Information processing apparatus

Abstract

An information processing device is provided with a control unit configured to execute: acquiring first information relating to degradation of a battery at the start of reuse of the battery reused by an operator; acquiring second information related to a utilization environment of the battery at the operator; acquiring third information related to the performance of the battery required by the operator; and outputting, in accordance with the first information, the second information, and the third information, a recovery period of the battery after the operator has used the battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-146389 discloses that electrical characteristic information and usage history information are acquired from a secondary battery module and stored in a database, and based on this information, the secondary battery module is classified into different levels for reuse. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-141464 discloses a secondary battery module that is a chargeable and dischargeable secondary battery module that operates under the control of a battery controller and stores at least one of its own electrical characteristic information and usage history information. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to predict the recycling period of batteries with higher accuracy.

[0004] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit, The control unit is configured to execute: acquiring first information related to deterioration of a battery reused by a business operator at the start of reuse of the battery; Acquiring second information related to the usage environment of the battery at the operator; acquiring third information related to the performance of the battery required by the operator; and Corresponding to the first information, the second information, and the third information, a recycling period of the battery after the operator has used the battery is output.

[0005] Furthermore, other aspects of the present invention are an information processing method for causing a computer to execute the above-mentioned information processing, a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program non-transitorily.

[0006] According to the present invention, the recycling period of a battery can be predicted with higher accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Hereinafter, features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like components, wherein: Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 It is a graph showing the transition of the SOH of the battery; Figure 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of each of a vehicle, an operator terminal, and a server constituting the system; Figure 4 is a diagram showing the table structure of the battery information DB and the operator information DB; and Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing a process of outputting a battery recycling period in a server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Consider the case where information related to the battery usage status is transmitted from a vehicle equipped with a battery. However, if the battery is removed from the vehicle when the battery is reused, it becomes impossible to transmit information related to the battery usage status thereafter, and thus it becomes impossible to know the battery usage status. In addition, it becomes impossible to know where the battery is used thereafter. This makes it difficult to predict the location and time of generation of recycled materials.

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an information processing device as one of the methods disclosed in the present invention has a control unit, and the control unit is configured to execute: obtaining first information related to the deterioration of the battery when the reuse of the battery by an operator begins; obtaining second information related to the utilization environment of the battery at the operator; obtaining third information related to the performance of the battery required by the operator; and corresponding to the first information, the second information and the third information, outputting the recycling period of the battery after the operator uses the battery.

[0010] The operator is an operator who uses the battery. The battery is a battery that has been used in other places before and is a reused battery. The battery is, for example, a battery installed in an electric vehicle (BEV, Battery Electric Vehicle). When the battery is used at the operator's place, the battery is in a state of being degraded to a certain extent. The first information is information related to the degradation of the battery at the time when the operator starts using the battery. The first information can be, for example, information related to the state of health (SOH, State of Health) of the battery. SOH is the ratio of the capacity (Ah) at a full charge at the current time point to the capacity (Ah) at the initial full charge.

[0011] Here, before the operator starts to use the battery, if the battery has been removed from the vehicle, for example, it may become impossible to know the usage status so far. On the other hand, for example, a battery mounted on a vehicle periodically sends the status of the battery from the vehicle. Therefore, the control unit grasps the status of the battery before the battery is removed from the vehicle. And it can be considered that the status of the battery just before the battery is removed from the vehicle and the status of the battery at the beginning of the use of the battery at the operator of the recycling party are roughly equal. Thus, the control unit can obtain the first information based on the information related to the battery sent from the vehicle. In addition, as another example, the operator who removes the battery from the vehicle or the operator who brokers the battery can, for example, measure the SOH of the battery. In addition, the control unit can obtain the SOH as the first information.

[0012] In addition, the second information is information related to the use environment of the battery at the operator of the reuse party, and is information related to the deterioration of the battery caused by the use of the battery at the operator of the reuse party. If the battery is used at the operator of the reuse party, the battery will continue to deteriorate. The degree of progress of the degradation is affected by the use environment of the battery. Therefore, the second information is also information related to the degree of progress of the degradation of the battery. The second information may include, for example, at least one of information related to the type of renewable energy for charging the battery and information related to the amount of electricity input to the battery. Consider the case of charging the battery in power generation using renewable energy. For example, consider the case in which the amount of power generated depends on the weather in power generation using renewable energy such as solar power generation, wind power generation, and geothermal power generation, so that the excess power is stored in the battery and discharged from the battery when the power is insufficient. The storage and discharge are correlated with the degradation of the battery. In addition, since the storage and discharge methods are different depending on the type of renewable energy, the degree of progress of the battery degradation will also vary depending on the type of renewable energy. In addition, the amount of electricity input to the battery is also correlated with the degradation of the battery. Therefore, the degree of degradation of the battery will also vary depending on the amount of electricity input to the battery. The type of renewable energy or the amount of electricity input to the battery is registered by the operator, for example.

[0013] In addition, the third information is information related to the performance of the battery required by the operator of the recycling party. The performance of the battery required varies depending on the way the battery is used. The third information can be determined by the operator of the battery recycling party, or it can be estimated corresponding to, for example, the type of business. The third information is the performance required for the use of the battery at the operator of the recycling party. If the actual battery performance is lower than the required battery performance, the battery needs to be replaced. The third information may include, for example, at least one of information related to the lower limit of the battery capacity and information related to the output of the battery. The capacity of the battery decreases with the deterioration of the battery. In this way, since the amount of electricity that can be charged to the battery decreases, if it is lower than the lower limit of the battery capacity required by the operator, the battery needs to be replaced. In addition, the output of the battery decreases with the deterioration of the battery. In this way, it may be difficult to obtain the output required by the operator. In this case, the battery needs to be replaced. The performance of the battery required by the operator is registered by the operator, for example.

[0014] As shown above, based on the first information, the performance of the battery at the beginning of use is known, and based on the second information, the degree of progress of the battery degradation is known. Thus, based on this information, the control unit can predict how the performance of the battery changes at the operator of the reuse party. And, when the performance of the battery is lower than the performance shown by the third information, the operator of the reuse party is made to consider replacing the battery. That is, it is possible to predict the period when the battery can be recovered from the operator of the reuse party. By outputting this period, the control unit can predict the period when the battery will be recovered from the operator after the use of the battery ends before the operator starts to use the battery. Thus, it is possible to predict the period when the battery can be recycled. In addition, by pre-registering the location of the operator, the control unit can also predict the location where the battery can be recovered.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are illustrative only, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments. In addition, the following embodiments can be combined as much as possible. First embodiment

[0016] Figure 1 1 is a diagram schematically showing a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1In the example, the system 1 includes a vehicle 10 equipped with a battery 15, an operator terminal 20 used by a recycling operator, and a server 30. There may be multiple vehicles 10 and operator terminals 20. The vehicle 10, the operator terminal 20, and the server 30 are interconnected via a network N1. In addition, the network N1 may also adopt a world-scale public communication network such as the Internet, i.e., a WAN (Wide Area Network), or other communication networks. In addition, the network N1 may also include a telephone communication network such as a mobile phone, a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc.

[0017] The vehicle 10 is a vehicle equipped with a battery 15, such as a BHV. The battery 15 supplies power to the electric motor that drives the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 periodically sends the state of the battery 15 to the server 30. For example, the SOH can be calculated in the vehicle 10 and sent to the server 30. In addition, the information sent from the vehicle 10 to the server 30 is not limited to the SOH, as long as it is information related to the state of degradation of the battery 15. For example, the vehicle 10 can also send the state of charge (SOC, State Of Charge) or the amount of lithium precipitation to the server 30.

[0018] In addition, since the battery 15 does not have a communication function, if the battery 15 is removed from the vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 will not be able to send information related to the state of degradation of the battery 15 to the server 30. However, if the recycling operator starts to use the battery 15 immediately after the battery 15 is removed from the vehicle 10, it is considered that the degradation state of the battery 15 at the start of the recycling operator's use is roughly equal to the degradation state of the battery 15 last sent to the server 30 when the battery 15 is installed in the vehicle 10. Therefore, it is assumed that the degradation state of the battery 15 at the start of the recycling operator's use of the battery 15 is roughly equal to the degradation state of the battery 15 last detected in the vehicle 10. In addition, the battery 15 can be recycled, for example, in units of battery cells, battery stacks, and battery boxes. In the vehicle 10, the degradation state can be detected in units of battery cells, battery stacks, or battery boxes and sent to the server 30.

[0019] The operator terminal 20 is a terminal used by a recycling operator. The recycling operator is an operator who reuses the battery 15. The recycling operator pre-registers with the server 30 via the operator terminal 20. The registered information includes information related to the utilization environment of the battery 15 and information related to the performance of the battery 15 required by the recycling operator. The information related to the utilization environment of the battery 15 includes, for example, information related to the amount of electricity input to the battery 15 and information related to the types of renewable energy such as solar energy, wind power, and geothermal energy. In addition, the amount of electricity input to the battery 15 can be the amount of electricity (kWh) generated when the battery 15 is used in a power station. The information related to the utilization environment is information related to the degree of progress of the deterioration of the battery 15.

[0020] In addition, the information on the performance of the battery 15 required by the recycling business operator includes, for example, information on the upper and lower limits of the SOC required by the recycling business operator, information on the lower limit of the capacity of the battery 15, or information on the output of the battery 15. The information on the required performance of the battery 15 is information on the usage limit of the battery 15.

[0021] Then, the server 30 predicts the time when the recycling operator ends the use of the battery 15 based on the SOH at the time when the recycling operator starts the use of the battery 15 and the information registered by the recycling operator. The time when the recycling operator ends the use of the battery 15 is also the time when the battery 15 is collected as a recycling material. Here, Figure 2 1 is a graph showing the transition of the SOH of the battery 15. Figure 2 The period indicated by "vehicle" is the period during which the battery 15 is mounted on the vehicle 10. In addition, the period indicated by "recycling operator (forecast)" is the period during which the recycling operator uses the battery 15, and is a period indicating a forecast value obtained based on the information registered by the recycling operator. Figure 2 In the above, the "required SOH" is the SOH required by the recycling operator and is the SOH that serves as an indicator for the recycling operator to replace the battery 15. Figure 2 The time point indicated by "recycling period prediction" is the time point predicted by the server 30 when the battery 15 is recycled from the recycling operator. The time point indicated by "recycling period prediction" is also the time point when the recycling operator starts to use the battery 15. Figure 2 In the figure, the time point indicated by "collection" is the period when the battery 15 is collected from the recycling business operator predicted by the server 30. The time point indicated by "collection" is also the time point when the SOH becomes equal to the required SOH.

[0022] exist Figure 2In the data, the time point represented by "recycling" is obtained by, for example, using a statistical method such as regression analysis or a machine learning model. The transition of SOH reduction in the period represented by "recycling operator (prediction)" is hardly affected by the transition of SOH reduction in the period represented by "vehicle". Therefore, the server 30 can predict the transition of SOH corresponding to the SOH at the time point when the recycling operator starts to use the battery 15 and the utilization environment of the battery 15 at the recycling operator. In addition, it is not necessary to predict the transition of SOH. For example, the recycling period of the battery 15 can be output by inputting the SOH, the utilization environment of the battery 15, and the required performance of the battery 15 into the learned machine learning model.

[0023] Figure 3 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of each of the vehicle 10 , the operator terminal 20 , and the server 30 constituting the system 1 according to the present embodiment. The server 30 includes a control unit 31 , a storage unit 32 , a communication module 33 , and an input / output device 34 .

[0024] The server 30 can be configured as a computer having a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.), a main storage device (RAM, ROM, etc.), and an auxiliary storage device (EPROM, hard disk drive, removable storage medium, etc.). The auxiliary storage device stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and by executing the programs stored in the auxiliary storage device, various functions (software modules) described later that meet the specified purpose can be realized. However, some or all of the modules can also be implemented as hardware modules, for example, through hardware circuits such as ASIC and FPGA.

[0025] The control unit 31 is a computing unit that realizes various functions of the server 30 by executing a predetermined program. The control unit 31 can be realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU, for example. In addition, the control unit 31 can also be configured to include a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, etc. The details of the control unit 31 will be described later.

[0026] The storage unit 32 is a means for storing information, and is composed of a storage medium such as a RAM, a magnetic disk, and a flash memory. The storage unit 32 stores programs executed by the control unit 31, data used by the programs, and the like. In addition, a database (battery information DB 321 and operator information DB 322) is constructed in the storage unit 32. Information collected from each vehicle 10 and information collected from recycling operators are stored in the database.

[0027] Figure 43 is a diagram showing a table structure of a battery information DB 321 and an operator information DB 322. In the battery information DB 321, a battery ID, location information of the vehicle 10, date and time information, and SOH information are stored in association with the vehicle ID. The vehicle ID is identification information inherent to the vehicle 10. The battery ID is identification information inherent to the battery 15. In addition, the battery ID may be assigned to each unit for recycling, for example. The location information is information related to the location of the vehicle 10 when the information is sent from the vehicle 10, for example, information expressed in coordinates. The date and time information is information related to the date and time when the SOH information is sent from the vehicle 10. The SOH information is information related to the SOH of the battery 15. The battery ID, location information, date and time information, and SOH information are associated with the vehicle ID and sent from the vehicle 10 at a predetermined timing. Hereinafter, the vehicle ID, battery ID, location information, date and time information, and SOH information are combined and referred to as battery information. The control unit 31 stores the battery information received from the vehicle 10 in the battery information DB 321.

[0028] In addition, the operator information DB 322 stores utilization environment information, required SOH information, and location information in association with the operator ID. The operator ID is identification information inherent to the recycling operator or the operator terminal 20. The utilization environment information is information related to the utilization environment of the battery 15 at the recycling operator. The required SOH is information related to the SOH of the battery 15 required by the recycling operator, and is information related to the performance of the battery 15 required by the recycling operator. The location information is information related to the location of the operator, and is information related to the place where the battery 15 is actually used. Hereinafter, the operator ID, utilization environment information, required SOH information, and location information are combined and referred to as operator information. The control unit 31 stores the operator information received from the operator terminal 20 in the operator information DB 322.

[0029] The communication module 33 is a communication interface for connecting the server 30 to the network N1. The communication module 33 may include, for example, a network interface board, a wireless communication interface for wireless communication, etc. The server 30 can perform data communication with the vehicle 10 and the operator terminal 20 via the communication module 33.

[0030] The input / output device 34 is a unit that receives input operations performed by the operator and presents information to the operator. Specifically, the input / output device 34 includes devices for input such as a mouse and a keyboard, and devices for output such as a display and a speaker. The input / output device 34 may also be integrally formed by, for example, a touch panel display or the like.

[0031] In addition, as a specific hardware configuration of the server 30 , constituent elements may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate according to the embodiment.

[0032] Next, the vehicle 10 is described. The vehicle 10 is configured to include a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication module 13, a position information sensor 14, and a battery 15. The control unit 11 is a computing unit that realizes various functions of the vehicle 10 by executing a predetermined program. The control unit 11 can be realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU, for example. In addition, the control unit 11 can also be configured to include a RAM, a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, etc.

[0033] The storage unit 12 is a means for storing information and is composed of a storage medium such as RAM, a magnetic disk, and a flash memory. The storage unit 12 stores programs executed by the control unit 11, data used by the programs, etc. The storage unit 12 also stores an initial value of the SOH.

[0034] The communication module 13 is a communication unit for connecting the vehicle 10 to the network N1. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 10 can communicate with other devices (for example, the server 30) via the network N1 using mobile communication services such as 3G, LTE, 5G, and 6G.

[0035] The position information sensor 14 acquires position information (such as latitude and longitude) of the vehicle 10 at a predetermined period. The position information sensor 14 is, for example, a global positioning system (GPS) receiving unit, a wireless communication unit, or the like.

[0036] The control unit 11 of the vehicle 10 calculates the SOH, for example, at predetermined intervals, and then associates the battery ID, location information, date and time information, and SOH information with the vehicle ID and transmits them to the server 30. The control unit 11 may obtain the SOH using a known method.

[0037] Next, the operator terminal 20 is described. The operator terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a communication module 22, and an input / output device 23. These components are the same as the control unit 31, the communication module 33, and the input / output device 34 of the server 30, and thus description thereof is omitted.

[0038] Next, the control unit 31 of the server 30 will be described in detail. The control unit 31 of the server 30 predicts the time when the battery 15 is collected from the recycling operator based on the battery information obtained from the vehicle 10 and the operator information obtained from the operator terminal 20. First, the control unit 31 obtains the SOH corresponding to the battery 15. In this case, since the battery 15 is associated with the vehicle ID and the battery ID, the control unit 31 accesses the battery information DB 321 based on the corresponding vehicle ID or battery ID to obtain the latest SOH. That is, the control unit 31 extracts the SOH detected last when the battery 15 was mounted on the vehicle 10. This SOH is equal to the SOH when the recycling operator starts to use the battery 15.

[0039] Next, the control unit 31 accesses the operator information DB 322, and obtains information related to the utilization environment and the required SOH based on the operator ID corresponding to the recycling operator. Then, the recycling period is calculated based on the latest SOH, the utilization environment and the required SOH. This calculation can be obtained, for example, using statistical methods such as regression analysis or a machine learning model that has been learned. The calculation formula or model for calculating the recycling period is stored in the storage unit 32. Then, after calculating the recycling period, the control unit 31 outputs the recycling period together with the location of the recycling operator from the input and output device 34. The location of the recycling operator is output as the place where the battery 15 is recycled. In addition, the control unit 31 can also send information related to the recycling period of the battery 15 and the location of the recycling operator to other servers or terminals via the communication module 33.

[0040] Furthermore, the control unit 31 may obtain the time when the battery 15 is actually collected from the recycling company to improve the accuracy of predicting the collection time. For example, the time when the battery 15 is actually collected can be used as teaching data in machine learning.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing a process of outputting the collection time of the battery 15 in the server 30 . Figure 5 The flowchart shown is executed at predetermined time intervals in the server 30. The following description is based on the premise that the required information is already stored in the battery information DB 321 and the business operator information DB 322.

[0042] In S101, the control unit 31 determines whether the battery 15 is a target for recycling. For example, the operator who removed the battery 15 from the vehicle 10 notifies the server 30 of the vehicle ID or the battery ID via the operator's terminal. The control unit 31 that receives the notification determines that the battery 15 is a target for recycling. In addition, the location of the operator who removed the battery 15 from the vehicle 10 may also be obtained. If a positive determination is made in S101, the routine proceeds to S102, and if a negative determination is made, the routine ends.

[0043] In S102, the control unit 31 obtains the final SOH of the battery 15. The final SOH is the SOH corresponding to the latest date and time among the SOHs stored in the battery information DB 321. That is, the control unit 31 extracts the latest SOH among the SOHs corresponding to the battery IDs in the battery information DB 321.

[0044] In S103, the control unit 31 determines the recycling operator who provides the battery 15. The control unit 31 refers to the operator information corresponding to each recycling operator stored in the operator information DB 322, and determines the recycling operator that best provides the battery 15. For example, the first condition is that the required SOH corresponding to the recycling operator is lower than the final SOH obtained in S102 by a specified value or more. In addition, for example, the second condition is that the location of the recycling operator is within a specified distance from the location corresponding to the final SOH stored in the battery information DB 321 or the location of the operator who removed the battery 15. In addition, for example, the third condition is that the utilization environment at the recycling operator is suitable for the specifications of the battery 15. The specifications of the battery 15 are stored in the storage unit 32 in association with the battery ID. The control unit 31 extracts all the recycling operators that meet these conditions from the operator information DB 322. In the case where there are multiple such recycling operators, any recycling operator can be determined from them.

[0045] In S104, the control unit 31 predicts the time when the battery 15 is collected from the recycling operator. The control unit 31 calculates the collection time using the calculation formula or model stored in the storage unit 32. In this way, the control unit 31 predicts the collection time. Then, in S105, the control unit 31 outputs the collection time of the battery 15 to the input / output device 34. At this time, the battery ID and the location of the recycling operator may be combined and output.

[0046] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 31 can predict the time and place to collect the battery 15 from the recycling operator as a recycling material at the time when the operator who reuses the battery 15 is determined. That is, the control unit 31 can predict when and where the recycling material can be collected. In addition, the recycling operator can obtain information related to the battery 15 from the server 30, for example. Furthermore, the recycling operator can obtain a battery 15 that meets its own requirements. Other Implementations

[0047] The above-mentioned embodiment is only an example, and the present invention can be implemented by appropriate changes within the scope of its main purpose. As long as no technical contradiction occurs, the processing and units described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented. In addition, the processing described as a process performed by one device can also be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, the processing described as a process performed by different devices can also be performed by one device. In a computer system, it is possible to flexibly change which hardware configuration (server configuration) implements each function.

[0048] The present invention can also be implemented in the following manner, that is, a computer program with the functions described in the above embodiment is provided to a computer, and one or more processors of the computer read and execute the program to implement it. Such a computer program can be provided to a computer via a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the system bus of the computer, or it can be provided to the computer via a network. Non-temporary computer-readable storage media include any type of disks such as magnetic disks (floppy disks (registered trademark), hard disk drives (HDDs), etc.), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVD disks, Blu-ray disks, etc.), read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic cards, flash memories, optical cards, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a control unit, The control unit is configured to execute: acquiring first information related to deterioration of a battery reused by a business operator at the start of reuse of the battery; Acquiring second information related to the usage environment of the battery at the operator; Acquiring third information related to the performance of the battery required by the operator; as well as Corresponding to the first information, the second information, and the third information, a recycling period of the battery after the operator has used the battery is output.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The second information includes at least one of information on a type of renewable energy used to charge the battery and information on an amount of electricity input into the battery.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The third information includes at least one of information on a lower limit value of the capacity of the battery and information on an output of the battery.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit outputs a time when the performance of the battery no longer satisfies the performance of the battery required by the business operator as a recycling time of the battery.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit acquires the first information from a vehicle equipped with the battery before reusing the battery, The second information and the third information are acquired from the terminal of the operator.

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