Vehicle operation management method, vehicle operation management device, and vehicle operation management program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle operation management method, a vehicle operation management device, and a vehicle operation management program. A maintenance period acquisition unit (231) acquires a predetermined periodic inspection and maintenance period for each of a plurality of electric vehicles (1). A battery remaining life prediction unit (232) predicts the remaining life of each battery (13) according to the state of each battery (13) of the plurality of electric vehicles (1). An operation plan preparation unit (233) prepares an operation plan for the plurality of electric vehicles (1) based on the periodic inspection and maintenance period of each of the plurality of electric vehicles (1) and the remaining life of each battery (13) of the plurality of electric vehicles (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to technology for managing the operation of multiple electric vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Batteries installed in electric vehicles have a limited lifespan. When batteries reach the end of their lifespan, they need to be replaced. However, for businesses such as transportation companies that operate multiple electric vehicles, replacing batteries simultaneously across multiple vehicles incurs both the labor costs required for replacement and losses caused by the inability to operate the electric vehicles during the replacement period.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a management center of a vehicle control system calculates a battery life variable representing the degree of secondary battery degradation for each of multiple driving routes based on data received from the vehicles. Based on the battery life variable, multiple operating modes are set, each with a set number of operating days for each driving route, thereby distributing the life of the secondary batteries. Thus, Patent Document 1 distributes the life of the secondary batteries across multiple vehicles.

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, it is difficult to reduce the loss caused by stopping the operation of the electric vehicle, and further improvement is needed.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5186287 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology capable of reducing losses caused by stopping the operation of an electric vehicle.

[0009] The vehicle operation management method involved in the present disclosure enables a computer to perform the following operations: obtain predetermined regular inspection and maintenance periods for each of a plurality of electric vehicles; predict the remaining life of each battery according to the status of each battery of the plurality of electric vehicles; and prepare operation plans for the plurality of electric vehicles based on the regular inspection and maintenance periods of each of the plurality of electric vehicles and the remaining life of each of the plurality of electric vehicles.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce losses caused by stopping the operation of an electric vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a vehicle management system in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an electric vehicle in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining the remaining life prediction process of the storage battery implemented by the remaining battery life prediction unit in the present embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between the remaining battery life ratio and the predicted replacement time in this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a flowchart for explaining the vehicle operation management process of the server in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the route allocation process implemented by the route allocation unit in this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the route allocation process implemented by the route allocation unit in the first modification of the present embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the route allocation process implemented by the route allocation unit in the second modification of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] (Knowledge that forms the basis of this disclosure)

[0021] Electric vehicles have predetermined regular inspection and maintenance periods. In the above-mentioned prior art, the replacement period of secondary batteries and the costs required for the replacement of secondary batteries are dispersed. However, in the prior art, the regular inspection and maintenance period of the vehicle was not taken into account, and there was a concern that the battery replacement period and the regular inspection and maintenance period would deviate. If the battery replacement period and the regular inspection and maintenance period deviate, it will be necessary to stop the operation for battery replacement and for regular inspection and maintenance. Therefore, there was a concern in the past about the operating costs required for these two downtime periods and the business losses caused by the inability to operate.

[0022] In order to solve the above problems, a vehicle operation management method involved in one embodiment of the present invention enables a computer to perform the following operations: obtain predetermined regular inspection and maintenance periods for each of a plurality of electric vehicles; predict the remaining life of each battery according to the status of each battery of the plurality of electric vehicles; and prepare operation plans for the plurality of electric vehicles based on the regular inspection and maintenance periods of each of the plurality of electric vehicles and the remaining life of each of the plurality of electric vehicles.

[0023] This configuration allows multiple electric vehicle operation plans to be created so that the period from now until the electric vehicle's scheduled inspection and maintenance is consistent with the remaining battery life. This allows the battery to be replaced during scheduled inspection and maintenance. This reduces the number of times the electric vehicle's operation must be stopped for regular inspection and maintenance or battery replacement, thereby reducing losses incurred by stopping the operation of the electric vehicle.

[0024] In addition, in the above-mentioned vehicle operation management method, in the preparation of the operation plan, the operation plan of the multiple electric vehicles can also be prepared in a manner such that the electric vehicle with a longer remaining life has a longer operating distance compared to the period from now to the period of regular inspection and maintenance, and the electric vehicle with a shorter remaining life has a shorter operating distance compared to the period from now to the period of regular inspection and maintenance.

[0025] According to this configuration, an electric vehicle with a longer remaining battery life than the period until the scheduled inspection and maintenance period travels a longer distance, causing battery degradation to progress, allowing the battery replacement period to be closer to the scheduled inspection and maintenance period. Furthermore, an electric vehicle with a shorter remaining battery life than the period until the scheduled inspection and maintenance period travels a shorter distance, thereby suppressing battery degradation and allowing the battery replacement period to be closer to the scheduled inspection and maintenance period.

[0026] In addition, in the above-mentioned vehicle operation management method, in the preparation of the operation plan, the remaining life ratio obtained by dividing the remaining life by the period from now to the regular inspection and maintenance period can also be calculated, and the operation plan of the multiple electric vehicles can be prepared in such a manner that the electric vehicle with a larger remaining life ratio has a longer operating distance, and the electric vehicle with a smaller remaining life ratio has a shorter operating distance.

[0027] According to this configuration, an electric vehicle with a larger remaining life ratio (the ratio obtained by dividing the remaining battery life by the period from now to the scheduled inspection and maintenance) travels longer distances, causing battery degradation to progress, allowing the battery replacement period to be closer to the scheduled inspection and maintenance period. Furthermore, an electric vehicle with a smaller remaining life ratio (the ratio obtained by dividing the remaining battery life by the period from now to the scheduled inspection and maintenance period) travels shorter distances, thereby suppressing battery degradation and allowing the battery replacement period to be closer to the scheduled inspection and maintenance period.

[0028] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vehicle operation management method, in creating the operation plan, a plurality of predetermined operation routes may be allocated to the plurality of electric vehicles.

[0029] According to this configuration, since a plurality of predetermined travel routes are allocated to a plurality of electric vehicles, the travel routes of each of the plurality of electric vehicles can be easily determined, and the travel plans can be easily prepared.

[0030] Furthermore, in the vehicle operation management method described above, in creating the operation plan, an operation route having the shortest operation distance may be allocated to the electric vehicle having the smallest remaining life ratio.

[0031] According to this configuration, the electric vehicle having the smallest remaining life ratio runs the shortest distance, so that battery degradation is further suppressed, and the battery replacement time can be reliably brought closer to the regular inspection and maintenance time.

[0032] In addition, in the above-mentioned vehicle operation management method, in the preparation of the operation plan, at least one of the multiple operation routes can be allocated to at least one electric vehicle among the multiple electric vehicles whose remaining life ratio is below a given value in order from the shortest operation distance.

[0033] According to this configuration, the remaining life of the battery of at least one electric vehicle can be extended by suppressing the operation of at least one electric vehicle having a remaining life ratio below a given value, and the replacement time of the battery of at least one electric vehicle can be brought closer to the regular inspection and maintenance time.

[0034] In addition, in the above-mentioned vehicle operation management method, in the preparation of the operation plan, a given number of operation routes arranged in sequence from the operation route with the shortest operation distance among the multiple operation routes can also be allocated to a given number of electric vehicles arranged in sequence from the electric vehicle with the smallest remaining life ratio among the multiple electric vehicles.

[0035] According to this structure, by suppressing the operation of a given number of electric vehicles arranged in sequence from the electric vehicle with the smallest remaining life ratio among multiple electric vehicles, the remaining life of the batteries of the given number of electric vehicles is extended, and the replacement period of the batteries of the given number of electric vehicles can be brought close to the regular inspection and maintenance period.

[0036] In addition, in the above-mentioned vehicle operation management method, in the preparation of the operation plan, the multiple electric vehicles can also be arranged in the order of the remaining life ratio from small to large, and the multiple operation routes can be arranged in the order of operation distance from short to long, and each of the multiple operation routes arranged in the order of short to long can be assigned to each of the multiple electric vehicles arranged in the order of small to large.

[0037] According to this structure, each of a plurality of operating routes arranged in order of operating distance from short to long is assigned to each of a plurality of electric vehicles arranged in order of remaining life ratio from small to large, thereby enabling the replacement period of the batteries of each of the plurality of electric vehicles to be close to the regular inspection and maintenance period of each of the plurality of electric vehicles.

[0038] In addition, in the above-mentioned vehicle operation management method, when preparing the operation plan, when multiple regular inspection and maintenance periods are obtained for an electric vehicle, the regular inspection and maintenance period that is closest to the predicted replacement period from now to the end of the remaining life can also be selected from the multiple regular inspection and maintenance periods.

[0039] According to this configuration, when multiple regular inspection and maintenance periods are obtained for a single electric vehicle, the regular inspection and maintenance period closest to the predicted replacement period from the present time until the remaining life of the battery is reached is selected from among the multiple regular inspection and maintenance periods. Consequently, it is possible to create operation plans for multiple electric vehicles such that the period from the present time until the regular inspection and maintenance period closest to the predicted replacement period coincides with the remaining life of the battery, thereby reliably aligning the battery replacement period with the regular inspection and maintenance period.

[0040] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle operation management device comprising: an acquisition unit for acquiring predetermined regular inspection and maintenance periods for each of a plurality of electric vehicles; a prediction unit for predicting the remaining life of each of the batteries according to the status of each of the batteries of the plurality of electric vehicles; and a production unit for producing operation plans for the plurality of electric vehicles based on the regular inspection and maintenance periods and the remaining life of each of the plurality of electric vehicles.

[0041] This configuration allows multiple electric vehicle operation plans to be created so that the period from now until the electric vehicle's scheduled inspection and maintenance is consistent with the remaining battery life. This allows the battery to be replaced during scheduled inspection and maintenance. This reduces the number of times the electric vehicle's operation must be stopped for regular inspection and maintenance or battery replacement, thereby reducing losses incurred by stopping the operation of the electric vehicle.

[0042] Another embodiment of the present disclosure involves a vehicle operation management program that enables a computer to perform the following functions: obtain predetermined regular inspection and maintenance periods for each of a plurality of electric vehicles; predict the remaining life of each battery according to the status of each battery of the plurality of electric vehicles; and prepare operation plans for the plurality of electric vehicles based on the regular inspection and maintenance periods and the remaining life of each battery of the plurality of electric vehicles.

[0043] This configuration allows multiple electric vehicle operation plans to be created so that the period from now until the electric vehicle's scheduled inspection and maintenance is consistent with the remaining battery life. This allows the battery to be replaced during scheduled inspection and maintenance. This reduces the number of times the electric vehicle's operation must be stopped for regular inspection and maintenance or battery replacement, thereby reducing losses incurred by stopping the operation of the electric vehicle.

[0044] Below, with reference to the attached Figure 1 The following embodiments are examples of specific implementations of the present disclosure and do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] (Implementation Method)

[0046] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a vehicle management system in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 1 The vehicle management system shown includes a plurality of electric vehicles 1 and a server 2 .

[0048] Electric vehicle 1 is an example of a device that operates using an onboard battery. Electric vehicle 1 is, for example, an electric car, an electric truck, an electric bus, or an electric two-wheeled vehicle. It moves by supplying power from the battery to an electric motor. For example, multiple electric vehicles 1 are operated by a transportation company. Each of these multiple electric vehicles 1 has the same basic structure.

[0049] The periodic inspection and maintenance period for the electric vehicle 1 is predetermined. This inspection and maintenance is performed at predetermined intervals, for example, at a maintenance facility certified by a national authority. For example, a truck used in the transportation industry undergoes an inspection of 47 items every three months, and 96 items every year. Furthermore, the inspection intervals and number of items are sometimes regulated by law and vary by country. Periodic inspection and maintenance takes one to several days, and the electric vehicle 1 cannot be used during this period.

[0050] The electric vehicle 1 is connected to the server 2 so as to be communicable with each other via a network 3. The network 3 is, for example, the Internet.

[0051] The electric vehicle 1 transmits battery information indicating the state of its own battery to the server 2. The battery information is, for example, an SOH (State of Health) estimated based on the operating data of the battery.

[0052] Server 2 is, for example, a web server. Server 2 receives various information from multiple electric vehicles 1. Server 2 predicts the remaining life of the batteries installed in each of the multiple electric vehicles 1 based on the battery status information received from each of the multiple electric vehicles 1. Server 2 creates an operation plan for the multiple electric vehicles 1.

[0053] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the electric vehicle 1 in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 2 The illustrated electric vehicle 1 includes a driving operation unit 11 , a drive unit 12 , a battery 13 , a memory 14 , a processor 15 , and a communication unit 16 .

[0055] The driving control unit 11 receives driving operations performed by the driver on the electric vehicle 1. For example, the driving control unit 11 includes a steering wheel, a gear lever, an accelerator pedal, and a brake pedal. Alternatively, the electric vehicle 1 may be an autonomous vehicle. In this case, the autonomous driving system controls driving, replacing the driving control unit 11.

[0056] The drive unit 12 is, for example, an inverter, a motor, and a transmission, and moves the electric vehicle 1 according to control by the driving control unit 151 .

[0057] The storage battery 13 is, for example, a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion secondary battery, and stores electric power by charging and supplies electric power to the drive unit 12 by discharging. The storage battery 13 is an example of a battery.

[0058] The memory 14 is a storage device capable of storing various information, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory, and stores the operation history of the battery 13 .

[0059] The processor 15 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor 15 implements a driving control unit 151 , an operation data acquisition unit 152 , and an SOH estimation unit 153 .

[0060] The driving control unit 151 controls the drive unit 12 in accordance with the driver's driving operation through the driving operation unit 11 to move the electric vehicle 1 .

[0061] The operating data acquisition unit 152 acquires operating data of the battery 13. This operating data includes, for example, the battery 13's SOC (State of Charge), temperature, and current value. SOC is an indicator of the battery 13's charge rate. The SOC of the battery 13 is represented by (remaining capacity [Ah] / full charge capacity [Ah])*100. The temperature of the battery 13 is measured by a temperature sensor (not shown) installed in the battery 13. The current value of the battery 13 is measured by a meter (not shown) installed in the battery 13. The operating data acquisition unit 152 outputs the operating data including the battery 13's SOC, temperature, and current value to the SOH estimation unit 153.

[0062] SOH estimation unit 153 estimates the state of health (SOH) of battery 13 based on the operating data acquired by operating data acquisition unit 152. SOH is an indicator of the health of battery 13. The SOH of battery 13 is represented by (full charge capacity [Ah] at the time of deterioration (current) / initial full charge capacity [Ah]) * 100. The SOH estimation method is conventional, so its description is omitted. SOH estimation unit 153 outputs the estimated SOH to communication unit 16.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the SOC, temperature, and current value are used to estimate the SOH of the battery 13 . However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto, and the SOH estimating unit 153 may simply acquire the operating data necessary to estimate the SOH of the battery 13 .

[0064] The communication unit 16 transmits the battery information including the SOH estimated by the SOH estimation unit 153 to the server 2. The communication unit 16 periodically transmits the battery information including the SOH to the server 2. For example, the communication unit 16 transmits the battery information to the server 2 every 10 minutes.

[0065] In this embodiment, the SOH is used to predict the remaining life of the battery 13 and is therefore transmitted to the server 2 . However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and any parameters necessary for predicting the remaining life of the battery 13 may be transmitted to the server 2 .

[0066] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 2 in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 3 The server 2 shown includes a communication unit 21 , a memory 22 , and a processor 23 .

[0068] The communication unit 21 receives battery information transmitted from each of the plurality of electric vehicles 1. The battery information indicates the state of the battery 13 mounted on the electric vehicle 1, such as the state of health. The communication unit 21 associates the received battery information with the vehicle ID and stores it in the vehicle DB storage unit 221.

[0069] The memory 22 is a storage device capable of storing various information, such as RAM, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD, or flash memory. The memory 22 implements a vehicle database (DB) storage unit 221 and a route database (DB) storage unit 222 .

[0070] The vehicle DB storage unit 221 stores a vehicle DB in which a vehicle ID for identifying the electric vehicle 1, battery information of the electric vehicle 1, and a regular inspection and maintenance period of the electric vehicle 1 are associated. The battery information is the SOH of the battery 13 mounted on the electric vehicle 1. The vehicle DB storage unit 221 can store only the latest SOH or a history of SOHs. The vehicle DB storage unit 221 can also store a vehicle DB for each company that manages multiple electric vehicles 1. In addition, the vehicle DB storage unit 221 can also store a vehicle DB in which a company ID for identifying the company that manages multiple electric vehicles 1, a vehicle ID, battery information, and a regular inspection and maintenance period are associated.

[0071] The route DB storage unit 222 stores a plurality of operating routes assigned to a plurality of electric vehicles 1. The route DB storage unit 222 stores a route DB in which a route ID for identifying an operating route, an operating route, and an operating distance are associated. A plurality of operating routes are predetermined and input through a terminal not shown. The operating route represents, for example, a place through which the electric vehicle 1 passes, such as a delivery location and / or a pickup location. The route DB storage unit 222 may also store a route DB for each company that manages a plurality of electric vehicles 1. In addition, the route DB storage unit 222 may also store a route DB in which a company ID for identifying a company that manages a plurality of electric vehicles 1, a route ID, an operating route, and an operating distance are associated.

[0072] The processor 23 is, for example, a CPU, and implements a maintenance time acquisition unit 231 , a battery remaining life prediction unit 232 , and an operation plan creation unit 233 .

[0073] The maintenance time acquisition unit 231 acquires a predetermined periodic inspection and maintenance time for each of the plurality of electric vehicles 1. The maintenance time acquisition unit 231 reads the periodic inspection and maintenance time for each of the plurality of electric vehicles 1 from the vehicle DB storage unit 221.

[0074] The remaining battery life prediction unit 232 predicts the remaining life of each battery 13 based on the state of each battery 13 of the plurality of electric vehicles 1. The remaining battery life prediction unit 232 predicts the remaining life of each battery 13 based on the SOH of each battery 13 of the plurality of electric vehicles 1.

[0075] Here, in this embodiment, the remaining life prediction process of the storage battery 13 implemented by the remaining battery life prediction unit 232 will be described.

[0076] Figure 4 1 is a diagram for explaining the remaining life prediction process of the storage battery 13 implemented by the remaining battery life prediction unit 232 in this embodiment. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the vertical axis represents SOH, and the horizontal axis represents the number of days the battery 13 has been used.

[0077] The SOH of the battery 13 at the beginning of use is 100. As the battery 13 is repeatedly charged and discharged over the course of use, the SOH decreases. The SOH decreases as the number of days of use increases. The memory 22 pre-stores a function f(x) that represents the relationship between the number of days of use and the SOH. Figure 4 As shown, function f(x) is a linear function. The battery replacement level SOH is, for example, 75. The number of days of use when the SOH is 75 is the predicted replacement time.

[0078] The remaining battery life prediction unit 232 calculates the predicted replacement date based on the function f(x) and the battery replacement level (SOH). The remaining battery life prediction unit 232 calculates the current number of days of use by substituting the current number of days of use from the predicted replacement date.

[0079] Alternatively, the function f(x) may be fixed. Furthermore, the degree of degradation of the battery 13 changes depending on the usage of the battery 13 , and therefore the function f(x) may be corrected according to the usage of the battery 13 . Specifically, the memory 22 may store the start date of use of the battery 13 in advance. By pre-storing the start date of use of the battery 13 , the number of days of use from the start date to the present can be calculated. The remaining battery life prediction unit 232 may also correct the slope of the linear function f(x) based on the number of days of use from the start date to the present and the SOH value (100) at the start of use.

[0080] The operation plan creation unit 233 creates an operation plan for the plurality of electric vehicles 1 based on the periodic inspection and maintenance periods of each of the plurality of electric vehicles 1 and the remaining life of the batteries 13 of each of the plurality of electric vehicles 1. The operation plan creation unit 233 creates the operation plans for the plurality of electric vehicles 1 so that the longer the remaining life of the batteries 13 is compared to the period from now until the periodic inspection and maintenance period, the longer the operating distance of the electric vehicle 1 is, and the shorter the remaining life of the batteries 13 is compared to the period from now until the periodic inspection and maintenance period, the shorter the operating distance of the electric vehicle 1 is.

[0081] The operation plan preparation unit 233 calculates the remaining life of the battery 13 predicted by the remaining life prediction unit 232 and divides it by the period from now to the scheduled inspection and maintenance period to obtain the remaining life ratio of the battery, and prepares operation plans for multiple electric vehicles 1 in such a manner that the larger the remaining battery life ratio, the longer the operating distance of the electric vehicle 1, and the smaller the remaining battery life ratio, the shorter the operating distance of the electric vehicle 1.

[0082] The operation plan preparation unit 233 includes a battery remaining life ratio calculation unit 241 , a vehicle arrangement unit 242 , a route arrangement unit 243 , and a route allocation unit 244 .

[0083] The battery remaining life ratio calculation unit 241 calculates the battery remaining life ratio by dividing the remaining life of the storage battery 13 predicted by the battery remaining life prediction unit 232 by the period from now to the scheduled inspection and maintenance time.

[0084] The vehicle arrangement unit 242 arranges the plurality of electric vehicles 1 in ascending order of the remaining battery life ratio.

[0085] The route arrangement unit 243 arranges the plurality of running routes in order of the shortest running distance.

[0086] The route allocating unit 244 allocates a plurality of predetermined operating routes to the plurality of electric vehicles 1. The route allocating unit 244 allocates the operating route with the shortest operating distance to the electric vehicle 1 having the smallest remaining battery life ratio. The route allocating unit 244 allocates each of the plurality of operating routes arranged in ascending order of remaining battery life ratio by the route allocating unit 243 to each of the plurality of electric vehicles 1 arranged in ascending order of remaining battery life ratio by the vehicle allocating unit 242.

[0087] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between the remaining battery life ratio and the predicted replacement time in this embodiment.

[0088] like Figure 5 As shown, when the remaining battery life ratio is less than 1.0, the predicted replacement time for battery 13 becomes earlier than the scheduled inspection and maintenance period. In this case, to ensure that the replacement time and the scheduled inspection and maintenance period are aligned, it is necessary to minimize the use of battery 13. Therefore, electric vehicles 1 with a remaining battery life ratio of less than 1.0 are assigned routes with the shortest possible operating distances. This minimizes the degradation of battery 13, allowing the replacement time of battery 13 to be closer to the scheduled inspection and maintenance period, and thus aligning the replacement time and the scheduled inspection and maintenance period.

[0089] On the other hand, Figure 5 As shown, when the remaining battery life ratio is greater than 1.0, the predicted replacement time for battery 13 becomes later than the scheduled inspection and maintenance period. In this case, to ensure that the replacement time and the scheduled inspection and maintenance period are aligned, battery 13 must be used as much as possible. Therefore, electric vehicles 1 with a remaining battery life ratio greater than 1.0 are assigned routes with the longest possible operating distance. This allows the battery 13 to deteriorate more rapidly, bringing the replacement time closer to the scheduled inspection and maintenance period, and thus aligning the replacement time and the scheduled inspection and maintenance period.

[0090] Next, the vehicle operation management process of the server 2 in the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0091] Figure 6 This is a flowchart for explaining the vehicle operation management process of the server 2 in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Furthermore, the vehicle operation management process may be performed, for example, every morning when creating the daily operation plan. Furthermore, the vehicle operation management process may be performed, for example, every evening when creating the next day's operation plan. Furthermore, the vehicle operation management process may be performed, for example, once a week when creating a weekly operation plan.

[0093] First, in step S1 , the maintenance time acquisition unit 231 acquires a predetermined regular inspection and maintenance time for one electric vehicle 1 among a plurality of electric vehicles 1 for which an operation plan is created, from the vehicle DB storage unit 221 .

[0094] Next, in step S2 , the remaining battery life prediction unit 232 acquires battery information of one electric vehicle 1 from the vehicle DB storage unit 221 . Here, the remaining battery life prediction unit 232 reads the latest SOH of the electric vehicle 1 from the vehicle DB storage unit 221 .

[0095] Next, in step S3, the remaining battery life prediction unit 232 predicts the remaining life of the storage battery 13 mounted on the electric vehicle 1 based on the battery information of the electric vehicle 1. At this time, the remaining battery life prediction unit 232 predicts the remaining life of the storage battery 13 based on the SOH of the electric vehicle 1 read from the vehicle DB storage unit 221.

[0096] Next, in step S4, the remaining battery life ratio calculation unit 241 calculates the remaining battery life ratio for each electric vehicle 1. The remaining battery life ratio calculation unit 241 calculates the remaining battery life ratio by dividing the remaining life of the battery 13 of each electric vehicle 1, as predicted by the remaining battery life prediction unit 232, by the period from now until the scheduled inspection and maintenance of the electric vehicle 1. The remaining life of the battery 13 and the period from now until the scheduled inspection and maintenance are expressed, for example, in days.

[0097] Next, in step S5, the remaining battery life ratio calculation unit 241 determines whether the remaining battery life ratios of all of the multiple electric vehicles 1 have been calculated. If it is determined that the remaining battery life ratios of all of the multiple electric vehicles 1 have not been calculated (No in step S5), the process returns to step S1. In step S1, the maintenance period acquisition unit 231 acquires, from the vehicle DB storage unit 221, the predetermined regular inspection and maintenance period for another electric vehicle 1 among the multiple electric vehicles 1 for which the remaining battery life ratio has not been calculated. The process of steps S1 to S5 is repeated until the remaining battery life ratios of all of the multiple electric vehicles 1 have been calculated.

[0098] On the other hand, when it is determined that the remaining battery life ratios of all electric vehicles 1 have been calculated (yes in step S5), in step S6, the vehicle arrangement unit 242 arranges the plurality of electric vehicles 1 in ascending order of the remaining battery life ratios calculated by the remaining battery life ratio calculation unit 241.

[0099] Next, in step S7 , the route arrangement unit 243 arranges the plurality of travel routes in order of the shortest travel distance.

[0100] Next, in step S8, the route allocating unit 244 allocates each of the multiple operating routes arranged in order of running distance from shortest to longest by the route arranging unit 243 to each of the multiple electric vehicles 1 arranged in order of battery remaining life ratio from small to large by the vehicle arranging unit 242.

[0101] In this way, an operation plan is created that indicates the operation routes on which each of the plurality of electric vehicles 1 travels.

[0102] In this way, the server 2 can create multiple operation plans for electric vehicles 1, ensuring that the period from now until the scheduled inspection and maintenance of the electric vehicle 1 is consistent with the remaining life of the battery. This allows the battery to be replaced during the scheduled inspection and maintenance. This reduces the number of times the electric vehicle 1 is stopped for regular inspection and maintenance or battery replacement, and reduces the losses caused by stopping the operation of the electric vehicle 1.

[0103] Here, a route assignment process for assigning a plurality of travel routes to a plurality of electric vehicles 1 will be described.

[0104] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the route allocation process implemented by the route allocation unit 244 in this embodiment.

[0105] like Figure 7 As shown, the first electric vehicle, the second electric vehicle, the third electric vehicle, the fourth electric vehicle, and the fifth electric vehicle are arranged in order from small to large in terms of the remaining battery life ratio, and the first operating route, the second operating route, the third operating route, the fourth operating route, and the fifth operating route are arranged in order from short to long in terms of the operating distance. Moreover, the first operating route with the shortest operating distance is assigned to the first electric vehicle having the smallest remaining battery life ratio. In addition, the second operating route with the second shortest operating distance is assigned to the second electric vehicle having the second smallest remaining battery life ratio. In addition, the third operating route with the third shortest operating distance is assigned to the third electric vehicle having the third smallest remaining battery life ratio. In addition, the fourth operating route with the fourth shortest operating distance is assigned to the fourth electric vehicle having the fourth smallest remaining battery life ratio. Furthermore, the fifth operating route with the longest operating distance is assigned to the fifth electric vehicle having the largest remaining battery life ratio.

[0106] In this way, the route allocating unit 244 allocates each of the plurality of operating routes arranged in ascending order of operating distance by the route arranging unit 243 to each of the plurality of electric vehicles 1 arranged in ascending order of remaining battery life ratio by the vehicle arranging unit 242 .

[0107] Furthermore, the communication unit 21 may transmit the operation plan created by the operation plan creation unit 233 to a terminal of a company that manages a plurality of electric vehicles 1. The terminal may receive the operation plan and display the received operation plan.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vehicle DB storage unit 221 associates and stores the most recent periodic inspection and maintenance period with one electric vehicle 1. However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and multiple periodic inspection and maintenance periods may be associated and stored with one electric vehicle 1. For example, if a periodic inspection and maintenance was performed on September 1, 2020, then the annually scheduled inspections would be performed on September 1, 2021, September 1, 2022, and September 1, 2023. Furthermore, the remaining life of the battery 13 is not limited to one year and may also be three years. When it is predicted on October 1, 2020 that the remaining life of battery 13 is 3 years, compared with using the regular inspection and maintenance period (September 1, 2021) closest to the predicted time point (October 1, 2020) to calculate the battery remaining life ratio, using the regular inspection and maintenance period (September 1, 2023) closest to the predicted replacement period (October 1, 2023) to calculate the battery remaining life ratio can more reliably and easily bring the predicted replacement period close to the regular inspection and maintenance period.

[0109] Therefore, when multiple regular inspection and maintenance periods are obtained for one electric vehicle 1, the remaining battery life ratio calculation unit 241 may select the regular inspection and maintenance period that is closest to the point in time when the remaining life of the battery 13 has passed (the predicted replacement period) from the present time. Furthermore, the remaining battery life ratio calculation unit 241 may calculate the remaining battery life ratio by dividing the remaining life of the battery 13 predicted by the remaining battery life prediction unit 232 by the period from the present time to the selected regular inspection and maintenance period.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the route allocating unit 244 allocates each of the multiple routes arranged in order of travel distance from shortest to longest to each of the multiple electric vehicles 1 arranged in order of the remaining battery life ratio from smallest to largest, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this. The route allocating unit 244 may also allocate the route with the shortest travel distance only to the electric vehicle 1 with the smallest remaining battery life ratio. In this case, the route allocating unit 244 may also allocate routes to electric vehicles other than the electric vehicle 1 with the smallest remaining battery life ratio using other conditions besides travel distance. Other conditions may include, for example, the load capacity of the electric vehicle 1.

[0111] The upper limit of the load capacity of an electric vehicle is predetermined. Therefore, if the total load capacity of the goods scheduled for pickup on a certain route exceeds the upper limit of the load capacity of the electric vehicle, the electric vehicle cannot pick up all the goods. Therefore, the route allocation unit 244 may also consider the load capacity of the electric vehicles on each of the multiple routes and determine the routes for the electric vehicles other than the electric vehicle with the smallest remaining battery life ratio among the multiple electric vehicles.

[0112] That is, the route allocation unit 244 may also allocate routes to other electric vehicles, other than electric vehicle 1 with the lowest remaining battery life ratio, based on the load capacities of the electric vehicles on each of the multiple routes. The vehicle DB storage unit 221 may also store a vehicle DB that associates company ID, vehicle ID, battery information, scheduled inspection and maintenance period, and the upper limit of the load capacity that electric vehicle 1 can carry. The load capacity may be, for example, the weight of the object being loaded. Furthermore, the route DB storage unit 222 may also store a route DB that associates route ID, route, distance, and the load capacity of goods or people scheduled for the route. The route allocation unit 244 may also obtain the upper limit of the load capacity of other electric vehicles, other than electric vehicle 1 with the lowest remaining battery life ratio, and the scheduled load capacity for each route. Furthermore, the route allocation unit 244 may allocate routes to other electric vehicles so that the scheduled load capacity on each route does not exceed the upper limit of the load capacity of other electric vehicles.

[0113] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the route allocation process implemented by the route allocation unit 244 in the first modification of the present embodiment.

[0114] like Figure 8As shown, the first electric vehicle, the second electric vehicle, the third electric vehicle, the fourth electric vehicle, and the fifth electric vehicle are arranged in order of the remaining battery life ratio from small to large, and the first operating route, the second operating route, the third operating route, the fourth operating route, and the fifth operating route are arranged in order of the running distance from short to long. Furthermore, only the first operating route with the shortest running distance is assigned to the first electric vehicle with the smallest remaining battery life ratio.

[0115] Furthermore, the third operating route with the third shortest operating distance is assigned to the second electric vehicle, whose battery remaining life is smaller than the second. Furthermore, the fourth operating route with the fourth shortest operating distance is assigned to the third electric vehicle, whose battery remaining life is smaller than the third. Furthermore, the fifth operating route with the longest operating distance is assigned to the fourth electric vehicle, whose battery remaining life is smaller than the fourth. Furthermore, the second operating route with the second shortest operating distance is assigned to the fifth electric vehicle, whose battery remaining life is largest. Operating routes are assigned to the second through fifth electric vehicles regardless of operating distance.

[0116] In this way, the route allocating unit 244 can allocate the running route with the shortest running distance only to the electric vehicle 1 having the smallest remaining battery life ratio.

[0117] As a result, routes other than the shortest route are assigned to electric vehicles other than the electric vehicle 1 having the smallest remaining battery life ratio.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the route allocating unit 244 may allocate at least one of the plurality of routes to at least one electric vehicle 1 whose remaining battery life ratio is less than a predetermined value, in descending order of travel distance. In this case, the route allocating unit 244 may also allocate a route to an electric vehicle 1 whose remaining battery life ratio is greater than the predetermined value using other conditions besides travel distance. Examples of such other conditions include the load capacity of the electric vehicle 1.

[0119] That is, the route allocation unit 244 may also allocate an operating route to other electric vehicles among the multiple electric vehicles whose remaining battery life ratio is greater than a given value based on the load capacity of the electric vehicles on each of the multiple operating routes. The vehicle DB storage unit 221 may also store a vehicle DB that associates the company ID, vehicle ID, battery information, regular inspection and maintenance period, and the upper limit of the load capacity that the electric vehicle 1 can carry. The load capacity is, for example, the weight of the loaded object. In addition, the route DB storage unit 222 may also store a route DB that associates the route ID, operating route, operating distance, and the load capacity of goods or people scheduled on the operating route. The route allocation unit 244 may also obtain the upper limit of the load capacity of other electric vehicles whose remaining battery life ratio is greater than a given value and the load capacity scheduled on each operating route. Furthermore, the route allocation unit 244 may also allocate operating routes to other electric vehicles so that the load capacity scheduled on each operating route does not exceed the upper limit of the load capacity of other electric vehicles.

[0120] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the route allocation process implemented by the route allocation unit 244 in the second modification of the present embodiment.

[0121] like Figure 9 As shown, the first electric vehicle, the second electric vehicle, the third electric vehicle, the fourth electric vehicle, and the fifth electric vehicle are arranged in ascending order of remaining battery life ratio, and the first operating route, the second operating route, the third operating route, the fourth operating route, and the fifth operating route are arranged in ascending order of operating distance. Furthermore, the first operating route with the shortest operating distance is assigned to the first electric vehicle whose remaining battery life ratio is below a given value. Furthermore, the second operating route with the second shortest operating distance is assigned to the second electric vehicle whose remaining battery life ratio is below a given value. The given value is, for example, 1.0.

[0122] Furthermore, the fourth operating route with the fourth shortest operating distance is assigned to the third electric vehicle, whose remaining battery life is smaller than the third. Furthermore, the fifth operating route with the longest operating distance is assigned to the fourth electric vehicle, whose remaining battery life is smaller than the fourth. Furthermore, the third operating route with the third shortest operating distance is assigned to the fifth electric vehicle, whose remaining battery life is largest. Operating routes are assigned to the third through fifth electric vehicles regardless of operating distance.

[0123] In this manner, route allocating unit 244 may allocate at least one of the plurality of routes to at least one electric vehicle 1 whose remaining battery life ratio is less than or equal to a predetermined value, in descending order of travel distance. The predetermined value is not limited to 1.0. For example, the predetermined value may be 0.5.

[0124] Thus, for example, when the remaining battery life ratio is 1.0 or less, the remaining life of battery 13 can be extended by suppressing the operation of electric vehicle 1, allowing the replacement of battery 13 to be closer to the scheduled inspection and maintenance period. Furthermore, electric vehicles 1 with a remaining battery life ratio greater than 1.0 are assigned at least one operating route other than the operating route. This allows for more flexible allocation of operating routes to electric vehicles 1 with a remaining battery life ratio greater than a predetermined value.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the route allocating unit 244 may also allocate a given number of operating routes, arranged in order from the operating route with the shortest operating distance, among a plurality of operating routes to a given number of electric vehicles among a plurality of electric vehicles, arranged in order from the electric vehicle with the smallest remaining life ratio. In this case, the route allocating unit 244 may also use other conditions other than operating distance to allocate operating routes to electric vehicles other than the given number of electric vehicles among a plurality of electric vehicles. Other conditions may include, for example, the load capacity of the electric vehicle 1. For example, the route allocating unit 244 may allocate three operating routes, arranged in order from the operating route with the shortest operating distance, among five operating routes to three electric vehicles among five electric vehicles, arranged in order from the electric vehicle with the smallest remaining life ratio.

[0126] That is, the route allocation unit 244 may also allocate operating routes to other electric vehicles other than a given number of electric vehicles among the multiple electric vehicles based on the load capacity of the electric vehicles in each of the multiple operating routes. The vehicle DB storage unit 221 may also store a vehicle DB that associates the company ID, vehicle ID, battery information, regular inspection and maintenance period, and the upper limit of the load capacity that the electric vehicle 1 can carry. The load capacity is, for example, the weight of the loaded object. In addition, the route DB storage unit 222 may also store a route DB that associates the route ID, operating route, operating distance, and the load capacity of goods or people scheduled on the operating route. The route allocation unit 244 may also obtain the upper limit of the load capacity of other electric vehicles other than the given number of electric vehicles and the load capacity scheduled on each operating route. Furthermore, the route allocation unit 244 may also allocate operating routes to other electric vehicles so that the load capacity scheduled on each operating route does not exceed the upper limit of the load capacity of other electric vehicles.

[0127] Thus, by suppressing the operation of a predetermined number of electric vehicles, ranked sequentially from the electric vehicle with the smallest remaining life ratio, among the plurality of electric vehicles, the remaining life of the batteries 13 of the predetermined number of electric vehicles is extended, and the replacement period of the batteries 13 of the predetermined number of electric vehicles can be brought closer to the scheduled inspection and maintenance period. Furthermore, operating routes other than the predetermined number of operating routes are assigned to electric vehicles other than the predetermined number of electric vehicles among the plurality of electric vehicles. Therefore, operating routes can be more freely assigned to electric vehicles other than the predetermined number of electric vehicles, ranked sequentially from the electric vehicle with the smallest remaining life ratio.

[0128] In this embodiment, the operation plan creation unit 233 calculates the remaining battery life ratio by dividing the remaining life of the battery 13 by the period from the present time to the scheduled inspection and maintenance period. However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this. The operation plan creation unit 233 may also calculate a subtraction value by subtracting the period from the present time to the scheduled inspection and maintenance period from the remaining life of the battery 13, and create operation plans for multiple electric vehicles 1 such that the larger the subtraction value, the longer the operating distance of the electric vehicle 1, and the smaller the subtraction value, the shorter the operating distance of the electric vehicle 1.

[0129] If the remaining life of battery 13 is shorter than the period from now until the scheduled inspection and maintenance, the sign of the subtraction value is negative. If the remaining life of battery 13 is longer than the period from now until the scheduled inspection and maintenance, the sign of the subtraction value is positive. The operation plan creation unit 233 may also assign the operation route with the shortest operating distance to the electric vehicle 1 with the smallest subtraction value. Furthermore, the operation plan creation unit 233 may assign at least one of the multiple operation routes, in order of shortest operating distance, to at least one electric vehicle 1 among the multiple electric vehicles 1 whose subtraction value is less than a predetermined value. Furthermore, the operation plan creation unit 233 may arrange the multiple electric vehicles 1 in ascending order of subtraction value, arrange the multiple operation routes in order of shortest to longest operating distance, and assign each of the multiple operation routes arranged in ascending order to each of the multiple electric vehicles 1 arranged in ascending order.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operation plan generator 233 assigns a plurality of predetermined operation routes to a plurality of electric vehicles 1, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this. The operation plan generator 233 may also include an operation route generator that generates a plurality of operation routes. For example, the operation route generator may obtain a plurality of stop locations where the plurality of electric vehicles 1 should stop and generate a plurality of operation routes passing through the obtained plurality of stop locations.

[0131] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of electric vehicles 1 is equal to the number of operating routes, but this disclosure is not particularly limited to this. The number of electric vehicles 1 may also be greater than the number of operating routes. In this case, the route allocator 244 may not operate the electric vehicle 1 with the smallest remaining battery life ratio. The route allocator 244 allocates operating routes to the same number of electric vehicles 1 as the number of operating routes.

[0132] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware or implemented by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. Furthermore, the program may be implemented by another independent computer system by transferring the program recorded on a recording medium or by transferring the program via a network.

[0133] Part or all of the functions of the devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure are typically implemented as LSIs (Large Scale Integration), which are integrated circuits. These functions can be implemented independently on a single chip, or as a combination of some or all of the functions. Furthermore, integrated circuits are not limited to LSIs and can also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Alternatively, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) that can be programmed after LSI fabrication or reconfigurable processors that allow the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI to be reconfigured can be utilized.

[0134] Furthermore, part or all of the functions of the apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be realized by executing a program on a processor such as a CPU.

[0135] In addition, the numbers used above are all exemplified in order to specifically describe the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited by the exemplified numbers.

[0136] Furthermore, the order in which the steps shown in the flowcharts are executed is exemplified for the purpose of specifically explaining the present disclosure, and other orders may be used while achieving the same effect. Furthermore, some of the steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0137] Industrial applicability

[0138] The technology disclosed herein can reduce losses caused by stopping the operation of an electric vehicle and is therefore useful for technology for managing the operation of a plurality of electric vehicles.

Claims

1. A vehicle operation management method, causing a computer to perform the following operations: Obtaining predetermined periodic inspection and maintenance periods for each of a plurality of electric vehicles; predicting the remaining life of each of the batteries according to the status of the batteries of the plurality of electric vehicles; creating an operation plan for the plurality of electric vehicles based on the periodic inspection and maintenance periods of the plurality of electric vehicles and the remaining lifespans of the plurality of electric vehicles; In preparing the operation plan, the operation plan for the multiple electric vehicles is prepared in such a manner that the electric vehicle with a longer remaining life has a longer operating distance compared to the period from now to the period of regular inspection and maintenance, and the electric vehicle with a shorter remaining life has a shorter operating distance compared to the period from now to the period of regular inspection and maintenance.

2. The vehicle operation management method according to claim 1, wherein: In preparing the operation plan, the remaining life ratio obtained by dividing the remaining life by the period from now to the regular inspection and maintenance period is calculated, and the operation plan of the multiple electric vehicles is prepared in such a manner that the electric vehicle with a larger remaining life ratio has a longer operating distance, and the electric vehicle with a smaller remaining life ratio has a shorter operating distance.

3. The vehicle operation management method according to claim 2, wherein: In creating the operation plan, a plurality of predetermined operation routes are allocated to the plurality of electric vehicles.

4. The vehicle operation management method according to claim 3, wherein: In the creation of the operation plan, the operation route with the shortest operation distance is allocated to the electric vehicle having the smallest remaining life ratio.

5. The vehicle operation management method according to claim 3, wherein: In creating the operation plan, at least one of the plurality of operation routes is assigned in order of shortest operation distance to at least one of the plurality of electric vehicles whose remaining life ratio is equal to or less than a given value.

6. The vehicle operation management method according to claim 3, wherein: In preparing the operation plan, a predetermined number of operation routes, arranged in order from the operation route with the shortest operation distance, among the plurality of operation routes are allocated to a predetermined number of electric vehicles, arranged in order from the electric vehicle with the smallest remaining life ratio, among the plurality of electric vehicles.

7. The vehicle operation management method according to claim 3, wherein: In preparing the operation plan, the multiple electric vehicles are arranged in ascending order of the remaining life ratio, and the multiple operation routes are arranged in ascending order of the operation distance, and each of the multiple operation routes arranged in descending order is assigned to each of the multiple electric vehicles arranged in descending order.

8. The vehicle operation management method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: When creating the operation plan, when a plurality of periodic inspection and maintenance times are acquired for one electric vehicle, a periodic inspection and maintenance time closest to a predicted replacement time from now until the remaining life expires is selected from among the plurality of periodic inspection and maintenance times.

9. A vehicle operation management device comprising: an acquiring unit for acquiring predetermined periodic inspection and maintenance periods for each of the plurality of electric vehicles; a prediction unit configured to predict the remaining life of each battery of the plurality of electric vehicles based on the state of the battery of each battery; and a preparation unit that prepares an operation plan for the plurality of electric vehicles based on the periodic inspection and maintenance periods of the plurality of electric vehicles and the remaining lifespans of the plurality of electric vehicles; In preparing the operation plan, the operation plan for the multiple electric vehicles is prepared in such a manner that the electric vehicle with a longer remaining life has a longer operating distance compared to the period from now to the period of regular inspection and maintenance, and the electric vehicle with a shorter remaining life has a shorter operating distance compared to the period from now to the period of regular inspection and maintenance.

10. A vehicle operation management program product, comprising a computer program that enables a computer to perform the following functions: Obtaining predetermined periodic inspection and maintenance periods for each of a plurality of electric vehicles; predicting the remaining life of each of the batteries according to the status of the batteries of the plurality of electric vehicles; creating an operation plan for the plurality of electric vehicles based on the periodic inspection and maintenance periods of the plurality of electric vehicles and the remaining lifespans of the plurality of electric vehicles; In preparing the operation plan, the operation plan for the multiple electric vehicles is prepared in such a manner that the electric vehicle with a longer remaining life has a longer operating distance compared to the period from now to the period of regular inspection and maintenance, and the electric vehicle with a shorter remaining life has a shorter operating distance compared to the period from now to the period of regular inspection and maintenance.

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