Battery operating method, battery operating device, battery operating system, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery operating method, a battery operating device, a battery operating system, and a storage medium. The present invention addresses the problem of suitably using a battery while suitably reducing the progression of deterioration of the battery in a use mode in which the battery is charged and discharged within an SOC range having a relatively small SOC amplitude. In the battery operating method according to an embodiment, one of a plurality of SOC ranges shifted from each other is selected as an operating SOC range, and a battery is operated within the SOC range selected as the operating SOC range. In the operating method, the SOC range selected to operate the SOC range is sequentially switched between a plurality of SOC ranges.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a battery operation method, a battery operation device, a battery operation system, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Batteries such as secondary batteries are charged and discharged within a relatively small SOC range, such as a range below 50%, depending on the usage and other factors. When the battery is repeatedly charged and discharged only within a specific SOC range with a relatively small SOC range, the progression of battery deterioration may be accelerated compared to a case where charging and discharging are repeated within an SOC range of 0 to 100%, depending on the type of electrode active material used in the battery. In the operation of the battery, even in the usage method of charging and discharging the battery within a relatively small SOC range, it is required to appropriately reduce the progression of battery deterioration. In addition, in the usage method of charging and discharging the battery within a relatively small SOC range, it is required to appropriately operate the battery while appropriately reducing the progression of battery deterioration. Summary of the invention

[0003] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery operation method, an operation device, an operation system, and a storage medium, so as to appropriately operate the battery while appropriately reducing the progression of battery degradation in a usage mode in which the battery is charged and discharged within a relatively small SOC range.

[0004] In the battery operation method of the embodiment, one of the plurality of SOC ranges that are shifted from each other is selected as the operation SOC range, and the battery is operated within the SOC range selected as the operation SOC range. In the operation method, the SOC range selected as the operation SOC range is sequentially switched between the plurality of SOC ranges.

[0005] According to the above structure, a battery operation method, an operation device, an operation system, and a storage medium can be provided, which can appropriately operate the battery while appropriately reducing the progression of battery degradation in a usage mode in which the battery is charged and discharged within an SOC range with a relatively small SOC amplitude. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation system according to an embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a plurality of SOC ranges set by a processing circuit or the like of an operation device in the embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a switching process of the SOC range selected as the operation SOC range performed by the processing circuit or the like of the operation device in the embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a flowchart schematically showing an example of processing in the operation of the battery performed by a processing circuit or the like of the operation device in the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operating system of a certain modification example.

[0011] Figure 6 It means in Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an example of a vehicle SOC range and a non-vehicle SOC range set by a processing circuit of an operating device in a modified example of .

[0012] Figure 7 It is roughly expressed in Figure 5 A flowchart of an example of processing during battery operation performed by a processing circuit of an operation device, etc. in a variation of .

[0013] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the time change of the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity of each of Comparative Example 1, Example 1, and Example 2 as the verification result of the first verification.

[0014] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the time change of the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity of each of Comparative Example 2, Example 3, and Example 4 as the verification result of the second verification.

[0015] Explanation of symbols

[0016] 1: operating system, 2: battery, 3: operating device, 10: vehicle, 11: processing circuit, 12: storage medium, 15: data management program, 16: operating program, 21: driving mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments and the like will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] Figure 1An example of an operating system 1 of an embodiment is shown. The operating system 1 includes a battery 2 and an operating device 3. The battery 2 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. The battery 2 can be formed by a single cell (single cell), or a battery module or a single cell block formed by electrically connecting a plurality of single cells. In the case where the battery 2 is formed by a plurality of single cells, in the battery 2, a plurality of single cells can be electrically connected in series, and a plurality of single cells can be electrically connected in parallel. In addition, in the battery 2, both a series connection structure in which a plurality of single cells are connected in series and a parallel connection structure in which a plurality of single cells are connected in parallel can be formed. In addition, the battery 2 can also be any of a battery string in which a plurality of battery modules are electrically connected, a battery array, and a storage battery.

[0019] In the battery 2, the charge amount (charge amount) and the SOC value are specified as parameters indicating the charging state. Then, for the battery 2, the real-time charge amount is calculated based on the charge amount at a specified time and the time change of the current from the specified time. For example, for the battery 2, the real-time charge amount is calculated by adding the time-accumulated value of the current from the specified time to the charge amount at the specified time.

[0020] In addition, in the battery 2, a lower limit voltage Vmin and an upper limit voltage Vmax are specified for the voltage. Then, in the battery 2, a state in which the voltage during discharge or charge under specified conditions reaches the lower limit voltage Vmin is specified as a state in which the SOC value is 0%, and a state in which the voltage during discharge or charge under specified conditions reaches the upper limit voltage Vmax is specified as a state in which the SOC value is 100%. In addition, in the battery 2, a charging capacity (charge amount) in which the SOC value changes from 0% to 100% during charge under specified conditions, or a discharging capacity (discharging charge amount) in which the SOC value changes from 100% to 0% during discharge under specified conditions is specified as a battery capacity. Then, for the battery 2, a ratio of the remaining charge amount (remaining capacity) to the battery capacity until the SOC value is 0% is specified as the SOC value.

[0021] Since the SOC value of the battery 2 is defined as described above, the real-time SOC value of the battery 2 can be calculated when the state of the battery 2 is operated by charging and discharging the battery 2. In addition, based on the relationship between the open circuit voltage of the battery 2 and the SOC value, the real-time SOC value of the battery 2 can be calculated from the real-time open circuit voltage of the battery 2. In addition, the calculation of the SOC value using the time integrated value of the current and other calculation methods of the SOC value such as the calculation of the SOC value based on the open circuit voltage can be used together. In this case, a more accurate SOC value can be calculated.

[0022] In addition, the battery 2 has a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material as an electrode active material. In a certain example of the embodiment, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) is used as the positive electrode active material of the battery 2. In this case, as the negative electrode active material, for example, any one of a carbonaceous material, a titanium-containing oxide, and a silicon-based negative electrode material or a mixed material thereof is used. In a certain example, the battery 2 is used in a state where it is mounted on a battery-mounted device (not shown). As a battery-mounted device equipped with the battery 2, a large-scale power storage device for a power system, a smart phone, a vehicle, a fixed power supply device, a robot, and a drone can be listed.

[0023] exist Figure 1 In one example, a current measuring circuit 5 and a voltage measuring circuit 6 are provided in the operating system 1. The current measuring circuit 5 measures the current flowing in the battery 2, and the voltage measuring circuit 6 measures the voltage of the battery 2. In the operating system 1, the current measuring circuit 5 and the voltage measuring circuit 6 constitute a measuring unit, and the measuring unit measures parameters related to the battery 2 including the current and the voltage. In a certain example, the measuring unit includes a temperature sensor in addition to the current measuring circuit 5 and the voltage measuring circuit 6, and can measure the temperature of the battery 2 in addition to the current and the voltage of the battery 2. In the measuring unit, the parameters related to the battery 2 such as the current and the voltage of the battery 2 are measured regularly. Therefore, as the measurement result of the measuring unit, the time change of the parameters related to the battery 2 including the time change (time history) of the current of the battery 2 and the time change (time history) of the voltage of the battery 2 can be obtained. In addition, when the battery 2 is composed of a plurality of cells connected in series, a cell balancer that adjusts the SOC difference between the plurality of cells can also be introduced together with the voltage measuring circuit 6. Furthermore, when the battery 2 is configured by connecting a plurality of cells in parallel and connecting the parallel-connected cells in series, a cell balancer that adjusts the SOC difference between the plurality of parallel-connected cells may be introduced together with the voltage measuring circuit 6 .

[0024] In addition, the operating system 1 is provided with a drive circuit 7, and the battery 2 is electrically connected to a power source and a load (neither of which is shown) with the drive circuit 7 interposed therebetween. Electric power from the power source or the like is input to the battery 2 via the drive circuit 7, thereby charging the battery 2. Then, electric power is output from the battery 2 to the load or the like via the drive circuit 7, thereby discharging from the battery 2.

[0025] The operating device 3 performs processing related to the operation of the battery 2, such as controlling the charging and discharging of the battery 2, and managing the SOC range of the operating battery 2, i.e., the operating SOC range. In a certain example, the operating device 3 is composed of a processing device (computer) such as a server, and has a processing circuit 11 and a storage medium 12. The processing circuit 11 is composed of a processor or an integrated circuit, etc. The processor etc. constituting the processing circuit 11 includes any one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a microcomputer, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The processing circuit 11 can be composed of one processor etc., or it can be composed of multiple processors etc. The storage medium 12 is any one of a main storage device such as a memory, and an auxiliary storage device. In the operating device 3, the memory etc. that serves as the storage medium 12 can be provided with only one or multiple.

[0026] The processing circuit 11 performs processing by executing a program stored in the storage medium 12. Figure 1 In one example, the storage medium 12 stores a data management program 15 and an application program 16 as programs executed by the processing circuit 11. The processing circuit 11 writes data to the storage medium 12 and reads data from the storage medium 12 by executing the data management program 15. In addition, the processing circuit 11 executes the application program 16 to perform the processing related to the operation of the battery 2 described later.

[0027] In one example, the operation device 3 is composed of a plurality of processing devices (computers) such as a plurality of servers, and the processors of the plurality of processing devices cooperate to perform the processing described below related to the operation of the battery 2. In another example, the operation device 3 is composed of a cloud server in a cloud environment. The infrastructure of the cloud environment is composed of virtual processors such as virtual CPUs and cloud storage. Therefore, when the operation device 3 is composed of a cloud server, the virtual processor replaces the processing circuit 11 to perform the processing described below related to the operation of the battery 2. Then, the cloud storage has the same function as the storage medium 12 to store programs and data.

[0028] The processing circuit 11 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 2 by controlling the driving of the drive circuit 7. The processing circuit 11 controls the driving of the drive circuit 7 to switch between a state where power is input to the battery 2 and a state where power is output from the battery 2. In addition, in a state where power is input to the battery 2, the processing circuit 11 controls the driving of the drive circuit 7 to adjust the magnitude of the current input to the battery 2, i.e., the charging current, etc. Then, in a state where power is output from the battery 2, the processing circuit 11 controls the driving of the drive circuit 7 to adjust the magnitude of the current output from the battery 2, i.e., the discharging current, etc.

[0029] The processing circuit 11 obtains the measurement results of the measuring unit related to the parameters associated with the battery 2. Therefore, the processing circuit 11 obtains the measurement results of the current of the battery 2 by the current measuring circuit 5 and the measurement results of the voltage of the battery 2 by the voltage measuring circuit 6. Then, based on the measurement results related to the current and voltage of the battery 2, the processing circuit 11 controls the driving of the driving circuit 7 and controls the charging and discharging of the battery 2. For example, the processing circuit 11 calculates the time change of the current of the battery 2 and the time change of the voltage of the battery 2 based on the measurement results of the measuring unit. Then, based on the time change of the current of the battery 2 and the time change of the voltage of the battery 2, the processing circuit 11 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 2.

[0030] In addition, the processing circuit 11 calculates the real-time SOC value of the battery 2 and the time change (time history) of the SOC value of the battery 2 using the measurement results of the current and voltage of the battery 2. The SOC value of the battery 2 is calculated using any of the above methods. The processing circuit 11 controls the driving of the drive circuit 7 and controls the charging and discharging of the battery 2 based on the calculation results related to the real-time SOC value and the time change of the SOC value.

[0031] In addition, in a certain example, a user interface (not shown) is provided in the operation system 1. In this case, in the user interface, operations related to the operation of the battery 2 are input by the user of the operation system 1. Therefore, in the user interface, any one of a button, a mouse, a touch panel, a keyboard, etc. is provided as an operation unit for the user to input operations. In addition, a notification unit for notifying information related to the operation of the battery 2 is provided in the user interface. In the notification unit, information is notified by any one of a screen display and a sound. In addition, the user interface can be integrated with the processing device constituting the operation device 3, or it can be provided independently of the processing device constituting the operation device 3.

[0032] The following describes the processing performed by the processing circuit 11 and the like of the operating device 3 during the operation of the battery 2. The processing shown below is performed by the processing circuit 11 executing the operating program 16. In the present embodiment, during the operation of the battery 2, the processing circuit 11 sets a plurality of SOC ranges X that are shifted from each other as options for the operating SOC range of the battery 2. It is preferable to set three or more SOC ranges X as options for the operating SOC range.

[0033] In each of the plurality of SOC ranges X that are set, a central SOC value ηc, an upper limit SOC value ηu, and a lower limit SOC value ηl are specified. In each of the SOC ranges X, the upper limit SOC value ηu becomes the upper limit of the SOC range, and the lower limit SOC value ηl becomes the lower limit of the SOC range. In addition, in each of the SOC ranges X, the central SOC value ηc becomes the center of the SOC range, and the central SOC value ηc is equivalent to the added average of the upper limit SOC value ηu and the lower limit SOC value ηl. The processing circuit 11 etc. sets the SOC range X in a state where the central SOC value ηc, the upper limit SOC value ηu, and the lower limit SOC value ηl are different among the plurality of SOC ranges X.

[0034] Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows an example of a plurality of SOC ranges X set by the processing circuit 11 of the operation device 3 in the embodiment and the like. Figure 2 In one example, three SOC ranges X1 to X3 are set as options for operating the SOC range. The central SOC value ηc2 of the SOC range X2 is lower than the central SOC value ηc1 of the SOC range X1, and the central SOC value ηc3 of the SOC range X3 is higher than the central SOC value ηc1 of the SOC range X1. In addition, the upper limit SOC value ηu2 of the SOC range X2 is lower than the upper limit SOC value ηu1 of the SOC range X1, and the upper limit SOC value ηu3 of the SOC range X3 is higher than the upper limit SOC value ηu1 of the SOC range X1. Then, the lower limit SOC value ηl2 of the SOC range X2 is lower than the lower limit SOC value ηl1 of the SOC range X1, and the lower limit SOC value ηl3 of the SOC range X3 is higher than the lower limit SOC value ηl1 of the SOC range X1.

[0035] Since the SOC range X1 to X3 is set as described above, Figure 2 In one example, the SOC ranges X1 to X3 are offset from each other. Figure 2 In one example, the SOC range X3 becomes the highest SOC range Xmax which is the highest among the set SOC ranges X1 to X3. Then, the SOC range X2 becomes the lowest SOC range Xmin which is the lowest among the set SOC ranges X1 to X3.

[0036] In each of the SOC ranges X set as the options for the operational SOC range, an SOC width Δη corresponding to the width from the upper limit SOC value ηu to the lower limit SOC value ηl is defined. Figure 2 In one example, SOC width Δη1 of SOC range X1, SOC width Δη2 of SOC range X2, and SOC width Δη3 of SOC range X3 are respectively specified. In setting of SOC range X, SOC width Δη may be the same among multiple SOC ranges X, or may be different among multiple SOC ranges X.

[0037] In addition, depending on how the battery 2 is used, the battery 2 may be charged and discharged in an SOC range with a relatively small SOC width, such as a range with an SOC width of 50% or less. In this case, in each of the plurality of SOC ranges X that are options for the operation SOC range, the SOC width Δη is set to a relatively small value, for example, an arbitrary value of 10% or more and 50% or less. In one example, in each of the SOC ranges X, the SOC width Δη is set to an arbitrary value of 25% or more and 35% or less.

[0038] In a preferred example, the processing circuit 11 and the like set the SOC width Δη to be the same between the plurality of SOC ranges X. In this example, Figure 2 When the SOC ranges X1 to X3 are set as in the example of , the SOC widths Δη1 to Δη3 are the same as each other.

[0039] In another preferred example, the processing circuit 11 etc. sets the SOC width Δη to be larger in the lower SOC range among the plurality of SOC ranges X. Figure 2 When the SOC range X1 to X3 is set as in the example of , the SOC width Δη1 becomes larger than the SOC width Δη3 , and the SOC width Δη2 becomes larger than the SOC width Δη1 .

[0040] In a preferred example, a first SOC range Xa and a second SOC range Xb are set as a plurality of SOC ranges X that are options for operating the SOC range, and a central SOC value ηcb of the second SOC range Xb is higher than an upper limit SOC value ηua of the first SOC range Xa. In another preferred example, a first SOC range Xa and a third SOC range Xc are set as a plurality of SOC ranges X that are options for operating the SOC range, and a central SOC value ηcc of the third SOC range Xc is lower than a lower limit SOC value ηla of the first SOC range Xa. In addition, as a plurality of SOC ranges X, it is more preferred that both the second SOC range Xb and the third SOC range Xc are set in addition to the first SOC range Xa.

[0041] For example, suppose Figure 2 The SOC ranges X1 to X3 are set as in an example. In this case, it is preferred that the central SOC value ηc3 of the SOC range X3 is higher than the upper limit SOC value ηu1 of the SOC range X1. In addition, it is preferred that the central SOC value ηc2 of the SOC range X2 is lower than the lower limit SOC value ηl1 of the SOC range X1. Then, it is more preferred that the central SOC value ηc3 is higher than the upper limit SOC value ηu1, and the central SOC value ηc2 is lower than the lower limit SOC value ηl1.

[0042] In a preferred example, in the highest SOC range Xmax, which is the highest among the plurality of SOC ranges X that are options for the operation SOC range, the upper limit SOC value ηumax is set to any SOC value of 95% or more and 100% or less. In another preferred example, in the lowest SOC range Xmin, which is the lowest among the plurality of SOC ranges X, the lower limit SOC value ηlmin is set to any SOC value of 0% or more and 5% or less. In addition, it is more preferred that the upper limit SOC value ηumax of the highest SOC range Xmax is set to any SOC value of 95% or more and 100% or less, and the lower limit SOC value ηlmin of the lowest SOC range Xmin is set to any SOC value of 0% or more and 5% or less.

[0043] For example, suppose Figure 2The SOC ranges X1 to X3 are set as in an example. In this case, the upper limit SOC value ηu3 of the SOC range X3, which is preferably the highest SOC range Xmax, is set to any SOC value of 95% or more and 100% or less. In addition, the lower limit SOC value ηl2 of the SOC range X2, which is preferably the lowest SOC range Xmin, is set to any SOC value of 0% or more and 5% or less. Then, it is more preferable that the upper limit SOC value ηu3 is set to any SOC value of 95% or more and 100% or less, and the lower limit SOC value ηl2 is set to any SOC value of 0% or more and 5% or less.

[0044] In the operation of the battery 2, the processing circuit 11 or the like selects (assigns) one of the plurality of SOC ranges X set as described above as the operation SOC range. Then, the processing circuit 11 or the like operates the battery 2 within the SOC range X selected as the operation SOC range. Therefore, the charging and discharging of the battery 2 are controlled in a state where the SOC value of the battery 2 converges to the SOC range X selected as the operation SOC range. In addition, in a state where the battery 2 is not charged or discharged, the SOC value of the battery 2 is maintained at any SOC value in the SOC range X selected as the operation SOC range.

[0045] For example, suppose Figure 2 As an example, the SOC ranges X1 to X3 are set, and the SOC range X1 is selected as the operation SOC range. In this case, the processing circuit 11 and the like charge the battery 2 in a state where the SOC value of the battery 2 does not exceed the upper limit SOC value ηu1 of the SOC range X1. Then, the processing circuit 11 and the like discharge the battery 2 in a state where the SOC value of the battery 2 does not fall below the lower limit SOC value ηl1 of the SOC range X1. In addition, in a state where the battery 2 is not charged or discharged, the processing circuit 11 and the like maintain the SOC value of the battery 2 at any SOC value that is greater than the lower limit SOC value ηl1 of the SOC range X1 and less than the upper limit SOC value ηu1.

[0046] During operation of the battery 2, the processing circuit 11 or the like sequentially switches the SOC range X selected as the operating SOC range among the plurality of SOC ranges X set as options. Thus, the SOC range X that becomes the operating SOC range is rotated among the plurality of SOC ranges X. In addition, as long as the SOC range X selected as the operating SOC range is sequentially switched, the order of selecting the operating SOC range is not particularly limited. In addition, each of the plurality of SOC ranges X that become options may be periodically selected as the operating SOC range, or may be non-periodically selected as the operating SOC range.

[0047] Figure 3FIG. 2 shows an example of a switching process of the SOC range X selected as the operation SOC range by the processing circuit 11 of the operation device 3 in the embodiment and the like. Figure 3 , the horizontal axis is the time based on the start of operation, etc., and the vertical axis is the SOC value. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the SOC range selected as the operating SOC range is indicated by diagonal hatching. Figure 3 In an example, with Figure 2 As an example of , SOC ranges X1 to X3 are set as options for operating the SOC range. Figure 3 In one example, the SOC range is switched and applied in the order of SOC range X1, SOC range X3, SOC range X1, SOC range X2, SOC range X1, SOC range X3, . . . .

[0048] Here, when the SOC ranges X1 to X3 are set as the options of the operation SOC range, the order of selecting the operation SOC range is not limited to Figure 3 In one example, the SOC range is switched in the order of SOC range X1, SOC range X2, SOC range X3, SOC range X1, SOC range X2, SOC range X3, ... In another example, the SOC range is switched in the order of SOC range X1, SOC range X2, SOC range X3, SOC range X2, SOC range X1, SOC range X2, ...

[0049] In one example, during operation of the battery 2, the processing circuit 11 etc. calculates the elapsed period T from the start of operation within the SOC range X selected as the operating SOC range in real time. Then, the processing circuit 11 etc. switches to the SOC range X that is the operating SOC range based on the fact that the elapsed period T becomes longer than the prescribed period Tref. Therefore, the processing circuit 11 etc. switches to the SOC range X that is the operating SOC range in response to the fact that the prescribed period Tref becomes longer than the elapsed period Tref from the start of operation within the SOC range X selected as the operating SOC range in real time. Figure 3In one example, the SOC range X selected as the operating SOC range is switched between a plurality of SOC ranges X1 to X3 according to a prescribed period Tref. The switching of the SOC range X to become the operating SOC range based on time information such as the elapsed period T is suitable, for example, for a case where the operation of the battery 2 is constant during a year. In addition, the prescribed period Tref is set to an appropriate value corresponding to the operation intensity of the battery 2. For example, in a case where charging and discharging are frequently repeated with a large input and output, the prescribed period Tref is set to a shorter period (e.g., one month, etc.) compared to a case where the output and input are small and the frequency of charging and discharging is also less. Then, in a case where the output and input are small and the frequency of charging and discharging is also less, the prescribed period Tref is set to a longer period (e.g., 3 months, etc.) compared to a case where charging and discharging are frequently repeated with a large input and output.

[0050] In another example, during the operation of the battery 2, the processing circuit 11 and the like calculate the integrated value P of the amount of power input and output to the battery 2 from the start of the operation in the SOC range selected as the operation SOC range in real time. The integrated value P is equivalent to the sum of the integrated value of the input power (charging power) to the battery 2 and the integrated value of the output power (discharging power) from the battery 2 starting from the start of the operation in the selected SOC range. The integrated value P of the amount of power is calculated based on the time change of the current of the battery 2 and the time change of the voltage of the battery 2. In this example, the processing circuit 11 and the like switch the SOC range X that becomes the operation SOC range based on the situation that the integrated value P of the amount of power becomes greater than the prescribed amount of power Pref. Therefore, in response to the situation that the integrated value P of the amount of power input and output to the battery 2 from the start of the operation in the SOC range X selected as the operation SOC range in real time becomes greater than the prescribed amount of power Pref, the processing circuit 11 and the like switch the SOC range X that becomes the operation SOC range. Switching of the SOC range X to be the operation SOC range based on the integrated value of the electric power amount is suitable, for example, when the operation of the battery 2 changes greatly every season or every month.

[0051] Figure 4 FIG. 2 shows an example of a process in operation of the battery 2 performed by the processing circuit 11 of the operation device 3 in the embodiment and the like. Figure 4At the start of processing of an example, the processing circuit 11 etc. obtains information related to a plurality of SOC ranges X that are options for the operating SOC range (S51). The plurality of SOC ranges X are set in a staggered state and are set in the same manner as in any one of the above examples. Then, the processing circuit 11 etc. selects an SOC range X that is set as the initial operating SOC range from the plurality of SOC ranges X (S52). Then, the processing circuit 11 etc. operates the battery 2 within the selected SOC range X (S53). At this time, for example, in a state where the SOC value of the battery 2 converges to the selected SOC range X, the processing circuit 11 etc. controls the charging and discharging of the battery 2.

[0052] Then, when the operation of the battery 2 is continued (S54-Yes), the processing circuit 11 etc. calculates the elapsed period T from the start of the operation in the SOC range X selected (assigned) as the operation SOC range in real time (S55). Then, the processing circuit 11 etc. determines whether the calculated elapsed period T is greater than the prescribed period Tref (S56). When the elapsed period T is shorter than the prescribed period Tref (S56-No), the processing returns to S53, and the processing circuit 11 etc. sequentially performs the processing after S53. Thus, the processing circuit 11 etc. continues to operate the battery 2 in the SOC range X selected as the operation SOC range in real time. On the other hand, when the elapsed period T is greater than the prescribed period Tref (S56-Yes), the processing circuit 11 etc. switches the SOC range X selected as the operation SOC range (S57). Then, the processing returns to S53, and the processing circuit 11 etc. operates the battery 2 in the SOC range X newly selected as the operation SOC range.

[0053] In addition, in a certain example, instead of the processing of S55 and S56, the processing circuit 11 etc. calculates the integrated value P of the amount of power input and output relative to the battery 2 from the start of the operation in the SOC range selected as the operation SOC range in real time. Then, the processing circuit 11 etc. determines whether the calculated integrated value P of the amount of power is greater than the prescribed amount of power Pref. When the integrated value P of the amount of power is less than the prescribed amount of power Pref, the processing circuit 11 etc. continues to operate the battery 2 in the SOC range X selected as the operation SOC range in real time. On the other hand, when the integrated value P of the amount of power is greater than the prescribed amount of power Pref, the processing circuit 11 etc. switches the SOC range X selected as the operation SOC range. Then, the processing circuit 11 etc. operates the battery 2 in the SOC range X newly selected as the operation SOC range.

[0054] Here, when the battery 2 is charged and discharged within a relatively small SOC range such as a range of 50% or less, if the battery is repeatedly charged and discharged only within a specific SOC range, the deterioration of the battery 2 may be accelerated depending on the type of electrode active material used in the battery 2. For example, in a battery 2 using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as a positive electrode active material, since the battery 2 is charged and discharged only within a relatively small SOC range, the deterioration of the battery 2 tends to accelerate.

[0055] In the present embodiment, one of the plurality of SOC ranges X that are offset from each other is selected as the operating SOC range, and the battery 2 is operated within the SOC range X selected as the operating SOC range. Then, the SOC range X selected as the operating SOC range is sequentially switched between the plurality of SOC ranges X. Therefore, even in a usage method in which the battery 2 is charged and discharged within an SOC range with a relatively small SOC amplitude, such as a range with an SOC amplitude of 50% or less, the battery 2 is not continuously operated within only a specific SOC range X, but the SOC range X is sequentially switched to charge and discharge the battery 2. That is, by sequentially switching the operating SOC range between the plurality of SOC ranges X, it is effectively prevented that the battery 2 is operated only within a specific SOC range. Therefore, even in a usage method in which the battery 2 is charged and discharged within an SOC range with a relatively small SOC amplitude, the progression of the deterioration of the battery 2 is appropriately reduced.

[0056] In addition, in the present embodiment, by sequentially switching the SOC range X that becomes the operating SOC range, the progress of the degradation of the battery 2 is reduced, so there is no need to interrupt the operation of the battery 2 to perform the recovery process of the battery 2. For example, in a usage mode in which the battery 2 is charged and discharged within the SOC range with a relatively small SOC amplitude, it is not necessary to repeat the charge and discharge cycle between the SOC value of 0% and the SOC value of 100% to perform the recovery process of the battery 2. The operation of the battery 2 is not interrupted due to the recovery process, so the battery 2 is properly used.

[0057] In the present embodiment, a plurality of SOC ranges X are set so that the central SOC value ηc, the upper limit SOC value ηu, and the lower limit SOC value ηl are different among the plurality of SOC ranges X. Therefore, a plurality of SOC ranges X shifted from each other are appropriately set as options for operating the SOC range.

[0058] In one example of the present embodiment, in addition to the first SOC range Xa, at least one of a second SOC range Xb in which the central SOC value ηcb is higher than the upper limit SOC value ηua of the first SOC range Xa and a third SOC range Xc in which the central SOC value ηcc is lower than the lower limit SOC value ηla of the first SOC range Xa is set as the plurality of SOC ranges X. When the SOC range X is set in this way, the battery 2 is operated in a wide SOC range by sequentially switching the operation SOC range between the plurality of SOC ranges X. As a result, the progress of the deterioration of the battery 2 is further appropriately reduced.

[0059] In a more preferred example, in addition to the first SOC range Xa, both the second SOC range Xb and the third SOC range Xc are set as the plurality of SOC ranges X. When the SOC range X is set in this way, the battery 2 can be operated in a wider SOC range by sequentially switching the operating SOC range between the plurality of SOC ranges X. As a result, the progress of the degradation of the battery 2 is further appropriately reduced.

[0060] In one example of the present embodiment, the upper limit SOC value ηumax of the highest maximum SOC range Xmax among the plurality of SOC ranges X is set to any SOC value between 95% and 100%. In this case, by sequentially switching the operation SOC range between the plurality of SOC ranges X, the battery 2 is operated even in the range of SOC value of 95% or more, and the battery 2 is operated in a wider SOC range. As a result, the progress of the degradation of the battery 2 is further appropriately reduced.

[0061] In one example of the present embodiment, the lower limit SOC value ηlmin of the lowest SOC range Xmin among the plurality of SOC ranges X is set to any SOC value between 0% and 5%. In this case, the operation SOC range is sequentially switched between the plurality of SOC ranges X, so that the battery is operated even in the range of SOC value below 5%, and the battery is operated in a wider SOC range, so that the progress of battery deterioration is further appropriately reduced.

[0062] In a more preferred example, the upper limit SOC value ηumax of the maximum SOC range Xmax is set to any SOC value of 95% or more and 100% or less, and the lower limit SOC value ηlmin of the minimum SOC range Xmin is set to any SOC value of 0% or more and 5% or less. In this case, by sequentially switching the operation SOC range between the plurality of SOC ranges X, the battery 2 is operated in both the range of the SOC value of 95% or more and the range of the SOC value of 5% or less, and the battery 2 is operated in a wider SOC range. As a result, the progress of the degradation of the battery 2 is further appropriately reduced.

[0063] In addition, in one example of the present embodiment, the SOC width Δη from the upper limit SOC value ηu to the lower limit SOC value ηl is the same between the plurality of SOC ranges X. When the battery 2 is operated by sequentially switching the operation SOC range between the plurality of SOC ranges X, by making the SOC width Δη the same in the plurality of SOC ranges X, the progress of the degradation of the battery 2 is further appropriately reduced.

[0064] In addition, in one example of the present embodiment, the lower the SOC range among the plurality of SOC ranges X, the larger the SOC width Δη from the upper limit SOC value ηu to the lower limit SOC value ηl. In the battery 2, the voltage decreases as the SOC value decreases. Therefore, the SOC width Δη is increased as the SOC range decreases, thereby reducing the deviation between the plurality of SOC ranges X with respect to the amount of electric power when charging with the same current from the lower limit SOC value ηl to the upper limit SOC value ηu. Similarly, the SOC width Δη is increased as the SOC range decreases, thereby reducing the deviation between the plurality of SOC ranges X with respect to the amount of electric power when discharging with the same current from the upper limit SOC value ηu to the lower limit SOC value ηl.

[0065] In addition, in one example of the present embodiment, the SOC range X that becomes the operation SOC range is switched in response to a lapse of a predetermined period Tref or longer from the start of operation within the SOC range X selected as the operation SOC range. Thus, the length of the operation period from the start to the end of operation within the selected SOC range X is uniformed among a plurality of operation periods. Therefore, the SOC range X selected as the operation SOC range is switched periodically.

[0066] In addition, in one example of the present embodiment, in response to the integrated value P of the amount of electric power input and output to the battery 2 from the start of operation within the SOC range X selected as the operation SOC range becoming equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of electric power Pref, the SOC range X that becomes the operation SOC range is switched. Thus, with respect to the amount of electric power input and output to the battery 2 during the operation period from the start to the end of operation within the selected SOC range X, the deviation between the plurality of operation periods is suppressed.

[0067] Figure 5 An example of an operating system 1 according to a certain modification is shown. Figure 5 As shown, in this modification, a battery 2 is mounted on a vehicle 10. Examples of the vehicle 10 include railway vehicles, electric buses, electric cars, plug-in hybrid cars, and electric motorcycles. In this modification, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, the application system 1 includes an application device 3, a current measuring circuit 5, a voltage measuring circuit 6, and a drive circuit 7, and the application device 3 includes a processing circuit 11 and a storage medium 12. Then, in the storage medium 12, a data management program 15 and an application program 16 are stored as programs executed by the processing circuit 11. In addition, Figure 5 In one example, the operation device 3 is constituted by a computer or the like mounted on the vehicle 10. However, the operation device 3 may be constituted by a computer or the like external to the vehicle 10, or may be constituted by a cloud server in a cloud environment.

[0068] In this modification, the battery 2 is electrically connected to the drive mechanism 21 of the vehicle 10 with the drive circuit 7 interposed therebetween. The processing circuit 11 controls the power supply from the battery 2 to the drive mechanism 21 by controlling the drive of the drive circuit 7. The drive mechanism 21 includes a travel drive unit (not shown), and the travel drive unit includes an electric motor for travel, etc. The travel drive unit is driven by the power supplied from the battery 2 to the drive mechanism 21, so that the vehicle 10 performs a travel operation.

[0069] In addition, in this modification, the battery 2 can be electrically connected to the load 22 and the power sources 23, 25, etc. outside the vehicle 10 with the drive circuit 7 interposed therebetween. When the battery 2 is electrically connected to the load 22, the processing circuit 11 controls the drive of the drive circuit 7, thereby controlling the supply of power from the battery 2 to the load 22. In addition, when the battery 2 is electrically connected to the power sources 23, 25, respectively, the processing circuit 11 controls the drive of the drive circuit 7, thereby controlling the supply of power from the power sources 23, 25 to the battery 2.

[0070] Here, as the load 22, household electrical equipment and electrical equipment that can be supplied with power from the battery 2 via the power system can be listed. In addition, the power source 23 can be listed as a power source mounted on a charger of an electric vehicle, and the power source 25 can be listed as a power source used at home and a power source that can transfer power to and from the battery 2 via the power system. Since the battery 2 is used as described above, in this modification, the battery 2 is used as a power source for driving the vehicle 10, and is also used as a fixed power source for V2H (Vehicle to Home) or V2G (Vehicle to Grid).

[0071] In this modification, as in the above-described embodiment, a plurality of SOC ranges X that are shifted from each other are set as options for the operating SOC range of the battery 2. Then, the processing circuit 11 or the like selects one of the plurality of SOC ranges X as the operating SOC range, and operates the battery 2 within the SOC range X selected as the operating SOC range. In this modification, a vehicle SOC range Xp and a non-vehicle SOC range Xq are set as the plurality of SOC ranges X that are shifted from each other.

[0072] Figure 6 FIG. 2 shows an example of the vehicle SOC range Xp and the non-vehicle SOC range Xq set by the processing circuit 11 of the operation device 3 in this modification. Figure 6 In the figure, the horizontal axis indicates whether the vehicle SOC range is Xp or the non-vehicle SOC range is Xq, and the vertical axis indicates the SOC value. Figure 6 As shown, in this modified example, the central SOC value ηcp of the vehicle SOC range Xp is higher than the central SOC value ηcq of the non-vehicle SOC range Xq, and the upper limit SOC value ηup of the vehicle SOC range Xp is higher than the upper limit SOC value ηuq of the non-vehicle SOC range Xq. Then, the lower limit SOC value ηlp of the vehicle SOC range Xp is higher than the lower limit SOC value ηlq of the non-vehicle SOC range Xq. Therefore, the processing circuit 11 and the like set the central SOC value ηc, the upper limit SOC value ηu, and the lower limit SOC value ηl in the vehicle SOC range Xp to be higher than in the non-vehicle SOC range Xq in the setting of the vehicle SOC range Xp and the non-vehicle SOC range Xq.

[0073] In addition, in this modification, it is preferred that Figure 6 As an example, the lower limit SOC value ηlp of the vehicle SOC range Xp is set to be greater than the upper limit SOC value ηuq of the non-vehicle SOC range Xq. By setting the vehicle SOC range Xp and the non-vehicle SOC range Xq in this way, no part of the vehicle SOC range Xp and the non-vehicle SOC range Xq overlap. Figure 6In one example, the lower limit SOC value ηlp of the vehicle SOC range Xp becomes the same value as the upper limit SOC value ηuq of the non-vehicle SOC range Xq. In a certain example, the SOC range of 40% to 90% is set as the vehicle SOC range Xp, and the SOC range of 0% to 40% is set as the non-vehicle SOC range Xq. In addition, in another certain example, the SOC range of 40% to 100% is set as the vehicle SOC range Xp, and the SOC range of 0% to 40% is set as the non-vehicle SOC range Xq. Figure 6 In one example, the lower limit SOC value ηlq of the non-vehicle SOC range Xq is 0%.

[0074] In addition, in this modified example, the lower limit SOC value ηlp of the vehicle SOC range Xp may be set lower than the upper limit SOC value ηuq of the non-vehicle SOC range Xq. In this case, each of the central SOC value ηc, the upper limit SOC value ηu, and the lower limit SOC value ηl is set higher in the vehicle SOC range Xp than in the non-vehicle SOC range Xq. In addition, when the lower limit SOC value ηlp of the vehicle SOC range Xp is lower than the upper limit SOC value ηuq of the non-vehicle SOC range Xq, the lower limit SOC value ηlp of the vehicle SOC range Xp is preferably higher than the central SOC value ηcq of the non-vehicle SOC range Xq. In a certain example, the SOC range of 35% or more and 100% or less is set as the vehicle SOC range Xp, and the SOC range of 0% or more and 40% or less is set as the non-vehicle SOC range Xq.

[0075] In addition, in this modification, the processing circuit 11 monitors the operation state of the vehicle 10. Then, the processing circuit 11 determines whether the condition for allowing power supply from the battery 2 to the outside of the vehicle 10 is satisfied based on the operation state of the vehicle 10, etc. In one example, the processing circuit 11 determines that the condition for allowing power supply to the outside of the vehicle 10 is satisfied in response to the situation that the driving operation of the vehicle 10 is continuously stopped for more than a predetermined time. In another example, the processing circuit 11 determines that the condition for allowing power supply to the outside of the vehicle 10 is satisfied in response to the situation that the driving of all driving parts including the driving driving part in the driving mechanism 21 is continuously stopped for more than a predetermined time. In addition, in the state where all driving parts of the driving mechanism 21 are stopped, the driving operation of the vehicle 10 is stopped, and the operation of the air conditioner and audio equipment mounted on the vehicle 10 is also stopped. In addition, the condition determined by the processing circuit 11 whether it is satisfied, that is, the condition for allowing power supply to the outside of the vehicle 10, can also be set by the user or the like via the user interface. In this case, the storage medium 12 stores a program for forming an environment in which the above conditions can be set by a user, etc., or a processing circuit for performing processing for forming an environment in which the above conditions can be set by a user, etc. is provided separately from the operation system 1.

[0076] In this modification, when the condition for allowing power supply from the battery 2 to the outside of the vehicle 10 is not satisfied, the processing circuit 11 selects the vehicle SOC range Xp as the operation SOC range, and operates the battery 2 within the vehicle SOC range Xp. Therefore, in a state where the SOC value of the battery 2 converges to the vehicle SOC range Xp selected as the operation SOC range, power is supplied from the battery 2 to the drive mechanism 21 of the vehicle 10. Therefore, in a state where the SOC value of the battery 2 converges to the vehicle SOC range Xp, the vehicle 10 performs a running action or the like. Then, in a state where the condition for power supply to the outside of the vehicle 10 is not satisfied, in a state where the SOC value of the battery 2 converges to the vehicle SOC range Xp selected as the operation SOC range, the battery 2 is charged by the power input from the charger (power supply 23).

[0077] In addition, when the condition for allowing the supply of electric power from the battery 2 to the outside of the vehicle 10 is satisfied, the processing circuit 11 selects the non-vehicle SOC range Xq as the operation SOC range, and operates the battery 2 within the non-vehicle SOC range Xq. Therefore, in a state where the SOC value of the battery 2 converges to the non-vehicle SOC range Xq selected as the operation SOC range, the electric power discharged from the battery 2 is supplied to the load 22 outside the vehicle 10. Then, in a state where the condition for allowing the supply of electric power to the outside of the vehicle 10 is satisfied, in a state where the SOC value of the battery 2 converges to the non-vehicle SOC range Xq selected as the operation SOC range, the battery 2 is charged by the electric power input from the power supply 25 outside the vehicle 10.

[0078] As described above, in this modification, the processing circuit 11 and the like switch the SOC range X selected as the operating SOC range between the vehicle SOC range Xp and the non-vehicle SOC range Xq set as options, depending on the operating state of the vehicle 10. Therefore, in this modification, as in the above-described embodiment, the SOC range X selected as the operating SOC range of the battery 2 is sequentially switched between the plurality of SOC ranges X.

[0079] Figure 7 An example of processing in operation of the battery 2 performed by the processing circuit 11 of the operation device 3 in this modification is shown. Figure 7 At the start of processing of an example of , the processing circuit 11 etc. obtains information related to a plurality of SOC ranges X that are options for operating the SOC range (S61). In this modified example, the processing circuit 11 etc. obtains information related to the vehicle SOC range Xp and the non-vehicle SOC range Xq that are set as the plurality of SOC ranges X. Then, the processing circuit 11 etc. obtains information related to the operating state of the vehicle 10 (S62). Then, the processing circuit 11 etc. determines whether the conditions for allowing power supply from the battery 2 to the outside of the vehicle 10 are met (S63). At this time, it is determined whether the conditions for allowing power supply to the outside of the vehicle 10 are met in the same manner as in any of the above examples.

[0080] When the conditions for allowing power supply to the outside of the vehicle 10 are not met (S63-No), the processing circuit 11 etc. selects the vehicle SOC range Xp as the operation SOC range and operates the battery within the vehicle SOC range Xp (S64). At this time, for example, the processing circuit 11 etc. supplies power from the battery 2 to the drive mechanism 21 of the vehicle 10 when the SOC value of the battery 2 converges to the vehicle SOC range Xp. Then, when the operation of the battery 2 is continued (S65-Yes), the processing returns to S62, and the processing circuit 11 etc. sequentially performs the processing after S62.

[0081] On the other hand, when the condition for allowing power supply to the outside of the vehicle 10 is satisfied (S63-Yes), the processing circuit 11 etc. selects the non-vehicle SOC range Xq as the operation SOC range, and operates the battery within the non-vehicle SOC range Xq (S66). At this time, for example, the processing circuit 11 etc. supplies power from the battery 2 to the load 22 outside the vehicle 10 when the SOC value of the battery 2 converges to the non-vehicle SOC range Xq. In addition, the processing circuit 11 etc. inputs power to the battery 2 from the power supply 25 outside the vehicle 10 when the SOC value of the battery 2 converges to the non-vehicle SOC range Xq. Then, when the operation of the battery 2 is continued (S67-Yes), the processing returns to S62, and the processing circuit 11 etc. sequentially performs the processing after S62.

[0082] By conducting Figure 7 , so that as long as the operation of the battery 2 is continued, it is determined whether the condition for allowing the power supply to the outside of the vehicle 10 is satisfied according to the operation state of the vehicle 10. Then, based on the determination result of whether the condition for allowing the power supply to the outside of the vehicle 10 is satisfied, the corresponding one of the vehicle SOC range Xp and the non-vehicle SOC range Xq is selected as the operation SOC range of the battery 2, and the battery 2 is operated within the selected SOC range.

[0083] In this modification, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, one of the plurality of SOC ranges X that are offset from each other is selected as the operating SOC range, and the battery 2 is operated within the SOC range X selected as the operating SOC range. Then, the SOC range X selected as the operating SOC range is sequentially switched between the plurality of SOC ranges X. Therefore, in this modification, the same functions and effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment are also achieved. That is, in this modification, by sequentially switching the operating SOC range between the plurality of SOC ranges X, it is also effective to prevent the battery 2 from being operated only within a specific SOC range. As a result, even in a usage mode in which the battery 2 is charged and discharged within an SOC range with a relatively small SOC amplitude, the progression of the deterioration of the battery 2 is appropriately reduced.

[0084] In addition, in this modification, each of the central SOC value ηc, the upper limit SOC value ηu, and the lower limit SOC value ηl is set higher in the vehicle SOC range Xp than in the non-vehicle SOC range Xq. Thus, in a state where the battery 2 is operated with the vehicle SOC range Xp as the operation SOC range, the battery 2 is operated in a region with a relatively high SOC value. Therefore, in a state where the vehicle 10 is operated by the power supplied from the battery 2 to the drive mechanism 21, insufficient power is effectively prevented from being supplied to the drive mechanism 21, and a power shortage state is effectively prevented.

[0085] In addition, in a preferred example of this modification, the lower limit SOC value ηlp of the vehicle SOC range Xp is set to be greater than the upper limit SOC value ηuq of the non-vehicle SOC range Xq. By setting the vehicle SOC range Xp and the non-vehicle SOC range Xq in this way, when the battery 2 is operated with the non-vehicle SOC range Xq as the operating SOC range, the battery 2 is operated in a region with a relatively low SOC value, unlike when the vehicle 10 is operating. Therefore, by switching the operating SOC range between the vehicle SOC range Xp and the non-vehicle SOC range Xq in sequence, the battery 2 is operated in a wider SOC range. As a result, the progress of the degradation of the battery 2 is further appropriately reduced.

[0086] In addition, in one example of this modification, the processing circuit 11 etc. calculates the ratio ξ of the operation time in the non-vehicle SOC range Xq relative to the operation time in the vehicle SOC range Xp. Then, when the ratio ξ is greater than 1, the processing circuit 11 etc. performs a process to make the ratio ξ close to 1. In this example, the processing circuit 11 etc., as a process to make the ratio ξ close to 1, for example, operates the battery 2 in the vehicle SOC range Xp instead of the non-vehicle SOC range Xq during a part or all of the operation time when power is supplied to the outside of the vehicle 10. In addition, the processing circuit 11 etc. may also be such that, as a process to make the ratio ξ close to 1, the battery 2 is operated in the SOC range Xr including the vehicle SOC range Xp instead of the non-vehicle SOC range Xq during a part or all of the operation time when power is supplied to the outside of the vehicle 10. In this case, the SOC range Xr is wider than the vehicle SOC range Xp. Then, the upper limit SOC value ηur of the SOC range Xr becomes greater than or equal to the upper limit SOC value ηup of the vehicle SOC range Xp, and the lower limit SOC value ηlr of the SOC range Xr becomes less than or equal to the lower limit SOC value ηlp of the vehicle SOC range Xp.

[0087] In addition, in one example of this modification, the processing circuit 11 etc. performs processing to make the ratio ξ close to 1 when the ratio ξ is less than 1. In this example, the processing circuit 11 etc. performs processing to make the ratio ξ close to 1, for example, in a part or all of the operation time of supplying power to the drive mechanism 21 of the vehicle 10, the battery 2 is operated not in the vehicle SOC range Xp but in the non-vehicle SOC range Xq. In addition, the processing circuit 11 etc. may also be such that, as processing to make the ratio ξ close to 1, in a part or all of the operation time of supplying power to the drive mechanism 21 of the vehicle 10, the battery 2 is operated not in the vehicle SOC range Xp but in the SOC range Xs including the non-vehicle SOC range Xq. In this case, the SOC range Xs is wider than the non-vehicle SOC range Xq. Then, the upper limit SOC value ηus of the SOC range Xs becomes greater than or equal to the upper limit SOC value ηuq of the non-vehicle SOC range Xq, and the lower limit SOC value ηls of the SOC range Xs becomes less than or equal to the lower limit SOC value ηlq of the non-vehicle SOC range Xq.

[0088] As a specific example, when the above ratio ξ is greater than 1, the processing circuit 11 and the like operate the battery 2 in the non-vehicle SOC range Xq in the operation of supplying power to the outside of the vehicle 10 from Monday to Friday. However, when the ratio ξ is greater than 1, the processing circuit 11 and the like operate the battery 2 in the SOC range Xr including the vehicle SOC range Xp in the operation of supplying power to the outside of the vehicle 10 on Saturday and Sunday. Thus, the ratio ξ is brought close to 1. In one example, the SOC range of 40% or more and 90% or less is set as the vehicle SOC range Xp, and the SOC range of 0% or more and 100% or less is set as the SOC range Xr.

[0089] In a specific example, when the ratio ξ is less than 1, the processing circuit 11 and the like operate the battery 2 in the vehicle SOC range Xp in the operation of supplying power to the drive mechanism 21 of the vehicle 10 on Saturdays and Sundays. However, when the ratio ξ is less than 1, the processing circuit 11 and the like operate the battery 2 in the SOC range Xs including the non-vehicle SOC range Xq in the operation of supplying power to the drive mechanism 21 of the vehicle 10 from Monday to Friday. Thus, the ratio ξ is brought close to 1. In one example, the SOC range of 0% to 40% is set as the non-vehicle SOC range Xq, and the SOC range of 0% to 100% is set as the SOC range Xs.

[0090] In addition, the following first verification and second verification were performed as verifications associated with the implementation method, etc. In the first verification, the battery was used in three modes: Comparative Example 1, Example 1, and Example 2. As the battery, a cylindrical battery cell with a diameter of 26 mm and a height of 650 mm was used. That is, a 26650-type cylindrical battery cell was used as the battery. As the electrode active material of the battery, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) was used for the positive electrode active material, and graphite, a carbonaceous material, was used for the negative electrode active material.

[0091] In addition, in the battery used, the battery capacity at the start of use, that is, in the initial state, is 2500mAh. In addition, in the battery, the charge end voltage is 3.6V, and 3.6V is set as the voltage corresponding to the state of SOC value 100%. Then, in the battery, the discharge end voltage is 2.0V, and 2.0V is set as the voltage corresponding to the state of SOC value 0%. In addition, the first verification is performed at an ambient temperature of 25°C. In addition, in the first verification, the real-time SOC value of the battery is calculated as described in the embodiment, etc.

[0092] In Comparative Example 1, only the charge and discharge cycle between SOC value 35% and SOC value 65% with SOC width of 30% was repeated. In one cycle, the battery was charged at a charge rate of 2C from SOC value 35% to SOC value 65%, and discharged at a discharge rate of 2C from SOC value 65% to SOC value 35%. In Comparative Example 1, the battery was discharged to SOC value 0% at a discharge rate of 0.3C every 50 cycles. Then, after charging from SOC value 0% to SOC value 35% at a charge rate of 0.3C, the next cycle was started.

[0093] In the first embodiment, an SOC range Xα between a lower limit SOC value of 10% and an upper limit SOC value of 40% with an SOC width of 30%, an SOC range Xβ between a lower limit SOC value of 22.5% and an upper limit SOC value of 52.5% with an SOC width of 30%, an SOC range Xγ between a lower limit SOC value of 47.5% and an upper limit SOC value of 77.5% with an SOC width of 30%, and an SOC range Xε between a lower limit SOC value of 60% and an upper limit SOC value of 90% with an SOC width of 30% are set. Then, one of the SOC ranges Xα, Xβ, Xγ, and Xε is selected as the operating SOC range, and the battery is operated.

[0094] In the operation of the battery, a charge and discharge cycle between the lower limit SOC value and the upper limit SOC value of the SOC range selected as the operation SOC range was performed. In one cycle, the battery was charged at a charge rate of 2C from the lower limit SOC value to the upper limit SOC value, and the battery was discharged at a discharge rate of 2C from the upper limit SOC value to the lower limit SOC value.

[0095] In Example 1, the SOC range selected as the operating SOC range is switched between the SOC ranges Xα, Xβ, Xγ, and Xε every 50 cycles. Then, the operating SOC range is switched every 50 cycles in the order of Xα→Xβ→Xγ→Xε→Xγ→Xβ→Xα, and the switching of the operating SOC range every 50 cycles in the above order is repeated. In addition, in Example 1, the battery is discharged to an SOC value of 0% at a discharge rate of 0.3C every 50 cycles. Then, after charging from an SOC value of 0% to the lower limit SOC value of the next cycle at a charging rate of 0.3C, the next cycle is started.

[0096] In Example 2, four SOC ranges Xα, Xβ, Xγ, and Xε are set in the same manner as in Example 1. Then, one of the SOC ranges Xα, Xβ, Xγ, and Xε is selected as the operating SOC range, and the battery is operated. In Example 2, in the operation of the battery, a charge and discharge cycle between the lower limit SOC value and the upper limit SOC value of the SOC range selected as the operating SOC range is also performed. Then, in one cycle, the battery is charged at a charging rate of 2C from the lower limit SOC value to the upper limit SOC value, and the battery is discharged at a discharge rate of 2C from the upper limit SOC value to the lower limit SOC value.

[0097] In Example 2, unlike Example 1, the SOC range selected as the operating SOC range is switched between the SOC ranges Xα, Xβ, Xγ, and Xε every 25 cycles. Then, the operating SOC range is switched every 25 cycles in the order of Xα→Xβ→Xγ→Xε→Xγ→Xβ→Xα, and the switching of the operating SOC range every 25 cycles in the above order is repeated. In Example 2, the battery is discharged to an SOC value of 0% at a discharge rate of 0.3C every 25 cycles. Then, after charging from the SOC value of 0% to the lower limit SOC value of the next cycle at a charging rate of 0.3C, the next cycle is started.

[0098] In addition, in each of Comparative Example 1, Example 1, and Example 2, the battery capacity of the battery was measured at each of multiple times while the battery was used as described above. Then, for each time when the battery capacity was measured, the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity relative to the battery capacity (2500mAh) in the initial state was calculated, and the time change of the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity was calculated. In the measurement of the battery capacity of the battery, the battery was charged to an SOC value of 100% at a charging rate of 0.1C. Then, the battery was discharged at a discharge rate of 0.1C from an SOC value of 100% to an SOC value of 0%, and the discharge capacity from an SOC value of 100% to an SOC value of 0% was measured as the battery capacity of the battery.

[0099] In addition, in each of Comparative Example 1, Example 1 and Example 2, the cumulative value of the discharge amount of the battery from the start of the battery operation (the start of the first cycle) is calculated at the time when the battery capacity is measured. Then, for each time when the battery capacity is measured, the equivalent cycle value is calculated as the value obtained by dividing the cumulative value of the discharge amount of the battery by the battery capacity (2500mAh) in the initial state. The equivalent cycle value is equivalent to the value indicating how many cycles (how many times) the charge and discharge cycle between the SOC value 0% and the SOC value 100% has been performed when the SOC range is 100%.

[0100] Figure 8 As the first verification result, the time change of the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity in each of Comparative Example 1, Example 1 and Example 2 is shown. Figure 8 In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the equivalent cycle value, and the vertical axis represents the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity. Figure 8 In the figure, the change of the capacity maintenance rate of Example 1 is represented by a solid line and a circle, the change of the capacity maintenance rate of Example 2 is represented by a dotted line and a triangle, and the change of the capacity maintenance rate of Comparative Example 1 is represented by a single-point dashed line and a square.

[0101] like Figure 8 As shown in the figures, in each of Example 1 and Example 2, even when the equivalent cycle value becomes 2000 or more, the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity is maintained at 95% or more. On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, when the equivalent cycle value becomes about 1000, the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity is less than 85%. Moreover, when the equivalent cycle value becomes about 1500, the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity is less than 80%.

[0102] The first verification above confirmed that, in a battery using lithium iron phosphate as the positive electrode active material, when charging and discharging are continued only in one SOC range with a relatively small SOC amplitude, the degradation of the battery is accelerated. In addition, it was confirmed that, even when the SOC amplitudes of multiple SOC ranges are relatively small, the degradation of the battery is appropriately reduced by switching the SOC range selected as the operating SOC range in sequence between multiple SOC ranges that are staggered from each other.

[0103] In the second verification, the same 26650-type cylindrical battery cell as in the first verification was also used as a battery. In addition, in the second verification, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) was also used as the positive electrode active material and graphite was used as the negative electrode active material in the battery. Then, in the second verification, the battery capacity in the initial state of the battery used was also 2500mAh. Then, in the battery used, the charge termination voltage, i.e., 3.6V, was set to the voltage corresponding to the state where the SOC value was 100%, and the discharge termination voltage, i.e., 2.0V, was set to the voltage corresponding to the state where the SOC value was 0%. In addition, the second verification was also performed at an ambient temperature of 25°C.

[0104] In the second verification, the battery was used in three modes, namely, Comparative Example 2, Example 3, and Example 4. In Comparative Example 2, only the charge and discharge cycles between the SOC value of 35% and the SOC value of 100% were repeated. In one cycle, the battery was charged at a charging rate of 2C from the SOC value of 35% to the SOC value of 100%, and the battery was discharged at a discharge rate of 2C from the SOC value of 100% to the SOC value of 35%. In addition, in Comparative Example 2, the battery capacity of the battery was measured every 150 cycles. At this time, the battery was charged at a charging rate of 0.1C until the SOC value of 100%. Then, the battery was discharged at a discharge rate of 0.1C from the SOC value of 100% to the SOC value of 0%, and the discharge capacity from the SOC value of 100% to the SOC value of 0% was measured as the battery capacity of the battery.

[0105] In Example 3, an SOC range Xμ between a lower limit SOC value of 35% and an upper limit SOC value of 100%, and an SOC range Xν between a lower limit SOC value of 0% and an upper limit SOC value of 40% are set. Then, one of the SOC ranges Xμ and Xν is selected as the operating SOC range, and the battery is used. In Example 3, the charge and discharge process Ya of the battery is repeated. In one charge and discharge process Ya, after the charge and discharge cycle of the SOC range Xμ is performed for 25 cycles, the charge and discharge cycle of the SOC range Xν is performed for 8 cycles. In one cycle of the charge and discharge cycle of the SOC range Xμ, the battery is charged at a charge rate of 2C from a lower limit SOC value of 35% to an upper limit SOC value of 100%, and the battery is discharged at a discharge rate of 2C from an upper limit SOC value of 100% to a lower limit SOC value of 35%. In one cycle of the charge and discharge cycle in the SOC range Xv, the battery is charged at a charge rate of 2C from a lower limit SOC value of 0% to an upper limit SOC value of 40%, and is discharged at a discharge rate of 2C from an upper limit SOC value of 40% to a lower limit SOC value of 0%.

[0106] In a state where the charge and discharge process Ya of the battery is repeated, in switching from the charge and discharge cycle of the SOC range Xμ to the charge and discharge cycle of the SOC range Xν, after discharging from the SOC value 35% to the SOC value 0%, the charge and discharge cycle of the SOC range Xν is started. In addition, in switching from the charge and discharge cycle of the SOC range Xν to the charge and discharge cycle of the SOC range Xμ, after charging from the SOC value 0% to the SOC value 35%, the charge and discharge cycle of the SOC range Xμ is started. In Example 3, the battery capacity of the battery is measured every time the above-mentioned charge and discharge process Ya is repeated 6 times. At this time, the battery is charged at a charging rate of 0.1C until the SOC value is 100%. Then, the battery is discharged at a discharge rate of 0.1C from the SOC value 100% to the SOC value 0%, and the discharge capacity from the SOC value 100% to the SOC value 0% is measured as the battery capacity of the battery.

[0107] In Example 4, two SOC ranges Xμ and Xν are set as in Example 3. Then, one of the SOC ranges Xμ and Xν is selected as the operating SOC range, and the battery is used. In Example 4, the charge and discharge process Yb of the battery is repeated instead of the charge and discharge process Ya. In one charge and discharge process Yb, after 25 cycles of the charge and discharge cycle in the SOC range Xμ, 4 cycles of the charge and discharge cycle in the SOC range Xν are performed. In each of one cycle of the charge and discharge cycle in the SOC range Xμ and one cycle of the charge and discharge cycle in the SOC range Xν, the battery is charged and discharged in the same manner as in Example 3. By performing the above-mentioned charge and discharge process Yb, in Example 4, the ratio of the number of charge and discharge cycles in the SOC range Xν to the number of charge and discharge cycles in the SOC range Xμ becomes lower than in Example 3. Then, in Example 3, the above-mentioned ratio becomes a value close to 1 as compared with Example 4.

[0108] In addition, in a state where the charge and discharge process Yb of the battery is repeated, in switching from the charge and discharge cycle of the SOC range Xμ to the charge and discharge cycle of the SOC range Xν, after discharging from the SOC value 35% to the SOC value 0%, the charge and discharge cycle of the SOC range Xν is started. Then, in switching from the charge and discharge cycle of the SOC range Xν to the charge and discharge cycle of the SOC range Xμ, after charging from the SOC value 0% to the SOC value 35%, the charge and discharge cycle of the SOC range Xμ is started. In Example 4, the battery capacity of the battery is measured every time the above-mentioned charge and discharge process Yb is repeated 6 times. At this time, the battery is charged at a charging rate of 0.1C until the SOC value is 100%. Then, the battery is discharged at a discharge rate of 0.1C from the SOC value 100% to the SOC value 0%, and the discharge capacity from the SOC value 100% to the SOC value 0% is measured as the battery capacity of the battery.

[0109] In addition, in the second verification, the time variation of the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity is calculated for each of Comparative Example 2, Example 3, and Example 4. At this time, as in the first verification, for each of the multiple moments when the battery capacity is measured, the capacity maintenance rate of the measured battery capacity relative to the battery capacity (2500mAh) in the initial state is calculated, thereby calculating the time variation of the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity. In addition, in each of Comparative Example 2, Example 3, and Example 4 of the second verification, the equivalent cycle value at each moment when the battery capacity is measured is calculated. The equivalent cycle value is specified as described in the first verification and is calculated in the same manner as the first verification.

[0110] Fig. 9As the verification result of the second verification, the time change of the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity of each of Comparative Example 2, Example 3 and Example 4 is shown. Fig. 9 In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the equivalent cycle value, and the vertical axis represents the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity. Fig. 9 In the figure, the change of the capacity maintenance rate of Example 3 is represented by a solid line and a circle, the change of the capacity maintenance rate of Example 4 is represented by a dotted line and a triangle, and the change of the capacity maintenance rate of Comparative Example 2 is represented by a single-point dashed line and a square.

[0111] like Fig. 9 As shown in the figures, in each of Examples 3 and 4, even when the equivalent cycle value becomes 2000 or more, the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity is maintained at 90% or more. On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, when the equivalent cycle value becomes about 2000, the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity is less than 90%. In addition, in Example 3, the ratio of the number of charge and discharge cycles in the SOC range Xv to the number of charge and discharge cycles in the SOC range Xμ is made closer to 1 than in Example 4, thereby suppressing the decrease in the capacity maintenance rate compared with Example 4.

[0112] The second verification confirmed that, in a battery using lithium iron phosphate as the positive electrode active material, when charging and discharging are continuously performed only within the SOC range corresponding to the above-mentioned vehicle SOC range, the degradation of the battery is accelerated. In addition, it was confirmed that by switching the SOC range selected as the operating SOC range between the SOC range corresponding to the above-mentioned vehicle SOC range and the SOC range corresponding to the above-mentioned non-vehicle SOC range in sequence, the degradation of the battery is appropriately reduced. In addition, it was confirmed that by making the ratio of the operating time of the SOC range corresponding to the above-mentioned non-vehicle SOC range to the operating time of the SOC range corresponding to the vehicle SOC range close to 1, the degradation of the battery is further appropriately reduced.

[0113] In at least one of the above-mentioned embodiments or examples, one of the multiple SOC ranges that are offset from each other is selected as the operating SOC range, and the battery is operated within the SOC range selected as the operating SOC range. Then, the SOC range selected as the operating SOC range is switched between the multiple SOC ranges in sequence. Thus, a battery operation method, an operation device, an operation system, and an operation program can be provided, and in a usage mode of charging and discharging the battery within the SOC range with a relatively small SOC amplitude, the battery can be properly operated while appropriately reducing the progression of battery degradation.

[0114] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments can be summarized as the following technical solutions.

[0115] Technical Solution 1

[0116] A method for using a battery, comprising:

[0117] selecting one of a plurality of SOC ranges that are offset from each other as an operating SOC range, and operating the battery within the SOC range selected as the operating SOC range; and

[0118] The SOC range selected as the operational SOC range is sequentially switched between the plurality of SOC ranges.

[0119] Technical Solution 2

[0120] The method for using a battery according to claim 1, further comprising:

[0121] The plurality of SOC ranges are set in a state where each of a central SOC value, an upper limit SOC value, and a lower limit SOC value is different among the plurality of SOC ranges.

[0122] Technical Solution 3

[0123] The method for using a battery as described in technical solution 2, wherein:

[0124] In setting the plurality of SOC ranges, a first SOC range is set, and at least one of a second SOC range in which the central SOC value is higher than the upper limit SOC value of the first SOC range and a third SOC range in which the central SOC value is lower than the lower limit SOC value of the first SOC range is set.

[0125] Technical Solution 4

[0126] The method for using a battery as described in technical solution 2 or 3, wherein:

[0127] In setting the plurality of SOC ranges, an SOC width from the upper limit SOC value to the lower limit SOC value is made the same among the plurality of SOC ranges.

[0128] Technical Solution 5

[0129] The method for using a battery as described in technical solution 2 or 3, wherein:

[0130] In setting the plurality of SOC ranges, the lower the SOC range among the plurality of SOC ranges, the larger the SOC width from the upper limit SOC value to the lower limit SOC value.

[0131] Technical Solution 6

[0132] The method for using a battery as described in any one of technical solutions 2 to 5, wherein:

[0133] In the setting of the multiple SOC ranges, at least one of setting the upper limit SOC value of the highest SOC range among the multiple SOC ranges to any SOC value greater than 95% and less than 100% and setting the lower limit SOC value of the lowest SOC range among the multiple SOC ranges to any SOC value greater than 0% and less than 5%.

[0134] Technical Solution 7

[0135] The method for using a battery as described in any one of technical solutions 1 to 6, wherein:

[0136] In response to a situation where a prescribed period of time has passed since the start of operation within the SOC range selected as the operation SOC range, or a situation where the cumulative value of the amount of electric power input to and output from the battery since the start of operation within the SOC range selected as the operation SOC range becomes greater than a prescribed amount of electric power, the SOC range that becomes the operation SOC range is switched.

[0137] Technical Solution 8

[0138] The method for using a battery as described in any one of technical solutions 1 to 6, wherein:

[0139] The method further comprises: setting a vehicle SOC range and a non-vehicle SOC range as the plurality of SOC ranges that are shifted from each other for a battery mounted on the vehicle;

[0140] When a condition for allowing power supply from the battery to the outside of the vehicle is not satisfied, operating the battery with the vehicle SOC range as the operating SOC range, thereby supplying power from the battery to a driving mechanism of the vehicle,

[0141] When the conditions for allowing the power to be supplied from the battery to the outside of the vehicle are met, the battery is operated using the non-vehicle SOC range as the operating SOC range, thereby inputting power into the battery from the outside of the vehicle and supplying power from the battery to the outside of the vehicle.

[0142] Technical Solution 9

[0143] The method for using a battery as described in technical solution 8, wherein:

[0144] In setting the vehicle SOC range and the non-vehicle SOC range, each of a center SOC value, an upper limit SOC value, and a lower limit SOC value is set higher in the vehicle SOC range than in the non-vehicle SOC range.

[0145] Technical Solution 10

[0146] The method for using a battery as described in technical solution 9, wherein:

[0147] In setting the vehicular SOC range and the non-vehicle SOC range, the lower limit SOC value of the vehicular SOC range is set to be equal to or higher than the upper limit SOC value of the non-vehicle SOC range.

[0148] Technical Solution 11

[0149] The method for using a battery as described in any one of technical solutions 1 to 10, wherein:

[0150] In the SOC range selected as the operation SOC range, a battery using lithium iron phosphate as a positive electrode active material is used.

[0151] Technical Solution 12

[0152] A battery application device, wherein:

[0153] A processor is provided, the processor being:

[0154] one of a plurality of SOC ranges that are offset from each other is selected as an operating SOC range, and the battery is operated within the SOC range selected as the operating SOC range;

[0155] The SOC range selected as the operational SOC range is sequentially switched between the plurality of SOC ranges.

[0156] Technical Solution 13

[0157] The battery application device as described in technical solution 12, wherein:

[0158] The processor is,

[0159] For a battery mounted on a vehicle, a vehicle SOC range and a non-vehicle SOC range are set as the plurality of SOC ranges that are shifted from each other.

[0160] In the use of the battery,

[0161] When a condition for allowing power supply from the battery to the outside of the vehicle is not satisfied, operating the battery with the vehicle SOC range as the operating SOC range, thereby supplying power from the battery to a driving mechanism of the vehicle,

[0162] When the conditions for allowing the power to be supplied from the battery to the outside of the vehicle are met, the battery is operated using the non-vehicle SOC range as the operating SOC range, thereby inputting power into the battery from the outside of the vehicle and supplying power from the battery to the outside of the vehicle.

[0163] Technical Solution 14

[0164] A battery application system, comprising:

[0165] The application device described in technical solution 12 or 13; and

[0166] The battery is operated within an SOC range selected by the processor as the operating SOC range from among the plurality of SOC ranges, and the operating SOC range is sequentially switched between the plurality of SOC ranges.

[0167] Technical Solution 15

[0168] A battery operation system as described in technical solution 14, wherein:

[0169] The battery includes lithium iron phosphate as a positive electrode active material.

[0170] Technical Solution 16

[0171] A storage medium stores a battery application program, wherein:

[0172] The application causes the computer to:

[0173] one of a plurality of SOC ranges that are offset from each other is selected as an operating SOC range, and the battery is operated within the SOC range selected as the operating SOC range;

[0174] The SOC range selected as the operational SOC range is sequentially switched between the plurality of SOC ranges.

[0175] Technical Solution 17

[0176] A storage medium as described in technical solution 16, wherein:

[0177] The application program causes the computer to:

[0178] For a battery mounted on a vehicle, a vehicle SOC range and a non-vehicle SOC range are set as the plurality of SOC ranges that are shifted from each other.

[0179] In the use of the battery,

[0180] When a condition for allowing power supply from the battery to the outside of the vehicle is not satisfied, operating the battery with the vehicle SOC range as the operating SOC range, thereby supplying power from the battery to a driving mechanism of the vehicle,

[0181] When the conditions for allowing the power to be supplied from the battery to the outside of the vehicle are met, the battery is operated using the non-vehicle SOC range as the operating SOC range, thereby inputting power into the battery from the outside of the vehicle and supplying power from the battery to the outside of the vehicle.

[0182] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and purpose of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for using a battery, comprising: selecting one of a plurality of SOC ranges that are offset from each other as an operating SOC range, and operating the battery within the SOC range selected as the operating SOC range; and The SOC range selected as the operational SOC range is sequentially switched between the plurality of SOC ranges.

2. The method for using a battery according to claim 1, wherein: Also available: The plurality of SOC ranges are set in a state where each of a central SOC value, an upper limit SOC value, and a lower limit SOC value is different among the plurality of SOC ranges.

3. The method for using a battery according to claim 2, wherein: In setting the plurality of SOC ranges, a first SOC range is set, and at least one of a second SOC range in which the central SOC value is higher than the upper limit SOC value of the first SOC range and a third SOC range in which the central SOC value is lower than the lower limit SOC value of the first SOC range is set.

4. The method for using a battery according to claim 2, wherein: In setting the plurality of SOC ranges, an SOC width from the upper limit SOC value to the lower limit SOC value is made the same among the plurality of SOC ranges.

5. The method for using a battery according to claim 2, wherein: In setting the plurality of SOC ranges, the lower the SOC range among the plurality of SOC ranges, the larger the SOC width from the upper limit SOC value to the lower limit SOC value.

6. The method for using a battery according to claim 2, wherein: In the setting of the multiple SOC ranges, at least one of setting the upper limit SOC value of the highest SOC range among the multiple SOC ranges to any SOC value greater than 95% and less than 100% and setting the lower limit SOC value of the lowest SOC range among the multiple SOC ranges to any SOC value greater than 0% and less than 5%.

7. The method for using a battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: In response to a situation where a prescribed period of time has passed since the start of operation within the SOC range selected as the operation SOC range, or a situation where the cumulative value of the amount of electric power input to and output from the battery since the start of operation within the SOC range selected as the operation SOC range becomes greater than a prescribed amount of electric power, the SOC range that becomes the operation SOC range is switched.

8. The method for using a battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The method further comprises: setting a vehicle SOC range and a non-vehicle SOC range as the plurality of SOC ranges that are shifted from each other for a battery mounted on the vehicle; When a condition for allowing power supply from the battery to the outside of the vehicle is not satisfied, the battery is operated using the vehicle SOC range as the operation SOC range, thereby supplying power from the battery to a driving mechanism of the vehicle, When the conditions for allowing the power to be supplied from the battery to the outside of the vehicle are met, the battery is operated using the non-vehicle SOC range as the operating SOC range, thereby inputting power into the battery from the outside of the vehicle and supplying power from the battery to the outside of the vehicle.

9. The method for using a battery according to claim 8, wherein: In setting the vehicle SOC range and the non-vehicle SOC range, each of a center SOC value, an upper limit SOC value, and a lower limit SOC value is set higher in the vehicle SOC range than in the non-vehicle SOC range.

10. The method for using a battery according to claim 9, wherein: In setting the vehicular SOC range and the non-vehicle SOC range, the lower limit SOC value of the vehicular SOC range is set to be equal to or higher than the upper limit SOC value of the non-vehicle SOC range.

11. The method for using a battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: In the SOC range selected as the operation SOC range, a battery using lithium iron phosphate as a positive electrode active material is used.

12. A battery application device, wherein: A processor is provided, the processor being one of a plurality of SOC ranges that are offset from each other is selected as an operating SOC range, and the battery is operated within the SOC range selected as the operating SOC range; The SOC range selected as the operational SOC range is sequentially switched between the plurality of SOC ranges.

13. The battery application device according to claim 12, wherein: The processor is, For a battery mounted on a vehicle, a vehicle SOC range and a non-vehicle SOC range are set as the plurality of SOC ranges that are shifted from each other. In the use of the battery, When a condition for allowing power supply from the battery to the outside of the vehicle is not satisfied, operating the battery with the vehicle SOC range as the operating SOC range, thereby supplying power from the battery to a driving mechanism of the vehicle, When the conditions for allowing the power to be supplied from the battery to the outside of the vehicle are met, the battery is operated using the non-vehicle SOC range as the operating SOC range, thereby inputting power into the battery from the outside of the vehicle and supplying power from the battery to the outside of the vehicle.

14. A battery operation system comprising: The application device according to claim 12 or 13; and The battery is operated within an SOC range selected by the processor as the operating SOC range from among the plurality of SOC ranges, and the operating SOC range is sequentially switched between the plurality of SOC ranges.

15. The battery operation system according to claim 14, wherein: The battery includes lithium iron phosphate as a positive electrode active material.

16. A storage medium storing a battery application program, wherein: The application causes the computer to: one of a plurality of SOC ranges that are offset from each other is selected as an operating SOC range, and the battery is operated within the SOC range selected as the operating SOC range; The SOC range selected as the operational SOC range is sequentially switched between the plurality of SOC ranges.

17. The storage medium according to claim 16, wherein: The application program causes the computer to: For a battery mounted on a vehicle, a vehicle SOC range and a non-vehicle SOC range are set as the plurality of SOC ranges that are shifted from each other. In the use of the battery, When a condition for allowing power supply from the battery to the outside of the vehicle is not satisfied, operating the battery with the vehicle SOC range as the operating SOC range, thereby supplying power from the battery to a driving mechanism of the vehicle, When the conditions for allowing the power to be supplied from the battery to the outside of the vehicle are met, the battery is operated using the non-vehicle SOC range as the operating SOC range, thereby inputting power into the battery from the outside of the vehicle and supplying power from the battery to the outside of the vehicle.

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