Determination method, computer program, determination device, and power storage device

Abstract

To provide a determination method, a computer program, a determination device, and a power storage device.SOLUTION: One or a plurality of computers execute processing of: predicting future performance of a secondary battery to be used for reuse; acquiring information on performance of the secondary battery required by a mounting destination of the secondary battery; and by comparing predicted future performance of the secondary battery with the performance of the secondary battery required by the mounting destination, determining suitability of the secondary battery relative to the mounting destination, and outputting determination results of the suitability.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a determination method, a computer program, a determination device, and a power storage device. [Background technology]

[0002] Secondary batteries such as lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries are widely used. For example, secondary batteries are mounted on vehicles such as automobiles and are used as a power supply source for a starter when starting an engine and as a power supply source for various electrical devices such as lights (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In recent years, the life span of secondary batteries has been extended, and there is a demand for the reuse of secondary batteries due to social demands such as legal regulations. Under such circumstances, it is expected that secondary batteries used for reuse will be distributed on the second-hand market and become widespread. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-78147 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a used secondary battery is to be mounted in a new installation, currently there is no method for determining whether or not the secondary battery is suitable for the new installation.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a compatibility determination method, a computer program, a determination device, and a power storage device that can determine the compatibility of a power storage device at a site where the power storage device is to be installed as a reuse item. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A compatibility determination method according to one embodiment of the present invention predicts the future performance of a secondary battery to be used for reuse, obtains information on the performance of the secondary battery required by the installation destination of the secondary battery, compares the predicted future performance of the secondary battery with the performance of the secondary battery required by the installation destination, thereby determining the compatibility of the secondary battery for the installation destination, and outputs the compatibility determination result, which are executed by one or more computers. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the above aspect, it is possible to determine the suitability of the power storage device at the installation site where the power storage device is to be installed as a reuse item. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of a reuse support system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of application to a vehicle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the power storage device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a prediction device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a determination device. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a prediction process executed by the prediction device. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a determination process executed by the determination device. [Figure 8] 11 is a graph showing an example of an comparison between a prediction result and a required value at a site where the device is installed. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a determination process executed by a determination device in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (1) The compatibility determination method disclosed herein predicts the future performance of a secondary battery to be used for reuse, obtains information on the performance of the secondary battery required by the installation destination of the secondary battery, compares the predicted future performance of the secondary battery with the performance of the secondary battery required by the installation destination, thereby determining the compatibility of the secondary battery for the installation destination, and outputs the compatibility determination result, which are executed by one or more computers.

[0011] According to the compatibility determination method (1) above, the future performance of a secondary battery to be reused is predicted, and the compatibility of the secondary battery with its intended use can be determined based on whether the predicted performance satisfies the requirements of the intended use.

[0012] (2) In the compatibility determination method described in (1) above, information regarding the current performance of the secondary battery, information regarding the usage environment of the secondary battery at the installation site, and information regarding the installation site are obtained, and the computer performs a process of predicting the future performance of the secondary battery based on the obtained information.

[0013] According to the compatibility determination method of (2) above, for example, the future performance of a secondary battery to be reused can be predicted by taking into consideration information on the usage environment at the installation site and information on the installation site, and using the current performance of the secondary battery as an initial value. Information on the usage environment includes information on the environmental temperature at the installation site (e.g., annual temperature changes). Information on the installation site includes a standard charging and discharging pattern at the installation site and a temperature rise level of the storage element at the installation site.

[0014] (3) In the method for determining compatibility according to (1) or (2) above, the performance of the secondary battery to be predicted includes values ​​of a full charge capacity and an output performance.

[0015] According to the above-mentioned (3) method of determining suitability, the predicted values ​​of the full charge capacity and output performance of the secondary battery to be reused are calculated, and suitability can be determined by determining whether or not the requirements of the device on which the battery is to be installed are met. The full charge capacity is an index indicating whether or not the battery has the ability to drive or start the device on which the battery is to be installed. The internal resistance value of the secondary battery is used for the output performance.

[0016] (4) In the compatibility determination method described in any one of (1) to (3) above, dimensional information of the secondary battery and dimensional information of a secondary battery that can be installed at the installation destination are obtained, and the computer executes a process of determining the compatibility based on the obtained dimensional information.

[0017] According to the compatibility determination method (4) above, by comparing the dimensions of the secondary battery to be reused with the dimensions of a secondary battery that can be installed in the installation location, it is possible to determine whether the secondary battery for reuse can be physically placed in the installation location.

[0018] (5) In the compatibility determination method described in any one of (1) to (4) above, information on the manufacturer of the secondary battery and information on the manufacturer of a secondary battery that is to be installed as standard in the installation destination are obtained, and the computer executes a process of determining the compatibility based on the obtained manufacturer information.

[0019] According to the compatibility determination method of (5) above, it is possible to determine whether the manufacturer of the secondary battery to be reused can be installed in the installation destination by determining whether the manufacturer of the secondary battery to be used for reuse matches the manufacturer of the secondary battery that is installed as standard in the installation destination.

[0020] (6) In the compatibility determination method described in any one of (1) to (5) above, information regarding the communication specifications of the secondary battery and information regarding the communication specifications of the device in which the secondary battery is to be installed are obtained, and the computer executes a process of determining the compatibility based on the obtained information regarding the communication specifications.

[0021] According to the compatibility determination method (6) above, by determining whether the communication specifications of the secondary battery to be reused match the communication specifications of the installation destination, it is possible to determine whether the secondary battery for reuse can be connected so as to be able to communicate with the installation destination.

[0022] (7) In the compatibility determination method described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the device on which the secondary battery is mounted is a vehicle that uses the power of the secondary battery.

[0023] Secondary batteries are installed in vehicles, for example, as power sources for starting the vehicle, for auxiliary machinery, or as backup power sources in the event of a main power source failure. Secondary batteries may also be installed in vehicles as power sources for driving a motor for driving the vehicle. According to the compatibility determination method of (7) above, it is possible to determine the compatibility of a secondary battery installed as a power source for a vehicle with its installation.

[0024] (8) The computer program disclosed herein causes a computer to execute a process of predicting future performance of a secondary battery to be used for reuse, acquiring information on the performance of the secondary battery required by the installation destination of the secondary battery, determining the suitability of the secondary battery for the installation destination by comparing the predicted future performance of the secondary battery with the performance of the secondary battery required by the installation destination, and outputting the suitability determination result.

[0025] According to the computer program of (8) above, the future performance of a secondary battery to be reused can be predicted, and the suitability of the secondary battery for the installation site can be determined based on whether the predicted result meets the requirements of the installation site.

[0026] (9) The determination device of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires prediction results of the future performance of a secondary battery to be used for reuse and information on the performance of the secondary battery required by the installation destination of the secondary battery, a determination unit that determines the suitability of the secondary battery for the installation destination by comparing the performance indicated by the prediction results with the performance of the secondary battery required by the installation destination, and an output unit that outputs the suitability determination result.

[0027] According to the determination device of (9) above, the future performance of a secondary battery to be reused can be predicted, and the suitability of the secondary battery for the installation site can be determined based on whether the predicted result satisfies the requirements of the installation site.

[0028] (10) The presently disclosed energy storage device is an energy storage device whose compatibility at a location where it is installed is determined by the compatibility determination method described in any one of (1) to (7) above, and includes a transmission unit that transmits historical data necessary for estimating a full charge capacity and output performance of the energy storage device to an external device that estimates the full charge capacity and the output performance.

[0029] The full charge capacity of the power storage device is estimated using existing methods, such as a method of estimating using a combination of OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) and current integrated value, and a method of estimating using measured values ​​of current and voltage when discharging at a constant current to a set voltage. The internal resistance value of the power storage device 1 is used for the output performance. In the power storage device of (10) above, measurement values ​​such as the magnitude of the current flowing through the power storage device and the internal resistance of the power storage device are accumulated as history as data necessary for estimating the full charge capacity and output performance. According to the power storage device of (10) above, information necessary for performance prediction can be obtained by transmitting the history data to an external device.

[0030] (11) The presently disclosed energy storage device is an energy storage device whose compatibility at a location where it is installed is determined by the compatibility determination method described in any one of (1) to (7) above, and includes a measurement unit that measures data necessary for estimating a full charge capacity and output performance of the energy storage device, and a transmission unit that transmits the data measured by the measurement unit to an external device that estimates the full charge capacity and the output performance.

[0031] The full charge capacity of the energy storage device is estimated using existing methods, such as a method of estimating using a combination of the OCV and current integrated value, and a method of estimating using the measured values ​​of current and voltage when discharging at a constant current to a set voltage. The internal resistance value of the energy storage device 1 is used for the output performance. For example, the magnitude of the current flowing through the energy storage device and the internal resistance of the energy storage device can be measured as data required for estimating the full charge capacity and output performance. According to the energy storage device of (11) above, the data measured by the measurement unit is transmitted to an external device, thereby obtaining information required for performance prediction.

[0032] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of a reuse support system according to an embodiment. The reuse support system according to an embodiment includes a prediction device 110 and a determination device 120. The prediction device 110 predicts future performance of the power storage device 1 based on information on the current performance of the power storage device 1 and information on the usage environment of the power storage device 1. The future performance of the power storage device 1 indicates, for example, a full charge capacity and output performance a predetermined number of years after the start of reuse. The determination device 120 refers to the prediction result by the prediction device 110 and determines whether the power storage device 1 is suitable for the installation destination where it is to be installed as a reused item. The reuse support system supports the reuse of the power storage device 1 by providing a user with the determination result by the determination device 120. The user may be a seller of reused items or a general user who purchases reused items.

[0033] In the embodiment, the prediction device 110 and the determination device 120 are separate entities. Alternatively, the prediction device 110 may be built into the determination device 120. That is, the determination device 120 may predict the future performance of the power storage device 1 based on information on the current performance of the power storage device 1 and information on the usage environment of the power storage device 1, and may determine whether or not the power storage device 1 is suitable for the intended installation location based on information such as the prediction result.

[0034] 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of application to a vehicle. In the following, reuse support for a case where an electricity storage device 1 that has finished use in a vehicle C0 is reused and installed in another vehicle C1 will be described.

[0035] The vehicles C0 and C1 are vehicles such as engine vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The vehicles C0 and C1 may be of the same model or different models. The vehicles C0 and C1 are equipped with a 12V battery for starting the vehicle (for operating the starter motor) and for auxiliary equipment. The vehicles C0 and C1 may also be equipped with a 12V battery as a backup in case of a main power supply failure. If the vehicles C0 and C1 are EVs or HEVs, the vehicles C0 and C1 are equipped with a high-voltage battery for driving a motor for driving. A reusable secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery is used for the 12V battery or the high-voltage battery. In the embodiment, the power storage device 1 is a 12V battery or a high-voltage battery equipped in the vehicles C0 and C1.

[0036] The state of the energy storage device 1 before reuse is managed by a BMS (Battery Management System) 2 of the original vehicle C0 on which the energy storage device 1 was mounted. The BMS 2 estimates the full charge capacity and output performance of the energy storage device 1 based on various measurement data obtained from the energy storage device 1, and stores these values ​​in a built-in memory as current values. In other words, the current value represents the most recent value stored in the memory. The full charge capacity is estimated using existing methods, such as a method of estimating using a combination of the OCV and a current integrated value, or a method of estimating using measured values ​​such as the current and voltage when the energy storage device is discharged to a set voltage at a constant current. The internal resistance value of the energy storage device 1 is used for the output performance.

[0037] The BMS 2 may estimate values ​​of the full charge capacity and the output performance at periodic timing and store these values ​​as history in a built-in memory. The BMS 2 may store values ​​of the SOH (State Of Health), current, voltage, temperature, charge / discharge cycle, etc. of the power storage device 1 as history in the built-in memory in addition to the current values ​​(or history) of the full charge capacity and the output performance.

[0038] In the example of Fig. 2, the power storage device 1 and the BMS 2 are separate entities. Alternatively, the BMS 2 may be a unit (BMU: Battery Management Unit) mounted on the power storage device 1. In this case, the full charge capacity and output performance of the power storage device 1 are estimated by the built-in BMU and stored in the memory of the BMU. The power storage device 1 with the built-in BMU is connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) in the vehicles C0, C1 via an in-vehicle line.

[0039] The prediction device 110 is a computer that predicts future performance of the power storage device 1. The prediction device 110 acquires information about the power storage device 1 when the power storage device 1 is to be reused after use in the vehicle C0 has ended. For example, the prediction device 110 acquires information about the power storage device 1 stored in the BMS2 by communicating with an in-vehicle communication device (not shown) of the vehicle C0 while the power storage device 1 is mounted on the vehicle C0. The information about the power storage device 1 acquired by the prediction device 110 includes the current values ​​of the full charge capacity and output performance of the power storage device 1 when it was mounted on the vehicle C0. The information about the power storage device 1 may include history of the full charge capacity and output performance, and may also include history of the SOH, current, voltage, temperature, charge / discharge cycle, and the like.

[0040] The prediction device 110 executes a simulation to calculate the deterioration transition of the power storage device 1 based on the acquired information of the power storage device 1, and obtains a predicted value of the future performance of the power storage device 1 including after the start of reuse.

[0041] It is expected that the usage environment of the power storage device 1 will change due to reuse. For example, if the area in which the power storage device 1 is used changes before and after the start of reuse, the environmental temperature may change. For this reason, the prediction device 110 may access the weather database 130 to obtain usage environment information for the area in which the reused item is expected to be used (the area in which the vehicle C1 travels), and may obtain a prediction value by referring to the obtained usage environment information.

[0042] Furthermore, if the installation location of the power storage device 1 is changed from the vehicle C0 to the vehicle C1, there may be a change in the usage pattern and the temperature rise level of the power storage device 1. For this reason, the prediction device 110 may access the vehicle database 140 to acquire installation location information including a standard charge / discharge pattern in the vehicle C1 on which the reused item is to be installed and a temperature rise level of the power storage device 1 at the installation position in the vehicle C1, and may obtain a prediction value by referring to the acquired installation location information.

[0043] The determination device 120 is a computer that determines whether the reused power storage device 1 is suitable for the installation destination (vehicle C1). The determination device 120 acquires information about the power storage device 1 that is to be installed as a reused product at the installation destination. The information includes at least one of the predicted value by the prediction device 110, the dimensions of the power storage device 1, the manufacturer, and information about the communication specifications. The determination device 120 further acquires information about the installation destination. The information includes at least one of the standard values ​​of performance required for the power storage device to be installed at the installation destination, the dimensions of the power storage device that can be installed at the installation destination, the manufacturer of the power storage device that is installed as standard at the installation destination, and information about the communication specifications at the installation destination.

[0044] The determination device 120 determines whether the power storage device 1 is suitable for the vehicle C1 on which it is to be installed, based on the acquired information, and outputs the determination result. For example, the determination device 120 determines whether the power storage device 1 is suitable for the vehicle C1 on which it is to be installed, by comparing the predicted value acquired from the prediction device 110 with a reference value for the vehicle C1 on which it is to be installed. Furthermore, the determination device 120 may determine whether the power storage device 1 is suitable for the vehicle C1 on which it is to be installed, based on information on the dimensions, manufacturer, and communication specifications of the power storage device 1.

[0045] 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the power storage device 1. The power storage device 1 includes a power storage element 11, a control device 12, a current sensor 13, a voltage sensor 14, a temperature sensor 15, and a relay 16. The power storage element 11 is composed of, for example, a plurality of power storage cells connected in series.

[0046] Current sensor 13 is provided between the energy storage element 11 and negative terminal 10A, and measures the current flowing into the energy storage element 11. Current sensor 13 outputs the measurement result to control device 12. Voltage sensor 14 is connected in parallel to the energy storage element 11, and measures the voltage across the energy storage element 11. Voltage sensor 14 outputs the measurement result to control device 12. Temperature sensor 15 is provided inside or outside the energy storage device 1, and measures the temperature of the energy storage element 11 or the temperature of the environment in which the energy storage device 1 is installed. Temperature sensor 15 outputs the measurement result to control device 12.

[0047] Relay 16 is provided between energy storage element 11 and positive terminal 10B, and is a circuit element for disconnecting or connecting a charge / discharge path of energy storage element 11 in response to a control command from control device 12. Alternatively, a semiconductor switch such as a field-effect transistor (FET) may be used to disconnect or connect the charge / discharge path.

[0048] The control device 12 includes a control unit 12A, a storage unit 12B, a connection unit 12C, and a communication unit 12D. The control unit 12A includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executes control of the entire device. The storage unit 12B includes a memory and stores measurement data measured by various sensors. The connection unit 12C is connected to various sensors, a relay 16, and the like. The communication unit 12D is communicatively connected to the BMS 2 via an in-vehicle line having a predetermined communication specification. For the in-vehicle line, a controller area network (CAN) or a local interconnect network (LIN) is used. The control device 12 of the power storage device 1 outputs the measurement data measured by the various sensors to the BMS 2 via the in-vehicle line.

[0049] 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the prediction device 110. The prediction device 110 is a dedicated or general-purpose computer, and includes a control unit 111, a storage unit 112, a communication unit 113, an operation unit 114, a display unit 115, and the like.

[0050] The control unit 111 is an arithmetic circuit including, for example, a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU included in the control unit 111 reads and executes various computer programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 112, thereby controlling each part of the hardware and realizing a function of predicting the future performance of the power storage device 1.

[0051] Alternatively, the control unit 111 may be any arithmetic circuit equipped with multiple CPUs, a multi-core CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a microcomputer, a volatile or non-volatile memory, etc. The control unit 111 may have functions such as a timer that measures the elapsed time from when an instruction to start measurement is given to when an instruction to end measurement is given, a counter that counts numbers, and a clock that outputs date and time information.

[0052] The storage unit 112 includes a storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk. Various computer programs and data are stored in the storage unit 112. The computer programs stored in the storage unit 112 include a prediction program PG1 for causing a computer to execute a process for predicting future performance of the power storage device 1 based on information such as the usage history of the power storage device 1. The data stored in the storage unit 112 includes various parameters used in the prediction program PG1, data generated by the control unit 111, and the like.

[0053] A computer program including the prediction program PG1 is provided by a non-transitory recording medium RM1 on which the computer program is readably recorded. The recording medium RM1 is a portable memory such as a CD-ROM, a USB memory, or a Secure Digital (SD) card. The control unit 111 reads a desired computer program from the recording medium RM1 using a reading device not shown in the figure, and stores the read computer program in the storage unit 112. Alternatively, the computer program including the prediction program PG1 may be provided by communication.

[0054] The communication unit 113 includes a communication interface for transmitting and receiving various information. The communication unit 113 is communicatively connected to an in-vehicle communication device (not shown) mounted on the vehicles C0 and C1, and receives necessary information including battery information and mounting location information. Furthermore, the communication unit 113 is communicatively connected to the determination device 120, and transmits information such as the prediction result by the control unit 111 to the determination device 120.

[0055] The operation unit 114 includes input devices such as various switches and buttons, and receives operations by the user. The display unit 115 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, and displays information to be notified to the user. Alternatively, the prediction device 110 may be configured to receive necessary operations via an external computer, and transmit information to be notified to the user to the external computer. In this case, the operation unit 114 and the display unit 115 do not need to be mounted on the prediction device 110.

[0056] 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the determination device 120. The determination device 120 is a dedicated or general-purpose computer, and includes a control unit 121, a storage unit 122, a communication unit 123, an operation unit 124, a display unit 125, and the like.

[0057] The control unit 121 is, for example, an arithmetic circuit including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. The CPU included in the control unit 121 reads and executes various computer programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 122, thereby controlling each part of the hardware and realizing a function of determining the compatibility of the power storage device 1 with the installation site.

[0058] Alternatively, the control unit 121 may be any arithmetic circuit equipped with multiple CPUs, a multi-core CPU, a GPU, a microcomputer, a volatile or non-volatile memory, etc. The control unit 121 may have functions such as a timer that measures the elapsed time from when a measurement start instruction is given to when a measurement end instruction is given, a counter that counts numbers, and a clock that outputs date and time information.

[0059] The storage unit 122 includes a storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk. Various computer programs and data are stored in the storage unit 122. The computer programs stored in the storage unit 122 include a determination program PG2 for causing a computer to execute a process for determining the suitability of the power storage device 1 at the installation site based on information such as the prediction result by the prediction device 110. The data stored in the storage unit 122 includes various parameters used in the determination program PG2, data generated by the control unit 121, and the like.

[0060] A computer program including the judgment program PG2 is provided by a non-transitory recording medium RM2 on which the computer program is readably recorded. The recording medium RM2 is a portable memory such as a CD-ROM, a USB memory, or an SD card. The control unit 121 reads a desired computer program from the recording medium RM2 using a reading device not shown in the figure, and stores the read computer program in the storage unit 122. Alternatively, the computer program including the judgment program PG2 may be provided by communication.

[0061] The communication unit 123 includes a communication interface for transmitting and receiving various information. For example, the communication unit 123 is communicatively connected to the prediction device 110, and receives information such as a prediction result by the prediction device 110. The communication unit 123 may be communicatively connected to an in-vehicle communication device (not shown) mounted on the vehicles C0 and C1, and receive information required for determination from the vehicles C0 and C1.

[0062] The operation unit 124 includes input devices such as various switches and buttons, and receives operations by the user. The display unit 125 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, and displays information to be notified to the user. Alternatively, the determination device 120 may be configured to receive necessary operations via an external computer, and transmit information to be notified to the user to the external computer. In this case, the operation unit 124 and the display unit 125 do not need to be mounted on the determination device 120.

[0063] The prediction process executed by the prediction device 110 will be described below. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the prediction process executed by the prediction device 110. The control unit 111 of the prediction device 110 reads out and executes a prediction program PG1 stored in the storage unit 112, thereby executing the following procedure.

[0064] The control unit 111 acquires information on the current performance of the energy storage device 1 before reuse (step S101). The state of the energy storage device 1 before reuse is managed by the BMS2 mounted on the vehicle C0. The BMS2 estimates values ​​such as the full charge capacity and output performance of the energy storage device 1 based on various measurement data obtained from the energy storage device 1, and stores the values ​​in a built-in memory as information on the current performance of the energy storage device 1. The control unit 111 acquires information on the current performance of the energy storage device 1 (for example, the current values ​​of the full charge capacity and output performance) from the BMS2 by communicating with the vehicle C0. When not only the current values ​​but also past values ​​are successively stored in the memory of the BMS2, the control unit 111 may acquire the history of the full charge capacity and output performance from the BMS2.

[0065] The control unit 111 acquires information related to the usage environment at the installation site where the power storage device 1 will be installed after reuse (step S102). The information related to the usage environment is, for example, information related to the temperature of the area where the installation site vehicle C1 runs, and is represented by a histogram. The temperature histogram represents a frequency distribution obtained by aggregating daily average temperatures on a monthly basis. Alternatively, the information related to the temperature of the area where the installation site vehicle C1 runs may be information indicating the annual change in average temperature. The control unit 111 acquires the information related to the usage environment by accessing the weather database 130 via the communication unit 113.

[0066] The control unit 111 acquires information related to the installation site where the power storage device 1 will be installed after reuse (step S103). In the embodiment, the installation site is a vehicle C1. The information related to the installation site includes, for example, a standard charging and discharging pattern of the power storage device 1 in the vehicle C1 and information on the temperature rise level at the location where the power storage device 1 is installed. The control unit 111 acquires the information related to the installation site by accessing the vehicle database 140 via the communication unit 113.

[0067] Based on the information acquired in steps S101 to S103, the control unit 111 predicts the future performance of the power storage device 1 (step S104). The control unit 111 uses the current performance of the power storage device 1 acquired in step S101 as an initial value, and estimates how the performance of the power storage device 1 will deteriorate over time when information on the temperature at the installation location, the standard charging and discharging pattern at the installation location, and the temperature rise level at the installation location are given as conditions.

[0068] A known method is used to predict the future performance of the energy storage device 1. As a method of estimating the deterioration of a secondary battery using an equivalent circuit model, for example, a method disclosed in JP 2019-148537 A is known. As a method of estimating the deterioration of a secondary battery using a learning model by machine learning, for example, a method disclosed in JP 2019-168453 A is known. As a method of estimating the deterioration of a secondary battery using a physical model that models a physical phenomenon inside the secondary battery, for example, a method disclosed in JP 2021-148585 A is known. The control unit 111 predicts the future performance of the energy storage device 1 using the above-mentioned known method.

[0069] In one example, the prediction result is represented by values ​​(numerical data) of the full charge capacity and output performance of the power storage device 1 X years (X=1, 2, 3, ...) after the start of reuse. Alternatively, the prediction result may be a function or graph showing the progression of deterioration of the power storage device 1 after the start of reuse.

[0070] The control unit 111 outputs the prediction result of step S104 to the determination device 120 (step S105). The control unit 111 transmits the prediction result of the future performance of the power storage device 1 to the determination device 120 through the communication unit 113.

[0071] 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the determination process executed by the determination device 120. The control unit 121 of the determination device 120 reads out and executes a determination program PG2 stored in the storage unit 122, thereby executing the following procedure.

[0072] The control unit 121 acquires the prediction result from the prediction device 110 (step S121). The prediction result includes information on future performance of the power storage device 1 when the power storage device 1 is mounted on the vehicle C1. The information on the future performance includes values ​​of the full charge capacity and output performance of the power storage device 1. The control unit 121 can acquire the prediction result on the future performance of the power storage device 1 by communicating with the prediction device 110 via the communication unit 123.

[0073] The control unit 121 acquires information on the performance of the power storage device 1 required by the vehicle C1 on which the device is to be installed (step S122). The performance of the power storage device 1 required by the vehicle C1 on which the device is to be installed represents, for example, a capacity value sufficient to maintain power supply for a predetermined period while parked, a capacity value capable of achieving a cruising distance of at least a certain level, or an output performance value for maintaining a voltage at or above a certain level when the vehicle is started or in a situation requiring a high load. The control unit 121 acquires information on the performance of the power storage device 1 required by the vehicle C1 on which the device is to be installed, by accessing the vehicle database 140 via the communication unit 113.

[0074] The control unit 121 determines the suitability of the storage device 1 for the vehicle C1 by comparing the prediction result obtained in step S121 with the information on the performance of the storage device 1 required by the vehicle C1 in which it is to be installed, obtained in step S122 (step S123).

[0075] FIG. 8 is a graph showing a comparative example between the prediction result and the required value at the installation site. The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 8 represents the number of years that have passed since the start of use of the energy storage device 1, and the vertical axis represents the value of the full charge capacity of the energy storage device 1. The solid line graph in FIG. 8 shows the time series transition (history) of the full charge capacity when the energy storage device 1 before reuse was installed in the vehicle C0. For the sake of explanation, FIG. 8 shows the time series transition (history) of the full charge capacity when the energy storage device 1 was installed in the vehicle C0, but only the latest value (the value two years after the start of use in the example of FIG. 8) may be used for prediction after reuse. The dashed line graph shows the time series transition (prediction) of the full charge capacity when the energy storage device 1 is removed from the vehicle C0 two years after the start of use and starts to be used as a reused item in another vehicle C1.

[0076] 8, when the required capacity for vehicle C1 is the value indicated by the dashed line, the predicted value of the full charge capacity of the power storage device 1 during the usage period of the power storage device 1 (e.g., eight years) will not fall below the required capacity for vehicle C1. For this reason, the control unit 121 determines that the power storage device 1 is compatible with the vehicle C1. Here, the usage period of the power storage device 1 may be a standard usage period specified by the manufacturer of the power storage device 1, or may be a period during which the user plans to use the power storage device 1. When the predicted value of the full charge capacity of the power storage device 1 during the usage period falls below the required capacity for vehicle C1, the control unit 121 determines that the power storage device is not compatible with vehicle C1.

[0077] If the result of the compatibility determination in step S123 indicates compatibility (S124: YES), the control unit 121 outputs information that the device can be mounted on the vehicle C1 (step S125). On the other hand, if the result of the determination indicates incompatibility (S124: NO), the control unit 121 outputs information that the device is not suitable for mounting on the vehicle C1 (step S126). The control unit 121 may display information that the device can be mounted on the vehicle C1 (or information that the device is not suitable for mounting on the vehicle C1) on the display unit 125, or may notify a mobile terminal carried by the user via the communication unit 123.

[0078] As described above, in the first embodiment, the future performance of the energy storage device 1 is predicted, and the prediction result is compared with information on the performance of the energy storage device 1 required by the installation site, thereby making it possible to determine the suitability of the energy storage device 1 for the installation site.

[0079] (Embodiment 2) In the second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the suitability of mounting the power storage device 1 on the vehicle C1 is determined by referring to information relating to the dimensions, manufacturer, and communication specifications of the power storage device 1. The overall configuration of the reuse support system, the internal configurations of the prediction device 110 and the determination device 120, etc. are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the determination process executed by the determination device 120 in the embodiment 2. The control unit 121 of the determination device 120 reads out and executes the determination program PG2 stored in the storage unit 122, thereby executing the following procedure.

[0081] The control unit 121 acquires information on the dimensions, manufacturer, and communication specifications of the power storage device 1 to be used for reuse (step S201). These pieces of information are registered in the vehicle database 140 as information on the power storage device 1 mounted on the vehicle C0. The control unit 121 acquires the information on the dimensions, manufacturer, and communication specifications of the power storage device 1 by accessing the vehicle database 140 via the communication unit 123. Alternatively, the above information may be provided by the manufacturer of the power storage device 1. In this case, the control unit 121 may acquire the above information by accessing a database (not shown) prepared by the manufacturer of the power storage device 1. Furthermore, the above information may be provided in a form in which a two-dimensional code is attached to the housing of the power storage device 1. In this case, the control unit 121 may acquire the above information by capturing an image of the two-dimensional code with an imaging device not shown in the figure and decoding the obtained image.

[0082] The control unit 121 acquires information on the dimensions of the secondary battery that can be installed at the installation destination, the manufacturer of the secondary battery that is installed as standard at the installation destination, and the communication specifications at the installation destination (step S202). This information is registered in the vehicle database 140 as information about the vehicle C1. The control unit 121 accesses the vehicle database 140 via the communication unit 123 to acquire information on the dimensions that can be installed, the manufacturer of the standard secondary battery, and the communication specifications of the installation destination.

[0083] Based on the manufacturer information acquired in steps S201 and S202, the control unit 121 determines whether the manufacturer of the storage device 1 to be reused matches the manufacturer of the secondary battery that is installed as standard in the installation location (step S203).

[0084] If it is determined that the manufacturers do not match (S203: NO), the control unit 121 determines whether the communication specifications of the storage device 1 used for reuse match the communication specifications of the installation destination (vehicle C1) based on the information on the communication specifications acquired in steps S201 and S202 (step S204). In step S204, the control unit 121 determines whether the storage device 1 can communicate with the BMS 2 installed in the vehicle C1 when the storage device 1 is installed in the installation destination vehicle C1. For this reason, the communication specifications of the two do not need to match completely, but only need to be compatible. For example, if the communication specifications of the vehicle C1 are upwardly compatible with the communication specifications of the storage device 1, it may be determined that the communication specifications of the two match.

[0085] When it is determined that the communication specifications do not match (S204: NO), the control unit 121 determines whether or not the communication specifications of the power storage device 1 can be updated (step S205). The control unit 121 accesses information provided by the manufacturer of the power storage device 1, for example, and determines whether or not the communication specifications can be updated.

[0086] If it is determined that the manufacturers match (S203: YES), if it is determined that the communication specifications match (S204: YES), or if it is determined that the communication specifications can be updated (S205: YES), the control unit 121 determines whether or not the storage device 1 can be placed in the mounting space of the vehicle C1 based on the dimensional information acquired in steps S201 and S202 (step S206).

[0087] When it is determined that the power storage device 1 can be placed in the mounting space of the vehicle C1 (S206: YES), the control unit 121 determines the suitability of the power storage device 1 for the vehicle C1 in the same procedure as in embodiment 1. That is, the control unit 121 acquires a prediction result from the prediction device 110 (step S207), acquires information on the performance of the power storage device 1 required by the vehicle C1 on which the power storage device 1 is to be mounted (step S208), and compares the two to determine the suitability of the power storage device 1 for the vehicle C1 (step S209).

[0088] If the determination result indicates compatibility (S210: YES), the control unit 121 outputs information indicating that the device can be mounted on the vehicle C1 (step S211).

[0089] If it is determined in step S205 that the communication specifications cannot be updated (S205: NO), if it is determined in step S206 that the storage device 1 cannot be placed in the mounting space of the vehicle C1 (S206: NO), or if it is determined in step S210 that the storage device 1 is not compatible with the vehicle C1 (S210: NO), the control unit 121 outputs information that mounting the storage device 1 on the vehicle C1 is not appropriate (step S212).

[0090] As described above, in the second embodiment, suitability for the vehicle C1 in which the power storage device 1 is to be installed can be determined based on information on the dimensions, manufacturer, and communication specifications of the power storage device 1.

[0091] The disclosed embodiments 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.

[0092] For example, in the embodiment, the power storage device 1 has been described as a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power storage device 1 may be a battery cell such as an all-solid-state battery, a lead battery, a redox flow battery, a zinc-air battery, an alkaline manganese battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-sulfur battery, a silver-zinc oxide battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a molten salt thermal battery.

[0093] In the present embodiment, the reuse of the power storage device 1 mounted on a vehicle has been mainly described. Alternatively, the power storage device 1 may be a power storage device mounted on other moving objects, or may be a power storage device for industry, public use, an energy management system (EMS), or a renewable energy power storage system (ESS).

[0094] In the present embodiment, various information is provided by a manufacturer or a customer of the power storage device 1. Alternatively, the user may specify the information on the customer or the information on the power storage device 1.

[0095] For example, a user who wishes to sell the energy storage device 1 may input information about a location where the energy storage device 1 can be used from a user terminal, assuming the location where the energy storage device 1 can be used. The user may further input the operation pattern and operation conditions of the energy storage device 1 at the location where the energy storage device 1 will be used from the user terminal. The operation pattern and operation conditions may be operation patterns and operation conditions recommended by AI. The prediction device 110 and the determination device 120 predict the future performance of the energy storage device 1 based on the information transmitted from the user terminal, determine the suitability of the energy storage device 1 at the location where the energy storage device 1 will be used, and return the determination result. The value of the energy storage device 1 in the secondhand market is determined by the determination result of suitability at the location where the energy storage device 1 will be used. The user can grasp the market price of the energy storage device 1 based on the determination result returned from the determination device 120.

[0096] A user who wishes to purchase a reused energy storage device 1 may input the conditions for installation at the installation site and the operation pattern at the installation site from a user terminal. The prediction device 110 and the determination device 120 predict the future performance of the energy storage device 1 based on the information transmitted from the user terminal, determine the suitability for the installation site specified by the user, and return the determination result. The determination device 120 may search through accumulated data on reused products or utilize AI to provide information on energy storage devices that meet the conditions required by the user who wishes to purchase the device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1. Energy storage device 2. BMS 110 Prediction Device 111 Control section 112 Storage section 113 Communications Department 114 Operation section 115 Display section PG1 Prediction Program RM1 Recording medium 120 Judgment device 121 Control Unit 122 Storage section 123 Communications Department 124 Operation section 125 Display section 130 Weather Database 140 vehicle database PG2 Judgment Program RM2 Recording medium C0, C1 Vehicle

Claims

1. Predict the future performance of secondary batteries used for reuse, acquiring information on the performance of the secondary battery required by an installation site of the secondary battery; determining suitability of the secondary battery for the installation site by comparing the predicted future performance of the secondary battery with the performance of the secondary battery required by the installation site; The suitability judgment result is output. A method of determining suitability, the process being carried out by one or more computers.

2. acquiring information on the current performance of the secondary battery, information on the usage environment of the secondary battery at the installation site, and information on the installation site; Based on the acquired information, the future performance of the secondary battery is predicted. The method of claim 1 , wherein processing is performed by the computer.

3. The performance of the secondary battery to be predicted includes the full charge capacity and the output performance. The method of determining conformity according to claim 1 .

4. acquiring information on dimensions of the secondary battery and information on dimensions of a secondary battery that can be mounted on the mounting location; The suitability is determined based on the acquired dimensional information. The method of claim 1 , wherein processing is performed by the computer.

5. acquiring information on a manufacturer of the secondary battery and information on a manufacturer of a secondary battery that is to be installed as standard on the installation site; The conformity is judged based on the obtained manufacturer information. The method of claim 1 , wherein processing is performed by the computer.

6. acquiring information regarding a communication specification of the secondary battery and information regarding a communication specification of the installation destination; The conformity is determined based on the acquired information about the communication specification. The method of claim 1 , wherein processing is performed by the computer.

7. The vehicle on which the secondary battery is mounted is a vehicle that utilizes the power of the secondary battery. The method of determining conformity according to claim 1 .

8. Predict the future performance of secondary batteries used for reuse, acquiring information on the performance of the secondary battery required by an installation site of the secondary battery; determining suitability of the secondary battery for the installation site by comparing the predicted future performance of the secondary battery with the performance of the secondary battery required by the installation site; The suitability judgment result is output. A computer program for causing a computer to execute a process.

9. an acquisition unit that acquires a prediction result of future performance of a secondary battery to be reused and information on performance of the secondary battery required by a device that installs the secondary battery; a determination unit that determines suitability of the secondary battery for the installation destination by comparing the performance indicated by the predicted result with a performance of the secondary battery required by the installation destination; an output unit that outputs the result of the suitability determination; A determination device comprising:

10. A power storage device whose compatibility at a mounting location is determined by the compatibility determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a transmission section that transmits history data necessary for estimating a full charge capacity and an output performance of the power storage device to an external device that estimates the full charge capacity and the output performance of the power storage device; A power storage device comprising:

11. A power storage device whose compatibility at a mounting location is determined by the compatibility determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A measurement unit that measures data necessary for estimating a full charge capacity and an output performance of the power storage device; a transmission unit that transmits the data measured by the measurement unit to an external device that estimates the full charge capacity and the output performance; A power storage device comprising:

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