Stationary electricity storage device, control method therefor, and program product

Abstract

The invention relates to a stationary power storage device, a control method thereof, and a program product. The exterior cover includes a movable portion and a fixed portion that sandwich the plurality of modules in a plan view. The movable part is supported by the fixed part so as to be rotatable about a horizontally extending rotation axis. The linear actuator is configured so that the lower end of the movable part approaches or moves away from the fixed part by being coupled to the movable part and the fixed part. The control circuit controls the two linear actuators so that the lower end of the movable part is separated from the fixed part when it is determined that there is a sign of falling of the stationary power storage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a stationary energy storage device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power supply device in which three stacked batteries, held in place by a bracket, are arranged with their electrodes facing the same direction. This power supply device is configured to be easily tilted / tipping in the opposite direction to the electrode removal direction, so that even if it were to tilt, the electrodes would not collide with the mounting surface of the power supply device. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 also discloses an auxiliary component extending from the electrode removal side of the bracket to the mounting surface. By providing this auxiliary component, the power supply device is less likely to tilt in the electrode removal direction.

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-032900 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a technique for compactly assembling a stationary energy storage device and preventing the stationary energy storage device from tipping over.

[0005] This invention provides a stationary energy storage device, comprising: at least one module composed of multiple battery cells; a housing housing the at least one module; a tilt angle sensor (tilt sensor) capable of detecting the tilt angle of the at least one module; a linear actuator; and a control circuit that determines the presence or absence of signs of tipping of the stationary energy storage device based on the detection result of the tilt angle sensor. The housing includes a movable part and a fixed part that, when viewed from above, clamp the at least one module. The movable part is rotatably supported on the fixed part about a horizontally extending rotation axis. The linear actuator is configured to engage with the movable part and the fixed part to bring the lower end of the movable part closer to or away from the fixed part. When the control circuit determines that there are signs of tipping of the stationary energy storage device, it controls the linear actuator to move the lower end of the movable part away from the fixed part. According to the above structure, a stationary energy storage device can be compactly constructed, and tipping of the stationary energy storage device can be prevented. In addition, since the fixed part bears the external force acting on the movable part via the linear actuator, damage to multiple modules can be suppressed.

[0006] Furthermore, the rotation axis is located at the upper end of the movable part. Based on this structure, the lower end of the movable part can be moved significantly away from the fixed part.

[0007] Furthermore, the linear actuator is coupled to the lower end of the movable part. Based on the above structure, the linear actuator can efficiently withstand external forces acting on the movable part.

[0008] Furthermore, the control circuit determines whether there are signs of the stationary energy storage device tipping over based on a comparison between the tilt angle of the at least one module and a predetermined value. According to the above structure, the presence or absence of signs of the stationary energy storage device tipping over can be determined through a simple comparison calculation.

[0009] Additionally, a control method for a stationary energy storage device is provided. The stationary energy storage device includes: at least one module composed of multiple battery cells; a housing housing the at least one module; a tilt angle sensor capable of detecting the tilt angle of the at least one module; and a linear actuator. The housing includes a movable part and a fixed part that clamp the at least one module when viewed from above. The movable part is supported on the fixed part in a manner rotatable about a horizontally extending rotation axis. The linear actuator is configured to move the lower end of the movable part closer to or away from the fixed part by engaging with the movable part and the fixed part. The control method for the stationary energy storage device involves determining whether there are signs of the stationary energy storage device tipping over, and based on the determination result, controlling the linear actuator to move the lower end of the movable part away from the fixed part. According to the above method, a stationary energy storage device can be compactly constructed, and tipping of the stationary energy storage device can be prevented.

[0010] According to this disclosure, a stationary energy storage device can be compactly configured, and tipping of the stationary energy storage device can be prevented. Furthermore, the fixed portion bears the external force acting on the movable portion via the linear actuator, thus suppressing damage to the at least one module.

[0011] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings given below. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a stationary energy storage device.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a top view of a stationary energy storage device.

[0014] Figure 3 This diagram shows the open state of the movable part of a stationary energy storage device.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a functional block diagram of a stationary energy storage device.

[0016] Figure 5 This is the control process for stationary energy storage devices. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be described through embodiments thereof, but the invention as defined in the claims is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, not all structures described in the embodiments are necessarily necessary means to solve the problem. For clarity of description, the following descriptions and drawings have been appropriately omitted and simplified. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted as necessary.

[0018] In the following embodiments, for convenience, they are described in multiple parts or embodiments as needed. However, unless specifically stated otherwise, they are not unrelated to each other, and are variations, applications, detailed descriptions, or supplementary descriptions of one being a part or all of the other. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, when referring to the quantity of elements (including number, value, quantity, and range), the quantity is not limited to that specific quantity, except where specifically stated otherwise or where it is theoretically defined as such. The quantity can be more than or less than that specific quantity.

[0019] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the constituent elements (including action steps, etc.) are not essential, except where specifically stated or where they are clearly considered necessary in principle. Similarly, in the following embodiments, when referring to the shape or positional relationship of constituent elements, etc., this includes cases that are substantially similar or analogous to their shape, except where specifically stated or where they are clearly not considered to be so in principle. The same applies to the quantities (including number, value, quantity, and range) mentioned above.

[0020] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 5 The stationary energy storage device 1 will be described. The stationary energy storage device 1 is typically an energy storage device that is installed alongside a house. Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of stationary energy storage device 1. Figure 2 This is a top view of a stationary energy storage device 1. (Example:) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the stationary energy storage device 1 includes a base block 2, a package 3, an outer cover 4, and two linear actuators 5.

[0021] The package 3 is composed of multiple modules 6, control circuit 7 and tilt angle sensor (tilt sensor) 8 integrated into one unit.

[0022] In this embodiment, the plurality of modules 6 includes two modules 6. The two modules 6 are stacked vertically. However, instead, the two modules 6 may also be arranged horizontally. Each module 6 is composed of multiple units. Each battery unit is typically a lithium-ion battery unit, formed in a cylindrical, square, or pouch shape. The plurality of modules 6 are mechanically connected to each other by a frame (not shown) and electrically connected by busbars (not shown).

[0023] The tilt angle sensor 8 detects the tilt angle of multiple modules 6. The tilt angle sensor 8 is typically a triaxial accelerometer.

[0024] Based on the detection results of the tilt angle sensor 8, the control circuit 7 determines whether there are any signs of the stationary energy storage device 1 tilting. If the control circuit 7 determines that there are signs of the stationary energy storage device 1 tilting, it controls the two linear actuators 5 to prevent the stationary energy storage device 1 from tilting.

[0025] As described above, the package 3 includes multiple modules 6, a control circuit 7, and a tilt angle sensor 8. Alternatively, the multiple modules 6, the control circuit 7, and the tilt angle sensor 8 can also be housed in a container (not shown).

[0026] The outer casing 4 houses the encapsulated body 3. The outer casing 4 is a specific example of a housing. The outer casing 4 is composed of a movable part 10 and a fixed part 11.

[0027] The fixing part 11 includes a back cover 20 covering the back of the package 3, two side covers 21 covering the two sides of the package 3, and a top cover 22 covering the upper surface of the package 3.

[0028] The movable part 10 includes a front cover 23 covering the front of the encapsulated body 3 and two connecting parts 24 that partially overlap with the two side covers 21 of the fixed part 11.

[0029] Furthermore, the movable part 10 is supported on the fixed part 11 in a manner that allows it to rotate freely about a horizontally extending rotational axis C. Specifically, the rotational axis C is provided at the upper end 10a of the movable part 10. The rotational axis C is provided in the area where one of the two side covers 21 overlaps with the corresponding connecting part 24. Therefore, the rotational axis C is provided at the upper end 24a of the connecting part 24. According to this structure, when the movable part 10 rotates about the rotational axis C, the lower end 10b of the movable part 10 approaches or moves away from the fixed part 11. In addition, typically, a cylindrical rotational shaft protruding outward from the fixed part 11 along the rotational axis C is provided, and this rotational shaft is inserted into a shaft through hole provided in the movable part 10.

[0030] like Figure 2As shown, two linear actuators 5 are disposed within the outer casing 4. Each linear actuator 5 consists of an actuator body 5a and a rod 5b that slides freely relative to the actuator body 5a. The actuator body 5a, based on a control signal from the control circuit 7, moves the rod 5b forward and backward relative to the actuator body 5a via pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric power. Each linear actuator 5 is coupled to a movable part 10 and a fixed part 11. As an example, the actuator body 5a is rotatably coupled to the front cover 23 of the movable part 10, and the rod 5b is rotatably coupled to the corresponding side cover 21 of the fixed part 11. In the above structure, when the rod 5b extends from the actuator body 5a according to the control signal from the control circuit 7, as... Figure 3 As shown, the movable part 10 rotates relative to the fixed part 11 with its lower end 10b moving away from the fixed part 11. As a result, the movable part 10... Figure 2 The shown closed state becomes Figure 3 It is in the open state.

[0031] Therefore, when the control circuit 7 determines, based on the detection result of the tilt angle sensor 8, that there is a sign that the stationary energy storage device 1 is about to tip over, it controls the two linear actuators 5 to move the lower end 10b of the movable part 10 away from the fixed part 11. Thus, before the stationary energy storage device 1 tip over, the lower end 10b of the movable part 10 contacts the ground surface G on which the stationary energy storage device 1 is installed, thereby preventing the stationary energy storage device 1 from tipping over. Furthermore, since a large space S is formed between the package 3 and the movable part 10 at this time, even if the movable part 10 deforms in a slightly concave manner, it will not damage the package 3.

[0032] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the movable part 10 and the fixed part 11 are connected by two linear actuators 5. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the movable part 10, the external force is borne by the fixed part 11 via the two linear actuators 5, and the external force is absorbed by the deformation of the movable part 10 and the fixed part 11. As a result, no damage is caused to the package 3.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a block diagram representing a stationary energy storage device 1. (Example:) Figure 4As shown, the control circuit 7 includes a processor 7a and a memory 7b. The processor 7a can access the memory 7b. The processor 7a reads and executes the program stored in the memory 7b. Thus, the processor 7a and the memory 7b function as a tilt angle acquisition unit 30, a tilt warning determination unit 31, and an actuator control unit 32. Alternatively, the processor 7a can also be an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device).

[0034] The tilt angle acquisition unit 30 acquires an angle signal representing the tilt angle of the package 3 from the tilt angle sensor 8.

[0035] The tilting warning determination unit 31 determines whether there is a tilting warning for the stationary energy storage device 1 based on the angle signal acquired by the tilt angle acquisition unit 30. Specifically, the tilting warning determination unit 31 compares the tilt angle of the package 3 with a predetermined value and determines whether there is a tilting warning for the stationary energy storage device 1 based on the comparison result. More specifically, the tilting warning determination unit 31 compares the tilt angle of the package 3 with a predetermined value, and determines that there is a tilting warning for the stationary energy storage device 1 when the tilt angle of the package 3 exceeds the predetermined value. The predetermined value is typically 10 degrees to 25 degrees, but is not limited to this.

[0036] When the tilting warning determination unit 31 determines that the stationary energy storage device 1 shows signs of tilting, the actuator control unit 32 controls the two linear actuators 5 to move the lower end 10b of the movable part 10 away from the fixed part 11. Specifically, when the tilting warning determination unit 31 determines that the stationary energy storage device 1 shows signs of tilting, the actuator control unit 32 outputs an extension control signal to the two linear actuators 5, causing the rod 5b to extend from the actuator body 5a. Thus, as Figure 3 As shown, the movable part 10 protrudes before the stationary energy storage device 1 tilts, preventing the stationary energy storage device 1 from tilting.

[0037] Next, refer to Figure 5The operation of the stationary energy storage device 1 will be explained. First, the tilt angle acquisition unit 30 acquires an angle signal representing the tilt angle of the package 3 from the tilt angle sensor 8 (S100). Next, the tilting warning determination unit 31 determines whether there is a tilting warning of the stationary energy storage device 1 by comparing the tilt angle of the package 3 with a predetermined value (S110). Specifically, the tilting warning determination unit 31 determines whether the tilt angle of the package 3 exceeds the predetermined value (S110). If the tilt angle of the package 3 does not exceed the predetermined value (S110: No), the tilting warning determination unit 31 determines that there is no tilting warning of the stationary energy storage device 1 and returns the process to step S100. On the other hand, if the tilt angle of the package 3 exceeds the predetermined value (S110: Yes), the tilting warning determination unit 31 determines that there is a tilting warning of the stationary energy storage device 1 and proceeds to step S120. In step S120, the actuator control unit 32 controls the two linear actuators 5 in such a way that the lower end 10b of the movable part 10 moves away from the fixed part 11 (S120).

[0038] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These embodiments have the following characteristics.

[0039] The stationary energy storage device 1 includes: multiple modules 6 composed of multiple individual units; an outer casing 4 (housing) housing the multiple modules 6; a tilt angle sensor 8 capable of detecting the tilt angle of the multiple modules 6; two linear actuators 5; and a control circuit 7 that determines the presence or absence of signs of tilting of the stationary energy storage device 1 based on the detection results of the tilt angle sensor 8. The outer casing 4 includes a movable part 10 and a fixed part 11 that clamp the multiple modules 6 when viewed from above. The movable part 10 is supported on the fixed part 11 in a manner that allows it to rotate freely about a horizontally extending rotation axis C. The linear actuators 5 are configured to move the lower end 10b of the movable part 10 towards or away from the fixed part 11 by engaging with the movable part 10 and the fixed part 11. When the control circuit 7 determines that there are signs of tilting of the stationary energy storage device 1, it controls the two linear actuators 5 to move the lower end 10b of the movable part 10 away from the fixed part 11. Based on the above structure, the stationary energy storage device 1 can be compactly constructed, and the tilting of the stationary energy storage device 1 can be prevented. In addition, the fixed part 11 bears the external force acting on the movable part 10 via two linear actuators 5, thus suppressing damage to the multiple modules 6.

[0040] That is, the stationary type energy storage device 1 does not have any components corresponding to the auxiliary components of Patent Document 1, so it can be said that it is compactly constructed.

[0041] Furthermore, the stationary energy storage device 1 can replace the multiple modules 6 and include only one module 6. The stationary energy storage device 1 can also replace the two linear actuators 5 and include only one linear actuator 5.

[0042] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the rotation axis C is located at the upper end 10a of the movable part 10. Based on the above structure, as... Figure 3 As shown, when the movable part 10 is in the open state, the lower end 10b of the movable part 10 can be moved significantly away from the fixed part 11.

[0043] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, two linear actuators 5 are coupled to the lower end 10b of the movable part 10. Based on this structure, the two linear actuators 5 can efficiently withstand external forces acting on the movable part 10.

[0044] Furthermore, the control circuit 7 determines whether there are signs of the stationary energy storage device 1 tipping over based on a comparison of the tilt angles of multiple modules 6 with predetermined values. According to the above structure, the presence or absence of signs of the stationary energy storage device 1 tipping over can be determined through a simple comparison calculation.

[0045] Furthermore, the control method for the stationary energy storage device 1 includes: determining whether there is a sign of the stationary energy storage device 1 tipping over (S110); and based on the determination result, controlling the two linear actuators 5 to move the lower end 10b of the movable part 10 away from the fixed part 11 (S120). According to the above structure, the stationary energy storage device 1 can be compactly configured, and tipping of the stationary energy storage device 1 can be prevented.

[0046] The invention described above is based on specific implementation methods and is not limited to the described implementation methods. Various modifications can be made without departing from its spirit.

[0047] The program includes instructions (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments when read into the computer. The program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. For example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other types of storage technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc (registered trademark) or other types of optical disc storage, and magnetic tape, disk storage or other types of magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted on a transient computer-readable medium or a communication medium. For example, but not limited to, a transient computer-readable medium or a communication medium may include electrical signals, optical signals, acoustic signals or other forms of propagation signals.

[0048] As can be seen from the above description, the embodiments of this disclosure can be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and all such modifications by those skilled in the art are intended to be covered within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A stationary energy storage device, comprising: At least one module, consisting of multiple battery cells; A housing that contains at least one module; A tilt angle sensor is provided, capable of detecting the tilt angle of at least one module. Linear actuators, and The control circuit determines whether there are any signs of the stationary energy storage device tipping over based on the detection results of the tilt angle sensor. in, The housing includes a movable part and a fixed part that clamp the at least one module when viewed from above. The movable part is supported on the fixed part in a manner that allows it to rotate freely about a horizontally extending axis of rotation. The linear actuator is configured such that, by engaging with the movable part and the fixed part, the lower end of the movable part approaches or moves away from the fixed part. When the control circuit determines that there is a sign that the stationary energy storage device is about to tip over, it controls the linear actuator to move the lower end of the movable part away from the fixed part.

2. The stationary energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The rotating shaft is located at the upper end of the movable part.

3. The stationary energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The linear actuator is coupled to the lower end of the movable part.

4. The stationary energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The control circuit determines whether there are signs of the stationary energy storage device tipping over based on a comparison between the tilt angle of the at least one module and a predetermined value.

5. A control method for a stationary energy storage device, The stationary energy storage device includes: At least one module, consisting of multiple battery cells; A housing that contains at least one module; A tilt angle sensor is provided, capable of detecting the tilt angle of at least one module. as well as Linear actuator, The housing includes a movable part and a fixed part that clamp the at least one module when viewed from above. The movable part is supported on the fixed part in a manner that allows it to rotate freely about a horizontally extending axis of rotation. The linear actuator is configured such that, by engaging with the movable part and the fixed part, the lower end of the movable part approaches or moves away from the fixed part. in, The control method for the stationary energy storage device: Determine whether there are any signs of the stationary energy storage device tipping over. Based on the determination result, the linear actuator is controlled in such a way that the lower end of the movable part is moved away from the fixed part.

6. A program product that enables a computer to execute the control method for the stationary energy storage device as described in claim 5.

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