Cooling system for a power storage unit

Abstract

Cooling system (2) for a power storage device (100), wherein the power storage device (100) is used to supply electrical power to a drive source (10) of a vehicle (1), wherein the cooling system (2) comprises: a cooling device (400) which cools the power storage (100), a notification device (450) providing predetermined information in a passenger compartment of the vehicle (1), and a control device (300) that controls the cooling device (400) and the notification device (450), wherein, when an execution condition relating to cooling of the power storage (100) is met while stopping the cooling device (400), the control device (300) provides request information through the notification device (450), the request information representing whether cooling of the power storage (100) is being carried out with the cooling device (400), and, when the execution condition is satisfied during cooling by the cooling device (400), the control device (300) provides information inquiring whether an operating performance level of the cooling device (400) can be raised through the notification device (450).

Description

Background area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooling system for a power storage device. Description of the state of the art

[0002] An electrically powered vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle that runs on electric power has a power storage device such as a secondary battery that stores electrical energy. The power storage device generates heat as it is charged or discharged. When a temperature of the power storage device becomes high, a loss (dissipation) may be increased or deterioration may be accelerated due to an increase in internal resistance. Therefore, the electrically powered vehicle having the power storage device may have a cooling system for the power storage device. When the cooling system is activated, noise is generated. Therefore, the cooling system is desirably activated at an appropriate timing.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-199870 discloses a technique for delaying, when a secondary battery still has a sufficient life, a cooling timing by increasing a temperature at which an operation of a battery cooling fan is turned on, depending on the life.

[0004] JP 2016-085804 A discloses a power supply system for a vehicle for charging a power storage device. The vehicle includes cooling devices for cooling the power storage device and an ECU for controlling the cooling devices. When a temperature of the power storage device is higher than a predetermined temperature, the ECU asks a user whether it is appropriate to perform pre-charging cooling and performs pre-charging cooling according to a user instruction. The ECU changes the frequency of asking the user whether it is appropriate to perform pre-charging cooling based on a history of an instruction showing a user's refusal of cooling. Summary

[0005] Users differ in which product characteristics of the electric vehicle they value most; some users value quiet operation (performance) of the electric vehicle, while others value a longer service life of a power storage device. Therefore, improving quiet operation by delaying the cooling timing or extending service life by advancing the cooling timing may not result in the cooling system being controlled in accordance with the product characteristics that the user values, regardless of the product characteristics that the user values.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cooling system capable of performing control in accordance with the product characteristics valued by a user.

[0007] This object is achieved by a cooling system as defined in claim 1.

[0008] A cooling system for a power storage device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a cooling system for a power storage device used to supply electric power to a power source of a vehicle. The cooling system includes a cooling device that cools the power storage device, a notification device that provides predetermined information in a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and a control device that controls the cooling device and the notification device. When an execution condition related to cooling the power storage device is met while the cooling device is stopped, the control device provides request information through the notification device, the request information representing whether or not to perform cooling of the power storage device with the cooling device.Furthermore, when the execution condition is satisfied during cooling by the cooling device, the control device provides information inquiring whether or not a performance level of the cooling device can be raised through the notification device.

[0009] Thus, when an execution condition is satisfied while the cooling device is stopped, a request as to whether cooling of the power storage can be performed with the cooling device is issued to a user through the notification device. If the execution condition is satisfied while the cooling device is active, a request as to whether or not a performance level of the cooling device can be increased is issued to the user through the notification device. Therefore, control of the cooling device as requested by a user can be executed.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the execution condition includes a condition that a temperature of a power storage device is equal to or less than a first temperature.

[0012] Thus, a request as to whether cooling of the power storage device can be performed with the cooling device can be issued to a user through the averaging device in accordance with a temperature condition of the power storage device. Therefore, control of the cooling device can be performed as requested by a user.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the control device may obtain (obtain, acquire) a full charge capacity of the power storage, and when the full charge capacity is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold and when the execution condition is satisfied, the control device provides the request information through the notification device.

[0014] For example, when the power storage system is almost brand new, the display of a vehicle's cruising range does not vary much, so users are less likely to notice a decrease in full charge capacity. Frequent display of request information regarding whether cooling can be performed during such a period may occasionally disturb users, and product features preferred by users may not be achieved. Therefore, by providing request information regarding a condition that the execution condition is met at the time when the full charge capacity becomes equal to or less than a threshold, cooling system control can be further optimized in accordance with the product features valued by users.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the cooling system further includes an operation device that accepts (accepts, receives) an operation from a user. When the operation device accepts a cooling execution operation requesting execution of cooling of the power storage in response to the request information, the control device executes cooling of the power storage with the cooling device.

[0016] Thus, when the user performs the cooling execution operation in response to the request information, control of the cooling device as requested by the user can be executed.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the cooling system further comprises an operating device that accepts an operation from a user. If the operating device receives a cooling non-execution operation requesting non-execution of cooling of the power storage device in response to the request information, the control device does not execute cooling of the power storage device with the cooling device.

[0018] Thus, when the user performs the cooling non-execution operation in response to the request information, the control of the cooling device can be executed as requested by the user.

[0019] According to another embodiment, when the operation device accepts the cooling execution operation and thereafter the execution condition is not satisfied and is satisfied again, the cooling execution operation received by the operation device is retrieved and the control device executes the cooling of the power storage based on the cooling execution operation received again by the operation device, and when the operation device accepts a cooling non-execution operation and thereafter the execution condition is not satisfied and is satisfied again, the cooling non-execution operation received by the operation device is retrieved and the control device does not execute the cooling of the power storage based on the cooling non-execution operation received again by the operation device.

[0020] Depending on the state of the power storage, the execution condition may be met or not met frequently. Providing the request information to the user every time the execution condition is met may cause the user to feel inconvenienced, and product characteristics preferred by the user may not be achieved. Therefore, when the execution condition is met again in this way, cooling of the power storage is executed or not executed by following the previous operation, so that control of the cooling system can be further provided in accordance with product characteristics valued by the user.

[0021] According to another embodiment, when the travel of the vehicle ends, the control device resets information representing the operation previously received by the operation device.

[0022] If a record of operations remains until the end of the current trip at the start of a next trip, the execution or non-execution of cooling continues based on the information of an initial operation, and product characteristics preferred by the user cannot be achieved. Therefore, by resetting the operation previously received by the operation device at the end of a trip, a situation such as the one described above can be avoided, and control of the cooling system can be provided even more in accordance with product characteristics valued by the user.

[0023] According to another embodiment, when the operation device accepts the cooling execution operation and thereafter accepts an additional operation, the control device executes cooling of the power storage based on the additional operation under the condition that the execution condition is satisfied, and when the operation device accepts the cooling non-execution operation and thereafter accepts an additional operation, the control device does not execute cooling of the power storage based on the additional operation under the condition that the execution condition is satisfied.

[0024] For example, while driving a vehicle, the driver may change his mind, perform a wrong operation, or perform an operation that differs from the intended operation. If no change can be made from the previous operation in such a case, product characteristics preferred by the user cannot be achieved. Therefore, when an operation is performed again after the previous operation, cooling is performed or not performed based on the most recent operation, so that cooling system control that is more in line with product characteristics valued by the user can be provided.

[0025] According to another embodiment, when the power storage is in an abnormal condition, the control device performs cooling of the power storage with the cooling device without providing the request information.

[0026] Thus, when the power storage is in an abnormal condition, cooling of the power storage is forcibly performed. This can reduce the possibility of failure or deterioration of the power storage.

[0027] According to another embodiment, when a temperature of the power storage device is equal to or lower than a first temperature and higher than a second temperature, the control device provides the request information. If the temperature of the power storage device is higher than the first temperature, the control device performs cooling of the power storage device with the cooling device without providing the request information.

[0028] Thus, when the temperature of the power storage unit is high, cooling of the power storage unit is forced. This can reduce the possibility of failure or deterioration of the power storage unit.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the control device provides information representing an advantage and / or a disadvantage in the execution of the cooling in addition to the request information.

[0030] Thus, the user can see an advantage and a disadvantage in the execution of the cooling.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the control device provides information representing an advantage and / or a disadvantage of not performing the cooling in addition to the request information.

[0032] Thus, the user can see an advantage and a disadvantage of not performing cooling.

[0033] According to another embodiment, when the control device has performed the cooling of the power storage with the cooling device without providing the request information, the control device provides information indicating that the cooling of the power storage is being performed through the notification device.

[0034] Thus, an irritating impression that the user may have due to the cooling device being activated unintentionally by the user can be suppressed.

[0035] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a vehicle with a cooling system. Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example processing for inquiring whether or not battery cooling can be performed. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary display on a display device of text information inquiring whether or not cooling can be performed. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of display on the display device of text information indicating that forced cooling is being performed. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example processing for inquiring whether or not a capacity level of a refrigerator can be raised. Fig. 6 is a graph illustrating, in a table format, an exemplary predetermined map illustrating a relationship between a full load capacity and a rate of increase in the speed of a fan. Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary processing for inquiring whether battery cooling can be prioritized according to a modification. Fig. 8 is a graph illustrating, in a table format, an exemplary predetermined map illustrating a relationship between a full charge capacity and a battery cooling increase rate. Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example processing for inquiring whether or not battery cooling can be performed according to a modification. Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary processing for inquiring whether or not battery cooling can be performed according to another modification. Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary processing for inquiring whether or not battery cooling can be performed according to still another modification. Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary processing for inquiring whether battery cooling can be performed according to another modification. Description of the preferred embodiments

[0036] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding elements in the drawings are assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0037] An example in which a cooling system for a power storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle will be described below as an example. Fig. 1 shows a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a vehicle 1 having a cooling system 2.

[0038] According to the present embodiment, for example, an electric vehicle is adopted as the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 includes the cooling system 2, a motor generator (MG, drive source) 10, a power transmission gear 20, a drive wheel 30, a power control unit (PCU) 40, and a system main relay (SMR) 50. According to the present embodiment, the cooling system 2 includes a battery assembly (power storage) 100, a monitoring unit 200, an electronic control unit (ECU) 300, a cooling device 400, a display device 450, and an operation device 460.

[0039] The MG 10 is implemented, for example, as a three-phase alternating current rotary electric machine, and performs a motor and a generator function. Output torque from the MG 10 is transmitted to the drive wheel 30 through the power transmission gear 20, which includes a reduction gear and a differential.

[0040] During braking of the vehicle 1, the MG 10 is driven by the drive wheel 30 and the MG 10 acts as a generator. The MG 10 thus also functions as a braking device that performs regenerative braking, converting the kinetic energy of the vehicle 1 into electrical power. Regenerated power generated from the regenerative braking force in the MG 10 is stored in the battery assembly 100. Although Fig. 1 shows a configuration in which only a single MG is provided, the number of MGs is not limited thereto and a plurality of (for example, two) MGs may be provided.

[0041] The PCU 40 is a power conversion device that bidirectionally converts electrical power between the MG 10 and the battery assembly 100. The PCU 40 includes, for example, an inverter and a converter (neither of which is shown) that operate based on a control signal from the ECU 300.

[0042] During discharging of the battery assembly 100, the converter boosts a voltage supplied from the battery assembly 100 and supplies the resulting voltage to the inverter. The inverter converts the DC power supplied from the converter into AC power to drive the MG 10.

[0043] During charging of the battery assembly 100, the inverter converts AC power generated by the MG 10 into DC power and supplies the DC power to the converter. The converter steps down a voltage supplied from the inverter to a voltage suitable for charging the battery assembly 100 and supplies the resulting voltage to the battery assembly 100.

[0044] The PCU 40 suspends charging and discharging based on a control signal from the ECU 300 by stopping the operation of the inverter and converter. The PCU 40 may not have a converter.

[0045] The SMR 50 is electrically connected to a power line that interconnects the battery assembly 100 and the PCU 40. When the SMR 50 is closed (i.e., a conductive state is established) in response to a control signal from the ECU 300, electrical power can be supplied and received between the battery assembly 100 and the PCU 40. When the SMR 50 is opened (i.e., disconnected) in response to a control signal from the ECU 300, the battery assembly 100 and the PCU 40 are electrically disconnected.

[0046] The battery assembly 100 is a rechargeable DC power supply and is implemented, for example, by a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery having a solid or liquid electrolyte. The battery assembly 100 includes, for example, a plurality of secondary battery cells as power storage elements.

[0047] The monitoring unit 200 includes a voltage detector 210, a current detector 220, and a temperature detector 230. The voltage detector 210 detects a voltage VB across terminals of the battery assembly 100. The current detector 220 detects a current IB input and output to and from the battery assembly 100. The temperature detector 230 detects a temperature TB of the battery assembly 100. Each detector outputs a detection result to the ECU 300.

[0048] The ECU 300 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 301 and a memory (including, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM)) 302. The ECU 300 controls each device so that the vehicle 1 is in a desired state based on a signal received from the monitoring unit 200 or information such as a map or a program stored in the memory 302. Various types of controls executed by the ECU 300 can also be executed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuitry) without being limited to being executed by software.

[0049] The cooling device 400 cools the battery assembly 100. The cooling device 400 is configured, for example, from an inlet pipe connecting the interior of a passenger compartment and a casing of the battery assembly 100, and a blower capable of supplying air in the passenger compartment into the casing of the battery assembly 100. The blower may be provided in the inlet pipe or in an exhaust pipe through which air in the casing of the battery assembly 100 is exhausted to the outside of the vehicle. The cooling device 400 is activated in response to a control signal from the ECU 300. When air in the passenger compartment is supplied into the casing of the battery assembly 100 as a result of the activation of the cooling device 400, the air supplied into the battery assembly 100 exchanges heat with the battery assembly 100 and is then exhausted to the outside through the exhaust pipe.

[0050] The display device 450 is arranged, for example, at a position visually recognizable by a driver sitting in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1. The display device 450 is implemented, for example, by a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The display device 450 displays predetermined information in response to a control signal from the ECU 300.

[0051] The operation device 460 is provided, for example, by a touch panel provided on a display screen of the display device 450. An operation signal generated by a user's operation on the operation device 460 is sent to the ECU 300.

[0052] In the vehicle 1 configured as described above, the battery assembly 100 generates heat by being charged or discharged. When the temperature of the battery assembly becomes high, loss (power dissipation) may increase or deterioration may be accelerated due to an increase in the internal resistance value. Therefore, the vehicle 1 including the battery assembly 100 includes the cooling system 2 that cools the battery assembly 100. However, when the cooling system 2 is activated, noise is generated. Therefore, the activation timing of the cooling system 2 can be adjusted according to a deterioration state of the battery assembly 100.

[0053] Users differ in which product characteristics of the vehicle 1 they value; some users value quiet performance of the vehicle 1, and others value a longer service life of the battery assembly 100. Therefore, regardless of the product characteristics that a user values, an improvement in quiet operation by delaying a cooling timing or an extension of the service life by advancing the cooling timing may not result in an execution of the control of the cooling system 2 that is consistent with the product characteristics that the user values.

[0054] According to the present embodiment, when a cooling execution condition related to cooling the battery assembly 100 is satisfied while the cooling device 400 remains stopped, the ECU 300 provides, through the display device 450, inquiry information indicating whether or not cooling the battery assembly 100 can be performed with the cooling device 400. The execution condition includes, for example, a condition that a battery temperature TB is equal to or less than a threshold value TB(1).

[0055] In this way, when the execution condition is satisfied while the cooling device 400 remains stopped, a request as to whether cooling of the battery assembly 100 can be performed with the cooling device 400 is output to a user through the display device 450. Therefore, the control of the cooling device 400 can be executed as requested by the user.

[0056] An exemplary control processing performed by the ECU 300 is described below with reference to Fig. 2 described. Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for inquiring whether or not battery cooling can be performed. A processing sequence shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the ECU 300 every predetermined control period.

[0057] In step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 100, the ECU 300 determines whether the cooling device 400 remains stopped. For example, if an activation flag set at the time of activation of the cooling device 400 is off, the ECU 300 may determine that the cooling device 400 remains stopped, or if a control signal that activates a fan is not output to the cooling device 400, the ECU 300 may determine that the cooling device 400 remains stopped. If it is determined that the cooling device 400 remains stopped (YES in S100), the process proceeds to S102.

[0058] In S102, the ECU 300 acquires the full charge capacity and the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100. For example, the ECU 300 may estimate the full charge capacity of the battery assembly 100 based on a variation in SOC (state of charge) and a sum of charging and discharging currents during a period until a certain period of time elapses since a previous acquisition of the full charge capacity.

[0059] Alternatively, for example, the ECU 300 may find a distribution of frequency of use in a plurality of usage regions classified based on a temperature and SOC of the battery assembly 100, calculate a degree of deterioration progress in each region from the found frequency distribution, and estimate the current full charge capacity based on a capacity retention decrease amount calculated based on the degree (extent) of deterioration progress and a duration of use in each region. Without being limited to the method described above, a known technique may be applied as a method of estimating the full charge capacity of the battery assembly 100.Furthermore, the ECU 300 obtains the battery temperature TB based on, for example, a result of detection by the temperature detecting means 230.

[0060] In S104, the ECU 300 determines whether the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 is equal to or less than the threshold value TB(1). The threshold value TB(1), for example, is a predetermined value for determining whether the battery assembly 100 is in a high-temperature state requiring forced cooling of the battery assembly 100. The threshold value TB(1) is adjusted to an appropriate value through experimentation. If it is determined that the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 is equal to or less than the threshold value TB(1) (YES in S104), the process proceeds to S106.

[0061] In S106, the ECU 300 determines whether the full charge capacity of the battery assembly 100 is equal to or less than a threshold value C(1). The threshold value C(1), for example, is a predetermined value representing a full charge capacity at which cooling is desirably performed due to an increase in the internal resistance value compared to an example where the full charge capacity is at an initial value, and is adjusted to an appropriate value through experimentation. If it is determined that the full charge capacity is equal to or less than the threshold value C(1) (YES in S106), the process proceeds to S108.

[0062] In S108, the ECU 300 determines whether the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 is equal to or greater than a threshold value TB(2). The threshold value TB(2) is, for example, a predetermined value for determining whether the battery assembly 100 is in a temperature region where cooling of the battery assembly 100 is required. The threshold value TB(2) is adjusted to an appropriate value through experimentation. If it is determined that the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 is equal to or greater than the threshold value TB(2) (YES in S108), the process proceeds to S110.

[0063] In S110, the ECU 300 controls the display device 450 to display text information (request information) inquiring whether or not cooling can be performed. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary display of text information on the display device 450, which requests whether cooling can be performed or not. As shown in Fig. 3, in a first region 451 placed at the top of the display screen of the display device 450, text information "Can battery cooling be performed?", which represents a request as to whether cooling can be performed or not, is displayed. The text information requesting whether cooling can be performed is not particularly related to the text information shown in Fig. 3, and a position at which the text information is shown is also not limited to the first region 451.

[0064] On the display screen, in addition to the text information inquiring whether or not cooling can be performed, text information representing an advantage resulting from performing battery cooling is shown in a second region 452 located below the first region 451, and text information representing a disadvantage is shown in a third region 453 located below the second region 452. The information representing the advantage includes, for example, text information "Battery deterioration can be suppressed." The information representing the disadvantage includes, for example, text information "Operation noise may become noticeable." The information representing the advantage and the information representing the disadvantage are not particularly limited to such text information.

[0065] A fourth region 454 and a fifth region 455 to the right of the fourth region are positioned further below the third region 453. In the fourth region 454, an image with a rectangular frame and text information "YES" within the rectangular frame is shown. In the fifth region 455, an image with a rectangular frame and text information "NO" within the rectangular frame is shown.

[0066] In S112, the ECU 300 determines whether a request to execute cooling has been issued. For example, when a user performs a touch operation on a position corresponding to the image in the fourth region 454 on a touch panel displaying the operation device 460, the ECU 300 may determine that the request to execute cooling has been issued. The touch operation on the position corresponding to the image in the fourth region 454 may hereinafter be referred to as a cooling execution operation. In addition, when the user performs a touch operation on a position corresponding to an image in the fifth region 455 on the touch panel displaying the operation device 460, the ECU 300 may determine that no request to execute cooling has been issued. The touch operation on the position corresponding to the image in the fifth region 455 may hereinafter be referred to as a non-execution operation.If it is determined that the request to execute cooling has been granted (YES in S112), the process proceeds to S114.

[0067] In S114, the ECU 300 executes battery cooling control. Specifically, the ECU 300 controls the cooling device 400 to set a performance level (the rotation speed of a fan) according to the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100. The ECU 300 sets the performance level based on, for example, a map showing a relationship between the battery temperature TB and the performance level of the cooling device 400. The relationship between the battery temperature TB and the performance level of the cooling device 400 is such that, for example, the higher the battery temperature TB, the higher the performance level of the cooling device 400. The map is stored in advance in the memory 302 of the ECU 300. If it is determined that no request to execute cooling has been issued (NO in S112), the process proceeds to S116.

[0068] In S116, the ECU 300 maintains a standstill state of the cooling device 400. If it is determined that the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 is higher than the threshold TB(1) (NO in S104), the process proceeds to S118.

[0069] In S118, the ECU 300 executes the battery cooling control. Since specific processing contents are the same as the processing contents in the battery cooling control executed in S114, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0070] In S120, the ECU 300 causes text information to be displayed, the text information notifying that the battery cooling control for the battery assembly 100 is forcibly executed. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary display on the display device 450 of text information indicating that forced cooling is being performed. As shown in Fig. 4, in a sixth region 456 located in a central position of the display screen of the display device 450, text information "Battery is being forcibly cooled" is shown, which notifies that forced cooling is being performed. The text information notifying that forced cooling is being performed is not particularly related to the Fig. 4, and the position at which the text information is shown is also not particularly limited to the central position in the display screen.

[0071] If it is determined that the cooling device 400 remains stopped (NO in S100), this process ends. If the full charge capacity of the battery assembly 100 is higher than the threshold C(1) (NO in S106), or if the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 is lower than the threshold TB(2) (NO in S108), the process proceeds to S116.

[0072] When the execution condition related to cooling the battery assembly 100 is satisfied while the cooling device 400 is active, the ECU 300 provides information through the display device 450 inquiring whether or not an operational level of the cooling device 400 can be raised. The execution condition on which the determination is based while the cooling device 400 is active and the execution condition on which a determination is based while the cooling device 400 remains stopped, which were described above, are different from each other.

[0073] Thus, when the execution condition is satisfied while the cooling device 400 is active, a request as to whether an amount of cooling of the battery assembly 100 can be increased is output to a user through the display device 450. Therefore, control of the cooling device 400 can be executed as requested by the user.

[0074] An exemplary processing for inquiring whether an operating performance level of the cooling device 400 can be raised is described below with reference to Fig. 5 described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary processing for inquiring whether or not an operating performance level of the refrigeration device 400 can be raised. The processing sequence shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the ECU 300 every predetermined control period.

[0075] In S200, the ECU 300 determines whether the cooling device 400 is active or not. For example, if the activation flag described above is on, the ECU 300 may determine that the cooling device 400 is active, or if a control signal that activates the fan is output to the cooling device 400, the ECU may determine that the cooling device 400 is active. If it is determined that the cooling device 400 is active (YES in S200), the process proceeds to S202.

[0076] In S202, the ECU 300 acquires the full charge capacity and the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100. Since the method for estimating the full charge capacity and the method for obtaining the battery temperature are as described above, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0077] In S204, the ECU 300 determines whether the full charge capacity of the battery assembly 100 is equal to or less than a threshold value C(2). The threshold value C(2), for example, is a predetermined value representing a full charge capacity at which an increase in the cooling amount due to an increase in the internal resistance value is desirable compared to an example where the full charge capacity is at an initial value, and is adjusted to an appropriate value through experimentation. If it is determined that the full charge capacity is equal to or less than the threshold value C(2) (YES in S204), the process proceeds to S206.

[0078] In S206, the ECU 300 determines whether the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 is equal to or greater than a threshold value TB(3). The threshold value TB(3) is, for example, a predetermined value for determining whether the battery assembly 100 is in a temperature region where an increase in the cooling amount of the battery assembly 100 is required. The threshold value TB(3) is adjusted to an appropriate value through experimentation. If it is determined that the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 is equal to or greater than the threshold value TB(3) (YES in S206), the process proceeds to S208.

[0079] In S208, the ECU 300 controls the display device 450 to display text information requesting whether cooling can be prioritized. For example, the ECU 300 controls the display device 450 to display various types of text information on the display screen similar to the Fig. 3. Specifically, for example, the ECU 300 controls the display device 450 to display text information “Can battery cooling be prioritized?” inquiring whether or not cooling can be prioritized in a region in the display screen corresponding to the first region 451 in Fig. 3. The text information inquiring whether cooling can be prioritized or not is not particularly limited to the text information described above.

[0080] In addition to the text information inquiring whether or not cooling can be prioritized, the ECU 300 controls the display device 450 to display text information representing an advantage resulting from prioritizing battery cooling and text information representing a disadvantage resulting from prioritizing battery cooling in respective regions on the display screen corresponding to the second region 452 and the third region 453 in Fig. 3. The information representing the advantage may, for example, include text information "Battery deterioration can be suppressed." The information representing the disadvantage may, for example, include text information "Operating noise may be noticeable."

[0081] Furthermore, the ECU 300 controls the display device 450 to display an image having a rectangular frame and text information “YES” within the rectangular frame and an image having a rectangular frame and text information “NO” within the rectangular frame in respective regions on the display screen corresponding to the fourth region 454 and the fifth region 455 in Fig. 3 to show.

[0082] In S210, the ECU 300 determines whether or not a request to prioritize cooling has been issued. For example, if the user performs a touch operation (touch operation) on a position corresponding to an image within a region corresponding to the fourth region 454 on the touch panel constituting the operation device 460, the ECU 300 may determine that a request to prioritize cooling has been issued. In addition, for example, if a user performs a touch operation on a position corresponding to an image within a region corresponding to the fifth region 455 on the touch panel constituting the operation device 460, the ECU 300 may determine that no request to prioritize cooling has been issued. If it is determined that a request to prioritize cooling has been issued (YES in S210), the process proceeds to S212.

[0083] In S212, the ECU 300 sets the fan speed increase rate based on the full charge capacity. The ECU 300 sets the fan speed increase rate based on the acquired full charge capacity and a predetermined map showing a relationship between the full charge capacity and the fan speed increase rate.

[0084] Fig. 6 is a graph illustrating, in a table format, an exemplary predetermined map illustrating a relationship between a full load capacity and a rate of increase in the speed of the fan. As shown in Fig. 6, for the full charge capacities of 30 Ah, 25 Ah, 20 Ah, 15 Ah, and 10 Ah, 0%, 10%, 20%, 50%, and 100% are set as the fan speed increase rates, respectively. In other words, the predetermined map according to Fig. 6, the increase rate of the fan speed becomes higher as the full charge capacity becomes lower. Although an example is shown in which the full charge capacity and the increase rate of the fan speed have a non-linear relationship in the predetermined map according to Fig. 6 as an example, the relationship is not particularly limited to a nonlinear relationship and may be linear.

[0085] The ECU 300 sets the increase rate of the fan speed according to the full charge capacity obtained based on the predetermined map. If the obtained full charge capacity is a value between two values ​​of the Fig. 6, the ECU 300 adjusts the fan speed increase rate according to the full charge capacity obtained by linear interpolation. If it is determined that no request to prioritize cooling has been issued (NO in S210), the process proceeds to S214.

[0086] In S214, the ECU 300 sets the fan speed increase rate to 0%. After processing in S212 or S214, the process proceeds to S216.

[0087] In S216, the ECU 300 executes the battery cooling control using the set fan speed increase rate. For example, the ECU 300 controls the cooling device 400 to adjust the fan speed calculated by adding an increment set for the fan speed determined by the battery temperature TB. For example, if 0% is set as the fan speed increase rate, the increment is 0, and thus the ECU 300 controls the cooling device 400 to adjust the fan speed determined by the battery temperature TB. Alternatively, if 100% is set as the fan speed increase rate, for example, an increment is set to a value equal to the fan speed determined by the battery temperature TB.Therefore, the ECU 300 controls the cooling device 400 to set the fan speed twice as high as the fan speed determined by the battery temperature TB.

[0088] If it is determined that the cooling device 400 is not active (NO in S200), the process ends. If it is determined that the full charge capacity is higher than the threshold C(2) (NO in S204), or if the battery temperature TB is lower than the threshold TB(3) (NO in S206), the process proceeds to S212. If the battery temperature is lower than the threshold TB(3), 0% is essentially set as the fan speed increase rate.

[0089] The following is an operation of the ECU 300 that controls the cooling system for the power storage according to the present embodiment based on the structure and flowchart described above.

[0090] For example, assume a case where the cooling device 400 remains stopped. When the cooling device 400 remains stopped (YES in S100), the full charge capacity and the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 are obtained (S102).

[0091] When the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 is lower than the threshold TB(2) (NO in S108), even if the acquired battery temperature TB is equal to or less than the threshold TB(1) (YES in S104) and the full charge capacity is equal to or less than the threshold C(1) (YES in S106), the standstill of the cooling device 400 is maintained (S116).

[0092] When the acquired battery temperature TB is equal to or less than the threshold value TB(1) (YES in S104), when the full charge capacity is equal to or less than the threshold value C(1) (YES in S106), and when the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 is equal to or higher than the threshold value TB(2) (YES in S108), text information inquiring whether cooling can be performed or not is shown in the first region 451 on the display screen of the display device 450, as shown in Fig. 3 is shown (S110).

[0093] When it is determined that a request to execute cooling has been given by the user's touch operation to the region corresponding to the fourth region 454 in the display device 450 on the touch panel constituting the operation device 460 (YES in S112), the battery cooling control is executed (S114), and the cooling device 400 is activated.

[0094] When it is determined that no request has been made to execute the cooling of the battery assembly 100 by the user's touch operation on the region corresponding to the fifth region 455 in the display device 450 on the touch panel (NO in S112), the standstill state of the cooling device 400 continues (S116).

[0095] If it is determined that the high-temperature state has been set in which the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 is higher than the threshold value TB(1) (NO in S104), the battery cooling control is executed without displaying request information on the display device 450 (S118). Then, text information notifying that forced cooling is being performed is displayed on the display screen of the display device 450, as shown in Fig. 4 is shown (S120).

[0096] The following assumes an example where the cooling device 400 is active. When the cooling device 400 is active (YES in S200), the full charge capacity and battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 are obtained (S202).

[0097] When the obtained full charge capacity is equal to or less than the threshold C(2) (YES in S204), and when the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 is equal to or higher than the threshold TB(3) (YES in S206), text information inquiring whether cooling can be prioritized is displayed on the display screen of the display device 450 (S208).

[0098] When it is determined that a request to prioritize cooling of the battery assembly 100 has been made by the user's touch operation on the region corresponding to the fourth region 454 on the touch panel (YES in S210), the rate of increase of the rotational speed of the fan is determined based on the acquired full charge capacity and the Fig. 6 (S212). When the battery cooling control is executed, the cooling device 400 is controlled such that the rotational speed corresponding to the set increase rate is added to the fan speed determined by the battery temperature TB, thereby setting the calculated fan speed (S216).

[0099] If it is determined that no request has been made to prioritize cooling of the battery assembly 100 by the user's touch operation on the region corresponding to the fifth region 455 on the touch panel (NO in S210), zero is set as the increase rate of the fan speed (S214). Therefore, the cooling device 400 is controlled such that the fan speed determined by the battery temperature TB is adjusted as a result of executing the battery cooling control (S216).

[0100] If the acquired full charge capacity is higher than the threshold C(2) (NO in S204), or if the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 is lower than the threshold TB(3) (NO in S206), the increase rate of the fan speed is adjusted based on the acquired full charge capacity (S212). Then, the cooling device 400 is controlled to adjust the fan speed determined by adding the set increment to the fan speed determined by the battery temperature TB without displaying text information on the display device 450. Thus, the battery assembly 100, which generates heat due to an increase in internal resistance, can be appropriately cooled.

[0101] As described above, according to the cooling system for the power storage device according to the present embodiment, when the execution condition including the condition that the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 is equal to or lower than the threshold value TB(1) is satisfied while the cooling device 400 remains stopped, an inquiry as to whether or not cooling of the battery assembly 100 can be performed with the cooling device 400 is output to a user through the display device 450. In this way, control of the cooling device 400 can be executed as requested by the user. Therefore, for example, when a request to execute battery cooling is issued by an operation on the operation device 460 by the user, battery cooling is executed, and the service life of the battery assembly 100 can be extended.When no request for battery cooling is made by the user through an operation on the operation device 460, the standstill state of the cooling device 400 is maintained and quiet operation is maintained during the travel of the vehicle 1. Therefore, a cooling system capable of executing control in accordance with the product characteristics that the user attaches importance to can be provided.

[0102] Furthermore, the ECU 300 controls the display device 450 to display information indicating an advantage and / or disadvantage in executing cooling in addition to the request information. Therefore, the user can recognize the advantage and disadvantage in executing cooling.

[0103] When the battery assembly 100 is in an abnormal condition such as a high temperature state, the ECU 300 performs cooling of the battery assembly 100 with the cooling device 400 without displaying request information on the display device 450. Therefore, when the battery assembly 100 is in an abnormal condition, cooling of the battery assembly 100 is forcibly performed, and thus the possibility of failure or deterioration of the battery assembly 100 can be reduced.

[0104] When the ECU 300 has performed cooling of the battery assembly 100 with the cooling device 400 without displaying request information on the display device, the ECU 300 controls the display device 450 to display information indicating that cooling of the battery assembly 100 is being performed. Therefore, a strange feeling that may be gained by the user due to the user unintentionally activating the cooling device 400 can be suppressed.

[0105] When the execution condition including the condition that the full charge capacity of the battery assembly 100 is equal to or less than the threshold C(2) and the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 is equal to or higher than the threshold TB(3) is satisfied while the cooling device 400 is active, information inquiring whether or not the performance level of the cooling device 400 can be raised is displayed on the display device 450. Therefore, control of the cooling device 400 can be executed as requested by the user.

[0106] A modification is described below.

[0107] Although an electric vehicle has been described as the vehicle 1 as an example according to the above-described embodiment, the vehicle is not particularly limited to the electric vehicle, and the vehicle may be, for example, a hybrid vehicle having an engine as a drive source or a power generation source in addition to the MG 10.

[0108] For example, although the vehicle 1 is configured such that electric power can be supplied and received between the battery assembly 100 and MG 10 according to the above-described embodiment, in addition to the above-described configuration, the vehicle 1 may be configured such that the battery assembly 100 is chargeable with electric power supplied from a charging station outside the vehicle 1.

[0109] Although a touch panel is used as the operation device 460 according to the above-described embodiment, a switch having an operation member such as a button or a lever may be used instead of or in addition to the touch panel. In this case, for example, the ECU 300 may determine that a request to execute cooling or prioritize cooling is issued when a predetermined condition is met on the switch after the text information is displayed on the display device 450. The ECU may determine that no request to execute cooling or prioritize cooling is issued as long as no predetermined operation is performed on the switch during a period until a predetermined time elapses since the text information was displayed.

[0110] Although various types of information are provided to a user by displaying text information on the display device 450 according to the above-described embodiment as an example, various types of information may be provided to the user by audio output from a speaker (not shown) in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1.

[0111] Although according to the embodiment described above, in addition to the information inquiring whether or not the battery cooling can be performed, information representing an advantage and information representing a disadvantage in performing the cooling are displayed, for example, at least any of the information representing the advantage and the information representing the disadvantage may be displayed by only displaying the information representing the advantage or only displaying the information representing the disadvantage.

[0112] Although, according to the above-described embodiment, in addition to the information inquiring whether or not battery cooling can be performed, information representing an advantage and information representing a disadvantage in executing cooling are displayed, information representing an advantage in not executing cooling and information representing a disadvantage in not executing cooling may be displayed. Thus, the user can recognize the advantage and disadvantage of not executing cooling.

[0113] Although, according to the above-described embodiment, in an abnormal condition in which the battery assembly 100 is in the high-temperature state where the battery temperature is higher than the threshold TB(1), the forced cooling of the battery assembly 100 is performed without inquiring whether or not the battery cooling can be performed, the abnormal condition of the battery assembly 100 is not limited to, for example, the high-temperature state, and the abnormal condition may include, in addition to or instead of the high-temperature state, an abnormal condition requiring cooling of the battery assembly 100, such as an overcurrent flowing through the battery assembly 100 or an overvoltage in the battery assembly 100.

[0114] Although, according to the above-described embodiment, a configuration including a fan that supplies air in the passenger compartment to the battery assembly 100 has been described as an exemplary cooling device 400, it is not particularly intended to be limited to such a configuration. For example, the cooling device 400 may include a medium path provided adjacent to the battery assembly 100 so as to branch off from a refrigerant path downstream of an expansion valve in a refrigerant circuit included in an air conditioner provided in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1, and a regulating valve that regulates an amount of refrigerant flowing through the medium path.In this case, the ECU 300 adjusts an operating performance level of the cooling device 400 by adjusting a ratio of coolant supplied to the air conditioner and a ratio of the coolant supplied to the battery assembly 100 to a total flow rate of the coolant during a predetermined period by adjusting the opening of the regulating valve according to the battery temperature TB.

[0115] Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary processing for inquiring whether or not battery cooling can be prioritized according to a modification. Fig. The flowchart shown in Figure 7 differs from the one in Fig. 5 in that the processing in S312 and S314 is performed instead of S212 and S214. Since the processing is otherwise the same as the processing in the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 except for the one described below, and the same number of steps has been assigned to the same processings, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0116] In S312, the ECU 300 sets a battery cooling increase rate based on the full charge capacity. The battery cooling increase rate refers to an increment to the performance level of the cooling device 400 determined by the battery temperature TB. The ECU 300 sets the battery cooling increase rate based on the acquired full charge capacity and a predetermined map showing a relationship between the full charge capacity and the battery cooling increase rate.

[0117] Fig. 8 is a graph illustrating, in a table format, an exemplary predetermined map illustrating a relationship between a full charge capacity and a battery cooling increase rate. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, for the full charge capacities of 30 Ah, 25 Ah, 20 Ah, 15 Ah, and 10 Ah, 0%, 10%, 20%, 50%, and 100% are set as the battery cooling increase rates, respectively. In other words, the Fig. 8 shows that the increase rate of battery cooling becomes higher as the full charge capacity becomes lower. Although an example in which Fig. 8, the full charge capacity and the increase rate of battery cooling satisfy a non-linear relationship, has been described as an example, the relationship is not particularly limited to a non-linear relationship and may be linear.

[0118] The ECU 300 sets the increase rate of battery cooling according to the obtained full charge capacity based on the predetermined map. When the obtained full charge capacity is a value between two values ​​of the Fig. 8, the ECU 300 sets an increase rate of battery cooling according to the full charge capacity obtained by linear interpolation.

[0119] In S314, the ECU 300 sets the battery cooling increase rate to 0%. After processing in S312 or S314, the process proceeds to S216.

[0120] In this way, also when a user requests prioritizing cooling of the battery assembly 100 in response to text information inquiring whether or not cooling can be prioritized, control of the cooling device 400 can be executed as requested by the user to thereby cool the battery assembly 100.

[0121] For example, although according to the above-described embodiment, a request as to whether or not the battery cooling can be performed is issued when the battery temperature TB is equal to or lower than the threshold value TB(1) and higher than the threshold value TB(2), a request as to whether or not the battery cooling can be performed may be issued when the battery temperature TB is at least equal to or lower than the threshold value TB(1).

[0122] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary processing for inquiring whether battery cooling can be performed according to a modification. Fig. The flowchart shown in Figure 9 differs from the one in Fig. 2 in that the processing (S108) for determining whether the battery temperature TB is equal to or higher than the threshold TB(2) is omitted. Since the processing is otherwise the same as the processing in the Fig. 2, and the same processing is assigned the same number of steps, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated. Thus, control of the refrigeration device as requested by a user can also be executed.

[0123] Although according to the embodiment described above, the battery cooling control is executed without inquiring whether the battery cooling can be executed when the battery temperature TB is higher than the threshold TB(1), for example, when the battery assembly 100 is in an abnormal condition, forced cooling of the battery assembly 100 may be executed without inquiring whether the battery cooling can be executed or not.

[0124] Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary processing for inquiring whether or not battery cooling can be performed according to another modification. Fig. The flowchart shown in Figure 10 differs from the one in Fig. 2 in that the processing in S404 is performed instead of S104. Since the processing is otherwise the same as the processing in the flowchart shown in Fig. 2 except for the one described below, and the same processings are assigned the same number of steps, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0125] Specifically, when the full charge capacity and the battery temperature TB have been obtained, the process proceeds to S404. In S404, the ECU 300 determines whether the battery is functioning normally or not. For example, the ECU 300 determines that the battery is functioning normally when the battery temperature TB is equal to or lower than the threshold TB(1), when a current from the battery is equal to or lower than a threshold, and when a voltage is within a predetermined range. If it is determined that the battery is functioning normally (YES in S404), the process proceeds to S106. When an abnormal condition requiring cooling of the battery assembly 100, such as a battery temperature TB being higher than a threshold TB(1), a current being higher than the threshold, or the voltage being outside the predetermined range, occurs, it is determined that the battery is in the abnormal condition (NO in S404), and the process proceeds to S118.Since the cooling of the battery assembly 100 is thus forcibly performed when the battery assembly 100 is in the abnormal condition, the possibility of failure or deterioration of the battery assembly 100 can be lowered.

[0126] According to the above-described embodiment, in the processing for inquiring whether battery cooling can be prioritized when the full charge capacity is higher than the threshold C(2) or when the battery temperature is lower than the threshold TB(3), the increase rate of the fan speed or battery cooling is set based on the full charge capacity. However, in such a case, for example, zero may be set as the increase rate of the fan speed or battery cooling.

[0127] According to the embodiment described above, the execution condition on which the determination is based while the cooling device 400 is stopped includes a condition that the battery temperature TB is equal to or lower than the threshold value TB(1). However, the execution condition should only relate to cooling the battery assembly 100 and is not particularly limited to the condition that the battery temperature TB is equal to or lower than the threshold value TB(1). For example, the execution condition may include at least any of a condition that a temperature of a portion around the battery assembly 100 is equal to or lower than a threshold value, a condition that a temperature of a medium that exchanges heat with the battery assembly 100 is equal to or lower than a threshold value, and a condition that a duration of a standstill state of the cooling device 400 exceeds a threshold value.

[0128] According to the embodiment described above, in the processing for inquiring whether battery cooling can be prioritized, when a request to prioritize cooling has been issued, the increase rate of the rotational speed of the fan or battery cooling is set based on the full charge capacity, and when prioritizing cooling has not been requested, the increase rate of the rotational speed of the fan or battery cooling is set to 0%.However, for example, an initial increase rate of the fan or battery cooling speed may be set to 0%, and an increase from 0% may be performed when it is determined that a request to prioritize cooling has been issued. Alternatively, an upper limit of the increase rate may be set, and if it is determined that prioritizing cooling is not requested, a decrease from the upper limit may be made. Furthermore, the increase rate of the fan or battery cooling speed at the time when it is determined that a request to prioritize cooling has been issued may be stored in the memory 302 of the ECU 300 as information that can be set using a diagnostic tool at a distributor such as a dealer.

[0129] According to the above-described embodiment, when request information is provided when the execution condition is satisfied while the cooling device 400 remains stopped, and thereafter a cooling execution operation is received by a user in the operation device 460, it is determined that a request to execute cooling has been issued, and the battery cooling control is executed. However, the user can change a setting with the use of a diagnostic tool at a distributor such as a dealer so that, after the request information is provided, the battery cooling control is executed when, for example, the full charge capacity is equal to or lower than the threshold value C(1) and the battery temperature TB is equal to or higher than the threshold value TB(2).Alternatively, the user can change the setting so that the battery cooling control is not executed, or can change the setting of various thresholds.

[0130] According to the embodiment described above, when a cooling execution operation is received by the user in the operation device 460 after request information is provided, if the execution condition is satisfied while the cooling device 400 remains stopped, it is determined that a request to execute cooling has been issued, and the battery cooling control is executed, and when a cooling non-execution operation is received after the request information is provided, if the execution condition is satisfied while the cooling device 400 remains stopped, it is determined that no request to execute cooling has been issued, and a standstill state of the cooling device 400 is maintained.However, for example, when the cooling execution operation or the cooling non-execution operation has been received, and thereafter the above-described execution condition is no longer satisfied and thereafter is satisfied again, the operation previously received by the operation device 460 may be restored, and the cooling of the battery assembly 100 may be executed or not executed based on the operation previously received by the operation device 460.

[0131] Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary processing for inquiring whether or not battery cooling can be performed according to another modification. A processing sequence shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the ECU 300 every predetermined control period.

[0132] In S500, the ECU 300 determines whether the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 is equal to or higher than the threshold TB(2). Since the threshold TB(2) is as described above, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated. If it is determined that the battery temperature TB of the battery assembly 100 is equal to or higher than the threshold TB(2) (YES in S500), the process proceeds to S502.

[0133] In S502, the ECU 300 determines whether operation record information is absent (not present). The operation record information includes information indicating that one of the cooling execution operation and the cooling non-execution operation has been performed after displaying the text information inquiring whether or not cooling can be performed, as described later. If it is determined that the operation record information is absent (YES in S502), the process proceeds to S504.

[0134] In S504, the ECU 300 determines whether the cooling device 400 remains stopped or not. Since the processing in S504 is the same as the above-described processing in S100, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated. If it is determined that the cooling device 400 remains stopped (YES in S504), the process proceeds to S506. If it is determined that the cooling device 400 does not remain stopped (NO in S504), the process ends.

[0135] In S506, the ECU 300 controls the display device 450 to display request information. In S508, the ECU 300 determines whether a request to execute cooling has been issued. If it is determined that request information to execute cooling has been issued (YES in S508), the process proceeds to S110. Since the processing in S506 and S508 is the same as the above-described processing in S110 and S112, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0136] In S510, the ECU 300 causes the operation record information indicating the presence of the request to be stored. The ECU 300 causes the memory 302 to store information indicating that it has received the cooling execution operation as operation record information indicating the presence of the request.

[0137] In S512, the ECU 300 executes the battery cooling control. Since the processing in S512 is the same as the above-described processing in S114, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated. If it is determined that no request to execute cooling has been issued (NO in S508), the process proceeds to S514.

[0138] In S514, the ECU 300 causes operation record information indicating the absence (non-existence) of the request to be stored. The ECU 300 causes the memory 302 to store information indicating that it has received the cooling non-execution operation as operation record information indicating the absence (non-existence) of the request.

[0139] In S516, the ECU 300 stops the operation of the cooling device 400. If the cooling device 400 remains stopped, the ECU 300 maintains the standstill state of the cooling device 400. If it is determined that the operation record information exists (NO in S502), the process proceeds to S518.

[0140] In S518, the ECU 300 determines whether the operation record information falls under the operation record information indicating the presence of the request. If it is determined that the operation record information falls under the operation record information indicating the presence of the request (YES in S518), the process proceeds to S520.

[0141] In S520, the ECU 300 executes the battery cooling control. While the ECU 300 executes the battery cooling control, the ECU 300 maintains the active state of the cooling device 400. If it is determined that the operation record information does not fall under the operation record information indicating the presence of the request (NO in S518), the process proceeds to S516. If it is determined that the battery temperature TB is lower than the threshold TB(2) (NO in S500), the process proceeds to S522. In S522, the ECU 300 stops the operation of the cooling device 400.

[0142] Depending on the state of the battery assembly 100, satisfaction and non-satisfaction of the above-described execution condition (i.e., the condition that the battery temperature TB is equal to or higher than the threshold TB(2)) may be frequently repeated. If request information is provided to the user each time the execution condition is satisfied, this may cause the user to feel disturbed, and the product characteristics preferred by the user may not be achieved. Therefore, when the execution condition is satisfied again in this way, cooling of the battery assembly 100 is executed or not executed according to the previous operation, so that control of the cooling system 2 can be further provided in accordance with the product characteristics valued by the user.The execution condition may include a condition related to the full charge capacity in addition to the condition related to battery temperature TB.

[0143] According to the above-described embodiment, when the cooling execution operation is received by the user in the operation device 460 after the request information is provided, if the execution condition is satisfied while the cooling device 400 remains stopped, it is determined that a request to execute cooling has been issued, and the battery cooling control is executed. In addition, when a cooling non-execution operation is received, it is determined that no request to execute cooling has been issued, and the cooling device remains in the stopped state.However, for example, when the cooling execution operation or the cooling non-execution operation is received in the operation device 460, and thereafter an operation is received again on the operation device 460, the cooling of the power storage may be executed or not executed based on this operation, provided that the execution condition is satisfied.

[0144] Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary processing for inquiring whether or not battery cooling can be performed according to another modification. Fig. The flowchart shown in Figure 12 differs from the one shown in Fig. 11, the processing in S600, S602, S604, S606, S608, and S610 may be performed instead of the processing in S510, S512, S514, S516, S518, S520, and S522. Since the processing (especially the processing in S500, S502, S504, S506, and S508 in Fig. 12) otherwise the same as in the flowchart in Fig. 11 except for the processing described below, and the same number of steps is assigned to the same processing, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0145] If it is determined that a request to execute cooling has been issued (YES in S508), the process proceeds to S600, and if it is determined that no request to execute cooling has been issued (NO in S508), the process proceeds to S602.

[0146] In S600, the ECU 300 causes operation record information indicating the presence of the request to be stored. If the operation record information indicating the absence (non-existence) of the request has been stored, the ECU 300 updates the operation record information with the operation record information indicating the presence of the request.

[0147] In S602, the ECU 300 causes operation record information indicating the absence (non-existence) of the request to be stored. If operation record information indicating the presence of the request has been stored, the ECU 300 updates the operation record information with the operation record information indicating the absence of the request.

[0148] In S604, the ECU 300 determines whether a predetermined time period has elapsed since the request information was displayed. The predetermined time period is a predetermined period during which the cooling execution operation or the cooling non-execution operation is accepted. If it is determined that the predetermined time period has elapsed (YES in S604), the process proceeds to S606. If it is determined that the operation record information exists (NO in S502), the process proceeds to S606.

[0149] In S606, the ECU 300 determines whether the operation record information falls under the operation record information indicating the presence of the request. If it is determined that the operation record information falls under the operation record information indicating the presence of the request (YES in S606), the process proceeds to S608.

[0150] In S608, the ECU 300 executes the battery cooling control. While the ECU 300 executes the battery cooling control, the ECU 300 maintains the active state of the cooling device 400.

[0151] When it is determined that the battery temperature TB is lower than the threshold TB(2) (NO in S500), or when it is determined that the operation record information does not fall under the operation record information indicating the presence of the request (NO in S606), the process proceeds to S610.

[0152] In S610, the ECU 300 stops the operation of the cooling device 400. If the cooling device 400 remains stopped, the ECU 300 maintains the standstill state of the cooling device 400.

[0153] For example, during a trip of the vehicle 1, the driver may change his mind, or the user may perform an incorrect operation, and the user may perform an operation that differs from an intended operation. The trip refers to a period from a start-up of a system of the vehicle 1 by a start operation to the deactivation of the system of the vehicle 1 by a deactivation operation. The start operation includes, for example, an operation of a start button (not shown) while the system of the vehicle 1 is off. The deactivation operation includes, for example, an operation of the start button while the system of the vehicle 1 is on.

[0154] If no change can be made from the previous operation in the event of the change of mind or the incorrect operation described above, the product characteristics preferred by the user cannot be achieved. Therefore, when an operation is performed again after the previous operation, cooling is performed or not performed based on the last operation, so that control of the cooling system can be provided that is even more in line with the product characteristics valued by the user.

[0155] If the operation record information remains in the memory 302 at the end of a trip of the vehicle 1, the execution or non-execution of cooling will continue thereafter based on the information, and product characteristics preferred by the user may not be achieved. Therefore, such information may be reset (the operation record information stored in the memory 302 may be deleted) at the end of the trip of the vehicle 1.

[0156] Such a situation that the execution or non-execution of cooling is continued based on the information regarding an initial operation can thus be avoided, and control of a cooling system that is even more in accordance with the product characteristics that a user attaches importance to can be provided.

[0157] All or part of the modifications may be carried out in combination.

[0158] As described above, an ECU (300) performs processing including: obtaining (obtaining, acquiring) a full charge capacity (S102) when a cooling device (400) remains stopped (YES in S100), displaying text information inquiring whether or not cooling can be performed (S110) when a battery temperature is equal to or lower than a threshold value TB(1) (YES in S104), when the full charge capacity is equal to or lower than a threshold value C(1) (YES in S106), and when the battery temperature is equal to or higher than a threshold value TB(2) (YES in S108), executing battery cooling control (S114) when a request to execute cooling has been issued (YES in S112), and maintaining a standstill state of the cooling device (400) (S116) when no request to execute cooling has been issued. (NO in S112).

Claims

[1] Cooling system (2) for a power storage device (100), wherein the power storage device (100) is used to supply electrical power to a drive source (10) of a vehicle (1), wherein the cooling system (2) comprises: a cooling device (400) which cools the power storage device (100), a notification device (450) providing predetermined information in a passenger compartment of the vehicle (1), and a control device (300) that controls the cooling device (400) and the notification device (450), wherein, when an execution condition relating to cooling of the power storage (100) is met while stopping the cooling device (400), the control device (300) provides request information through the notification device (450), the request information representing whether cooling of the power storage (100) is being carried out with the cooling device (400), and, when the execution condition is satisfied during cooling by the cooling device (400), the control device (300) provides information through the notification device (450) inquiring whether an operating performance level of the cooling device (400) can be raised. [2] The cooling system (2) according to claim 1, wherein the execution condition includes a condition that a temperature of the power storage (100) is equal to or lower than a first temperature. [3] Cooling system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device (300) obtains a full charge capacity of the power storage (100), and the full charge capacity is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, and when the execution condition is met, the control device (300) provides the request information through the notification device (450). [4] The cooling system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an operation device (460) that accepts an operation by a user, wherein, when the operation device (460) accepts a cooling execution operation requesting execution of cooling of the power storage (100) in response to the request information, the control device (300) executes cooling of the power storage (100) with the cooling device (400). [5] The cooling system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an operation device (460) that accepts an operation by a user, wherein, when the operation device (460) accepts a cooling non-execution operation requesting non-execution of cooling of the power storage (100) in response to the request information, the control device (300) does not execute cooling of the power storage (100) with the cooling device (400). [6] Cooling system (2) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, when the operating device (460) receives the cooling execution operation and then the execution condition is not satisfied and is satisfied again, the cooling execution operation that has been received by the operating device (460) is restored, and the control device (300) executes the cooling of the power storage (100) on the basis of the cooling execution operation received again by the operating device (460), and when the operation device (460) receives a cooling non-execution operation and then the cooling execution condition is not satisfied and then satisfied again, the cooling non-execution operation received by the operation device (460) is restored, and the control device (300) does not execute the cooling of the power storage (100) based on the cooling non-execution operation received again by the operation device (460). [7] Cooling system (2) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, when a travel of the vehicle (1) ends, the control device (300) resets information representing the operation previously received by the operation device (460). [8] Cooling system (2) according to claim 6, wherein, when the operation device (460) accepts the cooling execution operation and then accepts an additional operation, the control device (300) executes the cooling of the power storage (100) on the condition that the execution condition is met, based on the additional operation, and, when the operation device (460) accepts the cooling non-execution operation and then accepts an additional operation, the control device (300) does not execute the cooling of the power storage (100) on the condition that the execution condition is satisfied, based on the additional operation. [9] Cooling system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, when the power storage (100) is in an abnormal condition, the control device (300) performs cooling of the power storage (100) with the cooling device (400) without providing the request information. [10] Cooling system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, when a temperature of the power storage (100) is equal to or lower than a first temperature and higher than a second temperature, the control device (300) provides the request information, and, when the temperature of the power storage (100) is higher than the first temperature, the control device (300) carries out the cooling of the power storage (100) with the cooling device (400) without providing the request information. [11] Cooling system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control device (300) provides information representing an advantage and / or a disadvantage in carrying out the cooling in addition to the request information. [12] Cooling system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control device (300) provides information representing an advantage and / or a disadvantage in not carrying out the cooling in addition to the request information. [13] The cooling system (2) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, when the control device (300) has executed the cooling of the power storage (100) with the cooling device (400) without providing the request information, the control device (300) provides information indicating that the cooling of the power storage (100) is being executed through the notification device (450).

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