device 540 outputs a signal corresponding to the input from the user to control device 510. For example, the user can input predetermined instructions or requests to control device 510 or set parameter values ​​for control device 510 through input device 540.

[0140] Examples of input devices 540 include various switches (push-button switches, slide switches, etc.), various pointing devices (mice, touchpads, etc.), keyboards, and touch panels. Additionally, input device 540 may also include a smart speaker that accepts voice input.

[0141] The display device 550 is configured to display information input from the control device 510. The control device 510 can communicate information to the user via the display device 550. Examples of the display device 550 include a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and a touch panel display. The display device 550 may also have a speaker function.

[0142] The GCU500 uses battery IDs (identification information used to identify battery B) to distinguish and manage the information of each registered battery B. Specifically, Figure 8 The battery management information shown is stored in the storage device 520. The control device 510 can also display the battery management information on the display device 550.

[0143] Users can register battery B and update battery management information with GCU500 via input device 540. After battery B is registered with GCU500, a battery ID is assigned to it, and information related to battery B is appended to the battery management information once an association is established with that battery ID. GCU500 uses the battery management information to manage each battery B.

[0144] The battery management information for each registered battery B displays the string ID, battery ID, type, model, number, and group. The string ID in the battery management information indicates the battery string St to which battery B belongs. For example, Figure 8 In the text, “St-1” and “St-2” indicate that battery B, identified by its battery ID, belongs to battery string St1 and St2, respectively.

[0145] The type, model, and number of battery management information represent the type, model, and number of secondary batteries (modules / units) constituting battery B, respectively. In this embodiment, the battery type is either a nickel-metal hydride battery (Ni-MH) or a lithium-ion battery (LiB). The battery model indicates the battery's construction (e.g., size, shape, and material) and capacity.

[0146] Batteries with the same model number mean that their structure, capacity, and manufacturing conditions are roughly the same. For example, battery B, identified by battery ID "B-1", includes six Ni-MH modules with model number "XXX".

[0147] The battery management information group indicates the group to which battery B belongs. After battery B is registered with the GCU500, the GCU500 assigns battery B to a group based on the battery type. For example, for battery string St1, Ni-MH is assigned to group G1, and LiB is assigned to group G2.

[0148] Based on battery management information, the GCU500 classifies each battery B in battery string St1 into battery 1 and battery 2. In battery string St1, batteries B1 to B8 belonging to group G1 are each equivalent to battery 1, and batteries B9 to B16 belonging to group G2 are each equivalent to battery 2.

[0149] Furthermore, the information used to distinguish battery B is not limited to Figure 8 The battery management information shown. For example, the battery management information may not show the model number. Alternatively, the battery management information may show not only the model number but also the battery manufacturer.

[0150] When generating the aforementioned control commands, the GCU500 determines whether each group is a target for operation. Therefore, the GCU500 can perform charging and discharging control of the battery string St for each group.

[0151] In this embodiment, the working object indicated by the control command for battery string St1 is selected from group G1 only, group G2 only, or both groups G1 and G2. However, if the GCU500 detects a fault in battery B, it will remove the faulty battery B from the working object.

[0152] The following is for reference Figures 1-3 The working object indicated by the control command (working information) for battery string St1 is explained separately for the case of only group G1, only group G2, and both groups G1 and G2. The GCU500 uses the SUA command (working information) to indicate the working object for each SUA of battery string St1.

[0153] The battery circuits BC1 to BC8 each include batteries B1 to B8 (all Ni-MH) belonging to group G1.

[0154] When the SUA command sent from GCU500 to the upstream drive circuit SUA1 indicates that only group G1 (battery circuits BC1 to BC8) is the target of operation, drive circuit SUA1's GD31 activates battery circuit BC1 at the working timing indicated by the gate signal received from GCU500.

[0155] Subsequently, the drive circuit SUA1 transmits the gate signal and SUA instruction to the downstream drive circuit SUA2, with or without delay processing, according to the SUA instruction (delay information) received from GCU500.

[0156] Furthermore, the GD31 of the drive circuit SUA1 stops the battery circuit BC1, which is in the working state, at the stop timing indicated by the gate signal received from GCU500.

[0157] The GD31 of the drive circuits SUA2 to SUA8, which are located downstream of the drive circuit SUA1, activates the battery circuits BC2 to BC8 respectively at the working timing indicated by the gate signal received from the upstream SUA.

[0158] In addition, each of the drive circuits SUA2 to SUA8 transmits the gate signal and SUA instruction to the downstream SUA according to the SUA instruction (delay information) received from the upstream SUA, with or without delay processing of the gate signal.

[0159] Furthermore, each GD31 of the drive circuits SUA2 to SUA8 stops the battery circuit BC, which is in the working state, at the stop timing indicated by the gate signal received from the upstream SUA.

[0160] The GD31 of each of the drive circuits SUA9 to SUA16, which are located downstream of drive circuit SUA8, allows the gate signals and SUA commands received from upstream SUA to pass through downstream SUA. As a result, battery circuits BC9 to BC16 remain in a stopped state.

[0161] Thus, when the control command for battery string St1 indicates that the target is only group G1, only Ni-MH (the first battery) of battery B contained in battery string St1 is connected to the power supply circuit of power system 1. Hereinafter, this connection state will also be referred to as the "Ni connection state".

[0162] By controlling the PCS200 in the Ni-connected state, the GCU500 can discharge each Ni-MH connected to the power supply circuit (hereinafter also referred to as "Ni output"), charge each Ni-MH connected to the power supply circuit (hereinafter also referred to as "Ni input"), and alternately and repeatedly charge and discharge each Ni-MH connected to the power supply circuit (hereinafter also referred to as "Ni charge and discharge").

[0163] In the Ni output, each Ni-MH in the battery string St outputs power to the power circuit of the power system 1. In the Ni input, each Ni-MH in the battery string St is charged using the power supplied from the power system PG to the power circuit of the power system 1. Ni charging and discharging can also be continuous pulse charging and discharging.

[0164] The battery circuits BC9 to BC16 each include batteries B9 to B16 belonging to group G2 (all of which are LiB).

[0165] When the SUA command sent from GCU500 to the upstream drive circuit SUA1 indicates that only group G2 (battery circuits BC9 to BC16) is the working object, the GD31 of each of the drive circuits SUA1 to SUA8 enables the gate signal and SUA command received from GCU500 to be directly transmitted downstream via SUA. As a result, battery circuits BC1 to BC8 remain in a stopped state.

[0166] Then, GD31 of drive circuits SUA9 to SUA16, which are located downstream of drive circuit SUA8, activates battery circuits BC9 to BC16 respectively at the working timing indicated by the gate signal received from upstream SUA.

[0167] In addition, each of the drive circuits SUA9 to SUA16 transmits the gate signal and SUA instruction to the downstream SUA, with or without delay processing, according to the SUA instruction (delay information) received from the upstream SUA.

[0168] Furthermore, each GD31 of the drive circuits SUA9 to SUA16 stops the battery circuit BC, which is in the working state, at the stop timing indicated by the gate signal received from the upstream SUA.

[0169] As described above, when the control command for battery string St1 indicates that the target is only group G2, only LiB (the second battery) of battery B contained in battery string St1 is connected to the power supply circuit of power system 1. Hereinafter, this connection state will also be referred to as "Li connection state".

[0170] By controlling the PCS200 in the Li connection state, the GCU500 can discharge each LiB connected to the power supply circuit (hereinafter also referred to as "Li output"), charge each LiB connected to the power supply circuit (hereinafter also referred to as "Li input"), and alternately and repeatedly charge and discharge each LiB connected to the power supply circuit (hereinafter also referred to as "Li charge and discharge").

[0171] In the Li output, each LiB in the battery string St outputs power to the power circuit of power system 1. In the Li input, each LiB in the battery string St is charged using the power supplied from power system PG to the power circuit of power system 1. Li charging and discharging can also be continuous pulse charging and discharging.

[0172] When the SUA command sent from GCU500 to the upstream drive circuit SUA1 indicates that both groups G1 and G2 (battery circuits BC1 to BC16) are the working objects, the GD31 of drive circuits SUA1 to SUA16 will make battery circuits BC1 to BC16 respectively enter the working state at the working timing indicated by the input gate signal.

[0173] In addition, each GD31 of the drive circuit SUA1 to SUA16 transmits the gate signal and SUA instruction to the downstream SUA with or without delay processing according to the input SUA instruction (delay information).

[0174] Furthermore, each of the GD31 in the drive circuits SUA1 to SUA16 stops the battery circuit BC, which is in the working state, at the stop timing indicated by the input gate signal.

[0175] As described above, when the control command for battery string St1 indicates that the working objects are both groups G1 and G2, the Ni-MH and LiB components of battery string St1 are connected to the power supply circuit of power system 1.

[0176] Hereinafter, this connection state will also be referred to as the "Ni+Li connection state". By controlling the PCS200 in the Ni+Li connection state, the GCU500 can discharge each Ni-MH and each LiB connected to the power supply circuit (hereinafter also referred to as "Ni+Li output"), charge each Ni-MH and each LiB connected to the power supply circuit (hereinafter also referred to as "Ni+Li input"), and alternately and repeatedly charge and discharge each Ni-MH and each LiB connected to the power supply circuit (hereinafter also referred to as "Ni+Li charge and discharge").

[0177] In the Ni+Li output, each Ni-MH and each LiB component in the battery string St outputs power to the power circuit of power system 1. In the Ni+Li input, the power supplied from power system PG to the power circuit of power system 1 is used to charge each Ni-MH and each LiB component in the battery string St. Ni+Li charging and discharging can also be continuous pulse charging and discharging.

[0178] In the battery string St, the downstream drive circuit SUA16 outputs a gate signal to SCU10, for example. However, it is not limited to this; the drive circuit SUA16 can also stop the transmission of the gate signal.

[0179] In addition, GCU500 can send gate signals representing both the working timing and the stop timing to the drive circuit SUA1, or it can send a gate signal representing the stop timing to the drive circuit SUA1 after sending the gate signal representing the working timing.

[0180] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates an example of the operation of a battery string St that performs Ni and Li outputs without performing delay processing based on each SUA. Figure 9 The diagram shows the status (connected / disconnected) of batteries B1 to B16 and the output voltage of battery string St.

[0181] Refer to together Figure 2 and Figure 3 and Figure 9 The Ni output based on battery string St occurs when battery string St is in the Ni connected state. In the Ni connected state, batteries B1 to B8 are each connected to the power supply circuit, while batteries B9 to B16 are each disconnected from the power supply circuit. In the Ni output, power (voltage is...) is output from battery string St in the Ni connected state. Figure 9 VH1 in the middle).

[0182] On the other hand, the Li output based on the battery string St occurs when the battery string St is in the Li connected state. In the Li connected state, batteries B9 to B16 are each connected to the power supply circuit, while batteries B1 to B8 are each disconnected from the power supply circuit. In the Li output, power (voltage is...) is output from the battery string St in the Li connected state. Figure 9 VH2 in (the text is incomplete and cannot be translated).

[0183] Furthermore, the GCU500 can also perform PWM control on the output of the battery string St by adjusting the duty cycle of the gate signal. In addition, each SUA in the battery string St can also perform delay processing based on the delay circuit 32 when transmitting the gate signal downstream.

[0184] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates an example of the operation of the battery string St that performs Ni output under conditions of delayed processing. In this example, GCU500 sends an SCU instruction to SCU10, representing the initial rise timing, period, and duty cycle of the gate signal.

[0185] SCU10 generates a gate signal with the initial rise time, period, and duty cycle specified by the SCU instruction. Additionally, GCU500 sends a SUA instruction indicating delayed processing to SCU10. The delay time is, for example, a fixed value. Figure 10In the example shown, the duty cycle of the gate signal is 50%.

[0186] Figure 10 The diagram shows the states (connected / disconnected) of batteries B1 to B5 and the output voltage of battery string St. The states (connected / disconnected) of batteries B1 to B5 switch according to the rising / falling of the gate signal.

[0187] Refer to together Figure 2 and Figure 3 and Figure 10 In this operating mode, when the gate signal is transmitted to the drive circuits SUA1 to SUA8, the delay circuit 32 of each SUA delays the gate signal. Therefore, starting from the initial connection of battery B1 to the power supply circuit, batteries B2 to B8 are sequentially connected to the power supply circuit at predetermined delay times.

[0188] In addition, each Ni-MH connected to the power supply circuit is disconnected from the power supply circuit after a predetermined time (the time specified by the gate signal). Batteries B1 to B8 (Ni-MH batteries respectively) are connected to the power supply circuit in sequence and disconnected from the power supply circuit in sequence.

[0189] exist Figure 10 In the operating mode (scanning mode) shown, the Ni-MH connected to the power supply circuit is replaced (alternated), while a predetermined number of Ni-MH cells are always connected to the power supply circuit. On the other hand, batteries B9 to B16 (LiB cells respectively) are always disconnected from the power supply circuit. That is, the battery string St is in a Ni-connected state. Furthermore, power (voltage of...) is output from the Ni-connected battery string St. Figure 10 VH1 in the middle).

[0190] By sequentially operating multiple Ni-MHs in a scanning manner, the current and SOC of each Ni-MH contained in the battery string St can be equalized.

[0191] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates an example of the operation of a battery string St performing Li output under conditions of delayed processing. In this example, the Li output is performed in a scanning manner. The control mode is... Figure 10 The Ni output of the scanning method shown is the standard.

[0192] exist Figure 11 In the example shown, the duty cycle of the gate signal is 50%. Figure 11 The diagram shows the states (connected / disconnected) of batteries B9 to B13 and the output voltage of battery string St. The states (connected / disconnected) of batteries B9 to B13 switch according to the rising / falling of the gate signal.

[0193] Refer to together Figure 2 and Figure 3 and Figure 11In this operating mode, when the gate signal is transmitted to the drive circuits SUA9 to SUA16, the delay circuit 32 of each SUA delays the gate signal. Therefore, starting from the initial connection of battery B9 to the power supply circuit, batteries B10 to B16 are sequentially connected to the power supply circuit each time a predetermined delay time is elapsed.

[0194] Additionally, each LiB connected to the power supply circuit is disconnected from the power supply circuit after a predetermined time (specified by a gate signal). Batteries B9 through B16 (each a LiB) are connected to the power supply circuit in sequence and disconnected from it in sequence.

[0195] exist Figure 11 In the operating mode (scanning mode) shown, the LiB connected to the power supply circuit is replaced while a predetermined number of LiBs are always connected to the power supply circuit. On the other hand, batteries B1 to B8 (Ni-MH, respectively) are always disconnected from the power supply circuit. That is, the battery string St is in a Li-connected state. Furthermore, power (voltage of...) is output from the Li-connected battery string St. Figure 11 VH2 in (the text is incomplete and cannot be translated).

[0196] By sequentially activating multiple LiBs in a scanning manner, the current and SOC of each LiB contained in the battery string St can be equalized.

[0197] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a battery string St that performs Ni+Li output. Figure 12 The diagram shows the status (connected / disconnected) of batteries B1 to B16 and the output voltage of battery string St.

[0198] Refer to together Figure 2 and Figure 3 and Figure 12 The Ni+Li output based on battery string St occurs when battery string St is in the Ni+Li connected state. In the Ni+Li connected state, batteries B1 to B16 are each connected to the power supply circuit. In the Ni+Li output, power (voltage of...) is output from battery string St in the Ni+Li connected state. Figure 12 VH3 in (the text is incomplete and cannot be translated).

[0199] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a battery string St performing Ni+Li charging and discharging. Figure 13 The diagram shows the status (connected / disconnected) of batteries B1 to B16 and the voltage of battery string St (with the discharge side set to positive and the charging side set to negative).

[0200] Refer to together Figure 2 and Figure 3 and Figure 13The Ni+Li charging and discharging based on the battery string St takes place when the battery string St is in a Ni+Li connected state. In the Ni+Li connected state, batteries B1 to B16 are each connected to the power supply circuit. During Ni+Li charging and discharging, power (voltage of...) is output from the battery string St in the Ni+Li connected state. Figure 13 The discharge of Ni+Li (VH3) and the input of power (voltage of VH3) to the battery string St in the Ni+Li connection state. Figure 13 The Ni+Li in the -VH3) is charged repeatedly at predetermined cycles.

[0201] In Ni+Li charging and discharging, the electrical force output from the battery string St during one Ni+Li discharge is the same as the electrical force input to the battery string St during one Ni+Li charge. Therefore, even if the battery string St performs Ni+Li charging and discharging, the energy storage capacity of the battery string St (more specifically, the SOC of each Ni-MH and each LiB contained in the battery string St) will not decrease.

[0202] When the server 700 requests power adjustment of the power system PG, the GCU500 controls each battery string St and power circuit (e.g., each circuit breaker R and PCS200) to adjust the power of the power system PG using the input and output power of the power circuit.

[0203] The GCU500 can also control the PCS200 and each battery string St to perform one of the following: Ni output, Ni input, Ni charge / discharge, Li output, Li input, Li charge / discharge, Ni+Li output, Ni+Li input, and Ni+Li charge / discharge.

[0204] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by GCU500 when power output is requested from server 700. In this example, the degree and timing of power adjustment are sent from server 700 to GCU500. Server 700 specifies the magnitude of the power adjustment within the range of 0kW to 40kW, as the degree of power adjustment.

[0205] With at least one battery string St connected to the power circuit of power system 1, and the power circuit connected in parallel with power system PG, GCU500 controls at least one battery string St (e.g., battery string St1) in response to a request from server 700.

[0206] When the GCU500 is requested to output power from the server 700, it performs the following instructions. Figure 14 The process is shown below. The steps in the flowchart will be simply denoted as "S".

[0207] Refer to together Figures 1-3 and Figure 14 In S11, GCU500 determines whether the required adjustment power is below 10kW. If the determination result is "yes", in subsequent S21, it determines whether the required adjustment time is within 29.5 minutes. Furthermore, when both S11 and S21 determine "yes", in S31, GCU500 uses a gate signal with a 50% duty cycle to cause the battery string St1 to perform a scanning mode Li output that simultaneously connects half of the LiB to the power supply circuit.

[0208] In this way, GCU500 obtains the adjustment power and adjustment time requested by server 700, and if the adjustment power is below the predetermined first power and the adjustment time is within the predetermined first time, it causes battery string St1 to perform the Li output as described above.

[0209] The first time is set based on the discharge duration of Li output under the first power in battery string St1. In this embodiment, the first power is set to 10kW and the first time is set to 29.5 minutes.

[0210] Figure 15 This is a diagram used to illustrate the magnitude of the power output and discharge duration of Li in the battery string St1. (Refer to...) Figure 15 The discharge duration of the 10kW Li output in battery string St1 is 29.5 minutes.

[0211] The St1 battery string can continuously output 10kW of power for 29.5 minutes while changing the current from 55A and 183V (current: L level) to 67A and 149V (current: H level).

[0212] In this embodiment, the total capacity of the LiBs contained in the battery string St1 is 50Ah. Each LiB is charged and discharged within the SOC range of 20% to 80%. Therefore, the actual capacity of the LiBs is 30Ah (=50Ah×0.6).

[0213] The discharge duration mentioned above is calculated using the formula "30×2×60 / (55+67)=29.5". The GCU500 can also generate control commands for battery string St1 so that the power output of Li from battery string St1 is a target value (e.g., 10kW).

[0214] Please refer to this again. Figures 1-3 and Figure 14 When the judgment is "no" in S11, GCU500 determines in S12 whether the required adjustment power is below 25kW. If the judgment result is "yes", in the subsequent S22, it determines whether the required adjustment time is within 0.9 minutes.

[0215] Furthermore, when both S12 and S22 are judged as "yes", GCU500 in S32 uses a gate signal with a 50% duty cycle to enable the battery string St1 to perform a scanning mode Ni output that simultaneously connects half of the Ni-MH to the power supply circuit.

[0216] In this way, GCU500 obtains the adjustment power and adjustment time requested by server 700, and if the adjustment power is greater than the first power but less than the predetermined second power and the adjustment time is within the predetermined second time, it causes battery string St1 to perform the Ni output as described above.

[0217] The second time is set based on the discharge duration of Ni output under the second power in battery string St1. In this embodiment, the second power is set to 25kW and the second time is set to 0.9 minutes.

[0218] Figure 16 This is a diagram used to illustrate the magnitude of the power output from Ni in battery string St1 and the duration of discharge. (Refer to...) Figure 16 The discharge duration of the 25kW Ni output in battery string St1 is 0.9 minutes.

[0219] The battery string St1 can continuously output 25kW of power for 0.9 minutes while changing the current from 146A and 173V (current: L level) to 172A and 144V (current: H level). The Ni output voltage is set to be the same as the Li output voltage.

[0220] In this embodiment, the total capacity of the Ni output contained in the battery string St1 is 4Ah. Each Ni-MH is charged and discharged within the SOC range of 20% to 80%. Therefore, the actual capacity of the Ni-MH is 2.4Ah (=4Ah×0.6).

[0221] The discharge duration mentioned above is calculated using the formula "2.4×2×60 / (146+172)=0.9". The GCU500 can also generate control commands for the battery string St1 so that the power output of Ni in the battery string St1 is a target value (e.g., 25kW).

[0222] Furthermore, the smaller the output power, the longer the discharge duration of the battery string St. For example, when the output power of Ni in battery string St1 is changed from 25kW to 15kW, the discharge duration of Ni in battery string St1 becomes 1.5 minutes.

[0223] Furthermore, the higher the output voltage is due to increasing the number of cells (Cg) in the battery string St, the longer the discharge duration of the battery string St. For example, in the battery string St1, when the number of Ni-MH cells is increased from 8 to 16, the discharge duration of the Ni output (25kW) in the battery string St1 becomes 1.8 minutes.

[0224] Please refer to this again. Figures 1-3 and Figure 14 If the judgment in S12 is "No", the GCU500 will determine in S23 whether the required adjustment time is within 10 seconds. A judgment of "No" in S12 means that the required adjustment power exceeds 25kW but is less than 40kW.

[0225] Furthermore, when the determination is "yes" in S23, GCU500 in S33 causes the battery string St1 to perform a scanning mode Ni+Li output that simultaneously connects half of the Ni-MH and half of the LiB to the power supply circuit with a gate signal with a 50% duty cycle.

[0226] In this way, GCU500 obtains the adjustment power and adjustment time requested by server 700. If the adjustment power is greater than the second power but less than the predetermined third power and the adjustment time is within the predetermined third time, the battery string St1 performs the Ni+Li output as described above.

[0227] The third time is set based on the discharge duration of the Ni+Li output under the third power in battery string St1. In this embodiment, the third power is set to 40kW, and the third time is set to 10 seconds. The calculation formula is omitted, but the discharge duration of the 40kW Ni+Li output in battery string St1 is 10 seconds.

[0228] When the judgment is "no" in any of S21 to S23 above, GCU500 in S34 causes the battery string St1 to perform Ni+Li charging and discharging in a scanning mode, simultaneously connecting half of Ni-MH and half of LiB to the power supply circuit, with a gate signal of 50% duty cycle.

[0229] In this way, if the adjustment time requested by the server 700 exceeds the allowable range of the battery string St1, the GCU500 will not output the required power, but will adjust the frequency of the power system PG by charging and discharging Ni+Li.

[0230] Figure 17 It is shown in Figure 14 A diagram illustrating an example of Ni+Li charge / discharge performed in S34. (Refer to...) Figure 17Battery string St1 performs continuous pulse charge and discharge, for example, with a duty cycle of 50% and a cycle of 20 seconds. Thus, 10 seconds of 40kW discharge and 10 seconds of 40kW charge are alternately and repeatedly performed.

[0231] A total of 40kW of charge and discharge is achieved by using LiB for 15kW charge and discharge and Ni-MH for 25kW charge and discharge.

[0232] When the GCU500 is requested to output power from the server 700, it does so via the above... Figure 14 The process shown is used to adjust the power supply of the power system PG. For example, the GCU500 can also supply power from the power supply circuit of the power system 1 to the residence (the recipient) in order to reduce the power consumption of the power system PG.

[0233] The GCU500 can also use the power from the battery string St to compensate for temporary power shortages in the power system PG. The GCU500 can also supply power from the battery string St to the residence (the recipient) during a power outage in the power system PG. The GCU500 can also adjust the frequency of the power supplied to the residence (the recipient) through the charging and discharging control of the battery string St.

[0234] As explained above, the power system 1 of this embodiment includes a power circuit that can be connected to multiple battery strings St and a GCU500 (control device) that controls each battery string St (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0235] The battery string St includes interconnected battery circuits BC1 to BC16 (see reference). Figure 2 The battery circuits BC1 to BC16 each include batteries B1 to B16 in a configuration that allows them to be connected / disconnected relative to the power supply circuit of the power supply system 1 (see reference). Figure 3 The GCU500 classifies the batteries B1 to B16 contained in the battery string St into battery group 1 (G1) and battery group 2 (G2) (see reference). Figure 8 ).

[0236] Furthermore, when the predetermined first condition is met, GCU500 connects only the first battery (at least one of batteries B1 to B8) from batteries B1 to B16 included in the battery string St to the power supply circuit of the power supply system 1, and performs Ni output. In this embodiment, the first battery is set as a nickel-metal hydride battery.

[0237] exist Figure 14 In the process shown, the first condition is met when the condition is "no" in S11 and "yes" in both S12 and S22. When the first condition is met, GCU500 sends the first control command, which specifies the battery circuits BC1 to BC8 as the target, to the battery string St.

[0238] When the battery string St receives the first control command, it drives the SW11 and SW12 of each of the battery circuits BC1 to BC8 to connect the batteries B1 to B8 contained in the battery circuits BC1 to BC8 to the power circuit of the power system 1.

[0239] More specifically, the drive circuit SUA1 uses the gate signal (first switch signal) generated by SCU10 (control circuit) according to the first control command from GCU500 to drive SW11 and SW12 of the battery circuit BC1.

[0240] In addition, drive circuits SUA2 to SUA8 use gate signals obtained by delaying, for example, the gate signal (first switch signal) generated by SCU10, to drive SW11 and SW12 of battery circuits BC2 to BC8 respectively.

[0241] Furthermore, when the predetermined second condition is met, GCU500 connects only the second battery (at least one of batteries B9 to B16) from batteries B1 to B16 included in the battery string St to the power supply circuit of the power supply system 1, and performs Li output. In this embodiment, the second battery is a lithium-ion battery.

[0242] exist Figure 14 In the process shown, the second condition is met when both S11 and S21 are judged as "yes". When the second condition is met, GCU500 sends a second control command, specifying battery circuits BC9 to BC16 as the target, to the battery string St.

[0243] When the battery string St receives the second control command, it drives SW11 and SW12 of each of the battery circuits BC9 to BC16, thereby connecting the batteries B9 to B16 contained in the battery circuits BC9 to BC16 to the power circuit of the power system 1. More specifically, the drive circuit SUA9 uses the gate signal (second switch signal) generated by SCU10 (control circuit) according to the second control command from GCU500 to drive SW11 and SW12 of the battery circuit BC9.

[0244] In addition, drive circuits SUA10 to SUA16 use gate signals obtained by delaying, for example, the gate signal (second switch signal) generated by SCU10, to drive SW11 and SW12 of battery circuits BC10 to BC16 respectively.

[0245] Furthermore, when the predetermined third condition is met, GCU500 connects both the first and second batteries (at least one of batteries B1 to B8 and at least one of batteries B9 to B16) contained in the battery string St to the power supply circuit of power system 1, and performs Ni+Li output. Figure 14 In the process shown, the third condition is met when both S11 and S12 are judged as "no" and S23 is judged as "yes".

[0246] Additionally, when the predetermined fourth condition is met, the GCU500 connects both the first and second batteries contained in the battery string St to the power circuit of the power system 1, performing Ni+Li charging and discharging. Figure 14 In the process shown, if conditions 1 through 3 are not met, then condition 4 is met.

[0247] Condition 1 through condition 4 must be met in one of the following locations. Figure 14 In the processing shown, GCU500 uses the required degree of power adjustment (e.g., power magnitude) and adjustment time to determine whether each of the first, second, third, and fourth conditions is met. Therefore, power system 1 can perform appropriate power adjustments according to the requirements from server 700.

[0248] also, Figure 4 The operation mode of the battery string St1 in S31 to S34 is not limited to the scanning mode; it can also be... Figure 9 , Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 The operating mode is shown. Additionally, the first to third power levels and the first to third time periods can also be varied. For example, the first to third time periods can also be varied depending on the SOC range of the battery string St.

[0249] In the above embodiments, the case where the GCU500 is requested to output power from the server 700 is mentioned. However, when the GCU500 is requested to input power from the server 700, it can also control each battery string St and power circuit (e.g., each circuit breaker R and PCS200) in response to the request from the server 700.

[0250] The GCU500 can also, for example, store the remaining power of the power system PG in the battery string St by executing one of the Ni input, Li input, or Ni+Li input.

[0251] In the above embodiment, the power system 1 includes multiple battery strings St that have the same configuration. However, it is not limited to this; the power system may also include, for example, battery string St1, battery string St2 with a higher capacity than battery string St1, and battery string St3 with a higher output than battery string St1. Furthermore, the GCU500 can be used instead. Figure 14 The following instructions describe the process as shown. Figure 18 The processing is shown.

[0252] Figure 18 It is shown Figure 14The flowchart of the first variation of the process shown. Figure 18 The processing shown, in addition to Figure 14 The process shown adds S13 and replaces S34. Figure 14 In addition to S35 and S36, it also adopts other technologies. Figure 14 The processing shown is the same. S13, S35, and S36 will be explained below.

[0253] Refer to together Figures 1-3 and Figure 18 In this variant, there is no limit to the regulated power required by the server 700 for the GCU500, and sometimes the regulated power required by the GCU500 exceeds 40kW.

[0254] When the result in S12 is "No", GCU500 determines in S13 whether the required adjustment power is below 40kW. If the result is "Yes", it determines in subsequent S23 whether the required adjustment time is within 10 seconds.

[0255] Furthermore, when both S13 and S23 are determined to be "yes", GCU500 causes the battery string St1 to perform Ni+Li output in S33.

[0256] Additionally, if any of S21 to S23 is determined to be "No", GCU500 performs discharge control of the high-capacity battery string St2 in S35 in response to a request from server 700. A determination of "No" in any of S21 to S23 means that the required adjustment time exceeds the allowable range of battery string St1.

[0257] Additionally, if the determination in S13 is "No", the GCU500 performs discharge control of the high-output battery string St3 in S36 in response to a request from the server 700. A determination of "No" in S13 means that the requested adjustment power exceeds the allowable range of the battery string St1.

[0258] Additionally, the GCU500 can also perform the following operations when requested by the server 700 to adjust the frequency. Figure 19 The processing is shown.

[0259] Figure 19 It is shown in Figure 14 The flowchart of the frequency adjustment process in the second variation of the process shown is included. See also... Figures 1-3 and Figure 19 In this variant, GCU500 determines in S51 whether the required adjustment power is less than 10kW.

[0260] Furthermore, when the determination is "yes" in S51, GCU500 performs Li charging and discharging on battery string St1 in S52. When the determination is "no" in S51, GCU500 determines in S53 whether the required adjustment power is 25kW or less.

[0261] Furthermore, when the determination is "yes" in S53, GCU500 performs Ni charging and discharging on battery string St1 in S54. When the determination is "no" in S53, GCU500 determines in S55 whether the required adjustment power is below 40kW.

[0262] Furthermore, when the determination is "yes" in S55, GCU500 performs Ni+Li charging and discharging on battery string St1 in S56. On the other hand, when the determination is "no" in S55, GCU500 performs charging and discharging control on high-output battery string St3 in S57 in response to a request from server 700.

[0263] The first and second modifications described above can also be implemented in combination. Based on the power supply system of each of the above modifications, a wider range of power adjustments can be made.

[0264] The GCU500 can also determine whether the first and second conditions are met based solely on the required power level.

[0265] Figure 20 It is shown Figure 14 The flowchart for the third variation of the process is shown. See also... Figures 1-3 and Figure 20 In this modified example, in S61, GCU500 determines whether the required output power is above a predetermined reference value.

[0266] When the condition is "yes" in S61, GCU500 causes battery string St1 to output Ni in S62. On the other hand, when the condition is "no" in S61, GCU500 causes battery string St1 to output Li in S63.

[0267] The GCU500 can also perform power supply functions in power systems mounted on mobile bodies (such as vehicles). Figure 20 The process is shown. In such a moving body, a high-output Ni is executed when instantaneous power is required for movement.

[0268] In the above embodiment, the drive circuit of the non-operating battery circuit is configured such that the switch signal (gate signal) is passed through. However, this is not a limitation, and the signal lines for the switch signal can also be configured according to each battery type.

[0269] Figure 21 It is shown Figure 2The diagram shows a modified example of the configuration. (Refer to...) Figure 21 The battery string in this modified example has a signal line SWL1 for transmitting switch signals (gate signals) to drive circuits SUA1 to SUA8 and a signal line SWL2 for transmitting switch signals (gate signals) to drive circuits SUA9 to SUA16.

[0270] SCU10 will send the gate signal (first switch signal) generated according to the first control command from GCU500 to signal line SWL1. In this case, drive circuit SUA1 receives the gate signal (first switch signal) generated by SCU10.

[0271] Additionally, SCU10 will send a gate signal (second switch signal) generated according to the second control command from GCU500 to signal line SWL2. In this case, drive circuit SUA9 receives the gate signal (second switch signal) generated by SCU10.

[0272] With this configuration, the pass-through function of GD31 can be omitted.

[0273] The first and second batteries are not limited to the nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries mentioned above. The first and second batteries can also be two types of batteries with significantly different voltages.

[0274] In the above embodiment, the GCU500 distinguishes the multiple batteries B contained in the battery string St into two categories (battery 1 / battery 2), but it can also distinguish them into three or more categories. For example, the first battery can be a nickel-metal hydride battery, the second battery can be a lithium-ion battery, the third battery can be a lead-acid battery, and the fourth battery can be a lithium-air battery. The GCU500 classifies the multiple batteries B contained in the battery string St into one of the four types of batteries.

[0275] Additionally, the GCU500 can also distinguish the multiple batteries B contained in the battery string St based on their capacity. For example, the first battery can be set to low capacity, the second battery to medium capacity, and the third battery to high capacity.

[0276] The power system does not necessarily have to include multiple battery strings; the number of battery strings can also be one.

[0277] Embodiments of the present invention have been described, but it should be considered that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-limiting in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and is intended to include all modifications of the same meaning and scope as the claims.

Claims

1. A power supply system, comprising: Power supply circuit; Battery strings, capable of being connected to the power supply circuit; and Control device, controls the battery string, The battery string comprises multiple battery circuits connected in series with each other. Each of the plurality of battery circuits includes a battery in a manner that allows it to be connected / disconnected relative to the power supply circuit. The control device is configured to distinguish at least two batteries in the battery string: a first battery and a second battery. When a predetermined first condition is met, only the first battery in the battery string is connected to the power supply circuit. When a predetermined second condition is met, only the second battery in the battery string is connected to the power supply circuit. Compared to the first battery, the second battery has a smaller output power but a larger capacity. The first condition is the condition of using the first battery alone, and the second condition is the condition of using the second battery alone.

2. The power supply system according to claim 1, Each of the plurality of battery circuits is configured to include the battery, a first switch connected in parallel with the battery, and a second switch connected in series with the battery. When the second switch is in the off state, the battery is disconnected from the power supply circuit, and when the first switch is in the off state and the second switch is in the on state, the battery is connected to the power supply circuit.

3. The power supply system according to claim 2, The plurality of battery circuits included in the battery string include: A plurality of first battery circuits, each including a battery classified as the first battery; and multiple second battery circuits, each including a battery classified as said second battery, The control device is configured to send a first control command to the battery string when the first condition is met, and to send a second control command to the battery string when the second condition is met. When the battery string receives the first control command, it drives the first switch and the second switch of each first battery circuit to connect each battery included in the plurality of first battery circuits to the power supply circuit. When it receives the second control command, it drives the first switch and the second switch of each second battery circuit to connect each battery included in the plurality of second battery circuits to the power supply circuit.

4. The power supply system according to claim 3, The battery string also includes: The control circuit generates switching signals according to control instructions from the control device; The first drive circuit uses the first switch signal generated by the control circuit according to the first control command from the control device or the switch signal obtained by delaying the first switch signal to drive the first switch and the second switch of each of the plurality of first battery circuits. as well as The second drive circuit uses the control circuit to drive the first switch and the second switch of each of the plurality of second battery circuits according to the second switch signal generated by the control circuit according to the second control command from the control device or the switch signal obtained by delaying the second switch signal.

5. The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The first battery is a nickel-metal hydride battery. The second battery is a lithium-ion battery.

6. The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, When the first condition is met, the control device discharges each battery connected to the power circuit when only the first battery in the battery string is connected to the power circuit. When the second condition is met, it discharges each battery connected to the power circuit when only the second battery in the battery string is connected to the power circuit. When a predetermined third condition is met, it discharges each battery connected to the power circuit when both the first battery and the second battery are connected to the power circuit.

7. The power supply system according to claim 6, The control device is configured to repeatedly charge and discharge each battery connected to the power circuit when a predetermined fourth condition is met, provided that at least one of the first battery and the second battery is connected to the power circuit.

8. The power supply system according to claim 7, The power supply circuit is configured to be electrically connected to an external power source. The control device controls the power supply circuit so that the power input and output of the power supply circuit are used to adjust the power of the external power source. The control device uses the required degree and duration of power adjustment to determine whether each of the first, second, third, and fourth conditions is met.

9. A control device for controlling a battery string that can be connected to a power supply circuit. The battery string comprises multiple battery circuits connected in series with each other. Each of the plurality of battery circuits includes a battery in a manner that allows it to be connected / disconnected relative to the power supply circuit. The control device is configured to distinguish at least two batteries in the battery string: a first battery and a second battery. When a predetermined first condition is met, only the first battery in the battery string is connected to the power supply circuit. When a predetermined second condition is met, only the second battery in the battery string is connected to the power supply circuit. Compared to the first battery, the second battery has a smaller output power but a larger capacity. The first condition is the condition of using the first battery alone, and the second condition is the condition of using the second battery alone.

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