Storage battery management device, storage battery management method, and program

Abstract

A storage battery management device according to this embodiment comprises a display control unit that, in response to an operation in which a user interface screen was used, causes a display unit to

Description

Battery management device, battery management method, and program

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a storage battery management device, a storage battery management method, and a program.

[0002] In recent years, storage battery systems including a plurality of storage battery modules have been used, for example, as backup power sources, storage devices for power generated by renewable energy sources, etc. However, storage battery modules gradually deteriorate over time.

[0003] Therefore, in conventional technology, for example, the SOH (State of Health) of the storage battery module is monitored, and if a storage battery module whose SOH indicates deterioration is found, the module is replaced with a new storage battery module.

[0004] JP 2018-128769 A

[0005] However, even if a battery module showing deterioration in SOH is found, it does not necessarily need to be replaced immediately. Furthermore, replacing a battery module is costly. Therefore, it would be useful to be able to display information about how the remaining life of the battery system will be extended if the battery module is replaced before actually replacing it.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a battery management device, a battery management method, and a program that can display information regarding how the remaining life of a battery system will be extended if at least some of the multiple battery modules that make up the battery system are replaced.

[0007] The battery management device of this embodiment includes a display control unit that, in response to operations using a user interface screen, causes a display unit to display first remaining life information indicating the current remaining life of the battery system calculated based on the SOH of each of the multiple battery modules that constitute the battery system, and second remaining life information indicating the remaining life of the battery system when one or more of the battery modules are replaced with other battery modules, the second remaining life information being calculated based on the SOH of the battery module that is not replaced and the SOH of the other battery modules.

[0008] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an overview of a storage battery system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram of a storage battery unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a configuration block diagram of a cell module and the like according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a configuration block diagram of a host control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a functional configuration block diagram of a control unit of the host control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of the host control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen in the host control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing of the host control device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen in the host control device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional configuration block diagram of a control unit of the host control device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing of the host control device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen in the host control device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a functional configuration block diagram of a control unit of the host control device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing of the host control device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen in the host control device according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing of the upper control device of the fifth embodiment. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing of the upper control device of the sixth embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments (first to sixth embodiments) of a storage battery management device, a storage battery management method, and a program of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an overview of a storage battery system 100 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the storage battery system 100 includes, for example, a power meter 2, a storage battery unit 4, a storage battery controller 5, and a higher-level control device 6. Note that the configuration of the storage battery system 100 is not limited to this, and the configurations of the individual devices constituting the storage battery system 100 are not limited to those described below.

[0011] A commercial power source 1 supplies commercial power. A power meter 2 measures the power supplied from the commercial power source 1. A load 3 is a device that consumes power.

[0012] The storage battery unit 4 charges the commercial power supply 1 based on the measurement results of the power meter 2, and when the power supply from the commercial power supply 1 is cut off, discharges the power and supplies it to the load 3.

[0013] The battery controller 5 performs local control of the battery unit 4. The upper control device 6 performs remote control of the battery controller 5.

[0014] In the above configuration, the load 3 normally operates by receiving power supply from the commercial power supply 1, and operates by receiving power supply from the storage battery unit 4 when the power supply from the commercial power supply 1 is cut off.

[0015] The above explanation is for the case where the storage battery unit 4 is operated as a backup power supply, but it can also be applied to the case where, during peak shifting for power load leveling, the power of the storage battery unit 4 is superimposed on the power supplied from the commercial power source 1. It can also be applied to the case where power is generated using renewable energy (energy from sunlight, solar heat, hydropower, wind power, biomass, geothermal heat, etc.) and power quality (voltage, frequency, etc.) is to be stabilized.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a configuration block diagram of the storage battery unit 4 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the storage battery unit 4 can be broadly divided into a storage battery device 11 that stores power, and a power conditioning system (PCS) 12 that converts DC power supplied from the storage battery device 11 into AC power having a desired power quality and supplies the AC power to a load.

[0017] The storage battery equipment 11 is roughly divided into a plurality of battery panel units 21-1 to 21-N (N is a natural number of 2 or more) and a battery terminal board 22 to which the battery panel units 21-1 to 21-N are connected.

[0018] The battery panel units 21-1 to 21-N each include a plurality of battery panels 23-1 to 23-M (M is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) connected in parallel with each other, a gateway device 24, and a DC power supply device 25 that supplies DC power for operation to a BMU (Battery Management Unit) and a CMU (Cell Monitoring Unit) described below.

[0019] Here, we will explain in detail the configuration of the battery panel units 21-1 to 21-N. The battery panels 23-1 to 23-M that make up the battery panel units 21-1 to 21-N are connected to output power lines (buses) LHO and LLO via the high-potential power supply line LH and the low-potential power supply line LL, respectively, and supply power to the PCS 12, which is the main circuit.

[0020] Since the battery panels 23-1 to 23-M have the same configuration, the battery panel 23-1 will be described as an example. The battery panel 23-1 is broadly divided into a plurality of cell modules 31-1 to 31-20, a plurality of CMUs 32-1 to 32-20 provided in the cell modules 31-1 to 31-20, respectively, a service disconnect 33 provided between the cell module 31-12 and the cell module 31-13, a current sensor 34, and a contactor 35. The plurality of cell modules 31-1 to 31-20, the service disconnect 33, the current sensor 34, and the contactor 35 are connected in series.

[0021] Here, the cell modules 31-1 to 31-20 are configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series and parallel to form assembled batteries, and the plurality of series-connected cell modules 31-1 to 31-20 form assembled battery groups.

[0022] Furthermore, the battery panel 23-1 is equipped with a BMU 36. The communication lines of each of the CMUs 32-1 to 32-20 and the output line of the current sensor 34 are connected to the BMU 36. The BMU 36 controls the entire battery panel 23-1 under the control of the gateway device 24, and controls the opening and closing of the contactor 35 based on the results of communication with each of the CMUs 32-1 to 32-20 and the detection results of the current sensor 34. In the following, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the battery panels 23-1 to 23-M, they will also be simply referred to as the battery panel 23.

[0023] Next, we will explain the configuration of the battery terminal board 22. The battery terminal board 22 includes a plurality of board circuit breakers 41-1 to 41-N provided corresponding to the battery board units 21-1 to 21-N, and a master device 42 configured as a microcomputer that controls the entire storage battery equipment 11.

[0024] The master device 42 is connected to the PCS 12 via a control power line 51 supplied via a UPS (Uninterruptible Power System) 12A of the PCS 12, and a control communication line 52 configured as Ethernet (registered trademark) for exchanging control data.

[0025] Here, we will explain the detailed configuration of the cell modules 31-1 to 31-20, CMUs 32-1 to 32-20, and BMU 36. Fig. 3 is a configuration block diagram of the cell modules etc. of the first embodiment. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, each of the cell modules 31-1 to 31-20 includes a plurality of battery cells 61-1 to 61-10 connected in series.

[0026] The CMUs 32-1 to 32-20 each include an AFEIC (Analog Front End IC: voltage temperature measurement IC) 62 for measuring the voltage of the battery cells constituting the corresponding cell modules 31-1 to 31-20 and the temperature at a predetermined location, an MPU 63 for controlling the entire CMU 32-1 to 32-20, a communication controller 64 conforming to the CAN (Controller Area Network) standard for performing CAN communication with the BMU 36, and a memory 65 for storing voltage data and temperature data corresponding to the voltage of each cell.

[0027] In the following description, the configurations each including the cell modules 31-1 to 31-20 and the corresponding CMUs 32-1 to 32-20 will be referred to as storage battery modules 37-1 to 37-20. For example, the configuration including the cell module 31-1 and the corresponding CMU 32-1 will be referred to as storage battery module 37-1. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the storage battery modules 37-1 to 37-20, they will also be simply referred to as storage battery modules 37.

[0028] The BMU 36 also includes an MPU 71 that controls the entire BMU 36, a communication controller 72 that complies with the CAN standard for performing CAN communication between the CMUs 32-1 to 32-20, and a memory 73 that stores voltage data and temperature data transmitted from the CMUs 32-1 to 32-20.

[0029] 4 is a configuration block diagram of the host control device 6 of the first embodiment. The host control device 6 is configured as a so-called computer, and includes, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, an external storage device 6A, a control unit 6B that controls the entire host control device 6, a display unit 6C that displays various information to an operator, an input device 6D through which the operator inputs various information, and a communication network 6E for communication between the control unit 6B and the external storage device 6A and between the control unit 6B and external devices such as the battery control controller 5.

[0030] The degradation phenomenon of a typical storage battery will be explained using a lithium-ion battery as an example for such a storage battery system 100. Battery characteristics that change with degradation include internal resistance and battery capacity. Battery capacity tends to decrease over time, while battery internal resistance tends to increase. One of the factors that causes battery capacity to decrease is an increase in internal resistance.

[0031] In general, the higher the battery temperature, the faster the battery deteriorates. Therefore, if there is variation in battery temperature within a storage battery module, the cell module with the highest battery temperature is more likely to deteriorate. For example, heat is generated inside the battery as the battery is charged and discharged, causing the battery temperature to rise. Heat generated by the battery gathers at the top of the battery panel, and the higher the battery located, the higher the temperature tends to be. In addition, heat generated and emitted by equipment such as the PCS 12 may increase the temperature of adjacent battery panels. As such, there is a concern that variation in temperature distribution within the battery panel may accelerate the deterioration of battery cells and storage battery modules with high battery temperatures.

[0032] In order to deal with such a situation, conventional techniques have, for example, monitored the SOH of the storage battery modules, and if a storage battery module showing deterioration in SOH is found, the module is replaced with a new one.

[0033] However, even if a battery module showing deterioration in SOH is found, it does not necessarily need to be replaced immediately. Furthermore, replacing a battery module is costly. Therefore, before actually replacing a battery module, it would be useful to obtain information on how the remaining life of the battery system will be extended if the battery module is replaced.

[0034] Therefore, below, we will explain a technology that can display information regarding how the remaining life of the storage battery system 100 will be extended if it is assumed that at least some of the multiple storage battery modules that make up the storage battery system 100 are replaced.

[0035] 5 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 6B of the host control device 6 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 6B includes, as functional components, a replacement target selection unit 91, a remaining life calculation unit 92, a cost calculation unit 93, and a display control unit 94.

[0036] The replacement target selection unit 91 selects a storage battery module 37 to be replaced from among the multiple storage battery modules 37 that constitute the storage battery system 100. For example, the replacement target selection unit 91 selects a storage battery module 37 whose SOH indicates deterioration as the storage battery module 37 to be replaced. Alternatively, for example, the replacement target selection unit 91 may select a storage battery module 37 specified by a user as the storage battery module 37 to be replaced.

[0037] The remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates first remaining life information indicating the current remaining life of the storage battery system 100 based on the SOH of each of the multiple storage battery modules 37 constituting the storage battery system 100. The remaining life calculation unit 92 also calculates second remaining life information indicating the remaining life of the storage battery system 100 when one or more storage battery modules 37 are replaced with other storage battery modules based on the SOH of the storage battery module 37 that is not replaced and the SOH of the other storage battery modules. The other storage battery modules are, for example, new storage battery modules or reused storage battery modules.

[0038] In addition, when calculating the second remaining life information, the remaining life calculation unit 92 may calculate the second remaining life information in the case where all storage battery modules 37 in a specified battery panel 23 are replaced with other storage battery modules, based on the SOH of the other storage battery modules.

[0039] The remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates the first remaining life information and the second remaining life information by simulating the charge and discharge operation of the storage battery module using, for example, a digital model (e.g., an equivalent circuit model) of the storage battery unit 4 that incorporates various characteristic values ​​of the storage battery module 37 and other storage battery modules (hereinafter, these will also be collectively referred to as "storage battery modules"). Furthermore, the first remaining life information and the second remaining life information may be calculated using not only the SOH of the storage battery module but also other information such as the environmental temperature of the storage battery module.

[0040] The cost calculation unit 93 calculates the cost required for the replacement (hereinafter also referred to as "replacement cost") based on the procurement cost of the other storage battery module to be newly installed as replacement and the labor cost of the replacement.

[0041] The display control unit 94 displays various information on the display unit 6C. For example, the display control unit 94 displays first remaining life information, second remaining life information, and replacement costs on the display unit 6C in response to an operation using the user interface screen. The display control unit 94 also displays, for example, a life extension effect on the display unit 6C. The life extension effect is an effect of extending the time until the storage battery system 100 no longer satisfies the specifications. Specifically, the display content of the life extension effect may be, for example, the first remaining life information and the second remaining life information, or may be the length of the life of the storage battery system 100 extended by replacing the storage battery module 37 (for example, "three months").

[0042] Next, the processing of the host control device 6 and an example of a display screen according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the host control device 6 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen in the host control device 6 according to the first embodiment.

[0043] First, in step S1 , the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates first remaining life information indicating the current remaining life of the storage battery system 100 based on the SOH of each of the plurality of storage battery modules 37 .

[0044] Next, for example, the user performs an operation on the screen shown in Fig. 7(a). In Fig. 7(a), a plurality of battery panels 23 each consisting of a plurality of storage battery modules 37 are displayed in region R1. The storage battery module 37 (also referred to as module A) whose SOH indicates deterioration is displayed as "A."

[0045] In addition, in region R2, module A, battery panel A (battery panel 23 including module A), and selection (optional) are displayed as replacement candidates in a selectable manner.

[0046] In addition, in the region R3, a new storage battery module and a reused storage battery module are displayed as selectable replacement options.

[0047] In addition, a calculation start button is displayed in region R4.

[0048] On such a screen, the user can select the item to be replaced from the replacement candidates in area R2, select the item to be replaced with (new or reused) from the replacement destination in area R3, and then press the start calculation button in area R4 to complete the operation.

[0049] Thereafter, in step S2, the replacement target selection unit 91 selects the storage battery module 37 to be replaced, which is specified by the operation, from among the plurality of storage battery modules 37 that constitute the storage battery system 100.

[0050] Next, in step S3, the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates second remaining life information indicating the remaining life of the storage battery system 100 when the storage battery module 37 to be replaced is replaced with another storage battery module, based on the SOH of the storage battery module 37 that is not to be replaced and the SOH of the other storage battery modules.

[0051] Next, in step S4, the cost calculation unit 93 calculates the replacement cost based on the procurement cost of another storage battery module to be newly installed as replacement and the labor cost of the replacement.

[0052] Next, in step S5, the display control unit 94 displays the first remaining lifespan information, the second remaining lifespan information, and the replacement cost on the display unit 6C. Figure 7(b) is an example of the display screen. In Figure 7(b), the current lifespan (October 2020) of the storage battery system 100, the lifespan after replacement of the storage battery module (January 2021), and the replacement cost (300,000 yen) are displayed in region R11.

[0053] Note that, although the display contents of regions R12 to R14 are the same as those of regions R2 to R4 in FIG. 7A, they are not limited to this. For example, the selected exchange target may be displayed in region R12. Alternatively, for example, the selected item (new item, reused item) may be displayed in region R13.

[0054] As described above, the storage battery system 100 of the first embodiment can calculate and display the current remaining life of the storage battery system 100 (first remaining life information) and the remaining life of the storage battery system 100 when the storage battery module 37 is replaced (second remaining life information). This allows the user to view the information and appropriately determine the timing of replacing the storage battery module 37. Furthermore, by calculating and displaying the replacement cost, the user can obtain even more meaningful replacement cost information.

[0055] In conventional technology, for example, if some batteries in a large-scale battery storage system deteriorate, replacing the deteriorated batteries would extend the life of the system, but it would be difficult for end users to make a decision if they were unclear about the cost and the benefits they would gain. Therefore, by calculating and displaying the remaining life and replacement costs as described above as in this embodiment, it is possible to present users with appropriate criteria for making decisions about battery replacement.

[0056] Furthermore, by allowing users to select not only new storage battery modules but also reused storage battery modules as replacements, a wider range of options can be presented to users. In other words, if users select a reused module, the effect of extending the lifespan is less than that of a new module, but it is cheaper.

[0057] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. Regarding matters similar to those in the first embodiment, redundant descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. The illustrations of FIGS. 1 to 5 are similar to those of the first embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, instead of replacing a storage battery module 37 with another storage battery module, a rearrangement (a form of replacement) is performed between a plurality of storage battery modules 37.

[0058] When calculating the second remaining life information, the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates the second remaining life information in the case where the arrangement of the multiple storage battery modules 37 is changed instead of replacing one or more storage battery modules 37 with other storage battery modules, using a digital model based on the deterioration progress characteristic information of the storage battery modules 37 for each position in the storage battery system 100 stored in a memory unit (e.g., the external memory device 6A (Figure 4)).

[0059] The deterioration progression characteristic information is information relating to the deterioration progression characteristic of each storage battery module 37. Generally, the higher the temperature, the greater the rate of battery deterioration. Therefore, the deterioration progression characteristic information is created, for example, based on temperature distribution information of the multiple storage battery modules 37. In other words, for example, the deterioration progression characteristic (rate of progression) differs depending on the position of each storage battery module 37 due to differences in the heat dissipation efficiency of heat generated during use and therefore differences in temperature. Therefore, the deterioration progression characteristic information can be created in advance, for example, through experiments. Note that, when creating the deterioration progression characteristic information, other factors related to deterioration may be used in addition to temperature.

[0060] Next, the processing of the host control device 6 and an example of a display screen according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing of the host control device 6 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen in the host control device 6 according to the second embodiment.

[0061] First, in step S11 , the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates first remaining life information indicating the current remaining life of the storage battery system 100 based on the SOH of each of the plurality of storage battery modules 37 .

[0062] Next, for example, the user performs an operation on the screen shown in Fig. 9(a). The screen of Fig. 9(a) differs from the screen of Fig. 7(a) in that a "Rearrange" selection button has been added in region R3. On this screen, the user can complete the operation by selecting "Rearrange" in region R3 and then pressing the start calculation button in region R4.

[0063] Thereafter, in step S12 , the replacement target selection unit 91 selects a storage battery module 37 to be rearranged from among the plurality of storage battery modules 37 that constitute the storage battery system 100 .

[0064] Next, in step S13, second remaining life information for when the rearrangement of the storage battery module 37 to be rearranged is performed is calculated based on the above-described deterioration progress characteristic information.

[0065] Next, in step S14, the cost calculation unit 93 calculates the rearrangement cost. Note that since the rearrangement is for the storage battery module 37, the procurement costs for the other storage battery modules are not required, and the rearrangement cost is calculated based only on the work cost.

[0066] Next, in step S15, the display control unit 94 displays the first remaining lifespan information, the second remaining lifespan information, and the rearrangement cost on the display unit 6C. Figure 9(b) is an example of the display screen. In Figure 9(b), the current lifespan (October 2020), the lifespan after the rearrangement (January 2021), and the rearrangement cost (300,000 yen) of the storage battery system 100 are displayed in region R11.

[0067] As described above, the storage battery system 100 according to the second embodiment can calculate and display the remaining lifespan (first remaining lifespan information) of the current storage battery system 100, the remaining lifespan (second remaining lifespan information) of the storage battery system 100 when the rearrangement of the storage battery modules 37 is performed, and the rearrangement cost. This allows the user to appropriately decide whether to replace or rearrange the storage battery modules 37.

[0068] Furthermore, when the arrangement of the storage battery module 37 is changed, the effect of extending the life is inferior to that when replacing with a new one, but there is an advantage in that the effect of extending the life can be obtained at low cost.

[0069] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. Duplicate descriptions of matters similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. Figures 1 to 4 are similar to those in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, first remaining life information, second remaining life information, replacement costs, etc. are calculated and displayed at a timing specified by the user. In contrast, in the third embodiment, a predetermined index value relating to the cost-effectiveness of replacement is continuously calculated based on the first remaining life information, second remaining life information, and replacement costs, and a determination result is displayed when the index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0070] 10 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 6B of the host control device 6 according to the third embodiment. Compared to the case of FIG. 5, an index value calculation unit 95 and a determination unit 96 are added.

[0071] The index value calculation unit 95 continuously calculates a predetermined index value related to the cost-effectiveness of replacement based on the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, and the replacement cost. The index value may be, for example, the extension time of the life of the storage battery system 100 due to replacement. Alternatively, the index value may be a value obtained by dividing the extension time of the life of the storage battery system 100 due to replacement by the replacement cost. In the following example, the index value is assumed to be the extension time of the life.

[0072] The determination unit 96 determines whether the predetermined index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (for example, two months), and outputs the determination result if it is determined that the predetermined index value is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0073] Next, the processing of the host control device 6 and an example of a display screen according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of the host control device 6 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen in the host control device 6 according to the third embodiment.

[0074] First, in step S21, the control unit 6B determines whether it is time for calculation (for example, a fixed time each day), and if Yes, proceeds to step S22, and if No, returns to step S21.

[0075] Next, in step S22 , the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates first remaining life information indicating the current remaining life of the storage battery system 100 based on the SOH of each of the plurality of storage battery modules 37 .

[0076] Next, in step S23, the replacement target selection unit 91 selects a storage battery module 37 to be replaced (for example, a storage battery module 37 whose SOH indicates deterioration) from among the multiple storage battery modules 37 that make up the storage battery system 100.

[0077] Next, in step S24, the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates second remaining life information indicating the remaining life of the storage battery system 100 when the storage battery module 37 to be replaced is replaced with another storage battery module, based on the SOH of the storage battery module 37 that is not to be replaced and the SOH of the other storage battery modules.

[0078] Next, in step S25, the cost calculation unit 93 calculates the replacement cost based on the procurement cost of another storage battery module to be newly installed as replacement and the labor cost of the replacement.

[0079] Next, in step S26, the index value calculation unit 95 calculates an index value based on the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, and the replacement cost.

[0080] Next, in step S27, the judgment unit 96 judges whether the index value (extension time of life) is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value (e.g., 2 months), and if Yes, proceeds to step S28, and if No, returns to step S21.

[0081] In step S28, the display control unit 94 displays the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, the replacement cost, and the index value on the display unit 6C. In the example display screen shown in Fig. 12, a plurality of battery panels 23 each consisting of a plurality of storage battery modules 37 are schematically displayed in region R21, and regions R22 to R25 display the first remaining life information (the current life of the storage battery system 100), the second remaining life information (the life of the storage battery system 100 after replacement and information that module A will be replaced with a new one), the replacement cost, and the index value (life extension effect).

[0082] In this way, according to the third embodiment of the storage battery system 100, the above-mentioned index value is continuously calculated, and the judgment result is displayed when the index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, thereby automatically presenting meaningful information at an appropriate time without placing a burden on the user.

[0083] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Duplicate descriptions of matters similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. Figures 1 to 4 are similar to those in the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, a maintenance plan for replacing a storage battery module 37 before the end of the battery life of the storage battery system 100 is created and displayed.

[0084] 13 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 6B of the upper control device 6 according to the fourth embodiment. Compared to the case of FIG. 5, a creation unit 97 is added.

[0085] The creation unit 97 creates a maintenance plan for replacing the storage battery module 37 before the storage battery system 100 reaches the end of its life, based on the first remaining life information and the second remaining life information.

[0086] Furthermore, the display control unit 94 causes the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, and the maintenance plan to be displayed on the display unit 6C.

[0087] Next, the processing of the host control device 6 and an example of a display screen according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing of the host control device 6 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen in the host control device 6 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0088] Steps S1 to S4 are the same as those in Fig. 6. After step S4, in step S31, the creation unit 97 creates a maintenance plan for replacing the storage battery module 37 before the end of the life of the storage battery system 100, based on the first remaining life information and the second remaining life information.

[0089] Next, in step S32, the display control unit 94 displays the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, and the maintenance plan on the display unit 6C. In the example display screen shown in Figure 15, the first remaining life information (the current life of the storage battery system 100) is displayed at the top, and multiple maintenance plans are displayed below it. The displayed content for each maintenance plan includes the replacement timing, replacement target, replacement cost, the life of the storage battery system 100 after replacement (second remaining life information), the life extension effect, etc.

[0090] In this way, according to the fourth embodiment of the storage battery system 100, by creating and displaying multiple maintenance plans for replacing the storage battery modules 37 before the storage battery system 100 reaches the end of its life, the user can easily recognize and consider the multiple maintenance plans.

[0091] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Regarding matters similar to those in the first embodiment, redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Figures 1 to 5 are similar to those in the first embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, a storage battery module 37 to be replaced is selected based on a designated replacement cost.

[0092] When the replacement cost of the storage battery module 37 is specified, the replacement target selection unit 91 selects one or more storage battery modules 37 to be replaced with other storage battery modules based on the replacement cost. Note that when there are multiple combinations of storage battery modules 37 to be replaced, all of them may be displayed so that the user can select one.

[0093] In addition, the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates second remaining life information when one or more storage battery modules 37 selected by the replacement target selection unit 91 are replaced with other storage battery modules, based on the SOH of the storage battery module 37 that is not replaced and the SOH of the other storage battery modules.

[0094] 16 is a flowchart showing the processing of the upper control device 6 according to the fifth embodiment. First, in step S41, the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates first remaining life information indicating the current remaining life of the storage battery system 100 based on the SOH of each of the storage battery modules 37.

[0095] Next, when the user specifies an exchange cost using the input device 6D (FIG. 4), in step S42, the exchange target selection unit 91 acquires information on the specified exchange cost.

[0096] Next, in step S43, the replacement target selection unit 91 selects one or more storage battery modules 37 to be replaced with other storage battery modules based on the designated replacement cost.

[0097] Next, in step S44, the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates second remaining life information indicating the remaining life of the storage battery system 100 when the storage battery module 37 to be replaced is replaced with another storage battery module, based on the SOH of the storage battery module 37 that is not to be replaced and the SOH of the other storage battery modules.

[0098] Next, in step S45, the display control unit 94 causes the display unit 6C to display the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information (including information identifying the storage battery module 37 to be replaced), and the replacement cost.

[0099] In this way, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to calculate and display the life extension effect and the like corresponding to the replacement cost designated by the user.

[0100] Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. Duplicate descriptions of matters similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. Figures 1 to 5 are similar to those in the first embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, replacement costs are calculated and displayed based on a specified remaining life.

[0101] When a specified remaining life that is longer than the remaining life in the first remaining life information is specified, the replacement target selection unit 91 selects one or more storage battery modules 37 that need to be replaced with other storage battery modules to achieve that remaining life, based on the SOH of each of the multiple storage battery modules 37 and the SOH of the other storage battery modules.

[0102] The cost calculation unit 93 calculates the replacement cost based on the procurement cost of the other storage battery module and the labor cost of the replacement.

[0103] 17 is a flowchart showing the processing of the upper control device 6 according to the sixth embodiment. First, in step S51, the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates first remaining life information indicating the current remaining life of the storage battery system 100 based on the SOH of each of the storage battery modules 37.

[0104] Next, when the user specifies the remaining life of the storage battery system 100 using the input device 6D (FIG. 4), in step S52, the replacement target selection unit 91 acquires information on the specified remaining life.

[0105] Next, in step S53, the replacement target selection unit 91 selects one or more storage battery modules 37 to be replaced with other storage battery modules based on the specified remaining life information.

[0106] Next, in step S54, the cost calculation unit 93 calculates the replacement cost based on the procurement cost of another storage battery module to be newly installed as replacement and the labor cost of the replacement.

[0107] Next, in step S55, the display control unit 94 causes the display unit 6C to display the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information (including information identifying the storage battery module 37 to be replaced), and the replacement cost.

[0108] In this way, according to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to calculate and display the replacement cost and the like corresponding to the remaining life specified by the user.

[0109] The upper control device 6 that functions as the battery management device for the battery of this embodiment can be configured as hardware using a normal computer equipped with a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), an external storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a CD (Compact Disc) drive, a display device such as a display device, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse.

[0110] Therefore, the program executed by the upper control device 6 that functions as the battery management device for the battery of this embodiment can be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0111] The program may also be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network, or to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet, or to be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

[0112] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0113] For example, the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, the replacement cost, etc. calculated by the upper level control device 6 may be displayed on a display device other than the display unit 6C included in the upper level control device 6. Specifically, for example, functions other than the display function of the upper level control device 6 may be realized by a cloud server, and the display function may be realized by an end user's computer device.

Claims

09 09 251. A storage battery management device comprising:a remaining life calculation unit tocalculate first remaining life information indicating current remaining life of a storage battery system on the basis of a state of health (SOH) of each of multiple storage battery modules constituting the storage battery system, andcalculate second remaining life information indicating remaining life of the storage battery system, the second remaining life information corresponding to a case where an arrangement of the multiple storage battery modules is changed, the second remaining life information being calculated on the basis of degradation progression characteristic information of the storage battery module for each position in the storage battery system stored in a storage unit; anda display control unit to cause a display unit to display the first remaining life information and the second remaining life information in response to an operation performed by using a user interface screen.

2. A storage battery management method comprising:a remaining life calculation step ofcalculating first remaining life information indicating current remaining life of a storage battery system on the basis of a state of health (SOH) of each of multiple storage battery modules constituting the storage battery system, andcalculating second remaining life information indicating remaining life of the storage battery system, the second remaining life information corresponding to a case where an arrangement of the multiple storage battery modules is changed, the second remaining life information being calculated on the basis of degradation progression characteristic information of the storage battery module for each position in the storage battery system stored in a storage unit; anda display control step of causing a display unit to display the first remaining life information and the second remaining life information in response to an operation performed by using a user interface screen.

3. A program causing a computer to execute the storage battery management method according to claim 2.

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