Information processing device, power system, information processing method, program and storage medium

Abstract

To provide an information processing device by which, in a case where an abnormality occurs in a power unit or a battery, input / output of power to / from both the power unit and the battery is avoided, a power system, an information processing method, a program and a storage medium.SOLUTION: In a power system 20, in a case where power correlation values (a DC voltage Vt and a DC current It) of a first power transmission path 134 and power correlation values (a DC voltage Vb and a DC current Ib) of a second power transmission path 146 are deviated by thresholds (a voltage drop threshold Vd and a current difference threshold Id) or more, a housing control board of a control box 48 of a power unit 10 stops or reduces input / output of power to / from the power unit 10 and a battery 18, determines that an abnormality occurs in the power unit 10 or the battery 18, or outputs information indicating the occurrence of the deviation equal to or more than the thresholds.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a power system, an information processing method, a program, and a storage medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery management system (power system) that includes a battery exchange device (first power device), a battery (second power device), and a server. The battery is detachable from the battery exchange device. The battery exchange device acquires information on receivable power, which is power that can be received from the battery, from the server. When a battery is attached to the battery exchange device, the battery exchange device determines whether the battery can be charged based on the receivable power. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-16516 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When an abnormality such as a malfunction or failure occurs in the first power device or the second power device, it is desirable to avoid executing or continuing the input / output of power between the first power device and the second power device. Also, when the first power device or the second power device does not meet predetermined specifications, it is desirable to avoid executing the input / output of power between the first power device and the second power device.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is an information processing device, wherein a first power device has a first electric terminal, a first power transmission path is arranged inside the first power device relative to the first electric terminal, a first detection unit detects a first power correlation value that is a power correlation value of the first power transmission path, a second power device has a second electric terminal attached to the first electric terminal, a second power transmission path is arranged inside the second power device relative to the second electric terminal, a second detection unit detects a second power correlation value that is a power correlation value of the second power transmission path, and performs predetermined processing based on the first power correlation value detected by the first detection unit and the second power correlation value detected by the second detection unit, the receiving unit receives the first power correlation value from the detecting unit and the second power correlation value from the second detecting unit; and when the first power correlation value detected by the first detecting unit and the second power correlation value detected by the second detecting unit deviate by a threshold value or more when power is being input / output between the first power device and the second power device with the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal attached, the responding unit stops or reduces the input / output of power between the first power device and the second power device, determines that an abnormality has occurred in the first power device or the second power device, or outputs information indicating that a deviation of the threshold or more has occurred.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a power system including a first power device, a second power device, and an information processing device, wherein the first power device has a first electrical terminal, a first power transmission path arranged inside the first power device relative to the first electrical terminal, and a first detection unit that detects a first power correlation value that is a power correlation value of the first power transmission path, the second power device has a second electrical terminal that is attachable to the first electrical terminal, a second power transmission path arranged inside the second power device relative to the second electrical terminal, and a second detection unit that detects a second power correlation value that is a power correlation value of the second power transmission path, and the information processing device detects the first power device from the first detection unit. the receiving unit receives the correlation value and also receives the second power correlation value from the second detecting unit; and when the first power correlation value detected by the first detecting unit and the second power correlation value detected by the second detecting unit deviate by a threshold value or more when power is being input / output between the first power device and the second power device with the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal attached, the responding unit stops or reduces the input / output of power between the first power device and the second power device, determines that an abnormality has occurred in the first power device or the second power device, or outputs information indicating that a deviation of the threshold value or more has occurred.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is an information processing method for a system including a first electric power device having a first electric terminal and a first power transmission path on the inner side of the first electric terminal, and a second electric power device having a second electric terminal attachable to the first electric terminal and a second power transmission path on the inner side of the second electric terminal, the information processing method including: when inputting and outputting power between the first electric power device and the second electric power device in a state where the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal are attached, calculating a first power correlation value which is a power correlation value at a first position in the first power transmission path and a second power correlation value which is a power correlation value at a second position in the first power transmission path; the step of detecting a second power correlation value which is a power correlation value at a second position in a force transmission path; the step of determining whether the first power correlation value and the second power correlation value have deviated by a threshold value or more; and the step of taking action, when it is determined that the first power correlation value and the second power correlation value have deviated by the threshold value or more, by stopping or reducing the input / output of the power between the first power device and the second power device, determining that an abnormality has occurred in the first power device or the second power device, or outputting information indicating that a deviation of the threshold value or more has occurred.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method of the third aspect.

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

[0011] According to the present invention, when an abnormality such as a malfunction or failure occurs in the first power device or the second power device, it is possible to prevent the execution or continuation of power input / output between the first power device and the second power device. Also, when the first power device or the second power device does not satisfy predetermined specifications, it is possible to prevent the execution of power input / output between the first power device and the second power device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a front view of the power device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the power device with the front wall of the housing of FIG. 1 removed. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a circuit configuration diagram of the power system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a circuit configuration diagram of a part of the power system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the upper and lower detection limits of DC current. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the upper and lower detection limits of DC voltage. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the changes over time of the DC voltage and the DC current. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the details of the process in step S3 of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view of a power device 10 (first power device, charging device) according to this embodiment.

[0014] The power device 10 is installed outdoors, for example. The power device 10 has a housing 12. The housing 12 is generally rectangular in shape. The housing 12 has a plurality of slots 14. Each of the plurality of slots 14 opens to a front surface 16 of the housing 12. In the following explanation, when viewed from the front of FIG. 1 , the direction from the front surface 16 of the housing 12 to the front of the paper is defined as the front (forward direction), and the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions will be explained.

[0015] Batteries 18 (second power devices, power storage devices) can be attached to and detached from the plurality of slots 14. A user can attach and detach batteries 18 to and from the plurality of slots 14. The power devices 10 and batteries 18 constitute a power system 20.

[0016] It is sufficient that at least one battery 18 is attached to the housing 12. If the housing 12 can accommodate multiple batteries 18, it is sufficient that at least one of the multiple batteries 18 is attachable to and detachable from the housing 12. It is more preferable that the battery 18 is attachable to and detachable from the housing 12 without using a separate work tool or the like. In other words, the battery 18 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the housing 12 without using a work tool or the like. Furthermore, "attachable to and detachable from the housing 12 (power device 10)" includes the case where the battery 18 is attached to the housing 12 and the case where the battery 18 is detached from the housing 12. In the following explanation, a case where multiple batteries 18 are attachable to and detachable from the housing 12 will be explained.

[0017] The battery 18 is a mobile battery that is detachable from the housing 12. The shape of the battery 18 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The battery 18 is a mobile battery that can be charged and discharged. For example, the battery 18 is preferably a battery pack of a detachable lithium-ion battery.

[0018] An operation panel 22 is provided on the front surface 16 of the housing 12 above the multiple slots 14. The operation panel 22 is, for example, a touch panel. The operation panel 22 can display various information such as the remaining capacity of the battery 18. The user can operate the operation panel 22 to input various instructions.

[0019] An air intake 24 is provided on the front surface 16 of the housing 12 above the plurality of slots 14. The air intake 24 draws outside air into the housing 12.

[0020] The housing 12 is provided with four slots 14 in the vertical direction. In addition, the housing 12 is provided with three slots 14 in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the housing 12 is provided with a total of 12 slots 14. In this embodiment, batteries 18 do not have to be installed in all 12 slots 14. FIG. 1 illustrates a case where batteries 18 are installed in 10 of the 12 slots 14. In this embodiment, batteries 18 may be installed in all slots 14.

[0021] 2 is a front view of the power device 10 with the front wall 26 (see FIG. 1) of the front surface 16 of the housing 12 removed. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the power device 10 taken along line III-III in FIG.

[0022] The interior of the housing 12 is divided into two chambers by a horizontally extending partition plate 28. Within the interior of the housing 12, the chamber above the partition plate 28 is a first chamber 30. The chamber below the partition plate 28 is a second chamber 32. An opening / closing door 34 is provided at the rear of the housing 12. When a user opens the opening / closing door 34, the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 32 are exposed to the outside. An exhaust port 36 is formed in the part of the opening / closing door 34 facing the first chamber 30.

[0023] The first chamber 30 is provided with a breaker 38, an AC / DC converter 40, multiple power converters 42, a DC / DC converter 44, a power supply unit 46, a control box 48 (information processing device), and multiple fans 50. When the multiple fans 50 are driven, an airflow is generated inside the first chamber 30. That is, air (outside air) is taken into the first chamber 30 from the outside of the housing 12 through the air intake 24. The taken-in air flows from the front to the rear inside the first chamber 30, as shown by the arrows. The air that flows rearward is exhausted from the multiple fans 50 to the outside of the housing 12 through the exhaust vent 36.

[0024] A plurality of slots 14 are arranged in the second chamber 32. Each of the plurality of slots 14 extends obliquely downward from the front face 16 of the housing 12 toward the rear. A fan 52 and a slot substrate 54 are arranged at the rear of each of the plurality of slots 14.

[0025] The fan 52 generates an airflow inside the slot 14, thereby promoting the flow of air inside and outside the slot 14. When the fan 52 is driven, air is drawn into the slot 14 via the fan 52, as indicated by the arrows. The drawn-in air flows forward from the rear of the slot 14. The air that flows forward is exhausted to the outside of the housing 12 through the opening of the slot 14.

[0026] The slot substrate 54 controls the driving of the fan 52. Note that a plurality of slot substrates 54 may be arranged in the first chamber 30.

[0027] A bottom plate 56 is disposed below the second chamber 32. A frame 58 is disposed in the second chamber 32 between the partition plate 28 and the bottom plate 56. The frame 58 has a plurality of support columns 60 and a plurality of trays 62. The plurality of support columns 60 are disposed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 56 at intervals in the horizontal direction (front-rear and left-right directions). The plurality of support columns 60 extend in the vertical direction. The plurality of trays 62 are fixed to the plurality of support columns 60 at intervals in the vertical direction. In FIG. 2, five trays 62 are fixed to the plurality of support columns 60.

[0028] Storage spaces are formed between the support columns 60 and the trays 62, in which the slots 14 can be placed. Each of the slots 14 is placed in one of the storage spaces. Each of the slots 14 is placed on the upper surface of one of the trays 62 so as to fit into one of the storage spaces. Note that FIG. 2 illustrates a case in which 12 storage spaces are formed and a slot 14 is placed in each of the 12 storage spaces.

[0029] 3, a cooler 64 is provided in a portion of the door 34 facing the second chamber 32. The cooler 64 has a case 66, two fans 68 and 70, and a heat exchanger 72.

[0030] The case 66 is arranged so as to sandwich the opening and closing door 34. The interior of the case 66 is divided into two internal spaces (an internal space 74 on the second chamber 32 side, and an internal space 76 on the outside of the housing 12). Two fans 68, 70 and a heat exchanger 72 are housed inside the case 66. The heat exchanger 72 extends in the vertical direction. The fan 68 is disposed in the internal space 74 on the second chamber 32 side of the case 66. The fan 68 is disposed below the heat exchanger 72. The fan 70 is disposed in the internal space 76 on the outside of the housing 12 of the case 66. The fan 70 is disposed above the heat exchanger 72.

[0031] An intake port 78 and an exhaust port 80 are formed in the case 66 in the portion of the second chamber 32. The intake port 78 and the exhaust port 80 are formed with a gap between them in the vertical direction. The intake port 78 is formed in the case 66 so as to face the upper part of the heat exchanger 72. The exhaust port 80 is formed in the case 66 so as to face the fan 68.

[0032] An intake port 82 and an exhaust port 84 are formed in the case 66 in a portion outside the housing 12. The intake port 82 and the exhaust port 84 are formed with a gap between them in the vertical direction. The intake port 82 is formed in the case 66 so as to face the lower part of the heat exchanger 72. The exhaust port 84 is formed in the case 66 so as to face the fan 70.

[0033] When the fan 68 is driven, air in the second chamber 32 is drawn into the internal space 74 through the air intake port 78. The air drawn into the internal space 74 flows downward along the heat exchanger 72 as shown by the arrows. The air that flows downward is exhausted to the second chamber 32 through the air exhaust port 80.

[0034] When the fan 70 is driven, air outside the housing 12 (outside air) is drawn into the internal space 76 through the air intake 82. The air drawn into the internal space 76 flows upward along the heat exchanger 72 as shown by the arrows. The air flowing upward is exhausted to the outside of the case 66 through the air exhaust 84.

[0035] The heat exchanger 72 includes a compressor (not shown). The heat exchanger 72 exchanges heat between the air flowing through the internal space 74 (air taken in from the second chamber 32) and the air flowing through the internal space 76 (outside air). In the second chamber 32, the plurality of batteries 18 and the plurality of slot substrates 54 operate and generate heat, causing the air in the second chamber 32 to become relatively hot. The heat exchanger 72 absorbs heat from the air taken in from the second chamber 32 to the internal space 74. The heat exchanger 72 transfers the absorbed heat to the air flowing through the internal space 76 (outside air). This cools the air flowing through the internal space 74. The cooled air is exhausted to the second chamber 32 through the exhaust port 80, thereby adjusting the temperature within the second chamber 32.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a circuit configuration diagram of a power system 20 including the power device 10 and the battery 18. Fig. 5 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a connection state between one battery 18 and one power converter 42.

[0037] The power device 10 further includes a speaker 86 .

[0038] The control box 48 has a housing control board 88 (information processing device), a general control board 90 (information processing device), and two communication units 92, 94. The housing control board 88 has a microcomputer 89. The microcomputer 89 has a communication unit 96 (receiving unit), a calculation unit 98 (processing unit), and a memory 100 (storage medium). The general control board 90 has a microcomputer 91. The microcomputer 91 has a communication unit 102 (receiving unit), a calculation unit 104 (processing unit), and a memory 106 (storage medium).

[0039] In the power device 10, an electrical transmission path 107 capable of transmitting power is arranged between an external power source of the power device 10 and the battery 18. A breaker 38, an AC / DC converter 40, a power converter 42, etc. are arranged on the electrical transmission path 107. The external power source may be an external power system, an external generator, an external natural energy power generation device, etc.

[0040] The breaker 38 is electrically connected to the outside of the housing 12 (see FIGS. 1 to 3). The AC / DC converter 40 is electrically connected to the breaker 38. The multiple power converters 42 and the DC / DC converter 44 are electrically connected in parallel to the AC / DC converter 40. The section from the outside of the housing 12 to the multiple power converters 42 and the DC / DC converter 44 is a relatively high-voltage circuit portion (high-voltage circuit 108). Note that in FIG. 4, the wiring of the high-voltage circuit 108 is shown by thick lines.

[0041] Breaker 38 is a large-current circuit breaker. When an excessive current exceeding a predetermined value occurs in high-voltage circuit 108, breaker 38 cuts off the electrical continuity between the outside of housing 12 (see FIGS. 1 to 3) and AC / DC converter 40. This provides appropriate protection to power device 10.

[0042] In high-voltage circuit 108, AC power flows through the portion from breaker 38 to AC / DC converter 40. That is, when power (external power) is supplied from outside housing 12, relatively high-voltage AC power is supplied to AC / DC converter 40 via breaker 38. AC / DC converter 40 converts the AC power into relatively high-voltage DC power. The converted DC power is supplied to multiple power converters 42 and DC / DC converter 44. Each of the multiple power converters 42 and DC / DC converter 44 converts a relatively high DC voltage into a low DC voltage.

[0043] 4 and 5, the battery 18 has a connector 110 (second terminal). The connector 110 has a positive terminal 112, a negative terminal 114, and a communication terminal 116. The slot 14 has a connector 118 (first terminal) that can be fitted to the connector 110 of the battery 18. The connector 118 has a positive terminal 120, a negative terminal 122, and a communication terminal 124. The communication terminal 124 of the connector 118 of the slot 14 is electrically connected to the slot substrate 54.

[0044] When the battery 18 is attached to the slot 14, the connector 110 of the battery 18 and the connector 118 of the slot 14 are connected. This connects the positive terminal 112 of the connector 110 of the battery 18 and the positive terminal 120 of the connector 118 of the slot 14. The negative terminal 114 of the connector 110 of the battery 18 and the negative terminal 122 of the connector 118 of the slot 14 are connected. The communication terminal 116 of the connector 110 of the battery 18 and the communication terminal 124 of the connector 118 of the slot 14 are connected.

[0045] In this case, one of the connector 110 of the battery 18 and the connector 118 of the slot 14 is a male connector and the other is a female connector. The male connector is also called a plug. The female connector is also called a receptacle. Figures 4 and 5 show a case where the connector 110 of the battery 18 is a female connector and the connector 118 of the slot 14 is a male connector.

[0046] As described above, the multiple power converters 42 are arranged on the electrical transmission path 107. Each of the multiple power converters 42 is arranged between the AC / DC converter 40 and the battery 18 on the electrical transmission path 107. In other words, the AC / DC converter 40 is arranged on the electrical transmission path 107 on the opposite side of the multiple power converters 42 from the multiple batteries 18.

[0047] When power is supplied from an external power source to the power device 10, the AC / DC converter 40 side of each of the multiple power converters 42 becomes the input side of the power converter 42. The battery 18 side of the power converter 42 becomes the output side of the power converter 42.

[0048] Furthermore, when DC power is supplied from battery 18, for each of the multiple power converters 42, the battery 18 side of the power converter 42 becomes the input side of the power converter 42. Furthermore, the AC / DC converter 40 side of the power converter 42 becomes the output side of the power converter 42.

[0049] Each of the plurality of power converters 42 includes a DC / DC converter 126, a controller 128, a voltage sensor 130 (first detection unit), and a current sensor 132 (first detection unit).

[0050] The DC / DC converter 126 is disposed on the electrical transmission path 107 between the AC / DC converter 40 and the connector 118 of the slot 14. More specifically, the battery 18 side of the DC / DC converter 126 is connected to the connector 118 of the slot 14 via a power transmission path 134 (first power transmission path). The power transmission path 134 is a power line capable of transmitting DC power. The power transmission path 134 is composed of a positive line 136 and a negative line 138, which are power lines. The positive line 136 connects the positive terminal of the DC / DC converter 126 on the battery 18 side to the positive terminal 120 of the connector 118 of the slot 14. The negative line 138 connects the negative terminal of the DC / DC converter 126 on the battery 18 side to the negative terminal 122 of the connector 118 of the slot 14. The voltage sensor 130 is disposed inside the power converter 42, between the positive line 136 and the negative line 138. The current sensor 132 is located inside the power converter 42 on the positive line 136 .

[0051] The voltage sensor 130 sequentially detects the DC voltage Vt on the battery 18 side of the DC / DC converter 126. More specifically, the voltage sensor 130 sequentially detects the potential difference between a positive electrode line 136 and a negative electrode line 138 connected to the battery 18 side of the DC / DC converter 126 as the DC voltage Vt on the battery 18 side. The voltage sensor 130 sequentially outputs the detection result of the DC voltage Vt to the controller 128.

[0052] Current sensor 132 sequentially detects the DC current It flowing through positive electrode line 136. Current sensor 132 sequentially outputs the detection result of DC current It to controller 128. Note that current sensor 132 may be disposed on negative electrode line 138 inside power converter 42. In this case, current sensor 132 sequentially detects the DC current It flowing through negative electrode line 138. By disposing current sensor 132 on negative electrode line 138, it is possible to prevent a positive voltage from being applied to controller 128 when an abnormality such as a failure occurs in current sensor 132.

[0053] In this way, when AC power is supplied from an external power source to power device 10, the AC / DC converter 40 side of DC / DC converter 126 becomes the input side of DC / DC converter 126. Also, the battery 18 side of DC / DC converter 126 becomes the output side of DC / DC converter 126.

[0054] Furthermore, when DC power is supplied from a plurality of batteries 18 to a plurality of DC / DC converters 126, the AC / DC converter 40 converts the supplied DC power into AC power. As a result, the AC / DC converter 40 can output the converted AC power to the outside of the power device 10. In this way, when a plurality of batteries 18 supply DC power as a power source, the battery 18 side of the DC / DC converter 126 becomes the input side of the DC / DC converter 126. Furthermore, the AC / DC converter 40 side of the DC / DC converter 126 becomes the output side of the DC / DC converter 126.

[0055] When the plurality of batteries 18 supplies DC power as a power source, the AC / DC converter 40 may be replaced with an inverter. As a result, the inverter can convert the DC power supplied from the plurality of DC / DC converters 126 into AC power.

[0056] The controller 128 is a processor that controls each unit in the power converter 42. The controller 128 controls the driving of the DC / DC converter 126. The controller 128 sequentially acquires the detection results of the voltage sensor 130 and the current sensor 132.

[0057] As described above, the multiple power converters 42 are housed in the first chamber 30 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The multiple slots 14 are housed in the second chamber 32. Each of the multiple power transmission paths 134 penetrates the partition plate 28 and connects one of the multiple power converters 42 to the connector 118 of one of the multiple slots 14. Therefore, the overall length of the power transmission paths 134 is relatively long. Note that FIG. 2 representatively illustrates two power transmission paths 134 connecting two power converters 42 and two slots 14. Also, FIG. 3 representatively illustrates one power transmission path 134 connecting one power converter 42 and one slot 14.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 5, each of the plurality of batteries 18 includes a battery main body 140, a BMU 142 (second detection unit), and a shunt resistor 144 for current detection.

[0059] The battery main body 140 is a battery cell. The battery main body 140 is a secondary battery. The battery main body 140 is connected to the connector 110 of the battery 18. More specifically, the battery main body 140 is connected to the connector 110 of the battery 18 via a power transmission path 146 (second power transmission path), which is a power line. The power transmission path 146 is a power line capable of transmitting DC power. The power transmission path 146 is composed of a positive electrode line 148 and a negative electrode line 150, which are power lines. The positive electrode line 148 connects the positive electrode terminal of the battery main body 140 to the positive electrode terminal 112 of the connector 110 of the battery 18. The negative electrode line 150 connects the negative electrode terminal of the battery main body 140 to the negative electrode terminal 114 of the connector 110 of the battery 18. The shunt resistor 144 is disposed on the negative electrode line 150.

[0060] The BMU 142 is a computer such as a processor. The BMU 142 is connected to the communication terminal 116 of the connector 110 of the battery 18. The BMU 142 realizes various functions by reading and executing programs stored in a memory (not shown). The BMU 142 monitors the battery main body 140, etc.

[0061] Specifically, the BMU 142 sequentially detects the voltage value across the shunt resistor 144. The BMU 142 sequentially calculates the current value of the DC current Ib flowing through the battery main body 140 based on the detected voltage value and the resistance value of the shunt resistor 144. The BMU 142 sequentially detects the value (voltage value) of the DC voltage Vb of the battery main body 140. In the following description, for convenience, the DC voltage Vb and DC current Ib of the battery main body 140 may be referred to as the DC voltage Vb and DC current Ib of the battery 18.

[0062] When the battery 18 is attached to the slot 14 and the connector 110 of the battery 18 is connected to the connector 118 of the slot 14 , DC power is input and output between the power converter 42 and the battery 18 .

[0063] Specifically, the DC / DC converter 126 of the power converter 42 converts the relatively high DC voltage supplied from the AC / DC converter 40 into a low DC voltage Vt. The DC / DC converter 126 supplies the converted low DC voltage Vt (DC power) to the battery main body 140 via the power transmission path 134, the two connectors 110 and 118, and the power transmission path 146. This charges (stores) the battery 18. In this case, the power converter 42 functions as a charger that charges the battery 18.

[0064] More specifically, when the power converter 42 functions as a charger, the DC voltage Vt becomes higher than the DC voltage Vb (Vt>Vb) due to a voltage drop Vtb, which will be described later. This causes a DC current to flow from the DC / DC converter 126 to the battery main body 140. Note that unless there is a DC current leakage due to a malfunction such as damage to the power line between the power converter 42 and the battery 18, It≈Ib.

[0065] The battery main body 140 can also supply DC power to the DC / DC converter 126 via the power transmission path 146, the two connectors 110 and 118, and the power transmission path 134. In this case, the DC / DC converter 126 converts a low-voltage DC voltage Vt (DC power) into a relatively high-voltage DC voltage. The DC / DC converter 126 supplies the converted DC voltage to the AC / DC converter 40. The AC / DC converter 40 converts the DC power supplied from the DC / DC converter 126 into AC power. The converted AC power is output to the outside of the housing 12 via a breaker 38 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). This discharges the battery 18. In this case, the power converter 42 functions as a power supply device that outputs power from the battery 18 to the outside of the housing 12.

[0066] Specifically, when the power converter 42 functions as a power feeder, the DC voltage Vb becomes higher than the DC voltage Vt (Vt < Vb) due to the voltage drop Vtb. Also, when the power converter 42 functions as a power feeder, a DC current flows from the battery main body 140 to the DC / DC converter 126. The DC current Ib becomes larger than the DC current It (It < Ib) due to the voltage drop Vtb.

[0067] When the power converter 42 functions as a power feeder, the DC / DC converter 126 can supply DC power to the control box 48 etc. via the DC / DC converter 44. Also, the DC / DC converter 126 can supply power to the cooler 64 (see FIG. 3) via the power supply unit 46.

[0068] When the battery 18 is mounted in the slot 14 and the connector 110 of the battery 18 and the connector 118 of the slot 14 are connected, the BMU 142 can output the detection results of the DC voltage Vb and the DC current Ib to the slot board 54 via the communication terminal 116.

[0069] The power supply unit 46 is connected to the AC / DC converter 40. The power supply unit 46 drives the cooler 64 (fan 68, 70, heat exchanger 72) by supplying power to the cooler 64.

[0070] The DC / DC converter 44 converts a relatively high-voltage DC voltage into a low-voltage DC voltage. The DC / DC converter 44 supplies the converted low-voltage DC voltage to the control box 48 and the plurality of slot boards 54. Each of the control box 48 and the plurality of slot boards 54 is driven by receiving the supply of the DC voltage from the DC / DC converter 44.

[0071] The section from the multiple power converters 42 to the multiple batteries 18 and the section from the DC / DC converter 44 to the control box 48, multiple slot boards 54, and multiple fans 50, 52 constitute a low-voltage circuit 152. The low-voltage circuit 152 is a circuit portion inside the housing 12 that has a relatively lower voltage than the high-voltage circuit 108. Note that in FIG. 4, the wiring of the low-voltage circuit 152 is shown with thin lines.

[0072] In the following description, the power device 10 is a charging device that charges DC power to multiple batteries 18. In this embodiment, the power device 10 can operate as a power supply device that outputs the power of the multiple batteries 18 to the outside.

[0073] In the control box 48 , the housing control board 88 and the general control board 90 are driven by a DC voltage supplied from the DC / DC converter 44 .

[0074] The housing control board 88 and the overall control board 90 are each an ECU (electronic control unit) mounted on the housing 12. The housing control board 88 and the overall control board 90 are each a computer that may include a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). In other words, the housing control board 88 and the overall control board 90 may each be configured with processing circuitry.

[0075] Although detailed description will be omitted, the slot board 54 is also an ECU mounted on the housing 12. A CPU is also mounted on the AC / DC converter 40, the multiple power converters 42, the DC / DC converter 44, and the power supply unit 46. For example, the controller 128 of the power converter 42 (see FIG. 5) is a CPU.

[0076] The microcomputer 89 of the housing control board 88 is an embedded microcomputer. The microcomputer 89 realizes the functions of a communication unit 96 and a calculation unit 98 by reading and executing a program stored in a memory 100. The microcomputer 91 of the overall control board 90 is also an embedded microcomputer. The microcomputer 91 realizes the functions of a communication unit 102 and a calculation unit 104 by reading and executing a program stored in a memory 106.

[0077] At least a portion of each of the housing control board 88 and the overall control board 90 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 each of the housing control board 88 and the overall control board 90 may be configured by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0078] The memories 100, 106 are volatile or non-volatile memories in the housing control board 88 and the overall control board 90. The memories 100, 106 are also used as working memories for the calculation units 98, 104, and temporarily store data necessary for processing or calculation.

[0079] The calculation unit 98 of the housing control board 88 controls the various components arranged inside the housing 12. Specifically, the communication unit 96 is connected to the AC / DC converter 40, the multiple power converters 42, the DC / DC converter 44, and the multiple slot boards 54 via a communication line 154 such as a CAN communication line. The communication unit 96 transmits and receives signals or information to and from the AC / DC converter 40, the multiple power converters 42, the DC / DC converter 44, and the multiple slot boards 54 via the communication line 154.

[0080] More specifically, the communication unit 96 sequentially receives detection results of the DC voltage Vt and the DC current It of the power transmission path 134 from the controllers 128 of the multiple power converters 42. The communication unit 96 also sequentially receives detection results of the DC voltage Vb and the DC current Ib from the multiple slot substrates 54. The calculation unit 98 supplies control signals to the AC / DC converter 40, the multiple power converters 42, the DC / DC converter 44, and the multiple slot substrates 54 via the communication unit 96 and communication line 154. The calculation unit 98 can output sound to the outside of the housing 12 via the speaker 86.

[0081] Therefore, each of the multiple slot boards 54 can control the operation of the fan 52 based on a control signal from the housing control board 88. When the fan 52 is driven, an airflow is generated inside the slot 14, making it possible to adjust the temperature of the battery 18 installed in the slot 14 to a desired level. The communication line 154 passes through the partition plate 28 and connects the control box 48 and the multiple slot boards 54. Therefore, the overall length of the communication line 154 connecting the control box 48 and the slot boards 54 is relatively long. Figure 3 shows a case in which the control box 48 is connected to one slot board 54 and one power converter 42 via the communication line 154.

[0082] 4, the overall control board 90 receives the results of a user's operation of the operation panel 22. The overall control board 90 can transmit and receive signals or information to and from the outside of the power device 10 (for example, an external remote device such as a server) via communication units 94 and 102. The calculation unit 104 can display information on the outside of the housing 12 via the operation panel 22.

[0083] The power device 10 can be connected to other power devices. In this case, the power device 10 can transmit and receive signals or information to and from the other power devices via the communication units 92, 96. Therefore, the calculation unit 104 of the overall control board 90 can control the other power devices via the communication units 92, 96, 102. The other power devices do not necessarily have to have the overall control board 90.

[0084] As described above, the microcomputer 91 of the overall control board 90 has the communication unit 102, the calculation unit 104, and the memory 106. Therefore, the overall control board 90 may perform the above functions of the housing control board 88. Alternatively, the control box 48 may be provided with a single control board that has the functions of both the housing control board 88 and the overall control board 90. In the following explanation, a case will be described in which the housing control board 88 controls each part of the power device 10 and the battery 18.

[0085] Next, a characteristic function of the housing control board 88 will be described. The characteristic function is a function for determining whether to execute or continue input / output of power between the power converter 42 and the battery 18 when the connector 118 of the slot 14 and the connector 110 of the battery 18 are connected. Specifically, the execution or continuation of input / output of power between the power converter 42 and the battery 18 is determined by determining whether the DC voltage Vt and DC current It on the battery 18 side of the DC / DC converter 126 differ from the DC voltage Vb and DC current Ib of the battery 18 by more than or equal to threshold values ​​(voltage drop threshold Vd, current difference threshold Id).

[0086] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the DC current It flowing through the battery 18 side (power transmission path 134) of the DC / DC converter 126 (see Fig. 5) and the DC current Ib flowing through the power transmission path 146 of the battery 18. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the DC voltage Vt of the power transmission path 134 and the DC voltage Vb of the battery 18.

[0087] As described above, when the power converter 42 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) functions as a charger for the battery 18, a direct current It flows from the power converter 42 to the battery main body 140. Between the power converter 42 and the battery main body 140, there are the power transmission path 134, the two connectors 110 and 118, and the power transmission path 146. As will be described later, a voltage drop Vtb occurs due to the resistance of the power transmission path 134, the resistance of the two connectors 110 and 118, and the resistance of the power transmission path 146. Note that the voltage drop Vtb does not cause a decrease in the direct currents It and Ib. As long as there is no leakage of the direct currents It and Ib between the power converter 42 and the battery 18, It ≈ Ib.

[0088] As described above, the DC current It is detected by the current sensor 132. The DC current It is a DC current flowing through the detection point of the current sensor 132. The current sensor 132 has a detection error for the DC current It. Itu is the upper detection limit value (upper detection error value) of the DC current It taking into account the detection error. Itl is the lower detection limit value of the DC current It taking into account the detection error.

[0089] The DC current Ib is detected by the BMU 142. The DC current Ib is a DC current flowing through the detection point (shunt resistor 144) of the BMU 142. The BMU 142 has a detection error for the DC current Ib. Ibu is the upper detection limit value of the DC current Ib taking into account the detection error. Ibl is the lower detection limit value (lower detection error value) of the DC current Ib taking into account the detection error.

[0090] When the absolute value |Itb| of the current difference Itb is equal to or greater than the current difference threshold Id (|Itb|≧Id), the calculation unit 98 determines that a deviation has occurred between the DC current It and the DC current Ib due to some abnormality in the slot 14 or the battery 18. The current difference threshold Id is the larger of |Itu−Ibl| and |Itl−Ibu|. FIG. 6 illustrates the case where Id=|Itu−Ibl|.

[0091] If the slot 14 (power converter 42) and the battery 18 are normal and the slot 14 and the battery 18 meet the desired specifications, the absolute value |Itb| of the current difference Itb should fall within the current difference threshold value Id (|Itb| < Id). However, if there is any abnormality such as a defect or a failure in the slot 14 or the battery 18, or if the slot 14 or the battery 18 does not meet the predetermined specifications, |Itb| ≥ Id may occur. When |Itb| ≥ Id, the arithmetic unit 98 determines that there is a suspicion of the above abnormality or the like.

[0092] Also, the DC voltage Vt is the DC voltage at the detection location of the voltage sensor 130. The DC voltage Vb is the DC voltage at the detection location of the BMU 142. As described above, since the power converter 42 functions as a charger for the battery 18, the DC voltage Vt is higher than the DC voltage Vb (Vt > Vb). Also, between the power converter 42 and the battery main body 140, there are two power transmission paths 134, 146 and two connectors 110, 118. Therefore, when the DC currents It and Ib flow between the DC / DC converter 126 and the battery main body 140, a voltage drop Vtb occurs due to the resistance of the power transmission path 134, the resistance of the two connectors 110, 118, and the resistance of the power transmission path 146.

[0093] Specifically, a voltage drop Vtb occurs in the power transmission path 156 (third power transmission path) between the detection location of the voltage sensor 130 and the detection location of the DC voltage Vb of the BMU 142 (Vtb = Vt - Vb). The power transmission path 156 is a concept including the portion between the voltage sensor 130 and the connector 118 in the power transmission path 134, the two connectors 110, 118, and the portion between the connector 110 and the detection location of the DC voltage Vb in the power transmission path 146.

[0094] The voltage drop Vtb includes a voltage drop Vw (second voltage drop value) and a voltage drop Vc (first voltage drop value) (Vtb = Vw + Vc). The voltage drop Vw is the voltage drop in the power line of the power transmission path 134 other than the two connectors 110, 118. More specifically, the voltage drop Vw is the voltage drop in the portion of the power transmission path 134 between the voltage sensor 130 and the connector 118, and in the portion of the power transmission path 146 between the connector 110 and the detection point of the DC voltage Vb. The voltage drop Vc is the voltage drop in the two connectors 110, 118.

[0095] The voltage sensor 130 has a detection error for the DC voltage Vt. Vtu is the upper detection limit (upper detection error value) of the DC voltage Vt taking into account the detection error. Vtl is the lower detection limit of the DC voltage Vt taking into account the detection error.

[0096] The BMU 142 has a detection error for the DC voltage Vb. Vbu is the upper detection limit value of the DC voltage Vb taking into account the detection error. Vbl is the lower detection limit value (lower detection error value) of the DC voltage Vb taking into account the detection error.

[0097] When the absolute value |Vtb| of the voltage drop Vtb is equal to or greater than the voltage drop threshold Vd (|Vtb|≧Vd), the calculation unit 98 determines that a deviation has occurred between the DC voltage Vt and the DC voltage Vb due to an abnormality in the slot 14 or the battery 18. The voltage drop threshold Vd is the larger of |Vtu−Vbl| and |Vtl−Vbu|. FIG. 7 illustrates the case where Vd=|Vtu−Vbl|.

[0098] If slot 14 (power converter 42) and battery 18 are normal and if slot 14 and battery 18 meet the desired specifications, the absolute value |Vtb| of the voltage drop Vtb should fall within the voltage drop threshold Vd (|Vtb| < Vd). However, if there is any abnormality such as a defect or a fault in slot 14 or battery 18, or if slot 14 or battery 18 does not meet the predetermined specifications, |Vtb| ≥ Vd may occur. When |Vtb| ≥ Vd, the arithmetic unit 98 determines that there is a suspicion of the above abnormality or the like.

[0099] When the arithmetic unit 98 determines that such a deviation has occurred, it stops the power input / output between the power converter 42 and the battery 18. Specifically, the arithmetic unit 98 transmits a control signal instructing the stop of the operation of the DC / DC converter 126 to the power converter 42. The controller 128 of the power converter 42 receives the control signal from the arithmetic unit 98 and stops the operation of the DC / DC converter 126. Thereby, the power input / output between the DC / DC converter 126 and the battery 18 stops.

[0100] Alternatively, when the arithmetic unit 98 determines that such a deviation has occurred, it reduces the power input / output between the power converter 42 and the battery 18. Specifically, the arithmetic unit 98 transmits a control signal instructing the reduction (reduction of on-duty) of the operation of the DC / DC converter 126 to the power converter 42. The controller 128 of the power converter 42 receives the control signal from the arithmetic unit 98 and restricts the operation of the DC / DC converter 126. Thereby, the power input / output between the DC / DC converter 126 and the battery 18 is reduced.

[0101] Furthermore, when the calculation unit 98 determines that the deviation described above has occurred, it causes information indicating that the deviation has occurred and information that there is a suspicion of a malfunction or abnormality to be displayed on the operation panel 22 via the integrated control board 90. Alternatively, when the calculation unit 98 determines that the deviation described above has occurred, it causes the speaker 86 to output the information indicating that the deviation has occurred and information that there is a suspicion of a malfunction or abnormality as sound.

[0102] FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the time variations of the DC voltages Vt, Vb and the DC currents It, Ib received by the communication unit 96 (see FIG. 4).

[0103] At time t0, input and output of power between the power converter 42 and the battery 18 is started based on instructions from the calculation unit 98. As a result, from time t1, the DC currents It and Ib gradually increase over time. Also, from time t1, the DC voltages Vt and Vb gradually increase over time. At time t2, the DC current It reaches the target current, and the DC voltage Vt reaches the target voltage. Thereafter, at time t3, the DC current Ib reaches the target current.

[0104] As described above, a voltage drop Vtb (see FIG. 7) occurs in the power transmission path 156 (see FIG. 5) between the power converter 42 and the battery 18. Therefore, even after time t3, a voltage difference of the voltage drop Vtb occurs between the power converter 42 and the battery 18. The voltage drop Vtb also includes the detection error of the voltage sensor 130 and the detection error of the BMU 142.

[0105] Furthermore, the sampling period of the controller 128 of the power converter 42 and the sampling period of the BMU 142 of the battery 18 are different from each other. That is, the sampling period of the BMU 142 is longer than the sampling period of the controller 128. In other words, the processing speed of the BMU 142 is slower than that of the controller 128. Therefore, the BMU 142 takes longer to detect the DC voltage Vb and the DC current Ib than the controller 128. Furthermore, the BMU 142 takes longer to transmit the detection results of the DC voltage Vb and the DC current Ib to the control box 48 than the controller 128. Therefore, a delay occurs in the communication unit 96 between receiving the detection results of the DC voltage Vt and the DC current It and receiving the detection results of the DC voltage Vb and the DC current Ib. That is, during the time period from t1 to t3, the communication unit 96 receives the DC voltage Vt and the DC current It, and then receives the DC voltage Vb and the DC current Ib with a delay time thereafter. Therefore, during the time period from t1 to t3, a transient state occurs in the reception of the DC currents It and Ib. During the time period when the transient state occurs, a response delay occurs in the DC current Ib. Therefore, if the calculation unit 98 performs the above determination process using the DC currents It and Ib acquired during this time period, there is a possibility of an erroneous determination.

[0106] To solve such software problems, the calculation unit 98 sets a deviation judgment time Td (judgment time) that is longer than the time from time t0 to time t3. If the deviation between the DC current It and the DC current Ib continues for the deviation judgment time Td or longer, the calculation unit 98 determines that a deviation between the DC current It and the DC current Ib has occurred. Furthermore, if the deviation between the DC voltage Vt and the DC voltage Vb continues for the deviation judgment time Td or longer, the calculation unit 98 determines that a deviation between the DC voltage Vt and the DC voltage Vb has occurred. In other words, even in a situation where a response delay in the DC current Ib occurs, if the deviation continues for a time longer than the deviation judgment time Td, it can be accurately determined that the deviation has occurred.

[0107] In this way, in this embodiment, the process of determining the deviation is performed by the housing control board 88, not by the BMU 142 of the battery 18. This allows the process of determining the deviation to be performed with high accuracy.

[0108] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of power system 20 (see FIGS. 1 to 4).

[0109] In step S1, with the connector 118 of the slot 14 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) and the connector 110 of the battery 18 connected, input and output of power begins between the power converter 42 and the battery 18. At this time, the voltage sensor 130 detects the DC voltage Vt. The current sensor 132 detects the DC current It. The controller 128 acquires the detected DC voltage Vt and DC current It. In addition, the BMU 142 detects the DC voltage Vb and DC current Ib.

[0110] In step S2, the controller 128 transmits the detection results of the DC voltage Vt and the DC current It to the control box 48 via the communication line 154. This allows the communication unit 96 of the housing control board 88 to receive the detection results of the DC voltage Vt and the DC current It. In addition, the BMU 142 transmits the detection results of the DC voltage Vb and the DC current Ib to the control box 48 via the two connectors 110, 118, the slot board 54, and the communication line 154. This allows the communication unit 96 to receive the detection results of the DC voltage Vb and the DC current Ib.

[0111] In step S3, the calculation unit 98 determines whether the DC voltage Vt and the DC voltage Vb deviate from each other by a voltage drop threshold Vd or more. The calculation unit 98 also determines whether the DC current It and the DC current Ib deviate from each other by a current difference threshold Id or more. In this case, the calculation unit 98 determines whether a deviation has occurred for a time period equal to or longer than the deviation determination time Td.

[0112] If it is determined that there is a discrepancy (step S3: YES), the calculation unit 98 takes a predetermined action in step S4. Specifically, the calculation unit 98 stops or reduces the input / output of power. The calculation unit 98 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the slot 14 or the battery 18. The calculation unit 98 outputs information indicating that a discrepancy of equal to or greater than the above thresholds (voltage drop threshold Vd, current difference threshold Id) has occurred to the outside. Note that the calculation unit 98 only needs to take at least one of the above three actions. Therefore, the calculation unit 98 may take all three of the above actions, or may take two of the above actions.

[0113] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the details of step S3 in FIG.

[0114] In step S11 after step S3, the calculation unit 98 (see FIG. 4) determines whether or not |Vtb|≧Vd.

[0115] If |Vtb|≧Vd is not true (step S11: NO), the calculation unit 98 proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the calculation unit 98 determines that a deviation between the DC voltages Vt and Vb has not occurred. The calculation unit 98 sets a voltage deviation flag, which indicates that a deviation between the DC voltages Vt and Vb has occurred, to 0.

[0116] In step S11, if |Vtb|≧Vd holds (step S11: YES), the calculation unit 98 proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the calculation unit 98 determines whether or not input / output of power is occurring between the power converter 42 and the battery 18 (whether or not charging is being performed).

[0117] If power is not being input or output (step S13: NO), the calculation unit 98 proceeds to step S12.

[0118] In step S13, when it is determined that power input / output is being performed (step S13: YES), the arithmetic unit 98 proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the arithmetic unit 98 determines whether the divergence state continuation time Tc, which is the time during which the divergence state continues, is greater than or equal to the divergence determination time Td for determining the presence or absence of divergence.

[0119] In step S14, when Tc≥Td (step S14: YES), the arithmetic unit 98 proceeds to step S15. In step S15, since the divergence state has continued for more than the divergence determination time Td, the arithmetic unit 98 determines that a divergence has occurred between the DC voltages Vt and Vb. The arithmetic unit 98 sets the voltage divergence flag to 1.

[0120] In step S14, when Tc<Td (step S14: NO), the arithmetic unit 98 skips the process of step S15.

[0121] After the negative determination result in step S12, step S15, or step S14, the arithmetic unit 98 proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the arithmetic unit 98 determines whether |Itb|≥Id.

[0122] When |Itb|<Id (step S16: NO), the arithmetic unit 98 proceeds to step S17. In step S17, the arithmetic unit 98 determines that no divergence has occurred between the DC currents It and Ib. The arithmetic unit 98 sets the current divergence flag indicating the occurrence of divergence between the DC currents It and Ib to 0.

[0123] In step S16, when |Itb|≥Id (step S16: YES), the arithmetic unit 98 proceeds to step S18. In step S18, the arithmetic unit 98 determines whether power input / output is being performed between the power converter 42 and the battery 18 (whether it is in the charging state).

[0124] When power input / output is not being performed (step S18: NO), the arithmetic unit 98 proceeds to step S17.

[0125] In step S18, when it is determined that power input / output is being performed (step S18: YES), the arithmetic unit 98 proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the arithmetic unit 98 determines whether Tc≥Td.

[0126] In step S19, when Tc≥Td (step S19: YES), the arithmetic unit 98 proceeds to step S20. In step S20, since the deviation state has continued for a deviation determination time Td or more, the arithmetic unit 98 determines that a deviation has occurred between the direct current It and Ib. The arithmetic unit 98 sets the current deviation flag to 1.

[0127] In step S19, when Tc<Td (step S19: NO), the arithmetic unit 98 skips the process of step S20.

[0128] In the above description, the case where the arithmetic unit 98 performs the deviation determination process and performs a predetermined countermeasure when a deviation occurs has been described. In this embodiment, the BMU 142 of the battery 18 may perform the process of the arithmetic unit 98. Alternatively, the housing control board 88 of another power device 10 that can communicate with the power device 10 may perform each of the above processes. Alternatively, the power device 10 may be connected to a server (not shown) via a network, and the server may perform each of the above processes. Alternatively, the housing control board 88 and other devices may perform the above processes in a distributed or cooperative manner. In this case, examples of the other devices include the BMU 142 of the battery 18, another power device 10, or a server.

[0129] In this embodiment, the slot substrate 54 may perform the deviation determination process and take a predetermined action when a deviation occurs. In this case, the slot substrate 54 has a memory (not shown) and the functions of the communication unit 96 and the calculation unit 98. Specifically, each of the multiple slot substrates 54 may perform the deviation determination process for the corresponding slot 14 and battery 18 and take a predetermined action when a deviation occurs. Alternatively, at least one slot substrate 54 among the multiple slot substrates 54 may perform the deviation determination process for the multiple slots 14 and the multiple batteries 18 and take a predetermined action when a deviation occurs.

[0130] In the above description, a case has been described in which it is determined whether or not a state in which the DC voltage Vt and DC current It and the DC voltage Vb and DC current Ib differ by more than a threshold (voltage drop threshold Vd, current difference threshold Id) continues for more than a deviation determination time Td. In this embodiment, it may be determined whether or not a state in which the DC voltage Vt and DC current It and the DC voltage Vb and DC current Ib differ by more than a threshold continues for more than a deviation determination time Td. In this case, in step S11 of FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not |Vtb|>Vd, and in step S16, it is determined whether or not |Itb|>Id.

[0131] Alternatively, in this embodiment, it may be determined whether the state in which the DC voltage Vt and the DC current It differ from the DC voltage Vb and the DC current Ib by a threshold or more continues beyond the deviation determination time Td. In this case, in steps S14 and S19 of FIG. 10, it is determined whether Tc>Td.

[0132] Alternatively, in this embodiment, it may be determined whether the deviation state in which the DC voltage Vt and the DC current It and the DC voltage Vb and the DC current Ib exceed the thresholds continues beyond the deviation determination time Td. In this case, in step S11 of Fig. 10, it is determined whether |Vtb|>Vd. In steps S14 and S19, it is determined whether Tc>Td. In step S16, it is determined whether |Itb|>Id.

[0133] The effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0134] When an abnormality such as a malfunction or failure occurs in the slot 14 or the battery 18 of the power device 10, it is possible to prevent the execution or continuation of input / output of power between the slot 14 and the battery 18. Furthermore, when the slot 14 or the battery 18 does not satisfy predetermined specifications, it is possible to prevent the execution of input / output of power between the slot 14 and the battery 18.

[0135] By taking into consideration the detection upper limit values ​​Itu and Vtu of the current sensor 132 and the voltage sensor 130 and the detection lower limit values ​​Ibl and Vbl of the BMU 142, it is possible to accurately determine whether the DC voltage Vt and DC current It and the DC voltage Vb and DC current Ib deviate from each other by more than the current difference threshold Id or the voltage drop threshold Vd.

[0136] By taking the voltage drop Vtb into consideration, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the DC voltage Vt and the DC voltage Vb deviate from each other by the voltage drop threshold Vd or more.

[0137] Since the voltage drop Vbt includes the voltage drop Vw and the voltage drop Vc, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the DC voltage Vt and the DC voltage Vb deviate from each other by the voltage drop threshold Vd or more.

[0138] Since the judgment process is performed using the deviation judgment time Td, it is possible to avoid erroneous judgment of the deviation between the DC voltage Vt and DC current It and the DC voltage Vb and DC current Ib due to response delays of the BMU 142, etc.

[0139] The system determines whether there is a discrepancy between the DC voltage Vt and DC current It on the battery 18 side of the power converter 42, which is a charger, and the DC voltage Vb and DC current Ib of the battery 18 to be charged. This makes it easy to determine whether charging of the battery 18 should continue.

[0140] The voltage sensor 130, the current sensor 132, and the control box 48 are provided inside the power device 10, and the BMU 142 is provided inside the battery 18. This eliminates the need to provide a separate device to determine whether or not there is a deviation between the DC voltage Vt and the DC current It and the DC voltage Vb and the DC current Ib.

[0141] In addition to the above disclosure, the following additional notes are disclosed.

[0142] (Appendix 1) an information processing device (48, 54, 88, 90) in which a first power device (10) has a first electric terminal (118), a first power transmission path (134) is arranged inside the first power device with respect to the first electric terminal, a first detection unit (130, 132) detects a first power correlation value (Vt, It) that is a power correlation value of the first power transmission path, a second power device (18) has a second electric terminal (110) attached to the first electric terminal, a second power transmission path (146) is arranged inside the second power device with respect to the second electric terminal, and a second detection unit (142) detects a second power correlation value (Vb, Ib) that is a power correlation value of the second power transmission path, and The information processing device includes a receiving unit (54, 96, 102) that receives the first power correlation value from the first detection unit and the second power correlation value from the second detection unit, and a countermeasure unit (54, 98, 104) that, when power is being input / output between the first power device and the second power device with the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal attached, if the first power correlation value detected by the first detection unit and the second power correlation value detected by the second detection unit deviate by a threshold value (Vd, Id) or more, stops or reduces the input / output of power between the first power device and the second power device, determines that an abnormality has occurred in the first power device or the second power device, or outputs information indicating that a deviation of the threshold value or more has occurred.

[0143] According to the present invention, when an abnormality such as a malfunction or failure occurs in the first power device or the second power device, it is possible to prevent the execution or continuation of power input / output between the first power device and the second power device. Also, when the first power device or the second power device does not satisfy predetermined specifications, it is possible to prevent the execution of power input / output between the first power device and the second power device.

[0144] (Appendix 2) In the information processing device described in Appendix 1, when the input / output of the power is performed between the first power device and the second power device, the second power correlation value becomes lower than the first power correlation value, and the threshold value may be determined based on an upper detection error value (Vtu, Itu) which is an upper detection error value of the first power correlation value detected by the first detection unit, and a lower detection error value (Vbl, Ibl) which is a lower detection error value of the second power correlation value detected by the second detection unit.

[0145] By taking into consideration the detection error value of the first detector and the detection error value of the second detector, it is possible to accurately determine whether the first power correlation value and the second power correlation value deviate by a threshold or more.

[0146] (Appendix 3) In the information processing device described in Appendix 2, the first power correlation value may be a first voltage (Vt) that is the voltage in the first power transmission path, the second power correlation value may be a second voltage (Vb) that is the voltage in the second power transmission path, and the threshold value may be determined based on a voltage drop value (Vtb) in a third power transmission path (156) that is a power transmission path between a point in the first power transmission path where the first voltage is detected by the first detection unit and a point in the second power transmission path where the second voltage is detected by the second detection unit.

[0147] By taking into consideration the voltage drop value in the third power transmission path, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the first voltage and the second voltage deviate from each other by a threshold value or more.

[0148] (Appendix 4) In the information processing device described in Appendix 3, the voltage drop value may include a first voltage drop value (Vc) which is a voltage drop value at the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal of the third power transmission path, and a second voltage drop value (Vw) which is a voltage drop value in a power line of a portion of the third power transmission path other than the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal.

[0149] This makes it possible to more accurately determine whether the first voltage and the second voltage differ by a value equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0150] (Appendix 5) In the information processing device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 4, the first power correlation value may be a first current (It) that is a current flowing through the first power transmission path, and the second power correlation value may be a second current (Ib) that is a current flowing through the second power transmission path.

[0151] This makes it possible to more accurately determine whether the first current and the second current deviate from each other by a value equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0152] (Appendix 6) In the information processing device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 5, when the input / output of power is being performed between the first power device and the second power device with the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal attached, if a state in which the first power correlation value and the second power correlation value continue to deviate by more than the threshold value, and a duration (Tc) during which the state of deviation by more than the threshold value continues, is equal to or longer than a judgment time (Td), the countermeasure unit may stop or reduce the input / output of power, determine that the abnormality has occurred, or output the information.

[0153] This makes it possible to avoid erroneous determination of the presence or absence of a deviation between the first power correlation value and the second power correlation value due to a response delay or the like of the first or second detection unit.

[0154] (Appendix 7) In the information processing device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 6, the first power device may be a charging device (10), and the second power device may be a power storage device (18) that is charged by the charging device and can communicate with the charging device when the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal are attached.

[0155] This makes it possible to easily determine whether or not charging of the power storage device should be continued by determining whether or not there is a deviation between the first power correlation value and the second power correlation value.

[0156] (Appendix 8) In the information processing device described in Supplementary Note 7, the first detection unit and the information processing device may be provided inside the charging device, and the second detection unit may be provided inside the power storage device.

[0157] This eliminates the need to provide a separate device for determining whether or not there is a deviation between the first power correlation value and the second power correlation value.

[0158] (Appendix 9) A power system (20) including a first power device, a second power device, and an information processing device, wherein the first power device has a first electric terminal, a first power transmission path arranged inside the first power device relative to the first electric terminal, and a first detection unit that detects a first power correlation value that is a power correlation value of the first power transmission path, and the second power device has a second electric terminal that is attachable to the first electric terminal, a second power transmission path arranged inside the second power device relative to the second electric terminal, and a second detection unit that detects a second power correlation value that is a power correlation value of the second power transmission path, and the information processing device detects the first power correlation value from the first detection unit. and a countermeasure unit that, when the first power correlation value detected by the first detection unit and the second power correlation value detected by the second detection unit deviate by a threshold value or more when power is being input / output between the first power device and the second power device with the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal attached, stops or reduces the input / output of power between the first power device and the second power device, determines that an abnormality has occurred in the first power device or the second power device, or outputs information indicating that a deviation of the threshold value or more has occurred.

[0159] (Appendix 10) 1. An information processing method for a system including a first electric power device having a first electric terminal and a first power transmission path on the inner side of the first electric terminal, and a second electric power device having a second electric terminal attachable to the first electric terminal and a second power transmission path on the inner side of the second electric terminal, the information processing method comprising: the step (S1) of detecting a second power correlation value which is a power correlation value of the first power device; the step (S3) of determining whether the first power correlation value and the second power correlation value have deviated by a threshold or more; and the step (S4) of taking action when it is determined that the first power correlation value and the second power correlation value have deviated by the threshold or more, such as stopping or reducing the input / output of the power between the first power device and the second power device, determining that an abnormality has occurred in the first power device or the second power device, or outputting information indicating that a deviation of the threshold or more has occurred.

[0160] (Appendix 11) A program for causing a computer (54, 88, 90) to execute the information processing method described in Supplementary Note 10.

[0161] (Appendix 12) A storage medium (100, 106) that stores the program described in Supplementary Note 11.

[0162] 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]

[0163] 10…Power device (first power device) 18...Battery (second power device) 48...Control box (information processing device) 54...Slot board (information processing device, computer, receiving unit, handling unit) 88...Housing control board (information processing device, computer) 90...General control board (information processing device, computer) 96, 102...Communication unit (receiving unit) 98, 104...Calculation unit (countermeasure unit) 100, 106...Memory (storage medium) 110...Connector (second electrical terminal) 118...Connector (first electrical terminal) 130...Voltage sensor (first detection unit) 132...current sensor (first detection unit) 134...Power transmission path (first power transmission path) 142...BMU (second detection unit) 146...Power transmission path (second power transmission path)

Claims

1. a first power device having a first electrical terminal, a first power transmission path being arranged inside the first power device relative to the first electrical terminal, and a first detection unit detecting a first power correlation value that is a power correlation value of the first power transmission path; a second power device having a second electric terminal attachable to the first electric terminal, a second power transmission path disposed inside the second power device relative to the second electric terminal, and a second detection unit detecting a second power correlation value that is a power correlation value of the second power transmission path; an information processing device that performs a predetermined process based on the first power correlation value detected by the first detection unit and the second power correlation value detected by the second detection unit, a receiving unit that receives the first power correlation value from the first detecting unit and the second power correlation value from the second detecting unit; a countermeasure unit that, when a deviation between the first power correlation value detected by the first detection unit and the second power correlation value detected by the second detection unit exceeds a threshold value while power is being input / output between the first power device and the second power device with the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal attached, stops or reduces the input / output of power between the first power device and the second power device, determines that an abnormality has occurred in the first power device or the second power device, or outputs information indicating that a deviation of the threshold value or more has occurred; An information processing device comprising:

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, when the input / output of the power is performed between the first power device and the second power device, the second power correlation value is lower than the first power correlation value; an information processing device, wherein the threshold is determined based on an upper detection error value that is an upper detection error value of the first power correlation value detected by the first detection unit, and a lower detection error value that is a lower detection error value of the second power correlation value detected by the second detection unit.

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, the first power correlation value is a first voltage that is a voltage in the first power transmission path, the second power correlation value is a second voltage that is a voltage in the second power transmission path, An information processing device, wherein the threshold value is determined based on a voltage drop value in a third power transmission path, which is a power transmission path between a point in the first power transmission path where the first voltage is detected by the first detection unit and a point in the second power transmission path where the second voltage is detected by the second detection unit.

4. 4. The information processing device according to claim 3, The voltage drop value includes a first voltage drop value that is a voltage drop value at the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal of the third power transmission path, and a second voltage drop value that is a voltage drop value in a power line of a portion of the third power transmission path other than the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal.

5. In the information processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the first power correlation value is a first current that is a current flowing through the first power transfer path, The information processing device, wherein the second power correlation value is a second current that is a current flowing through the second power transfer path.

6. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the countermeasure unit stops or reduces the input / output of power, determines that the abnormality has occurred, or outputs the information when, when the input / output of power is being performed between the first power device and the second power device with the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal attached, a state in which the first power correlation value and the second power correlation value continue to deviate by more than the threshold value, and the duration during which the state of deviation by more than the threshold value continues is more than a determination time.

7. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the first power device is a charging device; The second power device is an electricity storage device that is charged by the charging device and can communicate with the charging device when the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal are attached to the information processing device.

8. 8. The information processing device according to claim 7, the first detection unit and the information processing device are provided inside the charging device, The information processing device, wherein the second detection unit is provided inside the power storage device.

9. A power system including a first power device, a second power device, and an information processing device, the first power device includes a first electrical terminal, a first power transmission path disposed inside the first power device relative to the first electrical terminal, and a first detection unit configured to detect a first power correlation value that is a power correlation value of the first power transmission path; the second power device includes a second electrical terminal attachable to the first electrical terminal, a second power transmission path disposed inside the second power device relative to the second electrical terminal, and a second detection unit configured to detect a second power correlation value that is a power correlation value of the second power transmission path; The information processing device includes: a receiving unit that receives the first power correlation value from the first detecting unit and the second power correlation value from the second detecting unit; a countermeasure unit that, when a deviation between the first power correlation value detected by the first detection unit and the second power correlation value detected by the second detection unit exceeds a threshold value while power is being input / output between the first power device and the second power device with the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal attached, stops or reduces the input / output of power between the first power device and the second power device, determines that an abnormality has occurred in the first power device or the second power device, or outputs information indicating that a deviation of the threshold value or more has occurred; A power system having:

10. a first power device having a first electrical terminal and a first power transmission path inward from the first electrical terminal; a second power device having a second electrical terminal attachable to the first electrical terminal and a second power transmission path located inside the second electrical terminal; An information processing method for a system comprising: When the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal are attached and electric power is input / output between the first electric power device and the second electric power device, detecting a first power correlation value that is a power correlation value at a first position in the first power transfer path and a second power correlation value that is a power correlation value at a second position in the second power transfer path; determining whether the first power correlation value and the second power correlation value deviate by a threshold or more; when it is determined that the first power correlation value and the second power correlation value have deviated by the threshold value or more, taking one of the following measures: stopping or reducing the input / output of the power between the first power device and the second power device; determining that an abnormality has occurred in the first power device or the second power device; or outputting information indicating that a deviation of the first power correlation value and the second power correlation value has occurred. An information processing method comprising:

11. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 10.

12. A storage medium that stores the program according to claim 11.

Images