Vehicular control device for vehicle equipped with solar battery

Abstract

To provide a vehicular control device for vehicle capable of predicting revenue and expenditure in a parking period including a situation in which a generated power amount by power generation of a solar battery cannot be expected from short-time parking etc., and the in-vehicle temperature is apt to rise.SOLUTION: A vehicular control device for a vehicle equipped with a solar battery comprises: a specification part which predicts predicted generated power amounts by power generation of the solar battery after a parking scheduled time for parking position candidates for a parking position under a roof and a parking position without a roof, predicts a predicted air-conditioning power consumption for keeping the inside of the vehicle at a target temperature after the parking scheduled time, and then preferentially specifies, as a preferential parking position, a parking position candidate which is large in difference obtained by subtracting the predicted air-conditioning power consumption from the predicted generated power amount among a plurality of possible parking position conditions; and a notification part which notifies the vehicle or the user of the vehicle of the preferential parking position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device for a vehicle equipped with a solar cell. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for a vehicle control device that helps a vehicle equipped with solar cells to park at an optimal parking position by suppressing energy loss, and identifies a preferred parking position from among multiple candidate parking positions based on the results of a comparison between predicted power generation and predicted power consumption. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-22315 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the system described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the temperature inside the vehicle becomes high in parking locations where a large amount of power is generated, resulting in a large amount of power consumption for air conditioning. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, a vehicle control device for a solar cell-equipped vehicle predicts the power balance for the parking period, including parking spaces that are not exposed to sunlight and are covered, and suggests parking spaces. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the vehicle control device for a vehicle equipped with solar cells of the present disclosure, it is possible to predict the power balance during the parking period, including situations such as short parking periods when the amount of power generated by the solar cells cannot be expected and the temperature inside the vehicle is likely to rise. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the vehicle control device for the vehicle equipped with the solar cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a parking lot to which a vehicle control device for a vehicle equipped with a solar cell according to a first embodiment is applied; [Figure 3] 4 is a graph showing an example of control by the vehicle control device of the vehicle equipped with the solar cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a graph showing an example of control by the vehicle control device of the vehicle equipped with the solar cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the vehicle control device for a vehicle equipped with a solar cell according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the vehicle control device for a vehicle equipped with a solar cell according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the vehicle control device for a vehicle equipped with a solar cell according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the vehicle control device for a vehicle equipped with a solar cell according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Embodiment 1 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a vehicle control device for a vehicle equipped with a solar cell according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a parking lot to which the vehicle control device for a vehicle equipped with a solar cell according to the first embodiment is applied.

[0009] First, in step S101, it is determined whether a vehicle is present at the entrance to the parking lot. If a vehicle is present at the entrance to the parking lot, the process proceeds to step S102. If a vehicle is not present at the entrance to the parking lot, the process ends.

[0010] In step S102, information is acquired, including weather information, the current temperature inside the vehicle, the charge rate of the storage battery, and user preferences, and the process then proceeds to step S103.

[0011] In step S103, a prediction is made as to whether the parking space is roofless, and the process then proceeds to step S104.

[0012] In step S104, a prediction is made as to whether the parking space has a roof, and the process then proceeds to step S105.

[0013] In step S105, the details of leaving the vehicle are created based on the predicted conditions for the parking space to be open and the predicted conditions for the parking space to be covered, and the process then proceeds to step S106.

[0014] In step S106, the information about leaving the vehicle is output. The information may be, for example, "If the parking time is less than 3 hours, it is recommended to leave the vehicle under a roof." Also, as shown in Table 1 below, the recommended conditions for different parking times may be displayed in a list. [Table 1]

[0015] For example, as shown in Figure 2, if a covered parking condition is recommended, a covered parking location or a parking location 201 on the ground or second floor of a multi-story parking garage is recommended. Also, if an uncovered parking condition is recommended, an uncovered parking location or a parking location on the top floor 202 of a multi-story parking garage is recommended. Then the process ends.

[0016] A vehicle control device for a vehicle equipped with a solar cell that performs the above-mentioned processing preferably includes, for example, an identification unit that preferentially identifies the parking position candidate with the best power balance as the priority parking position, and an alarm unit that notifies the vehicle or the user of the vehicle of the priority parking position.

[0017] For example, the identification unit is preferably configured by a computer. The identification unit predicts a predicted amount of power generated by the solar cells after a scheduled parking time has elapsed for candidate parking positions, including covered and uncovered parking positions, predicts a predicted amount of air conditioning power consumption required to bring the interior of the vehicle to a target temperature after the scheduled parking time has elapsed, and prioritizes identification of a candidate parking position as a priority parking position from among multiple candidate parking positions where parking is possible, the candidate parking position having a large difference obtained by subtracting the predicted amount of air conditioning power consumption from the predicted amount of power generated.

[0018] The notification unit is preferably a display or a communication device capable of communicating with a communication device owned by a vehicle user, and notifies the vehicle or the vehicle user of the preferred parking position.

[0019] Next, the prediction results will be explained. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are graphs showing an example of control by the vehicle control device of the vehicle equipped with the solar cell according to the first embodiment. In the graph in the upper part of Fig. 3, the vertical axis is the amount of solar radiation [W / m 2 3, the vertical axis represents the outside air temperature and the inside temperature [°C]. In the graph in the lower part of FIG. 3, the vertical axis represents the power balance [Wh]. In the graphs in the upper, middle, and lower parts of FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents the time.

[0020] First, using Figure 3, we will explain the prediction results assuming parking for four hours starting at 8:00. In other words, this is an example of parking from 8:00 to 12:00. In this example, the air conditioner is used from 11:00.

[0021] As shown in the upper graph of Figure 3, when there is a roof, the amount of solar radiation is zero. When there is no roof, the amount of solar radiation increases with sunrise and decreases in the afternoon. A vehicle equipped with solar cells generates electricity according to this amount of solar radiation.

[0022] As shown in the middle graph of Figure 3, when the roof is on, the temperature inside the car rises in the morning at roughly the same rate as the outside temperature. On the other hand, when the roof is off, the temperature inside the car rises higher than the outside temperature due to the amount of solar radiation.

[0023] As a result, the power balance under the no-roof condition is lower (worse) than under the roof condition, as shown in the lower graph of Figure 3. Therefore, if parking for four hours from 8:00, we recommend the roofed condition.

[0024] Next, using Figure 4, we will explain the prediction results assuming parking for nine hours starting at 8:00. In other words, this is an example of parking from 8:00 to 17:00. In this example, the air conditioner is used from 16:00.

[0025] As shown in the upper graph of Figure 4, as in the upper graph of Figure 3, when there is a roof, the amount of solar radiation is zero. When there is no roof, the amount of solar radiation increases with sunrise and decreases in the afternoon. A vehicle equipped with solar cells generates electricity according to this amount of solar radiation.

[0026] As shown in the middle graph of Figure 4, when the roof is open, the temperature inside the car rises and falls almost at the same rate as the outside temperature. On the other hand, when the roof is open, the temperature inside the car rises higher than the outside temperature due to the amount of solar radiation. Then, in the afternoon, the temperature drops, lagging behind the amount of solar radiation.

[0027] As a result, the power balance under the no-roof condition is higher (better) than under the roof condition, as shown in the lower graph of Figure 4. Therefore, if parking for 9 hours from 8:00, the no-roof condition is recommended.

[0028] In this way, the vehicle control device for a vehicle equipped with a solar cell according to the first embodiment can predict the power balance for the parking period, including situations such as short parking periods when the amount of power generated by the solar cell cannot be expected and the temperature inside the vehicle is likely to rise. Therefore, the vehicle control device for a vehicle equipped with a solar cell according to the first embodiment can present an appropriate parking position to the vehicle equipped with a solar cell according to the parking period.

[0029] Embodiment 2 In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which, in the case of a multi-story parking garage, whether the rooftop floor or a floor other than the rooftop floor can be notified as a recommended condition. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a vehicle control device for a solar cell-equipped vehicle according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 5, the same processes as those in Fig. 1 are assigned the same numbers and their explanations will be omitted.

[0030] First, in step S101, it is determined whether a vehicle is present at the entrance to the parking lot. If a vehicle is present at the entrance to the parking lot, the process proceeds to step S501. If a vehicle is not present at the entrance to the parking lot, the process ends.

[0031] In step S501, information is acquired. The information here includes weather information, the current temperature inside the vehicle, the battery charge rate, user preferences, and parking lot information. For example, parking lot information, such as whether it has a multi-story structure, is acquired from navigation information, camera information, and altitude information from a GPS (Global Positioning System), and it is detected that the parking lot is a multi-story parking lot. Then, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0032] Embodiment 3 In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the notification is made before arriving at a parking lot. For example, this may be when the user requests route search / destination setting or when the user arrives at a tourist spot. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a vehicle control device for a solar cell-equipped vehicle according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 6, the same processes as those in FIG. 1 are assigned the same numbers and their explanations will be omitted.

[0033] First, in step S601, it is determined whether a vehicle is present at the entrance to the parking lot and whether it is time to notify. If there is no vehicle at the entrance to the parking lot and it is time to notify, the process proceeds to step S102. If there is a vehicle at the entrance to the parking lot or it is not time to notify, the process ends.

[0034] In step S102, information is acquired, including weather information, the current temperature inside the vehicle, the charge rate of the battery, and user preferences, and the process then proceeds to step S602.

[0035] In step S602, the time when the vehicle will arrive at the parking lot is predicted, and the process then proceeds to step S603.

[0036] In step S603, the temperature inside the vehicle at the time when the vehicle arrives at the parking lot is predicted, and the process then proceeds to step S604.

[0037] In step S604, the charging rate of the battery of the vehicle at the time when the vehicle arrives at the parking lot is predicted, and the process then proceeds to step S103.

[0038] The temperature inside the vehicle upon arrival may be determined based on the user's preferences or past performance. In addition, if the weather conditions suggest that a covered parking lot is recommended, the driver may be notified to select a multi-story parking lot as the destination.

[0039] Embodiment 4 In the fourth embodiment, an example of prohibiting notification in cold conditions will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a vehicle control device for a vehicle equipped with a solar cell according to the fourth embodiment. In Fig. 7, the same processes as those in Fig. 1 are assigned the same numbers and their explanations will be omitted.

[0040] In step S102, information is acquired, including weather information, the current temperature inside the vehicle, the charge rate of the battery, and user preferences, and the process then proceeds to step S701.

[0041] In step S701, it is determined whether or not the cold conditions are met. For example, the cold conditions may be determined to be met when the outside air temperature is lower than a predetermined threshold temperature. Alternatively, the cold conditions may be determined to be met when the date falls within a predetermined period (for example, from October 1st to May 1st of the following year). Alternatively, the cold conditions may be determined to be met when heating is used inside the vehicle. If the cold conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S103. If the cold conditions are not met, the process ends.

[0042] The cold conditions may take into consideration not only the initial conditions during the parking period, but also the temperature inside the vehicle compartment after parking is completed, so that the temperature is not uncomfortable.

[0043] Fifth embodiment In the fifth embodiment, an example will be described in which detailed information such as floors and sections is notified as notification content. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a vehicle control device for a vehicle equipped with a solar cell according to the fifth embodiment. In Fig. 8, the same processes as those in Fig. 1 are assigned the same numbers and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0044] First, in step S101, it is determined whether a vehicle is present at the entrance to the parking lot. If a vehicle is present at the entrance to the parking lot, the process proceeds to step S801. If a vehicle is not present at the entrance to the parking lot, the process ends.

[0045] In step S801, information is acquired. The information includes weather information, the current vehicle interior temperature, the battery charge rate, user preferences, and the temperature distribution in the parking lot. The temperature distribution in the parking lot may be, for example, real-time temperature information from the parking lot's infrastructure, or the outside temperature or vehicle interior temperature information of a vehicle in the parking lot. Then, the process proceeds to step S103. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 201 Covered parking spaces or parking spaces on the ground or first floor of a multi-storey car park 202 Uncovered parking space or top floor of a multi-storey car park

Claims

[Claim 1] an identification unit that predicts a predicted amount of power generated by the solar cell after a scheduled parking time has elapsed for candidate parking positions, including roofed and unroofed parking positions, and predicts a predicted amount of air conditioning power consumption required to bring the interior of the vehicle to a target temperature after the scheduled parking time has elapsed, and prioritizes identifying, from among multiple candidate parking positions where parking is possible, a candidate parking position that has a large difference between the predicted amount of power generated and the predicted amount of air conditioning power consumption, as a preferred parking position; and a notification unit that notifies the vehicle or a user of the vehicle of the priority parking position.

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