Speculation system, speculation method, and vehicle

Abstract

A speculation system, a speculation method, and a vehicle are disclosed. The speculation system includes an electrical storage device and one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute: a charging process that controls a charging device to charge the electrical storage device; and a speculation process that speculates a full charge capacity of the electrical storage device. The one or more processors are configured to execute the charging process on the basis of setting an upper limit charge rate of the electrical storage device to a value greater than a first upper limit charge rate that is an upper limit charge rate in a case where a predetermined condition is not satisfied, in a case where the predetermined condition is satisfied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a system and method for estimating the full-charge capacity of an energy storage device, and a vehicle equipped with the same. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-195681 discloses a capacity measuring device for vehicle-mounted batteries. This capacity measuring device calculates the full-charge capacity of a battery by calculating the cumulative value of the charging current (charge amount) when the battery is charged from an empty state to a fully charged state. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Even if the energy storage device is not fully charged from an empty state, its full-charge capacity can be estimated. For example, it is known to estimate the full-charge capacity by dividing the amount of charge in the energy storage device by the increment of the State of Charge (SOC) of the energy storage device resulting from charging (ΔSOC). Here, SOC represents the amount of energy stored in the energy storage device relative to a fully charged state, ranging from 0% to 100%. When using this method, the larger the ΔSOC, the higher the accuracy of the full-charge capacity estimation. On the other hand, if the ΔSOC is large, for example, when the energy storage device is charged to a full-charge state, the energy storage device becomes overcharged, and thus the degradation of the energy storage device is more likely to occur.

[0004] In recent years, the capacity of energy storage devices has increased. To suppress degradation of these devices as capacity increases, it is sometimes preferable not to charge them to a full charge state. For example, sometimes an upper limit SOC lower than the full charge SOC is set, and the device is charged in a way that ensures the SOC does not exceed this upper limit. When the device is not fully charged, the ΔSOC decreases more frequently compared to when it is fully charged. As a result, the accuracy of the full charge capacity estimated using the above methods may decrease.

[0005] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a prediction system and vehicle that can simultaneously suppress the degradation of the energy storage device and improve the prediction accuracy of the full charge capacity.

[0006] The estimation system according to the first aspect of the present invention includes: a storage device; a charging device configured to charge the storage device; and one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute a charging process that controls the charging device to charge the storage device. Here, the charging process includes a limiting charging process in which the one or more processors control the charging device to charge the storage device in a manner that prevents the charging rate of the storage device from becoming greater than a set upper limit charging rate lower than the full charge rate of the storage device. Furthermore, the one or more processors are configured to execute an estimation process for estimating the full charge capacity of the storage device. Here, the estimation process includes a process that estimates the full charge capacity by dividing the amount of charge deposited into the storage device through the charging process by ΔSOC, which represents the increment of the SOC generated through the charging process. The one or more processors are configured to execute the limiting charging process if a predetermined condition is not met. On the other hand, when predetermined conditions are met, one or more processors are configured to perform the limited charging process based on setting the upper limit charging rate of the energy storage device to a second upper limit charging rate that is greater than the first upper limit charging rate that is the upper limit charging rate when the conditions are not met.

[0007] According to this structure, when the predetermined conditions are not met, a limited charging process is performed, so the energy storage device is not charged to a full charge state. As a result, the degradation of the energy storage device is suppressed. On the other hand, when the predetermined conditions are met, a charging process is performed with an increased upper limit SOC. Therefore, compared to the case where the conditions are not met, ΔSOC increases. As a result, the error in the prediction of the full charge capacity is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously suppress the degradation of the energy storage device and improve the accuracy of the full charge capacity prediction.

[0008] In the speculation system described in the first method above, the one or more processors may also be configured to perform the limited charging process based on setting the upper limit charging rate of the energy storage device to the second upper limit charging rate when the predetermined conditions are met, and then perform the speculation process through the limited charging process.

[0009] In the speculative system involved in the first method described above, the second upper limit charging rate can also be the full charge rate of the energy storage device.

[0010] In the speculative system described in the first method above, the one or more processors may also be configured to determine that the predetermined condition is met when the user sets the upper limit charging rate.

[0011] This structure allows users to set an upper limit for the charging rate, while simultaneously executing charging processes that enhance the user-defined upper limit. This improves both user convenience and the accuracy of full-charge capacity estimation.

[0012] In the inference system described in the first method above, the one or more processors may also be configured to determine that the predetermined condition is met when the upper limit charging rate is maintained for a predetermined threshold time or longer than the time set by the user.

[0013] The longer the user-defined upper charge rate is maintained in a state, the longer the energy storage device will not be fully charged. Therefore, the likelihood of performing estimation processing when ΔSOC is low increases. Consequently, the accuracy of full charge capacity estimation may decrease. By implementing the above structure, charging limitation processing can be performed until the user-defined upper charge rate is maintained for a duration exceeding a threshold. Furthermore, when this duration exceeds the threshold, charging processing that increases the upper charge rate is performed. As a result, charging processing that increases the upper charge rate can be performed at appropriate timing.

[0014] In the inference system described in the first method above, the one or more processors may also be configured to determine that the predetermined condition is met when the charging process is executed continuously for a predetermined number of times.

[0015] The more times the charging process is executed consecutively, the longer the time before the energy storage device is fully charged becomes. Therefore, the likelihood of performing estimation processing when ΔSOC is low increases. Consequently, the accuracy of full-charge capacity estimation may decrease. By implementing the above structure, charging processing that improves the upper limit charging rate is performed when the number of consecutive executions of the charging process exceeds a certain threshold. As a result, charging processing that improves the upper limit charging rate can be executed at appropriate timing.

[0016] In the speculative system described in the first method above, the one or more processors may also be configured to, when it is determined that the predetermined condition is met and the restricted charging process is performed based on setting the upper limit charging rate of the energy storage device to the second upper limit charging rate, also perform a report processing that indicates that the restricted charging process is performed based on setting the upper limit charging rate of the energy storage device to the second upper limit charging rate.

[0017] In the speculative system described in the first method above, the one or more processors may also be configured to perform the limited charging process based on setting the upper limit charging rate of the energy storage device to the second upper limit charging rate when the user grants permission to set the upper limit charging rate to the second upper limit charging rate during the report processing.

[0018] Based on this structure, charging processing that increases the upper limit of the charging rate is performed on user reports. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0019] In the inference system described in the first method above, the one or more processors may also be configured to perform a reduction report process before performing the limiting charge process based on setting the upper limit charge rate of the energy storage device to the second upper limit charge rate, if the predetermined condition is determined to be met. Here, the reduction report process may be a process that reports to the user that the charge rate at the start of charging of the energy storage device is less than the predetermined charge rate.

[0020] This structure provides users with an incentive to reduce the initial charging rate of the energy storage device. This, in turn, increases ΔSOC.

[0021] In the speculative system described in the first approach above, the charging process may also include a reference charging process, in which the one or more processors control the charging device to charge the energy storage device such that the charging rate at the end of charging is higher than a predetermined first reference value, and the charging rate at the start of charging is lower than a predetermined second reference value that is less than the first reference value. Here, the one or more processors may also be configured to determine that the predetermined condition is met if the state in which the reference charging process is not executed continues for a predetermined threshold duration or longer.

[0022] If the duration of the aforementioned state exceeds a certain threshold, it is considered that the energy storage device has been in a state of insufficient charging for an extended period. By implementing the above structure, charging restriction processing can be performed until the duration of this state exceeds the threshold. On the other hand, if the duration of the aforementioned state exceeds the threshold, charging processing with an increased upper limit charging rate is performed. As a result, charging processing with an increased upper limit charging rate can be performed at appropriate timing.

[0023] In the inference system involved in the first method mentioned above, the shorter the time elapsed since the start of use of the energy storage device, the shorter the predetermined threshold duration becomes.

[0024] The shorter the time elapsed since the start of use of the energy storage device, the more easily the full charge capacity of the energy storage device changes (decreases). By making the above structure, the threshold duration becomes shorter during periods when the full charge capacity is more likely to change, thus making it easier to perform charging processes that increase the upper limit charge rate. As a result, the frequency of charging processes that increase the upper limit charge rate is increased. Therefore, it is possible to increase the frequency of appropriately performing full charge capacity estimation processes.

[0025] In the inference system described in the first method above, the one or more processors may also be configured to determine that the predetermined condition is met when the inference accuracy falls below a predetermined threshold accuracy. Here, the inference accuracy may also be determined based on the charging rate at the start of charging of the energy storage device and the charging rate at the end of charging of the energy storage device.

[0026] Based on this structure, charging processing that improves the upper limit charging rate is performed when the estimation accuracy is below the threshold accuracy. Therefore, charging processing that improves the upper limit charging rate can be performed at appropriate timing.

[0027] In the speculative system described in the first method above, the energy storage device can also be mounted on a vehicle. The charging process can also be an external charging process where one or more processors control the charging device to charge the energy storage device using power from an external electrical device located on the vehicle. The amount of charge can also be the electrical force transferred from the electrical device to the energy storage device from the start of the external charging process to its end.

[0028] Based on this structure, it is possible to improve the accuracy of full-charge capacity estimation when performing external charging.

[0029] The estimation method according to the second aspect of the present invention includes: performing a charging process that controls a charging device to charge an energy storage device; and performing an estimation process that estimates the full charge capacity of the energy storage device. Here, the charging process includes a limiting charging process that controls the charging device to charge the energy storage device in a manner that prevents the charging rate of the energy storage device from becoming greater than an upper limit charging rate set below the full charge rate of the energy storage device. Furthermore, the estimation process includes a process that estimates the full charge capacity by dividing the amount of charge delivered to the energy storage device through the charging process by ΔSOC, which represents the increment of the charging rate generated by the charging process. Here, the estimation method includes: determining whether a predetermined condition is met; if the predetermined condition is determined not to be met, performing the limiting charging process; and if the predetermined condition is determined to be met, performing the limiting charging process based on setting the upper limit charging rate of the energy storage device to a second upper limit charging rate that is greater than a first upper limit charging rate that is the upper limit charging rate when the condition is not met.

[0030] The vehicle involved in the third aspect of the present invention is equipped with the above-described speculation system.

[0031] According to this disclosure, it is possible to simultaneously suppress the degradation of the energy storage device and improve the accuracy of the full-charge capacity estimation. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a diagram that roughly illustrates the overall structure of the vehicle involved in Embodiment 1.

[0034] Figure 2 This is an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal's Human Machine Interface (HMI) device for setting the upper limit of the State of Charge (SOC).

[0035] Figure 3 This is a diagram used to illustrate the estimation process for estimating the full-charge capacity of a battery.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a diagram used to illustrate the estimation process of the battery's full charge capacity performed by the electronic control unit (ECU) in Embodiment 1.

[0037] Figure 5 This is an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal to increase the upper limit of SOC.

[0038] Figure 6 These are other examples of images displayed on a user terminal's display device to increase the upper limit of SOC.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the ECU in association with the limited charging process.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the ECU in connection with the increase of the upper limit SOC in Implementation 1.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating other examples of processes performed by the ECU to decouple from the upper limit of SOC.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process performed by the ECU in Variation 1.

[0043] Figure 11 It is a graph showing the relationship between the battery's full charge capacity and the elapsed time from the start of battery use.

[0044] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the ECU in Variation 3.

[0045] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the ECU in Variation 4.

[0046] Figure 14 This diagram illustrates the method by which the ECU determines the accuracy of its estimation of the battery's full-charge capacity.

[0047] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the ECU in connection with a prediction of full charge capacity in Implementation 2. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are not repeated. The embodiments and their variations can be appropriately combined as long as there is no contradiction.

[0049] [Implementation Method 1]

[0050] Figure 1 This is a diagram that roughly illustrates the overall structure of the vehicle involved in Embodiment 1. (As shown...) Figure 1As shown, vehicle 1 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) equipped with battery 10. Vehicle 1 is configured to perform external charging by using power supplied from an external electrical device 85 (described later) located on the outside of vehicle 1 to charge battery 10.

[0051] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a Power Control Unit (PCU) 30, a socket 40, a charging device 50, an electric generator 62, drive wheels 66, and a speculation system 2.

[0052] PCU30 includes an inverter (not shown). The inverter is configured to convert DC power supplied from battery 10 into AC power, and supply the converted power to generator 62.

[0053] The connector 40 is configured to receive power from an external electrical device 85 located on the vehicle 1 via a charging cable. A signal indicating whether the vehicle 1 is connected to the electrical device 85 via the charging cable (cable connection signal PISW) is transmitted from the connector 40 to the ECU 100.

[0054] The charging device 50 is configured to charge the battery 10 by converting the power (AC power) received through the socket 40 into DC power suitable for charging the battery 10. The charging device 50 is configured to include, for example, an inverter and a converter (neither shown).

[0055] The electric generator 62 is an AC rotating motor, such as a three-phase AC synchronous motor with permanent magnets embedded in the rotor. The electric generator 62 uses electricity supplied from the PCU30 to drive the drive wheels 66. Thus, the vehicle 1 moves.

[0056] It is speculated that system 2 includes a battery 10, a monitoring unit 20, a human machine interface (HMI) device 70, a communication device 80, and an electronic control unit (ECU) 100.

[0057] Battery 10 is a secondary battery configured to store electricity for the operation of vehicle 1. The state of charge of battery 10 is indicated by its state of charge (SOC). Battery 10 may also be replaced by other energy storage devices such as electrical double-layer capacitors.

[0058] The monitoring unit 20 includes a voltage sensor 21, a current sensor 22, and a temperature sensor 23. The voltage sensor 21 detects the voltage VB of the battery 10. The current sensor 22 detects the input / output current IB of the battery 10 (e.g., the charging current of the battery 10). The temperature sensor 23 detects the temperature TB of the battery 10.

[0059] HMI device 70 includes a display device 72 and an input device 74. The display device 72 displays various information to the user of vehicle 1. The input device 74 is configured to accept input from the user of vehicle 1. In this example, the display device 72 and the input device 74 constitute a touch screen. HMI device 70 may also include a speaker.

[0060] The communication device 80 is configured to communicate with external machines (such as electrical equipment 85 and user terminal 90) of the vehicle 1. The communication device 80 interacts with the electrical equipment 85 via, for example, Controller Area Network (CAN) communication. The communication device 80 interacts with the user terminal 90 via, for example, wireless communication.

[0061] ECU100 includes a processor 100A and a memory 100B. The processor 100A is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The memory 100B includes read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). The ROM stores the programs executed by the processor 100A. The RAM functions as working memory.

[0062] ECU100 controls various machines in vehicle 1 (e.g., PCU30, charging device 50, electric generator 62, HMI device 70, and communication device 80).

[0063] The ECU 100 determines the connection status (i.e., whether the vehicle 1 is connected to the electrical equipment 85) of the vehicle 1 and the electrical equipment 85 based on the signal level of the cable connection signal PISW. The ECU 100 receives a signal from the HMI device 70 indicating the result of a user operation performed on the input device 74 of the HMI device 70.

[0064] ECU 100 is configured to perform a charging process to charge battery 10. The following description primarily focuses on the case where the charging process is an external charging process. An external charging process is one in which the battery 10 is charged using power from electrical device 85. In this example, the external charging process involves ECU 100 controlling charging device 50 to convert the power from electrical device 85 and using the converted power to charge battery 10.

[0065] As an example, when ECU 100 receives a signal from electrical device 85 indicating that an operation instructing to start supplying power from electrical device 85 to vehicle 1 has been performed using HMI device 85B (described later), it begins external charging processing. Then, ECU 100 determines whether the State of Charge (SOC) of battery 10 has reached a threshold SOC. The threshold SOC is, for example, the SOC of battery 10 when fully charged, i.e., the full charge SOC (100%), or an upper limit SOC lower than the full charge SOC. The method for setting the upper limit SOC will be explained in detail later. When the SOC reaches the threshold SOC, ECU 100 ends the external charging process. Specifically, ECU 100 outputs a power supply stop request to electrical device 85 to terminate the power supply from electrical device 85 to vehicle 1.

[0066] When an external charging process is performed in a manner that causes the State of Charge (SOC) at the end of external charging to be higher than a first reference value (e.g., 80%), and when the SOC at the start of external charging is lower than a second reference value (e.g., 30%) that is less than the first reference value (i.e., when an external charging process is performed in a manner that causes the SOC to rise from a state lower than the second reference value to a state higher than the first reference value), this external charging process is also referred to as a reference charging process. The end time of the reference charging process is also referred to as a "reference time".

[0067] The ECU 100 is configured to perform a limited charging process that charges the battery 10 in a manner that ensures the state of charge (SOC) of the battery 10 does not exceed the upper limit SOC. This limited charging process is performed to suppress the degradation of the battery 10.

[0068] The ECU 100 receives detection values ​​(voltage VB, current IB, and temperature TB) from the sensors of the monitoring unit 20. The ECU 100 calculates the SOC of the battery 10 based on the above detection values.

[0069] ECU 100 performs a "prediction process" to estimate the full charge capacity of battery 10. ECU 100 performs this prediction process based on the detection values ​​from the sensors in monitoring unit 20, the program stored in memory 100B, and the mapping. ECU 100 can perform the prediction process either every time a charging process is performed, or every time a predetermined number of charging processes are performed. The prediction process will be explained in detail later.

[0070] The electrical equipment 85 includes a power supply 85A and an HMI device 85B. The power supply 85A is, for example, a commercial power source, configured to supply AC power to the vehicle 1. The HMI device 85B is configured to receive user operations related to the power supply from the electrical equipment 85 to the vehicle 1 (e.g., operations to start or stop power supply). A signal indicating the result of this user operation is transmitted to the vehicle 1 via, for example, CAN communication.

[0071] User terminal 90 is a portable communication terminal for the user of vehicle 1, such as a smartphone. User terminal 90 includes communication device 98, HMI device 94, and control device 99. Communication device 98 is configured to communicate wirelessly with vehicle 1.

[0072] HMI device 94 includes a display device 95 and an input device 97. HMI device 94 may also include a speaker. The display device 95 displays various information to the user. The input device 97 accepts user input. User input may be, for example, setting the upper limit of SOC at the end of external charging of vehicle 1. The display device 95 and the input device 97 constitute a touchscreen.

[0073] The control device 99 controls various machines of the user terminal 90 (e.g., HMI device 94 and communication device 98). For example, when the input device 97 receives input from the user, the control device 99 sends a signal indicating the result of the user operation to the vehicle 1 via the communication device 98.

[0074] Figure 2 This is an example of a screen displayed on the HMI device 94 of the user terminal 90 for setting the upper limit SOC.

[0075] Reference Figure 2 The screen 700 includes a message 710, a setting input unit 715, a setting display unit 720, and a button 725.

[0076] Message 710 prompts the user to input the upper limit SOC setting value. The setting input unit 715 accepts the upper limit SOC setting value (X%) from the user. The setting display unit 720 displays the current upper limit SOC setting value (Y%).

[0077] Button 725 is provided to accept user operations for outputting the upper limit SOC setting value to vehicle 1. When button 725 is operated while the upper limit SOC setting value (X%) is input to the setting input unit 715, the upper limit SOC setting value is output from user terminal 90 to vehicle 1. As a result, the upper limit SOC setting value is rewritten (from Y% to X%).

[0078] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the estimation process used to estimate the full-charge capacity of battery 10. The example is a comparative case where ECU 100 does not perform the processes described later.

[0079] Reference Figure 3ΔSOC is the difference between the starting SOC (SOC1) and the ending SOC (SOC2) when external charging is performed (ΔSOC = SOC2 - SOC1). The starting SOC is the SOC at the start of external charging. The ending SOC is the SOC at the end of external charging. In this example, the ending SOC is equal to the upper limit SOC set in the limited charging process, which is SOC2A. SOCF is equivalent to the full charge SOC.

[0080] The ECU estimates the full charge capacity by dividing the amount of charge (ΔAh) that is added to the battery 10 through external charging by ΔSOC, which represents the increment of SOC generated by external charging. That is, the ECU estimates the estimated value Ce of the full charge capacity of the battery 10 according to the following formula (1).

[0081] Ce=(ΔAh / ΔSOC)×100[Ah]…(1)

[0082] ΔAh is the cumulative value (time cumulative value) of the current IB from the start to the end of external charging. The larger ΔSOC is, the more accurate the estimated value Ce becomes. On the other hand, if ΔSOC is larger as the battery 10 is charged to a fully charged state, the battery 10 is in a high-charge state and its degradation is more likely to progress.

[0083] In recent years, the capacity of battery 10 has increased. When the capacity of battery 10 increases, in order to suppress the degradation of battery 10, it is sometimes preferable not to charge battery 10 to a full charge state. For example, sometimes an upper limit SOC lower than the full charge SOC of battery 10 is set (used as an example). Figure 2 In screen 700), a limited charging process is performed. When battery 10 is not fully charged, the ΔSOC decreases more often than when battery 10 is fully charged. As a result, there is a possibility that the accuracy of the full charge capacity estimated using the above formula (1) (the accuracy of the estimated value Ce) will decrease.

[0084] For example, when an upper limit SOC is set, the ΔSOC in equation (1) is smaller than when no upper limit SOC is set (assuming the SOC at the start of charging is equal). As a result, the deviation of the predicted value Ce increases, so there is a possibility that the accuracy of the predicted value Ce may decrease. In particular, when the battery 10 is not fully charged for a long period of time, the accuracy of the predicted value Ce decreases significantly. Thus, there is a possibility that the accuracy of the predicted value Ce may decrease when an upper limit SOC is set.

[0085] The vehicle 1 according to Embodiment 1 has a structure for addressing the above-mentioned problems. Hereinafter, it will be described in detail.

[0086] Figure 4 This is a diagram used to illustrate the estimation process of the full charge capacity of the battery 10 performed by the ECU 100 in Embodiment 1.

[0087] Reference Figure 4 ECU100 and Comparative Example ( Figure 3 Similarly, in the case of ), the full charge capacity estimation process (calculation of the estimated value Ce) is performed by dividing ΔAh by ΔSOC in equation (1) above. On the other hand, if a predetermined condition indicating a decrease in the estimation accuracy of the full charge capacity is met, the ECU100 performs either the first process or the second process. The first process is to perform the charging process by increasing the upper limit SOC set in the limited charging process compared to the case where the predetermined condition is not met (from SOC2A to SOC2B). In this example, SOC2B is set to be equal to SOCF, but it can also be within the range between SOC2A and SOCF. The second process is to perform the charging process without performing the limited charging process. The second process is to perform the charging process by removing the upper limit SOC setting (that is, even if the upper limit SOC is set, the threshold SOC is set to the full charge SOC instead of the upper limit SOC) so that the charging end SOC becomes the full charge SOC. The second process can also be to cancel the user operation (in a way that the battery 10 is charged to a full charge state) even if a user operation for setting the upper limit SOC is performed using screen 700, and then perform external charging processing. If the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are not met, ECU 100 performs limited charging processing when the upper limit SOC is SOC2A.

[0088] By implementing the above structure, a limited charging process is performed when the predetermined conditions are not met, so the battery 10 is not charged to a fully charged state. As a result, the degradation of the battery 10 is suppressed. On the other hand, when the predetermined conditions are met, charging is performed with the upper limit SOC increased (first process), or charging is performed without limited charging (i.e., without setting the upper limit SOC) (second process).

[0089] When the first process is performed, the upper limit SOC (SOC2, which is the SOC at the end of charging) is higher than in the comparison example. As a result, ΔSOC increases from ΔSOC1 to ΔSOC2. That is, ΔSOC in equation (1) above is larger than in the comparison example. As a result, the deviation of the predicted value Ce is reduced compared to the comparison example. Therefore, the error of the predicted value Ce is reduced, so the accuracy of the predicted value Ce (the accuracy of the predicted full charge capacity) is improved.

[0090] Alternatively, when the second process is performed, the SOC at the end of external charging (SOC2) becomes the full charge SOC (SOCF). Therefore, compared to the comparative example, ΔSOC increases. As a result, the accuracy of the full charge capacity estimation can be improved. Based on the above, according to Embodiment 1, both the suppression of battery degradation and the improvement of the accuracy of full charge capacity estimation can be achieved simultaneously.

[0091] In the user (e.g., using) Figure 2 This is particularly effective when the upper limit of SOC is set in the screen (700) and the ECU100 performs either the first or second processing. Therefore, the user can set the upper limit of SOC and simultaneously perform either the first or second processing. As a result, the accuracy of full-charge capacity estimation can be improved while increasing user convenience.

[0092] In performing the first process or the second process, the ECU100 may also perform a report processing that informs the user of their intention (i.e., to perform the first process or the second process).

[0093] For example, when a user reports the execution of the first process (e.g., using screen 700), the user is provided with a method to reduce the upper limit SOC from the current set value (e.g., ...). Figure 2 The motivation to increase (Y%) is thus enhanced. This allows for an increase in the upper limit of SOC. Furthermore, it improves user convenience.

[0094] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display device 95 of a user terminal 90 to increase the upper limit of SOC.

[0095] Reference Figure 5 If battery 10 is not fully charged for an extended period (e.g., a predetermined period of one month), screen 900 is displayed. Screen 900 includes message 927. Message 927 prompts the user to fully charge battery 10 within N external charging cycles. In this example, message 927 prompts the user to use screen 700 displayed on user terminal 90 to set the upper limit SOC to the full charge SOC.

[0096] If the battery 10 is not fully charged after displaying screen 900, the number "N" in message 927 when screen 900 is displayed again becomes smaller. Alternatively, a smaller N can be used to emphasize the display. For example, if N is above a predetermined threshold, N can be displayed as the first color (e.g., blue); conversely, if N is below the threshold, N can be displayed as the second color (e.g., red, or a attention color). By emphasizing N in this way, the user can be effectively encouraged to fully charge the battery 10 as soon as possible.

[0097] The ECU100 can also be configured to generate a report asking the user whether they agree to increase the upper limit of SOC. Asking the user in this way further improves user convenience. This will be explained in detail below.

[0098] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating another example of a screen displayed on a display device 95 of a user terminal 90 in order to increase the upper limit of SOC.

[0099] Reference Figure 6 If the battery 10 is not fully charged for an extended period (e.g., a scheduled period), screen 950 is displayed. Screen 950 includes message 960 and buttons 965 and 970. Message 960 asks the user whether the upper limit SOC can be increased from the current setting.

[0100] Buttons 965 and 970 are operated by the user. When button 965 is operated, ECU 100 increases the upper limit SOC from the current setting value. When button 970 is operated, the upper limit SOC remains at the current setting value.

[0101] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by ECU 100 in association with a limited charging process. The process in this flowchart begins when vehicle 1 is connected to electrical equipment 85 with a maximum SOC set.

[0102] Reference Figure 7 ECU100 sets FLAG to 0 (step S105). FLAG is used by ECU100 to determine whether battery 10 is adequately charged.

[0103] Next, ECU 100 determines whether external charging of vehicle 1 has been initiated (step S110). ECU 100 receives, for example, a signal from electrical device 85 indicating whether HMI device 85B has been used to supply power to vehicle 1. Then, ECU 100 executes the determination process of step S110 according to the signal.

[0104] If no indication is given of the start of external charging ("No" in step S110), the ECU100 performs the above-described determination process until an indication is given of the start of external charging. On the other hand, if an indication is given of the start of external charging ("Yes" in step S110), the process proceeds to step S115.

[0105] Next, ECU100 determines whether the starting charge SOC is lower than the reference value RVS (step S115). The reference value RVS is equivalent to the second reference value mentioned above, and is appropriately predetermined to be a value lower than the reference value RVE described later (e.g., 30%). If the starting charge SOC is higher than the reference value RVS ("No" in step S115), the process proceeds to step S125. On the other hand, if the starting charge SOC is lower than the reference value RVS ("Yes" in step S115), ECU100 sets FLAG to 1 (step S120), causing the process to proceed to step S125.

[0106] Next, ECU100 determines whether the State of Charge (SOC) has reached the upper limit (SOC) (step S125). If the SOC has not reached the upper limit ("No" in step S125), ECU100 performs this determination process until the SOC reaches the upper limit. On the other hand, if the SOC has reached the upper limit ("Yes" in step S125), ECU100 ends external charging (step S126). In this case, the SOC at the end of charging is the upper limit. After that, the process proceeds to step S130.

[0107] Next, ECU100 switches processing based on whether the final charge SOC is higher than the reference value RVE (step S130). The reference value RVE is equivalent to the first reference value mentioned above, and is appropriately predetermined to be a value below the full charge SOC (e.g., 80%).

[0108] If the SOC at the end of charging is below the reference value RVE (No in step S130), Figure 7 The processing is now complete.

[0109] On the other hand, if the SOC at the end of charging is higher than the reference value RVE ("Yes" in step S130), the ECU 100 branches the processing according to the value of FLAG (step S135). If FLAG is 0 ("No" in step S135), Figure 7 The processing is now complete.

[0110] On the other hand, when FLAG is 1 ("Yes" in step S135), the external charging process begins when the starting SOC is sufficiently low below the reference value RVS ("Yes" in step S115), and ends when the ending SOC is sufficiently high above the reference value RVE ("Yes" in step S130). In this case of starting and ending the external charging process, the external charging process is a reference charging process. When the reference charging process is executed, the ECU 100 determines that the battery 10 is sufficiently charged and saves the charging end time (reference time) to the memory 100B (step S140). Then, the process ends. Figure 7 The processing.

[0111] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by ECU 100 in connection with an increase in the upper limit SOC in Implementation 1. The processes in this flowchart are executed at predetermined time intervals.

[0112] Reference Figure 8 ECU 100 determines whether a predetermined condition indicating a decrease in the estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity is met (step S205). In this example, ECU 100 determines that the predetermined condition is met if the state of not performing reference charging processing continues for more than a threshold duration THD from the reference time. Therefore, the determination process in step S205 is equivalent to determining whether the state of the battery 10 not being fully charged continues for more than a threshold duration THD. Through experiments, the threshold duration THD is appropriately predetermined as the time during which the estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity of the battery 10 remains substantially unchanged if the duration of the state of not performing reference charging processing is less than the threshold duration THD.

[0113] If the reference charging process is not performed and the duration of the reference time does not exceed the threshold duration THD (No in step S205), ECU100 ends. Figure 8 The processing proceeds as follows: If the ECU100 performs external charging processing for a period of time exceeding the threshold duration THD of the aforementioned state, it performs charging restriction processing. On the other hand, if the aforementioned state continues for a period of time exceeding the threshold duration THD ("Yes" in step S205), the processing proceeds to step S210.

[0114] Next, ECU 100 performs processing of the user report to increase the upper limit SOC from the current set value (e.g., to the full charge SOC) (step S210). In this example, ECU 100 displays screen 950 on the display device 95 of the user terminal 90. Figure 6 In this manner, the request is sent to the user terminal 90 via the communication device 80.

[0115] Next, ECU100 determines whether permission has been granted to increase the upper limit of SOC (step S215).

[0116] If permission to increase the upper limit SOC is granted, for example, if button 965 on screen 950 is operated within a predetermined time ("Yes" in step S215), ECU 100 will increase the upper limit SOC set in the limited charging process from the current setting value (step S220). Assume the setting value before the increase is equal to the upper limit SOC setting value when the limited charging process is performed if the processing branch in step S205 is "No".

[0117] On the other hand, if there is no permission to increase the upper limit SOC, for example, if button 970 on screen 950 is operated within a predetermined time ("No" in step S215), ECU 100 will maintain the upper limit SOC at the current setting value (step S225).

[0118] After step S220 or S225, ECU 100 switches processing based on whether external charging has been performed (step S230). If external charging is performed after step S220, ECU 100 performs charging processing (first processing) when the upper limit SOC is increased compared to the case where the predetermined conditions are not met. If external charging is performed after step S225, charging processing is performed while maintaining the upper limit SOC.

[0119] If external charging is not performed between step S220 or S225 and step S230 ("No" in step S230), the ECU100 executes the determination process of step S230 until external charging is performed. On the other hand, if external charging is performed ("Yes" in step S230), the process proceeds to step S240.

[0120] Next, ECU100 performs a estimation process (step S240) to estimate the full charge capacity of battery 10 using the above formula (1).

[0121] In the above description, when predetermined conditions are met (e.g., when "Yes" is met in step S205), ECU 100 raises the upper limit SOC to perform external charging processing (first process) or reports its intention (step S210). However, it may also perform external charging processing (second process) (to make the battery 10 fully charged) without performing the limited charging processing, or report its intention. Hereinafter, the process in which ECU 100 performs the second process instead of performing the first process, decoupled from the upper limit SOC, will be described.

[0122] In step S210, ECU 100 reports to the user to release the upper limit SOC. In the following step S215, ECU 100 switches processing based on whether permission to release the upper limit SOC has been granted. If permission has been granted, in step S220, ECU 100 releases the upper limit SOC. If external charging is performed after the upper limit SOC has been released, the charging process is performed by ECU 100 without limiting charging. Furthermore, a full charge capacity estimation process is performed (step S240).

[0123] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating another example of the process performed by ECU100 to decouple from the upper limit SOC. The processes in this flowchart are executed at predetermined time intervals.

[0124] Reference Figure 9 The processing in steps S305 and S340 is the same as that in steps S205 and S240, respectively. Figure 8 The processing is the same.

[0125] Next, ECU100 determines whether a user operation for setting the upper limit SOC has been performed (step S310). If no user operation was performed ("No" in step S310), ECU100 terminates. Figure 9 The processing proceeds. On the other hand, if the above user operation is performed ("Yes" in step S310), the upper limit SOC setting value is output from the user terminal 90 to the vehicle 1, and the processing proceeds to step S312.

[0126] Next, ECU100 determines whether the upper limit SOC setting value output by the user operation is lower than a predetermined value (step S312). This predetermined value is, for example, the same as the reference value RVE. If the setting value is higher than the predetermined value ("No" in step S312), the probability that the battery 10 is fully charged is relatively high. In this case, the process proceeds to step S330. On the other hand, if the upper limit SOC setting value is lower than the predetermined value ("Yes" in step S312), the probability that the battery 10 is fully charged is relatively low. In this case, the process proceeds to step S315.

[0127] Next, the ECU 100 performs a process that, in response to a user report, does not perform a limited charging process but performs an external charging process (in this example, canceling the setting value of the upper limit SOC output by the user operation and performing an external charging process) (step S315). The ECU 100 outputs a request to the user terminal 90 via the communication device 80, for example, by displaying a screen for making the report on the display device 95 of the user terminal 90.

[0128] Next, the ECU100 determines whether the user agrees to perform external charging processing instead of limiting charging processing (step S320). For example, the ECU100 receives a signal indicating whether the user agrees (i.e., a signal indicating the result of user operation performed on the HMI device 94 of the user terminal 90 in response to the report in step S315) from the user terminal 90 via the communication device 80, and performs the above-mentioned determination process according to the signal.

[0129] If the user agrees ("Yes" in step S320), the ECU 100 cancels the upper limit SOC setting value output from the user terminal 90 (step S325). Then, the ECU 100 determines whether the start of external charging has been indicated (step S335). If the start of external charging has not been indicated ("No" in step S335), the ECU 100 performs the above determination process until the start of external charging is indicated. On the other hand, if the start of external charging has been indicated ("Yes" in step S335), the ECU 100 performs external charging processing without performing the charging restriction process (step S336).

[0130] If the user disagrees in step S320 ("No" in step S320), the ECU100 sets the upper limit SOC according to the user's operation (step S330). That is, the ECU100 sets the setting value output by the user operation as the upper limit SOC.

[0131] Next, ECU100 determines whether an indication of the start of external charging has been given (step S338). If no indication of the start of external charging has been given ("No" in step S338), ECU100 performs the above-described determination process until an indication of the start of external charging is given. On the other hand, if an indication of the start of external charging has been given ("Yes" in step S338), ECU100 performs external charging processing according to the upper limit SOC set by the user (step S339).

[0132] After step S336 or step S339, ECU100 performs a full charge capacity estimation process (step S340), and then ends. Figure 9 The processing.

[0133] The longer the period from the reference charging time during which the reference charging process is not performed (duration), the longer the ECU 100 can raise the predetermined value in step S312 (e.g., periodically). Thus, if the duration is sufficiently long, the predetermined value increases to a level substantially equal to the full charge SOC. Therefore, unless the upper limit SOC set by the user operation is sufficiently high to approach the full charge SOC, the setting can be cancelled. Consequently, only a sufficiently high upper limit SOC can be set, thus ensuring a sufficiently high upper limit SOC (charging end SOC). Therefore, the accuracy of the full charge capacity estimation can be improved.

[0134] As described above, the prediction system 2 according to this embodiment can simultaneously suppress the degradation of the battery 10 and improve the prediction accuracy of the full charge capacity.

[0135] [Modification 1 of Implementation Method 1]

[0136] In this variation 1, in order to reduce the charging start SOC when the first process is executed, the ECU 100 also performs a report reduction process for user reports before the first process is executed. The ECU 100 outputs a request to the user terminal 90 via the communication device 80 to, for example, add a screen to screen 950 showing a user report that external charging has started when the charging start SOC is below a reference value RVS. Figure 6 It is displayed on the display device 95 of the user terminal 90.

[0137] By designing the structure in this way, the user is motivated to reduce the starting SOC of charging. That is, the user is encouraged to use vehicle 1 until the SOC becomes sufficiently low. In response to the aforementioned report, the user can begin external charging of vehicle 1 when the starting SOC is reduced from the usual starting SOC. The usual starting SOC refers to the SOC when the user frequently wishes to begin external charging of vehicle 1 in daily life. When external charging is started as described above, the starting SOC is reduced, thus allowing ΔSOC to increase further.

[0138] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by ECU100 in this variation 1. The processing shown in the flowchart is performed at predetermined time intervals.

[0139] Reference Figure 10 The flowchart is consistent with Figure 8 The difference in the flowchart is that it replaces step S210 ( Figure 8 Then, the processing in step S412 is performed. The processing in steps S405 and S415 to S440 is the same as that in steps S205 and S215 to S240, respectively.

[0140] When a predetermined condition indicating a decrease in the estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity is met ("Yes" in step S405), the ECU 100 performs a process of increasing the upper limit SOC reported to the user and decreasing the charging start SOC before performing the first process (step S412). This reporting process includes the aforementioned decrease reporting process. Afterwards, the process proceeds to step S415. Furthermore, if permission is granted in step S415 ("Yes" in step S415), external charging processing (first process) is performed after the upper limit SOC is increased.

[0141] When vehicle 1 is used by the user to reduce the initial charge SOC at the start of the external charging process compared to the usual initial charge SOC, the ΔSOC can be increased compared to the case where the initial charge SOC is not reduced. As a result, according to this variation 1, the full charge capacity estimation process can be performed more appropriately.

[0142] [Modification 2 of Implementation Method 1]

[0143] The threshold duration of harm (THD) can also be determined by making it shorter as the time elapsed since the start of use of battery 10 is shorter. The start of use of battery 10 is, for example, when a brand new battery 10 is assembled into vehicle 1 at the factory, or when the user registers the use of vehicle 1 using HMI device 94.

[0144] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the relationship between the full charge capacity of battery 10 and the elapsed time from the start of use of battery 10.

[0145] Reference Figure 11 Time t0 is the start of battery 10's use. Period P1 is the period from time t0 to t3. Period P2 is the period from time t3 to t5. The length of each period P1 and P2 is ΔT.

[0146] Line 500 represents the progression of the full charge capacity of battery 10. Line 500 indicates that the shorter the elapsed time t from time t0, the more easily the full charge capacity decreases. For example, in period P1, the full charge capacity is more likely to change (decrease) compared to period P2 (the rate of change of full charge capacity is high). Therefore, in period P1, compared to other periods (such as period P2), a more accurate prediction of the full charge capacity is desired.

[0147] In this example, ECU100 determines the threshold duration THD(THD11) of each period in such a way that the threshold duration THD(THD11) in period P1 is shorter than the threshold duration THD(THD12) in period P2. <THD12)。

[0148] For example, during period P1, if the duration of the state in which the reference charging process has not been executed since time t1 (which is the reference time) is the duration of the threshold value THD (THD11) (after time t2), the ECU100 executes the first process or the second process.

[0149] On the other hand, during period P2, if the duration of the state in which the reference charging process has not been executed since time t4 (which is the reference time) is the duration of the threshold value THD (THD12) (after time t5), the ECU100 executes the first process or the second process.

[0150] When the threshold duration THD is determined as described above, the threshold duration THD becomes shorter during periods when the estimation accuracy is more prone to variation. This makes it easier to perform either the first or second process. Consequently, the frequency of the first or second process is increased. Therefore, it is possible to increase the frequency of appropriately performing the full charge capacity estimation process.

[0151] [Modification 3 of Implementation Method 1]

[0152] ECU100 can also determine that a predetermined condition indicating a decrease in the estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity has been met if the state duration exceeds a threshold time set by the user for the upper limit of SOC. The threshold time is appropriately predetermined as a time during which the estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity of battery 10 remains substantially unchanged if the duration of the state is less than the threshold time.

[0153] The longer the aforementioned state persists, the longer the battery 10 remains uncharged. Therefore, the likelihood of performing estimation processing when ΔSOC is low increases. Consequently, the accuracy of full-charge capacity estimation may decrease. When the predetermined conditions are determined as described above, a charging restriction process can be performed until the upper limit SOC exceeds a state duration threshold time set by the user. On the other hand, when this state duration threshold time exceeds, either the first process or the second process is performed. In the following description, the case of performing the first process and the second process will be mainly explained.

[0154] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by ECU100 in this variation 3. The processing shown in the flowchart is performed at predetermined time intervals.

[0155] Reference Figure 12 The flowchart is consistent with Figure 8 The difference in the flowchart is that, instead of step S205 ( Figure 8 Then, the processing in step S506 is executed. The processing in steps S510 to S540 is the same as that in steps S210 to S240.

[0156] ECU100 determines whether the upper limit SOC is maintained for a user-defined state for a duration exceeding a threshold time THT (step S506). If the state does not maintain for a duration exceeding the threshold time THT ("No" in step S506), ECU100 terminates. Figure 12 The processing proceeds to step S510 if the state duration threshold time THT exceeds the threshold time ("Yes" in step S506). Then, in step S520, the upper limit SOC is increased, and charging processing is performed (first processing). If the state duration threshold time THT exceeds the threshold time, the ECU 100 may also perform external charging processing instead of limiting charging processing (second processing).

[0157] As described above, according to this variation 3, the first process or the second process can be executed at a suitable timing.

[0158] [Modification 4 of Implementation Method 1]

[0159] The ECU100 can also determine that a predetermined condition for a decrease in the accuracy of the full charge capacity estimation has been met if the number of consecutive executions of the charging process exceeds a threshold while performing external charging processing. The threshold number is appropriately predetermined to prevent a decrease in the accuracy of the full charge capacity estimation.

[0160] The more times the limited charging process is executed consecutively, the longer the battery 10 will not be fully charged. Therefore, the likelihood of performing the estimation process when ΔSOC is small increases. As a result, there is a possibility that the estimation accuracy of the full charge capacity will decrease. When the predetermined conditions are determined as described above, if the limited charging process is executed consecutively more than a threshold number of times, either the first process or the second process is executed. In the following explanation, the case of executing the first process and the second process will be mainly described.

[0161] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by ECU100 in this variation 4. The processing shown in the flowchart is performed at predetermined time intervals.

[0162] Reference Figure 13 The flowchart is consistent with Figure 8 The difference in the flowchart is that, instead of step S205 ( Figure 8 The process of step S606 is executed, and the process of step S650 is also executed. The processes of steps S610 to S640 are the same as those of steps S210 to S240, respectively.

[0163] The ECU 100 determines whether the limit charge process has been continuously executed for more than the threshold number THN of times (step S606). The number of times (execution count N) that the limit charge process has been continuously executed is stored in the memory 100B. When the ECU 100 executes the limit charge process, it increments the execution count N by 1, and performs the above determination process by determining whether the incremented execution count N is more than the threshold number THN.

[0164] When the limit charge process has not been continuously executed for more than the threshold number THN of times (No in step S606), the ECU 100 executes Figure 13 the process. On the other hand, when the limit charge process has been continuously executed for more than the threshold number THN of times (Yes in step S606), the process proceeds to step S610.

[0165] After executing the processes of steps S610 to S640, the ECU 100 resets the execution count N to 0 (step S650), and ends Figure 13 the process.

[0166] As described above, according to this modification example 4, the first process or the second process can be executed at an appropriate timing.

[0167] [Embodiment 2]

[0168] In this Embodiment 2, the estimation accuracy of the full charge capacity of the battery 10 is determined (calculated) according to the start-of-charge SOC and the end-of-charge SOC. When the estimation accuracy is below the threshold, the first or second process is executed. In this case, when the estimation accuracy becomes below the threshold accuracy, the ECU 100 may determine that a predetermined condition indicating a decrease in the estimation accuracy of the full charge capacity is satisfied.

[0169] Figure 14 is a diagram for explaining the method by which the ECU 100 determines the estimation accuracy of the full charge capacity of the battery 10.

[0170] Refer to Figure 14 , and the table 800 is stored in the memory 100B. The table 800 represents the relationship between the combination of the start-of-charge SOC (SOC1) and the end-of-charge SOC (SOC2 > SOC1) and the estimation accuracy of the full charge capacity.

[0171] When external charging ends, the ECU 100 uses the table 800 to determine the estimation accuracy of the full charge capacity according to the start-of-charge SOC and the end-of-charge SOC. For example, when the start-of-charge SOC is SOCA and the end-of-charge SOC is SOCB (SOCA < SOCB), the ECU 100 determines the estimation accuracy as PAB.

[0172] Basically, the larger the difference between the SOC at the start of charging and the SOC at the end of charging (ΔSOC = SOC2 - SOC1), the higher the prediction accuracy. For example, PAD > PAC > PAB. Through experiments, based on the characteristics of battery 10, the prediction accuracy corresponding to the combination of SOC at the start of charging and SOC at the end of charging is appropriately predetermined.

[0173] ECU100 may also calculate the estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity based on the estimated accuracy determined using Table 800, without calculating the estimated accuracy itself, and according to the history of the estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity. This history is saved to memory 100B. When the estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity is calculated in this way, the history of the estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity can be reflected in the calculation processing of the estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity.

[0174] ECU100 calculates the estimated accuracy of full charge capacity using, for example, the following formula (2). If the estimated accuracy is below the threshold accuracy, it performs either the first process or the second process.

[0175] PRn=PR(n-1)×(1-RR)+Pn×RR…(2)

[0176] In Equation (2) above, PRn represents the estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity calculated when the nth external charge is performed, taking the start of battery 10's use as the starting point (in this example, when the external charge is performed this time). PRn is related to PR(n-1) below, thus reflecting the history of the estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity.

[0177] PR(n-1) represents the estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity calculated when the (n-1)th external charge is performed (when the last external charge was performed).

[0178] Pn is the estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity determined using Table 800 itself during this external charging operation. That is, Pn is independent of the historical estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity.

[0179] RR represents the degree to which Pn related to the current external charge and PR(n-1) related to the previous external charge are reflected in PRn (0≤RR≤1). The closer RR is to 1, the more Pn related to the current external charge is reflected in PRn. For example, when RR is 1, the second term on the right side of equation (2) above is consistent with Pn. RR should be appropriately predetermined through prior evaluation tests.

[0180] Figure 15This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by ECU 100 in relation to a presumed full charge capacity in Embodiment 2. The flowchart begins when vehicle 1 is connected to electrical equipment 85 with a set upper limit SOC. Reference will be made appropriately in the following description. Figures 7-9 .

[0181] Reference Figure 15 ECU100 executes steps S105 to S140 ( Figure 7 The same treatment applies.

[0182] Next, ECU100 uses Table 800 to determine the estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity based on the start SOC and end SOC of charging (step S750). ECU100 may also use the above formula (2) to calculate the estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity.

[0183] Next, ECU100 determines whether the estimated accuracy is below the threshold accuracy (step S755). If the estimated accuracy is above the threshold accuracy ("No" in step S755), ECU100 maintains the upper limit SOC at the current set value (the same process as step S225). Afterwards, ECU100 executes steps S230 to S240 (…). Figure 8 The same treatment applies.

[0184] On the other hand, if the estimation accuracy is below the threshold accuracy ("Yes" in step S755), the ECU 100 performs a process to report to the user in order to increase the upper limit SOC from the current set value (the same process as step S210). Afterwards, the ECU 100 performs the same process as steps S215 to S240. For example, the ECU 100 performs the first process (steps S220 and S235).

[0185] In the above, when the estimation accuracy is below the threshold accuracy, ECU100 performs the same processing as steps S215 to S240, but steps S310 to S340 may also be performed. Figure 9 The processing of ) . In these processes, if the processing branch in step S335 is "yes", the ECU100 executes the processing of step S336 (second processing).

[0186] As described above, according to Embodiment 2, the first process or the second process can be executed at a suitable time.

[0187] [Other variations]

[0188] ECU 100 can also output a request to user terminal 90 via communication device 80 to display the estimated accuracy calculated using table 800 and the estimated accuracy of the full charge capacity (estimated value Ce) on display device 95 of user terminal 90. To ensure the quality of the energy storage device installed in an electric vehicle such as vehicle 1, regulations sometimes require the user to display the full charge capacity of the energy storage device with high accuracy. When the request is output as described above, such regulations can be met.

[0189] The HMI device 94 can also use its speaker to report to the user via sound. Alternatively, the HMI device 70 of the vehicle 1 can use its display device 72 to display on a screen or use the HMI device 70's speaker to report to the user via sound.

[0190] The power equipment 85 can also be a DC power equipment. That is, the power equipment 85 may also include a power conversion device that converts the AC power supplied from the power source 85A into DC power. In this case, the charging device 50 of the vehicle 1 is not necessary, and the DC power is directly supplied to the battery 10 without passing through the charging device 50. In this case, when the power equipment 85 is a DC power equipment, from the viewpoint of improving the accuracy of the full charge capacity estimation, the first and second processing based on the ECU 100 are also effective.

[0191] The electrical equipment 85 may also include a power supply device that supplies power to the vehicle 1 without contact. In this case, the vehicle 1 may also include a power receiving device that receives power without contact from the power supply device. Furthermore, the ECU 100 may also be configured to perform a non-contact charging process, such as an external charging process, to charge the battery 10 using power received through the power receiving device.

[0192] Regarding vehicle 1, as long as ECU100 can perform external charging processing, it can be other electric vehicles such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that also have an engine.

[0193] Screen 700( Figure 2 The setting can also be displayed on the HMI device 70 of vehicle 1. That is, the user can use the HMI device 70 to set the upper limit SOC. In this case, the upper limit SOC setting value is output from the HMI device 70 to the ECU 100.

[0194] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A prediction system, comprising: Energy storage devices; A charging device configured to charge the energy storage device; as well as One or more processors, configured as follows: Performing a charging process that controls the charging device to charge the energy storage device, wherein the charging process includes the one or more processors controlling the charging device to perform a limiting charging process to prevent the charging rate of the energy storage device from becoming greater than a set upper limit charging rate that is lower than the full charge rate of the energy storage device; and A process for estimating the full charge capacity of the energy storage device is performed, wherein the estimation process includes estimating the full charge capacity by dividing the amount of charge deposited into the energy storage device through the charging process by ΔSOC, which represents the increment of the charge rate generated by the charging process. The one or more processors are configured as follows: If the predetermined conditions are not met, the charging restriction process is executed; and If the predetermined conditions are met, the limited charging process is performed based on setting the upper limit charging rate of the energy storage device to a second upper limit charging rate that is greater than the first upper limit charging rate. The first upper limit charging rate is the upper limit charging rate under the condition that the conditions are not met. The one or more processors are configured to, upon determining that the predetermined condition is met and executing the limited charging process based on setting the upper limit charging rate of the energy storage device to the second upper limit charging rate, also execute a reporting process indicating that the limited charging process is executed based on setting the upper limit charging rate of the energy storage device to the second upper limit charging rate. The one or more processors are configured to, when the predetermined condition is determined to be met, perform a reduction report process before performing the limiting charge process based on setting the upper limit charge rate of the energy storage device to the second upper limit charge rate, wherein the reduction report process is the processing of a user report that causes the charge rate of the energy storage device at the start of charging to be less than the predetermined charge rate.

2. The inference system according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to perform the limited charging process based on setting the upper limit charging rate of the energy storage device to the second upper limit charging rate when the predetermined conditions are met, and then perform the speculative process through the limited charging process.

3. The inference system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second upper limit charging rate is the full charge rate of the energy storage device.

4. The inference system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to determine that the predetermined condition is met when the user sets the upper limit charging rate.

5. The inference system according to claim 4, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to determine that the predetermined condition is met when the upper limit charging rate is maintained above a predetermined threshold time by the user-defined state.

6. The inference system according to claim 4, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to determine that the predetermined condition is met when the limit charging process is executed continuously for more than a threshold number of times.

7. The inference system according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to perform the limited charging process based on setting the upper limit charging rate of the energy storage device to the second upper limit charging rate, provided that the user has granted permission to set the upper limit charging rate to the second upper limit charging rate during the report processing.

8. The inference system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The charging process includes a reference charging process, in which the one or more processors control the charging device to charge the energy storage device such that the charging rate at the end of charging the energy storage device is higher than a predetermined first reference value, and the charging rate at the beginning of charging the energy storage device is lower than a predetermined second reference value that is less than the first reference value. The one or more processors are configured to determine that the predetermined condition is met if the state in which the reference charging process is not executed continues for a predetermined threshold duration or longer.

9. The inference system according to claim 8, wherein, The shorter the time elapsed since the start of use of the energy storage device, the shorter the predetermined threshold duration.

10. The inference system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to determine that the predetermined condition is met when the estimation accuracy falls below a predetermined threshold accuracy. The estimation accuracy is determined based on the charging rate at the start of charging of the energy storage device and the charging rate at the end of charging of the energy storage device.

11. The inference system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The energy storage device is mounted on the vehicle. The charging process is an external charging process in which one or more processors control the charging device to charge the energy storage device using power from an external electrical device located on the vehicle. The charging amount is the electrical force that is charged from the electrical equipment to the energy storage device from the start of the external charging process to the end of the external charging process.

12. A method of inference, comprising: A charging process is performed to control the charging device to charge the energy storage device, wherein the charging process includes a limiting charging process that controls the charging device to charge the energy storage device in a manner that prevents the charging rate of the energy storage device from becoming greater than an upper limit charging rate set below the full charging rate of the energy storage device. Perform a process to estimate the full charge capacity of the energy storage device, wherein the estimation process includes a process of estimating the full charge capacity by dividing the amount of charge that is charged to the energy storage device through the charging process by ΔSOC, which represents the increment of the charge rate generated by the charging process. Determine whether the predetermined conditions are met; If the predetermined conditions are not met, the charging restriction process is executed; and If the predetermined condition is met, the limited charging process is performed based on setting the upper limit charging rate of the energy storage device to a second upper limit charging rate that is greater than the first upper limit charging rate. The first upper limit charging rate is the upper limit charging rate under the condition that is not met. If the predetermined condition is met and the restricted charging process is executed based on setting the upper limit charging rate of the energy storage device to the second upper limit charging rate, a reporting process is also performed to indicate that the restricted charging process is executed based on setting the upper limit charging rate of the energy storage device to the second upper limit charging rate. If the predetermined conditions are met, before performing the restricted charging process based on setting the upper limit charging rate of the energy storage device to the second upper limit charging rate, a reduction report process is also performed, wherein the reduction report process is the processing of user reports that the charging rate of the energy storage device at the start of charging is less than the predetermined charging rate.

13. A vehicle comprising the inference system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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