Power storage information processing method, power storage information processing device, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a power storage information processing method, power storage information processing device, and computer program.SOLUTION: A power storage information processing method is provided, involving causing a computer to acquire capacity degradation transition data based on a pre-operation simulation of a system including a power storage element, derive a system-guaranteed degradation transition for the degradation transition data, derive a guaranteed capacity value for a given period from the derived system-guaranteed degradation transition, and output the derived guaranteed capacity value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power storage information processing method, a power storage information processing apparatus, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] In order to stabilize and effectively utilize the electric power generated by a renewable power generation system or an existing power generation system, the use of power storage elements is expanding. Patent Document 1 discloses a container-type power storage unit installed outdoors. By using an ESS (Energy Storage System; when a battery is used, it is called a Battery ESS or BESS) including such a power storage unit, the electric power generated by the renewable power generation system can be stably supplied. In recent years, it has been expected to use an ESS for power trading.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An ESS includes a group of power storage elements called a bank or string in which a plurality of power storage cells are connected in series. In an ESS, for example, if the deterioration of some power storage elements progresses, the performance of the entire ESS may deteriorate (the power storage capacity and the dischargeable capacity may decrease). Therefore, there are cases where it is required that the manufacturer, service provider, or maintenance provider (hereinafter referred to as "provider") of the ESS guarantee the capacity of the ESS from the user of the ESS.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a power storage information processing method, a power storage information processing apparatus, and a computer program that enable capacity guarantee of power storage facilities.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The power storage information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is such that a computer obtains data on the deterioration transition of the capacity based on a simulation before the start of operation of a system including a power storage element, derives a system-guaranteed deterioration transition for the data on the deterioration transition, calculates a guaranteed capacity value for a predetermined period from the derived system-guaranteed deterioration transition, and outputs the calculated guaranteed capacity value.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the power storage information processing method according to one aspect, a system-guaranteed deterioration transition is derived for the data on the deterioration transition based on the simulation before the start of operation, and a guaranteed capacity value for a predetermined period is appropriately output from the system-guaranteed deterioration transition.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] First, an overview of a power storage information processing method, a power storage information processing apparatus, and a computer program will be described.

[0010] (1) The power storage information processing method is such that a computer acquires data on the deterioration transition of the capacity based on a simulation before the start of operation of a system including a power storage element, derives a system guaranteed deterioration transition for the data on the deterioration transition, calculates a guaranteed capacity value for a predetermined period from the derived system guaranteed deterioration transition, and outputs the calculated guaranteed capacity value.

[0011] In the present disclosure, the power storage element is preferably a rechargeable one such as a secondary battery like a lithium-ion battery or a lead-acid battery, or a capacitor. The power storage element may be a power storage cell such as a lithium-ion battery, a module in which a plurality of power storage cells are connected, a bank in which a plurality of modules are connected, a power storage board including a plurality of banks, or a power storage unit including a plurality of power storage boards.

[0012] The simulation before the start of operation of the system preferably estimates and outputs data on the deterioration transition of the capacity of the power storage element by inputting a load pattern (assumed load pattern) assumed to be applied to the power storage element during system operation, but is not limited thereto. The assumed load pattern typically includes a time-series power load pattern (charge / discharge pattern), but is not limited thereto.

[0013] The capacity may be the chargeable capacity or the dischargeable capacity of the power storage element (for example, a power storage cell). The system guaranteed deterioration transition is typically derived (for example, calculated) to have a predetermined relationship with the deterioration transition of the capacity of the power storage element and transitions at a lower value than the deterioration transition of the capacity of the power storage element, but is not limited thereto.

[0014] The guaranteed capacity value is typically calculated corresponding to each predetermined period (such as every year or every three years, which are relatively short time intervals compared to the expected life of the entire system), but it is not limited thereto, and a constant value may be calculated as the guaranteed capacity value over the expected life of the entire system.

[0015] The applicant of the present application possesses a technology for obtaining the degradation of the capacity of a system including an energy storage element by simulation based on an assumed load pattern (such as Patent No. 6428957, Patent No. 7173180, etc.). The inventors of the present invention conceived of applying such simulation technology to the "before service" at the system proposal stage in order to realize the capacity guarantee required by users of energy storage facilities. That is, the inventors of the present invention obtained data on the degradation transition of an appropriate capacity based on simulation before the start of system operation, derived the system-guaranteed degradation transition for the degradation transition data of that capacity, and found that an appropriate guaranteed capacity value can be obtained from the system-guaranteed degradation transition.

[0016] Capacity guarantee means that the provider of the system promises the user that the system will exhibit the capacity indicated as the guaranteed capacity value over a predetermined period. For example, for a user who utilizes an ESS for power trading, it is important that the capacity of the system is exhibited as expected in order to obtain profits in power trading. Such users have a need to obtain an appropriate capacity guarantee from the provider to prepare for the risk that the capacity may not be exhibited due to manufacturing variations of the energy storage element or abnormal events.

[0017] If the guaranteed capacity value is set too high, it is likely that the provider will have to replace the energy storage element free of charge, etc., and the provider's profit will be excessively reduced. On the other hand, if the guaranteed capacity value is set low, the sense of security and satisfaction of some users will be low.

[0018] With the configuration of (1) above, an appropriate guaranteed capacity value can be presented to the user based on the simulation before the start of operation, enhancing the user's sense of security and satisfaction without excessively reducing the provider's profit. Even after the start of operation, this guaranteed capacity value calculated before the start of operation can be jointly referred to by the provider and the user to assist in making decisions regarding preventive maintenance and operational changes (e.g., changes in the charge and discharge frequency of the system (energy storage equipment), upper and lower voltage limits (operating SOC range), set temperature, and charge and discharge power). After the start of operation, due to events such as the load equipment being updated to an energy-saving type, the discharge power (discharge current) required to drive the load may decrease. The guaranteed capacity value may be referred to for making decisions on whether to make changes to the charge and discharge power (e.g., changes to allocate more energy resources through power trading) in such cases. The provider can propose the optimal products and services according to the user's needs while presenting the simulation results at the pre-service stage.

[0019] (2) In the energy storage information processing method of (1) above, the computer may calculate the guaranteed degradation trend of the system by reducing the degradation capacity corresponding to the environmental temperature of the system based on the simulation before the start of operation from the obtained data on the degradation trend.

[0020] The environmental temperature may be the predicted temperature of the ambient atmosphere (outside air or conditioned ambient atmosphere) of the system. For appropriate calculations, it is preferable to use the predicted temperature inside the battery pack as the environmental temperature, and it may also be the predicted temperature of one or more energy storage elements (worst temperature cells, worst temperature modules, etc.) that are assumed to reach the highest temperature depending on the arrangement inside the battery pack.

[0021] With the configuration of (2) above, the computer can calculate for each system a guaranteed capacity value that is neither too high nor too low and commensurate with the degradation of the energy storage elements affected by the actual environmental temperature of each system. The provider can propose the optimal products and services according to the usage environment of each user (e.g., the level of outside air temperature, the presence or absence of air conditioning equipment, whether the container and battery pack are installed indoors or outdoors) at the pre-service stage.

[0022] (3) In the power storage information processing method of (1) or (2) above, the computer may calculate a system guaranteed degradation trend by reducing the degradation capacity corresponding to the power storage element configuration (for example, the electrical connection configuration of the power storage element) of the system from the obtained data of the degradation trend.

[0023] The inventors of the present invention have found that by considering the scale of the system and the number and combination of the above-mentioned power storage cells, power storage modules, banks, and power storage panels, it is possible to calculate a guaranteed capacity value that is not too high or too low. For example, considering the electrical connection configuration of the power storage element, the larger the number of banks or power storage panels connected in parallel, the more likely current variations occur between the banks, resulting in differences in the degradation rate of the capacity of the power storage element. In addition, the capacity degradation is also affected by manufacturing variations and failure rates of management devices that manage power storage elements, such as CMU (Cell Management Unit) and BMU (Battery Management Unit), which increase or decrease in number according to the scale of the system.

[0024] With the configuration of (3) above, the computer can calculate a guaranteed capacity value that is not too high or too low and commensurate with the degradation of the power storage element affected by the power storage element configuration for each system. Particularly in a large-scale system such as an ESS, by considering the current variation between banks, which has a greater impact, a more appropriate guaranteed capacity value can be calculated. The provider can propose an optimal product and service according to the needs of each user (output voltage, daily charge and discharge power, etc.) at the stage before the service.

[0025] (4) In any one of the power storage information processing methods of (1) to (3) above, the computer may output data visualizing at least one of the degradation trend and the system guaranteed degradation trend with respect to the passage of time after the start of operation, and the trend of the guaranteed capacity value.

[0026] With the configuration of (4) above, at the pre-service stage, the provider can present visualized and easy-to-understand data to enhance the persuasiveness and reliability of the proposal. The user can smoothly conduct in-house adjustments and decision-making while comparing the visualized data (capacity guarantee data) presented by the provider with their own long-term needs (such as output voltage over a period of 10 years or more, daily charge and discharge power). The deterioration trend, system guarantee deterioration trend, and guaranteed capacity value may be output simultaneously on a graph, for example, or some of them may be output according to the selection, or they may be output in sequence.

[0027] (5) In any one of the electricity storage information processing methods from (1) to (4) above, the computer may derive the transition of the actual capacity based on the measurement data of the system including the electricity storage element after the start of operation, and output data in which the derived transition of the actual capacity is combined (for example, superimposed) with at least any one of the deterioration trend, the system guarantee deterioration trend, and the transition of the guaranteed capacity value with respect to the passage of time after the start of operation.

[0028] With the configuration of (5) above, the provider can improve the quality and user satisfaction of not only pre-service but also operation monitoring services (such as remote monitoring services, regular report services, etc.) as part of after-service. For example, by presenting the user with the output (such as screen display) of data in which the transition of the actual capacity based on the measurement data after the start of system operation is combined with the deterioration trend predicted after the start of operation, the system guarantee deterioration trend derived before and after the start of operation, and / or the guaranteed capacity value calculated before and after the start of operation, the user's sense of trust in the system operation can be enhanced.

[0029] (6) In any one of the electricity storage information processing methods from (1) to (5) above, the computer may derive the actual capacity based on the measurement data of the system including the electricity storage element after the start of operation, and if the derived actual capacity is less than the guaranteed capacity value for the corresponding period (including the case where it is predicted to be less than the guaranteed capacity value), a warning may be notified.

[0030] The actual capacity may be derived from the current value, or the value at a future time (e.g., one month later, several months later, one year later) may be derived based on the measurement data. With the configuration of (6) above, the provider can further enhance the operation monitoring service and improve the reliability from the user for the system operation. The user can surely recognize that the capacity has fallen below or is predicted to fall below the guaranteed capacity value upon receiving the warning notification, and can receive repairs and services (e.g., prior consultation service) within the guaranteed range from the provider. The provider can perform preventive maintenance of the system in a planned manner.

[0031] (7) In the electricity storage information processing method of (5) or (6) above, when at least any one of repairs such as addition, replacement, and operation change of the electricity storage element is carried out for the system including the electricity storage element after the start of operation, the computer executes acquisition of data on the deterioration transition of the capacity based on the simulation after the implementation of the repair, and outputs data visualizing at least any one of the deterioration transition after the implementation of the repair and the system guaranteed deterioration transition, and the transition of the guaranteed capacity value for the predetermined period.

[0032] With the configuration of (7) above, it is possible to visualize that the actual capacity and health status (SOH) of the electricity storage element, which showed a downward trend more than predicted, have been restored by the repair and reflect it in the operation monitoring service. In this way, the provider can further enhance the operation monitoring service and improve the reliability from the user for the system operation.

[0033] (8) The electricity storage information processing device includes a processing unit that executes a process of acquiring data on the deterioration transition of the capacity based on the simulation before the start of operation of the system including the electricity storage element, deriving a system guaranteed deterioration transition for the deterioration transition data, calculating a guaranteed capacity value for a predetermined period from the derived system guaranteed deterioration transition, and outputting the calculated guaranteed capacity value.

[0034] The power storage information processing device may be used in the vicinity of a system including a power storage element. Alternatively, the power storage information processing device may be installed at a remote location away from the system including the power storage element, or may be installed overseas. In that case, the power storage information processing device can output the calculated guaranteed capacity value to users in the country / region where the system including the power storage element is installed.

[0035] (9) The computer program causes the computer to acquire data on the deterioration transition of the capacity of a system including a power storage element based on a simulation before the start of operation, derive a system guaranteed deterioration transition for the data on the deterioration transition, calculate a guaranteed capacity value for a predetermined period from the derived system guaranteed deterioration transition, and execute a process of outputting the calculated guaranteed capacity value.

[0036] The computer program may be executed on a server device, may be executed on a client device, or may be executed on both of them. The computer program may be executed by a provider or may be executed by a user.

[0037] The power storage information processing method, the power storage information processing device, and the computer program of the present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a power storage information processing system that implements the power storage information processing method of the present disclosure will be described.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power storage information processing system 100. The power storage information processing system 100 includes an information processing device 1 (server device) and an information terminal device 2 (client device). The information processing device 1 can present operation and maintenance related information including information related to capacity guarantee for a power storage system 5 including a power storage element to the user and provider of the power storage system 5 through the information terminal device 2. As shown on the left side of FIG. 1, the power storage information processing system 100 can present operation and maintenance related information to each user of a plurality of power storage systems 5 having different configurations.

[0039] In the first example, the power storage system 5 is used in a megasolar power generation system. In addition to a large number of power storage elements 51, the power storage system 5 may include a power supply related device 52 such as a power conditioner. The power generation system using the power storage system 5 may alternatively be a wind power generation system, a hydroelectric power generation system, a biomass power generation system, a geothermal power generation system, or a thermal power generation system. In the first example, the power storage system 5 performs charging and discharging on a daily basis.

[0040] In the second example, the power storage system 5 is used together with a power converter such as a converter or an inverter in a backup power supply system (emergency power supply system). Even in a backup power supply system, in the future, charging and discharging may be performed not only during emergencies such as power outages but also on a daily basis within a range that does not affect backup power supply during emergencies. By providing a capacity guarantee service described later for the power storage system 5 that performs charging and discharging on a daily basis, the user satisfaction can be improved. Although not shown, in the third example, the power storage system 5 is connected to the power grid (grid connection) and used for suppressing voltage fluctuations and frequency fluctuations of the power grid. Although not shown, in the fourth example, the power storage system 5 is installed within the premises of a power consumer such as a factory and used for energy management such as BCP (Business Continuity Plan) countermeasures and peak shifting. Although not shown, in the fifth example, the power storage system 5 is used for power trading in the power market. The power storage system 5 may be used in a combined manner for the above first to fifth applications.

[0041] Each power storage system 5 incorporates a communication device 6 for transmitting the system configuration (electrical connection configuration such as the number of bank parallel connections, arrangement of management devices, etc.) and measurement data of the power storage elements 51 to the remote monitoring system 300, or is connected to the communication device 6. The communication device 6 is provided in the vicinity of the system (so-called edge) and sequentially transmits the measurement data of the target power storage element 51 to the remote monitoring system 300. The communication device 6 may be a network interface card.

[0042] The remote monitoring system 300 collects and stores the data of the power storage system 5 transmitted from the communication device 6 via the network N. The data of the power storage system 5 includes data on the connection configuration of the power storage elements 51. The remote monitoring system 300 can identify which power storage system 5 the data transmitted from the communication device 6 is for and store the data according to the connection configuration of the power storage elements 51. The data of the power storage system 5 includes measurement data such as the voltage value and current value of the power storage elements 51. The remote monitoring system 300 performs predetermined processing on the measurement data, such as processing to identify or estimate the state of the power storage elements 51 included in the power storage system 5, processing to predict the lifespan of the power storage elements 51 if the current operation is continued, and processing to detect abnormalities or their omens in the entire power storage system 5 or for each part.

[0043] When the communication device 6 and the remote monitoring system 300 are not always connected via the network N, the measurement data for a past predetermined period stored in the communication device 6 or the BMU may be provided to the remote monitoring system 300 via a storage medium or the information terminal device 2 used by the maintenance operator.

[0044] The customer data management system 400 is a system that stores the data of the customers (users) of the power storage system 5. The customer data includes data such as customer ID, customer name, and the type of the power storage elements 51 that make up the power storage system 5 of that customer.

[0045] In the power storage information processing system 100, the information processing device 1 can be communicatively connected to the remote monitoring system 300 and the customer data management system 400 via the network MN. The information processing device 1 can acquire data regarding the power storage system 5 from the remote monitoring system 300. The remote monitoring system 300 may be integrated with the information processing device 1. The customer data management system 400 may also be integrated with the information processing device 1.

[0046] In the power storage information processing system 100, the information processing device 1 can present information to the information terminal device 2 via the network N. The information terminal device 2 can be used by a salesperson of the power storage system 5, a maintenance worker, or a user of the power storage system 5. The information terminal device 2 can display operation and maintenance related information presented by the information processing device 1 or presented from the remote monitoring system 300 on the display unit 23.

[0047] The network N is a so-called Internet. The network N may include a carrier network that realizes wireless communication according to a predetermined mobile communication standard. The network N may include a general optical line.

[0048] The network MN is a local network for the manufacturer or maintenance provider of the power storage element 51. The network MN is, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) and may be an optical line. The network MN may include a VPN (Virtual Private Network) and connect the systems 100, 300, and 400 at different locations as a local network.

[0049] In the power storage information processing system 100 configured as described above, the information processing device 1 can present information about the capacity guarantee of the power storage system 5 to the user through the display unit 23 of the information terminal device 2 both before the introduction of the power storage system 5 is determined (before the service stage) and during the operation of the system after the introduction. When data such as the specifications of the power storage element 51, the connection configuration, and the assumed load pattern in the power storage system 5 desired by the user are input using the information terminal device 2, the information processing device 1 executes processes such as deriving an approximate value of the capacity of the entire target power storage system 5 and predicting the deterioration transition during the usage period of the capacity, visualizes the data, and presents it to the information terminal device 2.

[0050] Hereinafter, the configuration and processing for realizing such a power storage information processing system 100 will be described.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 will be described below as a single server computer, but it may be composed of a plurality of server computers that can communicate with each other, and the processing may be distributed. The information processing device 1 includes a processing unit 10, a storage unit 11, and a communication unit 12.

[0052] The processing unit 10 is a processor using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processing unit 10 executes processing based on the information processing program P1 stored in the storage unit 11.

[0053] The storage unit 11 uses a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, flash memory, or SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 11 stores data referenced by the processing unit 10. The storage unit 11 stores a Web server program and an information processing program P1. The processing unit 10, according to the information processing program P1, as will be described later, in addition to diagnosing, predicting the remaining life, and predicting the degradation trend of the power storage element 51 of the target power storage system 5, creates information regarding the capacity guarantee of the power storage system 5. The processing unit 10, by means of the Web server program, presents, to the information terminal device 2, information regarding the above-mentioned diagnosis, remaining life prediction, degradation trend prediction, and capacity guarantee via a Web page, and also exhibits a Web server function for receiving information from the user.

[0054] The information processing program P1 stored in the storage unit 11 may be a copy that the processing unit 10 reads out from the information processing program P9 stored in the storage medium 9 and replicates in the storage unit 11. The information processing program P1 may be downloaded and stored from another program server device via the communication unit 12.

[0055] The communication unit 12 is a communication device corresponding to the network MN and the network N. The processing unit 10 can communicate and connect with the remote monitoring system 300 and the customer data management system 400 connected to the network MN through the communication unit 12. The processing unit 10 may be able to read data from the production management system in the manufacturing company via the network MN by means of the communication unit 12.

[0056] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information terminal device 2. The information terminal device 2 is a computer operated by a salesperson, maintenance worker, or user (system administrator, customer) of the power storage system 5 of the manufacturing company. The information terminal device 2 may be a desktop or laptop personal computer, or a tablet terminal or smartphone.

[0057] The information terminal device 2 includes a processing unit 20, a storage unit 21, a communication unit 22, a display unit 23, and an operation unit 24.

[0058] The processing unit 20 is a CPU or a GPU. The storage unit 21 uses a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, a flash memory, an SSD, etc. The storage unit 21 stores data referred to by the processing unit 20. The storage unit 21 stores a web browser program. The processing unit 20 executes the web browser program and logs in to the web server provided by the information processing apparatus 1 using the account given to the person operating the information terminal apparatus 2. Depending on whether the account is that of a salesperson, a maintenance worker, or a user, the processing unit 20 enables the general-purpose information terminal apparatus 2 to be used as an information display device for each operator.

[0059] The communication unit 22 is a communication device that realizes a communication connection with the network N. Through the communication unit 22, the processing unit 20 can establish a communication connection with the information processing apparatus 1.

[0060] The display unit 23 is a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 may be a display with a built-in touch panel. The operation unit 24 is a user interface such as a mouse and a keyboard that can perform input and output with the processing unit 20. The operation unit 24 may be a touch panel built into the display unit 23. The operation unit 24 may be a voice input unit.

[0061] In the power storage information processing system 100 configured as described above, for the power storage system 5 before purchase, the power storage system 5 before construction, and the power storage system 5 after the start of operation, the deterioration transition of the capacity is predicted, and the guarantee information based on the predicted deterioration transition is visualized and presented.

[0062] [Simulation before the start of operation] First, in order to predict the deterioration transition, it is necessary to temporarily set the configuration information of the power storage system 5 before the customer makes a purchase decision. The salesperson estimates the type of the power storage element 51, the number of the power storage elements 51, the number of series-connected power storage elements 51, and the number of parallel-connected power storage elements 51 from the magnitude of the power storage capacity required by the customer. When the information processing device 1 receives the input of the estimated configuration data of the power storage system 5 and the assumed load pattern data, it predicts the overall deterioration transition of the power storage system 5 by a predetermined algorithm. This prediction of the deterioration transition may alternatively be executed by the analysis unit of the customer data management system 400 or the remote monitoring system 300.

[0063] The configuration data of the power storage system 5 is described, for example, by the number of banks in which a plurality of power storage modules each configured by connecting a plurality of power storage cells in series are connected in series. As the bank data in the configuration data, the number of power storage modules included in the bank and the number of power storage cells included in the power storage module may be described. The configuration data may describe the data of a battery storage configured by arranging banks in parallel or a domain.

[0064] FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the container C of the power storage system 5, and FIG. 5 shows an example of the electrical connection configuration of the power storage system 5. FIG. 5 shows the electrical connection configuration in one battery storage included in the power storage system 5.

[0065] The power storage system 5 shown in Fig. 4 incorporates a plurality of (e.g., nine) power storage panels into the container C. Although not shown, the container C may be omitted and the power storage system 5 may be configured by installing a plurality of power storage panels outdoors. Each power storage panel can include, for example, three banks. When the required output voltage is low (when the number of series-connected power storage modules can be small), the power storage panel can include, for example, six banks. Bank #1, Bank #2, and Bank #3 shown in Fig. 5 are all provided with a bank management device 53. The power storage system 5 includes a domain management device M that collects data from the bank management device 53. The domain management device M is connected to the communication device 6. The domain management device M and the communication device 6 may be housed in a control panel, separate from the power storage panels, built into the container C. The communication device 6 securely transmits data wirelessly or by wire to the remote monitoring system 300 (see Fig. 1).

[0066] The configuration data of the power storage system 5 shown in Figs. 4 and 5 includes, for example, the number of power storage panels, the number of banks included in each power storage panel, the number of power storage modules included in each bank, and the model numbers at the manufacturers of each power storage module. When the power storage system 5 is configured to include a plurality of containers C, the configuration data may include the number of containers C.

[0067] When the information processing device 1 of the power storage information processing system 100 receives the configuration data of the power storage system 5 and the assumed load pattern data before operation (e.g., before system construction), it executes a simulation of the degradation transition of the power storage system 5 and creates a web page showing the warranty information based on the results. Alternatively, the remote monitoring system 300 may perform the simulation and the information processing device 1 may acquire the results. The web page showing the warranty information may be replaced with document data.

[0068] The visualization of warranty information by the information processing apparatus 1 and the output of the visualized data will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the information processing apparatus 1. When the processing unit 10 of the information processing apparatus 1 receives an output request for warranty information from the information terminal device 2 logged in with the account of a salesperson or a user, it executes the following processing.

[0069] The processing unit 10 receives configuration data of the power storage system 5 to be simulated from the information terminal device 2 (step S101). Based on the received configuration data, the processing unit 10 identifies the product in which the power storage element 51 used is incorporated (step S102). Using the assumed load pattern and the assumed operating temperature separately acquired, the processing unit 10 calculates the deterioration transition of the single cells in the power storage element 51 included in the identified product (step S103). For example, in step S102, the processing unit 10 identifies the model number of the power storage module and calculates the deterioration transition of the single cells (power storage cells) included in the power storage module. In step S102, the processing unit 10 may identify the model number of the power storage panel and calculate the deterioration transition of the banks included in the power storage panel. In step S103, the processing unit 10 may read out the deterioration transition corresponding to the model number of the power storage module from the database of the manufacturing company such as the production management system.

[0070] Using the deterioration transition of the single cells calculated in step S103, the processing unit 10 predicts the capacity deterioration transition of the power storage system 5 corresponding to the configuration data received in step S101 (step S104). The capacity deterioration transition may be output and displayed as a capacity deterioration curve. As a method for deriving the capacity deterioration transition in step S104, a known method can be appropriately adopted.

[0071] Based on the predicted overall system capacity degradation trend, the processing unit 10 calculates the system guaranteed degradation trend (step S105). In step S105, the processing unit 10 identifies, from the capacity degradation trend in step S104, the predicted temperature data in the battery pack of the power storage system 5 (for example, the temperature data of the worst temperature cell) and the degradation capacity (margin) that is supposed to be subtracted corresponding to the number of banks, the number of battery packs, etc., and calculates by subtracting the identified margin from the capacity degradation trend in step S104.

[0072] Based on the calculated system guaranteed degradation trend, the processing unit 10 calculates the guaranteed capacity values for each predetermined period (such as 1 year, 3 years, etc.) that divides the expected life of the entire system (step S106). The processing unit 10 may perform a comparison with a charge and discharge test (capacity confirmation test) at the site (near the power storage system 5) according to the situation.

[0073] The processing unit 10 stores the received configuration data, capacity degradation trend, system guaranteed degradation trend, and data of the guaranteed capacity values for each predetermined period in association with the data that identifies the output request of the guarantee information (step S107).

[0074] The processing unit 10 creates a plot showing the capacity degradation trend predicted in step S104 from the planned start month and year of operation and a plot showing the guaranteed capacity value calculated in step S106 from the planned start month and year of operation (step S108). The processing unit 10 creates a web page including a graph based on the created plots (step S109), outputs the data of the created web page (step S110), and ends the process.

[0075] FIG. 7 shows an example of the output screen 230 of the guarantee information. The output screen 230 in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit 23 based on the data of the web page acquired by the information terminal device 2 from the information processing device 1.

[0076] The output screen 230 includes a graph 231 that combines a curve showing the overall capacity degradation trend of the system and a curve showing the trend of the guaranteed capacity value. The horizontal axis of the graph 231 indicates the elapsed time from the start month of operation in years, and the vertical axis indicates the capacity of the power storage system 5 targeted for simulation. The output screen 230 in FIG. 7 shows the capacity degradation trend by a double line, the system guaranteed degradation trend by a dashed line, and the guaranteed capacity value by a thick solid line.

[0077] In the output screen 230 of FIG. 7, the system guaranteed degradation trend curve is calculated by subtracting the margin from the capacity degradation trend curve. As described above, the margin is calculated in consideration of the predicted temperature data in the battery pack of the power storage system 5 targeted for simulation and the current variation between banks according to the number of banks and the number of battery packs.

[0078] In the output screen 230 of FIG. 7, the curve (thick solid step-like line) showing the guaranteed capacity value is derived such that the capacity value at the intersection of the system guaranteed degradation trend curve and the end (end of the interval) of each regular period (for example, one year) becomes the guaranteed capacity value for each regular period. The curve showing the guaranteed capacity value preferably has a shape along the system guaranteed degradation trend curve in this way, and more preferably has a shape that follows the curve (transits below the curve) without exceeding the system guaranteed degradation curve.

[0079] The output screen 230 of FIG. 7 is output to the display unit 23 of the information terminal device 2 based on the operation of the salesperson. Thereby, the user can intuitively grasp the prediction information on how the power storage system 5 will deteriorate in the future due to the operation of the power storage system 5 and the information on how much capacity is guaranteed by the provider. In the output screen 230 of FIG. 7, the guaranteed capacity value at the initial stage of operation is set high, which is more consistent with the expectations of the customer (user). The customer can smoothly perform in-house adjustments and decision-making while comparing the visualized data (capacity guarantee data) presented by the provider with their own long-term needs (output voltage over a period of 10 years or more, daily charge and discharge power, etc.).

[0080] [Presentation of Warranty Information after Operation Start] When the power storage system 5 starts operation, the remote monitoring system 300 (see FIG. 1) monitors the power storage system 5. The remote monitoring system 300 remotely acquires, via the communication device 6 included in the power storage system 5, measurement data such as the voltage, current, and temperature of the power storage element 51 via the network N, and sequentially stores it. The remote monitoring system 300 periodically or in response to a request from the system administrator, performs a health diagnosis of the entire system and a life prediction based on the acquired measurement data, and outputs the execution results to the information terminal device 2. As a health diagnosis, the remote monitoring system 300 executes a process of checking whether the power storage system 5 is operating within the performance range estimated before or at the start of operation, together with a diagnosis of whether there are abnormalities and signs of abnormalities.

[0081] Even after the start of operation, the information processing device 1 can update the deterioration transition and the transition of the guaranteed capacity value by estimating the capacity of the entire system with a predetermined algorithm based on the measurement data of the power storage system 5.

[0082] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the information processing device 1 after the start of operation. When a time corresponding to a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of operation, the processing unit 10 of the information processing device 1 executes the following processing.

[0083] The processing unit 10 receives, from the information terminal device 2, the identification data of the power storage system 5 during operation (step S201). Based on the received identification data, the processing unit 10 acquires the configuration data of the power storage system 5 identified by the identification data from the remote monitoring system 300 or the customer data management system 400 (step S202).

[0084] The processing unit 10 derives the power storage capacity (actual capacity) of the entire power storage system 5 based on the acquired configuration data and the measurement data for the power storage system 5 (step S203). In step S203, the processing unit 10 may read out the derivation result of the state of health (SOH: State Of Health, the ratio of the current fully charged capacity to the fully charged capacity at the time of new product, capacity maintenance rate) that is periodically executed by the remote monitoring system 300. In step S203, the processing unit 10 may estimate the power storage capacity from the measurement data acquired by the remote monitoring system 300.

[0085] The processing unit 10 acquires the temperature measurement data of the operating power storage system 5 from the remote monitoring system 300 (step S204). In step S204, the processing unit 10 may acquire the temperature data for each season inside the container C, or may acquire the temperature data for each power storage tray and each power storage module.

[0086] The processing unit 10 stores the derived power storage capacity (actual capacity) and the temperature measurement data in association with the identification data and the date and time information acquired in step S201 (step S205).

[0087] The processing unit 10 determines whether the derived power storage capacity is equal to or greater than the guaranteed capacity value at the current time (step S206). If it is determined in step S206 that the power storage capacity is equal to or greater than the guaranteed capacity value (S206: YES), the processing unit 10 proceeds to step S207.

[0088] The processing unit 10 predicts the capacity degradation trend of the power storage system 5 from the current time based on the change in the actual capacity from the start of operation to the current time (step S207). As a method for predicting the capacity degradation trend in step S207, a known method or the like may be adopted, similar to step S104 of the processing procedure shown in FIG. 6.

[0089] Based on the predicted overall system capacity degradation trend at step S207, the processing unit 10 calculates the system guaranteed degradation trend from the current time (step S208). In step S208, the processing unit 10 may identify the margin corresponding to the temperature data obtained in step S204, the number of banks, the number of storage batteries, etc. from the capacity degradation trend derived in step S207, and subtract the identified margin to predict the system guaranteed degradation trend.

[0090] From the system guaranteed degradation trend calculated by the processing unit 10 in step S208, the processing unit 10 calculates the trend of the guaranteed capacity values for each predetermined period (such as 1 year, 3 years, etc.) that divides the expected life of the entire system in the future (step S209).

[0091] The processing unit 10 creates a graph that visualizes the plot showing the actual capacity degradation trend from the start of operation to the current time, the plot showing the system guaranteed degradation trend from the current time calculated in step S207, and the plot showing the guaranteed capacity values for each predetermined period (step S210).

[0092] The processing unit 10 creates a web page including the created graph (step S211), outputs the data of the created web page (step S212), and ends the process.

[0093] In step S207, if the processing unit 10 can suppress the decrease in the actual capacity by performing some repairs (replacement, addition, temperature adjustment) in the subsequent operation, the prediction of the capacity degradation trend when the repair is performed may be executed before or after step S210. In that case, in step S210, the processing unit 10 also creates a graph of the repair content and the capacity degradation trend when the repair is executed.

[0094] In step S206, when it is determined that the storage capacity (actual capacity) is less than the guaranteed capacity value (S206: NO), the processing unit 10 notifies the deterioration to the user information terminal device 2 which is the system administrator and the provider information terminal device 2 (step S213). In step S213, the processing unit 10 may send an email, a message, etc., or may display a screen for notifying the deterioration on a web page. The processing unit 10 creates a graph including the plot of the transition of the storage capacity so far including the point in time when the storage capacity (actual capacity) of the power storage system 5 has fallen below the guaranteed capacity value and the plot of the guaranteed capacity value at that point in time (S214), and proceeds with the processing to step S211.

[0095] According to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 8, it becomes possible to appropriately grasp the current state by using the actual capacity, the measured temperature data, etc. based on the measurement data after the start of operation of the system, and to perform future prediction and comparison with the guaranteed capacity value based on it.

[0096] FIG. 9 shows another example of the output screen 232 of the guarantee information. The output screen 232 in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit 23 based on the data of the web page acquired by the information terminal device 2 from the information processing device 1.

[0097] The output screen 232 after the start of operation includes a graph 233 combining a curve showing the transition of capacity deterioration and a curve showing the transition of the guaranteed capacity value. In the graph 233, the horizontal axis shows the passage of time from the start month and year of operation in years, and the vertical axis shows the capacity of the power storage system 5 to be simulated.

[0098] The output screen 232 in FIG. 9 shows the prediction of the capacity deterioration transition calculated at the time of 3 years' passage by a double line. Further, the output screen 232 shows the predicted capacity deterioration transition at the start of operation by a double dashed line, the predicted system guarantee deterioration transition at the start of operation by a thin two-dot chain line, and the predicted guaranteed capacity value at the start of operation by a thin dashed line as shown in the enlarged view in the figure.

[0099] On the output screen 232 of FIG. 9, when three years have passed, the predicted capacity degradation trend (double line) re-predicted by executing the processing procedure shown in FIG. 8 is decreasing year by year compared to the capacity degradation trend (double broken line) predicted at the start of operation.

[0100] In such a case, it is considered that the progress of degradation can be suppressed by changing the operation method (for example, adjusting the temperature). In FIG. 9, the double dashed-dotted line shows the capacity degradation trend when the temperature setting in the container C is changed to a repair where degradation is alleviated compared to the case of the double broken line (for example, changing the operation method to maintain 25 degrees set at the start of operation to 24 degrees). As with this double dashed-dotted line, it is possible to prompt the user or system administrator to change the operation method of the power storage system 5.

[0101] FIG. 10 shows another example of the output screen 234 of the warranty information. The output screen 234 of FIG. 10 is displayed on the display unit 23 based on the data of the web page acquired by the information terminal device 2 from the information processing device 1.

[0102] The output screen 234 shown in FIG. 10 includes a degradation notification message. Other elements of the output screen 234 are the same as those in FIG. 9. The output screen 234 of FIG. 10 includes a graph 235 that displays the transition of the actual capacity, the transition of the guaranteed capacity value, and the notification message together. The notification message enables intuitive understanding that the actual capacity has dropped below the assumption and is below the guaranteed capacity value.

[0103] The embodiments disclosed as above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Explanation of Signs

[0104] 100 Power storage information processing system 1 Information processing device (power storage information processing device) 10 Processing unit 11 Storage unit P1 Information Processing Program (Computer Program) 2 Information Terminal Device 23 Display Unit 230, 232, 234 Output Screens

Claims

1. A computer obtains data on the deterioration transition of the capacity based on a simulation before the start of operation of a system including a power storage element, derives a system guaranteed deterioration transition for the data on the deterioration transition, calculates a guaranteed capacity value for a predetermined period from the derived system guaranteed deterioration transition, and outputs the calculated guaranteed capacity value A power storage information processing method.

2. The computer calculates the system guaranteed deterioration transition by subtracting the deterioration capacity corresponding to the environmental temperature of the system based on the simulation before the start of operation from the obtained data on the deterioration transition. The power storage information processing method according to Claim 1.

3. The computer calculates the system guaranteed deterioration transition by subtracting the deterioration capacity corresponding to the configuration of the power storage element of the system from the obtained data on the deterioration transition. The power storage information processing method according to Claim 1.

4. The computer outputs data visualizing at least one of the deterioration transition and the system guaranteed deterioration transition with respect to the passage of time after the start of operation, and the transition of the guaranteed capacity value. The power storage information processing method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The computer derives the transition of the actual capacity based on measurement data on the system including the power storage element after the start of operation, and outputs data visualizing the derived transition of the actual capacity together with at least one of the deterioration transition, the system guaranteed deterioration transition, and the transition of the guaranteed capacity value with respect to the passage of time after the start of operation. The power storage information processing method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

6. The computer derives the actual capacity based on measurement data on the system including the power storage element after the start of operation, and notifies a warning when the derived actual capacity is less than the guaranteed capacity value for the corresponding period. The power storage information processing method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

7. When at least one of repair such as addition, replacement, and operation change of the power storage element is performed on the system including the power storage element after the start of operation, the computer executes acquisition of data on the deterioration transition of the capacity based on a simulation after the execution of the repair, and outputs data visualizing at least one of the deterioration transition and the system guaranteed deterioration transition after the execution of the repair, and the transition of the guaranteed capacity value for the predetermined period. The power storage information processing method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

8. Obtaining data on the deterioration transition of the capacity based on a simulation before the start of operation of a system including an energy storage element, Deriving a system guaranteed deterioration transition for the data on the deterioration transition, Calculating a guaranteed capacity value for a predetermined period from the derived system guaranteed deterioration transition, An energy storage information processing device including a processing unit that executes a process of outputting the calculated guaranteed capacity value.

9. A computer program that causes a computer to Obtain data on the deterioration transition of the capacity based on a simulation before the start of operation of a system including an energy storage element, Derive a system guaranteed deterioration transition for the data on the deterioration transition, Calculate a guaranteed capacity value for a predetermined period from the derived system guaranteed deterioration transition, Output the calculated guaranteed capacity value And execute the process. ​

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