Information processing device, information processing system, and information processing program for batteries

Abstract

To provide a battery information processing method which enables estimation of the state of degradation of a battery when operated according to an operating plan before operating the battery.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a battery information processing method comprises using operating plan information representing an operating plan of either a battery or a battery-powered device equipped with the battery to derive time-series data representing temporal variations in current, voltage and temperature of the battery when operated according to the operating plan of the operating plan information. The information processing method also comprises using the derived time-series data to derive the state of degradation of the battery when operated according to the operating plan.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing method, an information processing system, and an information processing program for a battery. [Background technology]

[0002] When estimating the state of deterioration of a battery, measurement data showing the time changes of the battery's current, voltage, and temperature are measured while the battery is in operation, and then changes in the battery state, including changes in battery capacity and battery resistance, are calculated based on the measurement data to estimate the state of deterioration of the battery.

[0003] When a battery is installed in a battery-equipped device and operated, it is required to be able to estimate the degradation state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan at a stage before the battery is operated, such as at the operation planning stage. For example, it is required to be able to estimate the degradation state of the battery at the time when the battery has been operated according to the operation plan for a predetermined period of time at a stage before the battery is operated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-150687 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-46571 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-56954 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an information processing method, an information processing system, and an information processing program for a battery that make it possible to estimate the deterioration state of a battery when operated according to an operation plan at a stage before the battery is operated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In an embodiment, an information processing method for a battery calculates time-series data indicating time changes in the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan in the operation plan information, based on operation plan information indicating an operation plan for either the battery or a battery-equipped device in which the battery is installed. The information processing method uses the calculated time-series data to calculate the deterioration state of the battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of processing performed by the information processing system of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of time-series data calculated using operation plan information and an electrochemical model in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of a process performed in the first embodiment for calculating the degradation state of a battery during operation according to an operation plan. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a process performed in the first embodiment for calculating operating condition parameters for each of a plurality of time frames. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of relational data of a deterioration prediction model used in the process of calculating the state change speed in each of a plurality of time frames in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of processing performed by the information processing system of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of a process performed in the second embodiment for calculating the operating conditions of a battery that satisfy the user's requirements. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of processing performed by the information processing system of the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing an information processing system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (First embodiment) First, a first embodiment will be described as an example of an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. The information processing system 1 processes information about batteries, for example, information about batteries mounted in battery-mounted devices. Examples of battery-mounted devices that mount batteries include vehicles, large-scale power storage devices for power systems, smartphones, stationary power supply devices, robots, and drones. Examples of vehicles that can serve as battery-mounted devices include railcars, electric buses, electric cars, plug-in hybrid cars, and electric motorcycles. In this embodiment, the information processing system 1 is used in a stage prior to battery operation, such as the stage of operational planning for batteries and battery-mounted devices.

[0010] Furthermore, the battery to be operated, i.e., the battery to be installed in the battery-equipped device, is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. The battery to be operated may be formed from a single cell (single battery), or may be a battery module or cell block formed by electrically connecting a plurality of single cells. When the battery is formed from a plurality of single cells, the plurality of single cells may be electrically connected in series or in parallel. The battery may have both a series connection structure in which a plurality of single cells are connected in series and a parallel connection structure in which a plurality of single cells are connected in parallel. The battery to be operated may also be any of a battery string in which a plurality of battery modules are electrically connected, a battery array, and a storage battery. In addition, when a battery module in which a plurality of single cells are electrically connected is the battery to be operated, the below-described processing using the information processing system 1 may be performed on each of the plurality of single cells constituting the battery module.

[0011] Furthermore, batteries such as secondary batteries are classified into multiple types of batteries based on the composition of the positive electrode, the composition of the negative electrode, the composition of the electrolyte, etc. Each of the multiple types of batteries differs from other types of batteries in one or more of the composition of the positive electrode, the composition of the negative electrode, and the composition of the electrolyte. The composition of each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode includes the type of active material and the content of the active material in the active material-containing layer, etc. The composition of the electrolyte includes the type of electrolyte and the concentration of the electrolyte in the electrolytic solution, etc. In this embodiment, the process described below will be explained on the assumption that the battery to be operated is determined to be of one arbitrary type.

[0012] The example information processing system 1 of FIG. 1 includes two processing devices 10 and 20. The processing device (first processing device) 10 is a computer and is configured, for example, as any one of a server, a personal computer, and a terminal. The processing device 10 is managed, for example, by a user who uses a service using the information processing system 1. The processing device 10 includes a processing circuit (first processing circuit) 11, a storage medium 12, a communication module 13, and a user interface 15. The processing circuit 11 is configured as a processor or an integrated circuit, and the processor constituting the processing circuit 11 includes any one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a microcomputer, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The processing circuit 11 may be configured as a single processor or as multiple processors.

[0013] The storage medium 12 is either a main storage device such as a memory or an auxiliary storage device. Examples of the storage medium 12 include a magnetic disk, an optical disk (CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, etc.), a magneto-optical disk (MO, etc.), and a semiconductor memory. The processing device 10 may be provided with only one memory or a plurality of memories serving as the storage medium 12.

[0014] The processing circuitry 11 performs processing by executing programs and the like stored in the storage medium 12. In the example of FIG. 1 , the programs executed by the processing circuitry 11 include a data management program 16 and a time-series data calculation program 17. By executing the data management program 16, the processing circuitry 11 writes data to the storage medium 12 and reads data from the storage medium 12. In addition, the time-series data calculation program 17 constitutes a part of an information processing program that causes the information processing system 1 to perform processing described below.

[0015] In one example, the processing circuit 11 of the processing device 10 downloads a time-series data calculation program 17 by downloading a dedicated application via a network, and stores the downloaded time-series data calculation program 17 in the storage medium 12. In addition, in the example of FIG. 1 , an electrochemical model Ma is stored in the storage medium 12, and the electrochemical model Ma is used in processing based on the time-series data calculation program 17. The processing circuit 11 of the processing device 10 downloads the electrochemical model Ma together with the time-series data calculation program 17, for example, and stores the downloaded electrochemical model Ma in the storage medium 12.

[0016] The communication module 13 is composed of a communication interface of the processing device 10, etc. The processing circuit 11 communicates with external devices, etc., including the processing device 20, via the communication module 13. Communication of the processing device 10 via the communication module 13 is performed wired or wirelessly. The user interface 15 is used by a user of the information processing system 1, etc. to input appropriate operations related to the battery to be operated. For this purpose, the user interface 15 is provided with any of buttons, a mouse, a touch panel, a keyboard, etc. as an operation unit through which the user, etc., inputs operations. The user interface 15 is also provided with a notification unit that notifies the user of information related to the battery to be operated. The notification unit notifies the user of the information by either displaying the information on a screen or emitting a sound, etc. Note that the user interface 15 may be provided separately from the processing device 10.

[0017] The processing device (second processing device) 20 is a computer and is configured, for example, by a server or the like separate from the processing device 10. The processing device 20 is managed, for example, by a service provider or the like that uses the information processing system 1. The processing device 20 includes a processing circuit (second processing circuit) 21, a storage medium 22, and a communication module 23. The processing circuit 21 is configured by a processor or an integrated circuit or the like, and the processor or the like that configures the processing circuit 21 includes any of a CPU, an ASIC, a microcomputer, an FPGA, a DSP, or the like. The processing circuit 21 may be configured by one processor or the like, or may be configured by multiple processors or the like.

[0018] The storage medium 22 is either a main storage device such as a memory or an auxiliary storage device. Examples of the storage medium 22 include a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor memory. The processing device 20 may be provided with only one memory or a plurality of memories serving as the storage medium 22.

[0019] The processing circuit 21 performs processing by executing programs and the like stored in the storage medium 22. In the example of FIG. 1, the programs executed by the processing circuit 21 include a data management program 25 and a deterioration state calculation program 26. By executing the data management program 25, the processing circuit 21 writes data to the storage medium 22 and reads data from the storage medium 22. In addition, the deterioration state calculation program 26 constitutes a part of an information processing program that causes the information processing system 1 to perform processing described below. In the example of FIG. 1, a deterioration prediction model Mb is stored in the storage medium 22, and the deterioration prediction model Mb is used in processing based on the deterioration state calculation program 26.

[0020] The communication module 23 is composed of a communication interface of the processing device 20. The processing circuit 21 communicates with external devices including the processing device 10 via the communication module 23. The communication of the processing device 20 via the communication module 23 is performed by wire or wirelessly.

[0021] In one example, processors of a plurality of processing devices (computers) such as a plurality of servers cooperate to perform processing based on the deterioration state calculation program 26. In another example, a cloud server in a cloud environment is provided in the information processing system 1 instead of the processing device 20. The infrastructure of the cloud environment is configured by a virtual processor such as a virtual CPU and a cloud memory. In this case, the virtual processor performs the processing described below based on the deterioration state calculation program 26 instead of the processing circuit 21. The cloud memory functions as a storage area for storing programs, data, etc., similar to the storage medium 22.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of processing performed by the information processing system 1 of the first embodiment. The example processing of Fig. 2 is mainly performed by the processing circuit 11 of the processing device 10 and the processing circuit 21 of the processing device 20, and is performed by the processing devices 10, 20, etc., executing an information processing program including a time-series data calculation program 17 and a deterioration state calculation program 26.

[0023] 2 starts, the processing circuitry 11 of the processing device 10 acquires operation plan information (S101). The operation plan information is input by a user or the like via the user interface 15. In one example, the processing circuitry 11 downloads a dedicated application including a time-series data calculation program 17 and an electrochemical model Ma, thereby creating an environment in which the operation plan information can be input via the user interface 15. The operation plan information indicates an operation plan for either the battery or the battery-equipped device on which the battery is mounted.

[0024] The operation plan information includes information about power consumption by the battery-equipped device and charging conditions for charging the battery-equipped device. Information about power consumption by the battery-equipped device includes, for example, the time period and length of time during which the battery-equipped device consumes power, and the power consumption and environmental temperature during the period during which the battery-equipped device consumes power. Furthermore, if the battery-equipped device to be equipped with the battery is a vehicle, instead of or in addition to the above information, the time period and length of time during which the vehicle will be traveling, and the traveling pattern and environmental temperature during the period during which the vehicle will be traveling are displayed as information about power consumption by the battery-equipped device. The vehicle's traveling pattern includes the vehicle's traveling route, etc.

[0025] The charging conditions for charging a battery-equipped device may include, for example, the time period and duration for charging the battery-equipped device, the charging power and environmental temperature during the charging period, etc. Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the charging power during the charging period for the battery-equipped device, the specifications of the charger to be used may be displayed as the charging conditions for charging the battery-equipped device.

[0026] The operation plan information also includes information regarding the suspension of battery charging and discharging. Examples of the information regarding the suspension of battery charging and discharging include the time period and duration for which battery charging and discharging will be suspended, and the ambient temperature during the suspension period. Furthermore, if the battery-equipped device in which the battery is to be installed is a vehicle, the time period and duration for which the vehicle will be parked, and the ambient temperature during the suspension period may be displayed as information regarding the suspension of battery charging and discharging, instead of or in addition to the information described above.

[0027] In addition, in the case of an operation in which the battery-equipped device can output (discharge) power to the outside, information on the power output from the battery-equipped device is included in the operation plan information. The information on the power output from the battery-equipped device includes, for example, the time period and duration during which the battery-equipped device outputs power, and the output power and environmental temperature during the period during which the battery-equipped device outputs power.

[0028] In the exemplary processing of FIG. 2, the processing circuitry 11 calculates time series data based on the operation plan information using the electrochemical model Ma (S102). The processing circuitry 11 calculates the time series data based on the operation plan information by executing the time series data calculation program 17. The electrochemical model Ma outputs time series data by inputting the operation plan information. In the processing based on the time series data calculation program 17, the processing circuitry 11 inputs the operation plan information to the electrochemical model Ma, and calculates the output result from the electrochemical model Ma as time series data.

[0029] The time-series data calculated based on the operation plan information indicates the time-dependent changes in the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery when the battery is operated in accordance with the operation plan in the operation plan information. In calculating the time-series data, the processing circuit 11 calculates the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery for each of a plurality of time points in the time range indicated by the time-series data using the operation plan information and the electrochemical model Ma. This calculates the time-dependent changes in the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery when the battery is operated in accordance with the operation plan in the operation plan information.

[0030] When calculating the change in battery current over time, calculations are performed assuming that current is being output from the battery during periods when the battery-equipped device consumes power and during periods when the battery-equipped device outputs power, i.e., assuming that a discharging current flows through the battery. In this case, the greater the power consumption of the battery-equipped device, the greater the absolute value (magnitude) of the discharge current (output current) from the battery will be calculated. Furthermore, the greater the output power from the battery-equipped device, the greater the absolute value of the discharge current from the battery will be calculated.

[0031] When the operation plan information indicates the vehicle's driving pattern instead of the power consumption of the battery-equipped device, the power consumption during the period when the vehicle, which is the battery-equipped device, is traveling is calculated based on the driving pattern including the driving route in calculating the time change in the battery current.The discharge current from the battery is then calculated based on the calculated power consumption of the vehicle.In this case, for example, during the period when the vehicle is traveling uphill, the power consumption of the vehicle is calculated to be larger than during the period when the vehicle is traveling on a flat road, and the absolute value (magnitude) of the discharge current (output current) from the battery is calculated to be larger.Furthermore, during the period when the vehicle is traveling downhill, the power consumption of the vehicle is calculated to be smaller than during the period when the vehicle is traveling on a flat road, and the absolute value of the discharge current from the battery is calculated to be smaller.

[0032] Furthermore, in calculating the change in battery current over time, calculations are performed assuming that current is input to the battery, i.e., that a charging current flows to the battery, during the period when the battery-equipped device is being charged. In this case, the greater the charging power indicated in the charging conditions, etc., the greater the absolute value (magnitude) of the charging current (input current) to the battery is calculated to be. Furthermore, when charger specifications, etc. are indicated in the charging conditions of the operation plan information instead of charging power, the charging power during the period when the battery-equipped device is being charged is calculated based on the charger specifications. Furthermore, in calculating the change in battery current over time, calculations are performed assuming that no current flows to the battery, i.e., that the battery current value is zero, during the period when charging and discharging of the battery are stopped. By performing calculations as described above, the change in battery current over time when operating according to the operation plan is calculated based on the operation plan information.

[0033] The time change in battery voltage is calculated, for example, by calculating the time change in battery current as described above, and then using the calculation results of the time change in current. The time change in battery voltage is calculated by assuming that the battery voltage decreases over time during the period when current is output from the battery, i.e., the period when the battery is discharging. The larger the absolute value of the discharge current, the larger the calculated time rate of voltage decrease. Furthermore, the longer the discharging time, the larger the calculated amount of voltage decrease during the discharging period.

[0034] Furthermore, in calculating the change in battery voltage over time, calculations are performed assuming that the battery voltage increases over time during the period when current is input to the battery, i.e., the period when the battery is being charged. In this case, the larger the absolute value of the charging current, the larger the calculated rate of voltage increase over time. Furthermore, the longer the charging time, the larger the calculated amount of voltage increase over the charging period. Furthermore, in calculating the change in battery voltage over time, calculations are performed assuming that the battery voltage does not change during periods when charging and discharging of the battery are stopped. By performing calculations as described above, the change in battery voltage over time when the battery is operated in accordance with the operation plan in the operation plan information is calculated.

[0035] Furthermore, the change in battery temperature over time is calculated, for example, by calculating the change in battery current over time as described above, and then using the calculation result of the change in current over time and the environmental temperature at each of the multiple time points indicated in the operation plan information. In calculating the change in battery temperature over time, if other conditions are the same, the higher the environmental temperature, the higher the calculated value of the battery temperature. However, in calculating the change in battery temperature over time, the calculation is performed taking into account not only the environmental temperature but also the influence of heat caused by the current (discharge current and charge current) flowing through the battery. Therefore, even if the environmental temperature is the same, the battery temperature is calculated to be higher at a time point when current is flowing through the battery continuously for a certain period of time than at a time point when charging and discharging of the battery are stopped for a certain period of time. By performing the calculation as described above, the change in battery temperature over time when operating in accordance with the operation plan in the operation plan information is calculated.

[0036] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example of time-series data calculated using the operation plan information and the electrochemical model Ma in the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3, graphs A1, A2, and A3 are calculated as the time-series data. Graph A1 shows the change in battery current over time when operated according to the operation plan, graph A2 shows the change in battery voltage over time when operated according to the operation plan, and graph A3 shows the change in battery temperature over time when operated according to the operation plan. In each of graphs A1 to A3, the horizontal axis represents time. In graph A1, the vertical axis represents current, in graph A2, the vertical axis represents voltage, and in graph A3, the vertical axis represents temperature. In addition, in graph A1, the current input to the battery, i.e., the battery charging current, is represented by a positive value, and the current output from the battery, i.e., the discharge current, is represented by a negative value.

[0037] In the time-series data calculated in the example of FIG. 3, from a certain point (not shown) before time t1, charging and discharging of the battery are stopped, and the battery voltage is maintained at voltage value V1. Then, at time t1, discharging of the battery begins, and between time t1 and time t2 after time t1, either charging or discharging of the battery is performed, and current continues to flow through the battery. Between time t1 and time t2, discharging of the battery from voltage value V1 to voltage value V2, which is lower than voltage value V1, and charging of the battery from voltage value V2 to voltage value V1 are alternately repeated. Then, at time t2, a state is switched to where charging and discharging of the battery are stopped, and from time t2 until a certain point (not shown) after time t2, the battery voltage is maintained at voltage value V1.

[0038] In the time-series data calculated in the example of FIG. 3, the battery temperature is maintained at temperature T1 from a certain point in time (not shown) before time t1. Then, when discharge from the battery begins at time t1, the battery temperature rises from temperature T1 at time t3 between time t1 and time t2. Then, even when charging and discharging of the battery are stopped at time t2, the battery temperature remains higher than temperature T1. Then, at time t4 after time t2, the battery temperature drops to temperature T1, and from time t4 until a certain point in time (not shown) after time t4, the battery temperature remains at temperature T1.

[0039] 2, the processing circuitry 11 of the processing device 10 transmits the time series data calculated as described above to the processing device 20 via the communication module 13 (S103). Then, the processing circuitry 21 of the processing device 20 receives the time series data from the processing device 10 via the communication module 23 (S104). Then, the processing circuitry 21 uses the time series data received from the processing device 10 to calculate the degradation state of the battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan in the operation plan information (S105). The processing circuitry 21 executes the degradation state calculation program 26 to calculate the degradation state of the battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan.

[0040] The processing circuit 21 calculates the deterioration state of the battery at the time when the battery has been operated in accordance with the operation plan for a predetermined period of time. In one example, during operation in accordance with the operation plan, when the battery voltage drops to a certain level due to discharge from the battery, the battery is charged. Then, the processing circuit 21 calculates the deterioration state of the battery at the time when the battery has been charged 10,000 times since the start of operation. In another example, in calculating the deterioration state of the battery, one or more of the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity relative to the start of operation and the resistance increase rate of the battery resistance relative to the start of operation are calculated as indicators indicating the deterioration state of the battery.

[0041] Here, for a battery, a lower limit voltage and an upper limit voltage are specified for the voltage. For a battery, the charge capacity (amount of charge charge) from the lower limit voltage to the upper limit voltage when charging under specified charging conditions, or the discharge capacity (amount of discharge charge) from the upper limit voltage to the lower limit voltage when discharging under specified discharging conditions, is specified as the battery capacity. The higher the degree of battery degradation, the lower the battery capacity. Therefore, it is possible to determine the state of battery degradation based on the battery capacity maintenance rate relative to the start of operation. Furthermore, the higher the degree of battery degradation, the higher the resistance of the battery. Therefore, it is possible to determine the state of battery degradation based on the rate of increase in resistance relative to the start of operation.

[0042] Fig. 4 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of the process performed in the first embodiment to calculate the degradation state of the battery during operation in accordance with the operation plan, i.e., the process of S105 in Fig. 2. In the example of Fig. 4, in calculating the degradation state of the battery, the processing circuit 21 of the processing device 20 divides the time range indicated by the time-series data into multiple time frames (S111). By performing such processing, in one example, the time region in the time-series data where either charging or discharging of the battery is being performed is divided into multiple time frames, and the time region where charging or discharging of the battery is stopped is divided into multiple time frames.

[0043] Then, the processing circuit 21 calculates, for each of the divided time frames, operation condition parameters indicating the operation conditions of the battery based on the time-series data (S112). At this time, one or more operation condition parameters are calculated for each of the multiple time frames of the time-series data.

[0044] In one example, for each of the time frames included in a time region in which either charging or discharging of the battery is occurring among the multiple time frames, the maximum SOC value of the battery, the minimum SOC value of the battery, the average temperature of the battery, and the average current value of the battery are calculated as operating condition parameters based on the time series data. Then, for each of the time frames included in a time region in which charging or discharging of the battery is stopped among the multiple time frames, the maintenance SOC value of the battery and the average temperature of the battery are calculated as operating condition parameters based on the time series data. When calculating operating condition parameters for each of the multiple time frames as in this example, the processing circuitry 21 calculates, based on the time series data, the change in the SOC (state of charge) value of the battery over time when the battery is operated according to the operation plan.

[0045] Here, for a battery, a state where the SOC value is 0% and a state where the SOC value is 100%, which is a state where the battery's charge (charge amount) is greater than that of the SOC value 0%, are defined. The SOC value is defined as the ratio of the remaining charge up to the SOC value 0% to the total charge between the SOC value 0% and the SOC value 100%. During the period when the battery is being charged, the SOC value of the battery increases over time, and during the period when the battery is being discharged, the SOC value of the battery decreases over time. Furthermore, during periods when charging and discharging of the battery are stopped, the SOC value of the battery remains unchanged.

[0046] In one example, the time change in the open circuit voltage of the battery when operated according to the operation plan is calculated based on the time changes in the battery current, voltage, and temperature indicated by the time-series data. Then, relationship data indicating the relationship between the battery's open circuit voltage and SOC value is stored in a storage medium 22 or the like, and the time change in the SOC value of the battery when operated according to the operation plan is calculated based on the relationship between the battery's open circuit voltage and SOC value indicated by the relationship data and the calculation results of the time change in the battery's open circuit voltage. In another example, the time change in the battery's charge when operated according to the operation plan is calculated based on the time change in the battery's current indicated by the time-series data. At this time, the time change in the battery's charge is calculated based on the time-integrated value of the current, etc. Then, the time change in the battery's SOC value when operated according to the operation plan is calculated based on the calculation results of the time change in the battery's charge.

[0047] For each time frame included in the time domain in which either charging or discharging of the battery is occurring, a maximum SOC value and a minimum SOC value are calculated based on the calculation results of the time change in the SOC value of the battery. In this case, for each time frame, the maximum SOC value of the battery during that time frame is calculated as the maximum SOC value, and the minimum SOC value of the battery during that time frame is calculated as the minimum SOC value. For each time frame included in the time domain in which either charging or discharging of the battery is occurring, the average temperature of the battery during that time frame is calculated as the aforementioned average temperature based on the time change in the temperature of the battery indicated by the time-series data. For each time frame included in the time domain in which either charging or discharging of the battery is occurring, the average absolute value of the battery current during that time frame is calculated as the aforementioned average current value based on the time change in the current of the battery indicated by the time-series data.

[0048] For each time frame included in the time region where charging and discharging of the battery are stopped, a maintaining SOC value is calculated based on the calculation result of the time change of the SOC value of the battery. At this time, for each time frame included in the time region where charging and discharging of the battery are stopped, the maintaining SOC value of the battery is calculated. Furthermore, for each time frame included in the time region where charging and discharging of the battery are stopped, the average value of the temperature of the battery during that time frame is calculated as the aforementioned average temperature.

[0049] Fig. 5 outlines an example of a process performed in the first embodiment for calculating operating condition parameters for each of a plurality of time frames. In the example of Fig. 5, the time change in the SOC value of the battery when operated according to the operation plan is calculated based on the time series data of the example of Fig. 3, and the calculated time change in the SOC value is shown in graph A4. In graph A4, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the SOC value.

[0050] 5, the battery is maintained at an SOC value η1 from a certain point (not shown) before time t1. Between time t1 and time t2, the SOC value alternates between a decrease over time from the SOC value η1 to an SOC value η2, which is lower than the SOC value η1, due to the battery being discharged, and an increase over time from the SOC value η2 to the SOC value η1, due to the battery being charged. From time t2 until a certain point (not shown) after time t2, the battery is maintained at the SOC value η1.

[0051] 5, the time region between time t1 and time t2 during which either charging or discharging of the battery is performed is divided into multiple time frames Ya. In this case, one cycle of alternately repeated charging and discharging is defined as one time frame Ya, and the time region between time t1 and time t2 is divided into multiple time frames Ya. Also, in the example of FIG. 5, the time region ending at time t1 during which charging and discharging of the battery are stopped, and the time region starting at time t2 during which charging and discharging of the battery are stopped, are each divided into multiple time frames Yb.

[0052] 5, the processing circuitry 21 etc. calculates the maximum SOC value, minimum SOC value, average temperature, and average current value as the operating condition parameters for each time frame Ya, and calculates the SOC maintenance value and average temperature as the operating condition parameters for each time frame Yb. During this process, for each time frame Ya, the SOC value η1 is calculated as the maximum SOC value, and the SOC value η2 is calculated as the minimum SOC value. Furthermore, for each time frame Yb, the SOC value η1 is calculated as the maintenance SOC value.

[0053] In the exemplary process of FIG. 4, the processing circuit 21 calculates the state change rate for each of a plurality of time frames based on the calculated operating condition parameters for that time frame (S113). The deterioration prediction model Mb is used to calculate the state change rate for each of the time frames. The deterioration prediction model Mb outputs the state change rate of the battery by inputting the operating condition parameters for the battery. The processing circuit 21 inputs the calculated operating condition parameters for each of the plurality of time frames into the deterioration prediction model Mb, and calculates the output result from the deterioration prediction model Mb as the state change rate of the battery. In one example, one or more of the rate of decrease in battery capacity and the rate of increase in battery resistance are calculated as the state change rate of the battery.

[0054] The calculation of the rate of change of the battery state in each of the multiple time frames uses one or more relational data included in the deterioration prediction model Mb. Each of the relational data in the deterioration prediction model Mb indicates the relationship between the battery's operating condition parameters and the battery's state change rate, and may indicate, for example, any of an arithmetic formula, function, graph, table, etc. that calculates the battery's state change rate from the battery's operating condition parameters.

[0055] FIG. 6 shows an example of relationship data of the degradation prediction model Mb used in the process of calculating the state change rate for each of a plurality of time frames in the first embodiment. The example relationship data D1 in FIG. 6 is shown as a graph of a three-axis coordinate system, with the three axes representing the maximum SOC value, the minimum SOC value, and the rate of decrease in battery capacity, respectively. In the relationship data D1, a response surface α1 indicates the relationship between the maximum SOC value and the minimum SOC value and the rate of decrease in battery capacity, which is the rate of change in battery state. The degradation prediction model Mb shows a response surface similar to the example response surface α1 in FIG. 6 for each of a plurality of conditions in which at least one of the absolute values of the battery temperature and current differs from one another. Therefore, the degradation prediction model Mb shows a function that calculates the rate of decrease in battery capacity using the maximum SOC value, the minimum SOC value, the temperature, and the absolute values of the current as arguments.

[0056] In one example, the relationship data of the degradation prediction model Mb shows any one of an arithmetic expression, function, graph, table, etc. that calculates the rate of increase in battery resistance using the maximum SOC value, minimum SOC value, temperature, and absolute value of current. Because the relationship data as described above is included in the degradation prediction model Mb, for each time frame included in the time domain in which the battery is being charged or discharged, the rate of state change such as the rate of decrease in battery capacity and the rate of increase in resistance is calculated based on the relationship data of the degradation prediction model Mb and the maximum SOC value, minimum SOC value, average temperature, and average current value calculated as operating condition parameters.

[0057] In one example, the degradation prediction model Mb includes at least one of relational data indicating the relationship between the rate of decrease in battery capacity and the maintaining SOC value and temperature, and relational data indicating the relationship between the rate of increase in resistance and the maintaining SOC value and temperature. In this case, for example, on a graph of a three-axis coordinate system, the relationship between the rate of decrease in battery capacity and the maintaining SOC value and temperature is represented by a response surface. Because such relational data is included in the degradation prediction model Mb, for each time frame included in the time domain in which charging and discharging of the battery are stopped, the state change rates, such as the rate of decrease in battery capacity and the rate of increase in resistance, are calculated based on the relational data of the degradation prediction model Mb and the maintaining SOC value and average temperature calculated as operating condition parameters.

[0058] In the exemplary process of FIG. 4, the processing circuit 21 calculates the amount of change in the state of the battery for each of the multiple time frames based on the calculated rate of change of state for that time frame (S114). At this time, for each of the multiple time frames, the amount of change in state is calculated by multiplying the calculated rate of change of state by the length of the time frame. In one example, for each of the multiple time frames, the rate of decrease in battery capacity and the rate of increase in resistance are calculated as the rate of change of state for that time frame. In this case, for each of the multiple time frames, the rate of decrease in battery capacity is multiplied by the length of time to calculate the amount of decrease in battery capacity for that time frame as the amount of change in state of the battery. Then, for each of the multiple time frames, the rate of increase in resistance is multiplied by the length of time to calculate the amount of increase in resistance for that time frame as the amount of change in state of the battery.

[0059] Then, based on the calculation results of the amount of change in the battery state in each of the multiple time frames, the processing circuit 21 calculates the change in the battery state at the time when the battery has been operated in accordance with the operation plan for a predetermined period as the battery's degradation state (S115). At this time, the amount of decrease in battery capacity from the start of operation and the amount of increase in resistance from the start of operation are calculated as the amount of change in the battery state at the time when the battery has been operated in accordance with the operation plan for a predetermined period. The amount of change in the battery state at the time when the battery has been operated in accordance with the operation plan for a predetermined period is calculated by integrating the amount of change in the battery state over the multiple time frames from the start of operation to the time when the predetermined period has elapsed. Based on the calculation results of the amount of change in the state at the time when the predetermined period has elapsed from the start of operation, the processing circuit 21 calculates the capacity retention rate of the battery capacity and the resistance increase rate of the resistor as indicators of the battery's degradation state.

[0060] In the example process of FIG. 2, after calculating the degradation state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan, the processing circuitry 21 of the processing device 20 transmits notification information including the calculation result of the degradation state of the battery to the processing device 10 via the communication module 23 (S106). Then, the processing circuitry 11 of the processing device 10 receives the notification information from the processing device 20 via the communication module 13 (S107). Then, the processing circuitry 11 notifies the notification information received from the processing device 20 via the user interface 15 or the like (S108). In this way, the degradation state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan is notified to the user of the information processing system 1 or the like. The notification information is notified, for example, by either a screen display or sound emission.

[0061] As described above, in this embodiment, time-series data indicating the time changes of the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery when operated according to the operation plan in the operation plan information is calculated based on operation plan information indicating an operation plan for either the battery or the battery-equipped device in which the battery is installed. Then, using the calculated time-series data, the deterioration state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan is calculated. This makes it possible to estimate the deterioration state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan at a stage before the battery is operated, such as the operation plan stage. For example, it makes it possible to estimate the deterioration state of the battery at the point when the battery has been operated according to the operation plan for a predetermined period of time at a stage before the battery is operated.

[0062] In addition, in this embodiment, the calculation result of the battery degradation state when operating according to the operation plan is notified. This allows the user who is planning the operation to understand the battery degradation state when operating according to the operation plan at a stage before operation. This allows the user to determine whether the planned operation plan is appropriate and whether the operation plan needs to be changed at a stage before operation.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in calculating the degradation state of the battery, the time range indicated by the time series data is divided into a plurality of time frames, and for each of the divided plurality of time frames, one or more operating condition parameters indicating the operating conditions of the battery are calculated based on the time series data. Then, for each of the plurality of time frames, the amount of change in the battery state is calculated based on the calculated operating condition parameters, and the degradation state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan is calculated based on the calculation results of the amount of change in the battery state for each of the plurality of time frames. Therefore, the degradation state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan is appropriately calculated using the time series data.

[0064] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described as a modification of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, an operating condition calculation program is stored in addition to a data management program 25 and a degradation state calculation program 26 in a storage medium 22 of a processing device (second processing device) 20. The operating condition calculation program constitutes a part of the information processing program.

[0065] Fig. 7 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of processing performed by the information processing system 1 of the second embodiment. The example of processing in Fig. 7 is mainly performed by the processing circuit 11 of the processing device 10 and the processing circuit 21 of the processing device 20, and is performed by the processing devices 10, 20, etc., executing an information processing program including a time-series data calculation program 17, a deterioration state calculation program 26, and an operating condition calculation program.

[0066] In this embodiment, when the processing of the example shown in FIG. 7 starts, the processing circuit 11 of the processing device 10 acquires, in addition to the operation plan information, request information indicating a user's request regarding the deterioration state of the battery (S121). The request information is input by a user or the like via the user interface 15. The request information indicates a request regarding the deterioration state of the battery at a predetermined time after the start of operation. In one example, the request information indicates a request regarding one or more of the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity and the resistance increase rate of the resistance at a predetermined time after the start of operation. For example, the request information indicates that the battery capacity maintenance rate is 80% or more and the resistance increase rate is two times or less when the battery is charged 10,000 times since the start of operation.

[0067] In this embodiment, the processing circuitry 11 also calculates time series data based on the operation plan information using the electrochemical model Ma (S122). Therefore, in this embodiment, time series data indicating the time changes of the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan in the operation plan information is also calculated. The calculation of the time series data is performed in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiments. In this embodiment, the processing circuitry 11 transmits request information to the processing device 20 in addition to the time series data (S123). Then, the processing circuitry 21 of the processing device 20 receives the time series data and the request information from the processing device 10 (S124).

[0068] In this embodiment, the processing circuitry 21 also uses the time-series data received from the processing device 10 to calculate the degradation state of the battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan in the operation plan information (S125). The process of calculating the degradation state of the battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan is performed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiments, for example, in the same manner as the example process of FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the processing circuitry 21 compares the calculation result of the degradation state of the battery with the user's request indicated in the request information. Then, the processing circuitry 21 determines whether the calculation result of the degradation state of the battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan satisfies the user's request (S126). At this time, for example, it is determined whether the request indicated in the request information is satisfied with respect to either the capacity maintenance rate of the battery capacity or the resistance increase rate of the resistor after the operation in accordance with the operation plan has been performed for a predetermined period of time.

[0069] If the calculation result of the battery degradation state satisfies the user's request (S126-Yes), the processing circuit 21 of the processing device 20 transmits notification information including the calculation result of the battery degradation state to the processing device 10 (S127), as in the above-described embodiment, etc. Then, the processing circuit 11 of the processing device 10 receives the notification information from the processing device 20 (S128), and notifies the notification information received from the processing device 20 via the user interface 15, etc. (S129).

[0070] If the calculation result of the battery degradation state does not satisfy the user's request (S126-No), the processing circuit 21 calculates battery operating conditions that satisfy the user's request (S130). The processing circuit 21 executes an operating condition calculation program to calculate battery operating conditions that satisfy the user's request. Then, the processing circuit 21 includes the calculation result of the battery degradation state and the calculation result of the battery operating conditions that satisfy the user's request in the notification information, and transmits the notification information to the processing device 10 (S127).

[0071] Then, the processing circuit 11 receives notification information from the processing device 20 (S128) and notifies the received notification information via the user interface 15 or the like (S129). As a result of performing such processing, if the calculation result of the battery degradation state does not satisfy the user's requirements, the calculation result of the battery operating conditions that satisfy the user's requirements is notified to the user or the like of the information processing system 1 in addition to the battery degradation state when operated according to the operation plan.

[0072] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of calculating the battery operating conditions that satisfy the user's requirements, that is, the process of S130 in FIG. 7, which is performed in the second embodiment. In the example process of FIG. 8, the number of changes N is the number of times that the operating condition parameters have been changed. When the process of the example of Fig. 8 starts, the processing circuit 21 sets the number of changes N to 1 (S141).

[0073] Then, the processing circuit 21 changes the operating conditions in one or more of a plurality of time frames obtained by dividing the time range indicated by the time series data (S142). At this time, in each of the time frames in which the operating conditions are changed, the values of one or more of the operating parameters are changed. As a result, in one or more of the plurality of time frames, the operating conditions are changed from the results of calculation based on the time series data. In each of the time frames in which the operating conditions are changed, one or more of the operating condition parameters are changed from the values calculated based on the time series data.

[0074] Then, the processing circuit 21 changes one or more operation conditions of the time frames and calculates the degradation state of the battery at a time when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of operation (S143). At this time, the degradation state of the battery is calculated using the degradation prediction model Mb in the same manner as calculating the degradation state of the battery when operating according to the operation plan. Therefore, by performing processing similar to the processing of S113 to S115 of the example of FIG. 4, the degradation state of the battery at a time when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of operation is calculated. That is, the processing circuit 21 calculates the battery state change rate and state change amount for each of the multiple time frames based on the operation condition parameters. Then, the processing circuit 21 calculates the battery state change at a time when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of operation as the degradation state of the battery based on the calculation results of the amount of change in the battery state for each of the multiple time frames.

[0075] Here, as in the example of FIG. 5, it is assumed that operation condition parameters are calculated based on time-series data for each of a plurality of time frames, and the battery degradation state during operation according to the operation plan is calculated using the operation condition parameters. It is also assumed that the calculated result of the battery degradation state does not satisfy the user's requirements. In this case, for example, for each time frame Ya, the processing circuit 21 changes the maximum SOC value and the minimum SOC value from the values calculated based on the time-series data, and calculates the battery degradation state at a predetermined time after the start of operation. In one example, for each time frame Ya, the maximum SOC value is changed from an SOC value η1 based on the time-series data to an SOC value η3 lower than the SOC value η1, and the minimum SOC value is changed from an SOC value η2 based on the time-series data to an SOC value η4 lower than the SOC value η2.

[0076] 8, after calculating the battery degradation state after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, processing circuitry 21 compares the calculation result of the battery degradation state with the user's request indicated by the request information, and determines whether the calculation result of the battery degradation state obtained by the calculation in which the operating conditions are changed in one or more of the time frames satisfies the user's request (S144).

[0077] If the calculation result of the battery degradation state satisfies the user's request (S144-Yes), the processing circuit 21 determines that the operating conditions used to calculate the battery degradation state are operating conditions that satisfy the user's request (S145). At this time, for each of the multiple time frames, the operating condition parameters used to calculate the battery degradation state are calculated as the battery operating conditions that satisfy the user's request. Furthermore, the notification information indicates the operating conditions used to calculate the battery degradation state as the calculation result of the battery operating conditions that satisfy the user's request, and for example, indicates the operating condition parameters used to calculate the battery degradation state for each of the multiple time frames.

[0078] Here, as in the example described above, for each time frame Ya, the maximum SOC value is changed from SOC value η1 to SOC value η3, and the minimum SOC value is changed from SOC value η2 to SOC value η4, and the battery degradation state is calculated at a time when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of operation. Then, assume that the calculation result of the battery degradation state obtained by the calculation in which the values of the operational condition parameters are changed satisfies the user's requirements. In this case, the notification information indicates the battery operating conditions that satisfy the user's requirements as the calculation result of the battery operating conditions that satisfy the user's requirements, and also indicates that the operating conditions have been changed as described above from the operation in accordance with the operation plan in the operation plan information.

[0079] If the calculation result of the battery degradation state does not satisfy the user's request (S144-No), the processing circuit 21 increments the number of changes N by 1 (S146). Then, the processing circuit 21 determines whether the incremented number of changes N is equal to or greater than the reference number of times Nref (S147). If the number of changes N is smaller than the reference number of times Nref (S147-No), the processing returns to S142, and the processing circuit 21 sequentially performs the processes from S142 onwards.

[0080] Therefore, if the number of changes N has not reached the reference number Nref, the operating conditions are changed from the previous calculation of the deterioration state in one or more of the time frames, and a calculation is performed on the deterioration state of the battery at the time when a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of operation. Then, the processes of S142 to S144 are repeated until the number of changes N reaches the reference number Nref or until battery operating conditions that satisfy the user's requirements are calculated.

[0081] In one example, in the process of S142, the operating conditions are changed taking into account the history of changes in the operating conditions up to the previous calculation of the degradation state. For example, suppose that in the previous calculation of the degradation state, the minimum SOC value, which is one of the operating condition parameters, was increased in one or more time frames compared to the calculation of the degradation state two times before. Then, suppose that the difference between the calculation result of the previous calculation of the degradation state and the user's request is smaller compared to the calculation result of the calculation of the degradation state two times before. In this case, for example, in each of the time frames in which the minimum SOC value was changed in the previous calculation of the degradation state, the minimum SOC value is changed to an SOC value higher than that in the previous calculation of the degradation state.

[0082] Also, suppose that in the previous calculation of the degradation state, the minimum SOC value, which is one of the operating condition parameters, was lowered in one or more time frames compared to the calculation of the degradation state two times before. Then, suppose that the difference between the calculation result of the previous calculation of the degradation state and the user's request became larger compared to the calculation result of the degradation state two times before. In this case, for example, in each of the time frames in which the minimum SOC value was changed in the previous calculation of the degradation state, the minimum SOC value is changed to a higher SOC value than the SOC value in the calculation of the degradation state two times before.

[0083] If the number of changes N is equal to or greater than the reference number Nref (S147-Yes), the processing circuit 21 determines that it is not possible to calculate operating conditions that satisfy the user's requirements (S148). In this case, the notification information indicates that the calculation result for the battery operating conditions that satisfy the user's requirements has not calculated operating conditions that satisfy the requirements.

[0084] This embodiment also provides the same actions and effects as the first embodiment, etc. Therefore, this embodiment also makes it possible to estimate the degradation state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan at a stage before the battery is operated, such as the operation plan stage.

[0085] In this embodiment, the calculation results for the battery's degradation state when operated according to the operation plan are compared with the user's requirements. If the calculation results for the degradation state do not satisfy the user's requirements, the operation conditions are changed from the calculation results based on the time-series data in one or more of the multiple time frames, and the battery's degradation state is calculated, thereby calculating battery operation conditions that satisfy the user's requirements. Therefore, in cases where operation according to the operation plan does not satisfy the requirements, the user or the like can modify the operation plan based on the calculation results for the battery operation conditions that satisfy the user's requirements.

[0086] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described as a modification of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, a type selection program is stored in addition to a data management program 25 and a deterioration state calculation program 26 in a storage medium 22 of a processing device (second processing device) 20. The type selection program constitutes a part of the information processing program.

[0087] Fig. 9 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of processing performed by the information processing system 1 of the third embodiment. The example of processing in Fig. 9 is mainly performed by the processing circuit 11 of the processing device 10 and the processing circuit 21 of the processing device 20, and is performed by the processing devices 10, 20, etc., executing an information processing program including a time-series data calculation program 17, a deterioration state calculation program 26, and a type selection program.

[0088] In this embodiment, when the processing of the example shown in FIG. 9 is started, the processing circuit 11 of the processing device 10 acquires operation plan information and request information indicating a user request (S151), similar to the second embodiment and the like. Furthermore, in one example of this embodiment, the operation plan information indicates the type of battery to be operated in addition to the information described above. As described above, each of the multiple types of batteries differs from the other types of batteries in one or more of the positive electrode composition, the negative electrode composition, and the electrolyte composition. Therefore, the different types of batteries differ from each other in the voltage range used in operation, the battery capacity, and the like.

[0089] In this embodiment, the processing circuit 11 calculates time-series data based on the operation plan information for each of multiple types of batteries that are different from each other (S152). Therefore, for each of the multiple types of batteries, time-series data is calculated that indicates the time changes in the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan in the operation plan information. Here, when the operation plan information indicates the type of battery to be used, the multiple types of batteries for which time-series data is calculated include the same type of battery as the battery to be used in the operation plan information.

[0090] In this embodiment, the same number of electrochemical models Ma as the number of types of batteries for which time series data is calculated are stored in the storage medium 12, and one corresponding electrochemical model Ma is used for each type of battery. When calculating time series data for each of multiple types of batteries, the processing circuit 11 inputs operation plan information to each of the multiple electrochemical models Ma and causes each of the multiple electrochemical models Ma to output time series data. The calculation of the time series data is performed in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiment, except that time series data is calculated for each of multiple types of batteries.

[0091] In one example, three electrochemical models Ma1, Ma2, and Ma3 corresponding to three types of batteries β1, β2, and β3 are stored in the storage medium 12. Then, by inputting operation plan information into the electrochemical model Ma1, time series data of the battery of type β1 is calculated, by inputting operation plan information into the electrochemical model Ma2, time series data of the battery of type β2 is calculated, and by inputting operation plan information into the electrochemical model Ma3, time series data of the battery of type β3 is calculated.

[0092] In this embodiment, the processing circuit 11 transmits the time-series data of each of the multiple types of batteries and the request information to the processing device 20 (S153). Then, the processing circuit 21 of the processing device 20 receives the time-series data of each of the multiple types of batteries and the request information from the processing device 10 (S154).

[0093] In this embodiment, the processing circuitry 21 uses the time-series data received from the processing device 10 to calculate, for each of the multiple types of batteries, the degradation state of the battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan in the operation plan information (S155). Therefore, for each of the multiple types of batteries, the degradation state of the battery at the time when operation in accordance with the operation plan has been performed for a predetermined period is calculated. Here, when the operation plan information indicates the type of battery planned to be used, the multiple types of batteries for which the degradation state when operated in accordance with the operation plan is calculated include the same type of battery as the battery planned to be used in the operation plan information.

[0094] In this embodiment, the same number of deterioration prediction models Mb as the number of types of batteries for which time-series data has been calculated are stored in the storage medium 22, etc., and one corresponding deterioration prediction model Mb is used for each type of battery. Also, in this embodiment, as described above, the same number of time-series data as the electrochemical models Ma are calculated. Therefore, when calculating the deterioration state of each of multiple types of batteries when operated in accordance with an operation plan, the processing circuitry 21 inputs a corresponding one of the multiple time-series data into each of the multiple deterioration prediction models Mb. Then, the processing circuitry 21 outputs the deterioration state of the battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan from each of the multiple deterioration prediction models Mb.

[0095] The calculation of the degradation state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan is performed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, etc., except that the degradation state is calculated for each of the multiple types of batteries. For example, the degradation state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan is calculated by performing processing similar to the processing example in FIG. 4 for each of the multiple types of batteries.

[0096] In one example, three deterioration prediction models Mb1, Mb2, and Mb3 are stored in storage medium 22, and time series data is calculated for each of three types of batteries, β1, β2, and β3. Then, by inputting the time series data for the type β1 battery into deterioration prediction model Mb1, the deterioration state of the type β1 battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan is calculated, by inputting the time series data for the type β2 battery into deterioration prediction model Mb2, the deterioration state of the type β2 battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan, and by inputting the time series data for the type β3 battery into deterioration prediction model Mb3, the deterioration state of the type β3 battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan is calculated.

[0097] In this embodiment, processing circuitry 21 compares the calculation results for the degradation states of each of the multiple types of batteries with the user's request indicated by the request information. Then, processing circuitry 21 selects one or more types of batteries suitable for operation in accordance with the user's request from the multiple types of batteries (S156). At this time, if the calculation results for the degradation states of one or more types of batteries in operation according to the operation plan satisfy the user's request, the one or more types whose calculation results for the degradation states satisfy the user's request are selected as batteries suitable for operation.

[0098] For example, suppose the request information indicates that the battery capacity retention rate is 80% or more and the resistance increase rate is 2 times or less after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of operation. Then, suppose the battery degradation state after a predetermined period of time has been calculated for three types of batteries β1 to β3. The degradation state calculation results show that the battery capacity retention rate of the type β1 battery is 78% and the resistance increase rate is 2.3 times, the battery capacity retention rate of the type β2 battery is 85% and the resistance increase rate is 1.9 times, and the battery capacity retention rate of the type β3 battery is 78% and the resistance increase rate is 1.8 times. In this case, the type β2 battery is selected as the type suitable for operation in response to the user's request.

[0099] Furthermore, in the process of S156, a situation may occur in which the calculation result of the battery degradation state in operation according to the operation plan satisfies the user's requirements for two or more types of batteries. In this case, in one example, all types of batteries whose calculation result of the degradation state satisfies the user's requirements are selected as batteries suitable for operation. In another example, from among all types of batteries whose calculation result of the degradation state satisfies the user's requirements, one type whose calculated degradation state has the lowest degree of degradation is selected as the battery suitable for operation.

[0100] For example, suppose the request information indicates that the battery capacity maintenance rate is 80% or more and the resistance increase rate is 2x or less after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of operation. Then, suppose the battery degradation states after a predetermined period of time have been calculated for at least the types β1 and β2 of batteries. Then, suppose the degradation state calculation results indicate that the type β1 battery has a battery capacity maintenance rate of 80% and a resistance increase rate of 2x, and the type β2 battery has a battery capacity maintenance rate of 85% and a resistance increase rate of 1.9x. In this case, in one example, both the types β1 and β2 of batteries are selected as batteries suitable for operation. In another example, of the two types β1 and β2 of batteries whose degradation state calculation results satisfy the user's requirements, the type β2 battery with the lowest degree of degradation in the calculated degradation state is selected as the battery suitable for operation.

[0101] Furthermore, in the process of S156, a situation may occur in which the calculation result of the battery's degradation state during operation according to the operation plan does not satisfy the user's requirements, regardless of the type of battery. In this case, from among the multiple types of batteries, one type that has the smallest difference between the calculation result of the degradation state and the user's requirements is selected as the battery suitable for operation.

[0102] For example, suppose the request information indicates that the battery capacity retention rate is 80% or higher and the resistance increase rate is 2x or less after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of operation. Then, suppose the battery degradation states after a predetermined period of time have been calculated for three types of batteries (β1 to β3). The calculated degradation states indicate that the battery capacity retention rate is 78% and the resistance increase rate is 2.3x for the type β1 battery, the battery capacity retention rate is 79% and the resistance increase rate is 1.8x for the type β2 battery, and the battery capacity retention rate is 75% and the resistance increase rate is 1.8x for the type β3 battery. In this case, the type β2 battery with the smallest difference between the calculated degradation state results and the user's request is selected as the battery suitable for operation from among the multiple types of batteries.

[0103] 9, when the processing circuitry 21 selects one or more types of batteries suitable for operation, it transmits notification information to the processing device 10 (S157). In this embodiment, the notification information includes the calculation results for the degradation states of the multiple types of batteries when operated according to the operation plan, and the selection results of one or more types selected from the multiple types of batteries in response to a user request.

[0104] Then, the processing circuit 11 receives notification information from the processing device 20 (S158) and notifies the received notification information via the user interface 15 or the like (S159). As a result of performing such processing, the calculation results for the degradation states of the multiple types of batteries when operated according to the operation plan, and the selection results of one or more types selected from the multiple types of batteries in response to the user's request are notified to the user or the like of the information processing system 1.

[0105] This embodiment also provides the same actions and effects as the first embodiment, etc. Therefore, this embodiment also makes it possible to estimate the degradation state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan at a stage before the battery is operated, such as the operation plan stage.

[0106] In this embodiment, time-series data indicating the time variations of current, voltage, and temperature when operated according to an operation plan is calculated for each of the multiple types of batteries. Then, the calculated time-series data is used to calculate the degradation state of each of the multiple types of batteries when operated according to the operation plan. This makes it possible to estimate the degradation state of each of the multiple different types of batteries when operated according to the operation plan at a stage before the batteries are operated, such as the operation planning stage.

[0107] In addition, in this embodiment, by comparing the calculation results for the degradation states of each of the multiple types of batteries with the user's request, one or more types of batteries suitable for operation are selected from the multiple types of batteries in response to the user's request. This allows the user to confirm which type of battery, among the multiple types whose degradation states have been estimated, is suitable for operation in accordance with the operation plan. Furthermore, if there is a type of battery planned for operation at the operation plan stage, the user can confirm whether the type of battery planned for operation is appropriate.

[0108] (Variation) In one modification, both the same processing as in the second embodiment and the third embodiment are performed. In this modification, as in the third embodiment, time-series data is calculated for each of multiple types of batteries, and the calculated time-series data is used to calculate the degradation state of each of the multiple types of batteries when operated according to an operation plan. Then, for any type of battery, if the calculation result of the degradation state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan does not satisfy the user's requirements, as in the second embodiment, the battery operating conditions that satisfy the user's requirements are calculated. In this case, for example, the battery operating conditions that satisfy the user's requirements are calculated for one type that has the smallest difference between the calculation result of the degradation state and the user's requirements.

[0109] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system 1 according to a modified example. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the processing device 10 also includes a processing circuit 11, a storage medium 12, a communication module 13, and a user interface. However, in this modified example, the storage medium 12 stores a degradation state calculation program 26 and a degradation prediction model Mb in addition to a data management program 16, a time-series data calculation program 17, and an electrochemical model Ma. In one example of this modified example, the processing circuit 11 of the processing device 10 downloads a dedicated application via a network to download the degradation state calculation program 26 and the degradation prediction model Mb in addition to the time-series data calculation program 17 and the electrochemical model Ma, and stores the downloaded time-series data calculation program 17, the degradation state calculation program 26, the electrochemical model Ma, and the degradation prediction model Mb in the storage medium 12.

[0110] In this modification, the processing circuitry 11 of the processing device 10 calculates time-series data indicating the time changes in the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan in the operation plan information, based on operation plan information indicating an operation plan for either the battery or the battery-equipped device in which the battery is installed. However, in this modification, the processing circuitry 11 uses the calculated time-series data to calculate the deterioration state of the battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan. At this time, the deterioration state of the battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan is calculated in the same manner as the processing by the processing circuitry 21 of the processing device 20 in the above-mentioned embodiment, etc. Furthermore, in this modification, the processing circuitry 11 also notifies the calculation result of the deterioration state of the battery when operated in accordance with the operation plan via the user interface 15, etc.

[0111] In one modified example, the processing circuit 11 of the processing device 10 performs processing similar to the processing performed by the processing circuit 21 of the processing device 20 in the second embodiment, etc. In this case, the processing circuit 11 downloads a dedicated application, thereby downloading the degradation state calculation program 26, the operating condition calculation program, and the degradation prediction model Mb together with the time-series data calculation program 17 and the electrochemical model Ma. In another modified example, the processing circuit 11 of the processing device 10 performs processing similar to the processing performed by the processing circuit 21 of the processing device 20 in the third embodiment, etc. In this case, the processing circuit 11 downloads a dedicated application, thereby downloading the degradation state calculation program 26, the type selection program, and the degradation prediction model Mb together with the time-series data calculation program 17 and the electrochemical model Ma.

[0112] In at least one of the above-described embodiments or examples, time-series data indicating time changes in the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery when operated according to the operation plan in the operation plan information is calculated based on operation plan information indicating an operation plan for either the battery or the battery-equipped device in which the battery is installed. Then, the calculated time-series data is used to calculate the deterioration state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan. This makes it possible to provide an information processing method, an information processing system, and an information processing program for a battery that enable the deterioration state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan to be estimated at a stage before the battery is actually operated.

[0113] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1...information processing system, 10...processing device (first processing device), 11...processing circuit (first processing circuit), 20...processing device (second processing device), 21...processing circuit (second processing circuit).

Claims

1. Calculating time-series data indicating time variations in current, voltage, and temperature of the battery when the battery is operated according to the operation plan in the operation plan information, based on operation plan information indicating an operation plan for either the battery or a battery-equipped device in which the battery is mounted; Using the calculated time-series data, calculate a deterioration state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan; A method for processing information about a battery, comprising:

2. In calculating the deterioration state of the battery, Dividing a time range indicated by the time-series data into a plurality of time frames, and calculating one or more operating condition parameters indicating operating conditions of the battery for each of the plurality of divided time frames based on the time-series data; calculating a state change amount of the battery based on the calculated operating condition parameters for each of the plurality of time frames; calculating the deterioration state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan based on the calculation results of the amount of change in the state of the battery in each of the plurality of time frames; The information processing method according to claim 1.

3. In the calculation of the state of deterioration of the battery, for each of the time frames included in a time region in which the battery is being charged or discharged among the plurality of time frames, calculating, as the operating condition parameters, a maximum SOC value of the battery, a minimum SOC value of the battery, an average temperature of the battery, and an average current value of the battery based on the time series data; For each of the time frames included in a time region in which charging and discharging of the battery are stopped among the plurality of time frames, a maintaining SOC value of the battery and an average temperature of the battery are calculated as the operating condition parameters based on the time-series data. The information processing method according to claim 2.

4. comparing the calculated state of health of the battery against a user request; When the calculation result of the degradation state does not satisfy the request of the user, the operating conditions are changed from the calculation result based on the time-series data in any one or more of the plurality of time frames, and a calculation is performed on the degradation state of the battery, thereby calculating operating conditions of the battery that satisfy the request of the user; The information processing method according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising:

5. 5. The information processing method of claim 4, further comprising: if the calculation result of the degradation state does not satisfy the user's requirements, notifying the calculation result of the degradation state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan, and the calculation result of the operating conditions of the battery that satisfy the user's requirements.

6. In calculating the time series data, time series data indicating changes over time of the current, the voltage, and the temperature when each of a plurality of different types of batteries is operated according to the operation plan is calculated; In calculating the deterioration state of the battery, the deterioration state of each of the plurality of types of batteries is calculated when the batteries are operated according to the operation plan using the calculated time series data. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The information processing method of claim 6 further comprises comparing the calculation results for the deterioration state of each of the plurality of types of batteries with a user's request, and selecting one or more types of batteries from the plurality of types that are suitable for operation in response to the user's request.

8. The information processing method of claim 7, further comprising notifying the calculation results regarding the deterioration state of each of the multiple types of batteries when operated in accordance with the operation plan, and the selection results of one or more types selected from the multiple types of batteries in response to the user's request.

9. The information processing method according to claim 1 , further comprising notifying a result of calculation of the deterioration state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan.

10. Based on operation plan information indicating an operation plan for either a battery or a battery-equipped device in which the battery is mounted, time-series data indicating time changes in the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery when the battery is operated in accordance with the operation plan in the operation plan information is calculated; Using the calculated time-series data, calculate a deterioration state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan. A system for processing information about a battery, the system comprising a processing circuit.

11. further comprising a processing device on which the processing circuit is mounted; The information processing system of claim 10 , wherein the processing circuit of the processing device calculates the time-series data and the deterioration state of the battery.

12. a first processing device having a first processing circuit mounted thereon as the processing circuit; a second processing device having a second processing circuit different from the first processing circuit mounted thereon as the processing circuit; Further comprising: the first processing circuit of the first processing device calculates the time series data and causes the calculated time series data to be transmitted from the first processing device to the second processing device; the second processing circuit of the second processing device calculates the state of deterioration of the battery, and causes the second processing device to transmit the calculation result regarding the state of deterioration of the battery to the first processing device; The information processing system of claim 10.

13. On the computer, Based on operation plan information indicating an operation plan for either a battery or a battery-equipped device in which the battery is mounted, time-series data indicating time changes in the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery when the battery is operated in accordance with the operation plan in the operation plan information is calculated; Using the calculated time-series data, calculate a deterioration state of the battery when operated according to the operation plan. A program for processing information about batteries.

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