Power supply device, power supply control method, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a power supply device, a power supply control method, and a computer program capable of accommodating for both an FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) and an EV (Electric Vehicle).SOLUTION: A power supply device having a connector connected to a drive power source of a motor equipped on a vehicle and taking out power from the drive power source via the connector to supply the power to an external electric load comprises: a connector; a circuit for converting a power between itself and the external electric load to output the converted power; and a controller for controlling ON / OFF of an output of the power from the circuit to the external electric load. The controller determines whether or not the vehicle connected to the connector is a specific vehicle that requires a predetermined time or longer for turning into a state capable of outputting power. When the vehicle is determined to be the specific vehicle, after receiving an instruction for starting power supply through operation from a high-level device or a user, and before turning on the output of power from the circuit, the controller executes a process corresponding to the increase in output from the drive power source of the specific vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply device that supplies electric power obtained from a vehicle to an external load, a power supply control method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), which use fuel cells as a driving force for automobiles, have been put to practical use. FCVs, which use fuel cells as a driving force, are vehicles that reduce the burden on the environment, but their power generation capacity can also be used to supply electricity to homes, buildings outside the home, factories, and other places that experience a power outage, and it is hoped that they can be used to maintain life during disasters and keep factories running.

[0003] The fuel cell system of an FCV, which uses DC power to drive the motor, cannot directly supply power to electrical equipment in homes, other buildings, or factories that runs on AC power. A power supply device must be provided outside the vehicle to adjust the voltage and current of the power output from the fuel cell system and output it to the electrical equipment (electrical load). Patent Document 1 discloses an FCV that can supply power to external electrical equipment via a power supply device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6907830 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When used by the owner of an FCV, a power supply device for an FCV installed outside the vehicle may be only for FCVs. However, in public buildings and factories that require power even during disasters, it is preferable to use a power supply device that can supply power not only from FCVs but also from electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with storage batteries. In addition, even if the power supply device is compatible with FCVs, it is preferable that the power supply can be controlled by a higher-level device (e.g., an EMS (Energy Management System)) and the power supply can be controlled in accordance with the operation of electrical equipment that requires power.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a power supply device, a power supply control method, and a computer program that are capable of handling power supply from various vehicles including FCVs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A power supply device of one embodiment of the present disclosure has a connector that is connected to a driving power source of a motor provided in a vehicle, extracts power from the driving power source via the connector, and supplies the power to an external electrical load. The power supply device includes a circuit that converts and outputs power between the connector and the external electrical load, and a control unit that controls the ON / OFF of the output of power from the circuit to the external electrical load, and the control unit determines whether or not a vehicle connected to the connector is a specific vehicle that requires a predetermined time or more to reach a state where power can be output, and if it determines that the vehicle is the specific vehicle, executes processing in response to an increase in output from the driving power source of the specific vehicle before turning on the output of power from the circuit.

[0008] In one embodiment of the power supply control method disclosed herein, a power supply device has a connector connected to a drive power source of a motor provided in a vehicle, extracts power from the drive power source via the connector, and supplies the power to an external electrical load, determines whether a vehicle connected to the connector is a specific vehicle that requires a predetermined time or more to reach a state where it is capable of outputting power, and if it determines that the vehicle is the specific vehicle, executes processing in response to an increase in output from the drive power source of the specific vehicle before turning on the output of power from the power supply device.

[0009] A computer program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer mounted on a power supply device having a connector connected to a drive power source of a motor provided in a vehicle, extracting power from the drive power source via the connector, and supplying the power to an external electrical load to determine whether or not a vehicle connected to the connector is a specific vehicle that requires a predetermined time or more to reach a state where it is capable of outputting power, and if it is determined that the vehicle is the specific vehicle, to execute processing in response to an increase in output from the drive power source of the specific vehicle before turning on the output of power from the power supply device.

[0010] The power supply device is connected to a drive power source of a motor installed in a vehicle, and supplies power to an external electric load. When the drive power source of the motor of the vehicle is a fuel cell (FC), the time for the power output from the power generating engine to reach the rated power is longer than that for discharging from a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery. As a result, when attempting to start supplying power based on an operation on a higher-level device or an operation unit, if a process similar to that for a vehicle (EV) using a secondary battery as a drive power source is executed, an error may occur due to insufficient power. Vehicles that take a relatively long time for the output power to reach the rated power are not limited to FCVs, and may be vehicles whose drive power source for the motor is a storage battery. In an EV designed to output power from a storage battery via a DC-DC converter, the time for the output power to reach the rated power is longer than that of an EV that outputs power directly from the storage battery, and an error may occur due to insufficient power.

[0011] In the power supply device, power supply control method, and computer program disclosed herein, when the connected vehicle is a specific vehicle that takes a relatively long time for the output power to reach the rated power, the power supply device performs processing according to the time required for preparation. Depending on whether the vehicle is a vehicle that behaves in a specific manner, the power supply device operates appropriately, and it is possible to avoid an error occurring when a specific vehicle is connected despite the need for power supply from the specific vehicle.

[0012] In a power supply device of one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the control unit determines that the vehicle is a specific vehicle, it waits for a period of time corresponding to a preparation period before the output from the drive power source of the specific vehicle increases, and after waiting, turns on the output of power from the circuit.

[0013] In the power supply device disclosed herein, when the connected vehicle is a specific vehicle, the power supply device waits for a period of time corresponding to the time required for preparing the power output from the power generation engine as a process according to the time. A predetermined time is set in advance in the power supply device as the period of time corresponding to the time. The predetermined time may be set based on the time required for charging and discharging to become possible as determined by charging standards and charging and discharging standards (CHAdeMO (registered trademark), CCS (Combined Charging System), etc.), or may be a time determined in advance by testing. Even when a specific vehicle is connected, it is possible to appropriately supply power to an external electric load.

[0014] In one embodiment of the power supply device disclosed herein, when the control unit determines that the vehicle is the specific vehicle, it accepts a confirmation operation from the user, and when the confirmation operation is accepted, it waits for a period of time corresponding to the preparation period, and after waiting, it turns on the output of power from the circuit.

[0015] In the power supply device disclosed herein, a confirmation operation from the user is further accepted before going into standby. In a specific vehicle, a user operation is often required to start power output from the drive power source. Simply waiting may result in a timeout while the user is taking time to operate. By adding a process of waiting after accepting a user confirmation operation, power can be supplied appropriately even when a specific vehicle is connected.

[0016] The power supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a host communication unit that is communicatively connected to a host device, and the control unit notifies the host device from the host communication unit that the specific vehicle has been connected.

[0017] In the power supply device of the present disclosure, when a higher-level device is present, the control unit notifies the higher-level device that a specific vehicle with a different behavior is connected. The higher-level device recognizes that the specific vehicle is connected to the power supply device and can implement appropriate control in response to the time required for power output from the drive power source.

[0018] The power supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a vehicle communication unit that communicates with an on-board control device that controls a drive power source of the motor, and before turning on the output of power from the circuit, the control unit notifies the on-board control device via the upper communication unit that the maximum power and maximum current related to the power supply will be set to their minimum values ​​for a certain period of time, and notifies the on-board control device of the minimum values ​​as the maximum power and maximum current via the vehicle communication unit.

[0019] In the power supply device disclosed herein, before starting to supply rated power to an external electric load, the host device and the specific vehicle are notified that large power or current will not be output, and it is possible to avoid an error resulting from low output power and termination. In particular, in a situation such as a power outage in which the power supply device itself cannot obtain power from the power grid, the vehicle and the power supply device can be maintained in a connected state even while power supply is not being performed. In the connected state, the startup storage battery provided in the power supply device can be charged with power from the vehicle's driving power source.

[0020] In a power supply device of one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the control unit determines that the vehicle is the specific vehicle, it turns on the output of power from the circuit while limiting the output from the power supply device, and gradually increases the output from the circuit.

[0021] In the power supply device disclosed herein, when the connected vehicle is a specific vehicle, the power supply device immediately starts supplying power while limiting the output in response to an operation on the upper device or the operation unit as a process according to the time required for preparing the power output from the drive power source, thereby preventing an error from occurring due to low power output from the specific vehicle.

[0022] The power supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a host communication unit that is connected for communication with a host device, and the control unit notifies the host device of a limit on the output from the circuit via the host communication unit.

[0023] In the power supply device of the present disclosure, when a higher-level device is present, the control unit notifies the higher-level device that a specific vehicle is connected and that output is limited. Even if the output from the power supply device is low, it is possible to avoid the higher-level device stopping the power supply device as an error. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the present disclosure, the power supply device is capable of operating appropriately for a variety of vehicles, both for power supply from an EV and for power supply from an FCV. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power supply system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply device. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the power supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the power supply start processing procedure in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a power supply device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a power supply device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a power supply device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a power supply device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. In the following embodiments, a power supply system to which a power supply device according to the present disclosure is applied will be described.

[0027] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power supply system 100. The power supply system 100 includes an electric device (electric load) 21 arranged on a premises or the like, and a power supply device 1. The electric device 21 and the power supply device 1 are connected by a distribution board 22 and a power line PL. A power system E is connected to the distribution board 22, and the electric device 21 is usually supplied with power from the power system E or a DC power network. The power supply source for the electric device 21 may be one that simulates a commercial system, may be a power storage device (not shown), or may be a power generation system (not shown). When power from the power system E or the DC power network cannot be used during a disaster or the like, the power supply device 1 of this embodiment can supply power from a vehicle V1, which is an FCV, to the electric device 21. The power supply device 1 can also supply power from a storage battery mounted on a vehicle V2, which is an EV, to the electric device 21.

[0028] The power supply device 1 is connected to the higher-level device 23 via a communication line CL. The power supply device 1 can also transmit and receive data to on-board control devices mounted on the vehicles V1 and V2 via the communication line CL included in a cable. The power supply device 1 controls the power supply from the vehicle V1 or V2 based on communication between the higher-level device 23 and the on-board control devices.

[0029] The power supply device 1 may be a charging / discharging device that also has a function of supplying power obtained from a power system E, a DC power network, etc. to a vehicle V2, which is an EV, to charge the vehicle V2. However, only the function of the power supply device 1 will be described below.

[0030] The higher-level device 23 controls the transfer of power from the power system E or other power sources to the electric device 21, and the transfer of power from the vehicle V1 or the vehicle V2 to the electric device 21. When a power generation system is connected to the power supply system 100, the higher-level device 23 controls the transfer of power from the power generation system to the electric device 21, and when a power storage device is connected, the higher-level device 23 controls the transfer of power from the power storage device to the electric device 21. In this embodiment, the higher-level device 23 is described as a server device provided outside the system 100, but the higher-level device 23 may be installed in the distribution board 22 to control the transfer of power to the electric device 21 connected by the power line PL within the premises, or may be built into the power supply device 1.

[0031] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply device 1. The power supply device 1 includes a power supply circuit 10, a control unit 11, a vehicle communication unit 12, a higher-level communication unit 13, a power supply unit 14, and an operation unit 15. The power supply circuit 10 includes a group of circuit elements such as an inverter and various relays. The power supply circuit 10 includes a relay 10b connected to a connector 16 that connects to the vehicles V1 and V2, and a relay 10a connected to a load side such as an electric device 21. The power supply circuit 10 is connected to the connector 16 via a power line PL. The power supply circuit 10 converts the power supplied from the vehicles V1 and V2 and outputs the converted power toward the load side.

[0032] A fuel cell system of a vehicle V1 or an on-board storage battery of a vehicle V2 is connected to the connector 16. Vehicles that can be connected to the connector 16 include EVs, FCVs, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) that can supply (discharge) power to the outside.

[0033] Both vehicle V1 and vehicle V2 are equipped with a power line PL connected to a connector on the vehicle V1, V2 side, a DC relay interposed in the power line PL, and an on-board control device (not shown). The on-board control device controls the ON and OFF of the DC relay. The on-board control device of vehicle V1, which is an FCV, controls power generation of the fuel cell system. The on-board control device of vehicle V2, which is an EV, controls charging of the on-board storage battery and discharging from the on-board storage battery to the drive motor and to the outside.

[0034] The control unit 11 outputs control signals to a group of circuit elements included in the power supply circuit 10 to control them. The control unit 11 controls the amount of current and voltage from the vehicles V1, V2. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a non-volatile memory, and the CPU executes control processing based on a computer program P1 stored in the non-volatile memory to control the power supply circuit 10 (ON / OFF of relays 10a, 10b, etc.).

[0035] The computer program P1 (computer product) stored in the non-volatile memory of the control unit 11 may be a computer program P9 stored in a non-transitory storage medium 9 readable by a computer and stored in memory by the CPU.

[0036] The vehicle communication unit 12 can be communicatively connected to the vehicle-mounted control device via the connector 16. The communication connection protocol of the vehicle communication unit 12 only needs to conform to the charging / discharging method corresponding to the vehicle-mounted control device and connector on the vehicle V1, V2 side, and may be capable of selectively executing one of a plurality of protocols so as to be applicable to different charging / discharging methods. In this embodiment, the vehicle communication unit 12 communicates with the vehicle-mounted control device via, for example, a Controller Area Network (CAN). Alternatively, the vehicle communication unit 12 may communicate with the vehicle-mounted control device via ECHONET / ECHONETLite (registered trademark). The vehicle communication unit 12 may communicate with the vehicle-mounted control device via a PLC.

[0037] The upper communication unit 13 realizes communication with the upper device 23 via a communication line CL. The upper communication unit 13 may be, for example, a communication module corresponding to a communication line conforming to Ethernet (registered trademark), or a communication module corresponding to a communication line corresponding to ECHONET / ECHONETLite (registered trademark). The upper communication unit 13 may realize communication by PLC.

[0038] The power supply unit 14 includes a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Systems) circuit and a startup storage battery, and supplies power to the control unit 11. In the event of a power outage, the power supply unit 14 supplies the power required to start up the power supply device 1 from the startup storage battery. The power supply unit 14 may charge the startup storage battery with power from the power grid E, a power generation system, or vehicles V1, V2.

[0039] The operation unit 15 includes a display, a touch panel with a built-in display, and physical buttons. The operation unit 15 is exposed on the exterior of the power supply device 1 and accepts operations including ON (start), OFF (power off), START (initiate), and STOP (end) from a user. The control unit 11 may control the power supply circuit 10 based on the operations accepted by the operation unit 15.

[0040] The control unit 11 of the power supply device 1 configured as described above is required to successfully control the start of power supply to the electric device 21, regardless of whether the vehicle V1, V2 to which the connector 16 is connected is an FCV or an EV. Therefore, the power supply device 1 of the first embodiment starts power supply after the vehicle V1, V2 becomes capable of supplying power, regardless of whether the vehicle V1, V2 is an FCV or an EV. Whether power supply is possible or not is determined by the passage of time and processing such as data transmission and reception with an on-board control device.

[0041] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a power supply start processing procedure according to the first embodiment. When the control unit 11 of the power supply device 1 is started in response to an ON operation from the operation unit 15 and the start of power supply from the power supply unit 14 based on a schedule, the control unit 11 executes the following processing based on a computer program P1.

[0042] When the control unit 11 is started, it determines whether or not a START instruction has been received from the operation unit 15 (step S101). If it is determined that a START instruction has not been received (S101: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S101 and enters a standby state until an instruction is received.

[0043] When the control unit 11 determines that a START command has been received from the operation unit 15 (S101: YES), it determines whether the connected vehicles V1, V2 are specific vehicles that require a predetermined time or more to become capable of outputting electric power (step S102). The specific vehicle is, for example, an FCV. The predetermined time may be stored in advance in the memory as the time required for an FCV or an EV to become capable of outputting electric power. The predetermined time may be set based on the time required for charging and discharging to become capable of charging and discharging as stipulated in a charging standard or a charging and discharging standard (CHAdeMO (registered trademark), CCS, etc.), or may be a value set by trial and error through testing.

[0044] In step S102, the determination of whether the connected vehicles V1, V2 are specific vehicles can be made from information obtained by communication with the vehicle-mounted control device in the vehicle communication unit 12. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may estimate the vehicle type based on the content of the signal (CHAdeMO (registered trademark) and CAN ID 202.1, CAN ID 700.0 of the V2H guidelines, etc.) exchanged via the connector 16, the timing of the input and output of the signal, and the behavior of the vehicle-mounted control device, and make a determination from the estimation result (Patent No. 6737390, etc.). The control unit 11 may estimate the vehicle type using a separately provided camera, and determine whether the connected vehicles V1, V2 are specific vehicles from the estimated vehicle type. Alternatively, as a method of estimating the vehicle type, the control unit 11 may acquire vehicle type information written on a card for user authentication read by a reading unit provided in the power supply device 1, and identify the vehicle type. The control unit 11 may have the user input vehicle type information via the operation unit 15 to identify the vehicle type.

[0045] If it is determined that the vehicles V1 and V2 are not specific vehicles (S102: NO), the control unit 11 determines that the vehicles V1 and V2 are, for example, vehicle V2, an EV that requires a relatively short time to reach a state where it can output electric power (step S103), performs processing to determine parameters for charging and discharging the vehicle V2, and notifies the upper communication unit 13 that an EV (electric vehicle) (vehicle V2 that is not a specific vehicle) has been connected (step S104). In step S104, the control unit 11 notifies data indicating whether the connected EV vehicle V2 is capable of supplying power.

[0046] The control unit 11 locks the connector 16 (step S105), communicates with the on-board control device, and executes the process of feeding power from the storage battery of the vehicle V2, which is an EV (step S106). The process of step S106 includes, for example, a connection sequence in which the control unit 11 establishes a communication connection with the on-board control device of the vehicle V2, and includes boosting the inverters on the vehicle V2 side and the power feeding device 1 side. Thereafter, the control unit 11 starts or continues outputting power from the storage battery of the vehicle V2, and executes the process until it receives a STOP command from the operation unit 15 or the higher-level device 23.

[0047] If it is determined that the vehicles V1 and V2 are specific vehicles (S102: YES), the control unit 11 determines that, for example, the connected vehicles V1 and V2 are FCVs that require a relatively long time to become capable of outputting electric power (step S107). The control unit 11 notifies the upper communication unit 13 that the vehicle V1, which is an FCV (fuel cell vehicle), has been connected (step S108). By the process of step S108, the upper device 23 can execute a process according to the fact that an FCV is connected ahead of the power supply device 1 and that it takes time to start outputting electric power.

[0048] The control unit 11 locks the connector 16 (step S109), waits for a period of time corresponding to the preparation period of the fuel cell (e.g., 30 seconds, 60 seconds) (step S110), and then executes the process of feeding power from the vehicle V1, which is an FCV (step S111). The preparation period in step S110 is set to be approximately the same length as or longer than the predetermined time stored for step S102. The process of step S111 includes, for example, a connection sequence in which the control unit 11 establishes a communication connection with an on-board control device of the vehicle V1, and includes boosting the inverter on the power feeding device 1 side. Thereafter, the control unit 11 starts or continues the power output from the fuel cell of the vehicle V1, and executes the process until it receives a STOP command from the operation unit 15 or the higher-level device 23.

[0049] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the processing procedure for starting power supply in the first embodiment. In the modified example, when the vehicles V1 and V2 are connected, it is automatically determined whether the vehicles are specific vehicles or not, and it is assumed that a START instruction is transmitted from the upper device 23 after a certain period of time has elapsed. Among the processing procedures shown in the flowchart of Fig. 4, the procedures common to the flowchart of Fig. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] When the control unit 11 is started, it determines whether or not a connection with the vehicles V1, V2 is detected via the connector 16 (step S141). If it is determined that a connection is not detected (S141: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S141. If it is determined that a connection is detected (S141: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the connected vehicles V1, V2 are specific vehicles (S102).

[0051] In the modified example, the control unit 11 locks the connector 16 in a state connected to the vehicle V2 (S105), and then determines whether or not a START instruction has been received from the operation unit 15 or the higher-level device 23 (step S145). If it is determined that a START instruction has been received (S145: YES), the control unit 11 advances the process to step S106. If it is determined that a START instruction has not been received (S145: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S145 and enters a standby state until an instruction is received. In this standby state, the control unit 11 of the power supply device 1 may wait for a certain period of time while maintaining a communication connection with the on-board control device of the connected vehicle V2, or may wait without establishing a communication connection and with the connector 16 locked. When the certain period of time has elapsed, the control unit 11 may stop the process as an error.

[0052] In the modified example, the control unit 11 locks the connector 16 while connected to the vehicle V1 (S109), and then determines whether or not a power supply START command has been received from the operation unit 15 or the higher-level device 23 (step S146). If it is determined that a START command has been received (S146: YES), the control unit 11 advances the process to step S110. If it is determined that a START command has not been received (S146: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S146 and enters a standby state until a command is received. The standby state is the same as that described for step S145.

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, when the vehicle V1, which is an FCV, is connected, the standby period is performed (S110). This is because there are vehicle models in which it takes longer for the power generation engine of the FCV to supply the electric equipment 21 with the power (rated power) required for the electric equipment 21 than for the storage battery. If the power supply device 1 starts supplying power even though the power generation engine of the vehicle V1 is not ready, the rated power may not be enough and an error may be detected, and the distribution board 22 may execute a process to stop the operation, or the power supply device 1 itself may stop. The power supply device 1 and the on-board control device are manufactured by different manufacturers, and each may prepare and supply power in a procedure that is independent of the other even in small steps, and may stop the process for safety. Since vehicles V1, V2, ... of different manufacturers may be connected to the power supply device 1, the control unit 11 needs to operate appropriately for the control performed by each of the vehicles V1, V2, .... In principle, it is common for FCVs to require time to output the rated power from their power generation engines, so the power supply device 1 can operate appropriately by waiting for a time corresponding to the preparation period before starting power supply. Of course, there are cases where a vehicle V1 that requires a shorter time from the FCV's power generation period to output the rated power is connected, and conversely, there are cases where a vehicle V2 that is an EV that requires a relatively long time to output the rated power from the storage battery is connected. Therefore, in step S102, instead of determining whether the vehicle is a storage battery-equipped vehicle, the control unit 11 may determine whether the vehicle does not require a long time to output the rated power by specifically identifying the vehicle type.

[0054] There are various possible methods for starting power supply from the vehicle V1, which is an FCV. As one example, the user can instruct the start of power supply by performing a predetermined operation on an operation panel in the vehicle V1. The on-board control device accepts an instruction to switch to a mode for supplying power to the outside, for example by pressing the START (ON) switch twice in succession without stepping on the brake, and then starts power supply after confirming whether or not to actually supply power to the outside by pressing a "decide" button or the like. It is assumed that these operations by the user are performed between the process of step S109 and the process of step S110 in the flowchart of FIG. 4.

[0055] When the user attaches the connector 16 of the power supply device 1 to the connector of the vehicle V1 and performs a predetermined operation (switching to the power supply mode to the outside and confirming) to instruct the start of power supply inside the vehicle, the vehicle-mounted control device of the vehicle V1 prepares for power supply from the fuel cell. Even if the user presses and selects the START button on the operation unit 15 on the power supply device 1 side, thereby establishing a communication connection with the vehicle-mounted control device of the vehicle V1, and the relay 10b and the relays of the vehicle V1 are turned ON to enable output, a preparation period of, for example, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, etc. is required for the rated power required by the electric device 21 side to actually be output from the vehicle V1. Therefore, if the control unit 11 waits for the preparation period after receiving the START instruction on the power supply device 1 side and then starts power supply, it is possible to avoid a stop due to an error, etc., even if it takes time for the power supply from the generator engine of the vehicle V1 to supply power.

[0056] In the modified example, even if the control unit 11 notifies the higher-level device 23 that an FCV has been connected in step S108 and receives a START command in step S146 before the preparation period has elapsed, the control unit waits for a period corresponding to the preparation period in step S110 before outputting power from the power supply circuit 10. The power supply from the vehicle V1, which is an FCV, does not always immediately satisfy the power required by the higher-level device 23. Therefore, the control unit waits for a period corresponding to the preparation period in step S111, even after an operation to start power supply is performed in the vehicle V1.

[0057] In addition, in step S110, instead of waiting for the preparation period, the control unit 11 may wait until it receives a notification from the on-board control device of the vehicle V1 indicating that it is ready to start power supply after the connection sequence for establishing a communication connection with the on-board control device.

[0058] The standby process in step S110 may be executed even if it is determined that the connected vehicles V1, V2 are not specific vehicles (S102: NO). As with FCVs, this method may be applied to vehicles V that require time to output rated power from the storage battery. The same applies to the following embodiments.

[0059] Second embodiment In the second embodiment, when a vehicle V1 that is an FCV is connected, the power supply device 1 requires a confirmation operation to start power supply. The hardware configuration of the power supply system 100 of the second embodiment described below is similar to that of the power supply system 100 of the first embodiment. In the power supply system 100 of the second embodiment, the configurations common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the power supply device 1 of the second embodiment. Among the processing procedures shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5, the same steps as those shown in the flowchart of Fig. 3 are assigned the same step numbers and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0061] In the second embodiment, when the control unit 11 determines that the vehicle V1, which is an FCV, is connected (S107), it enables the operation unit 15 to make the START confirmation button available for pressing or selection (step S121). In step S121, the control unit 11 may display the START confirmation button as a software button on the display, or enable pressing of the START confirmation button, which is a physical button. In step S121, the control unit 11 may wait a predetermined time before enabling, and when enabled, output a voice or the like. Furthermore, in step S121, the control unit 11 may display a guidance message and provide voice guidance to the user to perform a predetermined operation to start power supply on the vehicle V1 and then press or select the START confirmation button.

[0062] The control unit 11 determines whether the START confirmation button enabled in step S121 has been pressed (step S122). If it is determined that the START confirmation button has not been pressed (S122: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S122 and waits.

[0063] If it is determined that the START confirmation button has been pressed (S122: YES), the control unit 11 takes this as an opportunity to wait for a period of time corresponding to the preparation period of the fuel cell (S110), and advances the process to the next step S111.

[0064] In this way, depending on the time required for power supply from the power generation engine of the FCV, the power supply device 1 can operate appropriately by waiting for a corresponding period of time before starting power supply.

[0065] Third embodiment In the third embodiment, the power supply device 1 operates to gradually increase the output when a vehicle V1 that is an FCV is connected. The hardware configuration of the power supply system 100 of the third embodiment described below is similar to that of the power supply system 100 of the first embodiment. In the power supply system 100 of the third embodiment, the configurations common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description is omitted, and the processing contents are described.

[0066] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the power supply device 1 of the third embodiment. Among the processing procedures shown in the flowchart of Fig. 6, the same steps as those shown in the flowchart of Fig. 3 are assigned the same step numbers and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0067] In the third embodiment, when the control unit 11 determines that the vehicle V1, which is an FCV, is connected (S107), the control unit 11 notifies the upper device 23 through the upper communication unit 13 that output restriction is being executed (step S131). The control unit 11 starts a power supply process in a state where the rated power is insufficient (step S132), and gradually increases the output toward the rated power (step S133). In step S133, the control unit 11 controls the output from the power supply circuit 10 to be gradually increased according to the output from the generator engine of the vehicle V1.

[0068] When the output from the generator engine of the vehicle V1 increases sufficiently, the host device 23 is notified that the output restriction has ended (step S134), and power supply from the vehicle V1 is continued (step S135).

[0069] In this way, as the output power from the FCV's power generation engine gradually increases, the power supply device 1 can also perform processing in response to the time it takes to reach the rated power, allowing the device to operate appropriately. In this case, the device can operate without delaying the start of operation, as compared to the first and second embodiments. By notifying the host device 23 that power supply will start in an output-limited state that does not reach the rated power, the host device 23 can also be controlled with appropriate operation.

[0070] (Fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, an operation in an independent operation in a situation where power cannot be obtained from the power grid E will be described. The hardware configuration of the power supply system 100 of the fourth embodiment described below is similar to that of the power supply system 100 of the first embodiment. In the power supply system 100 of the fourth embodiment, the configurations common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description is omitted, and the processing contents will be described.

[0071] 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an example of a processing procedure of the power supply device 1 of the fourth embodiment. When the power supply device 1 is started up by the power stored in the startup storage battery of the power source unit 14 by an ON operation from the operation unit 15, the control unit 11 of the power supply device 1 executes the following processing in an independent operation mode based on the computer program P1.

[0072] When the control unit 11 is started, it determines whether or not a START instruction has been received from the operation unit 15 (step S201). If it is determined that a START instruction has not been received (S201: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S201 and enters a standby state until an instruction is received.

[0073] When the control unit 11 determines that it has received a START command from the operation unit 15 (S201: YES), it determines whether the connected vehicles V1 and V2 are specific vehicles that require a predetermined time or more to become capable of outputting electric power (step S202). The determination process in step S202 is the same as step S102 described in the first embodiment.

[0074] When the control unit 11 determines that the vehicles V1 and V2 are not specific vehicles (S202: NO ), for example, vehicles V1 and V2 are determined to be EV vehicle V2, which requires a relatively short time to reach a state where it can output electric power (step S203). The control unit 11 sets the maximum discharge power and maximum discharge current to a minimum power value (1 kW or 0 kW, etc.) and a minimum current value (1 A, etc.) for a certain period of time as parameters for charging and discharging the EV vehicle V2 (step S204). The control unit 11 outputs the set parameters via the upper communication unit 13 (step S205), and notifies that an EV (electric vehicle) has been connected (step S206). In step S206, the control unit 11 may notify data indicating whether the connected EV vehicle V2 is capable of supplying electric power.

[0075] The control unit 11 locks the connector 16 (step S207), communicates with the on-board control device, and executes the process of feeding power from the storage battery of the vehicle V2, which is an EV (step S208). The process of step S208 is similar to step S106 described in the first embodiment. After that, the control unit 11 starts or continues the power output from the storage battery of the vehicle V2, and executes the process until a STOP command is received from the operation unit 15 or the higher-level device 23.

[0076] During the independent operation, the control unit 11 may determine whether or not a START command has been received before executing the power supply process (S208) in the same manner as in the modified example of the first embodiment. In this case, in a standby state until the START command is received, the control unit 11 closes both of the relays 10a and 10b of the power supply circuit 10, and charges the startup storage battery with power from the storage battery of the vehicle V2.

[0077] If it is determined that the vehicles V1 and V2 are specific vehicles (S202: YES), the control unit 11 determines that they are FCVs (step S209), and notifies the operation unit 15 via the upper communication unit 13 that the vehicle V1, which is an FCV (fuel cell vehicle), has been connected (step S210). The control unit 11 sets the maximum discharge power and maximum discharge current to minimum power values ​​(1 kW, 0 kW, etc.) and minimum current values ​​(1 A, etc.) for a certain period of time (step S211), and outputs the set parameters (maximum discharge power, maximum discharge current) via the upper communication unit 13 (step S212).

[0078] The control unit 11 locks the connector 16 (step S213), and outputs a message notifying that an FCV is connected on the display of the operation unit 15 (step S214). In step S214, the control unit 11 displays, for example, "Because an FCV is connected, please do not remove any electric devices from the power supply destination of the power supply device 1 for a while."

[0079] The control unit 11 transmits a predetermined minimum value (e.g., 1 A) as the current value of the discharge current to the on-board control device of the vehicle V1 from the vehicle communication unit 12 (step S215). The control unit 11 waits for a period corresponding to the preparation period of the fuel cell (e.g., 30 seconds, 60 seconds) (step S216), and then executes (continues) the process of feeding power from the vehicle V1, which is an FCV (step S217).

[0080] The control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a power shortage (step S218), and if it is determined that there is a power shortage (S218: YES), it stops the power supply (step S219) and outputs a message from the operation unit 15 to reduce the number of electrical devices to which power is supplied (step S220). The control unit 11 returns the process to step S215. Even while the power supply is stopped, in the standby state, the control unit 11 may close both of the relays 10a and 10b of the power supply circuit 10 and charge the start-up storage battery with power from the generator engine of the vehicle V1.

[0081] If it is determined in step S218 that there is no power shortage (S218: NO), the power supply process continues (step S221).

[0082] In this way, even during independent operation, the connection of an FCV is permitted, and even when an FCV is connected, unnecessary error processing can be avoided and appropriate processing can be performed in response to the time it takes for the amount of power supplied from the FCV to reach the rated value.

[0083] The embodiments disclosed above are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 Power supply device 10 Power supply circuit 10a, 10b Relay 11 Control section 12 Vehicle communication unit 13 Upper communication section 16 Connectors 21 Electrical equipment (electrical load) 23 Upper device V1, V2 vehicles

Claims

1. A power supply device having a connector connected to a drive power source of a motor provided in a vehicle, extracting electric power from the drive power source via the connector and supplying the electric power to an external electric load, A circuit that converts electric power between the connector and the external electric load and outputs the converted electric power; a control unit that controls ON / OFF of the output of power from the circuit to the external electric load; Equipped with The control unit is determining whether the vehicle connected to the connector is a specific vehicle that requires a predetermined time or more until it becomes capable of outputting electric power; When it is determined that the vehicle is the specific vehicle, before turning on the output of the electric power from the circuit, a process corresponding to an increase in the output from the drive power source of the specific vehicle is executed. Power supply device.

2. The control unit is When it is determined that the vehicle is a specific vehicle, waiting for a period of time corresponding to a preparation period before an output from the drive power source of the specific vehicle is increased; After waiting, the power output from the circuit is turned ON. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit is If it is determined that the vehicle is the specific vehicle, a confirmation operation by the user is accepted; When the confirmation operation is accepted, the device waits for a period of time corresponding to the preparation period; After waiting, the power output from the circuit is turned ON. The power supply device according to claim 2 .

4. Further comprising a host communication unit for communicating with a host device, The control unit notifies the host device from the host communication unit that the specific vehicle has been connected. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

5. A vehicle communication unit that communicates with an on-board control device that controls a drive power source of the motor, The control unit is Before turning on the output of power from the circuit, notifying the upper device by the upper communication unit that the maximum power and maximum current related to the power supply will be set to their minimum values ​​for a certain period of time; The vehicle communication unit notifies the vehicle-mounted control device of the minimum value as the maximum power and the maximum current. The power supply device according to claim 4.

6. The control unit is When the vehicle is determined to be the specific vehicle, the power output from the power supply device is limited while the power output from the power supply device is turned on; Gradually increase the output from the circuit The power supply device according to claim 1 .

7. Further comprising a host communication unit for communicating with a host device, The control unit notifies the upper device of the limitation of the output from the circuit through the upper communication unit. The power supply device according to claim 6.

8. a power supply device having a connector connected to a drive power source of a motor provided in a vehicle, extracting electric power from the drive power source via the connector and supplying the electric power to an external electric load; determining whether the vehicle connected to the connector is a specific vehicle that requires a predetermined time or more until it becomes capable of outputting electric power; When the vehicle is determined to be the specific vehicle, a process is executed in response to an increase in output from the drive power source of the specific vehicle before turning on the output of electric power from the power supply device. Power supply control method.

9. A computer mounted on a power supply device having a connector connected to a drive power source of a motor provided in a vehicle, extracting electric power from the drive power source via the connector and supplying the electric power to an external electric load, determining whether the vehicle connected to the connector is a specific vehicle that requires a predetermined time or more until it becomes capable of outputting electric power; When the vehicle is determined to be the specific vehicle, a process is executed in response to an increase in output from the drive power source of the specific vehicle before turning on the output of electric power from the power supply device. A computer program that makes a computer function like this.

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