Storage battery system

Abstract

To provide a storage battery system that can reduce the effects of battery module deterioration while preventing the work of adding battery modules from becoming complicated.SOLUTION: A control device 28 of a storage battery system 10 can determine the degree of deterioration of storage battery modules 24 and 36. The control device 28 can then issue a notification of at least one of replacing a predetermined storage battery module 24 with a predetermined storage battery module 36 and changing the storage positions of the predetermined storage battery module 24 and the predetermined storage battery module 36, depending on the degree of deterioration of the storage battery modules 24 and 36.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage battery system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses an invention related to a storage battery device. This storage battery device includes a plurality of storage battery modules and a control unit arranged in a housing thereof, and the control unit includes an expansion connector to which an expansion storage battery module can be connected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-164915 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, when adding a battery module, the additional storage battery module is placed inside the housing and the cover of the housing is replaced accordingly, which is thought to make the work of adding battery modules complicated.

[0005] Furthermore, although the battery module deteriorates depending on the number of times it is charged and discharged, the above prior art documents do not mention measures to prevent deterioration of the battery module.

[0006] In consideration of the above, the present invention aims to provide a storage battery system that can reduce the impact of battery module deterioration while preventing the battery module expansion work from becoming complicated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A storage battery system according to a first aspect includes a main storage device including a first housing unit, a plurality of first storage battery modules stored in the first housing unit, a cooling unit stored in the first housing unit and capable of cooling the inside of the first housing unit, and a control unit stored in the first housing unit and capable of controlling the charging and discharging of the first storage battery modules; and an expansion storage device including a second housing unit, and a plurality of second storage battery modules stored in the second housing unit, electrically connectable to the first storage battery modules and replaceable with the first storage battery modules, the charging and discharging of which can be controlled by the control unit. The control unit is capable of determining the degree of deterioration of the first storage battery modules and the second storage battery modules, and notifying at least one of replacing a predetermined first storage battery module with a predetermined second storage battery module and changing the storage positions of the first storage battery modules and the second storage battery modules according to the degree of deterioration.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the storage battery system includes a main power storage device, which includes a first housing, a plurality of first storage battery modules housed therein, and a control unit. The control unit is capable of controlling the charging and discharging of the first storage battery modules, and in this aspect, the first storage battery modules can be charged by an external power source and can supply power from the first storage battery modules to a load.

[0009] Furthermore, the first housing contains a cooling unit capable of cooling the inside of the first housing, and this cooling unit can cool the first storage battery module, thereby suppressing deterioration of the first storage battery module.

[0010] However, if the main power storage device alone is not sufficient to supply power to the load, an additional battery module must be provided. In this case, if a configuration is adopted in which the additional battery module is placed inside the first housing, work such as modifying part of the first housing would be required, which may make installation of the additional battery module complicated.

[0011] In this aspect, the additional power storage device includes a second housing and a plurality of second storage battery modules housed therein, and the second storage battery modules are electrically connectable to the first storage battery modules and are capable of being controlled by a control unit for charging and discharging.

[0012] Therefore, in this aspect, when the main power storage device alone cannot sufficiently supply power to the load, it is possible to supply power from the expansion power storage device to the main power storage device. That is, in this aspect, it is possible to add a storage battery module to the main power storage device without disposing an expansion storage battery module inside the first housing.

[0013] The first and second storage battery modules deteriorate depending on the number of charge / discharge cycles, etc., but the degree of deterioration differs between the first and second storage battery modules. Furthermore, since the deterioration of the first and second storage battery modules can be delayed by using them while cooling them, the lifespan of the entire storage battery system can be secured by using the first and second storage battery modules while cooling them, which are more susceptible to deterioration.

[0014] In this aspect, the control unit can determine the deterioration levels of the first storage battery module and the second storage battery module, and can notify at least one of replacement of a predetermined first storage battery module with a predetermined second storage battery module and change of storage positions of the predetermined first storage battery module and the predetermined second storage battery module, depending on the deterioration levels of the first storage battery module and the second storage battery module.

[0015] Therefore, the control unit can notify, for example, the replacement of a second storage battery module stored in the second housing unit, which is relatively highly deteriorated, with a first storage battery module stored in the first housing unit, which is relatively less deteriorated.

[0016] As a result, a worker or the like who receives the notification can replace the second storage battery module, which has a relatively high degree of deterioration, with the first storage battery module, which has a relatively low degree of deterioration, thereby making the second storage battery module capable of being cooled and suppressing deterioration of the second storage battery module.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit can notify, for example, a change in the position of the first storage battery module housed in the first housing unit and having a relatively high degree of deterioration.

[0018] As a result, a worker or the like who receives the notification can place the first storage battery module with a relatively high degree of deterioration in a position within the first housing unit where it can be easily cooled by the cooling unit, and place the first storage battery module with a relatively low degree of deterioration in a position where it cannot be easily cooled by the cooling unit, thereby averaging out the degree of deterioration of the first storage battery modules within the first housing unit.

[0019] A storage battery system according to a second aspect is the storage battery system according to the first aspect, wherein the first storage battery module and the second storage battery module are mountable on a vehicle and capable of supplying power to the vehicle.

[0020] According to the storage battery system of the second aspect, the first storage battery module and the second storage battery module can be mounted on a vehicle and can supply electric power to the vehicle.

[0021] Therefore, for example, when replacing the first storage battery module or the second storage battery module installed in the vehicle, if the degree of deterioration of these is less than that of the first storage battery module stored in the first housing part or the second storage battery module stored in the second housing part, the first storage battery module or the second storage battery module installed in the vehicle can be reused as part of the main power storage device or part of the expansion power storage device.

[0022] A storage battery system according to a third aspect is the storage battery system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the main power storage device and the extension power storage device are installed in predetermined locations.

[0023] According to the storage battery system of the third aspect, the main power storage device and the extension power storage device are installed in predetermined locations, and these can supply power to loads within a building, for example.

[0024] A storage battery system according to a fourth aspect is a storage battery system according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the cooling unit is air-cooled and the first housing unit and the second housing unit are connected to each other.

[0025] According to the storage battery system of the fourth aspect, the cooling unit housed in the first housing unit is air-cooled, and the first storage battery module in the first housing unit is cooled by the cool air from the cooling unit, thereby suppressing deterioration of the first storage battery module.

[0026] In addition, in this aspect, the first housing portion and the second housing portion are connected to each other, and the second storage battery module in the second housing portion can be cooled by the cool air from the cooling portion, thereby suppressing deterioration of the second storage battery module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] As described above, the storage battery system according to the present invention has the excellent effect of reducing the effects of deterioration of the battery modules while preventing the work of adding battery modules from becoming complicated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are block diagrams showing a schematic configuration and operation of a storage battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) shows a first state and (B) shows a second state. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a storage battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control device that constitutes part of the storage battery system according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a control flow relating to deterioration level management of a storage battery module in the storage battery system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a control flow relating to power supply management in the storage battery system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are block diagrams schematically showing the configuration and operation of a storage battery system according to a modified example of the present embodiment, in which (A) shows a first state and (B) shows a second state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] An example of an embodiment of a power management system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a "storage battery system 10" according to this embodiment includes a "main power storage device 14" arranged at a predetermined location within the premises of a building 12, and an "expansion power storage device 16" electrically connectable to the main power storage device 14.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1(A), the main power storage device 14 includes a "case 22" as a first housing unit, "battery modules 24" as a plurality of first battery modules stored in the case 22, a "cooling device 26" as a cooling unit, and a "control device 28" as a control unit.

[0031] More specifically, the case 22 has an openable and closable door (not shown), and when this door is open, the storage battery module 24 can be inserted and removed.

[0032] On the other hand, the storage battery module 24 is made up of a plurality of lithium ion battery cells (not shown), and a plurality of storage battery modules 24 are arranged in a row in the height direction of the case 22. These storage battery modules 24 are electrically connected to connection parts (not shown) provided on the case 22, and are capable of supplying power to various loads connected to the main power storage device 14 via these connection parts.

[0033] Furthermore, the storage battery module 24 can also be used as an on-board battery when mounted on a vehicle, and can supply power to various loads provided on the vehicle.

[0034] The cooling device 26 is of a water-cooled type and is capable of cooling the storage battery modules 24. Specifically, the cooling device 26 includes piping (not shown) that is arranged along the arrangement of the storage battery modules 24 in the case 22 and through which a refrigerant (water) flows, a pump (not shown) that pressurizes the refrigerant, and a cooler (not shown) that cools the refrigerant. The cooling device 26 is configured to operate under the control of the control device 28, as will be described later.

[0035] The control device 28 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 28A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 28B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 28C, a storage 28D, a communication I / F (Interface) 28E, and an input / output I / F 28F. The CPU 28A, the ROM 28B, the RAM 28C, the storage 28D, the communication I / F 28E, and the input / output I / F 28F are connected to each other via a bus 28G so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0036] CPU 28A is a central processing unit that controls various devices by executing various programs, and performs control over main power storage device 14 and expansion power storage device 16. Specifically, CPU 28A is capable of reading out programs from ROM 28B and executing the programs using RAM 28C as a work area. Then, CPU 28A reads out and executes the execution programs stored in ROM 28B, thereby enabling control device 28 to perform various functions, as will be described later.

[0037] The storage 28D is configured to include a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores various programs including an operating system and various data. As will be described later, the storage 28D also stores measurement results from various measuring instruments.

[0038] The communication I / F 28E is an interface used to connect the control device 28 to the network N, and is capable of communicating with the monitor 18 installed in the building 12 and the mobile terminal 20 used by the occupants of the building 12. This interface uses communication standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication I / F 28E may also include a wireless device.

[0039] The input / output I / F 28F is an interface for the control device 28 to communicate with the cooling device 26, a thermometer 30 installed in the case 22, and a resistance meter 32 provided in the storage battery module 24, etc.

[0040] On the other hand, the expansion power storage device 16 includes a "case 34" as a second housing portion, and "storage battery modules 36" as a plurality of second storage battery modules housed in the case 34.

[0041] Specifically, the case 34 has the same configuration as the case 22, and allows the storage battery module 36 to be inserted and removed. Although the storage battery module 36 is simply referred to as the storage battery module 36 for convenience, it has the same configuration as the storage battery module 24, and the storage battery module 24 and the storage battery module 36 are interchangeable. The storage battery module 36 is also provided with a resistance meter 32, just like the storage battery module 24.

[0042] Furthermore, the additional storage battery device 16 can be electrically connected to the main storage battery device 14 via a wire harness 38, and when the main storage battery device 14 and the additional storage battery device 16 are connected by the wire harness 38, the storage battery module 24 and the storage battery module 36 are connected in parallel.

[0043] Next, the functional configuration of the control device 28 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The control device 28 functions as a collection of a communication unit 40, a charge / discharge control unit 42, a cooling control unit 43, a battery information acquisition unit 43, a deterioration level determination unit 46, and a battery management unit 48 by the CPU 28A reading and executing an execution program stored in the ROM 28B.

[0044] The communication unit 40 is capable of communicating with various devices via the network N, and is capable of transmitting and receiving various information to and from the monitor 18 and the mobile terminal 20, as shown in FIG.

[0045] When a power supply signal is input from a switch provided in the control device 28 or a predetermined terminal, the charge / discharge control unit 42 supplies the power stored in the storage battery module 24 or the storage battery module 36 to a load connected to the main storage device 14.

[0046] In addition, when a charging start signal is input to the charge / discharge control unit 42 from the switch or terminal, the charge / discharge control unit 42 charges the storage battery module 24 and the storage battery module 36 with power supplied from an external power source connected to the main storage battery device 14.

[0047] The battery information acquisition unit 43 stores temperature information inside the case 22 obtained from the thermometer 30 and internal resistance value information of the battery module 24 and the battery module 36 obtained from the resistance meter 32, and is capable of transmitting this information to the cooling control unit 44, the deterioration degree determination unit 46, and the battery management unit 48.

[0048] The cooling control unit 44 is capable of controlling the cooling device 26 based on information about the temperature inside the case 22. Specifically, the cooling control unit 44 operates the cooling device 26 when the temperature inside the case 22 is equal to or higher than a threshold, and stops the cooling device 26 when the temperature inside the case 22 is lower than the threshold.

[0049] The deterioration level determination unit 46 is capable of determining the deterioration levels of the storage battery modules 24 and the storage battery modules 36 based on the information acquired from the storage battery information acquisition unit 43. Specifically, the deterioration level determination unit 46 compares the internal resistance value at the start of use with the current internal resistance value in each of the storage battery modules 24 and the storage battery modules 36, and determines that the storage battery module 24 or the storage battery module 36 is degraded if the rate of increase in the internal resistance value is equal to or greater than a threshold. That is, in the present embodiment, the rate of increase in the internal resistance value based on the internal resistance value in the initial state of the storage battery module 24 or the storage battery module 36 is evaluated as the deterioration level of the storage battery module 24 or the storage battery module 36.

[0050] The deterioration level determination unit 46 is configured to notify the monitor 18 and the mobile terminal 20 of management information of the deteriorated storage battery module 24 or storage battery module 36, such as the serial number of the deteriorated storage battery module 24 or storage battery module 36.

[0051] Furthermore, the deterioration level determination unit 46 sets optimal storage positions for the storage battery module 24 and the storage battery module 36 based on the deterioration levels of these modules, and notifies the monitor 18 and the mobile terminal 20 of the storage positions of the storage battery module 24 and the storage battery module 36 based on these storage positions as management information.

[0052] The battery management unit 48 is configured to determine, based on temperature information inside the case 22, whether to use the power of the main power storage device 14 or the power of the expansion power storage device 16 with priority.

[0053] Specifically, the battery management unit 48 is configured to prioritize the use of power from the main storage device 14 when the temperature inside the case 22 is above a threshold value, and to prioritize the use of power from the expansion storage device 16 when the temperature inside the case 22 is below the threshold value.

[0054] (Actions and Effects of This Embodiment) Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0055] 1(A), the system includes a main power storage device 14, which includes a case 22, a plurality of storage battery modules 24 housed therein, and a control device 28. The control device 28 is capable of controlling the charging and discharging of the storage battery modules 24, and in this embodiment, it is possible to charge the storage battery modules 24 using an external power source and to supply power from the storage battery modules 24 to a load.

[0056] The case 22 also houses a cooling device 26 capable of cooling the interior of the case 22, and the cooling device 26 cools the storage battery modules 24, thereby preventing the storage battery modules 24 from deteriorating.

[0057] However, if the power supply to the load is insufficient with only the main power storage device 14, it is necessary to prepare an additional storage battery module. In this case, if a configuration is adopted in which the additional storage battery module is placed inside the case 22, work such as modifying part of the case 22 would be required, which may make installation of the additional storage battery module complicated.

[0058] In this embodiment, the expansion power storage device 16 includes a case 34 and a plurality of storage battery modules 36 housed therein. The storage battery modules 36 are electrically connectable to the storage battery modules 24, and charging and discharging of the storage battery modules 36 can be controlled by the control device 28.

[0059] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the main power storage device 14 alone is unable to supply enough power to the load, it is possible to supply power from the expansion power storage device 16 to the main power storage device 14. That is, in this embodiment, it is possible to add a storage battery module to the main power storage device 14 without disposing an expansion storage battery module inside the case 22.

[0060] The storage battery modules 24 and 36 deteriorate depending on the number of charge / discharge cycles, etc., but the degree of deterioration differs between the storage battery modules 24 and 36. Furthermore, deterioration of the storage battery modules 24 and 36 can be delayed by using them while cooling them, so the lifespan of the storage battery system 10 as a whole can be ensured by using the storage battery modules 24 and 36 while cooling those modules that are more susceptible to deterioration.

[0061] In this embodiment, the control device 28 can determine the degree of deterioration of the storage battery modules 24 and the storage battery modules 36. The control device 28 can provide notification of at least one of replacing a predetermined storage battery module 24 with a predetermined storage battery module 36 and changing the storage positions of the predetermined storage battery module 24 and the predetermined storage battery module 36, depending on the degree of deterioration of the storage battery modules 24 and the storage battery modules 36.

[0062] 4, a control flow related to processing during deterioration level management of the storage battery module by control device 28 will be described below. This control flow is started when CPU 28A of control device 28 receives a predetermined control signal at predetermined time intervals.

[0063] When this control flow starts, in step S100, the CPU 28A functions as the storage battery information acquisition unit 43, acquires the internal resistance value information of the storage battery module 24 and the storage battery module 36, and the flow proceeds to step S101.

[0064] In step S101, the CPU 28A functions as the deterioration level determination unit 46 and evaluates the deterioration levels of the storage battery modules 24 and 36 based on the information acquired from the storage battery information acquisition unit 43. If it is determined that there is a storage battery module 24 or a storage battery module 36 whose deterioration level is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S101: YES), the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no storage battery module 24 or a storage battery module 36 whose deterioration level is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S101: NO), the process returns to step S100.

[0065] In step S102, the CPU 28A functions as the deterioration level determination unit 46, notifies the monitor 18 and the mobile terminal 20 of the management information of the storage battery module 24 and the storage battery module 36, and ends the control flow. Specifically, the CPU 28A transmits to the monitor 18 and the mobile terminal 20 information such as serial numbers that identify the deteriorated storage battery module 24 or storage battery module 36, as well as information on optimal storage positions for the cases 22 and 34 of the storage battery module 24 and the storage battery module 36 based on the deterioration levels of these modules.

[0066] Therefore, the control device 28 can notify, for example, the replacement of a storage battery module 36 stored in the case 34 that is relatively highly deteriorated with a storage battery module 24 stored in the case 22 that is relatively less deteriorated.

[0067] As a result, the worker or the like who receives the notification can replace the storage battery module 36 with the storage battery module 24 with a relatively low degree of deterioration, as shown in Figure 1 (B), thereby making the storage battery module 36 coolable and suppressing deterioration of the storage battery module 36.

[0068] Furthermore, the control device 28 can notify, for example, a change in the position of a storage battery module 24 housed in the case 22 that is relatively highly deteriorated.

[0069] As a result, workers or the like who receive the notification can place the storage battery modules 24 with a relatively high degree of deterioration in positions within the case 22 where they can be easily cooled by the cooling equipment 26, and place the storage battery modules 24 with a relatively low degree of deterioration in positions where they cannot be easily cooled by the cooling equipment 26, thereby averaging out the degree of deterioration of the storage battery modules 24 within the case 22.

[0070] In this embodiment, the control device 28 can set which of the main power storage device 14 and the extension power storage device 16 is to be used to supply power to the load. Hereinafter, a control flow related to processing by the control device 28 when managing the power supply of the storage battery modules will be described mainly using the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. This control flow is started when the CPU 28A of the control device 28 receives a predetermined control signal at predetermined time intervals.

[0071] When this control flow starts, in step S200, CPU 28A functions as battery management unit 48 and determines whether the temperature inside case 22 is equal to or higher than the threshold. If it is determined that the temperature inside case 22 is equal to or higher than the threshold (step S200: YES), the process proceeds to step S201. On the other hand, if it is determined that the temperature inside case 22 is lower than the threshold (step S200: NO), the process proceeds to step S202.

[0072] In step S201, CPU 28A functions as storage battery management unit 48, sets the circuit so that power is supplied from storage battery module 24 of main power storage device 14 to the load, and ends the control flow.

[0073] In step S202, CPU 28A functions as storage battery management unit 48, sets the circuit so that power is supplied from storage battery module 36 of expansion power storage device 16 to the load, and ends the control flow.

[0074] In this embodiment, the storage battery module 24 and the storage battery module 36 can be mounted on a vehicle and can supply electric power to the vehicle.

[0075] Therefore, for example, when replacing the storage battery module 24 or the storage battery module 36 that was installed in the vehicle, if the degree of deterioration of the storage battery module 24 or the storage battery module 36 stored in the case 22 or the case 34 is less than that of the storage battery module 24 or the storage battery module 36 that was installed in the vehicle can be reused as part of the main power storage device 14 or part of the expansion power storage device 16.

[0076] In this embodiment, the main power storage device 14 and the additional power storage device 16 are installed in predetermined locations, and can supply power to loads and the like within the building 12.

[0077] In this way, in this embodiment, the influence of deterioration of the battery modules can be reduced while preventing the work of adding battery modules from becoming complicated.

[0078] <Modification of this embodiment> A modification of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0079] In this modified example, as shown in FIG. 6(A), the case 22 of the main storage device 14 and the case 34 of the expansion storage device 16 are connected by a communication section 50, and the cooling equipment 26 is an air-cooled type equipped with a blower fan or the like.

[0080] According to this configuration, the storage battery modules 24 inside the case 22 can be cooled by the cool air from the cooling device 26, and deterioration of the storage battery modules 24 can be suppressed.

[0081] In this embodiment, the case 22 and the case 34 are in communication with each other, and the cool air from the cooling device 26 cools the storage battery module 36 in the case 34, thereby suppressing deterioration of the storage battery module 36. Also, as shown in FIG. 6(B) , in this modification, by replacing a relatively highly deteriorated storage battery module 36 with a relatively less deteriorated storage battery module 24, the storage battery module 36 can be made more coolable, and deterioration of the storage battery module 36 can be suppressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 10 Battery storage system 14 Main storage device 16 Additional storage battery 22 Case (first housing part) 24 Battery Module (First Battery Module) 26 Cooling equipment (cooling section) 28 Control device (control unit) 34 Case (second housing part) 36 Battery module (second battery module)

Claims

1. a first housing portion; a plurality of first storage battery modules housed in the first housing; a cooling unit that is housed in the first housing and is capable of cooling the inside of the first housing; a control unit housed in the first housing and capable of controlling charging and discharging of the first storage battery module; a main power storage device comprising: A second housing portion; a plurality of second storage battery modules housed in the second housing, electrically connectable to the first storage battery modules and replaceable with the first storage battery modules, and charge / discharge of which can be controlled by the control unit; an additional power storage device comprising: and the control unit is capable of determining a deterioration level of the first storage battery module and the second storage battery module, and notifying at least one of replacement of a predetermined first storage battery module with a predetermined second storage battery module and change of storage positions of the first storage battery module and the second storage battery module according to the deterioration level. Battery storage system.

2. the first storage battery module and the second storage battery module are mountable on a vehicle and capable of supplying electric power to the vehicle; The battery system according to claim 1 .

3. the main power storage device and the expansion power storage device are installed in predetermined locations; The battery system according to claim 1 .

4. The cooling unit is an air-cooled type, The first housing portion and the second housing portion are in communication with each other. The battery system according to claim 1 .

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