Charging control system

Abstract

The present application provides a charging control system which can achieve charging considering the surroundings and can prevent the charging time from becoming long. A charging control system (10) is provided with: a storage battery (BAT) which can be charged using power from an external power source (50); a temperature adjusting device (16) which cools the storage battery; and a control device (20) which controls charging and cooling of the storage battery (BAT). The control device (20) is provided with: a charging-related information acquisition section (25) which, in the case where charging is included in a travel schedule plan, acquires noise information related to a charging station (CS) where charging is performed and environmental information of the charging site; a quietness requirement determination section (26) which determines a quietness requirement of the charging site based on the noise information and the environmental information; a storage battery target temperature determination section (27) which determines a storage battery target temperature at the time of arrival at the charging site based on the quietness requirement; and a cooling control section (23) which cools the storage battery based on the storage battery target temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a charging control system mounted on a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, initiatives aimed at achieving a low-carbon or decarbonized society have been very active as a concrete countermeasure to address global climate change. For vehicles, there is also a strong demand to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency, and the electrification of power sources is developing rapidly. Specifically, the development of vehicles such as electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles, which have an electric motor as the vehicle's power source and a battery as a secondary battery that supplies power to the electric motor, is underway.

[0003] In such vehicles, there are two charging methods: normal charging, which connects to an external power source to charge the battery, and fast charging, which uses a larger current than normal charging. The battery generates heat during charging and discharging, therefore proper cooling is necessary. This is especially true during fast charging, when the battery is prone to overheating. For safety reasons, the output will be limited when the battery temperature exceeds a specified limit.

[0004] However, the charging system produces operating noise during charging. Additionally, the cooling system also produces noise when cooling the battery. If the charging station is located on a highway, even if the noise is relatively loud, it won't be a significant problem. However, if the charging station is located in a residential area, the impact on the surrounding environment needs to be considered.

[0005] In patent documents 1 and 2, the following action was taken: a microphone was mounted on the vehicle to detect the sound around the vehicle, thereby setting a noise level.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-124012

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-089021

[0010] However, in patent documents 1 and 2, the vehicle requires a microphone, which increases manufacturing costs. Furthermore, when battery cooling during charging is limited based on the noise level detected by the charging station, the battery temperature may become higher than the output limit temperature, causing output limitation and resulting in extended charging time. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This invention provides a charging control system that takes into account the surrounding charging environment and prevents charging time from becoming excessive.

[0012] This invention is a charging control system, which comprises:

[0013] A storage battery is a device that can be charged using electricity from an external power source.

[0014] A battery cooling device for cooling the battery; and

[0015] A control device that controls the charging and cooling of the battery, wherein,

[0016] The control device includes:

[0017] The charging-related information acquisition unit acquires noise information related to the charging system and environmental information of the charging location when the driving schedule includes charging.

[0018] The noise level requirement determination unit determines the noise level requirement of the charging location based on the noise information and the environmental information.

[0019] A battery target temperature determination unit determines, based on the aforementioned noise reduction requirement, the target temperature of the battery upon arrival at the charging location or at the start of charging; and

[0020] The battery cooling control unit controls the battery cooling device based on the target temperature of the battery.

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to take into account the surrounding charging and prevent the charging time from becoming too long. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the charging control system 10.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the temperature control device 16.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure of the navigation device 17.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a graph showing the relationship between the noise information of the charging station CS and the first quietness requirement, and the relationship between the environmental information of the charging site and the second quietness requirement.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a graph showing the relationship between the noise reduction requirements, target battery temperature, and battery temperature in the driving plan.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the upper limit speed of the air conditioning unit 18 (compressor 181) corresponding to the quietness requirements, and the maximum duty cycle of the battery cooling circuit 19 (pump EWP).

[0028] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a scheme for restricting the use of air conditioning, displayed on display unit 174.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps of the control device 20.

[0030] -Symbol Explanation-

[0031] 10: Charging Control System

[0032] 18: Air conditioning unit

[0033] 180: Refrigeration Cycle

[0034] 181: Compressor

[0035] 189: Cooler

[0036] 19: Battery cooling circuit (battery cooling device)

[0037] 20: Control device

[0038] 23: Cooling Control Department

[0039] 25: Charging-related Information Acquisition Department

[0040] 26: Determination of Quietness Requirements

[0041] 27: Battery Target Temperature Determination Unit

[0042] 50: External power supply

[0043] CS: Charging station (charging system) Detailed Implementation

[0044] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the charging control system of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] [Charging Control System]

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the charging control system 10 includes a battery BAT, a temperature regulating device 16, and a control device 20 for controlling the battery BAT and the temperature regulating device 16, and is installed in vehicles such as electric vehicles.

[0047] [Battery]

[0048] The battery BAT is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery. The battery BAT is configured to connect (plug into) an external power source 50 located outside the vehicle, such as a fast charger, via a charging plug, and can be charged using the supplied power. The battery BAT primarily supplies power to a drive motor (not shown). Additionally, the battery BAT is configured to also be able to be charged using the power supplied during drive motor regeneration.

[0049] [Temperature control device]

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the temperature regulating device 16 includes an air conditioning unit (air conditioner) 18 and a battery cooling circuit 19. Hereinafter, the air conditioning unit 18 will be referred to as the air conditioner 18. The air conditioner 18 has a cooling cycle 180, which adjusts the environment inside the vehicle by adjusting the state of the air inside the vehicle. The air conditioner 18 is controlled by a cooling control unit 23 (described later) that receives operation from the occupant (hereinafter also referred to as the user). The battery cooling circuit 19 cools the battery BAT by allowing refrigerant to flow in the refrigerant flow path. Alternatively, a heater can be provided in the battery cooling circuit 19 to heat the battery BAT. The operation of the battery cooling circuit 19 is controlled by the cooling control unit 23 based on the temperature regulating capability of the battery cooling circuit 19, so that the temperature of the battery BAT is below the energy-saving temperature. The energy-saving temperature refers to the threshold temperature for energy-saving control (output limit control) of the battery BAT, including a high-temperature threshold temperature and a low-temperature threshold temperature, but the energy-saving temperature of this invention refers to the high-temperature threshold temperature that may be exceeded during fast charging, etc.

[0051] In the temperature control device 16, the refrigeration cycle 180 of the air conditioner 18 and the battery cooling circuit 19 are configured such that the refrigerants of each other can exchange heat through the cooler 189.

[0052] When reference Figure 2 More specifically, the refrigeration cycle 180 of the air conditioner 18 includes a compressor 181, a condenser 182, an expansion valve 183, and an evaporator 184 connected in series. Furthermore, a second flow path 185b, equipped with another expansion valve 186 and a cooler 189, is provided in parallel with respect to the first flow path 185a, which is equipped with the expansion valve 183. Additionally, a shut-off valve 187 is provided between the branch 185c of the first flow path 185a and the second flow path 185b and the expansion valve 183. By opening the shut-off valve 187, refrigerant flows to both the first flow path 185a and the second flow path 185b; by closing the shut-off valve 187, refrigerant flows only to the second flow path 185b.

[0053] The battery cooling circuit 19 is connected in series with a refrigerant supply pump EWP, a cooler 189, a battery BAT, and a radiator 30.

[0054] In the cooler 189, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle 180 and the refrigerant in the battery cooling circuit 19. Therefore, in the temperature control device 16, the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 18's refrigeration cycle 180 is allocated for both air conditioning and battery cooling. That is, when the air conditioner 18 is not in use (air conditioner off), the shut-off valve 187 is closed, allowing all the cooling capacity of the refrigeration cycle 180 to be used for battery cooling. On the other hand, when the air conditioner 18 is in use (air conditioner on), the shut-off valve 187 is open, reducing the amount of cooling capacity available for battery cooling allocated to the air conditioner. Therefore, the amount of cooling capacity available for battery cooling in the refrigeration cycle 180 depends on whether the air conditioner 18 is on or off.

[0055] [Navigation device]

[0056] Next, refer to Figure 3 An example of the structure of the navigation device 17 will be described. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the navigation device 17 includes a processor 171, a memory 172, a GPS unit 173, a display unit 174, an operation unit 175, and an interface 176. Furthermore, each of the structural units 171 to 176 is connected via a bus 177.

[0057] Processor 171 is, for example, a CPU responsible for the overall control of navigation device 17. Memory 172 includes, for example, main memory such as RAM and non-volatile memory such as flash memory, i.e., auxiliary memory. Main memory serves as the working area of ​​processor 171. Auxiliary memory stores various programs that enable navigation device 17 to operate. Programs stored in auxiliary memory are loaded into main memory and executed by processor 171.

[0058] In addition, the auxiliary memory of the navigation device 17 also stores map data for determining the vehicle's current location and providing route guidance to the destination. Although detailed descriptions are omitted, the map data includes road data showing the roads the vehicle can travel on, facility data showing information about various facilities such as charging stations, etc.

[0059] GPS unit 173 receives GPS signals (radio waves) from GPS satellites to determine the vehicle's current location. The current location determined by GPS unit 173 is used to determine the vehicle's current position.

[0060] The display unit 174 is configured to include a display for displaying text and images, a graphics controller for controlling the entire display, and a buffer memory such as VRAM (Video RAM) for temporarily recording image data of the images displayed on the display. The display is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display.

[0061] The operation unit 175 inputs the operation signal corresponding to the operation received from the user to the internal components of the navigation device 17 (e.g., the processor 171). The operation unit 175 may be, for example, a touch panel. Alternatively, the operation unit 175 may also be a remote control, keyboard, mouse, or the like with multiple keys.

[0062] Interface 176 controls the input and output of data between the navigation device 17 and an external device (e.g., control device 20). Interface 176 is controlled by processor 171. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the navigation device 17 can also be implemented through the functions of a terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet owned by the vehicle's user.

[0063] The navigation device 17 determines the route from the vehicle's current location (i.e., its own position) to the destination set by the vehicle's user, for example, by referring to map data. Additionally, the navigation device 17 obtains the State of Charge (SOC) information of the battery (BAT) from the battery control unit 22, and, if charging is required, creates a driving plan that incorporates a charging route at a charging station. The driving plan includes the route, charging stations, and the estimated time for each. The navigation device 17 guides the user by displaying the created driving plan on a screen.

[0064] [Control Device]

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the control device 20 includes a battery control unit 22, a cooling control unit 23, a charging control unit 24, a charging-related information acquisition unit 25, a noise reduction requirement determination unit 26, and a battery target temperature determination unit 27. The control device 20 is implemented by an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) equipped with a processor, memory, interface, etc. Alternatively, each functional unit may be configured as an independent control device.

[0066] The battery control unit 22 calculates the SOC (State of Charge) of the battery BAT based on the output of the battery sensor mounted on the battery BAT. The cooling control unit 23 controls the temperature regulating device 16 to cool the battery BAT and controls the air conditioning unit 18 according to user operation. The charging control unit 24 controls the on-board charger (not shown) during normal charging and communicates with the external power source 50 to control the charging of the battery BAT during fast charging.

[0067] The charging-related information acquisition unit 25 is configured to communicate with the navigation device 17 and the server device 60. The charging-related information acquisition unit 25 acquires a driving schedule, and when charging is included in the driving schedule, it acquires noise information related to the charging station CS where charging is taking place, as well as environmental information about the charging location. The driving schedule, for example, is a planned driving route from the vehicle's current location to its destination, and is displayed on the vehicle's display unit 174 when the user registers the destination via the navigation device 17. This driving schedule includes charging by a charging station CS located on or near the driving route, taking into account the battery's state of charge (SOC) (BAT). The driving schedule can display a single driving route or be selected by the user from multiple driving routes.

[0068] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the vehicle's current location is set to point A and the destination is set to point D, the driving plan includes charging at charging station CS at point C, which is between points A and D. Therefore, the user does not need to worry about the vehicle being unable to drive due to insufficient power (so-called "running out of power") and can drive the vehicle towards the destination (point D). Furthermore, if charging is not required before reaching the destination, the driving plan may not include charging.

[0069] Noise information associated with charging station CS is information used to estimate the operating sounds (e.g., the operating sounds of the charger) generated from the charging station CS during charging. The charging-related information acquisition unit 25, for example, acquires noise information of charging station CS included in the driving schedule from noise information associated with charging station CS in various locations stored in the server device 60.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, the noise information of the charging station CS is classified into four categories: "None", "Underground", "Small", and "Large". "None" means that no noise information can be obtained; "Underground" means that the charging system of the charging station CS is buried underground and the noise generated during charging is extremely small; "Small" means that the noise generated during charging is small; and "Large" means that the noise generated during charging is large.

[0071] The environmental information of the charging location is information used to estimate the surrounding environment of the charging station CS. The charging-related information acquisition unit 25, for example, obtains the environmental information of the charging station CS included in the driving schedule from the environmental information related to charging station CS in various locations stored in the server device 60.

[0072] like Figure 4As shown, the environmental information of charging station CS is categorized into three types: "Highway", "Urban Area", and "Residential Area". "Highway" indicates that the charging station CS included in the travel schedule is located on a highway with high environmental noise; "Urban Area" indicates that the charging station CS included in the travel schedule is located in an urban area with high environmental noise; and "Residential Area" indicates that the charging station CS included in the travel schedule is located in a residential area with low environmental noise.

[0073] The noise level requirement determination unit 26 determines the noise level requirement for the charging station CS installation location, i.e., the charging location, based on the noise information and environmental information of the charging station CS acquired by the charging-related information acquisition unit 25. In this embodiment, the noise level requirement determination unit 26 sets the higher of a first noise level requirement based on the noise information of the charging station CS and a second noise level requirement based on the environmental information of the charging station CS as the noise level requirement. Therefore, it is possible to take into account both the noise information and the environmental information of the charging station CS and set a noise level requirement that satisfies both conditions.

[0074] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the noise information of the charging station CS is "none" or "underground buried", the first quietness requirement is set to "high". Furthermore, when the noise information of the charging station CS is "low", the first quietness requirement is set to "medium". Additionally, when the noise information of the charging station CS is "high", the first quietness requirement is set to "low". That is, the first quietness requirement is set to be lower when the estimated operating noise of the charging station CS is high than when the estimated noise is low.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the environmental information of the charging station CS is "highway" or "urban area" and the charging time is "daytime," the second noise level requirement is set to "low." When the environmental information of the charging station CS is "highway" or "urban area" and the charging time is "nighttime to morning," the second noise level requirement is set to "medium." Furthermore, when the environmental information of the charging station CS is "residential area" and the charging time is "daytime," the second noise level requirement is set to "medium," and when the environmental information of the charging station CS is "residential area" and the charging time is "nighttime to morning," the second noise level requirement is set to "high." In other words, the second noise level requirement is set according to the classification of the charging location and the time of daytime.

[0076] The battery target temperature determination unit 27 determines the target temperature of the battery BAT when it arrives at the charging station CS or at the start of charging, based on the noise reduction requirement set by the noise reduction requirement determination unit 26. For example, Figure 5As shown, when the noise reduction requirement is "low," the battery BAT temperature is less likely to exceed the specified temperature when cooling and charging to meet the noise reduction requirement; therefore, the target temperature is set higher. Conversely, when the noise reduction requirement is "medium," the battery BAT temperature may exceed the specified temperature when cooling and charging to meet the noise reduction requirement; therefore, the target temperature is set lower compared to when the noise reduction requirement is "low." And conversely, when the noise reduction requirement is "high," the battery BAT temperature is more likely to exceed the specified temperature when cooling and charging to meet the noise reduction requirement; therefore, the target temperature is set lower compared to when the noise reduction requirement is "medium."

[0077] The cooling control unit 23 controls the temperature regulation device 16 to ensure that the battery BAT reaches the target temperature upon arrival at the charging station CS or at the start of charging. For example, Figure 5 As shown, in the driving schedule, if the scheduled driving distance or time to the charging station CS (location C) is a specified distance or time (location B), the cooling of the battery BAT, which is aimed at the target temperature corresponding to the quietness requirement, will begin.

[0078] Furthermore, if charging of the battery BAT begins within the charging station CS, the cooling control unit 23 limits the operating noise of the temperature regulating device 16 and continues cooling of the battery BAT according to noise reduction requirements. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, when R3 > R2 > R1 and D3 ≥ D2 > D1, when the noise reduction requirement is "high", the upper limit speed of the compressor 181 of the refrigeration cycle 180 of the air conditioning unit 18 is set to "R1" rpm, and the duty cycle of the pump EWP of the battery cooling circuit 19 is set to "D1"%. Furthermore, when the noise reduction requirement is "medium", the upper limit speed of the compressor 181 of the refrigeration cycle 180 of the air conditioning unit 18 is set to "R2" rpm, and the duty cycle of the pump EWP of the battery cooling circuit 19 is set to "D2"%. Additionally, when the noise reduction requirement is "low", the upper limit speed of the compressor 181 of the refrigeration cycle 180 of the air conditioning unit 18 is set to "R3" rpm, and the duty cycle of the pump EWP of the battery cooling circuit 19 is set to "D3".

[0079] However, during charging at the charging station CS, if the cooling performance for battery cooling is insufficient due to the use of the air conditioning unit 18, the battery temperature rises above the energy-saving temperature, limiting the current supplied to the battery BAT (output limitation), and consequently, the charging time may increase. On the other hand, if the battery BAT can be adequately cooled by the battery cooling circuit 19 by stopping the air conditioning 18, the output of the battery BAT will not be limited, and the charging time will be shortened.

[0080] Therefore, even when the air conditioning unit 18 is in use during charging at the charging station CS, the cooling control unit 23 can also send a display instruction indicating that the air conditioning unit 18 is allowed to stop to the navigation device 17. Thus, as Figure 7 As shown, the display unit 174 displays the message "Air conditioning is off due to charging." Additionally, the display unit 174 displays "OK" and "Air conditioning priority" icons. When the user selects "OK," the cooling control unit 23 reduces the cooling capacity of the air conditioning unit 18. In other words, the cooling capacity of the air conditioning unit 18 is allocated to the battery cooling circuit 19. This allows for more appropriate cooling of the battery (BAT). Furthermore, since the use of the air conditioning unit 18 is restricted only when the proposed solution is approved, it also prevents a decrease in the convenience of occupants remaining in the vehicle during charging.

[0081] Next, refer to Figure 8 The processing steps of the control device 20 are explained.

[0082] like Figure 8 As shown, the control device 20 determines whether charging is included in the planned driving route (S01). If the determination result is no, the process ends. If the determination result is yes, noise information related to the charging station CS and environmental information of the charging location are acquired (S02, S03). Next, based on the acquired noise and environmental information, the control device 20 determines the noise level requirement of the charging location (S04), and based on the noise level requirement, determines the target battery temperature upon arrival at the charging location (S05). Afterward, based on the target battery temperature, the control device 20 cools the battery BAT (S06) and determines whether the charging station CS has been reached (S07).

[0083] When the control device 20 determines that it has arrived at the charging station CS, it begins charging the battery BAT by the charging station CS and performs cooling of the battery BAT based on noise reduction requirements (S08). The control device 20 determines that during the charging process of the battery BAT, the air conditioning unit 18 (in...) Figure 8The control device 20 determines whether the air conditioner 18 is in use (S09). If the determination is yes, it proposes a plan to restrict the use of the air conditioner 18 to the user (S10). Then, the control device 20 determines whether the plan (S11) is permitted. If the determination is no, it continues to use the air conditioner 18 (S12). If the determination is yes, it stops using the air conditioner 18 and allocates its cooling capacity to the battery cooling circuit 19 (S13). Then, the control device 20 cools the battery BAT until it determines that charging is complete (S14).

[0084] The above describes the methods for implementing the present invention using embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0085] In addition, at least the following items are described in this specification. Furthermore, the constituent elements corresponding to the above embodiments are shown in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0086] (1) A charging control system (charging control system 10), comprising:

[0087] The storage battery (battery BAT) is capable of being charged using power from an external power source (external power source 50);

[0088] A battery cooling device (battery cooling circuit 19) that cools the battery; and

[0089] A control device (control device 20) controls the charging and cooling of the battery, wherein...

[0090] The control device includes:

[0091] The charging-related information acquisition unit (charging-related information acquisition unit 25) acquires noise information related to the charging system (charging station CS) and environmental information of the charging location when the driving schedule includes charging.

[0092] The noise requirement determination unit (noise requirement determination unit 26) determines the noise requirement of the charging location based on the noise information and the environmental information;

[0093] A battery target temperature determination unit (battery target temperature determination unit 27) determines, based on the aforementioned noise reduction requirement, the target temperature of the battery upon arrival at the charging location or at the start of charging; and

[0094] The battery cooling control unit (cooling control unit 23) controls the battery cooling device based on the target temperature of the battery.

[0095] According to (1), the noise level requirements for the charging location are determined based on noise information related to the charging system and environmental information of the charging location, thereby enabling charging that takes into account the surrounding environment affected by charging. Furthermore, the target battery temperature at arrival at the charging location or at the start of charging is determined based on the noise level requirements, thereby preventing noise generation and avoiding limitations on battery output. Therefore, longer charging times and extended arrival times can be avoided.

[0096] (2) According to the charging control system described in (1), wherein,

[0097] When the noise reduction requirement is high, the battery target temperature determination unit sets the target temperature of the battery to be lower than when the noise reduction requirement is low.

[0098] According to (2), the battery temperature can be reduced in advance at the start of charging, taking into account the cooling of the battery in accordance with the requirements of quietness.

[0099] (3) The charging control system according to (1) or (2), wherein,

[0100] The noise reduction requirement determination unit will take the higher of a first noise reduction requirement based on the noise information and a second noise reduction requirement based on the environmental information as the noise reduction requirement.

[0101] According to (3), it is possible to suppress the adverse effects on the surrounding environment caused by charging.

[0102] (4) The charging control system according to (3), wherein,

[0103] The first quietness requirement is set to be lower when the noise information is loud than when the noise is soft.

[0104] According to (4), when the charging system is noisy, the operating noise generated as the battery cools down can be concealed.

[0105] (5) The charging control system according to (3) or (4), wherein,

[0106] The second quietness requirement is set according to the classification of the charging location and the charging time.

[0107] According to (5), by changing the quietness requirement according to the charging location and the time period of charging, a balance can be achieved between consideration of the surrounding environment and the convenience of the charging control system.

[0108] (6) The charging control system according to any one of claims (1) to (5) further comprises:

[0109] Air conditioning unit (air conditioning unit 18), which adjusts the temperature inside the vehicle; and

[0110] A heat exchange section (cooler 189) is provided, which enables heat exchange between the refrigerant of the battery cooling device and the refrigerant of the air conditioning device, wherein...

[0111] When the noise reduction requirement is high, compared to when the noise reduction requirement is low, the battery cooling control unit reduces the upper limit speed of the compressor (compressor 181) of the air conditioning unit's refrigeration cycle (refrigeration cycle 180) and reduces the duty cycle of the electric pump (pump EWP) of the battery cooling unit.

[0112] According to (6), cooling performance can be improved without increasing the size of the air conditioning unit and the battery cooling unit. In addition, when high noise reduction is required, the operating noise of the temperature control device can be reduced by lowering the upper limit speed of the compressor in the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioning unit and reducing the duty cycle of the electric pump in the battery cooling unit.

[0113] (7) The charging control system according to (6), wherein,

[0114] The battery cooling control unit proposes a scheme that allows the use of the air conditioning unit to be restricted during the charging process, and if the scheme is approved, reduces the cooling capacity of the air conditioning unit.

[0115] According to (7), by restricting the use of the air conditioning unit during charging, the cooling capacity of the air conditioning unit can be allocated to the battery cooling unit, thus enabling more appropriate cooling of the battery. Since the use of the air conditioning unit is restricted only when the scheme is approved, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the convenience of occupants who remain in the vehicle during charging.

Claims

1. A charging control system comprising: a storage battery that is chargeable with electric power from an external power source; a storage battery cooling device that cools the storage battery; and a control device that controls charging of the storage battery and cooling of the storage battery, wherein the control device comprises: a charging-related information acquisition section that, in a case where a charging is included in a travel schedule plan, acquires noise information related to a charging system that performs the charging and environmental information of a charging site before arrival at the charging site; a quietness requirement determination section that determines a quietness requirement of the charging site based on the noise information and the environmental information; a storage battery target temperature determination section that determines a target temperature of the storage battery at the time of arrival at the charging site based on the quietness requirement; and a storage battery cooling control section that controls the storage battery cooling device based on the travel schedule plan so that the temperature of the storage battery at the time of arrival at the charging site becomes the target temperature.

2. The charging control system according to claim 1, wherein the storage battery target temperature determination section sets the target temperature of the storage battery lower when the quietness requirement is high than when the quietness requirement is low.

3. The charging control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the quietness requirement determination section determines, as the quietness requirement, whichever of a first quietness requirement based on the noise information and a second quietness requirement based on the environmental information is higher.

4. The charging control system according to claim 3, wherein the first quietness requirement is set to be lower when noise in the noise information is large than when noise is small.

5. The charging control system according to claim 3, wherein the second quietness requirement is set in accordance with a classification of the charging site and a time at which the charging is performed.

6. The charging control system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: an air conditioning device that adjusts a temperature in a vehicle cabin; and a heat exchange section that enables heat exchange between refrigerant of the storage battery cooling device and refrigerant of the air conditioning device, wherein in a case where the quietness requirement is high, the storage battery cooling control section lowers an upper limit rotation speed of a compressor of a refrigeration cycle of the air conditioning device and lowers a duty ratio of an electric pump of the storage battery cooling device, as compared to a case where the quietness requirement is low.

7. The charging control system according to claim 6, wherein the storage battery cooling control section proposes a plan that allows restriction of use of the air conditioning device during charging, and lowers a cooling capacity of the air conditioning device in a case where the plan is accepted. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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