Traceability management system and traceability management method

Abstract

A traceability management system (1) is provided with: a data relay device (10) that receives traceability data for a plurality of constituent members input from each of a plurality of input media (30) that are allowed to access; and an information processing device (20) that acquires the traceability data from the data relay device (10), associates the traceability data with a field system, and stores the traceability data such that the position of a component having specific traceability data in the field system can be retrieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a traceability management system and a traceability management method. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a traceability management device used in automotive production lines to clearly identify the assembly area of ​​each component batch into a vehicle. This management device enables the rapid identification of the cause of defects in manufactured products (automobiles).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-162314 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for ensuring the traceability of components assembled into manufactured products in the same factory of a single operator.

[0008] The inventors of the present invention have studied how to ensure traceability when assembling a plurality of components manufactured in different factories or components manufactured by multiple operators at different locations in an assembly plant or a product installation site.

[0009] In particular, the inventors of the present invention have studied traceability (the traceability of manufacturing information for each major component) when constructing or operating an energy storage system (hereinafter also referred to as ESS) including energy storage blocks and a housing that accommodates the plurality of energy storage blocks.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention provides a highly flexible traceability management system and a traceability management method.

[0011] Means for solving problems

[0012] A traceability management system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a data relay device for receiving traceability data (such as manufacturing numbers and lot numbers) of a plurality of components inputted from a plurality of input media (inputters) to which access is permitted; and an information processing device for acquiring the traceability data from the data relay device, associating the traceability data with a field system, and storing the data in a manner that enables retrieval of the location of a component having specific traceability data in the field system.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the above aspect, a highly flexible traceability management system can be provided. The traceability management of the above aspect can also be applied to the construction or operation of a power storage system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an overview of the traceability management system.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an overview of ESS.

[0017] Figure 3 This diagram shows the electrical structure inside the container.

[0018] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the protection unit.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between upper and lower levels for traceability management in ESS and battery boxes.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen of a remote monitoring system.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating another example of the relationship between upper and lower levels for traceability management. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] First, an overview of the traceability management system according to the embodiment will be described.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the traceability management system 1 includes a data relay device 10 that receives traceability data of a plurality of components inputted from a plurality of input media 30 to which access is permitted.

[0024] The multiple input media 30 may also be terminal devices such as personal computers, which are installed in multiple different factories 30a, 30b, and 30c, or in multiple operators 30a, 30b, and 30c at different locations. The terminal devices can communicate with the data relay device 10 via a network. In this embodiment, the terminal devices do not require the installation of a specific application (software) for inputting data into the traceability management system 1. The terminal devices in this embodiment are installed with a conventional web browser.

[0025] The network includes the public communication network such as the Internet and the carrier network that implements wireless communication based on the specified mobile communication standards. The network can also include local area networks such as company LANs, ordinary optical fiber lines, and dedicated lines.

[0026] The plurality of input media 30 may further include a terminal device 30d that can read component code information in a factory or field system and input traceability data to the data relay device 10. The terminal device 30d may also be a portable terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or handheld terminal.

[0027] The plurality of input media 30 may also include a remote monitoring system 30e for remotely monitoring the on-site system, a customer data management system, and other external coordination systems.

[0028] The data relay device 10 has a folder-structured storage unit, accessible via multiple input media 30, capable of inputting and sharing component traceability data or files containing component traceability data. The storage unit may also include internal shared folders. The data relay device 10 may be comprised of multiple server devices, or a so-called cloud server.

[0029] The data relay device 10 in this embodiment is built to customize the file sharing service provided by a cloud server, with customizable access settings. Therefore, unlike on-premises systems, there is no need to regularly update software for traceability management, as hardware such as server devices is replaced. Some input media 30 can also directly input traceability data to the information processing device 20. The data relay device 10 in this embodiment can accept data from new terminal devices simply by granting access, resulting in excellent scalability.

[0030] As another embodiment not shown in the figures, the traceability management system 1 may be constructed as a local system.

[0031] The traceability management system 1 further includes an information processing device 20 that obtains traceability data from the data relay device 10 as an event (e.g., at a specified time each day). Alternatively, the information processing device 20 may obtain traceability data from the data relay device 10 in response to a request (e.g., from a terminal device connected to a network (not shown)). The information processing device 20 may also be comprised of one or more server devices. The data relay device 10 described above may also be integrated with the information processing device 20.

[0032] The information processing device 20 can also perform data processing (batch processing) on ​​component traceability data, such as checking for duplicates and missing data, and adding information (e.g., product code). The information processing device 20's data processing capabilities can reduce the input burden on the input medium 30.

[0033] The information processing device 20 processes the data and stores the traceability data, which is associated with the product code and defines the hierarchical relationship, for each field system. The field system may be a fixed installation type system.

[0034] Traceability management using this traceability management system 1 can be applied to the construction or operation of ESSs. When a failure or malfunction occurs in an ESS and the component causing it is identified, the scope of the affected components with the same traceability data can be determined. This scope is not limited to the scope within the same ESS; it can also be determined across multiple ESSs.

[0035] The information processing device 20 of the traceability management system 1 stores the traceability data in such a manner that the position (location or orientation) of a component having specific traceability data in the field system can be retrieved and determined.

[0036] In an ESS comprised of multiple components (containers, boxes, storage blocks, etc.) that appear identical, being able to search and locate components with specific traceability data within the ESS is extremely useful. This function improves ESS maintenance efficiency, enabling stable system operation and preventive maintenance.

[0037] To illustrate such technical effects, the outline of ESS and the top-down relationship (hierarchical structure) used for traceability management in ESS will be described.

[0038] To expand the use of renewable energy, promote energy management, and facilitate power integration and distribution, the introduction of energy storage systems (ESS) is expanding. ESS often operates for long periods of time, such as 15 to 20 years. Consequently, there is a growing demand for remote monitoring services that monitor the status of ESS components, as well as maintenance services that provide regular inspections, component replacement, and troubleshooting during operation.

[0039] By applying traceability management, remote monitoring and maintenance services for the ESS can be provided with high reliability and stability. Ideally, traceability should be ensured not only for components at the time of ESS construction (new construction), but also for replacement parts during the operational period of 10 years or more. An ESS is typically constructed as follows.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the battery box ( ) 40 includes a metal case 41 (a type of frame), and a plurality of power storage modules 43 (a type of power storage block) are housed in the case 41. The plurality of power storage modules 43 constitute a plurality of battery groups (battery banks). Figure 2The illustrated case 41 houses three battery packs consisting of two vertical rows of power storage modules 43 .

[0041] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, each battery pack is formed by electrically connecting two vertical rows of 18 storage modules 43 in series. The number of storage modules 43 that make up each battery pack can be arbitrarily selected. For example, a battery pack may be formed by one and a half vertical rows of storage modules 43, or by a single vertical row of storage modules 43.

[0042] The battery case 40 is provided as a product with different voltage ranges by changing the number of the storage modules 43 constituting each battery pack. Figure 2 As shown, two vertical rows of storage modules 43 are connected in series to form a battery pack, thereby providing a 1200V storage battery case 40.

[0043] Although not shown, by reducing the number of storage modules 43 that make up the battery pack, it is possible to provide products in different voltage ranges, such as 600 V, 750 V, and 900 V. While having a roughly identical appearance, the battery cases 40 for these different voltage ranges are associated with different product codes (information indicating the components they contain).

[0044] A protection unit 100 is arranged above each battery pack ( Figure 5 Also called BPU (Battery Protection Unit) in the box 41, which contains three battery packs. Figure 2 In the example shown in FIG, three protection units 100 are arranged side by side in the transverse direction in the housing 41. Alternatively, the protection unit 100 may be arranged below each battery pack.

[0045] The battery case 40 is assembled in a certain factory, and the traceability data of the battery case 40 (including the manufacturing number including the serial number and the branch number) is stored in the information processing device 20 (see Figure 1 ).

[0046] In the same factory as the battery box 40, or in another factory, or at the installation site of the ESS, Figure 2 The traceability data of the container 3 (a type of housing) shown is stored in the information processing device 20. There are two methods for constructing ESS: on-site assembly and factory completion (manufacturer completion).

[0047] In the on-site assembly method, multiple battery boxes 40 are housed in a container 3 (or a storage room in a building) at the ESS installation site, and the ESS is constructed together with a power conditioner (PCS) (not shown). In this specification, battery equipment other than the power conditioner (battery system) is referred to as the battery system. Figure 2 The center of the world) is also included in the meaning of ESS.

[0048] In this embodiment, nine battery cases 40 and one control box 48 are stored in the container 3. Therefore, the traceability data for the nine battery cases 40 and the traceability data for the one control box 48 are associated with the traceability data for the container 3. This also applies to the manufacturer-finished method where the battery cases 40 are stored in the factory.

[0049] As will be described later, if the battery case 40 has waterproof and dustproof properties to enable installation outdoors, the container 3 may be omitted.

[0050] exist Figure 2 In the example shown in FIG4 , 54 storage modules and 3 protection units 100 are housed in one box 41 , so the container 3 includes 486 (=54×9) storage modules 43 and 27 (=3×9) protection units 100 . In most cases, an ESS is not composed of a single container 3 but of multiple containers 3 ( Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the ESS, a plurality of components (container 3 , housing 41 , power storage module 43 , protection unit 100 , etc.) having the same appearance are densely arranged.

[0051] The constructed ESS is associated with field system identification information (e.g., customer identification information) via the terminal device 30d. For example, when specific field system identification information is selected, the terminal device 30d reads the code information (e.g., barcode or QR code) attached to the container 3 and associates the container's traceability data with the field system identification information. If the ESS includes multiple containers 3, each container 3 is associated with the field system identification information.

[0052] In this way, according to the upper and lower relationship of ESS (refer to Figure 5 ), namely, field system identification information - container - battery case and field system identification information - container - control case, linking the traceability data of container 3 with the traceability data of the battery case 40 and control case 48 housed within it. This association of ESS components based on the hierarchical relationship offers high versatility. The same concept allows for traceability management of ESSs across multiple voltage ranges.

[0053] Next, the structure of the battery case 40 and the upper and lower relationships (hierarchical structure) for traceability management in the battery case 40 will be described.

[0054] Figure 3This figure shows the electrical configuration within container 3. Multiple storage modules 43 (storage blocks) are connected in series to form a battery pack. A protection unit 100 is installed on the power line (main circuit line) of each battery pack. The protection unit 100 includes a switch that protects the storage modules 43 in the battery pack from overcharging and overcurrent.

[0055] Management Units 105, 106 (in Figure 5 A battery management unit (BMU) is provided in each battery pack and in a battery group (hereinafter referred to as a battery domain) formed by connecting multiple battery packs in parallel.

[0056] The power storage module 43 has a module structure in which a plurality of power storage battery cells (lithium ion secondary batteries in this embodiment) are connected in series and / or in parallel. Figure 5 (also called a battery pack). Storage battery cells can be square cells (prismatic cells), cylindrical cells, or laminated cells (pouch cells).

[0057] The management unit 105 provided in each battery pack communicates with the monitoring substrate 44 (in the Figure 5 The management unit 105 communicates with the battery management unit (also called CMU in the system). The management unit 105 obtains the status data of the power storage module 43 and the power storage battery cells (measurement data such as battery cell voltage and temperature).

[0058] As will be described later, the modules and monitoring substrate 44 of the power storage module 43 can be replaced individually. In ESS, the number of modules and monitoring substrates 44 is very large (in Figure 2 In the example, there are 486 in each container 3), and the possibility of some replacement during use is relatively high.

[0059] The management unit 106 provided in the battery domain can communicate with the management unit 105 of each battery group via the communication bus 120 , and collects the status data of the power storage modules 43 and the power storage battery cells acquired by the management unit 105 .

[0060] The management unit 106 of the battery domain is connected to a communication device 107. The communication device 107 transmits the status data acquired from each management unit 105 via the management unit 106 to, for example, a remote monitoring system (remote monitoring server) not shown. The communication device 107 may also be a network card type communication device (network interface card). The management unit 106 and the communication device 107 are housed in the control box 48 (see Figure 2 ).

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the support member 101 of the protection unit 100 has a front panel 101a and a bottom panel 101b. The bottom panel 101b supports a battery pack management unit 105 and an electromagnetic contactor (not shown) as a switch. Figure 5 Also called MC:Magnet Contactor) and other components.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the traceability data of each battery case 40 housed in the container 3 is associated with the traceability data of 54 power storage modules 43 , the traceability data of three protection units 100 , and the traceability data of other components.

[0063] The traceability data of each power storage module 43 is associated with the traceability data of one module and the traceability data of one monitoring substrate 44 .

[0064] The traceability data of each protection unit 100 is associated with the traceability data of one management unit 105 , the traceability data of the electromagnetic contactor MC, and the traceability data of other components (fuses, etc.) not shown.

[0065] In this way, traceability data is linked according to the upper and lower relationships of the battery case 40 , that is, battery case-storage module-module and monitoring board, and battery case-protection unit-management unit and electromagnetic contactor.

[0066] In addition, the traceability data of the control box 48 is linked with the traceability data of the management unit 106 of the battery domain and the traceability data of other components.

[0067] In addition to the aforementioned vertical relationships within the battery boxes 40, battery pack identification information (hereinafter referred to as total battery pack numbers) spanning multiple battery boxes 40 (e.g., across the entire ESS) is assigned to the battery packs within each battery box 40. The necessity of total battery pack numbers and an example of how they are assigned will be described below.

[0068] exist Figure 2 In the example, case 41 contains three battery packs. By assigning identification information such as A, B, and C to these battery packs at the factory, it is possible to identify which of the left (A), center (B), or right (C) battery packs within case 41 a particular battery pack belongs to. In other words, the battery pack traceability data consists of a combination of the product code of the battery case 40 containing the three battery packs, the manufacturing number of the battery case 40, and any of the identification information A through C.

[0069] Similarly, if six battery packs are stored in the case 41, by assigning codes A to F to these battery packs, it is possible to identify which battery pack within the case 41 a particular battery pack belongs to. In other words, the battery pack traceability data is composed of a combination of the type code indicating the battery case 40 containing the six battery packs, the manufacturing number of the battery case 40, and any one of the identification information A to F.

[0070] However, since a plurality of ( Figure 2 In the example, there are nine battery cases 40. Therefore, simply assigning symbols A through C to every three battery cases 40 makes it impossible to identify the location of a particular battery case within container 3. This is because it is unknown how the nine battery cases 40 are laid out within container 3. Even if multiple battery cases 40 are stored in a storage room of a building instead of container 3, simply assigning symbols A through C to every three battery cases 40 makes it impossible to identify the location of a particular battery case within the storage room.

[0071] Therefore, in addition to the battery pack identification information (A to C, etc.) for each battery case 40 , it is necessary to assign a total battery pack number across multiple battery cases 40 to the battery packs within each battery case 40 .

[0072] As a related technology, International Patent Application PCT / JP2022 / 032030, filed by the same applicant as this patent application (the contents relating to battery unit number assignment are incorporated herein by reference), discloses a technology for displaying the battery unit configuration of an on-site ESS on a web screen provided by a remote monitoring system. When constructing an ESS, identification data is sequentially transmitted from a host device, and the switches of multiple battery unit management units, each equipped with a switch, are sequentially operated to store the identification data in each unit. This process then assigns a total battery unit number to each unit.

[0073] Figure 1 The traceability management system 1 of the illustrated embodiment has a data linkage function with the remote monitoring system 30e.

[0074] The traceability management system 1 can also be used when constructing ESS. Figure 2 The traceability data of all the battery boxes 40 shown (including the traceability data of all the power storage modules 43 ) are provided to the remote monitoring system 30 e.

[0075] The traceability management system 1 obtains total battery pack number data from a remote monitoring system 30e, which uses the technology of the aforementioned international patent application to determine the total battery pack number of each battery pack management unit. The information processing device 20 obtains total battery pack number data associated with the traceability data of each battery box 40 from the remote monitoring system 30e.

[0076] When the ESS is constructed by on-site assembly, the information processing device 20 may also obtain the total battery pack numbers sequentially assigned to each battery pack management unit using the technology of the above-mentioned international patent application.

[0077] The remote monitoring system 30e has a Web server function as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6604373 by the same applicant as the present patent application, such as sending Figure 6 Screen information of a web screen 330 (a screen displayed on a display unit of a client device connected to a network) shown in (A).

[0078] Web screen 330 includes menus 331 with options such as "System Search," "Life Prediction," "Download," and "Report." Selecting "System Search" in menu 331 displays a page listing links to systems for which the user logged into the remote monitoring server has access rights. Web screen 330 also includes buttons 332 for logging out or ending operations.

[0079] When from Figure 6 When you select a system in the link information list of (A), you will be redirected to Figure 6 (B) Web screen. Figure 6 In (B), two power conditioners (PCSs) and multiple battery packs within the battery domain are shown, matching the structure of the ESS in the "XY City Megasolar System." The screen displays icons 333 indicating "+" or "-," an icon 334 for displaying detailed information, and a link 335 to a network interface card. The "+" and "-" icons expand and collapse the hierarchical structure of battery packs and modules. The screen also includes a menu icon 338 for the selected system.

[0080] Figure 1 The information processing device 20 shown is, for example, Figure 6 (B) In the same tree structure, the traceability data is stored for each field system. The information processing device 20 may also have a web server function, providing the terminal device (client device) connected to the network with the web screen. Figure 1 The hierarchical structure (tree structure) shown in the overview.

[0081] exist Figure 1In the figure, only one of the multiple battery packs contained in "battery case 1" within "container 2" is shown: "power storage module 1, power storage module 2, power storage module 3, ...." However, "battery case 1" actually contains three battery packs. The power storage modules of these battery packs can be displayed by operating the "+" or "-" icons 21 on the web screen.

[0082] Furthermore, the information processing device 20 stores the component having specific traceability data in a manner that allows retrieval of the location (physical location) of the housing in which the component is installed in the ESS.

[0083] For example, suppose Figure 1 In the example shown, a malfunction has occurred in the monitoring substrate "CMU" of "Electricity Storage Module 3" in "Battery Case 1" contained in "Container 2" of "ESS 1." Information processing device 20 provides a search box on a web screen, where the manufacturer's serial number, for example, of the monitoring substrate "CMU" of "Electricity Storage Module 3" is entered. This allows instant searches to determine which electricity storage modules within container 2 this monitoring substrate "CMU" with the same traceability data is used for, including whether it is also used in the adjacent "Container 1" or in "ESS 2" located elsewhere. Information processing device 20 transmits the web screen displaying the search results to the client device.

[0084] Instead of the Web screen provided by the information processing device 20, it is also possible to Figure 6 The remote monitoring system shown here allows you to check the traceability data of ESS components on the web screen provided.

[0085] Furthermore, the replacement parts can also be identified on the Web screen provided by the information processing device 20 .

[0086] If a fault occurs in the monitoring substrate of the "storage module 3" and the maintenance personnel replace the monitoring substrate with a new one on site, Figure 1 As shown, the old monitoring board "CMU" is displayed with a strikethrough or in gray. Then, the new monitoring board "CMU new" is displayed adjacent to the old one. This allows users to intuitively understand which component has been replaced on the web screen provided by the information processing device 20. The terms "CMU" and "CMU new" used here are examples for illustration; in practice, alphabetical or numerical notations may also be used.

[0087] To identify the replaced component, the maintenance personnel uses the terminal device 30d to read the code information of the monitoring substrate "CMU" removed on site, associates it with the traceability data of the "power storage module 3," and inputs it into the data relay device 10. Similarly, the maintenance personnel uses the terminal device 30d to read the code information of the new monitoring substrate "CMU new," associates it with the traceability data of the "power storage module 3," and inputs it into the data relay device 10.

[0088] When replacing each storage module instead of just the monitoring board "CMU", the maintenance personnel reads the code information of the old and new storage modules via the terminal device 30d, associates it with the traceability data of the "battery case 1", and inputs it into the data relay device 10.

[0089] The information processing device 20 may provide the stored traceability data of new and old components to the remote monitoring system 30e so that the data can be checked on a web screen provided by the remote monitoring system.

[0090] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0091] In the case of an ESS that does not have a container but instead installs multiple battery boxes 40 and power conditioners (PCS) outdoors, it is also possible to use Figure 7 The upper and lower levels are linked for traceability management as shown. Specifically, traceability data is linked based on the field system identification information for multiple battery boxes 40 and the field system identification information for the PCS box. Field system identification information may also include layout information such as the total battery pack number. PCS box traceability data is linked with traceability data for multiple converter units within the power conditioner and traceability data for other components (such as control units).

[0092] The traceability management system 1 can also be applied to systems other than ESS. For example, similar to ESS, it can be applied to systems that operate for a long period of 10 years or more (such as power supply systems), remote monitoring systems, and systems requiring component replacement.

[0093] The data relay device 10 may also be a portable storage medium. However, from the perspective of data transmission and reception efficiency, it is preferred Figure 1 The data relay device 10 shown here transmits and receives data via a network.

[0094] Instead of the electricity storage module 43, for example, a long electricity storage battery cell extending from the front surface to the back surface of the case 41 (frame) may be housed in the case 41. A plurality of long electricity storage battery cells may be connected in series to form a battery pack.

[0095] As the switch, a manifold circuit breaker (MCCB) may be used instead of the electromagnetic contactor (MC) that is opened and closed by a signal from the management unit 105 .

[0096] The following is a summary of the embodiments and technical effects.

[0097] (1) A traceability management system 1 comprises: a data relay device 10 for receiving traceability data of a plurality of components inputted from a plurality of input media 30 to which access is permitted; and an information processing device 20 for acquiring the traceability data from the data relay device 10, associating the traceability data with a field system, and storing the data in a manner that enables retrieval of the location of a component having specific traceability data in the field system.

[0098] With the above-described structure, the data relay device 10 can be used to aggregate traceability data. This data includes data collected when multiple components manufactured at different factories or by multiple operators at different locations are assembled at an assembly plant or product installation site. This eliminates the need to install specific applications on terminal devices to input data into the traceability management system 1. The data relay device 10 can be customized using a file sharing service with access control settings provided on a cloud server and / or built using internal company shared folders. With the above-described structure, a highly flexible traceability system 1 can be provided with a low initial investment.

[0099] (2) In the traceability management system 1 of (1) above, the field system may be an ESS including a plurality of housings 41 (or 3) each housing a plurality of power storage blocks 43 (or 40), and the information processing device 20 may store the specific traceability data in a manner that allows retrieval of which housing 41 (or 3) and at which position in the ESS the component having the specific traceability data is located (in a manner that allows retrieval and identification of the position in the ESS on a screen based on screen information such as web screen information provided by the information processing device 20).

[0100] The above-described configuration provides a traceability system 1 suitable for the construction and operation of an ESS. In an ESS, multiple components (such as the container 3, the housing 41, the storage module 43, and the protection unit 100) with identical appearances are densely arranged, like densely packed trees in a forest. By being able to search and locate components with specific traceability data within the ESS, maintenance efficiency is dramatically improved. For various purposes within the ESS, such as stabilizing system power, efficiently utilizing power through energy management, and ensuring optimal power flow, system downtime is required to be minimized and, if it does occur, to be restored as quickly as possible. The traceability management system 1 of this embodiment enables stable system operation and preventive maintenance, thereby improving the operational reliability of the ESS.

[0101] (3) The traceability management system 1 of (2) above may have a data linkage function with a remote monitoring system 30 e that monitors the status of the ESS.

[0102] The above configuration can fully meet the demand for maintenance services such as regular inspections, component replacement, and troubleshooting during ESS operation, achieving a high level of preventive maintenance, rapid recovery from failures, and ensuring operational stability that cannot be achieved with the remote monitoring system 30e alone.

[0103] (4) In the traceability management system 1 of (3) above, the information processing device 20 may acquire the battery pack identification information of each of the plurality of battery packs included in the ESS from the remote monitoring system 30 e .

[0104] The above configuration enables improved maintenance efficiency, reduced burden on maintenance personnel, and rapid recovery from failures, a level not achievable with the traceability management system 1 alone. In an ESS, the number of modules and monitoring boards 44 is substantial, and the likelihood of some requiring replacement during operation is relatively high. By acquiring battery pack identification information from the remote monitoring system 30e, maintenance personnel can easily identify the module, monitoring board 44, or power storage module 43 that requires replacement.

[0105] (5) In the traceability management system 1 of (2) or (3) above, the information processing device 20 may store the traceability data of the components before replacement and the traceability data of the components after replacement in the ESS in an identifiable manner.

[0106] The above configuration makes it easy to identify which component in the ESS has been replaced. ESSs are expected to operate for long periods of time, such as 15 or 20 years, during which time the responsible personnel and technology may change. Examples of technological changes include changes in the specifications of the integrated circuit (IC) mounted on the monitoring board 44 (CMU), or in the software version executed by the microcomputer (CPU), even if the circuit configuration remains the same. The above configuration makes it easy to track and identify which component versions were used up to and after the ESS's long-term operation, even if the personnel managing or performing maintenance changes. This allows for rapid investigation of the cause of ESS operational failures. Furthermore, advanced maintenance services can be provided. Furthermore, the system can collaborate with the remote monitoring system 30e to store component replacement history and provide reports as a service.

[0107] (6) In the traceability management system 1 of (2) or (3) above, the traceability data of the component parts may be associated according to the upper and lower relationships of the ESS including the relationship between the container 3 and the battery case 40 .

[0108] (7) In the traceability management system 1 of (2), (3), or (6) above, the traceability data of the component parts may be associated according to the upper and lower relationships of the ESS including the relationship between the battery case 40 and the storage block 43 .

[0109] According to the above configuration, traceability management of ESSs in a plurality of different voltage ranges can be performed using the same concept.

[0110] (8) In a traceability management method, a data relay device 10 receives traceability data of a plurality of components of a power storage system including a plurality of housings for accommodating a plurality of power storage blocks, which are inputted from a plurality of input media 30 to which access is permitted, obtains the traceability data from the data relay device 10, associates the traceability data with the power storage system, and stores the data in an information processing device 20 in a manner that enables retrieval of the location of the component having specific traceability data in the power storage system.

[0111] According to the above configuration, the traceability data of a plurality of components of the ESS can be received with high flexibility using the data relay device 10. This enables stable operation and preventive maintenance of the system, and improves the reliability of ESS operation.

[0112] (9) In the traceability management method of (8) above, when the power storage block or a component of the power storage block is replaced, the traceability data of the component before replacement and the component after replacement may be read by a terminal device and sent to the data relay device.

[0113] The above configuration allows for the stable collection of traceability data in a prescribed process and storage in an information processing device when replacing a large number of power storage blocks or their components in an ESS, which are likely to require partial replacement during operation. This enables services such as preserving the history of component replacements and providing reports.

[0114] Description of Reference Numerals

[0115] 1 Traceability management system; 3 Container (frame); 10 Data relay device; 20 Information processing device; 30 Input medium; 40 Battery case; 41 Case (frame); 43 Storage module (storage block); 100 Protection unit.

Claims

1. A traceability management system comprising: a data relay device that receives traceability data of a plurality of components inputted from a plurality of input media to which access is permitted; and The information processing device acquires the traceability data from the data relay device, associates the traceability data with the field system, and stores the data in a manner that enables retrieval of the location of a component having specific traceability data in the field system.

2. The traceability management system according to claim 1, wherein: The field system is a power storage system including a plurality of housings for storing a plurality of power storage blocks. The information processing device stores the specific traceability data so as to be able to search for a location in which housing of the power storage system the component having the specific traceability data is installed.

3. The traceability management system according to claim 2, wherein: The system has a data linking function with a remote monitoring system that monitors the state of the power storage system.

4. The traceability management system according to claim 3, wherein: The information processing device acquires battery pack identification information of each of a plurality of battery packs included in the power storage system from the remote monitoring system.

5. The traceability management system according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: The information processing device stores traceability data of components before replacement and traceability data of components after replacement in the power storage system in an identifiable manner.

6. The traceability management system according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: The traceability data of the components are associated with each other according to the hierarchical relationship of the power storage system including the relationship between the container and the battery case.

7. The traceability management system according to claim 2, claim 3 or claim 6, wherein: The traceability data of the components are associated with each other according to the hierarchical relationship of the power storage system including the relationship between the battery case and the power storage block.

8. A traceability management method, wherein: The data relay device receives traceability data of a plurality of components of the power storage system including a plurality of housings accommodating a plurality of power storage blocks, which are inputted from a plurality of input media to which access is permitted. The traceability data is acquired from the data relay device as an event or in response to a request, is associated with the power storage system, and is stored in an information processing device in such a manner that the location of a component having specific traceability data in the power storage system can be retrieved.

9. The traceability management method according to claim 7, wherein: When the power storage block or a component of the power storage block is replaced, the traceability data of the component before and after the replacement is read by a terminal device and transmitted to the data relay device.

Images