Power source control device, power source control method, and power source control program

Abstract

To provide a power source control device, a power source control method and a power source control program, each enabling avoidance of such a situation that a power storage amount which can be used as a battery remains reduced.SOLUTION: A power source control device according to an embodiment comprises: a controller. The controller is mounted on a vehicle having an automatic driving control device. The controller equalizes cell voltage of a battery having a plurality of cells during stopping of the vehicle.The controller requests the automatic driving control device or a user to stop the vehicle when the controller determines that equalization of the cell voltage is required during travelling of the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a power control device, a power control method, and a power control program.

Background Art

[0002] Electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles are equipped with a battery in which a plurality of cells are connected in series. When the battery is repeatedly charged and discharged, a difference occurs in the SOC (State Of Charge) of each cell, and the cell balance is disrupted.

[0003] In this case, when the battery is charged until the cell with the lowest SOC at the start of charging is fully charged, the cell with the highest SOC at the start of charging becomes overcharged. Therefore, when the cell with the highest SOC during charging becomes fully charged, the power control device ends the charging.

[0004] As a result, the power control device can prevent overcharging of the cells, but since the cells with low SOC at the start of charging cannot be fully charged, the power storage amount decreases. Therefore, a technique for equalizing the SOC of each cell during parking is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, for example, in a vehicle such as an autonomous driving vehicle that travels for a long time without stopping, it is difficult to equalize the SOC of the battery mounted on the vehicle. In this case, the battery remains with a disrupted cell balance, and the available power storage amount remains reduced.

[0007] One aspect of the embodiment is made in view of the above, and an object is to provide a power control device, a power control method, and a power control program that can avoid a situation where the power storage capacity that can be used as a battery remains decreased.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The power control device according to the embodiment includes a controller. The controller is mounted on a vehicle having an automatic driving control device. The controller equalizes the cell voltages of a battery having a plurality of cells while the vehicle is stopped. When the controller determines that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary during traveling of the vehicle, the controller requests the automatic driving control device or the user to stop the vehicle.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] When the power control device, the power control method, and the power control program according to the embodiment determine that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary during traveling of the vehicle, they request the automatic driving control device or the user to stop the vehicle, and equalization is performed when the vehicle stops. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a state where equalization of the SOC is not performed for a long period of time. As a result, the power control device, the power control method, and the power control program according to the embodiment can avoid a situation where the power storage capacity that can be used as a battery remains decreased.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A power supply control device, a power supply control method, and a power supply control program according to embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0012] [1. Power supply control device configuration] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power supply control device 1 according to an embodiment. The power supply control device 1 according to the embodiment is installed in an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle equipped with an autonomous driving function.

[0013] 1, the power supply control device 1 is connected to a first power source 10 via a DC-DC converter (hereinafter referred to as "DCDC") 11. The power supply control device 1 is also connected to a second power source 20, an automatic driving control device 12, and a notification device 13. The power supply control device 1 is further connected to a first load 101, a second load 102, and a third load 103.

[0014] The first power supply 10 is, for example, a lead battery. However, the first power supply 10 may be, for example, another secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. The DCDC 11 is a device that boosts or lowers the voltage of the first power supply 10 to a predetermined voltage and outputs it to the power supply control device 1.

[0015] Here, although not shown in the figure, the first power source 10 is connected to a high-voltage battery. The high-voltage battery is a secondary battery that supplies power to a motor for driving the vehicle. The first power source 10 is charged by the power supplied from the high-voltage battery. In this case, the first power source 10 is charged by the power of the high-voltage battery stepped down by a DCDC (not shown).

[0016] Also, when the vehicle on which the first power source 10 is mounted is a hybrid vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, the first power source 10 is connected to an alternator. In this case, the first power source 10 is also charged by the power input from the alternator.

[0017] The second power source 20 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. Note that the second power source 20 may be any secondary battery other than a lithium-ion battery. The second power source 20 is configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells (hereinafter referred to as "cells") in series. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the second power source 20 includes a first cell 21, a second cell 22, a third cell 23, and a fourth cell 24 connected in series. Note that the number of cells included in the second power source 20 is not limited to four.

[0018] The first load 101, the second load 102, and the third load 103 are, for example, an engine control device, a steering control device, a brake control device, an audio device, a video display device, and various sensors, etc.

[0019] The automatic driving control device 12 is a device that automatically drives the vehicle by controlling, for example, an engine control device, a steering control device, and a brake control device. The notification device 13 is, for example, a touch panel display.

[0020] The notification device 13 notifies the user by displaying various notification information on the touch panel display. Also, the notification device 13 receives the user's response to the notification information by the user's operation on the touch panel display.

[0021] Note that the notification device 13 may include a speaker and a microphone. In this case, the notification device 13 notifies the user of the notification information by the voice output from the speaker, and receives the user's response to the notification information by the user's voice input from the microphone.

[0022] The power control device 1 is a device that controls the supply of power from at least one of the first power source 10 and the second power source 20 to the first load 101, the second load 102, and the third load 103.

[0023] The power control device 1 includes a power supply circuit 2, a balancing circuit 3, and a controller 4. The power supply circuit 2 includes a plurality of switches (hereinafter referred to as "SW"). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the power supply circuit 2 includes a first power supply SW41, a second power supply SW42, a first load SW43, a second load SW44, and a third load SW45.

[0024] When the first power supply SW41 is turned on, it connects the DCDC11 and the power control device 1, and when it is turned off, it disconnects the connection between the DCDC11 and the power control device 1. When the second power supply SW42 is turned on, it connects the second power source 20 and the power control device 1, and when it is turned off, it disconnects the connection between the second power source 20 and the power control device 1.

[0025] When the first load SW43 is turned on, it connects the first load 101 and the power control device 1, and when it is turned off, it disconnects the connection between the first load 101 and the power control device 1. When the second load SW44 is turned on, it connects the second load 102 and the power control device 1, and when it is turned off, it disconnects the connection between the second load 102 and the power control device 1.

[0026] When the third load SW45 is turned on, it connects the third load 103 and the power control device 1, and when it is turned off, it disconnects the connection between the third load 103 and the power control device 1. These first power supply SW41, second power supply SW42, first load SW43, second load SW44, and third load SW45 are controlled to be switched between on and off by the controller 4.

[0027] The balancing circuit 3 is a circuit for equalizing the voltages of the first cell 21, the second cell 22, the third cell 23, and the fourth cell 24 (hereinafter referred to as "cell voltages") when variations occur in the cell voltages.

[0028] The balancing circuit 3 includes a first equalization SW51, a second equalization SW52, a third equalization SW53, and a fourth equalization SW54. When the first equalization SW51 is turned on, it forms a closed circuit that serially connects the positive electrode of the first cell 21, the first equalization SW51, the first resistor 61, and the negative electrode of the first cell 21. When the first equalization SW51 is turned off, the closed circuit is interrupted.

[0029] When the second equalization SW52 is turned on, it forms a closed circuit that serially connects the positive electrode of the second cell 22, the second equalization SW52, the second resistor 62, and the negative electrode of the second cell 22. When the second equalization SW52 is turned off, the closed circuit is interrupted.

[0030] When the third equalization SW53 is turned on, it forms a closed circuit that serially connects the positive electrode of the third cell 23, the third equalization SW53, the third resistor 63, and the negative electrode of the third cell 23. When the third equalization SW53 is turned off, the closed circuit is interrupted.

[0031] When the fourth equalization SW54 is turned on, it forms a closed circuit that serially connects the positive electrode of the fourth cell 24, the fourth equalization SW54, the fourth resistor 64, and the negative electrode of the fourth cell 24. When the fourth equalization SW54 is turned off, the closed circuit is interrupted.

[0032] The on / off switching control of the first equalization SW51, the second equalization SW52, the third equalization SW53, and the fourth equalization SW54 is performed by the controller 4.

[0033] Furthermore, the balancing circuit 3 includes a first voltage sensor 71, a second voltage sensor 72, a third voltage sensor 73, and a fourth voltage sensor 74. The first voltage sensor 71 detects the cell voltage of the first cell 21 and outputs it to the controller 4.

[0034] The second voltage sensor 72 detects the cell voltage of the second cell 22 and outputs it to the controller 4. The third voltage sensor 73 detects the cell voltage of the third cell 23 and outputs it to the controller 4. The fourth voltage sensor 74 detects the cell voltage of the fourth cell 24 and outputs it to the controller 4.

[0035] The controller 4 includes a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and various circuits. The controller 4 controls the operation of the power control device 1 by the CPU executing the program stored in the ROM using the RAM as a work area.

[0036] For example, by executing a power control program, the controller 4 controls each SW of the power supply circuit 2 to perform power supply control to the first load 101, the second load 102, and the third load 103 from at least one of the first power supply 10 and the second power supply 20.

[0037] Also, by executing a power control program, the controller 4 controls the first equalization SW 51, the second equalization SW 52, the third equalization SW 53, and the fourth equalization SW 54 to equalize each cell voltage.

[0038] Note that the power control program may be stored in a storage device from the outside through a communication line or the like. Also, the controller 4 may be partially or entirely configured by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0039] [Operation of Power Control Device] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the operation of the power control device 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIGS. 2 and 3 are operation explanatory diagrams of the power control device according to the embodiment.

[0040] When the ignition switch (hereinafter referred to as "IG") of the vehicle is turned on, the controller 4 turns on the first power supply SW41, the second power supply SW42, the first load SW43, the second load SW44, and the third load SW45 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0041] At this time, the controller 4 maintains the first equalization SW51, the second equalization SW52, the third equalization SW53, and the fourth equalization SW54 in the off state. In this way, the power control device 1 performs power supply control from at least one of the first power supply 10 and the second power supply 20 to the first load 101, the second load 102, and the third load 103.

[0042] At this time, if the output voltage of the DCDC11 is higher than the output voltage of the second power supply 20, power is supplied from the first power supply 10 to the first load 101, the second load 102, and the third load 103. Further, power is supplied from the first power supply 10 to the second power supply 20 to charge the second power supply 20. If the output voltage of the DCDC11 is lower than the output voltage of the second power supply 20, power is supplied from the second power supply 20 to the first load 101, the second load 102, and the third load 103.

[0043] Then, when the controller 4 determines that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary, it equalizes the cell voltages while the vehicle is stopped. Specifically, the controller 4 acquires the cell voltages from the first voltage sensor 71, the second voltage sensor 72, the third voltage sensor 73, and the fourth voltage sensor 74.

[0044] When the difference between the cell voltage of the cell with the lowest cell voltage and the cell voltage of the cell with the highest cell voltage becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary. For example, when the controller 4 determines that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary, if the cell voltage of the third cell 23 is the highest and the cell voltage of the fourth cell 24 is the lowest, when the vehicle stops, as shown in FIG. 3, the second power supply SW42 is turned off and the third equalization SW53 is turned on.

[0045] As a result, a closed circuit is formed in which the positive electrode of the third cell 23, the third equalization SW53, the third resistor 63, and the negative electrode of the third cell 23 are connected in series, and the third cell 23 discharges. The discharge target voltage is the cell voltage of the fourth cell 24 with the lowest cell voltage. When the cell voltage of the third cell 23 drops to the cell voltage of the fourth cell 24, which is the discharge target voltage, the controller 4 turns off the third equalization SW53 and terminates the discharge of the third cell 23. As a result, the cell voltage of the third cell 23 decreases, and the cell voltages are equalized.

[0046] Note that when there are a plurality of cells that require equalization, that is, when there are a plurality of cells having a cell voltage that is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value with respect to the cell voltage of the cell with the lowest cell voltage, the controller 4 may discharge the cells to be discharged to the target voltage sequentially or simultaneously discharge them to the target voltage.

[0047] In order to avoid a situation where the vehicle continues to run for a long time without stopping and the equalization of the cell voltages cannot be achieved, and the amount of power that can be stored as a battery remains decreased, when the power control device 1 determines that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary during running, it requests the automatic driving control device 12 or the user to stop the vehicle.

[0048] As a result, if the power control device 1 stops the vehicle in response to a request from the automatic driving control device 12 or the user, it can perform equalization of the cell voltages, and thus can avoid a situation where the amount of stored power remains decreased.

[0049] Hereinafter, the process executed by the controller 4 of the power control device 1 to avoid a situation where the remaining power that can be used as a battery remains decreased will be specifically described.

[0050] [3. Process Executed by the Controller] Figs. 4 to 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the process executed by the controller 4 of the power control device 1 according to the embodiment. When the IG is turned on, as shown in Fig. 4, the controller 4 determines whether equalization of the cell voltages is necessary (step S101).

[0051] The controller 4 determines that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary when the difference between the cell voltage of the cell with the lowest cell voltage and the cell voltage of the cell with the highest cell voltage becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Also, when the difference between the cell voltage of the cell with the lowest cell voltage and the cell voltage of the cell with the highest cell voltage is less than the predetermined threshold, the controller 4 determines that equalization of the cell voltages is unnecessary.

[0052] When the controller 4 determines that equalization of the cell voltages is not necessary (step S101, No), the determination in step S101 is repeated until equalization of the cell voltages becomes necessary. Then, when the controller 4 determines that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary (step S101, Yes), it determines whether the vehicle is in autonomous driving (step S102).

[0053] When it is known that the vehicle is an autonomous driving vehicle, or when it is detected by a sensor (not shown) provided in the vehicle interior or the like that no user is in the vehicle, the controller 4 determines that the vehicle is in autonomous driving. Then, when the controller 4 determines that the vehicle is in autonomous driving (step S102, Yes), the process proceeds to step S110 shown in Fig. 5, and a stop request is sent to the automatic driving control device 12. In this case, the automatic driving control device 12 stops the vehicle in response to the request.

[0054] In this way, when the controller 4 determines that equalization of the cell voltage is necessary during the driverless operation of the vehicle, it requests the automatic driving control device 12 to stop the vehicle. As a result, the power control device 1 can perform equalization of the cell voltage after the automatic driving control device 12 stops the vehicle in response to the request even for a driverless vehicle. Thereafter, it is possible to avoid a situation where the stored power remains decreased by charging the second power source 20.

[0055] Also, when the controller 4 determines that it is not in driverless operation (step S102, No), it requests the user to stop the vehicle (step S103). Thereafter, the controller 4 calculates the required time from the start to the completion of the equalization of the cell voltage (step S104). For example, the controller 4 calculates the required time for equalization by calculating the time until discharge is completed based on the differential voltage between the cell voltage of the cell with the highest cell voltage and the cell voltage of the cell with the lowest cell voltage.

[0056] Subsequently, the controller 4 notifies the user of the required time for equalization by the notification device 13 (step S105). In this way, when the controller 4 determines that equalization of the cell voltage is necessary, it calculates the required time from the start to the completion of the equalization of the cell voltage and notifies the user of the required time. As a result, the user can know the parking time required to equalize the cell voltage, and thus can determine whether to park with reference to the notified required time for equalization.

[0057] Thereafter, the controller 4 determines whether it is in automatic driving (step S106). The controller 4 determines whether it is in automatic driving by acquiring information indicating whether it is in automatic driving from the automatic driving control device 12.

[0058] When the controller 4 determines that it is in automatic driving (step S106, Yes), the process proceeds to step S107 shown in FIG. 5, and it is determined whether the user has permitted, rejected, or not responded to the stop via the notification device 13.

[0059] When the controller 4 determines that the user has rejected the stop (step S107, rejection), the process ends. When the controller 4 determines that there is no response (step S107, no response), it determines whether a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed (step S108).

[0060] When the controller 4 determines that the certain period of time has not elapsed (step S108, No), it repeats the determination in step S107 until the certain period of time elapses. Also, when the controller 4 determines that the certain period of time has elapsed (step S108, Yes), it notifies the notification device 13 that "stopping for cell voltage equalization" (step S109), transfers the process to step S110, and requests the automatic driving control device 12 to stop the vehicle.

[0061] In this way, when the controller 4 requests the user to stop the vehicle and does not receive permission to stop even after a certain period of time has elapsed, it requests the automatic driving control device 12 to stop the vehicle. As a result, the power control device 1 can perform cell voltage equalization by stopping the vehicle even when the user does not notice the stop request, so that a state where equalization is not performed for a long time can be avoided.

[0062] Also, before requesting the automatic driving control device 12 to stop the vehicle, the controller 4 notifies that the vehicle will stop for cell voltage equalization. As a result, the user will not be surprised by the stop during automatic driving.

[0063] When the controller 4 determines that the user has permitted the stop (step S107, permission), it transfers the process to step S110. In step S110, the controller 4 requests the automatic driving control device 12 to stop the vehicle.

[0064] In this way, after the controller 4 determines that cell voltage equalization is necessary during automatic driving and requests the user to stop the vehicle, and then receives permission to stop from the user, it requests the automatic driving control device 12 to stop the vehicle. As a result, the power control device 1 can avoid a state where cell equalization is not performed for a long time even during automatic driving.

[0065] After that, the controller 4 determines whether the stop has been completed (step S111). When the controller 4 determines that the stop has not been completed (step S111, No), the process proceeds to step S110.

[0066] Also, when the controller 4 determines that the stop has been completed (step S111, Yes), it turns off the second power supply SW42 (step S112). Then, the controller 4 performs equalization of the cell voltages (step S113).

[0067] After that, the controller 4 determines whether the equalization of the cell voltages has been completed (step S114). When the controller 4 determines that the equalization has not been completed (step S114, No), the process proceeds to step S113.

[0068] Also, when the controller 4 determines that the equalization has been completed (step S114, Yes), it issues a driving request to the automatic driving control device 12 (step S115) and ends the process. As a result, the automatic driving control device 12 resumes the automatic driving.

[0069] Also, when the controller 4 determines that it is not in the automatic driving mode, that is, when it determines that it is in the manual driving mode (step S106, No), the process proceeds to step S116 shown in FIG. 6, and it determines whether the stop has been completed (step S116). When the controller 4 determines that the stop has not been completed (step S116, No), the process proceeds to step S106 shown in FIG. 4 and waits for the stop to be completed.

[0070] Also, when the controller 4 determines that the stop has been completed (step S116, Yes), it turns off the second power supply SW42 (step S117). Then, the controller 4 performs equalization of the cell voltages (step S118).

[0071] Thereafter, the controller 4 determines whether or not the equalization of the cell voltages has been completed (step S119). If the controller 4 determines that the equalization has not been completed (step S119, No), the process proceeds to step S118.

[0072] Also, if the controller 4 determines that the equalization has been completed (step S119, Yes), it notifies the user of the completion of the equalization by the notification device 13 (step S120) and ends the process.

[0073] Further, when the controller 4 determines that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary during traveling, regardless of whether it is during automatic driving or not, that is, even during manual driving, it requests the user to stop the vehicle (step S103). Thereby, the power control device 1 can avoid a state where the equalization of the cells is not performed for a long time even during manual driving.

[0074] On the other hand, when the IG is off, the controller 4 executes the process shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the controller 4 determines whether or not equalization of the cell voltages is necessary while the IG is off (step S201). Then, if the controller 4 determines that equalization is not necessary (step S201, No), it repeats the determination in step S201 until equalization becomes necessary.

[0075] Also, if the controller 4 determines that equalization is necessary (step S201, Yes), it performs equalization (step S202) and ends the process. Thereafter, the controller 4 starts the process from step S201 again.

[0076] [4. Supplementary Note] As a supplementary note, the features of the present invention are shown as follows. (1) A vehicle equipped with an automatic driving control device, comprising a controller that equalizes the cell voltages of a battery having a plurality of cells while the vehicle is stopped, The controller is When it is determined that equalization of the cell voltage is necessary during running of the vehicle, the automatic driving control device or the user is requested to stop the vehicle. Power control device. (2) The controller After determining that equalization of the cell voltage is necessary during automatic driving of the vehicle and requesting the user to stop the vehicle, when permission to stop is received from the user, the automatic driving control device is requested to stop the vehicle. The power control device according to claim 1. (3) The controller When permission to stop is not received even after a certain period of time has elapsed since the user was requested to stop the vehicle, the automatic driving control device is requested to stop the vehicle. The power control device according to claim 1 or 2. (4) Before requesting the automatic driving control device to stop the vehicle, the controller notifies the user that the vehicle will stop. The power control device according to claim 3. (5) The controller When it is determined that equalization of the cell voltage is necessary during manual driving of the vehicle, the user is requested to stop the vehicle. The power control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. (6) The controller When it is determined that equalization of the cell voltage is necessary, the controller calculates the time required from the start to the completion of equalization of the cell voltage and notifies the user of the required time. The power control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. (7) The controller When it is determined that equalization of the cell voltage is necessary during driverless running of the vehicle, the automatic driving control device is requested to stop the vehicle. The power control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. (8) A power control method executed by a controller mounted on a vehicle having an automatic driving control device for equalizing cell voltages of a battery having a plurality of cells while the vehicle is stopped. When it is determined that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary during running of the vehicle, a request for stopping is made to the automatic driving control device or the user. Power control method. (9) A computer mounted on a vehicle having an automatic driving control device for equalizing cell voltages of a battery having a plurality of cells while the vehicle is stopped causes When it is determined that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary during running of the vehicle, a procedure for requesting the automatic driving control device or the user to stop is executed. Power control program.

[0077] Further effects and modifications can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments presented and described above. Accordingly, various changes are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0078] 1 Power control device 2 Power supply circuit 3 Balancing circuit 4 Controller 10 First power supply 12 Automatic driving control device 13 Notification device 20 Second power supply 21 First cell 22 Second cell 23 Third cell 24 Fourth cell 61 First resistor 62 Second resistor 63 Third resistor 64 Fourth resistor 71 First voltage sensor 72 Second voltage sensor 73 Third voltage sensor 74 Fourth voltage sensor 101 First load 102 Second load 103 Third load 41 First power supply SW 42 Second power supply SW 43 First load SW 44 Second load SW 45 Third load SW 51 First equalization SW 52 Second equalization SW 53 Third equalization SW 54 Fourth equalization SW

Claims

1. A power control device mounted on a vehicle having an automatic driving control device, comprising a controller for equalizing cell voltages of a battery having a plurality of cells while the vehicle is stopped. The controller: When it is determined that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary during running of the vehicle, requests the automatic driving control device or the user to stop the vehicle. Power control device.

2. The controller: After determining that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary during automatic driving of the vehicle and requesting the user to stop the vehicle, when permission to stop is received from the user, requests the automatic driving control device to stop the vehicle. The power control device according to Claim 1.

3. The controller: When permission to stop is not received even after a certain period of time has elapsed since requesting the user to stop the vehicle, requests the automatic driving control device to stop the vehicle. The power control device according to Claim 1.

4. Before requesting the automatic driving control device to stop the vehicle, the controller notifies the user that the vehicle will stop. The power control device according to Claim 3.

5. The controller: When it is determined that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary during manual driving of the vehicle, requests the user to stop the vehicle. The power control device according to Claim 1.

6. The controller: When it is determined that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary, calculates the time required from the start to the completion of the equalization of the cell voltages, and notifies the user of the required time. The power control device according to Claim 1.

7. The controller: When it is determined that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary during driverless running of the vehicle, requests the automatic driving control device to stop the vehicle. The power control device according to Claim 1.

8. A power control method executed by a controller mounted on a vehicle having an automatic driving control device, for equalizing cell voltages of a battery having a plurality of cells while the vehicle is stopped, the method comprising: When it is determined that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary during running of the vehicle, requesting the automatic driving control device or the user to stop the vehicle. Power control method.

9. A power control program for causing a computer mounted on a vehicle having an automatic driving control device, for equalizing cell voltages of a battery having a plurality of cells while the vehicle is stopped, to execute a procedure of: When it is determined that equalization of the cell voltages is necessary during running of the vehicle, requesting the automatic driving control device or the user to stop the vehicle. Power control program.

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