Power storage facility preventive maintenance device, preventive maintenance method, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a power storage facility preventive maintenance device, a preventive maintenance method, and a computer program.SOLUTION: A preventive maintenance device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires traceability data of a plurality of components constituting a power storage facility and use history data related to a use state of each component after an operation start of the power storage facility; an identification unit that identifies one or more components with use states thereof to be confirmed through reference to the traceability data when a failure or a defect of one component among the plurality of components is detected; a sign detection unit that detects a sign of the failure or the defect in the identified components by comparing the use history data of the one component with the use history data of the identified components; and an output unit that outputs information of one or more components in which the failure or the sign of the defect is detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Energy storage facilities that store electricity supplied from power generation facilities such as solar power generation facilities and wind power generation facilities and supply the stored electricity to loads such as factories and office buildings as needed are becoming more common.Energy storage facilities are equipped with a large number of storage elements (banks or domains).

[0003] In power storage facilities, maintenance and management of power storage elements is important to ensure a stable supply of power. Patent Document 1 discloses a maintenance and management method for a storage battery configured by connecting a plurality of unit storage batteries in series. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-123847 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Energy storage facilities are equipped with not only a large number of energy storage elements, but also a variety of other components such as a large number of circuit boards and power converters, and inspecting the usage status of all components, including the energy storage elements, is not profitable in terms of labor and cost, and is therefore not realistic.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a preventive maintenance device, a preventive maintenance method, and a computer program for a storage battery facility that can detect signs of failure or the like in other components whose usage status should be checked based on usage history data of one component within the storage battery facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The preventive maintenance device for a power storage facility according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires traceability data of a plurality of components that constitute the power storage facility and usage history data relating to the usage status of each component after the power storage facility has started operation; an identification unit that, when a failure or defect in one of the plurality of components is detected, refers to the traceability data to identify the component whose usage status should be checked; a symptom detection unit that detects signs of a failure or defect in the identified component by comparing the usage history data of the one component with the usage history data of the identified component; and an output unit that outputs information about the component for which a sign of a failure or defect has been detected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the above aspect, it is possible to detect a sign of a failure or the like in another component whose usage state should be checked, based on the usage history data of one component in the power storage facility. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a preventive maintenance system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the power storage facility. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the power storage facility. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the preventive maintenance device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a data server. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a traceability DB. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a usage history DB. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process executed by the preventive maintenance device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process executed by a preventive maintenance device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (1) A preventive maintenance device for a power storage facility according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires traceability data for multiple components that constitute the power storage facility and usage history data related to the usage status of each component after the power storage facility has begun operation. The preventive maintenance device includes an identification unit that, when a failure or defect in one of the multiple components is detected, refers to the traceability data to identify a component whose usage status should be checked. The preventive maintenance device includes a sign detection unit that detects a sign of a failure or defect in the identified component by comparing the usage history data of the one component with the usage history data of the identified component. The preventive maintenance device includes an output unit that outputs information about the component for which a sign of a failure or defect has been detected.

[0011] The power storage facility is installed alongside a power generation facility such as a solar power generation facility or a wind power generation facility, stores the power supplied from the power generation facility, and supplies the stored power to a load. An example of the power storage facility is an ESS (Energy Storage System). Alternatively, the power storage facility may be a power conditioner, a backup power supply device, or the like.

[0012] The energy storage facility includes a plurality of energy storage elements. The energy storage elements are, for example, banks each configured by connecting a plurality of energy storage modules in series, or domains each configured by connecting a plurality of banks in parallel. The energy storage facility includes a plurality of circuit boards for monitoring or controlling the plurality of energy storage elements.

[0013] Large-scale energy storage facilities such as ESSs use a large number of components, including energy storage elements and circuit boards. From the perspective of continuous operation (stable operation) of the facility, it is not desirable for maintenance personnel to inspect or replace all other components in the facility when a failure or defect is detected in one component.

[0014] According to the preventive maintenance device of (1) above, when a failure or defect is detected in one of the multiple components constituting the power storage facility, the identifying unit refers to the traceability data of each component to identify the component whose usage status should be checked. The identifying unit may identify a component of another power storage facility different from the power storage facility containing the one component as the component whose usage status should be checked.

[0015] The symptom detection unit compares the usage history data of the part in which a failure or defect has been detected with the usage history data of the other parts identified by the identification unit, and can determine whether the usage environments and usage conditions between those parts are similar. If the symptom detection unit determines that the usage environments and usage conditions are similar, it determines that there are symptoms of a failure or defect without performing maintenance inspection on the other parts.

[0016] The output unit outputs information about parts in which signs of failure or defects have been detected. The preventive maintenance device acquires traceability data for the parts, and can therefore output information such as the part name, identification information, and installation location within the energy storage facility of the part in which signs of failure or defects have been detected. Maintenance personnel can refer to the information output from the preventive maintenance device and, when replacing the part in which a failure or defect has been detected, also replace the part in which signs of failure or defects have been detected. The preventive maintenance device described above in (1) can reduce the number of maintenance inspections and maintenance work, enabling stable operation of the energy storage facility.

[0017] (2) In the preventive maintenance device described in (1), the power storage equipment includes, as the plurality of components, a plurality of power storage elements and a plurality of circuit boards that monitor or control the states of the plurality of power storage elements. The symptom detection unit may use traceability data and usage history data of one circuit board to detect a symptom of a failure or defect in another circuit board.

[0018] In addition to the energy storage elements, the energy storage equipment is provided with circuit boards for monitoring or controlling the status of the energy storage elements. Large-scale energy storage equipment such as ESSs uses a large number of circuit boards. According to the preventive maintenance device described in (2) above, when a failure or defect in one circuit board is detected, signs of a failure or defect in other circuit boards can be detected. When the preventive maintenance device detects a failure or defect in a circuit board mounted on one energy storage equipment, it may also detect signs of a failure or defect in a circuit board mounted on another energy storage equipment.

[0019] (3) In the preventive maintenance device described in (2) above, the storage element may be a bank formed by connecting a plurality of storage modules in series, each of which is formed by connecting a plurality of storage cells, or a domain formed by connecting a plurality of the banks in parallel.

[0020] According to the preventive maintenance device of (3) above, when a failure or defect in one bank or domain is detected, it is possible to detect signs of a failure or defect in another domain or domain. When the preventive maintenance device detects a failure or defect in a bank or domain mounted on one power storage facility, it may also detect signs of a failure or defect in a bank or domain mounted on another power storage facility.

[0021] (4) In the preventive maintenance device according to any one of (1) to (3), the power storage facility further includes a power converter as one of the plurality of components. The sign detection unit may use traceability data and usage history data of one power converter to detect signs of a failure or defect in another power converter.

[0022] According to the preventive maintenance device of (4) above, when a failure or defect in one power converter is detected, it can detect signs of a failure or defect in another power converter. When the preventive maintenance device detects a failure or defect in a power converter mounted on one power storage facility, it may also detect signs of a failure or defect in a power converter mounted on another power storage facility.

[0023] (5) In the preventive maintenance device according to any one of (1) to (4), the usage history data includes time-series data of electrical values ​​or temperatures measured for the component. The symptom detection unit may calculate a similarity between the time-series data of the one component and the time-series data of the identified component, and detect a symptom of a failure or defect in the identified component based on the calculated similarity.

[0024] According to the preventive maintenance device of (5) above, time-series data of electrical values ​​or temperatures measured for a part is used as the usage history data for the part. The electrical values ​​are, for example, current or voltage values. The symptom detection unit calculates the similarity between the time-series data measured for a part in which a failure or defect has been detected and the time-series data measured for the identified part, and can determine whether the usage environment or usage conditions are similar depending on the level of similarity. If the symptom detection unit determines that the usage environment or usage conditions are similar, it determines that there are signs of a failure or defect for the identified part.

[0025] (6) In the preventive maintenance device according to any one of (1) to (4), the usage history data includes time-series data of electrical values ​​or temperatures measured for the component. The symptom detection unit may calculate a remaining life of the identified component using the time-series data, and detect a symptom of a failure or defect in the identified component based on the calculated remaining life.

[0026] According to the preventive maintenance device of (6) above, time-series data of electrical values ​​or temperatures measured on the part is used as the usage history data of the part. The electrical values ​​are, for example, current or voltage values. The symptom detection unit calculates the remaining life of the part from the time-series data and can detect symptoms of failure or defect in the part based on the calculated remaining life.

[0027] (7) A preventive maintenance device for a power storage facility according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires usage history data relating to the usage status of multiple power storage elements mounted in the power storage facility. When the preventive maintenance device detects deterioration of one of the multiple power storage elements, the preventive maintenance device includes a sign detection unit that detects signs of deterioration in the power storage element whose usage status is to be checked by comparing the usage history data of the one power storage element with the usage history data of the power storage element whose usage status is to be checked. The preventive maintenance device includes an output unit that outputs information about the power storage element whose sign of deterioration has been detected.

[0028] According to the preventive maintenance device of (7) above, when degradation is detected in one of the multiple energy storage elements mounted in the energy storage facility, signs of degradation in the other energy storage elements can be detected based on the usage history data of the energy storage elements. For example, in an energy storage facility that has been operating for a long time, when degradation is detected in one energy storage device, it is expected that the other energy storage devices have also deteriorated, and therefore signs of degradation in such energy storage devices can be detected from the viewpoint of the usage environment and usage conditions.

[0029] (8) In a preventive maintenance method for a power storage facility disclosed herein, a computer acquires traceability data for multiple components constituting the power storage facility and usage history data relating to the usage status of each component since the power storage facility began operation. When the computer detects a failure or defect in one of the multiple components, the computer refers to the traceability data to identify the component whose usage status should be checked. The computer compares the usage history data for the one component with the usage history data for the identified component to detect signs of a failure or defect in the identified component. The computer outputs information about the component for which a sign of a failure or defect has been detected.

[0030] According to the preventive maintenance method (8) above, when a failure or defect is detected in one of the multiple components that make up the energy storage facility, signs of failure or defect in other components can be detected based on the traceability data and usage history data of the components.

[0031] (9) A computer program disclosed herein causes a computer to acquire traceability data for multiple components constituting an energy storage facility and usage history data relating to the usage status of each component since the energy storage facility began operation. When a failure or defect in one of the multiple components is detected, the computer program causes the computer to identify a component whose usage status should be checked by referring to the traceability data. The computer program causes the computer to detect signs of a failure or defect in the identified component by comparing the usage history data for the one component with the usage history data for the identified component. The computer program causes the computer to output information about the component for which a sign of a failure or defect has been detected.

[0032] According to the computer program of (9) above, when a failure or defect is detected in one of the multiple components that make up the energy storage facility, signs of failure or defect in other components can be detected based on the traceability data and usage history data of the components.

[0033] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a preventive maintenance system according to an embodiment. The preventive maintenance system according to the embodiment includes a power storage facility 1, a preventive maintenance device 3, and a data server 5. The power storage facility 1 is, for example, an ESS, which stores power supplied from a power generation facility PG and supplies the stored power to a load PC. The power generation facility PG includes solar power generation facilities, wind power generation facilities, etc. The load PC includes power consumption facilities such as factories, office buildings, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and airports.

[0034] The power storage facility 1 may store power supplied from the power generation facility PG and supply the stored power to the power grid PS. The power storage facility 1 may store power supplied from the power grid PS and supply the stored power to the load PC.

[0035] A power converter 2 is installed between the energy storage equipment 1 and the power generation equipment PG and load PC. The power converter 2 is also called a PCS (Power Conditioning System). The power converter 2 converts the power (AC power or DC power) supplied from the power generation equipment PG into DC power of a predetermined magnitude and supplies the converted DC power to the energy storage equipment 1. The energy storage equipment 1 stores the power supplied from the power generation equipment PG via the power converter 2. The energy storage equipment 1 supplies the stored power to the load PC in response to an external request. The power supplied from the energy storage equipment 1 to the load PC is converted from DC power to AC power by the power converter 2.

[0036] 1, the power converter 2 is installed outside the power storage facility 1. Alternatively, the power converter 2 may be installed inside the power storage facility 1.

[0037] The preventive maintenance device 3 and the data server 5 are communicatively connected to the energy storage facility 1 via a communication network NW. The communication network NW may be a general line such as the Internet, or a dedicated line. The data server 5 stores traceability data of the multiple components that make up the energy storage facility 1 and usage history data related to the usage status of each component. When the preventive maintenance device 3 detects a failure or defect in one of the multiple components that make up the energy storage facility 1, it references the data stored in the data server 5, detects signs of failure or defect in other components, and outputs information about the component in which a sign of failure or defect has been detected.

[0038] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the power storage facility 1. The power storage facility 1 includes a container body 10 (see Fig. 1), and a battery panel 11 and a control panel 12 housed in the container body 10. Fig. 2 shows an example configuration of the battery panel 11 and the control panel 12 housed in the container body 10. The power storage facility 1 may include two or more battery panels 11. In addition to the battery panel 11 and the control panel 12, the container body 10 may also house auxiliary equipment such as an air conditioner and lighting equipment.

[0039] The battery panel 11 includes a plurality of banks 111 and a management unit 112. Each bank 111 is configured by electrically connecting a plurality of storage modules BT in series. In the example of FIG. 2, the battery panel 11 includes three banks 111, and each bank 111 is configured by electrically connecting a total of 18 storage modules BT in series in two vertical columns. These three banks 111 are connected in parallel with each other. A configuration in which a plurality of banks 111 are connected in parallel is also called a domain 121. The number of banks 111 included in the battery panel 11 and the number of storage modules BT that make up each bank 111 are selected arbitrarily. The storage facility 1 in FIG. 2 includes one domain 121, but may include a plurality of domains.

[0040] The power storage module BT is configured by connecting multiple power storage cells in series. In one example, the power storage cells are battery cells based on lithium-ion secondary batteries. Alternatively, the power storage cells may be battery cells based on all-solid-state batteries, lead batteries, redox flow batteries, zinc-air batteries, alkaline manganese batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-sulfur batteries, silver-zinc oxide batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, molten salt thermal batteries, or the like, or may be capacitors. The number of power storage cells constituting the power storage module BT can be selected arbitrarily.

[0041] The management unit 112 is a device for monitoring the state of the bank 111. A management unit 112 is provided for each bank 111. In the example of FIG. 2, a management unit 112 is provided above each bank 111. Hereinafter, the management unit 112 provided in the battery panel 11 will be referred to as a bank BMU (Battery Management Unit) 112. The bank BMU 112 monitors the state of the corresponding bank 111 and notifies the obtained information about the bank 111 to a higher-level management unit (domain BMU 122 shown in FIG. 3).

[0042] Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the power storage facility 1. The battery panel 11 of the power storage facility 1 includes a plurality of banks 111 and bank BMUs 112 provided corresponding to each bank 111. In the example of Fig. 3, the battery panel 11 includes three banks 111 and three bank BMUs 112 provided corresponding to each bank 111. As described above, the number of banks 111 and bank BMUs 112 to be installed is designed appropriately.

[0043] The banks 111 are connected to the outside (such as the power converter 2, a power supply source, and a power supply destination) via a main circuit MC. The main circuit MC has a main path P1 connected to the outside, and branch paths P2 branching from the main path P1 and connected to each bank 111. A switch may be provided in the branch path P2 to switch the target of charging or discharging.

[0044] The power supply source for the bank 111 is the power generation facility PG (or the power system PS), and the power supply destination of the bank 111 is the load PC (or the power system PS). The above-mentioned power converter 2 is provided between the bank 111 and the power supply source or the power supply destination. The bank 111 stores (charges) the power supplied through the power converter 2 and the main circuit MC, and supplies (discharges) the stored power to an external power supply destination through the main circuit MC and the power converter 2.

[0045] Each bank 111 includes a current sensor SA, a voltage sensor SV, and a temperature sensor ST. The current sensor SA is an existing current sensor such as a Hall sensor, and measures the current flowing through each bank 111 over time. The voltage sensor SV is an existing voltmeter, and measures the voltage of each bank 111 over time. The temperature sensor ST is an existing temperature sensor such as a thermistor, and is installed inside or near each bank 111 to measure the temperature of each bank 111 over time. A plurality of sensors may be provided. For example, a voltage sensor SV may be provided for each power storage module BT. The temperature sensor ST may be provided at multiple locations in the bank 111 to measure the temperature at multiple locations. The current sensor SA, voltage sensor SV, and temperature sensor ST output signals indicating the measurement results to the bank BMU 112.

[0046] The bank BMU 112 acquires time-series data of electrical values ​​(e.g., current, voltage) or temperature measured for the bank 111 based on the sensor outputs of the current sensor SA, voltage sensor SV, and temperature sensor ST. The bank BMU 112 monitors the state of the bank 111 based on the acquired time-series data of electrical values ​​or temperature. For example, the bank BMU 112 monitors the state of the bank 111 at each time by calculating the SOC (State of Charge) of the bank 111 based on the acquired time-series data of electrical values ​​or temperature. The bank BMU 112 may control the start and stop of charging and discharging depending on the state of the bank 111 that it is monitoring.

[0047] The control panel 12 of the energy storage facility 1 includes a domain BMU 122 and a communication interface 123. The domain BMU 122 is a device for monitoring the state of the domain 121 (the entire bank). The domain BMU 122 is connected to be able to communicate with the bank BMU 112 of each bank 111. An existing communication standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network) is used for communication between the domain BMU 122 and each bank BMU 112. Alternatively, a communication standard such as LIN (Local Interconnect Network), ECHONET (registered trademark), or ECHONET Light (registered trademark) may be used. The domain BMU 122 acquires time-series data of the electric value and temperature of the bank 111 from each bank BMU 112.

[0048] The communication interface 123 has an interface for connecting to an external communication network NW. The domain BMU 122 transmits time-series data of the electric value and temperature of the bank 111 acquired from each bank BMU 112 to an external data server 5 via the communication interface 123. The domain BMU 122 holds time-series data of the electric value and temperature for a predetermined period of time and transmits the time-series data of the electric value and temperature to the data server 5 at predetermined intervals. The time-series data transmitted from the communication interface 123 is stored in the data server 5 as usage history data relating to the usage state of the bank 111.

[0049] In the embodiment, the electrical values ​​and temperatures of the bank 111 are measured, and the obtained time-series data is transmitted to the data server 5 and stored in the data server 5 as usage history data. Similarly, the electrical values ​​and temperatures of the bank BMU 112 and the domain BMU 122 may be measured. The measurement locations for the electrical values ​​and temperatures are selected as appropriate. In one example, the electrical values ​​and temperatures of the electronic components provided in the bank BMU 112 and the domain BMU 122 are measured. The domain BMU 122 acquires time-series data of the electrical values ​​and temperatures measured for the bank BMU 112 and itself. The domain BMU 122 transmits the acquired time-series data to the data server 5, causing the data server 5 to store the acquired time-series data as usage history data relating to the usage states of the bank BMU 112 and the domain BMU 122.

[0050] If the power storage facility 1 is equipped with a power converter 2, the electric value and temperature may be measured for the power converter 2. In this case, the domain BMU 122 acquires time-series data of the electric value and temperature measured for the power converter 2. The domain BMU 122 transmits the acquired time-series data to the data server 5, thereby causing the data server 5 to store the data as usage history data relating to the usage state of the power converter 2.

[0051] In the following description, when the three banks 111 are to be distinguished from one another, the banks 111 are also referred to as banks 111A, 111B, and 111C. Similarly, when the three banks BMU 112 are to be distinguished from one another, the banks BMU 112 are also referred to as banks BMU 112A, 112B, and 112C.

[0052] 4 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the preventive maintenance device 3. The preventive maintenance device 3 is a dedicated or general-purpose computer, and includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, an operation unit 34, a display unit 35, etc.

[0053] The control unit 31 is a processing circuit or arithmetic circuit including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU included in the control unit 31 reads and executes various computer programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 32, thereby controlling each hardware unit and causing the entire device to function as the preventive maintenance device 3 of the present disclosure.

[0054] Alternatively, the control unit 31 may be any arithmetic circuit equipped with multiple CPUs, a multi-core CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a microcomputer, a volatile or non-volatile memory, etc. The control unit 31 may also have functions such as a timer that measures the elapsed time from when an instruction to start measurement is given until when an instruction to end measurement is given, a counter that counts numbers, and a clock that outputs date and time information.

[0055] The storage unit 32 includes a storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory. Various computer programs and data are stored in the storage unit 32. The computer programs stored in the storage unit 32 include a sign detection program 321 for detecting signs of failure or defects in components mounted in the energy storage equipment 1. The data stored in the storage unit 32 includes various data used in the sign detection program 321, data generated by the control unit 31, and the like.

[0056] A computer program including the symptom detection program 321 is provided by a non-transitory recording medium RM on which the computer program is readably recorded. The recording medium RM is a portable memory such as a CD-ROM, USB memory, or SD (Secure Digital) card. The control unit 31 reads the desired computer program from the recording medium RM using a reading device (not shown) and stores the read computer program in the memory unit 32. Alternatively, the computer program including the symptom detection program 321 may be provided via communication.

[0057] The communication unit 33 includes a communication interface that connects to the communication network NW. The communication interface that the communication unit 33 includes is a wireless communication interface such as WiFi (registered trademark), 3G, 4G, 5G, or LTE (Long Term Evolution), or a wired communication interface such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication unit 33 transmits and receives various types of data through the communication network NW.

[0058] The operation unit 34 is equipped with input devices such as various switches and buttons, and accepts operations by maintenance personnel, etc. The display unit 35 is equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, and displays information to be notified to maintenance personnel, etc. Alternatively, the preventive maintenance device 3 may be configured to accept necessary operations via an external computer and transmit information to be notified to maintenance personnel, etc. to the external computer. An example of an external computer is a terminal device such as a smartphone carried by the maintenance personnel, etc. In this case, the preventive maintenance device 3 does not need to be equipped with the operation unit 34 and the display unit 35.

[0059] In the embodiment, the preventive maintenance device 3 may be a single computer, or may be a computer system configured with multiple computers and peripheral devices, etc. Alternatively, the preventive maintenance device 3 may be a virtual machine whose entity is virtualized, or may be a cloud.

[0060] The sign detection program 321 may be a single computer program, or may be a group of programs made up of multiple computer programs. Alternatively, the sign detection program 321 may partially use an existing library. Furthermore, the sign detection program 321 may be executed by a single computer, or may be executed by multiple computers working together.

[0061] 5 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the data server 5. The data server 5 is a dedicated or general-purpose server computer, and includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication unit 53, and the like.

[0062] The control unit 51 is a control circuit including a CPU, a ROM, etc. The CPU of the control unit 51 reads and executes a control program pre-stored in the ROM, thereby causing the entire device to function as the data server 5 in the present disclosure.

[0063] The storage unit 52 includes a storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The storage unit 52 includes a traceability database 521 (traceability DB521) and a usage history database 522 (usage history DB522). The traceability DB521 stores traceability data of components that configure the power storage facility 1. The usage history DB522 stores usage history data related to the usage status of the components that configure the power storage facility 1. Specific examples of the traceability DB521 and the usage history DB522 are shown in Figs. 6 and 7, respectively.

[0064] The communication unit 53 includes a communication interface that connects to the communication network NW. The communication interface that the communication unit 53 includes is a wireless communication interface such as WiFi (registered trademark), 3G, 4G, 5G, or LTE (Long Term Evolution), or a wired communication interface such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication unit 53 transmits and receives various types of data through the communication network NW.

[0065] The data server 5 may include an operation unit for accepting operations by maintenance personnel and the like, a display unit for displaying information to be notified to maintenance personnel and the like, and the like.

[0066] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the traceability DB 521. The traceability DB 521 stores, in association with each other, the part name, serial number, lot number, manufacturing date, location number, etc., for each of a plurality of parts included in the power storage facility 1. The power storage facility 1 includes, as parts, a control panel 12 including a domain BMU 122 and a communication interface 123, and a storage battery panel 11 including banks 111A to 111C and banks BMUs 112A to 112C. Therefore, the part names, serial numbers, lot numbers, manufacturing dates, and location numbers of these parts are stored in the traceability DB 521. The location numbers indicate the positions of the respective parts within the power storage facility 1 and are determined as appropriate by the manufacturer, etc. In the example of FIG. 6, the location number "11L" is assigned to bank #1 and bank BMU #1 (bank 111A and bank BMU 112A) to indicate that they are installed at the left end of the storage battery panel 11. The same applies to banks #2 to #3 and banks BMU #2 to #3. Bank #2 and bank BMU #2 are assigned the location number "11C" to indicate that they are installed in the center of the battery panel 11. Bank #3 and bank BMU #3 are assigned the location number "11R" to indicate that they are installed at the right end of the battery panel 11.

[0067] When the power storage facility 1 includes a power converter 2, the traceability DB 521 also stores the part name, serial number, lot number, manufacturing date, and location number of the power converter 2.

[0068] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the usage history DB 522. The usage history DB 522 stores usage history data relating to the usage state of each component after the start of operation of the power storage facility 1. Specifically, time-series data of electrical values ​​and temperatures measured for each of the banks 111 (banks #1 to #3), the bank BMU 112 (banks #1 to #3), and the domain BMU 122 included in the power storage facility 1 is stored in the usage history DB 522 as usage history data. The control unit 51 of the data server 5 creates a data file for each measurement item (electrical value and temperature) of each component, and updates the data file for the corresponding item each time time-series data of each measurement item is acquired from the power storage facility 1. The example of FIG. 7 shows a state in which a link to each data file is registered in the usage history DB 522.

[0069] In the embodiment, the data server 5 is configured to include two databases (a traceability DB 521 and a usage history DB 522). Alternatively, the data server 5 may be configured to include one database that collectively stores traceability data of multiple components that configure the power storage facility 1 and usage history data related to the usage status of each component.

[0070] In the embodiment, the data server 5 provided outside the preventive maintenance device 3 is configured to include the traceability DB 521 and the usage history DB 522. Alternatively, the preventive maintenance device 3 may be configured to include the traceability DB 521 and the usage history DB 522. Furthermore, the preventive maintenance device 3 or the data server 5 may be configured to include the traceability DB 521, and the power storage facility 1 may be configured to include the usage history DB 522.

[0071] 8 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of processing executed by the preventive maintenance device 3 according to embodiment 1. The control unit 31 of the preventive maintenance device 3 reads and executes the sign detection program 321 from the storage unit 32 periodically or when an instruction is given from the outside, thereby performing the following processing.

[0072] The control unit 31 accesses the traceability DB 521 of the data server 5 via the communication network NW and acquires traceability data of multiple components that make up the power storage facility 1 (step S101). The control unit 31 acquires traceability data of the bank 111, the bank BMU 112, the domain 121, the domain BMU 122, etc. as traceability data of the components that make up the power storage facility 1. If the power storage facility 1 is equipped with a power converter 2, the control unit 31 may also acquire traceability data of the power converter 2. The traceability data includes information such as the serial number, lot number, manufacturing date, and location number within the power storage facility 1 of each component.

[0073] The control unit 31 accesses the usage history DB 522 of the data server 5 via the communication network NW and acquires usage history data relating to the usage state of each component after the start of operation of the power storage facility 1 (step S102). The control unit 31 acquires, as the usage history data, time series data of electrical values ​​or temperatures measured for components such as the bank 111, the domain 121, the bank BMU 112, and the domain BMU 122 that configure the power storage facility 1. If the power storage facility 1 is equipped with a power converter 2, the control unit 31 may acquire, as the usage history data, time series data of electrical values ​​or temperatures measured for the power converter 2.

[0074] The control unit 31 determines whether a failure or defect has been detected in one of the multiple components constituting the energy storage facility 1 (step S103). The control unit 31 can detect a failure or defect based on the usage history data acquired for each component. An existing method is used to detect failures and defects. In this embodiment, the control unit 31 does not need to distinguish between a failure and a defect; it is sufficient to identify the failure or defect state from the usage history data. For example, the energy storage facility 1 controls charging and discharging according to a preset charging and discharging pattern. If the control unit 31 determines from the usage history data that a bank 111 is not outputting the current or voltage expected from the charging and discharging pattern, it determines that the bank 111 has a failure or defect. The control unit 31 may also detect a failure or defect in a component based on time-series temperature data. For example, the control unit 31 sets a threshold value for the temperature of each component, and if the control unit 31 determines from the usage history data that the temperature of a specific component exceeds the threshold value, it determines that the component has a failure or defect. If it is determined in step S103 that no failure or defect has been detected (S103: NO), the control unit 31 ends the processing according to this flowchart without performing the following processing.

[0075] The flowchart shown in FIG. 8 shows a procedure for detecting a failure or defect in a part after the traceability data and usage history data are acquired, but the procedure may also be such that a failure or defect in a part is detected after the usage history data is acquired, and traceability data is acquired for the part in which a failure or defect has been detected.

[0076] When the control unit 31 determines that a failure or defect has been detected in one component (S103: YES), it refers to the traceability data acquired in step S101 and identifies the component whose usage state should be checked (step S104). If the component whose failure or defect has been detected is, for example, bank 111A, the control unit 31 refers to the traceability data and identifies a bank 111 having the same lot number as bank 111A as the component whose usage state should be checked. Alternatively, the control unit 31 may identify a bank 111 manufactured at the same time as bank 111A, or may identify a bank 111 installed near bank 111A or in the same container body 10 as bank 111A, as the component whose usage state should be checked. The control unit 31 may identify one or more components in step S104.

[0077] The control unit 31 compares the usage history data of the component in which a failure or defect has been detected with the usage history data of the component identified in step S104 to detect a sign of a failure or defect in the latter (the identified component) (step S105). For example, if the component in which a failure or defect has been detected is bank 111A and the component identified as requiring confirmation of its usage state is bank 111B, the control unit 31 compares the usage history data of bank 111A with the usage history data of bank 111B to determine the similarity between the two. Existing methods are used to determine the similarity. For example, the control unit 31 calculates an index, such as Pearson's correlation coefficient, Euclidean distance, or cosine similarity, from the two pieces of usage history data to be compared, and compares the calculated index with a preset threshold to determine whether the two pieces are similar. If it determines that the two pieces are similar, the control unit 31 determines that the component identified in step S104 (e.g., bank 111B) has a sign of a failure or defect. On the other hand, if it is determined that the two are not similar, the control unit 31 determines that there is no sign of a failure or defect in the component (e.g., bank 111B) identified in step S104. If the control unit 31 identifies multiple components in step S104, it is sufficient that the control unit 31 detects signs of a failure or defect for each of them.

[0078] The control unit 31 may calculate the remaining life of each component based on the usage history data and detect signs of a failure or defect in the identified component based on the calculated remaining life. Existing methods are used to calculate the remaining life. For example, the control unit 31 predicts the capacity decrease of the storage element and calculates the remaining life using a law (linear law) that states that battery capacity decreases in proportion to the cumulative usage period of the storage element. Alternatively, the control unit 31 may predict the capacity decrease of the storage element and calculate the remaining life using a law (root law) that states that battery capacity decreases gradually over the cumulative usage period. Furthermore, the control unit 31 may read the current and voltage when the storage element is discharged from the usage history data, calculate the capacity of the storage element at each time, and calculate the remaining life from the change in capacity (capacity maintenance rate) relative to the initial capacity. The control unit 31 may compare the calculated remaining life with a threshold value set for the remaining life, and if the remaining life is shorter than the threshold value, determine that a sign of a failure or defect in the identified component has been detected.

[0079] If the control unit 31 determines that the part identified in step S104 has signs of a failure or defect, it outputs information about the part (step S106). The control unit 31 displays, for example, information such as the serial number, lot number, manufacturing date, and location number of the part determined to have signs of a failure or defect on the display unit 35. Alternatively, the control unit 31 may notify a terminal device of a maintenance worker or the like via the communication unit 33 of information such as the serial number, lot number, manufacturing date, and location number of the part determined to have signs of a failure or defect.

[0080] As described above, the preventive maintenance device 3 according to the first embodiment refers to the traceability data to identify parts that are expected to have a failure or defect, and uses the usage history data for the identified parts to detect signs of a failure or defect in those parts. Maintenance personnel of the power storage facility 1 can refer to the information output from the preventive maintenance device 3, and when replacing a part in which a failure or defect has been detected, also replace a part in which a sign of a failure or defect has been detected, thereby enabling efficient preventive maintenance activities.

[0081] The preventive maintenance device 3 according to the first embodiment is configured so that, when a failure or defect is detected in a component mounted in the power storage facility 1, the preventive maintenance device 3 detects signs of a failure or defect in other components mounted in the same power storage facility 1. Alternatively, when a failure or defect is detected in a component mounted in the power storage facility 1, the preventive maintenance device 3 may detect signs of a failure or defect in other components mounted in a power storage facility different from the power storage facility 1.

[0082] In this case, the traceability DB 521 stores not only the traceability data of the parts mounted on the power storage equipment 1 but also the traceability data of the parts mounted on the other power storage equipment. The usage history DB 522 stores not only the usage history data of the parts mounted on the power storage equipment 1 but also the usage history data of the parts mounted on the other power storage equipment.

[0083] When identifying a part whose usage state should be checked, the control unit 31 of the preventive maintenance device 3 can search the traceability DB 521 without distinguishing between the power storage equipments in which the part is installed. The control unit 31 can detect signs of failure or defect in the identified part without distinguishing between the power storage equipments, thereby detecting parts that have signs of failure or defect across multiple power storage equipments.

[0084] (Embodiment 2) In embodiment 2, a configuration is described in which, when deterioration is detected in one of the multiple storage elements installed in the storage equipment 1, usage history data is referenced to detect signs of deterioration in other storage elements. The overall configuration of the system and the configuration of each device are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0085] During inspection (e.g., periodic inspection) of the energy storage equipment 1, degradation may be detected in some of the energy storage elements among the multiple energy storage elements mounted in the energy storage equipment 1. The energy storage elements are banks 111 or domains 121. Degradation of the energy storage elements is determined, for example, by calculating the capacity relative to the initial capacity (capacity maintenance rate). Degradation of the energy storage elements may be detected by the preventive maintenance device 3 or by an external computer. In the latter case, information about the energy storage elements detected by the external computer is notified to the preventive maintenance device 3.

[0086] When deterioration is detected in one of the multiple storage elements mounted in the energy storage facility 1, the control unit 31 of the preventive maintenance device 3 compares the usage history data of the one storage element with the usage history data of the other storage elements mounted in the energy storage facility 1. The control unit 31 acquires the usage history data of the storage elements by accessing the usage history DB 522 of the data server 5 via the communication unit 33. If the control unit 31 determines that the usage history data are similar as a result of comparing the usage history data, it determines that there are signs of deterioration in the other storage elements. When the control unit 31 detects signs of deterioration in the other storage elements, it outputs information about the storage elements.

[0087] 9 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of processing executed by the preventive maintenance device 3 according to embodiment 2. The sign detection program 321 according to embodiment 2 is a computer program for causing a computer to execute the following processing. The control unit 31 of the preventive maintenance device 3 reads out the sign detection program 321 from the storage unit 32, executes it, and performs the following processing.

[0088] The control unit 31 accesses the usage history DB 522 of the data server 5 via the communication network NW and acquires usage history data of the energy storage elements after the start of operation of the energy storage facility 1 (step S201). The control unit 31 acquires time-series data of electrical values ​​or temperatures measured for the multiple banks 111 and domains 121 as the usage history data.

[0089] The control unit 31 determines whether or not deterioration of one of the plurality of energy storage elements mounted on the energy storage equipment 1 has been detected (step S202). The control unit 31 calculates a capacity maintenance rate from the usage history data acquired for the one energy storage element, and determines whether the calculated capacity maintenance rate is equal to or greater than a threshold value, thereby detecting deterioration in the one energy storage element. Alternatively, the control unit 31 may acquire a detection result from an external computer and determine the presence or absence of deterioration based on the acquired detection result. If the control unit 31 determines that deterioration has not been detected in step S202 (S202: NO), the control unit 31 ends the processing according to this flowchart without performing the following processing.

[0090] When the control unit 31 determines that degradation of one energy storage element has been detected (S202: YES), it compares the usage history data of the one energy storage element with the usage history data of the other energy storage elements installed in the energy storage equipment 1 to detect signs of degradation in the other energy storage elements (step S203). When the control unit 31 determines that the usage history data of the one energy storage element for which degradation has been detected is similar to the usage history data of the other energy storage elements, it can be assumed that the usage environment and usage conditions of both are approximately the same, and therefore it determines that there are signs of degradation in the other energy storage elements. The method for determining the similarity of the data is the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the control unit 31 calculates an index such as Pearson's correlation coefficient, Euclidean distance, or cosine similarity from the two pieces of usage history data to be compared, and compares the calculated index with a preset threshold to determine whether the two pieces are similar. On the other hand, when it determines that the two pieces are not similar, the control unit 31 determines that there are no signs of degradation in the other energy storage elements.

[0091] If deterioration of multiple storage elements is detected in step S202, the usage history data of each storage element may be compared with other usage history data, or the usage history data of an appropriately selected storage element may be compared with other usage history data.

[0092] If the control unit 31 determines that the other storage elements have signs of deterioration, it outputs information about the storage elements (step S204). The control unit 31 displays, for example, information such as the serial number, lot number, manufacturing date, and location number of the storage elements determined to have signs of deterioration on the display unit 35. Alternatively, the control unit 31 may notify a terminal device of a maintenance worker or the like via the communication unit 33 of information such as the serial number, lot number, manufacturing date, and location number of the storage elements determined to have signs of deterioration.

[0093] As described above, the preventive maintenance device 3 according to the second embodiment can identify a storage element that shows signs of deterioration by comparing usage history data. Maintenance personnel of the storage facility 1 can refer to the information output from the preventive maintenance device 3, and when replacing a storage element that has been detected to be degraded, also replace a storage element that has been detected to be degraded, thereby enabling efficient preventive maintenance activities.

[0094] The disclosed embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1. Energy storage facilities 2. Power Converter 3 Preventive maintenance devices 31 Control Unit 32 Storage section 33 Communications Department 34 Control section 35 Display section 321 Predictive Detection Program 5 Data Server 521 Traceability Database 522 Usage History Database

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires traceability data of a plurality of components that configure the power storage facility and usage history data relating to the usage state of each component after the power storage facility has started operation; an identification unit that, when a failure or defect of one of the plurality of parts is detected, identifies a part whose usage state should be confirmed by referring to the traceability data; a symptom detection unit that detects a symptom of a failure or defect in the identified part by comparing usage history data of the one part with usage history data of the identified part; an output unit that outputs information about the part in which a sign of a failure or defect has been detected; A preventive maintenance device for a power storage facility.

2. the power storage facility includes, as the plurality of components, a plurality of power storage elements and a plurality of circuit boards that monitor or control the states of the plurality of power storage elements; The symptom detection unit uses traceability data and usage history data of one circuit board to detect a symptom of a failure or defect in another circuit board. The preventive maintenance device of claim 1 .

3. The energy storage element is a bank formed by connecting a plurality of energy storage modules in series, each of which is formed by connecting a plurality of energy storage cells, or a domain formed by connecting a plurality of the banks in parallel.

3. The preventive maintenance device of claim 2.

4. the power storage facility further includes a power converter as one of the plurality of components; The sign detection unit uses traceability data and usage history data of one power converter to detect signs of failure or defects in other power converters.

3. The preventive maintenance device of claim 2.

5. the usage history data includes time-series data of electrical values ​​or temperatures measured for the component; The sign detection unit calculates a similarity between the time-series data of the one part and the time-series data of the specified part, and detects a sign of a failure or defect in the specified part based on the level of the calculated similarity. The preventive maintenance device of claim 1 .

6. the usage history data includes time-series data of electrical values ​​or temperatures measured for the component; The sign detection unit calculates a remaining life of the identified part using the time-series data, and detects a sign of a failure or defect in the identified part based on the calculated remaining life. The preventive maintenance device of claim 1 .

7. an acquisition unit that acquires usage history data relating to usage states of a plurality of energy storage elements mounted in the energy storage facility; a sign detection unit that, when detecting deterioration of one of the plurality of storage elements, compares usage history data of the one storage element with usage history data of a storage element whose usage state is to be checked, thereby detecting a sign of deterioration in the storage element whose usage state is to be checked; an output unit that outputs information about the storage element for which a sign of deterioration has been detected; A preventive maintenance device for a power storage facility.

8. Acquire traceability data of a plurality of components constituting the power storage facility and usage history data relating to the usage status of each component after the power storage facility has been put into operation; When a failure or defect of one of the plurality of parts is detected, the traceability data is referenced to identify the part whose usage state should be confirmed; detecting a sign of a failure or defect in the identified part by comparing usage history data of the one part with usage history data of the identified part; Outputting information about the part in which a sign of a failure or defect has been detected A preventive maintenance method for an electricity storage facility in which processing is carried out by a computer.

9. Acquire traceability data of a plurality of components constituting the power storage facility and usage history data relating to the usage status of each component after the power storage facility has been put into operation; When a failure or defect of one of the plurality of parts is detected, the traceability data is referenced to identify the part whose usage state should be confirmed; detecting a sign of a failure or defect in the identified part by comparing usage history data of the one part with usage history data of the identified part; Outputting information about the part in which a sign of a failure or defect has been detected A computer program that causes a computer to execute a process.

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