Degradation suppression system, degradation suppression method, degradation suppression program, and storage medium on which degradation suppression program is recorded

Abstract

The histogram generation unit generates, on the basis of the battery data, a histogram of the dwell time of the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery. The actual SOC range calculation unit determines, on the basis of the histogram, an SOC range that converges to a prescribed probability of occurrence as an actual SOC use range. The recommended SOC range calculation unit calculates a recommended SOC use range in which deterioration is suppressed compared with the actual SOC use range by referring to the deterioration characteristics of the battery on the basis of the actual SOC use range and the statistical charge / discharge pattern based on the battery data. The display control unit causes the display unit to display a display that prompts the user to use the battery within the recommended SOC use range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a deterioration suppression system, a deterioration suppression method, and a deterioration suppression program for suppressing deterioration of a battery. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the increase in the capacity of batteries, in devices equipped with rechargeable batteries, depending on the usage method of the user, it is no longer necessary to always charge to full charge. In addition, the situation of using without charging every day has also become more common. Along with this, it is desired to charge the required amount in a planned manner to make the battery last longer.

[0003] However, general rechargeable products (for example, smartphones, cleaning robots, etc.) can be charged easily, so the charging time and the amount of power used until the next charge vary from person to person, and it is difficult to prepare an optimal charging plan with universality. In addition, it takes time for the user to input usage conditions such as the amount of power used until the next charge, increasing the burden on the user. In addition, in devices such as delivery vehicles that are used and charged regularly every day, the amount of power required for tomorrow's driving also varies depending on various conditions (for example, season, day of the week, weather, traffic congestion, etc.), and it is not easy to create an optimal charging plan.

[0004] Regarding the creation of a charging plan for suppressing deterioration, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of making a charging plan by learning the charging end time through a neural network so that the full charge holding time becomes shorter. Patent Document 2 discloses a method of estimating the usage time based on the content usage history and making a charging plan so as to be fully charged in accordance with the usage time. Such a method of charging to full charge may not achieve optimal charging in a large-capacity battery. In addition, optimal charging may not be achieved when the plan goes wrong. Patent Document 3 discloses a method of making a charging plan based on the user's predetermined information. In this method, it is necessary for the user to input a schedule, which takes time.

[0005] Prior Art Documents

[0006] Patent Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 18 / 215864

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-019600

[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-184144 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique that prompts each user to use a battery with reduced deterioration suitable for each user without inputting usage conditions.

[0011] To solve the above problems, a deterioration suppression system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a histogram generation unit that generates a histogram of the residence time of the state of charge (SOC) of a battery based on battery data; an actual SOC range calculation unit that determines, based on the histogram, an SOC range that converges to a specified occurrence probability as an actual SOC usage range; a recommended SOC range calculation unit that calculates, based on the actual SOC usage range and a statistical charge / discharge pattern based on the battery data, a recommended SOC usage range with reduced deterioration compared to the actual SOC usage range with reference to the deterioration characteristics of the battery; and a display control unit that causes a display unit to display a display that prompts a user to use the battery within the recommended SOC usage range.

[0012] In addition, any combination of the above components, and a mode obtained by transforming the expression of the present disclosure between an apparatus, a system, a method, a computer program, a recording medium, etc. is also effective as a mode of the present disclosure.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prompt each user to use a battery with reduced deterioration suitable for each user without inputting usage conditions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining a battery-mounted device according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 is a diagram showing Figure 1 functional blocks of a control unit and a storage unit of the battery-mounted device.

[0016] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a histogram of SOC residence time.

[0017] Figure 4A is a diagram showing a schematic example of a deterioration characteristic chart stored.

[0018] Figure 4B is a diagram showing a schematic example of a charge deterioration characteristic chart.

[0019] Figure 4C is a diagram showing a schematic example of a discharge deterioration characteristic chart.

[0020] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a charge path search.

[0021] Figure 6It is a diagram showing an example of an actual charge / discharge pattern and an ideal charge / discharge pattern.

[0022] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of the actual SOC usage range and the ideal SOC usage range for each user.

[0023] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing an example of the normalization of the displayed SOC.

[0024] Figure 9A It is a diagram showing an example of the display of the battery remaining amount.

[0025] Figure 9B It is a diagram showing an example of the display of the battery remaining amount.

[0026] Figure 10 It is a flowchart showing an example of the switching control of the battery mode in the battery-mounted device according to the embodiment. Detailed Embodiment

[0027] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining the battery-mounted device 1 according to the embodiment. The battery-mounted device 1 according to the embodiment is a device equipped with a battery pack 50 capable of charge and discharge. For example, as the battery-mounted device 1, a portable information terminal (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet PC, a notebook PC), a part of home appliances (e.g., a cleaning robot), an electric vehicle, an electric motorcycle, an electric bicycle, an electric scooter, a multi-rotor aircraft (drone), etc. conform to this. Hereinafter, a smartphone is assumed in the present embodiment.

[0028] The battery-mounted device 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, a display unit 30, an operation unit 40, a battery pack 50, a voltage sensor 51, a current sensor 52, a temperature sensor 53, and a charging unit 60. The battery pack 50 is formed by connecting a plurality of single cells or a plurality of parallel single cell blocks in series. Each parallel single cell block is formed by connecting a plurality of single cells in parallel. The single cell can use a lithium-ion single cell, a nickel-metal hydride single cell, a lead single cell, etc. Hereinafter, an example of using a lithium-ion single cell (nominal voltage: 3.6V - 3.7V) is assumed in this specification.

[0029] The voltage sensor 51 detects the voltages of the series-connected single cells or the parallel-connected single cell blocks respectively. The current sensor 52 detects the current flowing through the series-connected single cells or the parallel-connected single cell blocks based on the voltage across the shunt resistor. The shunt resistor is connected in series with a plurality of series-connected single cells or a plurality of parallel-connected single cell blocks. In addition, a Hall element can also be used instead of the shunt resistor. The temperature sensor 53 detects the temperature of the plurality of series-connected single cells or the parallel-connected single cell blocks based on the divided voltage of the thermistor and the resistor provided in at least one of the plurality of single cells or the parallel-connected single cell blocks. The voltage detected by the voltage sensor 51, the current detected by the current sensor 52, and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 53 are output to the control unit 10.

[0030] The control unit 10 controls the entire battery-mounted device 1 uniformly. The functions of the control unit 10 can be realized through the cooperation of hardware resources and software resources, or only through hardware resources. As hardware resources, a CPU, ROM, RAM, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and other LSIs can be utilized. As software resources, programs such as an operating system and application programs can be utilized. Regarding the control unit 10, the computer functions as the control unit 10 by the CPU executing the program stored in the memory. Here, the program is pre-recorded in the memory of the control unit 10, but it can also be provided through an electrical communication line such as the Internet, or be recorded in a (non-transitory) recording medium such as a memory card for providing.

[0031] The storage unit 20 includes a non-volatile recording medium (such as a NAND flash memory) for storing various data. The display unit 30 has a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a small LED display, etc., for displaying the image supplied from the control unit 10. The operation unit 40 has physical buttons and a touch panel for accepting the user's operation and outputting an operation signal based on the operation content to the control unit 10. In addition, a touch panel display integrating the functions of the display unit 30 and the operation unit 40 can also be used.

[0032] The battery pack 50 can be charged from the commercial power system 2. The charging terminals of the battery pack 50 are connected to the commercial power system 2 via the charging unit 60 and the AC adapter 3. The AC adapter 3 converts the 100V / 200V AC voltage input from the commercial power system 2 into a DC voltage of about 5V - 12V and outputs it. In addition, when the battery-equipped device 1 is a notebook PC, the AC adapter 3 converts the AC voltage into a DC voltage of about 14V - 20V and outputs it.

[0033] The charging unit 60 includes a DC / DC converter. The DC / DC converter (for example, a switching regulator) controls the current or voltage of the DC power supplied from the AC adapter 3 according to the current command value or voltage command value supplied from the control unit 10, and outputs the DC power of the current or voltage specified by the command value to the battery pack 50.

[0034] Figure 2 is a diagram showing Figure 1 the functional blocks of the control unit 10 and the storage unit 20 of the battery-equipped device 1. Figure 2 The functional blocks shown only depict the functional blocks associated with the deterioration suppression system of the battery pack 50 according to the present embodiment. It includes a control unit 10, a battery data acquisition unit 11, an SOC estimation unit 12, a histogram generation unit 13, an actual SOC range calculation unit 14, an actual charge / discharge mode generation unit 15, an ideal SOC range calculation unit 16, a charging plan creation unit 17, an ideal charge / discharge mode generation unit 18, a deterioration amount calculation unit 19, a deterioration index calculation unit 110, a display-use SOC generation unit 111, a display control unit 112, and a charge / discharge control unit 113. The storage unit 20 includes a battery data holding unit 21, a histogram holding unit 22, a charging deterioration characteristic chart 23, a discharging deterioration characteristic chart 24, and a saved deterioration characteristic chart 25.

[0035] The battery data acquisition unit 11 acquires battery data including the voltage, current, and temperature of each single cell or each parallel single cell block included in the battery pack 50 from the voltage sensor 51, the current sensor 52, and the temperature sensor 53 at a prescribed sampling period (for example, at intervals of 10 seconds or 1 minute).

[0036] The SOC estimation unit 12 combines the OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method and the current integration method to estimate the SOC. The OCV method is a method for estimating the SOC based on the OCV of each single cell or each parallel single cell block measured by the voltage sensor 51 and the SOC-OCV curve of the single cell. The SOC-OCV curve of the single cell is pre-made based on the characteristic tests conducted by the battery manufacturer and registered in the ROM of the control unit 10 at the time of factory shipment.

[0037] The current integration method is a method for estimating the SOC based on the OCV at the start of charge and discharge of each single battery or each parallel-connected single battery block, and the integrated value of the current measured by the current sensor 52. In the current integration method, the measurement error of the current sensor 52 accumulates continuously as the charge and discharge time becomes longer. On the other hand, the OCV method is affected by the measurement error of the voltage sensor 51 and the error based on the polarization voltage. Therefore, it is preferable to use a weighted average of the SOC estimated by the current integration method and the SOC estimated by the OCV method.

[0038] The SOC estimation unit 12 estimates the SOC of the battery pack 50 based on the SOC of each single battery or each parallel-connected single battery block. The battery data acquisition unit 11 accumulates battery data including the voltage, current, temperature, and SOC of each single battery or each parallel-connected single battery block in the battery data holding unit 21.

[0039] The histogram generation unit 13 generates a histogram of the residence time of the SOC of the battery pack 50. The histogram generation unit 13 generates a histogram of the residence time of each SOC (for example, 1% increment, 5% increment). This histogram reflects the actual usage of the user's battery pack 50. The histogram generation unit 13 can generate a histogram of the SOC over the entire period since the start of use of the battery pack 50, or can generate a histogram of the SOC for a recent specified period (for example, 30 days). In the latter case, the battery data that has become unnecessary can be appropriately deleted.

[0040] The histogram generation unit 13 can also generate a histogram of the SOC residence time by weekday and weekend or by day of the week. In addition, the histogram generation unit 13 can generate a weighted histogram in such a way that the data closer to the latest data has a larger weight. The histogram generation unit 13 stores the generated histogram in the histogram holding unit 22.

[0041] The actual SOC range calculation unit 14 fits the histogram of the SOC residence time using a Gaussian function, and determines the SOC range that converges to a specified occurrence probability as the actual SOC usage range. The actual SOC range calculation unit 14, for example, determines the SOC range that converges to the range of μ ± kσ as the actual SOC usage range. k is a constant. For example, when k = 2 is set, the SOC range in which approximately 95% of the SOC converges can be determined. In addition, since the data near SOC = 100% and 0% are sometimes placed for a long period, it is preferable to exclude them from the object when fitting to a normal distribution.

[0042] Figure 3This is an example of a graph showing a histogram of the SOC residence time. The horizontal axis represents the SOC [%], and the vertical axis represents the residence time [h]. The actual SOC range calculation unit 14 performs fitting using a Gaussian function and determines the SOC range that converges within the range of μ ± kσ as the actual SOC usage range.

[0043] Return Figure 2 . The actual charge-discharge pattern generation unit 15 obtains the battery data for the target period corresponding to the period during which the histogram of the SOC residence time is generated from the battery data holding unit 21. The actual charge-discharge pattern generation unit 15 generates an actual charge-discharge pattern based on the current data for the target period. In the present embodiment, the actual charge-discharge pattern refers to a statistical charge-discharge pattern including one cycle of a charge period and a discharge period.

[0044] The actual charge-discharge pattern generation unit 15 calculates the average value of the charge time. In addition, the average value is a representative value of the charge time, and the median or mode value can also be used instead of the average value. The actual charge-discharge pattern generation unit 15 calculates the average value of the charge intervals. The charge interval refers to the period from the end of one charge to the start of the next charge. The actual charge-discharge pattern generation unit 15 sets the period obtained by adding the average charge time and the average charge interval as the period of the actual charge-discharge pattern. In addition, the histogram generation unit 13 may calculate the weighted average value of the charge time and the weighted average value of the charge intervals in such a way that the weight of the data closer to the latest data is larger, and add the two to set the period of the actual charge-discharge pattern. In this case, the usage tendency closer to the present can be reflected.

[0045] The actual charge-discharge pattern generation unit 15 assumes that a charge amount equivalent to the DOD (Depth Of Discharge) of the actual SOC usage range is charged in each charge, and assumes that this charge amount is charged at a constant current during the charge period of the actual charge-discharge pattern, and generates the current pattern for the charge period of the actual charge-discharge pattern. The actual charge-discharge pattern generation unit 15 assumes that this charge amount is discharged at a constant current during one charge interval, and generates the current pattern for the non-charge period (a combination of the discharge period and the suspension period) of the actual charge-discharge pattern.

[0046] In addition, in a case where a current pattern during charging can be extracted from past battery data, the actual charge / discharge pattern generation unit 15 may also use the extracted current pattern as the current pattern during charging of the actual charge / discharge pattern. Similarly, in a case where a current pattern during a non-charging period in the actual charge / discharge pattern can be extracted from past battery data, the actual charge / discharge pattern generation unit 15 may also use the extracted current pattern as the current pattern during the non-charging period of the actual charge / discharge pattern. For example, in the case of the timed battery-mounted device 1, when the charging period is removed, it basically discharges during the set time period and stops discharging during the remaining time period. In this case, the actual charge / discharge pattern generation unit 15 can clearly divide the current pattern during the non-charging period in the actual charge / discharge pattern into a discharging period and a stopping period.

[0047] The charge degradation characteristic graph 23, the discharge degradation characteristic graph 24, and the storage degradation characteristic graph 25 are obtained by graphing the charge degradation characteristics, the discharge degradation characteristics, and the storage degradation characteristics of the individual cells included in the battery pack 50. The charge degradation characteristics, the discharge degradation characteristics, and the storage degradation characteristics of the individual cells are derived in advance through experiments and simulations conducted by the battery manufacturer. In addition, data derived by other evaluation institutions may also be used.

[0048] Storage degradation is degradation that progresses over time in accordance with the temperature at each time point and the SOC at each time point of the individual cell. It progresses over time regardless of whether charging or discharging is in progress. Storage degradation mainly occurs due to the formation of a film (SEI (Solid Electrolyte Interphase) film) on the negative electrode. Storage degradation depends on the SOC and temperature at each time point. Generally, the higher the SOC at each time point and the higher the temperature at each time point, the faster the storage degradation rate increases.

[0049] Charge / discharge degradation is degradation that progresses as the number of charge / discharge cycles increases. Charge / discharge degradation mainly occurs due to breakage, peeling, etc. caused by the expansion or contraction of the active material. Charge / discharge degradation depends on the current rate, the SOC range used, and the temperature. Generally, the higher the current rate, the wider the SOC range used, and the higher the temperature, the faster the charge / discharge degradation rate increases.

[0050] Figure 4A Shows a schematic example of the storage degradation characteristic graph. The X-axis represents SOC [%], the Y-axis represents temperature [°C], and the Z-axis represents the storage degradation rate Generally, storage degradation progresses approximately linearly with respect to the 0.5th power (square root) of the elapsed time (h). In addition, depending on the type of individual cell, it may sometimes progress approximately linearly with respect to the 0.4th power value or the 0.6th power value of the elapsed time (h). AsFigure 4A As shown, the higher the SOC, the faster the storage degradation rate.

[0051] Figure 4B Shows a schematic example of a charge degradation characteristic chart. The X-axis represents the usage range of SOC [%], the Y-axis represents the current rate [C], and the Z-axis represents the charge degradation rate. Figure 4C Shows a schematic example of a discharge degradation characteristic chart. The X-axis represents the usage range of SOC [%], the Y-axis represents the current rate [C], and the Z-axis represents the discharge degradation rate. Generally, charge-discharge degradation progresses approximately linearly with respect to the 0.5th power (square root) of the total charge amount or total discharge amount (Ah). In addition, depending on the type of single cell, it may also progress approximately linearly with respect to the 0.4th power value, 0.6th power value, etc. of the total charge amount or total discharge amount (Ah).

[0052] As Figure 4B shown, when charging in a low SOC region, the charge degradation rate becomes faster. In addition, when charging in a high SOC region, although not as much as in the low SOC region, the charge degradation rate also becomes faster. Also, as Figure 4C shown, the lower the SOC region during discharge, the faster the discharge degradation rate.

[0053] In addition, regarding charge-discharge degradation characteristics, although not as contributive as the current rate, it is also affected by temperature. Therefore, in order to improve the estimation accuracy of the charge-discharge degradation rate, it is preferable to prepare charge-discharge degradation characteristics that define the relationship between the usage range of SOC and the charge-discharge degradation rate for each combination in a two-dimensional combination of multiple current rates and multiple temperatures. On the other hand, in the case of generating a simple charge-discharge degradation characteristic chart, the temperature is regarded as normal temperature, and it is only necessary to prepare the charge-discharge degradation characteristics for each of the multiple current rates. In addition, the storage degradation characteristics, charge degradation characteristics, and discharge degradation characteristics may be defined not by a chart but by a function.

[0054] Return Figure 2。The ideal SOC range calculation unit 16 searches for the SOC usage range where the DOD is equal to the actual SOC usage range and the degradation is minimized (hereinafter referred to as the ideal SOC usage range) based on the actual SOC usage range and the actual charge-discharge pattern, with reference to the charge degradation characteristic chart 23, the discharge degradation characteristic chart 24, and the storage degradation characteristic chart 25. For example, the ideal SOC range calculation unit 16 offsets the actual SOC usage range by a prescribed increment (e.g., 5% increment, 1% increment), and calculates the amount of degradation when charging and discharging with the actual charge-discharge pattern implemented within each SOC usage range. The ideal SOC range calculation unit 16 determines the SOC range with the minimum amount of degradation as the ideal SOC usage range. The ideal SOC usage range represents the optimal SOC usage range of the battery pack 50 that should be recommended to the user.

[0055] Based on the charging time of the actual charge-discharge pattern, the ideal SOC usage range, the charge degradation characteristic chart 23, and the storage degradation characteristic chart 25, the charging plan creation unit 17 creates a charging plan that suppresses degradation compared to the charging pattern of the actual charge-discharge pattern. Specifically, the charging plan creation unit 17 creates a charging plan with the minimum amount of degradation when charging from the lower limit SOC to the upper limit SOC of the ideal SOC usage range within the charging time of the actual charge-discharge pattern. Hereinafter, an example of creating the optimal charging plan will be described.

[0056] The charging plan generation unit 17 sets the lower limit SOC of the ideal SOC usage range as the charging start SOC, and sets the upper limit SOC of the ideal SOC usage range as the charging target SOC. The charging plan creation unit 17 sets a plurality of nodes within the SOC range between the charging target SOC and the charging start SOC with a prescribed increment size. The charging plan creation unit 17 sets a plurality of nodes within the charging period of the actual charge-discharge pattern with a prescribed increment size.

[0057] The charging plan creation unit 17 sets paths between the set nodes in a matrix form. The charging plan creation unit 17 assigns degradation costs to the paths between the nodes with reference to the charge degradation characteristic chart 23 and the storage degradation characteristic chart 25. The charging plan creation unit 17 searches for the charging path that minimizes the total degradation cost of the paths between the nodes. The charging plan creation unit 17 creates a current pattern corresponding to the searched charging path as the charging plan.

[0058] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of charging path search. Figure 5 An example where the charging start SOC is 30% and the charging target SOC is 80% is shown. The required charge amount corresponds to the amount of electricity equivalent to the DOD of the ideal SOC usage range. The charging plan creation unit 17 searches for the optimal path from the charging start SOC to the charging target SOC during the charging period of the actual charge-discharge pattern.

[0059] Return Figure 2 。The ideal charge-discharge pattern generation unit 18 combines the current pattern of the charge plan produced by the charge plan creation unit 17 with the current pattern during the non-charging period of the actual charge-discharge pattern to generate an ideal charge-discharge pattern within the ideal SOC usage range determined by the ideal SOC range calculation unit 16. In addition, for simplicity, the production of the optimal charge plan by the charge plan creation unit 17 may be omitted, and the ideal charge-discharge pattern generation unit 18 sets the current pattern during the charging period of the actual charge-discharge pattern as the current pattern of general CC-CV charging.

[0060] Figure 6 Shows an example of the actual charge-discharge pattern and the ideal charge-discharge pattern. In Figure 6 the example shown, the charge plan of the ideal charge-discharge pattern is changed to a charge pattern that suppresses deterioration compared to the charge pattern of the actual charge-discharge pattern.

[0061] Figure 7 Shows an example of the actual SOC usage range and the ideal SOC usage range for each user. The dashed line represents the actual SOC usage range, and the solid line represents the ideal SOC usage range. The degree of change from the actual SOC usage range to the ideal SOC usage range varies depending on the actual usage situation of the battery pack 50 of each user.

[0062] Return Figure 2 。The deterioration amount calculation unit 19 refers to the charge deterioration characteristic chart 23, the discharge deterioration characteristic chart 24, and the storage deterioration characteristic chart 25, and calculates the deterioration amount of the battery pack 50 based on the usage history of the object period of the battery data (hereinafter, referred to as the actual deterioration amount). The deterioration amount calculation unit 19 calculates the deterioration amount of the battery pack 50 during the object period when switching to use within the ideal SOC usage range (hereinafter, referred to as the ideal deterioration amount). The deterioration amount calculation unit 19, for example, assumes that the ideal charge-discharge pattern within the ideal SOC usage range is repeated during the object period, and refers to the charge deterioration characteristic chart 23, the discharge deterioration characteristic chart 24, and the storage deterioration characteristic chart 25 to calculate the ideal deterioration amount of the battery pack 50 during the object period.

[0063] The deterioration amount is calculated as the sum of the charge deterioration amount derived by referring to the charge deterioration characteristic chart 23, the discharge deterioration amount derived by referring to the discharge deterioration characteristic chart 24, and the storage deterioration amount derived by referring to the storage deterioration characteristic chart 25 as shown in the following (Equation 1). In addition, in the calculation of the charge deterioration amount and the discharge deterioration amount, the temperature may also be included in the parameters. In addition, in the calculation of the ideal deterioration amount, the average temperature during the object period may be used for the temperature, or it may be assumed to be normal temperature.

[0064] Deterioration amount = Charge deterioration amount (SOC, current rate) + Discharge deterioration amount (SOC, current rate) + Storage deterioration amount (SOC, temperature) … (Equation 1)

[0065] Based on the calculated actual deterioration amount and ideal deterioration amount, the deterioration index calculation unit 110 calculates a deterioration improvement index indicating the degree of improvement in the deterioration amount of the battery pack 50 when changing the SOC usage range to the ideal SOC range. The deterioration index calculation unit 110 calculates the deterioration improvement index based on, for example, the following (Equation 2). This deterioration improvement index is a fraction indicating the life extension rate of the battery pack 50.

[0066] Deterioration improvement index [%] = 100 × (Actual deterioration amount / Ideal deterioration amount) … (Equation 2)

[0067] In addition, the deterioration index calculation unit 110 sets the SOH (State Of Health) that should be the life of the battery pack 50, and estimates the remaining life (number of days until the SOH set as the life) in the case of continuing the current usage method based on the current SOH and the actual deterioration amount. Similarly, the deterioration index calculation unit 110 calculates the remaining life in the case of changing the SOC usage range to the ideal SOC range based on the current SOH and the ideal deterioration amount. The deterioration index calculation unit 110 can also use the increase in the number of days of the remaining life in the case of changing to the ideal SOC range as the deterioration improvement index.

[0068] When the user operates the operation unit 40 to select battery mode setting from the setting items, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 30 to display options for the normal mode and the long-life mode. At this time, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 30 to display the deterioration improvement index calculated by the deterioration index calculation unit 110 as a standard for deterioration improvement when changing from the normal mode to the long-life mode. The long-life mode is a deterioration suppression mode of the battery pack 50 and is a mode in which the battery pack 50 is used within the ideal SOC usage range. The deterioration improvement index is basically only presented to the user as a judgment material for the user and is not used for charge and discharge control.

[0069] When the long-life mode is selected, the display SOC generation unit 111 causes the display unit 30 to display the battery remaining amount after normalizing the ideal SOC usage range to a specified numerical range. Figure 8 It is a diagram showing an example of the normalization of the display SOC. The left SOC range shows the SOC range corresponding to the capacity of the actual battery pack 50. In Figure 8 the example shown, the ideal SOC usage range is set to the range of 30 - 80. The right SOC range shows the display SOC range. In Figure 8In the example shown, the SOC range for display is set by normalizing the range of 30 - 80 in the actual SOC scale to the range of 0 - 100. In addition, the ideal SOC usage range in the actual SOC scale can also be converted into the α-β range with a margin. For example, α can be set to 10%. For example, β can be set to 90%. In addition, in this embodiment, the following is also included in the concept of the display of the battery margin after normalization: when the SOC corresponding to the capacity of the actual battery pack 50 exceeds the upper limit value of the ideal SOC usage range, the display unit 30 is caused to display the battery margin at the upper limit value of the ideal SOC usage range; when the actual SOC is lower than the lower limit value of the ideal SOC usage range, the display unit 30 is caused to display the battery margin at the lower limit value of the ideal SOC usage range; and when the actual SOC converges between the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the ideal SOC usage range, the display unit 30 is caused to directly display the actual SOC as the battery margin.

[0070] In the long-life mode, the display SOC generation unit 111 calculates the display SOC based on the following (Equation 3) according to the ideal SOC usage range and the current SOC of the battery pack 50.

[0071] Display SOC = (Current SOC - Lower limit of the ideal SOC usage range) × (100 / Upper limit SOC of the ideal SOC usage range - Lower limit SOC of the ideal SOC usage range)…(Equation 3).

[0072] Figure 9A Shows an example of the display of the battery margin in the normal mode. Figure 9B Shows an example of the display of the battery margin in the long-life mode. When changing from the normal mode to the long-life mode in the state where the actual battery margin is 30%, the display of the battery margin changes from 30% to 0%.

[0073] When the display control unit 112 displays the battery margin after normalizing the ideal SOC usage range to the range of 0 - 100, it displays the battery margin in a display manner that allows the user to recognize the long-life mode. When the long-life mode is selected, the display control unit 112, for example, changes the color of the battery mark, the thickness of the line, or changes the design of the battery mark. In addition, when the battery margin is displayed numerically, the display control unit 112 changes the color, thickness, font, etc. of the numerical value.

[0074] Return Figure 2When charging the battery pack 50, the charge-discharge control unit 113 sets a current command value or a voltage command value for the charging unit 60 based on the charging plan created by the charging plan creation unit 17. In addition, when the creation of the optimal charging plan is omitted, the charge-discharge control unit 113 sets a current command value or a voltage command value for the charging unit 60 according to the current mode of general CC-CV charging.

[0075] When charging in the long-life mode, when the SOC of the battery pack 50 reaches the upper limit SOC of the ideal SOC usage range, the charge-discharge control unit 113 sets a charging stop instruction for the charging unit 60 to stop charging the battery pack 50. Alternatively, it can also be specified that charging does not stop even when reaching the upper limit SOC of the ideal SOC usage range, and within the range between the upper limit SOC of the ideal SOC usage range and 100% of the actual SOC scale, the display SOC is fixed at 100%.

[0076] When discharging in the long-life mode, when the SOC of the battery pack 50 reaches the lower limit SOC of the ideal SOC usage range, the charge-discharge control unit 113 sets a discharge stop instruction for the charging unit 60 to stop discharging from the battery pack 50. The display control unit 112 can also cause the display unit 30 to display a message prompting charging when reaching the lower limit SOC of the ideal SOC usage range. In addition, in an emergency, by switching from the long-life mode to the normal mode, the user can actually use the remaining capacity in the battery pack 50.

[0077] Alternatively, it can also be specified that discharging is not prohibited even when reaching the lower limit SOC of the ideal SOC usage range. In this case, within the range between the lower limit SOC of the ideal SOC range and 0% of the actual SOC scale, the display SOC is fixed at 0%. In this specification, the user can use the remaining capacity in the battery pack 50 without returning to the normal mode.

[0078] Figure 10 It is a flowchart showing an example of switching control of the battery mode in the battery-mounted device 1 according to the embodiment. When the user operates the operation unit 40 to select the setting of the battery mode from the setting items, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 30 to display a battery mode setting screen (S10) including the deterioration improvement index of the battery pack 50 in the case of switching from the normal mode to the long-life mode. The user can determine whether to switch to the long-life mode by observing the displayed deterioration improvement index. In addition, when the deterioration improvement index exceeds a specified value, the display control unit 112 can cause a message recommending switching to the long-life mode to be displayed.

[0079] When the user selects the long-life mode (S11: "Yes"), the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 30 to display the battery remaining amount standardized by the ideal SOC usage range (S12). When the user does not select the long-life mode (S11: "No"), the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 30 to display the battery remaining amount in the normal SOC range (S13).

[0080] In this way, in the present embodiment, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 30 to display a display that encourages the user to use the battery pack 50 within the ideal SOC usage range. For example, by displaying the battery remaining amount standardized by the ideal SOC usage range, it is possible to guide each user to perform optimal charging according to the actual usage situation of each user. The user can perform charging that suppresses deterioration in a form that is naturally guided without particularly being aware of the charging amount and charging time.

[0081] Even if the user intends to perform full charging, in reality, the charging is only up to the upper limit of the ideal SOC usage range. Similarly, even if the user intends to use the entire capacity, in reality, the discharge is only to the lower limit of the ideal SOC usage range. That is, without the user particularly being aware of the SOC usage range of the battery pack 50, it is possible to naturally converge the SOC usage range within the optimal SOC usage range that suppresses deterioration. In addition, as a display that encourages the user to use the battery pack 50 within the ideal SOC usage range, the display as shown in the left figure of Figure 8 may also be performed.

[0082] In addition, the user does not need to input usage conditions and the like to the battery-mounted device 1. In this way, it is possible to achieve the use of the battery pack 50 that is optimal for each user and suppresses deterioration without causing the trouble and burden of data input to the user. The deterioration suppression method according to the present embodiment is particularly effective for devices that do not necessarily need to charge the battery pack 50 with a large capacity to full charge. The deterioration suppression method according to the present embodiment is not a deterioration suppression control premised on full charge, and thus for various usage methods, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the battery pack 50 while ensuring convenience.

[0083] As described above, the present disclosure has been described based on the embodiments. The embodiments are illustrative, and those skilled in the art can understand that various variations may exist in the combination of these respective components and respective processing steps, and such variations are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0084] In the above embodiment, when changing from the actual SOC usage range to the ideal SOC usage range, the change was made with the same DOD. Regarding this point, strictly speaking, even for the SOC range with the same DOD, the maximum output power [W] varies depending on the position of the SOC range. The lower the SOC range, the more the discharge voltage drops and the more the maximum output power [W] drops.

[0085] The display control unit 112 may also display the maximum output power [W] obtained based on the actual SOC usage range and the maximum output power [W] obtained based on the ideal SOC usage range in the battery mode setting screen. When the battery-equipped device 1 is an electric vehicle, the maximum output power [W] affects acceleration, so it is preferable to present the change in the maximum output power [W] to the user.

[0086] In addition, the ideal SOC range calculation unit 16 may use the maximum output power [W] obtained based on the actual SOC usage range as a constraint condition when calculating the ideal SOC usage range. The ideal SOC range calculation unit 16 may also expand the ideal SOC usage range according to the position of the ideal SOC usage range based on this constraint condition.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the battery-equipped device 1 executes the generation of the histogram, the generation of the ideal SOC usage range, and the creation of the charging plan by an offline independent structure has been described. In this regard, the deterioration suppression system may also be configured by an online structure. In this case, the battery-equipped device 1 is connected to the server via a network, and battery data is sent from the battery-equipped device 1 to the server. The server executes the generation of the histogram, the generation of the ideal SOC usage range, and the creation of the charging plan based on the received battery data, and sends the ideal SOC usage range and the charging plan to the battery-equipped device 1.

[0088] In the case of an online structure, Figure 2 the battery data acquisition unit 11, the histogram generation unit 13, the actual SOC range calculation unit 14, the actual charge / discharge mode generation unit 15, the ideal SOC range calculation unit 16, the charging plan creation unit 17, the ideal charge / discharge mode generation unit 18, the deterioration amount calculation unit 19, and the deterioration index calculation unit 110 are provided on the server side. The SOC estimation unit 12, the display SOC generation unit 111, the display control unit 112, and the charge / discharge control unit 113 are provided on the battery-equipped device 1 side.

[0089] As described above, when managing the actual usage of the user's battery pack 50 using the histogram, the average value of the charging time, and the average value of the charging intervals, it is possible to perform an operation of integrating the histogram, the average value of the charging time, and the average value of the charging intervals by differential calculation. In this case, the amount of battery data to be retained can be reduced. In addition, the amount of computation can also be reduced. Therefore, the deterioration suppression method according to the present embodiment does not require a high-specification processor and can be implemented at low cost even in an offline independent structure.

[0090] In addition, the embodiment may also be determined by the following items.

[0091] [Project 1]

[0092] A deterioration suppression system (10), characterized by comprising:

[0093] A histogram generation unit (13) that generates a histogram of the residence time of the state of charge (SOC) of the battery (50) based on battery data;

[0094] An actual SOC range calculation unit (14) that determines, based on the histogram, the SOC range converging to a specified occurrence probability as the actual SOC usage range;

[0095] A recommended SOC range calculation unit (16) that calculates, based on the actual SOC usage range and the statistical charge and discharge pattern based on the battery data, a recommended SOC usage range that suppresses deterioration compared to the actual SOC usage range with reference to the deterioration characteristics of the battery (50); and

[0096] A display control unit (112) that causes the display unit (30) to display a display prompting the user to use the battery (50) within the recommended SOC usage range. The recommended SOC usage range may be the same as the ideal SOC usage range or may be the SOC usage range obtained by adding a specified margin to the ideal SOC usage range.

[0097] Thus, it is possible to prompt each user to use the battery (50) with suppressed deterioration suitable for each user without inputting usage conditions.

[0098] [Project 2]

[0099] According to the deterioration suppression system (10) described in Project 1, characterized in that the display control unit (112) causes the display unit (30) to display the battery remaining capacity after normalizing the recommended SOC usage range to a specified numerical range.

[0100] Thus, it is possible to naturally prompt the user to use the battery (50) within the optimal SOC usage range.

[0101] [Project 3]

[0102] According to the deterioration suppression system (10) described in Project 2, characterized in that the display control unit (112) displays the battery remaining capacity after normalizing the recommended SOC usage range to a specified numerical range in a display manner that allows the user to recognize it as the long-life mode.

[0103] Thus, in the state where the long-life mode is selected, the user can recognize that the current battery mode is the long-life mode.

[0104] [Item 4]

[0105] The deterioration suppression system (10) according to Item 1 is characterized in that it further includes a charging plan creation unit (17), and the charging plan creation unit (17) creates a charging plan with suppressed deterioration based on the charging time of the statistical charge-discharge pattern, the recommended SOC usage range, the charging deterioration characteristics of the battery (50), and the storage deterioration characteristics, according to the charging pattern of the statistical charge-discharge pattern.

[0106] Thereby, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the battery (50) during charging as compared with normal use.

[0107] [Item 5]

[0108] The deterioration suppression system (10) according to any one of Items 1-4 is characterized in that it further includes a deterioration amount calculation unit (19), and the deterioration amount calculation unit (19) refers to the charging deterioration characteristics, discharge deterioration characteristics, and discharge deterioration characteristics of the battery (50) to calculate the deterioration amount of the battery (50) calculated based on the usage history record of the target period of the battery data, and the deterioration amount of the battery (50) during the target period when switching to use within the recommended SOC usage range.

[0109] The display control unit (112) causes the display unit (30) to display an index indicating the degree of improvement in the deterioration amount of the battery (50) when switching to use within the recommended SOC usage range.

[0110] Thereby, it is possible to present to the user the judgment material for whether to select the long-life mode.

[0111] [Item 6]

[0112] A deterioration suppression method, characterized by including the following steps:

[0113] Based on battery data, generate a histogram of the residence time of the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery (50);

[0114] According to the histogram, determine the SOC range converging to a specified occurrence probability as the actual SOC usage range;

[0115] According to the actual SOC usage range and the statistical charge-discharge pattern based on the battery data, refer to the deterioration characteristics of the battery (50) to calculate a recommended SOC usage range with suppressed deterioration compared to the actual SOC usage range; and

[0116] Cause the display unit (30) to display a display prompting the user to use the battery (50) within the recommended SOC usage range.

[0117] Thereby, without inputting usage conditions, each user can be prompted to use the battery (50) with reduced degradation suitable for each user.

[0118] [Item 7]

[0119] A degradation suppression program, characterized in that it causes a computer to execute the following processes:

[0120] Based on battery data, generate a histogram of the residence time of the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery (50);

[0121] According to the histogram, determine the SOC range converging to a specified occurrence probability as the actual SOC usage range;

[0122] According to the actual SOC usage range and the statistical charge-discharge pattern based on the battery data, with reference to the degradation characteristics of the battery (50), calculate a recommended SOC usage range with reduced degradation compared to the actual SOC usage range; and

[0123] Cause the display unit (30) to display a display prompting the user to use the battery (50) within the recommended SOC usage range.

[0124] Thereby, without inputting usage conditions, each user can be prompted to use the battery (50) with reduced degradation suitable for each user.

[0125] Explanation of reference numerals

[0126] 1: Battery-equipped device; 2: Commercial power system; 3: AC adapter; 10: Control unit; 11: Battery data acquisition unit; 12: SOC estimation unit; 13: Histogram generation unit; 14: Actual SOC range calculation unit; 15: Actual charge-discharge pattern generation unit; 16: Ideal SOC range calculation unit; 17: Charging plan creation unit; 18: Ideal charge-discharge pattern generation unit; 19: Degradation amount calculation unit; 110: Degradation index calculation unit; 111: Display SOC generation unit; 112: Display control unit; 113: Charge-discharge control unit; 20: Storage unit; 21: Battery data holding unit; 22: Histogram holding unit; 23: Charging degradation characteristic chart; 24: Discharging degradation characteristic chart; 25: Saved degradation characteristic chart; 30: Display unit; 40: Operation unit; 50: Battery pack; 51: Voltage sensor; 52: Current sensor; 53: Temperature sensor; 60: Charging unit.

Claims

1. A deterioration suppression system, characterized in that, Comprising: A histogram generation unit that generates a histogram of the residence time of the state of charge (SOC) of the battery based on battery data obtained from the battery; An actual SOC range calculation unit that determines, based on the histogram, the SOC range converging to a specified occurrence probability as the actual SOC usage range; A recommended SOC range calculation unit that calculates a recommended SOC usage range with reduced degradation compared to the actual SOC usage range by referring to the degradation characteristics of the battery according to the actual SOC usage range and the statistical charge-discharge pattern based on the battery data; And A display control unit that causes a display unit to display a display prompting a user to use the battery within the recommended SOC usage range.

2. The degradation suppression system according to claim 1, characterized in that The display control unit causes the display unit to display the remaining battery capacity after normalizing the recommended SOC usage range to a specified numerical range.

3. The degradation suppression system according to claim 2, characterized in that The display control unit displays the remaining battery capacity after normalizing the recommended SOC usage range to a specified numerical range in a display manner that enables the user to recognize it as a long-life mode.

4. The degradation suppression system according to claim 1, characterized in that It further comprises a charging plan creation unit that creates a charging plan with reduced degradation according to the charging mode of the statistical charge-discharge pattern based on the charging time of the statistical charge-discharge pattern, the recommended SOC usage range, the charging degradation characteristics of the battery, and the storage degradation characteristics.

5. The degradation suppression system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that It further comprises a degradation amount calculation unit that calculates the degradation amount of the battery calculated based on the usage history of the target period of the battery data and the degradation amount of the battery during the target period when switching to use within the recommended SOC usage range by referring to the charging degradation characteristics, discharge degradation characteristics, and discharge degradation characteristics of the battery, The display control unit causes the display unit to display an index indicating the improvement degree of the degradation amount of the battery when switching to use within the recommended SOC usage range.

6. A deterioration suppression method, characterized in that, Including the following steps: Generating a histogram of the residence time of the state of charge (SOC) of the battery based on battery data obtained from the battery; Determining, based on the histogram, the SOC range converging to a specified occurrence probability as the actual SOC usage range; Calculating a recommended SOC usage range with reduced degradation compared to the actual SOC usage range by referring to the degradation characteristics of the battery according to the actual SOC usage range and the statistical charge-discharge pattern based on the battery data; And Causing a display unit to display a display prompting a user to use the battery within the recommended SOC usage range.

7. A deterioration suppression program, characterized in that, Causing a computer to perform the following processing: Generating a histogram of the residence time of the state of charge (SOC) of the battery based on battery data obtained from the battery; Based on the histogram, the SOC range converging to the specified occurrence probability is determined as the actual SOC usage range; Based on the actual SOC usage range and the statistical charge-discharge pattern based on the battery data, referring to the deterioration characteristics of the battery, a recommended SOC usage range with suppressed deterioration compared to the actual SOC usage range is calculated; And The display unit is caused to display a display prompting the user to use the battery within the recommended SOC usage range.

8. A non-transitory storage medium storing the deterioration suppression program according to claim 7.

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