Power supply apparatus, method for controlling power supply apparatus, program, and recording medium

Abstract

To provide a power supply apparatus, a method for controlling the power supply apparatus, a program, and a recording medium that can more positively perform equalization of voltages among a plurality of power storage units.SOLUTION: In a power supply apparatus 10 mounted on an electric vehicle 12 and including at least two batteries 18, at least one of the batteries 18 being attachable to and detachable from the power supply apparatus 10 without using a work tool, an ECU 22 determines, for the plurality of batteries 18, at least one of a number of switches 44 to be in a connected state and a number of switches 44 to be in a cut-off state, based on a requested output required by an electric load 26.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power device, a control method for a power device, a program, and a storage medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose power devices including a plurality of power storage devices and an electric load (power consumption unit). Each of the plurality of power storage devices has a power storage unit. The plurality of power storage units are connected in parallel to the electric load. The plurality of power storage units are connected in parallel to the electric load via a plurality of electric transmission paths. Each of the plurality of electric transmission paths is provided with an interrupting unit. Each of the plurality of interrupting units switches the electric transmission path between a disconnected state and a connected state. For each of the plurality of electric transmission paths, when the interrupting unit is in a connected state, the power storage unit and the electric load are electrically connected. For each of the plurality of electric transmission paths, when the interrupting unit is in a disconnected state, the power storage unit and the electric load are electrically disconnected.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, two power storage units with adjacent voltage values ​​are connected to each other by switching an interrupter connected to the two power storage units to a connected state. In Patent Document 2, when the voltage difference between the multiple power storage units exceeds a voltage threshold, the interrupter connected to the power storage unit is maintained in a disconnected state, thereby prohibiting the connection of the multiple power storage units. In this way, Patent Documents 1 and 2 can reduce the potential difference between the multiple power storage units and evenly discharge the multiple power storage units. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 132421 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2021 / 132420 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is desirable to be able to more actively equalize the voltages among a plurality of power storage units.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a power device comprising at least two plurality of power storage devices and a power consumption unit electrically connected to the plurality of power storage devices, wherein the plurality of power storage devices are configured in parallel to the power consumption unit and each have a power storage unit, and the power device comprises a plurality of electrical transmission paths connecting each of the plurality of power storage units to the power consumption unit, a plurality of interrupting units provided in each of the plurality of electrical transmission paths and switching the electrical transmission paths between a disconnected state and a connected state, and a control unit controlling the plurality of interrupting units, and the control unit determines at least one of the number of the plurality of interrupting units to be in the connected state and the number of the plurality of interrupting units to be in the disconnected state based on a required power correlation value required by the power consumption unit.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a control method for a power device comprising a power consumption unit and a plurality of power storage devices configured in parallel with the power consumption unit and each electrically connected to the power consumption unit so as to be switchable between a disconnected state and a connected state, the control method comprising the steps of: acquiring a required power correlation value required by the power consumption unit; and determining, based on the required power correlation value, at least one of the number of the plurality of power storage devices to be set to the connected state and the number of the plurality of power storage devices to be set to the disconnected state.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the control method for a power device according to the second aspect.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a storage medium that stores the program according to the third aspect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the number of power storage devices to be connected and the number of power storage devices to be disconnected are determined based on the required power correlation value required by the power consumption unit. The control unit controls the multiple disconnection units based on the determined number of power storage devices. This makes it possible to more actively equalize the voltages among the multiple power storage units. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electric vehicle to which the power device according to this embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the ECU of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a portion of the power device of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the states of a plurality of batteries. [Figure 5] FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing the evaluation items and evaluation scores for a battery, and FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram showing the evaluation scores and discharge priorities of a plurality of batteries. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are diagrams of the SOC table. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are diagrams of the SOH table. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are diagrams of temperature tables. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the vehicle speed, the accelerator pedal opening, and the required output. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a torque table. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram of an efficiency table. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the required input power, the number of batteries required, and the upper limit of the total current. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a battery that is switched off. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power device of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing discharge in a comparative example. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing discharge in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] 1 is a circuit diagram of a power device 10 according to this embodiment. The power device 10 is mounted on, for example, an electric vehicle 12. The electric vehicle 12 is a vehicle that travels by rotating wheels 16 (drive targets) driven by a motor 14 (electromechanical conversion unit) described below. Examples of the electric vehicle 12 include various electric vehicles such as an electric unicycle, electric two-wheel vehicle, electric three-wheel vehicle, and electric four-wheel vehicle.

[0014] The power device 10 includes a plurality of batteries 18 (power storage devices), a plurality of slots 20, an ECU 22 (controller, computer), an inverter 24, and a motor 14. The inverter 24 and the motor 14 constitute an electric load 26 (power consumption unit) of the power device 10. The electric vehicle 12 also includes an accelerator pedal 28 (operation unit, operator), an accelerator opening sensor 30, a vehicle speed sensor 32, and a notification unit 34.

[0015] A plurality of batteries 18 are installed in a plurality of slots 20. Each of the plurality of batteries 18 has a connector 36. Each of the plurality of slots 20 has a connector 38. When a battery 18 is installed in a slot 20, the connector 36 of the battery 18 and the connector 38 of the slot 20 are connected. In this case, one of the connectors 36 of the battery 18 and the connector 38 of the slot 20 is a male connector, and the other is a female connector. A male connector is also called a plug. A female connector is also called a receptacle. FIG. 1 illustrates a case in which the connector 36 of the battery 18 is a female connector and the connector 38 of the slot 20 is a male connector. FIG. 1 also illustrates a case in which four batteries 18 are installed in four slots 20.

[0016] The battery 18 is detachable from the slot 20. The battery 18 is a mobile battery that is detachable from the power device 10. The battery 18 is also a rechargeable mobile battery. For example, the battery 18 is preferably a detachable lithium-ion battery pack. The battery 18 may also be fixed to the slot 20.

[0017] The power device 10 may include at least two of the plurality of batteries 18. Of the plurality of batteries 18, at least one battery 18 may be detachable from the power device 10. In this case, it is more preferable that the battery 18 is detachable from the power device 10 without using a separate work tool or the like. The battery 18 is configured to be detachable from the power device 10 without using a work tool or the like. Furthermore, "detachable from the power device 10" includes a case where the battery 18 is attached to the power device 10 and a case where the battery 18 is detached from the power device 10.

[0018] When the battery 18 is installed in the slot 20 and the two connectors 36, 38 are connected, power can be exchanged between the battery 18 and the electrical load 26 via the electrical transmission path 40. More specifically, each of the plurality of batteries 18 has a battery body 42 (power storage unit) and a switch 44 (interrupter).

[0019] The battery body 42 is a battery cell. The battery body 42 is a secondary battery. The switch 44 is an on / off switch. When the battery 18 is installed in the slot 20 and the two connectors 36, 38 are connected, the battery body 42 and the electrical load 26 are electrically connected via the electrical transmission path 40.

[0020] The electrical transmission path 40 is an electric power transmission path that includes wiring inside the battery 18 and wiring between the connector 38 of the slot 20 and the electrical load 26. The electrical transmission path 40 has a positive electrode line 46 and a negative electrode line 48. The positive electrode terminal of the battery body 42 is connected to the positive electrode line 46. The switch 44 is disposed on the positive electrode line 46. When the switch 44 is on, the positive electrode terminal of the battery 18 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the electrical load 26 via the positive electrode line 46. The negative electrode terminal of the battery 18 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the electrical load 26 via the negative electrode line 48. Therefore, the two connectors 36, 38 are disposed on the electrical transmission path 40.

[0021] When the switch 44 is turned on, the electrical transmission path 40 is brought into a connected state in which the battery main body 42 and the electrical load 26 are electrically connected. When the switch 44 is turned off, the electrical transmission path 40 is brought into a disconnected state in which the electrical connection between the battery main body 42 and the electrical load 26 is disconnected.

[0022] When batteries 18 are installed in two or more of the slots 20, the two or more batteries 18 are electrically connected in parallel to the electrical load .

[0023] The electric load 26 operates on electric power (DC power) supplied from the battery 18 via an electric transmission path 40. More specifically, the electric load 26 is composed of an inverter 24 and a motor 14. In the electric load 26, the inverter 24 and the motor 14 are connected in turn to the battery 18.

[0024] The inverter 24 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 18 into AC power. The motor 14 is driven by the AC power supplied from the inverter 24.

[0025] The wheels 16 are connected to the output shaft 50 of the motor 14. When the motor 14 is driven, the driving force (power) of the motor 14 is transmitted to the wheels 16 via the output shaft 50. The wheels 16 are rotated by the driving force transmitted from the motor 14, causing the electric vehicle 12 to travel.

[0026] Therefore, the power device 10 functions as a power supply device that supplies (discharges) power from the battery 18 to the electric load 26. The electric load 26 and the wheels 16 constitute a load 52 for the power device 10.

[0027] When the electric vehicle 12 decelerates, the motor 14 functions as a generator and performs a regenerative operation. In this case, the motor 14 generates AC power. The inverter 24 converts the AC power into DC power. The converted DC power is charged into the battery 18. Therefore, when the electric vehicle 12 decelerates, the power device 10 functions as a charging device that charges the battery 18.

[0028] The ECU 22 is a computer including a processor and the like. The ECU 22 controls each part of the power device 10, including the plurality of batteries 18 installed in the plurality of slots 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the ECU 22 has a communication unit 60, a calculation unit 62, and a memory 64. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ECU 22, the plurality of batteries 18, and the electric load 26 are connected via a communication line 66, such as a CAN communication line. The ECU 22 can transmit and receive signals or information to and from the plurality of batteries 18 and the electric load 26 via the communication line 66.

[0029] The calculation unit 62 may be configured with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). That is, the calculation unit 62 may be configured with processing circuitry. The calculation unit 62 reads and executes programs stored in the memory 64 to realize the functions of a control processing unit 70, a recognition unit 72, an evaluation unit 74, a required output determination unit 76, a required input determination unit 78, and a required battery number calculation unit 80. The functions of each unit of the calculation unit 62 will be described later.

[0030] At least a portion of the control processing unit 70, the recognition unit 72, the evaluation unit 74, the required output determiner 76, the required input determiner 78, and the required battery number calculation unit 80 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Also, at least a portion of the control processing unit 70, the recognition unit 72, the evaluation unit 74, the required output determiner 76, the required input determiner 78, and the required battery number calculation unit 80 may be configured by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0031] The memory 64 may be composed of a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). Examples of the volatile memory include RAM (Random Access Memory). The volatile memory is used as a working memory for the processor and temporarily stores data necessary for processing or calculation. Examples of the non-volatile memory include ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory. The non-volatile memory is used as a storage memory and stores programs, tables, maps, etc. At least a portion of the memory 64 may be provided in the processor, integrated circuit, etc. described above.

[0032] The memory 64 stores an SOC table 82, an SOH table 84, a temperature table 86, a torque table 88, and an efficiency table 90. These tables will be described in detail later.

[0033] The communication unit 60 transmits and receives signals or information to and from the plurality of batteries 18 and the electrical load 26 via the communication line 66. For example, the communication unit 60 acquires various pieces of information related to the batteries 18 from the plurality of batteries 18 installed in the plurality of slots 20. The communication unit 60 acquires various pieces of information related to the electrical load 26 from the electrical load 26.

[0034] The driver (user) of the electric vehicle 12 depresses the accelerator pedal 28 to instruct the electric vehicle 12 to accelerate. The accelerator opening sensor 30 detects the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal 28 by the driver (operation amount, opening degree Th) and outputs the detection result to the ECU 22. The notification unit 34 notifies various types of information to the outside based on instructions from the ECU 22. The notification unit 34 is, for example, a display or indicator provided on the electric vehicle 12. The vehicle speed sensor 32 successively detects the vehicle speed of the electric vehicle 12 and outputs the detection result to the ECU 22.

[0035] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the multiple batteries 18. The multiple batteries 18 have the same configuration. Fig. 3 shows only one battery 18. Fig. 3 also shows a simplified view of the components of the power device 10 other than the battery 18. Each of the multiple batteries 18 has a battery main body 42, a switch 44, a battery management system (BMU) 92, a resistor 94, a temperature sensor 96, and a communication unit 98.

[0036] The battery body 42 is composed of a plurality of cells connected in series. The positive electrode of the battery body 42 is electrically connected to the positive electrode line 46 of the electrical transmission path 40 via a switch 44. The negative electrode of the battery body 42 is electrically connected to the negative electrode line 48 of the electrical transmission path 40 via a resistor 94.

[0037] The switch 44 is a switching element such as a semiconductor switch.

[0038] The communication unit 98 transmits and receives signals or information to and from the ECU 22 via the communication line 66 .

[0039] The BMU 92 is a computer such as a processor. The BMU 92 realizes various functions by reading and executing programs stored in a memory (not shown). That is, the BMU 92 turns the switch 44 on and off under control of the ECU 22. The BMU 92 monitors the battery 42, etc.

[0040] Specifically, the BMU 92 turns on the switch 44 based on a control signal received by the communication unit 98 from the ECU 22 via the communication line 66. This electrically connects the battery 42 and the electrical load 26. The BMU 92 sequentially detects the voltage value across the resistor 94. The BMU 92 sequentially calculates the current value of the current flowing through the battery 42 based on the detected voltage value and the resistance value of the resistor 94. The BMU 92 sequentially detects the voltage value of the battery 42. The BMU 92 calculates the direct current resistance (DCR) of the battery 42 based on the calculated current value, the detected voltage value, and the resistance value of the resistor 94. The BMU 92 sequentially calculates the SOC (storage capacity) of the battery 42 based on the detected voltage value and the calculated current value. The BMU 92 sequentially calculates the SOH (level of deterioration) of the battery main body 42 based on the calculated SOC and the SOC at the start of use of the battery 18 (initial value of SOC). The BMU 92 sequentially acquires the temperature of the battery main body 42 detected by a temperature sensor 96 such as a thermistor.

[0041] The BMU 92 sequentially transmits various pieces of information, including voltage, current, DCR, SOC, SOH, and temperature, from the communication unit 98 to the ECU 22 via the communication line 66. Therefore, the ECU 22 sequentially acquires the above pieces of information and executes various processes based on the acquired pieces of information. Note that in the following description, for convenience, the SOC, SOH, and temperature of the battery main body 42 may be referred to as the SOC, SOH, and temperature of the battery 18.

[0042] Next, the function of each part of the calculation part 62 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0043] The control processing unit 70 controls the switches 44 of the plurality of batteries 18 and the electric loads 26 based on the processing results of each unit of the calculation unit 62.

[0044] The recognition unit 72 recognizes the states of the plurality of batteries 18 based on each piece of information acquired from the plurality of batteries 18. In detail, the recognition unit 72 recognizes the voltage (potential), DCR, temperature, SOC, and SOH of the plurality of batteries 18 installed in the plurality of slots 20.

[0045] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the recognition result of the recognition unit 72. FIG. 4 schematically shows the shapes of the multiple batteries 18. Multiple bars are arranged vertically at intervals inside the multiple batteries 18. The multiple bars schematically show the SOC of the batteries 18. The more black bars there are, the higher the SOC. FIG. 4 shows that, of the four batteries 18, three batteries 18 have relatively high SOCs, and the battery 18 on the right has a relatively low SOC.

[0046] The DCR, SOH, temperature, and voltage are shown around the multiple batteries 18. The DCR is shown to be relatively high or relatively low. The SOH is shown to be near end of life (EOL) or just after start of life (BOL). The voltage is shown to be relatively high or relatively low.

[0047] Furthermore, the recognition unit 72 identifies batteries 18 for which the switch 44 can be turned on, based on the recognition result and taking into consideration the current state of the batteries 18. The recognition unit 72 determines, for example, whether the potential difference between the multiple batteries 18 is within a predetermined potential difference range. The recognition unit 72 identifies a combination of batteries 18 for which the potential difference falls within the potential difference range as batteries 18 for which the switch 44 can be turned on.

[0048] Based on the processing result of the recognition unit 72, the evaluation unit 74 evaluates the discharge order (discharge order) of the multiple batteries 18 connected in parallel to the electric load 26. That is, the evaluation unit 74 determines the discharge priority (priority order) for the multiple batteries 18. Specifically, the evaluation unit 74 evaluates the discharge order (priority order) of the multiple batteries 18 using three parameters, namely, SOC, SOH, and temperature, which are state quantities of the batteries 18. These state quantities are state quantities of different dimensions. The evaluation unit 74 evaluates the discharge order of the multiple batteries 18 by referring to the SOC table 82, the SOH table 84, and the temperature table 86.

[0049] Specifically, the evaluation unit 74 evaluates, by scores (evaluation scores), the magnitude of the SOC, the magnitude of the SOH, and the temperature for each of the plurality of batteries 18. In Fig. 5A, it is shown that the magnitude of the SOC, the magnitude of the SOH, and the temperature are evaluated by scores ranging from 0 to 10.

[0050] In FIG. 5A, the SOC is assigned a score of 0 when the battery 18 is out of charge (SOC=0%) and a score of 10 when the battery 18 is fully charged (SOC=100%). FIGS. 6A and 6B show an example of an SOC table 82. In the SOC table 82, scores ranging from 0 to 10 are assigned for SOCs ranging from 0% to 100%. The evaluation unit 74 refers to the SOC table 82 for each of the multiple batteries 18 and evaluates the score corresponding to the SOC of that battery 18.

[0051] That is, the SOC of the battery 18 decreases when the battery 18 is discharged. By discharging the battery 18 with the highest SOC first, it is possible to reduce the potential difference and SOC difference between the multiple batteries 18. Therefore, the evaluation unit 74 assigns a higher score to the battery with the highest SOC.

[0052] In Fig. 5A, the SOH is assigned a score of 0 when the battery 18 is new (BOL) and a score of 10 when the battery 18 is deteriorated (EOL). Figs. 7A and 7B show an example of an SOH table 84. In the SOH table 84, scores ranging from 10 to 0 are assigned to SOH values ​​within a range of 0% to 100%. The evaluation unit 74 refers to the SOH table 84 for each of the multiple batteries 18 and evaluates the score corresponding to the SOH of that battery 18.

[0053] That is, the lower the SOH of the battery 18, the closer it is to its expiration date (replacement time). Therefore, in order to replace the batteries 18 in order starting with the battery 18 closest to its expiration date, the evaluation unit 74 assigns a higher score to the battery 18 with a lower SOH. As a result, when a manufacturer of the battery 18 has a stock of batteries 18 or when the number of batteries 18 produced is large, for example, it is possible to encourage replacement of the batteries 18 by setting the SOH score as described above.

[0054] Regarding the evaluation of the SOH, a new battery 18 (BOL) may be given 10 points, and a deteriorated battery 18 (EOL) may be given 0 points.

[0055] In Fig. 5A, a high temperature of the battery 18 is assigned a score of 0, and a low temperature is assigned a score of 10. Figs. 8A and 8B show an example of a temperature table 86. In the temperature table 86, scores ranging from 10 to 0 are assigned to temperatures within a range of -30°C to 70°C. The evaluation unit 74 refers to the temperature table 86 for each of the plurality of batteries 18 to evaluate the score corresponding to the temperature of the battery 18.

[0056] That is, the battery 18 needs to be used less at relatively high temperatures. Therefore, the evaluation unit 74 evaluates with higher scores as the temperature is lower.

[0057] The evaluation unit 74 calculates the total evaluation score of the SOC, SOH, and temperature of each of the plurality of batteries 18. The evaluation unit 74 increases the priority as the battery 18 has a higher total score. That is, the evaluation unit 74 assigns priority levels in order from the battery 18 with the highest total score. The evaluation results are illustrated in FIG. 5B. In FIG. 5B, the batteries 18 on the left are evaluated as 30 points, 29 points, 28 points, and 5 points in order. Therefore, the evaluation unit 74 evaluates the battery 18 with 30 points as the first priority, and the battery 18 with 29 points as the second priority. Further, the evaluation unit 74 evaluates the battery 18 with 28 points as the third priority, and the battery 18 with 5 points as the fourth priority.

[0058] The SOC tables 82 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B are appropriately changed in the slope of FIG. 6B and the scores in FIGS. 6A and 6B according to the resistance value of the electric transmission path 40. The resistance value of the electric transmission path 40 includes the resistance values of the positive electrode line 46 and the negative electrode line 48, the DCR, and the resistance value of the resistor 94. The SOH tables 84 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B may be appropriately changed in the slope of FIG. 7B and the scores in FIGS. 7A and 7B according to the constituent materials of the battery body 42. The temperature tables 86 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B may be appropriately changed in the slope of FIG. 8B and the scores in FIGS. 8A and 8B according to the constituent materials of the battery body 42.

[0059] The required output determination unit 76 specifies required output power, which is power corresponding to the driving force (required output power) required for the motor 14 to rotationally drive the wheels 16, based on the operation amount of the accelerator pedal 28 (the opening Th of the accelerator pedal 28) and the vehicle speed of the electric vehicle 12. FIG. 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the vehicle speed, the opening Th (Th1 to Th4), and the required output (required output power or required output power). In FIG. 9, Th1 < Th2 < Th3 < Th4. That is, at the same vehicle speed, the required output increases as the opening Th of the accelerator pedal 28 increases.

[0060] The required input determination unit 78 refers to the torque table 88 and the efficiency table 90 to calculate the required input power, which is the power that the electric load 26 requests from the plurality of batteries 18 .

[0061] FIG. 10 shows a torque table 88. The torque table 88 is a table showing the relationship between the torque (driving force) of the output shaft 50 of the motor 14, the opening degree Th of the accelerator pedal 28, and the rotation speed of the motor 14. The torque is a torque corresponding to the required output power or the required output power. The rotation speed of the motor 14 is a rotation speed corresponding to the vehicle speed. In FIG. 10, the darker the hatching, the greater the torque. The required input determination unit 78 refers to the torque table 88 in FIG. 10 to identify the torque corresponding to the opening degree Th of the accelerator pedal 28 and the rotation speed of the motor 14 corresponding to the vehicle speed.

[0062] FIG. 11 shows an efficiency table 90. The efficiency table 90 is a table showing the relationship between the torque of the motor 14, the rotation speed of the motor 14, and the efficiency between the electric load 26 and the wheels 16. The efficiency between the electric load 26 and the wheels 16 is, more specifically, the efficiency between the output shaft 50 of the motor 14 and the wheels 16. In other words, this efficiency is the efficiency according to the loss from the electric load 26 to the wheels 16. That is, the efficiency table 90 is a table that takes into account the loss between the electric load 26 and the wheels 16. In FIG. 11, the darker the hatching, the higher the efficiency. The request input determination unit 78 refers to the efficiency table 90 in FIG. 11 to identify the efficiency corresponding to the torque of the motor 14 and the rotation speed of the motor 14.

[0063] The required input determination unit 78 calculates the required input power by multiplying the required output power by the efficiency (required input power=required output power×efficiency).

[0064] Based on the required input power, the required battery number calculation unit 80 calculates the required input current, which is the total value of the current flowing from the multiple batteries 18 to the electric load 26 ((required input current) = (required input power) / (voltage value on the input side of the electric load 26)). In other words, the required input current is the total value of the input current flowing from the multiple batteries 18 to the electric load 26. Based on the calculated required input current, the required battery number calculation unit 80 determines the number of batteries 18 to be connected so that the total value of the current flowing from the connected batteries 18 (total current) is equal to or less than the current threshold value.

[0065] FIG. 12 shows an example of the required input power, the number of required batteries, and the current threshold value which is the upper limit of the total current.

[0066] For example, if the required input power is less than 2.5 kW, the current threshold is set to 49.7 A. In this case, the required number of batteries is 1. That is, if the required input power is less than 2.5 kW, one connected battery 18 is sufficient, and the current flowing from the battery 18 to the electrical load 26 is kept to 49.7 A or less.

[0067] When the required input power is equal to or greater than 2.5 kW and less than 5 kW, the current threshold is set to 99.5 A. In this case, the required number of batteries is two. That is, when the required input power is equal to or greater than 2.5 kW and less than 5 kW, two connected batteries 18 are sufficient, and the current flowing from each battery 18 to the electrical load 26 is kept to 49.75 A (99.5 / 2=49.75 A) or less.

[0068] When the required input power is equal to or greater than 5 kW and less than 7.5 kW, the current threshold is set to 149.2 A. In this case, the required number of batteries is three. That is, when the required input power is equal to or greater than 5 kW and less than 7.5 kW, three connected batteries 18 are sufficient, and the current flowing from each battery 18 to the electrical load 26 is kept to 49.73 A (149.2 / 3=49.73 A) or less.

[0069] When the required input power is equal to or greater than 7.5 kW and less than 10 kW, the current threshold is set to 198.9 A. In this case, the required number of batteries is four. That is, when the required input power is equal to or greater than 7.5 kW and less than 10 kW, four connected batteries 18 is sufficient, and the current flowing from each battery 18 to the electrical load 26 is kept to 49.725 A (198.9 / 4=49.725 A) or less.

[0070] Fig. 13 shows the processing results of required battery number calculation unit 80. Fig. 13 shows the calculation results when the required input power is 7 kW and the required number of batteries is three. In this case, required battery number calculation unit 80 determines to turn off the switch 44 of the right-side battery 18, which has the fourth highest priority. That is, even if recognition unit 72 recognizes that the switches 44 of four batteries 18 can be turned on, operation unit 62 ultimately determines to turn on three batteries 18 in relation to the required number of batteries.

[0071] The control processing unit 70 receives the processing result of the required battery number calculation unit 80 and controls the on / off of the switches 44 of the multiple batteries 18. That is, the control processing unit 70 controls the multiple batteries 18 so as to turn off the switch 44 of the battery 18 on the right side in Fig. 13 and turn on the switches 44 of the remaining batteries 18 in Fig. 13.

[0072] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power device 10. Fig. 14 is a flowchart mainly showing the operation of the calculation unit 62 (see Fig. 2). The operation of Fig. 14 is performed, for example, while the electric vehicle 12 is traveling.

[0073] In step S1, the calculation unit 62 acquires various information such as SOC, SOH, and temperature from the plurality of batteries 18 (see FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0074] In step S2, the calculation unit 62 determines whether or not to end the process.

[0075] If the process does not end (step S2: NO), the calculation unit 62 proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the recognition unit 72 recognizes the combination of the plurality of batteries 18 based on the information (SOC, SOH, temperature) acquired from the plurality of batteries 18.

[0076] In step S4, the evaluation unit 74 evaluates the discharge ranking of the plurality of batteries 18 based on the information (SOC, SOH, temperature) acquired from the plurality of batteries 18.

[0077] In step S5, the calculation unit 62 acquires the opening degree Th of the accelerator pedal 28 and the vehicle speed.

[0078] In step S6, the required output determining unit 76 determines the required output (required output power or required output power) based on the opening degree Th of the accelerator pedal 28 and the vehicle speed.

[0079] In step S7, the required input determining unit 78 determines the required input power based on the required output and the like.

[0080] In step S8, the required number of batteries calculation unit 80 calculates the required number of batteries based on the required input power.

[0081] In step S9, the control processing unit 70 controls the on / off of the switches 44 of the plurality of batteries 18 based on the processing result of the required battery number calculation unit 80.

[0082] Thereafter, the calculation unit 62 returns to step S1 and repeats the processes of steps S1 to S9.

[0083] In step S2, if the calculation unit 62 determines that the process should be ended (step S2: YES), the calculation unit 62 ends the process.

[0084] 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the comparative example. In the comparative example, control based on the required number of batteries is not performed. Therefore, when the switches 44 of four batteries 18 with large potential differences are turned on, there is a possibility that the battery 18 with a relatively low SOC may be overcharged.

[0085] 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of this embodiment. In this embodiment, control is performed based on the required number of batteries, so the switch 44 of the battery 18 with a relatively low SOC is turned off. This makes it possible to prevent the battery 18 with a relatively low SOC from being overcharged.

[0086] The power device 10 according to this embodiment can also employ the following configuration.

[0087] The power device 10 is not limited to being mounted on an electric vehicle 12. The power device 10 is applicable to various devices that supply power to an electric load 26 and the electric load 26 consumes the power.

[0088] The power device 10 is not limited to determining the number of required batteries. The power device 10 may also determine the number of batteries 18 for which the switches 44 are to be turned off (the number of unnecessary batteries). Even in this case, the switches 44 of the multiple batteries 18 can be turned on and off based on the number of unnecessary batteries. Alternatively, the power device 10 may turn on and off the switches 44 of the multiple batteries 18 based on the number of required batteries and the number of unnecessary batteries.

[0089] The power device 10 is not limited to determining the priority order (priority) of the batteries 18 to be connected. The power device 10 may also determine the subordinate order (degree of subordinateness) of the batteries 18 to be connected. This allows the power device 10 to connect the batteries 18 in order from the lowest subordinate order. Alternatively, the power device 10 may determine the priority order (priority) or subordinate order (degree of subordinateness) of the batteries 18 to be cut off. Even in this case, the power device 10 can cut off the batteries 18 in order from the highest priority battery 18 or the lowest subordinate battery 18.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the case has been described in which the ECU 22 acquires three parameters, namely, the SOC, SOH, and temperature, of the battery 18 and evaluates the acquired three parameters. In the present embodiment, the ECU 22 may acquire three parameters, namely, the SOC, SOH, and temperature, and evaluate two or more of the acquired three parameters. Alternatively, the ECU 22 may acquire two or more parameters, namely, the SOC, SOH, and temperature, of the battery 18, and evaluate the acquired two or more parameters.

[0091] The power device 10 may add a state quantity of the battery 18 other than the SOC, SOH, and temperature of the battery 18 to the evaluation items. Alternatively, the power device 10 may control the on / off of the switches 44 of the multiple batteries 18 based on a state quantity of the battery 18 other than the SOC, SOH, and temperature.

[0092] In this embodiment, the required output is determined based on the opening degree of the accelerator pedal 28 provided on the electric vehicle 12. In this embodiment, the electric vehicle 12 may also be provided with an accelerator lever or an accelerator grip. In this case, the required output can also be determined based on the operation amount (opening degree) of the accelerator lever or accelerator grip.

[0093] The power device 10 is not limited to turning on and off the switch 44 inside the battery 18. The switch 44 may be provided outside the battery 18 as long as it is disposed on the electrical transmission path 40. Even in this case, the switch 44 can be suitably turned on and off.

[0094] The effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0095] The ECU 22 determines at least one of the number of batteries 18 (switches 44) to be connected and the number of batteries 18 (switches 44) to be disconnected based on the required output power or required input power (required power correlation value) required by the electrical load 26. The ECU 22 controls the multiple switches 44 based on the determined number of batteries 18. This makes it possible to more actively equalize the voltages among the multiple battery bodies 42. Furthermore, it becomes possible to supply power from the multiple batteries 18 to the electrical load 26 without imposing any output restrictions on the required output power or required input power.

[0096] The ECU 22 determines the priority (priority) or subordination (degree of subordination) of the switches 44 to be connected among the multiple switches 44, based on the state quantities (SOC, SOH, temperature) of the multiple batteries 18. Alternatively, the ECU 22 determines the priority (priority) or subordination (degree of subordination) of the switches 44 to be disconnected among the multiple switches 44. This makes it possible to determine the priority in which the switches 44 should be connected or disconnected, based on the states of the multiple batteries 18. This makes it possible to effectively equalize the voltages among the multiple batteries 18.

[0097] The state quantities of the plurality of batteries 18 are a plurality of state quantities of different dimensions, which makes it possible to accurately determine the number of switches 44 to be in the connected state or the disconnected state.

[0098] The ECU 22 converts the multiple state quantities into common evaluation scores (index values) and determines the priority or subordination of the switches 44 to be in the connected state based on the converted evaluation scores. Alternatively, the ECU 22 determines the priority or subordination of the switches 44 to be in the disconnected state based on the evaluation scores. In this way, even if multiple state quantities that are not correlated with each other are converted into a common evaluation score, the priority or subordination of the connected or disconnected states of the multiple switches 44 can be appropriately evaluated.

[0099] The ECU 22 can acquire three parameters, namely, SOC, SOH, and temperature, from the plurality of batteries 18. This allows the ECU 22 to easily determine the priority or subordination order for the connected or disconnected states of the plurality of switches 44 based on any two or more parameters of the acquired SOC, SOH, and temperature. Alternatively, the ECU 22 may acquire any two or more parameters of the SOC, SOH, and temperature from the plurality of batteries 18. This allows the ECU 22 to easily determine the priority or subordination order for the connected or disconnected states of the plurality of switches 44 based on the acquired two or more parameters.

[0100] The higher the SOC, the higher the evaluation score. The lower the SOH, the higher the evaluation score. The lower the temperature, the higher the evaluation score. The ECU 22 sets a higher priority for the switch 44 to be connected or a lower subordinate order for the switch 44 to be connected as the evaluation score increases. Alternatively, the ECU 22 sets a lower priority for the switch 44 to be disconnected or a higher subordinate order for the switch 44 to be disconnected as the evaluation score increases. In this way, the switch 44 of the battery 18 with a relatively high evaluation score can be evaluated as the switch 44 that should be connected. Furthermore, the interruption unit connected to the power storage device with a relatively low index value can be evaluated as the interruption unit that should be disconnected. As a result, it is possible to more appropriately evaluate whether multiple interruption units should be connected or disconnected.

[0101] The ECU 22 determines the required input power, calculates the required input current based on the determined required input power, and determines at least one of the number of switches 44 to be connected and the number of switches 44 to be disconnected based on the calculated required input current so that the current flowing from the connected batteries 18 is equal to or less than the current threshold. This makes it possible to prevent an overcurrent from flowing through some of the batteries 18 and causing the batteries 18 to be overcharged when multiple switches 44 are connected.

[0102] The ECU 22 can accurately determine the required input power by taking into account the loss in the electrical load 26 .

[0103] The ECU 22 can effectively determine whether the switch 44 is in a closed or open state based on the required output power.

[0104] The required output power is power corresponding to the required output power, so the ECU 22 can appropriately control the multiple switches 44 to a connected state or a disconnected state in order to drive the wheels 16 to rotate.

[0105] The required output power is power corresponding to the amount of operation of the accelerator pedal 28 by the driver of the electric vehicle 12. This allows the ECU 22 to effectively control the multiple switches 44 to a connected state or a disconnected state based on the amount of operation of the accelerator pedal 28 by the driver. Furthermore, by controlling the multiple switches 44 to a connected state or a disconnected state and supplying power from the multiple batteries 18 to the electric loads 26, the electric vehicle 12 can be driven in an optimal manner.

[0106] Additionally, in this embodiment, the ECU 22 can effectively determine whether the switch 44 is in a connected or disconnected state based on the required input power.

[0107] Since the multiple switches 44 are disposed inside the multiple batteries 18, it is not necessary to dispose a separate switch outside the battery 18. This reduces the cost of the power device 10. Furthermore, if the switches 44 are semiconductor switches, it is possible to reduce the delay in starting operation that occurs in mechanical relays and contactors. It is also possible to reduce the generation of vibrations, noise, etc. during switching operations.

[0108] In addition to the above disclosure, the following additional notes are disclosed.

[0109] (Appendix 1) A power device (10) comprising at least two of a plurality of power storage devices (18) and a power consumption unit (26) electrically connected to the plurality of power storage devices, wherein the plurality of power storage devices are configured in parallel with the power consumption units and each have a power storage unit (42), and the power device comprises a plurality of electrical transmission paths (40) connecting between each of the plurality of power storage units and the power consumption unit, a plurality of interrupting units (44) provided in each of the plurality of electrical transmission paths and switching the electrical transmission paths between a disconnected state and a connected state, and a control unit (22) controlling the plurality of interrupting units, and the control unit determines at least one of the number of the plurality of interrupting units to be in the connected state and the number of the plurality of interrupting units to be in the disconnected state based on a required power correlation value required by the power consumption units.

[0110] According to the present invention, at least one of the number of power storage devices to be connected and the number of power storage devices to be disconnected is determined based on a required power correlation value required by the power consumption unit. The control unit controls the multiple disconnection units based on the determined number of power storage devices. This makes it possible to more actively equalize voltages among the multiple power storage units. Furthermore, it becomes possible to supply power from the multiple power storage devices to the power consumption unit without limiting the required output.

[0111] (Appendix 2) In the power device described in Appendix 1, the control unit may determine, based on the state quantity of the storage device, the priority or inferiority of the interruption unit among the plurality of interruption units to be set to the connected state, or the priority or inferiority of the interruption unit among the plurality of interruption units to be set to the disconnected state.

[0112] This allows the order in which the interconnection units should be connected or disconnected to be determined based on the states of the plurality of power storage devices, thereby effectively equalizing the voltages among the plurality of power storage units.

[0113] (Appendix 3) In the electric power device according to Supplementary Note 2, the state quantity may include a plurality of state quantities having different dimensions.

[0114] This makes it possible to accurately determine the number of disconnecting parts to be in the connected state or the disconnected state.

[0115] (Appendix 4) In the power device described in Appendix 3, the control unit may convert the plurality of state quantities into common index values, and based on the converted index values, determine the priority or the degree of inferiority of the interruption unit among the plurality of interruption units to be in the connected state, or the priority or the degree of inferiority of the interruption unit among the plurality of interruption units to be in the disconnected state.

[0116] This makes it possible to appropriately evaluate the priority or inferiority of the connected or disconnected states of multiple disconnecting parts by converting multiple state quantities that are not correlated with each other into a common index value.

[0117] (Appendix 5) In the power device according to Supplementary Note 4, the plurality of state quantities may be any two or more of the amount of stored power of the power storage unit, the degree of deterioration of the power storage unit, and the temperature of the power storage device.

[0118] This makes it possible to easily determine the priority or inferiority of the connected or disconnected states of the multiple interrupting units based on two or more of the acquired parameters of the power storage amount, the degradation level, and the temperature, by acquiring three parameters of the power storage amount, the degradation level, and the temperature from the multiple power storage devices. Alternatively, it makes it possible to easily determine the priority or inferiority of the connected or disconnected states of the multiple interrupting units based on two or more of the acquired parameters of the power storage amount, the degradation level, and the temperature from the multiple power storage devices.

[0119] (Appendix 6) In the power device described in Supplementary Note 5, the greater the stored power amount, the greater the index value; the smaller the degree of degradation, the greater the index value; the lower the temperature, the greater the index value; and the control unit may set the priority of the interrupted unit to be in the connected state higher or the degree of inferiority of the interrupted unit to be in the connected state lower, or may set the priority of the interrupted unit to be in the disconnected state lower or the degree of inferiority of the interrupted unit to be in the disconnected state higher, as the index value increases.

[0120] This allows the intermittent units connected to the power storage device with a relatively high index value to be evaluated as the intermittent units that should be connected, and the intermittent units connected to the power storage device with a relatively low index value to be evaluated as the intermittent units that should be disconnected. As a result, it is possible to more appropriately evaluate whether multiple intermittent units should be connected or disconnected.

[0121] (Appendix 7) In the power device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, the control unit may determine a required input power, which is the total value of power to be input to the power consumption unit from the multiple power storage devices, based on the required power correlation value, calculate a required input current, which is the total value of current flowing from the multiple power storage devices to the power consumption unit via the multiple electrical transmission paths, based on the determined required input power, and determine at least one of the number of the interruption units to be in the connected state and the number of the interruption units to be in the disconnected state so that the calculated required input current is equal to or less than a current threshold value that is the upper limit of the current flowing through the electrical transmission path in the connected state.

[0122] This makes it possible to prevent an overcurrent from flowing through some of the power storage devices when the plurality of disconnecting parts are in the connected state, and to prevent the power storage devices from being overcharged.

[0123] (Appendix 8) In the power device according to Supplementary Note 7, the control unit may determine the required input power from the required power correlation value, taking into account a loss in the power consumption unit.

[0124] This allows the required input power to be determined with high accuracy.

[0125] (Appendix 9) In the power device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, the power consumption unit may have an electromechanical conversion unit (14) that converts power supplied from the plurality of power storage devices into power, and the required power correlation value may be required output power that is power required for the electromechanical conversion unit to output the power.

[0126] This allows the connection or disconnection of the interconnection part to be effectively determined based on the required output power.

[0127] (Appendix 10) In the power device described in Appendix 9, the electromechanical conversion unit may be capable of driving a driven object (16) by transmitting the power to the driven object, and the required output power may be power corresponding to required output power, which is the power required to drive the driven object.

[0128] This makes it possible to appropriately control the plurality of interrupting parts to be in a connected state or a disconnected state in order to drive the object to be driven.

[0129] (Appendix 11) The electric power device described in Appendix 10 may have an operating unit (28) that can be operated by a user of the electric power device, and the required output power may be the power corresponding to the amount of operation of the operating unit by the user.

[0130] This makes it possible to effectively control the plurality of connecting / disconnecting parts to the connected state or the disconnected state based on the amount of operation of the operating part by the user.

[0131] (Appendix 12) In the electric power device described in Supplementary Note 11, the driven object may be a wheel (16) of a vehicle (12), and the operating unit may be an operating element provided on the vehicle.

[0132] This allows the vehicle to run smoothly by controlling the plurality of disconnecting units to be in a connected state or a disconnected state and supplying power from the plurality of power storage devices to the power consumption units.

[0133] (Appendix 13) In the power device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, the required power correlation value may be required input power, which is a total value of power to be input from a plurality of the power storage devices to the power consumption unit.

[0134] This allows for an effective determination of whether the disconnection is in a connected or disconnected state based on the required input power.

[0135] (Appendix 14) In the power device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 13, the plurality of interrupting units may be disposed inside the plurality of power storage devices.

[0136] This eliminates the need to separately place an interrupter outside the power storage device, which reduces the cost of the power device. Furthermore, if the interrupter is a semiconductor switch, it is possible to reduce the delay in starting operation that occurs with mechanical relays and contactors. It is also possible to reduce the generation of vibrations, noise, etc. during operation.

[0137] (Appendix 15) A control method for a power device comprising a power consumption unit and a plurality of power storage devices configured in parallel with the power consumption unit and each electrically connected to the power consumption unit so as to be switchable between a disconnected state and a connected state, the control method comprising the steps of: acquiring a required power correlation value required by the power consumption unit (S1); and determining, based on the required power correlation value, at least one of the number of the plurality of power storage devices to be in the connected state and the number of the plurality of power storage devices to be in the disconnected state (S8).

[0138] (Appendix 16) A program for causing a computer (22) to execute the control method for the power device described in Supplementary Note 15.

[0139] (Appendix 17) A storage medium (64) that stores the program described in Supplementary Note 16.

[0140] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical expressions are used in the description of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 10…Power equipment 18...Battery (electricity storage device) 22...ECU (control unit, computer) 26...Electric load (power consumption part) 40...Electrical transmission pathway 42...Battery body (power storage unit) 44...Switch (intermittent part) 64...Memory (storage medium)

Claims

1. A power device including at least two power storage devices and a power consumption unit electrically connected to the power storage devices, the plurality of power storage devices are configured in parallel with the power consumption unit, and each includes a power storage unit; The power device is a plurality of electrical transmission paths connecting each of the plurality of power storage units to the power consumption unit; a plurality of interrupting portions provided in the plurality of electrical transmission paths, respectively, for switching the electrical transmission paths between a disconnected state and a connected state; a control unit that controls the plurality of intermittent units; Equipped with The control unit determines at least one of the number of the plurality of interruption units to be set to the connected state and the number of the plurality of interruption units to be set to the disconnected state based on a required power correlation value required by the power consumption unit.

2. 2. The power device according to claim 1, The control unit determines the priority or inferiority of one of the plurality of interruption units to be in the connected state, or the priority or inferiority of one of the plurality of interruption units to be in the disconnected state, based on the state quantity of the storage device.

3. 3. The power device according to claim 2, The state quantity includes a plurality of state quantities having different dimensions.

4. 4. The power device according to claim 3, The control unit converting the plurality of state quantities into a common index value; A power device that determines, based on the converted index values, the priority or the degree of inferiority of one of the plurality of interruption units to be in the connected state, or the priority or the degree of inferiority of one of the plurality of interruption units to be in the disconnected state.

5. 5. The power device according to claim 4, The plurality of state quantities are two or more of a stored amount of the power storage unit, a deterioration level of the power storage unit, and a temperature of the power storage unit.

6. 6. The power device according to claim 5, The larger the stored power amount, the larger the index value. The smaller the degree of deterioration, the larger the index value. The lower the temperature, the larger the index value. The control unit sets the priority of the interrupted unit to be in the connected state higher, or sets the degree of inferiority of the interrupted unit to be in the connected state lower, or sets the priority of the interrupted unit to be in the disconnected state lower, or sets the degree of inferiority of the interrupted unit to be in the disconnected state higher, as the index value becomes larger.

7. The power device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The control unit determining a required input power, which is a total value of power to be input from the plurality of power storage devices to the power consumption unit, based on the required power correlation value; calculating a required input current, which is a total value of currents flowing from the plurality of power storage units to the power consumption units via the plurality of electrical transmission paths, based on the determined required input power; A power device that determines at least one of the number of the interrupting parts to be in the connected state and the number of the interrupting parts to be in the disconnected state so that the calculated required input current is equal to or less than a current threshold that is the upper limit value of the current flowing through the electrical transmission path in the connected state.

8. 8. The power device according to claim 7, The control unit determines the required input power from the required power correlation value in consideration of a loss of the power consumption unit.

9. The power device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the power consumption unit includes an electromechanical conversion unit that converts electric power supplied from the plurality of power storage devices into motive power; The power device, wherein the required power correlation value is a required output power that is power required for the electromechanical transducer to output the power.

10. 10. The power device according to claim 9, the electromechanical transducer is capable of driving a driven object by transmitting the power to the driven object, The power device, wherein the required output power is power corresponding to required output power, which is the power required to drive the driven object.

11. 11. The power device according to claim 10, an operation unit operable by a user of the power device; An electric power device, wherein the required output power is the power according to the amount of operation of the operating unit by the user.

12. 12. The power device according to claim 11, the driven object is a wheel of a vehicle, The power device, wherein the operating unit is an operator provided on the vehicle.

13. The power device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The power device, wherein the required power correlation value is a required input power that is a total value of power to be input from the plurality of power storage devices to the power consumption unit.

14. The power device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The power device, wherein the plurality of interrupting units are arranged inside the plurality of power storage devices.

15. A control method for a power device including a power consumption unit and a plurality of power storage devices configured in parallel with the power consumption unit and each electrically connected to the power consumption unit in a manner switchable between a disconnected state and a connected state, obtaining a required power correlation value required by the power consumption unit; determining, based on the required power correlation value, at least one of the number of the power storage devices to be set to the connected state among the plurality of power storage devices and the number of the power storage devices to be set to the cut-off state among the plurality of power storage devices; A method for controlling a power device, comprising:

16. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling a power device according to claim 15.

17. A storage medium storing the program according to claim 16.

Images