Method, system, and program for distributing battery from distribution site to work site

Abstract

The method according to the present disclosure is a method executed by a computer for distributing batteries from a distribution site to one or more work sites in which work machines are disposed. A method according to the present disclosure includes: acquiring necessary power data indicating a necessary power amount for each of one or more work sites; determining a distribution schedule of the battery according to the necessary power data of each of the one or more operation sites; the battery data acquisition unit acquires battery data indicating the amount of storage of a battery stored in a distribution site. And determining a charging schedule of the battery at the distribution site on the basis of the necessary power data, the distribution schedule, and the battery data.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method, a system, and a program for distributing batteries from a distribution base to a work site. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, a system for distributing batteries to work machines has been known. For example, in the power supply system of Patent Literature 1, a battery is disposed in a charging facility. The charging facility is provided with a charging device that charges the battery. In the charging facility, the battery that has been charged by the charging device is carried to a work machine at a work site by a carrying vehicle. The power supply system is provided with a management system that controls the power supply system so that the battery is supplied to the work machine in accordance with a predetermined supply plan. The management system formulates the supply plan so that the work machine timely receives delivery of the battery and is always connected to the battery necessary for work execution.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-145750 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] In the above-described power supply system, the delivery of the battery is controlled in accordance with the supply plan. However, in a case where the battery stored in the charging device is not sufficiently charged, the battery cannot be supplied to the work machine at an appropriate timing in accordance with the supply plan. An object of the present disclosure is to appropriately distribute the battery to the work site and appropriately manage the charging schedule of the battery at the distribution base so that a shortage of the battery does not occur at the distribution base.

[0008] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0009] A method according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a method executed by a computer for distributing a battery from a distribution base to one or more work sites at which work machines are disposed. The method according to the first aspect includes: acquiring necessary power data indicating a necessary power amount of each of the one or more work sites; determining a distribution schedule of the battery based on the necessary power data of each of the one or more work sites; acquiring battery data indicating a charge amount of the battery stored at the distribution base; and determining a charging schedule of the battery at the distribution base based on the necessary power data, the distribution schedule, and the battery data.

[0010] The system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is a system for distributing batteries from a distribution base to one or more work sites where work machines are installed. The system according to the present aspect includes a plurality of site computers, a base computer, and a management computer. The plurality of site computers manage one or more work sites, respectively. The base computer manages the distribution base. The management computer communicates with the plurality of site computers and the base computer.

[0011] The management computer acquires necessary power data indicating an amount of necessary power of each of the one or more work sites. The management computer decides a distribution schedule of the batteries based on the necessary power data of each of the one or more work sites. The management computer acquires battery data indicating an amount of stored power of the batteries stored in the distribution base. The management computer decides a charging schedule of the batteries at the distribution base based on the necessary power data, the distribution schedule, and the battery data.

[0012] The program according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is a program for distributing batteries from a distribution base to one or more work sites where work machines are installed. The program according to the present aspect causes a computer to perform the following operations: acquire necessary power data indicating an amount of necessary power of each of the one or more work sites; decide a distribution schedule of the batteries based on the necessary power data of each of the one or more work sites; acquire battery data indicating an amount of stored power of the batteries stored in the distribution base; and decide a charging schedule of the batteries at the distribution base based on the necessary power data, the distribution schedule, and the battery data.

[0013] Effects of Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, the batteries are appropriately distributed to the work sites, and the charging schedule of the batteries at the distribution base is appropriately managed so that a shortage of the batteries does not occur at the distribution base. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the system according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the system.

[0017] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a process performed by the site computer.

[0018] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the site computer.

[0019] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a process performed by the site computer and the management computer.

[0020] Figure 6This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by the field computer and the management computer. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, the system according to the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating system 1 according to the embodiment. (As shown) Figure 1 As shown, the system 1 involved in this embodiment is a system for distributing batteries from multiple distribution points DB1, DB2 to multiple work sites WS1, WS2.

[0022] Multiple work sites WS1 and WS2 are respectively equipped with work machinery 2A, 2B, and 3A. Work machinery 2A, 2B, and 3A are, for example, construction machinery such as excavators. Work machinery 2A, 2B, and 3A can also be other machinery such as bulldozers, wheel loaders, graders, or dump trucks. Multiple work sites WS1 and WS2 include a first work site WS1 and a second work site WS2. The first work site WS1 and the second work site WS2 are located in different locations. Alternatively, multiple work sites can include three or more work sites. A work site can also be a single work site.

[0023] Specifically, a first working machine 2A and a second working machine 2B are configured at the first work site WS1. The first working machine 2A and the second working machine 2B perform operations at the first work site WS1. The first working machine 2A is equipped with a built-in battery 4A and operates powered by the power of the built-in battery 4A. The second working machine 2B is equipped with a built-in battery 4B and operates powered by the power of the built-in battery 4B. Alternatively, three or more working machines can be configured at the first work site WS1.

[0024] A third work machine 3A is configured at the second work site WS2. The third work machine 3A performs operations at the second work site WS2. The third work machine 3A is equipped with a built-in battery 5A and operates by the power of the built-in battery 5A. In addition, more than two work machines can also be configured at the second work site WS2.

[0025] For example, the first working machine 2A and the second working machine 2B are the same type of working machine. The third working machine 3A is a different type of working machine from the first working machine 2A and the second working machine 2B. The power consumption of the working machines varies depending on their type. Therefore, the power consumption of the third working machine 3A is different from that of the first working machine 2A and the second working machine 2B. For example, the first working machine 2A and the second working machine 2B are larger than the third working machine 3A. Therefore, the power consumption of the first working machine 2A and the second working machine 2B is greater than that of the third working machine 3A.

[0026] A first-site computer 6 is configured at the first work site WS1. The first-site computer 6 is used by the administrator of the first work site WS1. The first-site computer 6 manages the construction work performed by the first work machinery 2A and the second work machinery 2B at the first work site WS1. A second-site computer 7 is configured at the second work site WS2. The second-site computer 7 is used by the administrator of the second work site WS2. The second-site computer 7 manages the construction work performed by the third work machinery 3A at the second work site WS2.

[0027] Multiple distribution points DB1 and DB2 store multiple batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B. These batteries can be transported separately. Distribution points DB1 and DB2 deliver designated batteries to designated work sites WS1 and WS2. The delivered batteries are connected to work machines 2A, 2B, and 3A via cables at work sites WS1 and WS2. The delivered batteries supply power to work machines 2A, 2B, and 3A to charge their built-in batteries 4A, 4B, and 5A.

[0028] Multiple delivery points DB1 and DB2 include a first delivery point DB1 and a second delivery point DB2. The first delivery point DB1 and the second delivery point DB2 are located in different locations. Alternatively, multiple delivery points may include more than three delivery points. Specifically, the first delivery point DB1 stores a first battery 8A and a second battery 8B. The second delivery point DB2 stores a third battery 9A and a fourth battery 9B.

[0029] Battery 8A, battery 8B, and battery 9A are different types of batteries. Battery 9B is the same type of battery as battery 9A. The capacity of the batteries varies depending on their type. For example, battery 8A has a larger capacity than battery 8B. Battery 8B has a larger capacity than battery 9A. Battery 9B has the same capacity as battery 9A. However, the capacity of batteries deteriorates over time.

[0030] A first charger 11 is installed at the first delivery point DB1. The first charger 11 is connected to a commercial power source. The first delivery point DB1 charges batteries 8A and 8B stored at the first delivery point DB1 using the first charger 11. A second charger 12 is installed at the second delivery point DB2. The second charger 12 is connected to a commercial power source. The second delivery point DB2 charges batteries 9A and 9B stored at the second delivery point DB2 using the second charger 12. The charging capabilities of the first charger 11 and the second charger 12 are different. For example, the first charger 11 has a higher charging capability than the second charger 12. That is, the first charger 11 can charge more power per unit time compared to the second charger 12.

[0031] Additionally, more than three batteries can be stored at the first delivery point DB1. More than three batteries can also be stored at the second delivery point DB2. More than two chargers can also be configured at the first delivery point DB1. More than two chargers can also be configured at the second delivery point DB2.

[0032] A first-location computer 13 is configured at the first distribution point DB1. The first-location computer 13 is used by the administrator of the first distribution point DB1. The first-location computer 13 manages the battery of the first distribution point DB1. A second-location computer 14 is configured at the second distribution point DB2. The second-location computer 14 is used by the administrator of the second distribution point DB2. The second-location computer 14 manages the battery of the second distribution point DB2.

[0033] System 1 includes a management computer 15. The management computer 15 is located in a management center 10, far from the work sites WS1 and WS2 and the distribution points DB1 and DB2. The management computer 15 communicates with the field computers 6 and 7 and the distribution point computers 13 and 14, for example, via a communication network such as the Internet or an intranet.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the structure of System 1. (For example...) Figure 2 As shown, the first operating machine 2A at the first work site WS1 includes a position sensor 21A, a State of Health (SOH) sensor 22A, a State of Charge (SOC) sensor 23A, and a communication module 24A. The position sensor 21A detects the position of the first operating machine 2A. The position sensor 21A may be a sensor based on a positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System).

[0035] SOH sensor 22A detects the SOH (State of Health) of the built-in battery 4A of the first operating machine 2A. That is, SOH sensor 22A detects the capacity of the built-in battery 4A. The battery capacity represents the current rechargeable electrical energy (rechargeable capacity). SOC sensor 23A detects the SOC (State of Charge) of the built-in battery 4A. That is, SOC sensor 23A detects the stored charge of the built-in battery 4A.

[0036] The communication module 24A communicates with the management computer 15. The communication module 24A communicates with the management computer 15 via, for example, a mobile communication network such as 3G, 4G, or 5G. The communication module 24A sends mechanical data to the management computer 15 indicating the location of the first working machine 2A, the type of the first working machine 2A, the capacity of the built-in battery 4A, and the amount of electricity stored.

[0037] The second working machine 2B includes a position sensor 21B, a SOH sensor 22B, a SOC sensor 23B, and a communication module 24B. The position sensor 21B, SOH sensor 22B, SOC sensor 23B, and communication module 24B of the second working machine 2B are the same as those of the position sensor 21A, SOH sensor 22A, SOC sensor 23A, and communication module 24A of the first working machine 2A.

[0038] The communication module 24B of the second working machine 2B sends mechanical data to the management computer 15, indicating the location, type, capacity, and power storage of the second working machine 2B. Although not shown in the diagram, the third working machine 3A at the second work site WS2 has the same structure as the working machines 2A and 2B at the first work site WS1. The management computer 15 receives the mechanical data of the third working machine 3A from the third working machine 3A at the second work site WS2.

[0039] The first battery 8A at the first delivery point DB1 includes a position sensor 25A, a State of Health (SOH) sensor 26A, a State of Charge (SOC) sensor 27A, and a communication module 28A. The position sensor 25A detects the position of the first battery 8A. The position sensor 25A is, for example, a sensor based on a GPS or other positioning system. The SOH sensor 26A detects the State of Health (SOH) of the first battery 8A, that is, the SOH sensor detects the capacity of the first battery 8A. The SOC sensor 27A detects the State of Charge (SOC) of the first battery 8A, that is, the SOC sensor detects the charge level of the first battery 8A.

[0040] The communication module 28A communicates with the management computer 15. The communication module 28A communicates with the management computer 15 via, for example, a mobile communication network such as 3G, 4G, or 5G. The communication module 28A sends battery data to the management computer 15, indicating the location, capacity, and charge level of the first battery 8A.

[0041] The second battery 8B at the first delivery point DB1 includes a position sensor 25B, a state of equilibrium (SOH) sensor 26B, a state of equilibrium (SOC) sensor 27B, and a communication module 28B. The position sensor 25B, SOH sensor 26B, SOC sensor 27B, and communication module 28B of the second battery 8B are the same as those of the first battery 8A.

[0042] The communication module 24B of the second battery 8B sends battery data indicating the location, capacity, and charge level of the second battery 8B to the management computer 15. The third battery 9A and the fourth battery 9B at the second distribution point DB2 also have the same structure as the batteries 8A and 8B at the first distribution point DB1. The management computer 15 receives battery data from the third battery 9A. The management computer 15 receives battery data from the fourth battery 9B.

[0043] The management computer 15, field computers 6 and 7, and base computers 13 and 14 are equipped with programs for distributing batteries from distribution bases DB1 and DB2 to work sites WS1 and WS2. The field computers 6 and 7 and the base computers 13 and 14 execute the processing for distributing batteries from distribution bases DB1 and DB2 to work sites WS1 and WS2 according to the programs.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the processing performed by the first field computer 6. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the first field computer 6. (Example) Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the first field computer 6 obtains the mechanical data MD1 of the first operating machine 2A and the mechanical data MD2 of the second operating machine 2B (S101). For example, the first field computer 6 obtains the mechanical data MD1 and MD2 from the management computer 15. Based on the mechanical data MD1 and MD2, the first field computer 6 calculates the total mechanical data MD3 of the first operating site WS1 (S102). The total mechanical data MD3 includes the total electrical energy and total capacity of the operating machines 2A and 2B in the first operating site WS1.

[0045] The first-site computer 6 obtains the construction plan CP1 (S103). Construction plan CP1 includes the construction period of the first work site WS1 and the expected operating volume of each work machine 2A and 2B. The expected operating volume is, for example, the expected operating time. The first-site computer 6 obtains the necessary power data CP2 based on construction plan CP1 (S104). Necessary power data CP2 includes the construction period and the necessary power. The first-site computer 6 obtains the construction period based on construction plan CP1. The first-site computer 6 calculates the necessary power based on construction plan CP1.

[0046] The required electrical power is equivalent to the anticipated electrical power consumed by the operating machinery 2A and 2B through the execution of construction plan CP1. The first-site computer 6 calculates the required electrical power based on the anticipated operating volume of each operating machinery 2A and 2B and their specifications. The specifications of operating machinery 2A and 2B include their power consumption. The first-site computer 6 stores the specifications of each operating machinery 2A and 2B. Alternatively, the first-site computer 6 can obtain the specifications of each operating machinery 2A and 2B from the management computer 15. Furthermore, the required electrical power data CP2 can also be directly input into the first-site computer 6.

[0047] Based on the total mechanical data MD3 and the necessary power data CP2, the first site computer 6 determines the battery requirement data RD1 (S105) for the first work site WS1. The battery requirement data RD1 includes the required battery power and delivery schedule. The first site computer 6 determines the required battery power for the first work site WS1 based on the total stored power, total capacity, and necessary power. The required power is equivalent to the power needed to charge the built-in batteries 4A and 4B of the working machinery 2A and 2B to execute construction plan CP1. Furthermore, the first site computer 6 determines the battery delivery schedule based on the construction period. The delivery schedule includes the date and time for delivering the batteries to the first work site WS1.

[0048] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the processes performed by the management computer 15 and the field computers 6 and 7. (See diagram for example.) Figure 5 As shown, the first field computer 6 sends battery requirement data RD1 for the first work site WS1 to the management computer 15. The second field computer 7, in the same manner as the first field computer 6, determines the required battery power and delivery schedule for the second work site WS2. The second field computer 7 then sends the required battery power and delivery schedule for the second work site WS2 as battery requirement data RD2 to the management computer 15.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by the management computer 15. For example... Figure 5 as well asFigure 6 As shown, the management computer 15 obtains battery requirement data RD1 and RD2 from each work site WS1 and WS2 (S201). Based on the required power and delivery schedule of the battery requirement data RD1 and RD2 from each work site WS1 and WS2, the management computer 15 determines the delivery requirement data DA1 for each work site WS1 and WS2 (S202). The delivery requirement data DA1 includes the necessary number and capacity of batteries for each work site WS1 and WS2, as well as the delivery schedule.

[0050] The management computer 15 determines the necessary number and capacity of batteries for each work site (WS1, WS2) based on the battery requirement data RD1, RD2, the required power, and the delivery schedule. For example, the management computer 15 determines the necessary number and capacity of batteries for the first work site (WS1) in a manner that satisfies the required power of the first work site (WS1). Similarly, the management computer 15 determines the necessary number and capacity of batteries for the second work site (WS2) in a manner that satisfies the required power of the second work site (WS2).

[0051] The management computer 15 obtains battery data BD1-BD4 of batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B stored at each distribution point DB1 and DB2 (S203). Based on the battery data BD1-BD4 of batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B at each distribution point DB1 and DB2, the management computer 15 determines the total battery data DA2 for each distribution point DB1 and DB2 (S204). The total battery data DA2 includes the location, total capacity, and total stored capacity of batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B at each distribution point DB1 and DB2. The management computer 15 obtains the location of batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B at each distribution point DB1 and DB2 based on the battery data BD1-BD4. Furthermore, the management computer 15 calculates the total capacity and total stored capacity based on the battery data BD1-BD4.

[0052] The management computer 15 determines the delivery plan data DA3 (S205) based on the delivery request data DA1 of each work site WS1 and WS2 and the total battery data DA2 of each delivery point DB1 and DB2. The delivery plan data DA3 includes the assignment of delivery points, the battery allocation plan, and the battery charging schedule. The assignment of delivery points indicates the identifier of the delivery point delivering batteries to each work site WS1 and WS2, the number of batteries delivered to each work site WS1 and WS2, and their capacity. For example, the management computer 15 assigns the nearest delivery point among the delivery points that meet the requirements based on the delivery request data DA1 of the first work site WS1 to the first work site WS1. Furthermore, the management computer 15 determines the number and capacity of batteries to be delivered to the first work site WS1 in a manner that satisfies the requirements based on the delivery request data DA1 of the first work site WS1.

[0053] The battery allocation plan represents the batteries assigned to each delivery point DB1 and DB2. The allocation plan includes the number and capacity of batteries assigned to each delivery point DB1 and DB2. For example, the management computer 15 predicts whether the number and capacity of batteries stored at each delivery point DB1 and DB2 are insufficient based on the delivery request data DA1 for each work site WS1 and WS2 and the total battery data DA2 for each delivery point DB1 and DB2. Furthermore, the management computer 15 predicts whether the number and capacity of batteries stored at each delivery point DB1 and DB2 are excessive based on the delivery request data DA1 for each work site WS1 and WS2 and the total battery data DA2 for each delivery point DB1 and DB2. The management computer 15 determines the allocation plan in a manner that minimizes either an excess or deficiency in the number and capacity of batteries stored at each delivery point DB1 and DB2.

[0054] The battery charging schedule indicates the timing for charging batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B stored at various distribution points DB1 and DB2. The battery charging schedule includes the date and time when charging of batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B will begin. For example, the management computer 15 determines the charging schedule for batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B in a manner that prevents insufficient charge levels from occurring.

[0055] Alternatively, the management computer 15 can determine the battery charging schedule based on the electricity costs required for charging the batteries at each distribution point DB1, DB2. For example, the management computer 15 stores the electricity cost plans for each distribution point DB1, DB2. Alternatively, the management computer 15 can determine the charging schedule in a way that allows charging of batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B at each distribution point DB1, DB2 during periods when electricity costs are low.

[0056] Furthermore, the management computer 15 can also determine the charging schedule for batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B based on the capabilities of the chargers 11 and 12 at each delivery point DB1 and DB2. For example, it obtains the capabilities of the chargers 11 and 12 at each delivery point DB1 and DB2 from the delivery point computers 13 and 14. Based on the capabilities of the chargers 11 and 12 at each delivery point DB1 and DB2, the management computer 15 calculates the expected charging time for batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B at each delivery point DB1 and DB2. Based on the expected charging time for batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, the management computer 15 determines the charging schedule.

[0057] Based on the delivery plan data DA3, the management computer 15 generates instruction data DA4 (S206) for each delivery point DB1 and DB2. Instruction data DA4 includes delivery instructions, transfer instructions, and charging instructions for batteries to each delivery point DB1 and DB2. Based on the assignment of the delivery points, the management computer 15 determines the delivery instructions for batteries from delivery points DB1 and DB2 to work sites WS1 and WS2. The battery delivery instructions include an identifier for the work site indicating the delivery destination, the number and capacity of batteries to be delivered, and the date and time of delivery.

[0058] Based on the battery allocation plan, the management computer 15 determines the battery transfer instructions between distribution points DB1 and DB2. The battery transfer instructions include the identifier of the distribution point indicating the transfer destination, the number and capacity of the batteries being transferred, and the date and time of the transfer.

[0059] Based on the battery charging schedule, management computer 15 determines the battery charging instructions. The battery charging instructions include the date and time to begin battery charging at each distribution point DB1 and DB2. Management computer 15 sends the battery delivery instructions, battery transfer instructions, and battery charging instructions to the location computers 13 and 14 of each distribution point DB1 and DB2. The managers of each distribution point DB1 and DB2 deliver the batteries to the work sites WS1 and WS2 according to the received delivery instructions. The managers of each distribution point DB1 and DB2 transfer the batteries to other distribution points DB1 and DB2 according to the received transfer instructions. The managers of each distribution point DB1 and DB2 charge the batteries according to the received charging instructions.

[0060] For example, management computer 15 sends a delivery instruction to first location computer 13 indicating that the first battery 8A will be delivered to the first work site WS1. Thus, as in... Figure 1As indicated by arrow A1, the first battery 8A is delivered to the first work site WS1. The management computer 15 sends a delivery instruction to the second location computer 14, indicating that the third battery 9A will be delivered to the second work site WS2. Thus, as in... Figure 1 As indicated by arrow A2, the third battery 9A was delivered to the second work site WS2.

[0061] The management computer 15 sends a transfer instruction to the first location computer 13, indicating that the second battery 8B should be transferred to the second distribution location DB2. Thus, as in... Figure 1 As indicated by arrow A3, the second battery 8B was moved to the second distribution point DB2.

[0062] Management computer 15 sends a timing charging instruction to first base computer 13, indicating that the first battery 8A and the second battery 8B are being charged. As a result, the first battery 8A and the second battery 8B are charged according to the charging schedule. Management computer 15 sends a timing charging instruction to second base computer 14, indicating that the third battery 9A and the fourth battery 9B are being charged. As a result, the third battery 9A and the fourth battery 9B are charged according to the charging schedule.

[0063] In System 1 of the embodiment described above, the charging schedule for the batteries at each distribution point DB1 and DB2 is determined based on the necessary power supply at each work site WS1 and WS2, the battery delivery schedule to each work site WS1 and WS2, and the stored power of batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B at distribution points DB1 and DB2. Thus, batteries are appropriately delivered from multiple distribution points DB1 and DB2 to the work sites WS1 and WS2, and the charging schedule for the batteries at each distribution point DB1 and DB2 is appropriately managed to prevent battery shortages at each distribution point DB1 and DB2.

[0064] The present invention has been described above as an embodiment of the invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0065] The structure of System 1 is not limited to the above-described implementation and can be modified. For example, the management computer 15 can also receive machine data MD1 and MD2 of each operating machine 2A and 2B via the field computers 6 and 7 of each work site WS1 and WS2. The management computer 15 can also receive battery data BD1-BD4 of each battery 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B via the location computers 13 and 14 of each distribution point DB1 and DB2.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B stored at each distribution point DB1 and DB2 supply power for charging the built-in batteries 4A, 4B, and 5A of the operating machines 2A and 2B. However, the batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B stored at each distribution point DB1 and DB2 may also be batteries that are interchangeable with the built-in batteries 4A, 4B, and 5A of the operating machines 2A and 2B.

[0067] In the above implementation, the mechanical data MD1, MD2, battery data BD1-BD4, distribution point assignment, and battery allocation plan include battery capacity. However, battery type can also be used instead of battery capacity. Battery capacity is specified according to battery type. Therefore, battery capacity can also be determined based on battery type.

[0068] Industrial availability

[0069] According to this disclosure, batteries are appropriately allocated to the work site and the charging schedule of batteries at the distribution points is appropriately managed so that battery shortages do not occur at the distribution points.

[0070] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0071] 2A, 2B: Operating machinery; 6, 7: Field computers; 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B: Batteries; 13, 14: Base computers; 15: Management computers; DB1, DB2: Distribution bases; WS1, WS2: Operation sites.

Claims

1. A method of distributing a battery from a distribution base to one or more work sites equipped with work machines, the method comprising: obtaining necessary power data indicating an amount of necessary power for each of the one or more work sites; determining a distribution schedule of the battery based on the necessary power data for each of the one or more work sites; obtaining battery data indicating an amount of charge of the battery stored at the distribution base; and determining a charging schedule of the battery at the distribution base based on the necessary power data, the distribution schedule, and the battery data.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method comprises: obtaining a position of the work machine for each of the one or more work sites; obtaining a position of the battery stored at the distribution base; and determining the charging schedule of the battery at the distribution base based on the position of the work machine for each of the one or more work sites and the position of the battery stored at the distribution base.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method comprises: determining the charging schedule of the battery based on an electricity fee required for charging the battery at the distribution base.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the distribution base is provided with a charger for charging the battery, the method comprises determining the charging schedule of the battery at the distribution base based on a capacity of the charger at the distribution base.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method comprises: determining the amount of necessary power for each of the one or more work sites based on a construction plan for each of the one or more work sites and a specification of the work machine for each of the one or more work sites.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method comprises: determining the distribution schedule of the battery according to a construction period for each of the one or more work sites.

7. A system for distributing a battery from a distribution base to one or more work sites equipped with work machines, the system comprising: a plurality of site computers for managing the one or more work sites, respectively; a base computer for managing the distribution base; and a management computer in communication with the plurality of site computers and the base computer, the management computer performs the following operations: obtaining necessary power data indicating an amount of necessary power for each of the one or more work sites; determining a distribution schedule of the battery based on the necessary power data for each of the one or more work sites; obtaining battery data indicating an amount of charge of the battery stored at the distribution base; and determining a charging schedule of the battery at the distribution base based on the necessary power data, the distribution schedule, and the battery data.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the management computer performs the following operations: obtaining a position of the work machine for each of the one or more work sites; obtaining a position of the battery stored at the distribution base; and determining the charging schedule of the battery at the distribution base based on the position of the work machine for each of the one or more work sites and the position of the battery stored at the distribution base. based on the position of the work machine of each of the one or more work sites and the position of the battery at the distribution base, a charging schedule of the battery at the distribution base is decided.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein the management computer decides the charging schedule of the battery at the distribution base based on an electricity fee required for charging the battery at the distribution base.

10. The system according to claim 7, wherein the distribution base is provided with a charger for charging the battery, the management computer decides the charging schedule of the battery at the distribution base based on a capacity of the charger at the distribution base.

11. The system according to claim 7, wherein the management computer decides the necessary amount of electricity of each of the one or more work sites based on a construction plan of each of the one or more work sites and a specification of the plurality of work machines of each of the one or more work sites.

12. A program for causing a computer to execute the following operations in order to distribute a battery from a distribution base to one or more work sites configured with work machines: acquiring necessary electricity data indicating a necessary amount of electricity of each of the one or more work sites; deciding a distribution schedule of the battery based on the necessary electricity data of each of the one or more work sites; acquiring battery data indicating an amount of electricity stored in the battery stored at the distribution base; and deciding a charging schedule of the battery at the distribution base based on the necessary electricity data, the distribution schedule, and the battery data.

Images