Controller, mobile body, and power supply system control method

Abstract

To provide a controller, a mobile body, and a power supply system control method that simplify circuitry.SOLUTION: In a power supply system 10, a controller 34 comprises: a controlling unit 40 for controlling switching devices (20a, 20b, 22a to 22d) capable of causing power storage devices (24a to 24d) capable of storing DC power supplied from power generation devices (14a, 14b) and the power generation devices to be connected to / disconnected from each other; and a determination unit 44 for determining whether or not the power generation devices and the power storage devices are connected via the switching devices using a difference between a first value regarding a variation amount in a predetermined period of residual capacity of the power storage devices and a second value regarding power consumption in the predetermined period of electric loads (16a to 16d) that are operable using power supplied from at least one of the power generation devices and the power storage devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a mobile object, and a control method for a power supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, research and development has been conducted into electrification technologies that contribute to energy efficiency in order to ensure that more people have access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and advanced energy.

[0003] Patent Document 1 shows a device for detecting the connection state of a battery to a circuit. The battery is connected to a pair of terminals provided in the circuit. The technology of Patent Document 1 detects whether or not the battery is connected to the circuit by measuring the voltage between the terminals. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4831113 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Patent Document 1 merely discloses a technique for detecting the connection state of a battery. There is a need to provide a good control device and the like.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The control device of the present invention includes a control unit that controls a switching device that can connect and disconnect a power generation device and a storage device capable of storing DC power supplied from the power generation device, and a determination unit that determines that the power generation device and the storage device are not connected by the switching device when a difference between a first value related to an amount of change in remaining capacity of the storage device over a predetermined period of time and a second value related to power consumption over the predetermined period of an electrical load that can be operated with power supplied from at least one of the power generation device and the storage device is less than a predetermined threshold, and determines that the power generation device and the storage device are connected by the switching device when a difference between the first value and the second value is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0008] A moving body of the present invention includes the above-described control device.

[0009] A control method for a power supply system of the present invention includes a first power supply circuit that supplies DC power output from a first power generation device to a plurality of first electric loads, a first power storage device connected in parallel with the first power generation device to the first power supply circuit, a second power supply circuit that supplies DC power output from a second power generation device to a plurality of second electric loads, a second power storage device connected in parallel with the second power generation device to the second power supply circuit, a connection circuit that can connect the first power supply circuit and the second power supply circuit, and a switching device that is provided in the connection circuit and can connect and disconnect the second power generation device and the first power storage device from each other. The method includes the steps of switching the switching device from a disconnected state to a connected state, comparing a difference between a first value relating to an amount of change in remaining capacity of the first power storage device in a predetermined period and a second value relating to power consumption of the first electrical load in the predetermined period, and determining that the second power generation device and the first power storage device are not connected by the switching device if the difference between the first value and the second value is less than a predetermined threshold, and determining that the second power generation device and the first power storage device are connected by the switching device if the difference between the first value and the second value is equal to or greater than the threshold. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, the circuit can be simplified. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power supply system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operation of the power supply system in a normal state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the power supply system when a first abnormality occurs. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the power supply system when a first abnormality occurs. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the control device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the connection process performed by the control device. [Figure 7] 7A to 7E are time charts in the case where a first abnormality occurs. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the operation of the power supply system when the second abnormality occurs. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the power supply system when the second abnormality occurs. [Figure 10] 10A to 10E are time charts in the case where a second abnormality occurs. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a moving object. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] [Configuration of power supply system 10] The power supply system 10 that is the object of control of the control device 34 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] The power supply system 10 includes a first power supply circuit 12a, a second power supply circuit 12b, a third power supply circuit 12c, and a fourth power supply circuit 12d. The first power supply circuit 12a supplies DC power output from the first power generation device 14a to the first electrical load 16a. The second power supply circuit 12b supplies DC power output from the second power generation device 14b to the second electrical load 16b. The third power supply circuit 12c supplies DC power output from the first power generation device 14a to the third electrical load 16c. The fourth power supply circuit 12d supplies DC power output from the second power generation device 14b to the fourth electrical load 16d.

[0014] The first power generating device 14a and the second power generating device 14b each have an engine, a generator, and a power control unit (not shown). The engine drives the generator, which generates three-phase AC power. The power control unit converts the three-phase AC power into DC power.

[0015] The first power generating device 14a and the second power generating device 14b may include various sensors such as a voltage sensor and a current sensor, and elements such as fuses, relays, breakers, diodes, transistors, resistors, coils, and capacitors.

[0016] Each of the first electric load 16a, the second electric load 16b, the third electric load 16c, and the fourth electric load 16d has an inverter and an electric motor (not shown). The inverter converts input DC power into three-phase AC power, and the electric motor is driven by the three-phase AC power. Each of the first electric load 16a, the second electric load 16b, the third electric load 16c, and the fourth electric load 16d may have a DC / DC converter and a low-voltage drive device (not shown). The DC / DC converter reduces the voltage of the input DC power, and the low-voltage drive device is driven by the DC power.

[0017] Each of the first electric load 16a, the second electric load 16b, the third electric load 16c, and the fourth electric load 16d may have various elements such as various sensors, fuses, relays, breakers, diodes, transistors, resistors, coils, capacitors, etc. Each of the first electric load 16a, the second electric load 16b, the third electric load 16c, and the fourth electric load 16d has at least a sensor (such as a voltage sensor or a current sensor) that detects a physical quantity used to calculate the power consumption.

[0018] The power supply system 10 includes a first connection circuit 18a and a second connection circuit 18b. The first connection circuit 18a includes a first connection device (switching device) 20a that can connect the first power supply circuit 12a and the second power supply circuit 12b. The second connection circuit 18b includes a second connection device (switching device) 20b that can connect the third power supply circuit 12c and the fourth power supply circuit 12d.

[0019] The first connection device 20a is a switching device capable of connecting and disconnecting the first power supply circuit 12a and the second power supply circuit 12b from each other. That is, the first connection device 20a can connect and disconnect each device provided in the first power supply circuit 12a from each device provided in the second power supply circuit 12b from each other. The second connection device 20b is a switching device capable of connecting and disconnecting the third power supply circuit 12c and the fourth power supply circuit 12d from each other. That is, the second connection device 20b can connect and disconnect each device provided in the third power supply circuit 12c from each device provided in the fourth power supply circuit 12d from each other.

[0020] The first connection device 20a and the second connection device 20b may include a contactor. The first connection device 20a and the second connection device 20b may include a relay. The first connection device 20a and the second connection device 20b may include a breaker. The first connection device 20a and the second connection device 20b may include a semiconductor switch.

[0021] Normally, the connection between the first power supply circuit 12a and the second power supply circuit 12b is cut off. This makes it possible to prevent an abnormality from affecting the other of the first power supply circuit 12a and the second power supply circuit 12b, if an abnormality occurs in one of the first power supply circuit 12a and the second power supply circuit 12b. For example, if an overcurrent occurs in one of the first power supply circuit 12a and the second power supply circuit 12b, the overcurrent is prevented from flowing to the other of the first power supply circuit 12a and the second power supply circuit 12b.

[0022] Similarly, the connection between the third power supply circuit 12c and the fourth power supply circuit 12d is normally cut off. This makes it possible to prevent an abnormality from affecting the other of the third power supply circuit 12c and the fourth power supply circuit 12d, if an abnormality occurs in one of the third power supply circuit 12c and the fourth power supply circuit 12d. For example, if an overcurrent occurs in one of the third power supply circuit 12c and the fourth power supply circuit 12d, the overcurrent is prevented from flowing to the other of the third power supply circuit 12c and the fourth power supply circuit 12d.

[0023] For example, when the supply of power from the first power generating device 14a to the first power supply circuit 12a and the third power supply circuit 12c is cut off, the first power supply circuit 12a and the second power supply circuit 12b are connected by the first connection device 20a. Also, the third power supply circuit 12c and the fourth power supply circuit 12d are connected by the second connection device 20b. As a result, power is supplied from the second power generating device 14b to the first power supply circuit 12a and the third power supply circuit 12c.

[0024] For example, when the supply of power from the second power generating device 14b to the second power supply circuit 12b and the fourth power supply circuit 12d is cut off, the first power supply circuit 12a and the second power supply circuit 12b are connected by the first connection device 20a. Also, the third power supply circuit 12c and the fourth power supply circuit 12d are connected by the second connection device 20b. As a result, power is supplied from the first power generating device 14a to the second power supply circuit 12b and the fourth power supply circuit 12d.

[0025] The power supply system 10 includes interrupting devices (switching devices) 22a to 22d. The interrupting device 22a can interrupt the first power generating device 14a from the first power supply circuit 12a and the first connection circuit 18a. The interrupting device 22b can interrupt the second power generating device 14b from the second power supply circuit 12b and the first connection circuit 18a. The interrupting device 22c can interrupt the first power generating device 14a from the third power supply circuit 12c and the second connection circuit 18b. The interrupting device 22d can interrupt the second power generating device 14b from the fourth power supply circuit 12d and the second connection circuit 18b.

[0026] The interrupter 22a is a switching device capable of connecting and disconnecting the first power generation device 14a and the first power storage device 24a from each other, and also capable of connecting and disconnecting the first power generation device 14a and the first electrical load 16a from each other. The interrupter 22b is a switching device capable of connecting and disconnecting the second power generation device 14b and the second power storage device 24b from each other, and also capable of connecting and disconnecting the second power generation device 14b and the second electrical load 16b from each other. The interrupter 22c is a switching device capable of connecting and disconnecting the first power generation device 14a and the third power storage device 24c from each other, and also capable of connecting and disconnecting the first power generation device 14a and the third electrical load 16c from each other. The interrupter 22d is a switching device capable of connecting and disconnecting the second power generation device 14b and the fourth power storage device 24d from each other, and also capable of connecting and disconnecting the second power generation device 14b and the fourth electrical load 16d from each other.

[0027] The interrupting devices 22a to 22d include a contactor. The interrupting devices 22a to 22d may include a relay. The interrupting devices 22a to 22d may include a breaker. The interrupting devices 22a to 22d may include a semiconductor switch.

[0028] The power supply system 10 includes a first power storage device 24a, a second power storage device 24b, a third power storage device 24c, and a fourth power storage device 24d. The first power storage device 24a is connected to the first power supply circuit 12a in parallel with the first power generation device 14a. The second power storage device 24b is connected to the second power supply circuit 12b in parallel with the second power generation device 14b. The third power storage device 24c is connected to the third power supply circuit 12c in parallel with the first power generation device 14a. The fourth power storage device 24d is connected to the fourth power supply circuit 12d in parallel with the second power generation device 14b.

[0029] The first power storage device 24a, the second power storage device 24b, the third power storage device 24c, and the fourth power storage device 24d include lithium ion batteries. The first power storage device 24a, the second power storage device 24b, the third power storage device 24c, and the fourth power storage device 24d may include secondary batteries other than lithium ion batteries. The first power storage device 24a, the second power storage device 24b, the third power storage device 24c, and the fourth power storage device 24d may include large-capacity capacitors.

[0030] Each of the first power storage device 24a, the second power storage device 24b, the third power storage device 24c, and the fourth power storage device 24d may have various elements such as various sensors such as a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a fuse, a relay, a breaker, a diode, a transistor, a resistor, a coil, a capacitor, etc. Each of the first power storage device 24a, the second power storage device 24b, the third power storage device 24c, and the fourth power storage device 24d has at least a sensor (a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a temperature sensor, etc.) that detects a physical quantity used to calculate the SOC.

[0031] The power supply system 10 includes interrupting devices 26a to 26d. The interrupting device 26a can disconnect the first power storage device 24a from the first power supply circuit 12a and the first electric load 16a. The interrupting device 26b can disconnect the second power storage device 24b from the second power supply circuit 12b and the second electric load 16b. The interrupting device 26c can disconnect the third power storage device 24c from the third power supply circuit 12c and the third electric load 16c. The interrupting device 26d can disconnect the fourth power storage device 24d from the fourth power supply circuit 12d and the fourth electric load 16d.

[0032] The interrupting devices 26a to 26d include a contactor. The interrupting devices 26a to 26d may include a relay. The interrupting devices 26a to 26d may include a breaker. The interrupting devices 26a to 26d may include a semiconductor switch.

[0033] [Operation of power supply system 10 under normal conditions] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the normal operation of the power supply system 10. The arrows shown in Fig. 2 indicate the power supply path.

[0034] The first power generating device 14a is connected to the first power supply circuit 12a and the first connection circuit 18a by the interrupter 22a, and the first power generating device 14a is connected to the third power supply circuit 12c and the second connection circuit 18b by the interrupter 22c. This allows power to be supplied from the first power generating device 14a to the first electrical load 16a and the third electrical load 16c. The second power generating device 14b is connected to the second power supply circuit 12b and the first connection circuit 18a by the interrupter 22b, and the second power generating device 14b is connected to the fourth power supply circuit 12d and the second connection circuit 18b by the interrupter 22d. This allows power to be supplied from the second power generating device 14b to the second electrical load 16b and the fourth electrical load 16d.

[0035] The first power storage device 24a is connected to the first electric load 16a by the interrupting device 26a, and power is supplied from the first power storage device 24a to the first electric load 16a. The second power storage device 24b is connected to the second electric load 16b by the interrupting device 26b, and power is supplied from the second power storage device 24b to the second electric load 16b. The third power storage device 24c is connected to the third electric load 16c by the interrupting device 26c, and power is supplied from the third power storage device 24c to the third electric load 16c. The fourth power storage device 24d is connected to the fourth electric load 16d, and power is supplied from the fourth power storage device 24d to the fourth electric load 16d.

[0036] The first connection device 20a cuts off the connection between the first power supply circuit 12a and the second power supply circuit 12b, and the second connection device 20b cuts off the connection between the third power supply circuit 12c and the fourth power supply circuit 12d.

[0037] When the first power generating device 14a can supply the power necessary for the operation of the first electric load 16a and the third electric load 16c, the first power generating device 14a supplies the power to the first electric load 16a and the third electric load 16c. On the other hand, when the first power generating device 14a cannot supply the power necessary for the operation of the first electric load 16a, the first electric load 16a is supplied with power from the first power storage device 24a or from the first power generating device 14a and the first power storage device 24a. Similarly, when the first power generating device 14a cannot supply the power necessary for the operation of the third electric load 16c, the third electric load 16c is supplied with power from the third power storage device 24c or from the first power generating device 14a and the third power storage device 24c.

[0038] When the second power generation device 14b can supply the power necessary for the operation of the second electric load 16b and the fourth electric load 16d, the second power generation device 14b supplies the power to the second electric load 16b and the fourth electric load 16d. On the other hand, when the second power generation device 14b cannot supply the power necessary for the operation of the second electric load 16b, the second electric load 16b is supplied with power from the second power storage device 24b or from the second power generation device 14b and the second power storage device 24b. Similarly, when the second power generation device 14b cannot supply the power necessary for the operation of the fourth electric load 16d, the fourth electric load 16d is supplied with power from the fourth power storage device 24d or from the second power generation device 14b and the fourth power storage device 24d.

[0039] [Power supply system operation during the first abnormality] Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams showing the operation of the power supply system 10 when a first abnormality occurs. Arrows in Figures 3 and 4 show power supply paths. Figures 3 and 4 show the operation of the power supply system 10 when the supply of power from the first power generating device 14a to the first power supply circuit 12a and the third power supply circuit 12c is cut off.

[0040] The state in which the supply of power from the first power generating device 14a to the first power supply circuit 12a and the third power supply circuit 12c is cut off means, for example, but not limited to, a state in which the first power generating device 14a stops and cannot be restarted. The supply of power from the first power generating device 14a to the first power supply circuit 12a and the third power supply circuit 12c may also be cut off if a short circuit, disconnection, or the like occurs between the first power generating device 14a and the interrupter 22a or between the first power generating device 14a and the interrupter 22c.

[0041] When the supply of power from the first power generating device 14a to the first power supply circuit 12a and the third power supply circuit 12c is cut off, the first power generating device 14a is disconnected from the first power supply circuit 12a and the first connection circuit 18a by the interrupter device 22a as shown in Fig. 3. Also, the first power generating device 14a is disconnected from the third power supply circuit 12c and the second connection circuit 18b by the interrupter device 22c.

[0042] The first electric load 16a is supplied with power only from the first power storage device 24a, and the third electric load 16c is supplied with power only from the third power storage device 24c. Therefore, the SOC (State Of Charge) of the first power storage device 24a and the SOC of the third power storage device 24c decrease. Accordingly, the output voltage of the first power storage device 24a and the output voltage of the third power storage device 24c decrease.

[0043] In this state, when the connection control of the first connection device 20a is executed, the first power supply circuit 12a and the second power supply circuit 12b are connected via the first connection circuit 18a as shown in FIG. 4. As a result, power is supplied from the second power generation device 14b to the first electric load 16a. Also, power is supplied from the second power generation device 14b having a high output voltage to the first electric storage device 24a having a low output voltage. As a result, the SOC of the first electric storage device 24a increases. Similarly, when the connection control of the second connection device 20b is executed, the third power supply circuit 12c and the fourth power supply circuit 12d are connected via the second connection circuit 18b as shown in FIG. 4. As a result, power is supplied from the second power generation device 14b to the third electric load 16c. Also, power is supplied from the second power generation device 14b having a high output voltage to the third electric storage device 24c having a low output voltage. As a result, the SOC of the third electric storage device 24c increases.

[0044] [Configuration of control device 34] The power supply system 10 includes a control device 34. Fig. 5 is a control block diagram of the control device 34. The control device 34 controls the first power generation device 14a, the second power generation device 14b, the first connection device 20a, the second connection device 20b, the breaker devices 22a to 22d, and the breaker devices 26a to 26d.

[0045] The control device 34 has a calculation unit 36 ​​and a storage unit 38. The calculation unit 36 ​​is, for example, a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU). That is, the calculation unit 36 ​​may be configured by a processing circuit. The calculation unit 36 ​​controls each device by executing a program stored in the storage unit 38. At least a part of the calculation unit 36 ​​may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). At least a part of the calculation unit 36 ​​may be realized by an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0046] The calculation unit 36 ​​includes a control unit 40, a calculation unit 42, a determination unit 44, an abnormality detection unit 46, and a timer unit 48. The control unit 40, the calculation unit 42, the determination unit 44, the abnormality detection unit 46, and the timer unit 48 can be realized by the calculation unit 36 ​​executing a program stored in the storage unit 38. The control unit 40 controls the operation of the first power generation device 14a and the second power generation device 14b. The control unit 40 also controls switching of the first connection device 20a, the second connection device 20b, and the breaker devices 22a to 22d, 26a to 26d. The calculation unit 42 performs various calculations. The determination unit 44 determines the connection / disconnection state of each of the first connection device 20a, the second connection device 20b, and the breaker devices 22a to 22d. The abnormality detection unit 46 detects an abnormality occurring in the power supply system 10. The timer unit 48 times the execution time of the connection control.

[0047] The storage unit 38 is configured by a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown) which are computer-readable storage media. The volatile memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The non-volatile memory is, for example, a read only memory (ROM) or a flash memory. Data and the like are stored, for example, in the volatile memory. Programs, tables, maps, and the like are stored, for example, in the non-volatile memory. At least a part of the storage unit 38 may be provided in the above-mentioned processor, integrated circuit, and the like.

[0048] [Connection process during the first abnormality] The connection process performed by the control device 34 will be described with reference to Figs. 3, 4, 6, and 7A to 7E. The connection process is a process for controlling the connection of the connection devices 20a and 20b and for checking whether the connection control of the connection devices 20a and 20b has been performed correctly. Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the connection process performed by the control device 34. Figs. 7A to 7E are time charts when a first abnormality occurs. Fig. 7A shows a time chart of an abnormality flag. Fig. 7B shows a time chart of the power consumption of the first electric load 16a. Fig. 7C shows a time chart of the power supplied from the first power generation device 14a. Fig. 7D shows a time chart of the SOC of the first power storage device 24a. Fig. 7E shows a time chart of the power supplied from the second power generation device 14b to the first power supply circuit 12a.

[0049] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the supply of power from the first power generating device 14a to the first power supply circuit 12a and the third power supply circuit 12c is interrupted (when a first abnormality occurs), the abnormality detection unit 46 sets an abnormality flag at time t1 as shown in FIG. 7A. As a result, the control device 34 starts the connection process shown in FIG. 6. That is, the control device 34 switches the first connection device 20a and the second connection device 20b from a disconnected state to a connected state. Here, for convenience of explanation, the connection process of switching the first connection device 20a from a disconnected state to a connected state will be explained, and the explanation of the connection process of switching the second connection device 20b from a disconnected state to a connected state will be omitted. In addition, here, it is assumed that the power consumption of the first electric load 16a is constant as shown in FIG. 7B.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 7C, at time t1, the power supplied from the first power generating device 14a is cut off. Since the power supply from the first power generating device 14a to the first power supply circuit 12a is cut off, the first electric load 16a is supplied with power only from the first power storage device 24a. Then, as shown in Fig. 7D, at time t1, the SOC of the first power storage device 24a starts to decrease.

[0051] In step S1, the control unit 40 stops or idles the first power generating device 14a by setting an abnormality flag. For example, the control unit 40 switches the cutoff device 22a from a connected state to a cutoff state. The control unit 40 may also stop the engine and the generator provided in the first power generating device 14a.

[0052] In step S2, the timing unit 48 starts measuring time. That is, the timing unit 48 starts measuring the execution time of the connection control.

[0053] In step S3, the control unit 40 executes connection control of the switching device. Here, the control unit 40 outputs an electrical signal to the first connection device 20a. This electrical signal corresponds to a connection command to the first connection device 20a. After step S3, the process proceeds to step S4 and step S5.

[0054] In step S4, the calculation unit 42 calculates a first value related to the amount of change in the remaining capacity of the first power storage device 24a during a predetermined period. As shown in FIG. 7B, when the power consumption of the first electric load 16a is constant, the remaining capacity of the first power storage device 24a continues to decrease at a constant rate. The calculation unit 42 calculates the SOC of the first power storage device 24a based on, for example, detection values ​​of a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a temperature sensor, and the like provided in the first power storage device 24a. The calculation unit 42 obtains the first value based on the amount of change in the SOC during the predetermined period. The calculation unit 42 may obtain, for example, the amount of output power of the first power storage device 24a during the predetermined period as the first value.

[0055] In step S5, the calculation unit 42 calculates a second value related to the power consumption of the first electric load 16a in a predetermined period. The calculation unit 42 calculates the power consumption of the first electric load 16a based on, for example, detection values ​​of a voltage sensor and a current sensor provided in the first electric load 16a. The calculation unit 42 calculates the second value based on the power consumption in the predetermined period. The calculation unit 42 may obtain, for example, the amount of power consumption of the first electric load 16a in the predetermined period as the second value.

[0056] When moving from step S4 and step S5 to step S6, the determination unit 44 determines whether the switching of the first connection device 20a has been performed normally. Specifically, the determination unit 44 determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the first value and the second value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value is pre-stored in the storage unit 38. The reason why it is possible to determine whether the switching of the first connection device 20a has been performed based on the absolute value of the difference between the first value and the second value is as follows.

[0057] When the SOC of the first power storage device 24a decreases, the output voltage of the first power storage device 24a becomes lower than the output voltage of the second power generation device 14b. When the first connection device 20a is switched from the disconnected state to the connected state in this state, power is supplied from the second power generation device 14b to the first power storage device 24a via the first power supply circuit 12a. Therefore, the first power storage device 24a is charged. As a result, the SOC of the first power storage device 24a starts to rise.

[0058] For example, assume that the switching of the first connection device 20a is completed at time t2 after time t1. In this case, as shown in Fig. 7E, power is supplied from the second power generation device 14b to the first power supply circuit 12a at time t2. Then, as shown in Fig. 7D, the SOC of the first power storage device 24a starts to rise.

[0059] While the switching of the first connection device 20a is not completed (time t1 to time t2), the first electric load 16a is supplied with electric power only from the first power storage device 24a. During this period, the output power amount of the first power storage device 24a and the power consumption amount of the first electric load 16a are balanced. That is, the first value and the second value are balanced. On the other hand, after the switching of the first connection device 20a is completed (after time t2), the first electric load 16a is supplied with electric power from the second power generation device 14b. During this period, the output power amount of the first power storage device 24a and the power consumption amount of the first electric load 16a are no longer balanced. That is, the first value and the second value are no longer balanced. In this way, it is possible to determine whether the switching of the first connection device 20a has been performed normally, depending on the magnitude of the difference between the first value and the second value.

[0060] If the absolute value of the difference between the first value and the second value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (step S6; YES), the process proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if the absolute value of the difference between the first value and the second value is less than the predetermined threshold (step S6; NO), the process proceeds to step S8.

[0061] When the process proceeds from step S6 to step S7, the determination unit 44 determines that the power generation device and the power storage device are connected. Here, the determination unit 44 determines that the switching of the first connection device 20a is completed, and determines that the second power generation device 14b and the first power storage device 24a are connected by the first connection device 20a. This ends the connection process.

[0062] When the process proceeds from step S6 to step S8, the determination unit 44 determines whether the time measured by the timing unit 48 has exceeded the time limit. The time limit is pre-stored in the memory unit 38. If the time measured by the timing unit 48 has exceeded the time limit (step S8; YES), the process proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if the time measured by the timing unit 48 has not exceeded the time limit (step S8; NO), the process returns to step S3. In this case, the control unit 40 executes connection control of the switching device again.

[0063] When the process proceeds from step S8 to step S9, the determining unit 44 determines that the switching device (first connection device 20a) has failed. This ends the connection process.

[0064] So far, the connection process (first connection process) for switching the first connection device 20a from a disconnected state to a connected state has been described. Meanwhile, the connection process (second connection process) for switching the second connection device 20b from a disconnected state to a connected state is performed in a similar manner. In the case of the second connection process, in the above description, the "first power supply circuit 12a" may be replaced with the "third power supply circuit 12c", the "first electric load 16a" with the "third electric load 16c", the "first connection device 20a" with the "second connection device 20b", and the "breaking device 22a" with the "breaking device 22c".

[0065] [Power supply system operation during the second abnormality] Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the power supply system 10 during the second abnormality. Arrows in Figures 8 and 9 indicate power supply paths. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the operation of the power supply system 10 when the supply of power from the third power storage device 24c to the third electrical load 16c is cut off.

[0066] The state in which the supply of power from the third power storage device 24c to the third electric load 16c is interrupted refers to, for example, a state in which a short circuit, a break, or the like occurs between the third power storage device 24c and the third power supply circuit 12c. In this case, the operation of the third electric load 16c is stopped.

[0067] When the supply of electric power from the third power storage device 24c to the third electric load 16c is cut off, the first power generating device 14a is temporarily cut off from the first power supply circuit 12a and the first connection circuit 18a by the interrupter 22a, as shown in Fig. 8. Also, the first power generating device 14a is cut off from the third power supply circuit 12c and the second connection circuit 18b by the interrupter 22c.

[0068] The first electric load 16a is supplied with electric power only from the first power storage device 24a. Therefore, the SOC of the first power storage device 24a decreases. Accordingly, the output voltage of the first power storage device 24a decreases.

[0069] In this state, when the connection control of the first connection device 20a is executed, the first power supply circuit 12a and the second power supply circuit 12b are connected via the first connection circuit 18a as shown in Fig. 9. This causes power to be supplied from the second power generation device 14b to the first electrical load 16a. Also, power is supplied from the second power generation device 14b, which has a higher output voltage, to the first power storage device 24a, which has a lower output voltage. As a result, the SOC of the first power storage device 24a increases.

[0070] [Connection process during the second abnormality] 10A to 10E are time charts when a second abnormality occurs. FIG. 10A shows a time chart of an abnormality flag. FIG. 10B shows a time chart of power consumption of the first electric load 16a. FIG. 10C shows a time chart of power supplied from the first power generation device 14a. FIG. 10D shows a time chart of the SOC of the first power storage device 24a. FIG. 10E shows a time chart of power supplied from the second power generation device 14b to the first power supply circuit 12a.

[0071] Even when the second abnormality occurs, the control device 34 performs the connection process shown in Fig. 6. However, when the second abnormality occurs, in step S3 of Fig. 6, the control unit 40 performs connection control of the first connection device 20a but does not perform connection control of the second connection device 20b.

[0072] Furthermore, when the determination unit 44 determines that the switching of the first connection device 20a is completed at time t3 after time t2, the supply of power from the first power generation device 14a is resumed as shown in Fig. 10C. That is, the control unit 40 switches the interruption device 22a from the interrupted state to the connected state.

[0073] [Other anomalies] The control device 34 can perform the connection process shown in FIG. 6 in the following cases (1) to (4) in addition to the above-mentioned first and second abnormalities. (1) When the supply of power from the second power generating device 14b to the second power supply circuit 12b and the fourth power supply circuit 12d is cut off. (2) When the supply of electric power from the first power storage device 24a to the first electric load 16a is interrupted. (3) When the supply of electric power from the second power storage device 24b to the second electric load 16b is cut off. (4) When the supply of electric power from the fourth power storage device 24d to the fourth electric load 16d is cut off.

[0074] In the above embodiment, it is determined whether the connection devices (the first connection device 20a and the second connection device 20b) are switched from the disconnected state to the connected state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to adopt an embodiment in which it is determined whether the cutoff devices 22a to 22d are switched from the disconnected state to the connected state.

[0075] The control device 34 can be used in a system that determines whether a switching device interposed between a power generation device and a power storage device has been switched from a disconnected state to a connected state.

[0076] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the switching devices have been switched from a disconnected state to a connected state without measuring the current flowing through the switching devices (first connection device 20a, second connection device 20b, and breaker devices 22a to 22d) or the voltage between the terminals of the switching devices. This makes it possible to reduce the number of sensors and wiring used in the power supply system 10. As a result, the power supply system 10 can be simplified. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the size of a distribution board in which the power supply system 10 is provided, and it is also possible to suppress an increase in the cost of components of the power supply system 10.

[0077] [Use of power supply system 10] 11 is a schematic diagram of a moving body 52. ​​The power supply system 10 can be mounted on the moving body 52.

[0078] The moving body 52 of this embodiment is an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL). The moving body 52 includes eight VTOL rotors 54. The VTOL rotors 54 generate thrust in the upward direction relative to the airframe 56. The moving body 52 includes eight electric motors 58. One electric motor 58 drives one VTOL rotor 54. The moving body 52 has two cruise rotors 60. The cruise rotors 60 generate thrust in the forward direction relative to the airframe 56. The moving body 52 includes four electric motors 62. Two electric motors 62 drive one cruise rotor 60.

[0079] Each of the first electrical load 16a, the second electrical load 16b, the third electrical load 16c, and the fourth electrical load 16d may include two electric motors 58 and one electric motor 62. Each of the first electrical load 16a, the second electrical load 16b, the third electrical load 16c, and the fourth electrical load 16d may include a low-voltage drive device in addition to the electric motors 58 and 62.

[0080] The mobile object 52 is not limited to an aircraft, but may be a ship, an automobile, a train, etc. The power supply system 10 may be provided in a facility, a factory, etc.

[0081] [Note] In addition to the above disclosure, the following notes are also disclosed.

[0082] (Appendix 1) The control device (34) includes a control unit (40) that controls switching devices (20a, 20b, 22a-22d) that can connect and disconnect power storage devices (24a-24d) capable of storing DC power supplied from power generation devices (14a, 14b) to and from the power generation devices, and a determination unit (44) that determines that the power generation device and the power storage device are not connected by the switching devices when a difference between a first value related to an amount of change in remaining capacity of the power storage device over a predetermined period and a second value related to power consumption over the predetermined period of an electric load (16a-16d) that can operate with power supplied from at least one of the power generation device and the power storage device is less than a predetermined threshold, and determines that the power generation device and the power storage device are connected by the switching devices when a difference between the first value and the second value is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0083] According to the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether the switching device has been switched from a disconnected state to a connected state without measuring the current flowing through the switching device or the voltage between the terminals of the switching device. Therefore, the number of sensors and wiring used in the power supply system can be reduced. As a result, the configuration of the power supply system can be simplified. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the switchboard in which the power supply system is installed can be made smaller, and an increase in the cost of the components of the power supply system can also be suppressed.

[0084] (Appendix 2) In the control device described in Supplementary Note 1, the switching device is provided in a connection circuit (18a) capable of connecting a first power supply circuit (12a) that supplies DC power supplied from a first power generation device (14a) of the plurality of power generation devices to a first electric load (16a) of the plurality of electric loads, and a second power supply circuit (12b) that supplies DC power supplied from a second power generation device (14b) of the plurality of power generation devices to a second electric load (16b) of the plurality of electric loads, a first power storage device (24a) of the plurality of power storage devices is connected to the first power supply circuit in parallel with the first power generation device, and the switching device is provided in a connection circuit (18a) that connects and disconnects the second power generation device and the first power storage device to and from each other. The determination unit may determine that the second power generation device and the first power storage device are not connected by the switching device when a difference between the first value related to the amount of change in the remaining capacity of the first power storage device during the specified period and the second value related to the power consumption of the first electrical load during the specified period is less than the threshold value, and may determine that the second power generation device and the first power storage device are connected by the switching device when a difference between the first value related to the amount of change in the remaining capacity of the first power storage device during the specified period and the second value related to the power consumption of the first electrical load during the specified period is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0085] (Appendix 3) In the control device described in Supplementary Note 2, the control unit may perform connection control of the switching device when power cannot be supplied from the first power generation device to the first power storage device and the first electric load.

[0086] (Appendix 4) In the control device described in Appendix 2, the first power generation device may be capable of supplying DC power to a third electrical load (16c) of the plurality of electrical loads via a third power supply circuit (12c), and a third power storage device (24c) of the plurality of electrical storage devices may be connected in parallel to the first power generation device to the third power supply circuit, and the control unit may perform connection control of the switching device when power cannot be supplied from the third power storage device to the third electrical load.

[0087] (Appendix 5) The moving body (52) is equipped with the control device described in any one of appendices 1 to 4.

[0088] (Appendix 6) The control method for a power supply system (10) includes a first power supply circuit that supplies DC power output from a first power generation device to a plurality of first electric loads, a first power storage device that is connected in parallel with the first power generation device to the first power supply circuit, a second power supply circuit that supplies DC power output from a second power generation device to a plurality of second electric loads, a second power storage device (24b) that is connected in parallel with the second power generation device to the second power supply circuit, a connection circuit that can connect the first power supply circuit and the second power supply circuit, and a switching device that is provided in the connection circuit and can connect and disconnect the second power generation device and the first power storage device from each other. The control method includes the steps of switching the switching device from a disconnected state to a connected state, comparing a difference between a first value relating to an amount of change in remaining capacity of the first storage device over a predetermined period of time and a second value relating to power consumption of the first electrical load over the predetermined period of time, and determining that the second power generation device and the first storage device are not connected by the switching device if the difference between the first value and the second value is less than a predetermined threshold, and determining that the second power generation device and the first storage device are connected by the switching device if the difference between the first value and the second value is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0089] According to the above configuration, the number of sensors and wiring used in the power supply system can be reduced. As a result, the configuration of the power supply system can be simplified. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the switchboard in which the power supply system is installed can be made smaller, and the increase in the cost of the parts of the power supply system can be suppressed.

[0090] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 14a...First power generating device (power generating device) 14b...Second power generating device (power generating device) 16a...First electric load (electrical load) 16b...Second electric load (electrical load) 16c…Third Electrical Load (Electrical Load) 16d…Fourth Electrical Load (Electrical Load) 18a...First connection circuit (connection circuit) 18b...Second connection circuit (connection circuit) 20a...First connection device (switching device) 20b...Second connection device (switching device) 22a to 22d: Circuit breaker (switching device) 24a...First power storage device (power storage device) 24b...Second power storage device (power storage device) 24c...Third power storage device (power storage device) 24d...Fourth power storage device (power storage device) 34: Control device 40: Control unit 44...Determination unit 52...Moving object

Claims

1. a control unit that controls a switching device that can connect and disconnect a power storage device capable of storing DC power supplied from a power generation device to and from the power generation device; a determination unit that determines that the power generation device and the power storage device are not connected by the switching device when a difference between a first value relating to an amount of change in a remaining capacity of the power storage device over a predetermined period and a second value relating to power consumption over the predetermined period of an electrical load that can be operated by power supplied from at least one of the power generation device and the power storage device is less than a predetermined threshold, and that the power generation device and the power storage device are connected by the switching device when a difference between the first value and the second value is equal to or greater than the threshold; A control device comprising:

2. 2. The control device according to claim 1, the switching device is provided in a connection circuit capable of connecting a first power supply circuit that supplies DC power supplied from a first power generation device of the plurality of power generation devices to a first electric load of the plurality of electric loads, and a second power supply circuit that supplies DC power supplied from a second power generation device of the plurality of power generation devices to a second electric load of the plurality of electric loads, a first power storage device among the plurality of power storage devices is connected to the first power supply circuit in parallel with the first power generation device; the switching device is capable of connecting and disconnecting the second power generation device and the first power storage device from each other, the determination unit determines that the second power generation device and the first power storage device are not connected by the switching device when a difference between the first value related to the amount of change in the remaining capacity of the first storage device during the specified period and the second value related to the power consumption of the first electrical load during the specified period is less than the threshold value, and determines that the second power generation device and the first power storage device are connected by the switching device when a difference between the first value related to the amount of change in the remaining capacity of the first storage device during the specified period and the second value related to the power consumption of the first electrical load during the specified period is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

3. 3. The control device according to claim 2, The control unit controls connection of the switching device when power cannot be supplied from the first power generation device to the first power storage device and the first electrical load.

4. 3. The control device according to claim 2, the first power generation device is capable of supplying DC power to a third electrical load among the plurality of electrical loads via a third power supply circuit; a third power storage device among the plurality of power storage devices is connected to the third power supply circuit in parallel with the first power generation device; The control unit performs connection control of the switching device when power cannot be supplied from the third power storage device to the third electric load. Control device.

5. A moving object comprising the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a first power supply circuit that supplies DC power output from a first power generation device to a plurality of first electrical loads; a first power storage device connected in parallel to the first power generation device to the first power supply circuit; a second power supply circuit that supplies DC power output from the second power generation device to a plurality of second electrical loads; a second power storage device connected in parallel to the second power generation device to the second power supply circuit; a connection circuit capable of connecting the first power supply circuit and the second power supply circuit; a switching device provided in the connection circuit and capable of connecting and disconnecting the second power generation device and the first power storage device from each other; A control method for a power supply system comprising: switching the switching device from a disconnected state to a connected state; comparing a difference between a first value relating to an amount of change in a remaining capacity of the first power storage device over a predetermined period of time and a second value relating to power consumption of the first electric load over the predetermined period of time; determining that the second power generation device and the first power storage device are not connected by the switching device when a difference between the first value and the second value is less than a predetermined threshold, and determining that the second power generation device and the first power storage device are connected by the switching device when a difference between the first value and the second value is equal to or greater than the threshold; A method for controlling a power supply system comprising:

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