Information output device, information output method, and computer program

Abstract

An information output device is provided with: a reception unit that receives an input of a required specification relating to a power storage device to be designed; a generation unit that generates, on the basis of some of the conditions included in the received required specification, a configuration scheme for the power storage device that includes the number of power storage cells to be mounted in the power storage device and the arrangement of the power storage cells; an evaluation unit that evaluates whether or not the generated configuration scheme satisfies a required specification; an update unit that updates the configuration scheme on the basis of the evaluation result of the evaluation unit and causes the evaluation unit to evaluate the updated configuration scheme; and an output unit that outputs information on the configuration scheme evaluated by the evaluation unit as satisfying the required specification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information output device, an information output method, and a computer program. Background Art

[0002] Power storage devices equipped with power storage devices that are charged by generators such as solar cells and wind turbines and discharged as needed are becoming popular. The power storage device is equipped with multiple power storage elements (power storage cells). The capacity (full charge capacity) of the power storage device decreases with repeated charging and discharging (charge and discharge cycles) and the passage of time. The speed at which the capacity of the power storage device deteriorates varies depending on the SOC (State Of Charge), that is, the amount of power stored in the power storage device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for predicting the capacity of a power storage device that decreases with repeated charge and discharge and the passage of time. In Patent Document 1, the decrease in the capacity of the power storage device is predicted based on the change in SOC.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-169393 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] The manufacturer of the power storage device performs the following operations to propose a configuration of the power storage device (power storage equipment) based on the customer's required specifications.

[0009] (1) The manufacturer makes a structural plan for the power storage device, including the number of storage cells connected in series and in parallel.

[0010] (2) The manufacturer simulates (predicts) the period (lifespan) during which the power storage device with the determined structure can meet customer requirements under the assumed usage environment.

[0011] (3) The manufacturer repeatedly conducts trial and error in decision making and simulation, and decides on a configuration scheme of the power storage device that is considered to be the best.

[0012] It is not easy for a sales manager or an inexperienced technical manager to propose a configuration of a power storage device that meets customer requirements by considering various constraints such as the discharge rate, battery temperature, and depth of discharge of the power storage device.

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide an information output device, an information output method, and a computer program for presenting a configuration proposal of a power storage device that satisfies a customer's request while taking into account constraints on the power storage device.

[0014] Means for solving problems

[0015] An information output device involved in one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an acceptance unit, which accepts input of required specifications related to a storage device of a design object; a generation unit, which generates a structural scheme of the storage device including the number of storage cells to be mounted on the storage device and the arrangement of the storage cells based on a part of the conditions included in the accepted required specifications; an evaluation unit, which evaluates whether the generated structural scheme meets the required specifications; an updating unit, which updates the structural scheme according to the evaluation result of the evaluation unit, so that the evaluation unit evaluates the updated structural scheme; and an output unit, which outputs information of the structural scheme evaluated by the evaluation unit as meeting the required specifications.

[0016] An information output method according to one aspect of the present invention is a method in which a computer performs the following processing: accepting input of required specifications related to a power storage device to be designed, generating a structural scheme of the power storage device including the number of power storage cells to be mounted on the power storage device and the arrangement of the power storage cells based on a portion of the conditions included in the accepted required specifications, evaluating whether the generated structural scheme meets the required specifications, updating the structural scheme based on the evaluation results, and outputting information on the structural scheme evaluated to meet the required specifications.

[0017] A computer program involved in one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to perform the following processing: accepting input of required specifications related to a power storage device to be designed, generating a structural scheme of the power storage device including the number of power storage cells to be mounted on the power storage device and the arrangement of the power storage cells based on a part of the conditions included in the accepted required specifications, evaluating whether the generated structural scheme meets the required specifications, updating the structural scheme based on the evaluation results, and outputting information on the structural scheme evaluated to meet the required specifications.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the above aspect, it is possible to present a configuration proposal of the power storage device that satisfies the customer's request while taking into account the constraints on the power storage device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a power supply system according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a power storage device.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the internal structure of a computing device.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing executed by the computing device.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an input screen for accepting customer's requested specifications.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a graph showing the relationship between discharge depth and expected life.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the relationship between ambient temperature and discharge capacity at different discharge rates.

[0027] Figure 8 It is a graph showing the relationship between the discharge current and the cut-off voltage.

[0028] Fig. 9 This is a graph showing the relationship between discharge current and discharge time.

[0029] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an output screen for displaying a configuration of a power storage device.

[0030] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing executed by the computing device involved in the second embodiment.

[0031] Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing executed by the computing device involved in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Lead-acid batteries have the characteristic that the dischargeable capacity varies depending on the discharge rate and battery temperature. For example, in lead-acid batteries, using the depth of discharge (Depth of Discharge) 100% will shorten the life, so it is necessary to have a margin in the capacity. In addition, the charging characteristics vary depending on the battery temperature, so there are various restrictions such as considering the temperature coefficient in the charging voltage to avoid undercharging and overcharging. When designing a device using lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries for recycling purposes, the structural plan of the storage device is determined by considering various restrictions and making recommendations to customers.

[0033] However, in order to consider various constraints, it is sometimes necessary to read values ​​from the battery characteristic curve, or the calculation itself becomes complicated. Therefore, even if the required specifications are obtained from the customer, it is difficult to deal with it in the sales department, and the structural plan needs to be studied in the technical department. As a result, there is a concern that the customer will be left with the impression that the response is slow, which will reduce customer satisfaction. From the perspective of a battery manufacturer, there is the possibility of losing business opportunities. Even the person in charge of technology needs knowledge about batteries to perform calculations, and if the knowledge is insufficient, there is a possibility that the final structural plan cannot be achieved.

[0034] When the system is constructed based on the rated capacity without considering the various constraints of the battery, calculation becomes easier. In a system that requires a high discharge rate, the actual capacity of the battery becomes smaller than the rated capacity, so in order to meet the required specifications, a device that is larger in scale than the structure calculated based on the rated capacity is required. When comparing a structural scheme calculated based on the rated capacity with a structural scheme that takes various constraints into consideration, the former structural scheme is more advantageous in terms of price. On the other hand, there is a possibility that the required specifications cannot be met in the former structural scheme. If the battery manufacturer who suggests the latter structural scheme fails to properly point this out, there is a possibility of losing the order.

[0035] The information output device disclosed in the present invention comprises: an accepting unit for accepting input of required specifications related to a power storage device of a design object; a generating unit for generating a structural scheme of the power storage device including the number of power storage cells to be mounted on the power storage device and the arrangement of the power storage cells based on a part of the conditions included in the accepted required specifications; an evaluating unit for evaluating whether the generated structural scheme meets the required specifications; an updating unit for updating the structural scheme based on the evaluation result of the evaluating unit so that the evaluating unit evaluates the updated structural scheme; and an output unit for outputting information of the structural scheme evaluated by the evaluating unit as meeting the required specifications.

[0036] The customer's required specifications accepted by the acceptance unit include information on the storage cells used for the storage device, information on the inverter voltage, discharge specifications (discharge capacity, discharge output, discharge time, etc.), ambient temperature, number of cycles, required life, etc. The structural scheme generated by the generation unit includes the number and arrangement of the storage cells mounted on the storage device. The number and arrangement of the storage cells are determined by the number of storage cells in series and in parallel, and may also include temporarily set values ​​at the beginning of the calculation. The generated structural scheme is evaluated by the evaluation unit and updated based on the evaluation results. The information of the structural scheme evaluated to meet the customer's required specifications is output by the output unit.

[0037] According to the above structure, when the customer's required specifications are input, the information output device outputs a structural proposal of the power storage device that meets the required specifications. Therefore, the operator can operate regardless of his knowledge level, and after obtaining the required specifications, the information output device can be used to calculate and present the structural proposal of the power storage device that meets the required specifications to the customer.

[0038] The structural solution output by the information output device is based on the actual capacity taking into account various constraints, so the number of storage cells required is sometimes greater than that of the structural solution calculated by the rated capacity. However, by outputting not only the final structural solution but also the calculation process, it is possible to prove to the customer that the best structural solution is suggested. As a result, even if it is unfavorable in terms of price, the structural solution suggested by the information output device of the present invention is more likely to be adopted.

[0039] Furthermore, even in applications that place a high load on the battery, such as cyclic discharge, the required specifications can be met by properly considering various constraints. As a result, the required performance can be achieved during the required life even in cyclic applications, leaving customers with the impression that the product is of high quality.

[0040] Regarding the power discharged from the power storage device, the required specification may also include a voltage converted by an inverter provided in the power supply system and a discharge specification. According to this structure, the number of series-connected power storage cells is calculated based on the inverter voltage as a part of the required specification, and the actual capacity is calculated based on the discharge specification.

[0041] Regarding the electric power discharged from the power storage device, the generating unit may calculate the number of the storage cells connected in series based on the voltage converted by the inverter provided in the power supply system and the specifications of the storage cells, and generate the configuration proposal by temporarily setting the number of the storage cells connected in parallel. According to this configuration, the number of the storage cells connected in series is calculated based on the required specifications. On the other hand, the initial number of the storage cells connected in parallel is temporarily set.

[0042] The evaluation unit may also calculate the required number of series and parallel connections of the storage cells according to the discharge specification of the storage device, and evaluate whether the structural proposal meets the required specification according to whether the temporarily set parallel number is consistent with the calculated parallel number. According to this structure, whether the required specification is met is evaluated by whether the parallel number calculated according to the required specification is consistent with the temporarily set parallel number.

[0043] The evaluation unit may also derive a maximum allowable discharge time based on the discharge current calculated based on the structural scheme, and evaluate whether the structural scheme meets the required specifications based on whether the derived maximum allowable discharge time meets the discharge time given as the discharge specification. The maximum allowable discharge time is a dischargeable time calculated in consideration of the discharge depth relative to the dischargeable time of the storage device (i.e., the time required to discharge from full charge to the discharge termination voltage). When the dischargeable time is set to T and the discharge depth is set to 50%, the maximum allowable discharge time is calculated as T / 2. According to the above structure, the maximum allowable discharge time taking into account the required discharge depth can be derived, and when the derived maximum allowable discharge time is longer than the discharge time required by the customer, it can be evaluated as meeting the customer specifications.

[0044] When the evaluation unit evaluates that the configuration proposal does not meet the required specifications, the update unit may change the temporarily set parallel number. According to this configuration, the parallel number of storage cells can be changed sequentially to derive a configuration proposal of the power storage device that meets the customer's required specifications.

[0045] A display unit for displaying an acceptance screen for accepting input of the required specifications may be provided. According to this configuration, when negotiating with a customer, a configuration proposal of the power storage device can be presented.

[0046] The information output method disclosed in the present invention performs the following processing by a computer: accepting input of required specifications related to a storage device to be designed, generating a structural plan of the storage device including the number of storage cells to be mounted on the storage device and the arrangement of the storage cells based on a part of the conditions included in the accepted required specifications, evaluating whether the generated structural plan meets the required specifications, updating the structural plan based on the evaluation result, and outputting information of the structural plan evaluated as meeting the required specifications. According to this structure, it is possible to present a structural plan of the storage device that meets the customer's requirements while taking into account the restrictions on the storage device.

[0047] The computer program disclosed in the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the following processing: accepting input of required specifications related to a storage device to be designed, generating a structural plan of the storage device including the number of storage cells to be mounted on the storage device and the arrangement of the storage cells based on a part of the conditions included in the accepted required specifications, evaluating whether the generated structural plan meets the required specifications, updating the structural plan based on the evaluation result, and outputting information of the structural plan evaluated as meeting the required specifications. According to this structure, a structural plan of the storage device that meets the customer's requirements can be presented while considering the restrictions in the storage device.

[0048] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings showing the embodiments.

[0049] (Implementation method 1)

[0050] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a power supply system according to an embodiment. The power supply system 1 according to the embodiment includes: a power storage device 10, a power conditioner 20, a generator 30, and a load 40. The power storage device 10 is connected to the generator 30 and the load 40 via the power conditioner 20. The generator 30 is a power supply source such as a solar cell or a wind power generator. The load 40 is various devices and facilities that operate with the power supplied from the power storage device 10 or the generator 30. Alternatively, the load 40 may be a driving source for a vehicle that travels with the power supplied from the power storage device 10 or the generator 30, or a driving source for a flying object that flies.

[0051] When the voltage input from the generator 30 is an AC voltage, a converter that converts the AC voltage into a DC voltage is provided in the power conditioner 20. In this case, the power conditioner 20 supplies the DC power associated with the DC voltage converted by the converter to the power storage device 10 and the load 40. When the voltage input from the generator 30 is a DC voltage, the power conditioner 20 supplies the DC power associated with the input DC voltage to the power storage device 10. The power storage device 10 stores the DC power supplied by the power conditioner 20. The power conditioner 20 is provided with an inverter for converting the DC voltage input from the power storage device 10 into an AC voltage. The power conditioner 20 supplies the AC power associated with the AC voltage converted by the inverter to the load 40.

[0052] Figure 2 : is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of the power storage device 10. The power storage device 10 includes K (K is an integer greater than 1) storage bodies (bank, group) 100 connected in parallel. In mobile use, one end of each storage body 100 is connected to the power conditioner 20 via a power line, and the other end is grounded. In fixed use, the other end of each storage body 100 may not be grounded. Each storage body 100 includes: a charge and discharge circuit 110, and L (L is an integer greater than 1) storage cells 120 connected in series. The storage cell 120 is, for example, a lead-acid battery. The total number of storage cells 120 in the power storage device 10 is K×L (the number in parallel is K, and the number in series is L). The charge and discharge circuit 110 includes a switch or a circuit breaker, and the charge and discharge of each storage cell 120 is controlled by switching the switch or the circuit breaker on / off.

[0053] The configuration of the power storage device 10 including the total number of power storage cells 120, the number of parallel connections, and the number of series connections is manufactured according to the customer's specifications. Figure 3 ) to create a structural proposal for the power storage device 10. More specifically, regarding the power storage device 10 to be designed, the computing device 50 accepts the required specifications requested by the customer and generates a structural proposal for the power storage device 10 so as to satisfy the accepted required specifications.

[0054] Figure 3 1 is a block diagram illustrating the internal structure of the computing device 50. The computing device 50 is a dedicated or general-purpose computer such as a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a personal computer, a server device, etc. The computing device 50 includes, for example, a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication unit 53, an operation unit 54, and a display unit 55.

[0055] The control unit 51 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU included in the control unit 51 expands and executes various computer programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 52 on the RAM, thereby making the entire device function as the information output device of the present application.

[0056] Alternatively, the control unit 51 may be any processing circuit or computing circuit including multiple CPUs, multi-core CPUs, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), microcomputers, volatile or nonvolatile memories, etc. The control unit 51 may also include functions such as a timer for measuring the elapsed time from when a measurement start instruction is given to when a measurement end instruction is given, a counter for counting the number, and a clock for outputting date and time information.

[0057] The storage unit 52 includes a storage device such as a flash memory and a hard disk drive. The storage unit 52 stores various computer programs executed by the control unit 51 and data related to the execution of the computer programs. One of the computer programs stored in the storage unit 52 is a calculation program PG1 for causing the control unit 51 to execute a process of generating a configuration plan of the power storage device 10 that meets the customer's required specifications and outputting information on the generated configuration plan. The calculation program PG1 may be a single computer program or a program group composed of a plurality of computer programs. The calculation program PG1 may also partially use an existing library or simulator.

[0058] The computer program including the operation program PG1 is provided by a non-temporary recording medium (program product) RM that records the computer program in a readable manner. The recording medium RM is, for example, a portable memory such as a CD-ROM, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, an SD (Secure Digital) card, a micro SD card, a CompactFlash (registered trademark), etc. The control unit 51 uses a reading device not shown in the figure to read the computer program from the recording medium RM, and installs the read computer program in the storage unit 52. Alternatively, the computer program including the operation program PG1 can also be provided through communication. In this case, the control unit 51 obtains the computer program including the operation program PG1 through communication via the communication unit 53, and installs the obtained computer program in the storage unit 52.

[0059] The communication unit 53 includes a communication interface for sending and receiving various data. The communication interface included in the communication unit 53 is, for example, a communication interface in accordance with the communication standard of a LAN used in WiFi (registered trademark) or Ethernet (registered trademark). When data to be sent is input from the control unit 51, the communication unit 53 sends the data to be sent to the designated destination. When the communication unit 53 receives data sent from an external device, it outputs the received data to the control unit 51.

[0060] The operation unit 54 includes operation devices such as a touch panel, a keyboard, and switches, and receives various operations and data input from the user. The control unit 51 performs appropriate control based on various operation information provided by the operation unit 54, and stores the input data in the storage unit 52 as needed.

[0061] The display unit 55 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 55 displays information to be notified to the user according to instructions from the control unit 51. The display unit 55 can also be replaced by a notification unit, which is a means of notifying the user by other means such as sound. The following describes an example of a display unit 55. When the display unit 55 is replaced by a means of notifying the user by other means, i.e., a notification unit, the user is notified by a method corresponding to the notification means of the notification unit, and the flowchart described below is performed to obtain the same result and effect. In embodiments other than embodiment 1, it is also possible to replace the display unit 55 with a notification unit.

[0062] The computing device 50 may also be configured to receive an operation from an externally connected computer and output information to be notified to the external computer. In this case, the computing device 50 may not include the operating unit 54 and the display unit 55.

[0063] In this embodiment, the computing device 50 may be a single computer or a computer system composed of a plurality of computers, peripheral devices, etc. Alternatively, the computing device 50 may be a virtual machine in which the entity is virtualized or a cloud service (cloud).

[0064] Next, the operation of the computing device 50 will be described.

[0065] Figure 4 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the processing executed by the computing device 50. The control unit 51 of the computing device 50 reads out the computing program PG1 stored in the storage unit 52 and executes it, thereby executing the following processing.

[0066] The control unit 51 generates an input screen for accepting customer's requested specifications regarding the power storage device 10 and displays it on the display unit 55 (step S101 ). The control unit 51 accepts the customer's requested specifications by displaying the input screen on the display unit 55 (step S102 ).

[0067] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an input screen for accepting customer's requested specifications. Figure 5 The input screen 510 shown has a selection bar 511 for accepting selection of the type of the storage cell 120. The selection bar 511 is, for example, a selection bar in the form of a pull-down menu. The business manager (or customer) operates the operation unit 54 of the computing device 50 to select the desired type of the storage cell 120 from the selection bar 511 in the form of a pull-down menu. If the type is selected in the selection bar 511, the control unit 51 reads the specifications of the corresponding storage cell 120 from the data chart stored in the storage unit 52 and displays it in the display bar 512. The specifications of the storage cell 120 include information such as rated capacity, nominal voltage, normal voltage, and equalizing charging voltage.

[0068] The input screen 510 includes an input field 513 for accepting customer's required specifications. The input field 513 accepts information such as the maximum voltage and minimum voltage of the inverter, the discharge capacity, discharge output and discharge time of the load, the ambient temperature, the number of cycles, and the required life. The sales person in charge (or the customer) operates the operation unit 54 of the computing device 50 to input information related to the required specifications.

[0069] The control unit 51 passes Figure 5 After the customer's requested specifications are accepted on the input screen 510 shown, the processing after step S103 is executed to create a configuration proposal for the power storage device 10 .

[0070] The control unit 51 refers to the required specifications received in step S102 and calculates the charging voltage according to the ambient temperature (step S103). The terminal voltage in the storage cell 120 is represented by V=E+Ir. Here, V is the terminal voltage, E is the electromotive force, I is the charging current, and r is the internal resistance. In a lead-acid battery, the chemical reaction of the internal electrolyte is slow at low temperatures, so the internal resistance increases and the terminal voltage rises. The control unit 51 calculates the charging voltage corresponding to the ambient temperature in step S103.

[0071] The control unit 51 calculates the number of storage cells 120 connected in series based on the inverter voltage (step S104). Here, the control unit 51 calculates the number of storage cells 120 connected in series in one storage body 100 (=L). For example, the control unit 51 uses the balanced charging voltage (=V3) of the storage cells 120 obtained from the data chart and the maximum voltage (=V4) of the inverter to calculate the number of storage cells 120 connected in series by V4 / V3.

[0072] Since the parallel number (=K) of the storage cells 120 has not been determined at the present time, the control unit 51 temporarily sets the parallel number to 1 (step S105 ).

[0073] The control unit 51 calculates the required battery capacity (step S106) and the discharge current (step S107) based on the required specifications. The discharge capacity, discharge time, and discharge voltage required by the customer are determined based on the required specifications. However, it is known that in lead-acid batteries, the expected life of the storage cell 120 varies depending on the depth of discharge, and the discharge capacity varies depending on the ambient temperature and the discharge rate. The battery capacity and discharge current of the storage device 10 used at the customer's destination are calculated in consideration of these.

[0074] Figure 6 This is a graph showing the relationship between the depth of discharge and the expected life. The horizontal axis of the graph represents the depth of discharge (%), and the vertical axis represents the expected life (times). According to the required specifications, the number of cycles and life required for the power storage device 10 are set to, for example, M1 times / year and i3 years (expected life = M1×i3 times). Figure 6 A graph can be used to determine the range of discharge depth required to meet the expected life.

[0075] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the relationship between ambient temperature and discharge capacity at different discharge rates. The horizontal axis of the graph represents ambient temperature (°C), and the vertical axis of the graph represents discharge capacity (%). 10 Indicates 10-hour rate current. Figure 7 From the graph shown, it can be seen that the discharge capacity changes depending on the ambient temperature and the discharge current.

[0076] The control unit 51 refers to the discharge current, required life, etc. given as required specifications. Figure 6 The chart shown, Figure 7 The calculation device 50 may include a table or the like shown in the figure to calculate the battery capacity and discharge current required for the customer's destination. Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The chart shown is a table and can also be Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The graph shown is used as a function, library. If the discharge current is calculated, the termination voltage is based on Figure 8 It is determined by referring to the graph showing the relationship between the discharge current and the cut-off voltage.

[0077] The control unit 51 calculates the discharge time, the actual capacity of the battery cell, the required number of battery cells, and the required number of parallel connections based on the discharge current calculated in step S107 (step S108 ). Fig. 9 This is a graph showing the relationship between discharge current and discharge time. Both the horizontal and vertical axes of the graph are logarithmic axes, with the horizontal axis representing the discharge current (×I 10 A), the vertical axis represents the discharge time (minutes). The control unit 51 refers to Fig. 9 The discharge time can be calculated based on the discharge current calculated in step S107 according to the discharge current / discharge time characteristics shown in the graph of FIG. Fig. 9 The discharge time described on the vertical axis of the graph indicates the time (dischargeable time) when the battery is discharged to the end voltage. The discharge time (maximum allowable discharge time) when the depth of discharge (DOD: Depth of Discharge) is 50% is half the allowable discharge time. The discharge current calculated in step S107 and the allowable minimum voltage of the storage cell 120 can be calculated from Fig. 9 The computing device 50 may include Fig. 9 The chart shown is a table and can also be Fig. 9 The diagram shown is used as a function,library.

[0078] The actual capacity of the storage cells 120 is calculated based on the discharge current calculated in step S107 and the discharge time calculated in step S108 . Furthermore, the required number of storage cells 120 connected in series (necessary number of cells) and the number of storage cells connected in parallel (necessary number of parallel connections) are calculated based on the actual capacity of the storage cells 120 .

[0079] The control unit 51 determines whether the calculated discharge time meets the requirements and whether the calculated necessary parallel quantity is the same as the temporarily set value (step S109). Specifically, the control unit 51 determines whether the maximum allowable discharge time calculated in step S108 meets the discharge time included in the customer's required specifications. For example, when the maximum allowable discharge time calculated in step S108 is tx, the discharge time included in the customer's required specifications is t1, and the maximum allowable discharge time tx is longer than the discharge time t1 included in the required specifications, it is determined that the requirements are met. Furthermore, because the temporarily set parallel quantity in step S105 is 1, if the necessary parallel quantity calculated in step S108 is 1, it is determined to be the same, and if the necessary parallel quantity calculated in step S108 is 2 or more, it is determined to be different.

[0080] When the control unit 51 determines that the calculated discharge time does not satisfy the requirement or that the calculated required parallel number is different from the temporarily set value ( S109 : NO), the control unit 51 increases the temporarily set parallel number by 1 (step S110 ) and returns the process to step S106 .

[0081] When the control unit 51 determines that the calculated discharge time satisfies the requirement and that the calculated necessary parallel number is the same as the temporarily set value (S109: YES), the control unit 51 outputs the configuration plan of the power storage device 10 (step S111). Specifically, the control unit 51 displays the information of the calculated configuration plan on the display unit 55. Alternatively, the control unit 51 may transmit the information of the calculated configuration plan through the communication unit 53 to notify the terminal used by the customer.

[0082] Fig.10 520 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an output screen for displaying a configuration scheme of the power storage device 10. The configuration scheme displayed on the output screen 520 includes, for example, the number of storage cells 120 connected in series and the number of storage cells 120 connected in parallel. The number of storage cells 120 connected in series is the total number of storage cells 120 connected in series in one storage body 100 (=L), and the number of storage cells 120 connected in parallel is equal to the number of storage bodies 100 mounted in the power storage device 10.

[0083] The configuration scheme may further include information such as the capacity, charging voltage, discharging voltage, discharging current, discharging time, and cycle life of the power storage device 10. Fig.10In the example, the capacity of the power storage device 10 includes a BOL capacity (BOL: Beginning of Life) and an EOL capacity (EOL: End of Life). In the present embodiment, the BOL capacity means that if the discharge required at the beginning of the life is performed, the DOD value is d1%, and the EOL capacity means that if the discharge required at the end of the life is performed, the DOD value is d2%.

[0084] exist Fig.10 In the example, the charging voltage of the power storage device 10 includes the maximum voltage during normal charging and the maximum voltage during equalization charging. Furthermore, the discharging voltage of the power storage device 10 includes the nominal voltage, the voltage at the end of discharge, and the voltage at the end of discharge. The nominal voltage and the voltage at the end of discharge are the nominal voltage of the power storage cell 120 × the number of series connections. The voltage at the end of discharge is the voltage when discharging at DOD 100%. Discharging at DOD 100% is not recommended from the perspective of life degradation, but as an exception in case of emergency, it is sometimes discharged at DOD 100%. However, when the discharge end voltage becomes lower than the minimum voltage of the inverter, the operating conditions are not met, so operation at DOD 100% is impossible.

[0085] The discharge current and the discharge time (dischargeable time and maximum allowable discharge time) are calculated as described above and displayed on the output screen 520. The cycle life is calculated based on, for example, Figure 6 When converted to DOD (=d2%) at EOL, the cycle life is z times.

[0086] As described above, in the first embodiment, by accepting the customer's required specifications in the computing device 50 , it is possible to present a configuration proposal of the power storage device 10 that satisfies the required specifications while taking into account the constraints on the power storage device 10 .

[0087] (Implementation method 2)

[0088] Fig.11 1 is a flowchart showing the process performed by the computing device 50 according to the second embodiment. The computing device 50 according to the second embodiment not only outputs the final configuration scheme, but also outputs the configuration schemes obtained as the calculation process one by one. The configuration of the computing device 50 and the configuration of the power storage device 10 to be designed are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0089] The control unit 51 of the computing device 50 is Figure 4The same process as steps S101 to S108 of the flowchart shown in the figure is executed to calculate the information required for the configuration plan of the power storage device 10. After the control unit 51 calculates the discharge time, the actual capacity of the battery cell, the required number of battery cells, and the required number of parallel connections in step S108, it outputs the configuration plan of the calculation process (step S120). Here, the information such as the capacity, charging voltage, discharge voltage, discharge current, discharge time, cycle life, etc. of the power storage device 10 calculated based on the temporarily set number of parallel connections is displayed on the display unit 55. Output example Fig.10 Alternatively, the structure of the calculation process can also be notified to the terminal used by the customer via the communication unit 53 .

[0090] In step S109, the control unit 51 determines whether the calculated discharge time meets the requirements and whether the calculated necessary parallel number is the same as the temporarily set value. If it is determined that the calculated discharge time does not meet the requirements or that the calculated necessary parallel number is different from the temporarily set value (S109: NO), the temporarily set parallel number is increased by only 1 (step S110), and the process returns to step S106. Thus, every time the parallel number is increased by 1, the configuration plan of the power storage device 10 obtained in the calculation process (that is, the configuration plan updated according to the parallel number) is output through the display unit 55 or the communication unit 53.

[0091] If the calculated discharge time satisfies the requirement and the calculated required parallel number is the same as the temporarily set value (S109: YES), the control unit 51 ends the processing of this flowchart. In this case, the previous configuration proposal is output as the final proposal via the display unit 55 or the communication unit 53.

[0092] As described above, in the second embodiment, not only the final configuration scheme but also the configuration scheme obtained during the calculation process is presented to the customer, so that the customer can be presented with the fact that the calculation taking into account the various constraints of the power storage device 10 is actually performed. Based on the various constraints of the power storage device 10, the configuration scheme taking into account the actual capacity is expected to require more batteries (that is, the price becomes higher) than the configuration scheme calculated based on the rated capacity, but the number of series connections and the number of parallel connections according to the actual capacity are shown during the calculation process, so the high reliability of the final configuration scheme can be shown to the customer.

[0093] In Embodiment 2, the configuration is configured to output the configuration plan every time the parallel number is updated. Alternatively, the control unit 51 may output the values ​​of the series number, parallel number, capacity, charging voltage, discharge voltage, discharge current, discharge time, cycle life, etc. of the power storage device 10 through the display unit 55 or the communication unit 53 every time the values ​​are calculated.

[0094] (Implementation method 3)

[0095] In the third embodiment, an application example to a lithium ion battery is described.

[0096] The configuration of the computing device 50 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0097] Fig.12 : is a flowchart showing the process performed by the computing device 50 involved in the third embodiment. The control unit 51 of the computing device 50 involved in the third embodiment displays a selection screen (not shown) on the display unit 55, and accepts the selection of the purpose of the power storage device 10 through the displayed selection screen (step S301). In the third embodiment, the power storage device 10 and the power storage device 10 have K (K is an integer greater than or equal to 1) storage bodies 100 connected in parallel. Each storage body 100 has a charge and discharge circuit 110 and M (M is an integer greater than or equal to 1) storage modules connected in series. Each storage module has N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1) storage cells 120 connected in series. In the third embodiment, the storage cell 120 is a lithium ion battery. In step S301, the control unit 51 accepts either the purpose for DC load or the purpose for other than DC load.

[0098] The control unit 51 accepts the input of the required specifications according to the selected purpose (step S302). The control unit 51 displays an input screen (not shown) corresponding to the purpose on the display unit 55, and accepts the input of the required specifications through the displayed input screen. For example, when the purpose for DC load is selected, the control unit 51 accepts information such as load mode, ambient temperature, minimum temperature, battery type, battery cell voltage range, and expected life as required specifications. On the other hand, when the purpose other than DC load is selected, the inverter / UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) capacity, reverse conversion efficiency, load power factor, load voltage range, ambient temperature, minimum temperature, discharge time, discharge frequency, battery type, battery cell voltage range, required life, battery tray type, battery tray height, etc. are accepted as required specifications.

[0099] The control unit 51 derives a structural scheme of the power storage device 10 based on the received required specifications (step S303). The control unit 51 calculates the number of series connections based on the required specifications and temporarily sets the number of parallel connections in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The control unit 51 updates the temporarily set number of parallel connections and calculates the required battery structure in consideration of the required specifications, maintenance rate, and K value. When the application is other than a DC load, the structure of the battery disk is calculated together with the battery structure. When the upper limit number of storage cells 120 that can be monitored in one storage module is determined, the control unit 51 can also calculate the number of storage modules mounted on one storage body 100 (=M) and the number of storage cells 120 mounted on each storage module (=N) based on the upper limit number.

[0100] The control unit 51 outputs the configuration plan of the power storage device 10 derived in step S303 (step S304). Specifically, the control unit 51 displays the information of the calculated configuration plan on the display unit 55. Alternatively, the control unit 51 may transmit the information of the calculated configuration plan via the communication unit 53 to notify the terminal used by the customer.

[0101] As described above, in the third embodiment, it is possible to present a configuration proposal to a customer regarding the power storage device 10 including the lithium ion battery as the power storage cell 120 .

[0102] The disclosed embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the claims, and includes the meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims and all modifications within the scope.

[0103] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, lead acid batteries and lithium ion batteries are described as examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and other batteries, mediums capable of storing electricity, mediums capable of storing energy, etc. may also be applied.

[0104] Independent claims and dependent claims described in the scope of the claims can be combined with each other in all combinations regardless of the citation format. Furthermore, the scope of the claims uses a claim format that records citing two or more other claims (multiple claim format), but is not limited to this. It is also possible to record multiple claims (multiple-reference-multiple claims) that record at least one multiple claim.

[0105] Description of Reference Numerals

[0106] 10. Electricity storage device;

[0107] 50 computing device;

[0108] 51 Control Department;

[0109] 52 Storage Department;

[0110] 53 Ministry of Communications;

[0111] 54 Operation Department;

[0112] 55 Display unit.

Claims

1. An information output device, comprising: a receiving unit that receives an input of required specifications related to the power storage device to be designed; a generating unit that generates a configuration plan of the power storage device including the number of power storage cells to be mounted in the power storage device and the arrangement of the power storage cells based on a part of the conditions included in the received required specifications; An evaluation department evaluates whether the generated structural solution meets the required specifications; an updating unit, which updates the structural scheme according to the evaluation result of the evaluation unit, so that the evaluation unit evaluates the updated structural scheme; as well as The output unit outputs information on the structural proposal evaluated by the evaluation unit as satisfying the required specification.

2. The information output device according to claim 1, wherein: The required specification for the electric power discharged from the power storage device includes a voltage converted by an inverter provided in the power supply system and a discharge specification.

3. The information output device according to claim 2, wherein: Regarding the electric power discharged from the power storage device, the generating unit calculates the number of the storage cells connected in series based on the voltage converted by the inverter provided in the power supply system and the specifications of the storage cells, and generates the configuration proposal by temporarily setting the number of the storage cells connected in parallel.

4. The information output device according to claim 3, wherein: The evaluation unit calculates the required number of series and parallel storage cells according to the discharge specification of the power storage device, and evaluates whether the configuration proposal meets the required specification according to whether the temporarily set parallel number is consistent with the calculated parallel number.

5. The information output device according to claim 3, wherein: The evaluation unit derives a maximum allowable discharge time from the discharge current calculated based on the configuration proposal, and evaluates whether the configuration proposal satisfies the required specification based on whether the derived maximum allowable discharge time satisfies a discharge time given as the discharge specification.

6. The information output device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The updating unit changes the temporarily set parallel connection number when the evaluating unit evaluates that the structural proposal does not satisfy the required specification.

7. The information output device according to claim 1, wherein: The information output device includes a display unit that displays a reception screen for receiving an input of the request specification.

8. An information output method, which is a method in which a computer performs the following processing: Accepting input of required specifications related to the power storage device to be designed; generating a configuration proposal of the power storage device including the number of power storage cells to be mounted in the power storage device and the arrangement of the power storage cells based on a part of the conditions included in the received requirement specification; Evaluate whether the generated structural solution meets the required specifications; updating the structural scheme according to the evaluation results; as well as Information on structural solutions evaluated as satisfying the required specifications is output.

9. A computer program, which is a program for causing a computer to execute the following processing: Accepting input of required specifications related to the power storage device to be designed; generating a configuration proposal of the power storage device including the number of power storage cells to be mounted in the power storage device and the arrangement of the power storage cells based on a part of the conditions included in the received requirement specification; Evaluate whether the generated structural solution meets the required specifications; updating the structural scheme according to the evaluation results; as well as Information on structural solutions evaluated as satisfying the required specifications is output.

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