Control device, power adjustment device, power device, control system, management device, and program

Abstract

To provide a control device, a power adjustment device, a power device, a control system, a management device, and a program for determining an upper limit of a magnitude of an input power of a power device.SOLUTION: A control device (an input / output control part 180) for controlling at least one of an output power and an input power of a power device (a power supply system 100) to which a detachable power storage device 20 can be connected in parallel includes an upper limit power determination part that determines an upper limit of the magnitude of at least one of the output power and the input power of the power device. The upper limit power determination part determines an upper limit of the magnitude of the output power of the power device based on the maximum value of the power that can be supplied to the power device by each of the one or more power storage devices that are power storage devices electrically connected to a power terminal of the power device, and / or determines the upper limit of the magnitude of the input power of the power device based on the maximum value of the power that can be supplied from the power device by each of the one or more first power storage devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a power adjustment device, a power device, a control system, a management device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In a power storage system including a plurality of power storage modules, the power storage modules may be connected in parallel (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Documents 2 to 4 disclose power storage systems in which power storage modules can be hot-plugged. [Prior art document] [Patent Documents] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-98708 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2017 / 086349 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2017 / 086349 [Patent Document 4] JP 2019-092257 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In a power storage system configured so that multiple power storage modules can be connected in parallel, if power storage modules of different types, states, or performance can be used, for example, secondary reuse of the power storage modules can be promoted. However, when a power storage system is constructed using a combination of power storage modules of different types, states, or performance, it is difficult to know in advance the allowable current during charging and discharging of the power storage system, and it is not possible to stably control the charging and discharging of the power storage system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control device. The control device is, for example, a control device for controlling at least one of the output power and the input power of a power device configured to be able to connect detachable power storage devices in parallel. The control device includes, for example, an upper limit power determination unit that determines an upper limit of at least one of the output power and the input power of the power device. In the control device, the upper limit power determination unit determines, for example, an upper limit of the output power of the power device based on a maximum power supply value that is the maximum amount of power that each of one or more first power storage devices that are power storage devices electrically connected to a power terminal of the power device can supply to the power device, and / or determines an upper limit of the input power of the power device based on a maximum power reception value that is the maximum amount of power that each of the one or more first power storage devices can receive from the power device.

[0005] In any of the above control devices, the upper limit power determination unit may determine the sum of the respective maximum power supply values ​​of the one or more first power storage devices as the upper limit of the magnitude of the output power of the power device.In any of the above control devices, the upper limit power determination unit may determine the sum of the respective maximum power reception values ​​of the one or more first power storage devices as the upper limit of the magnitude of the input power of the power device.

[0006] In any of the above control devices, the upper limit power determination unit may determine an upper limit of the magnitude of output power of the power device based on a respective maximum power supply value of one or more first power storage devices and a power supply coefficient that is a positive number not greater than 1 and that is determined for each of the one or more first power storage devices.In any of the above control devices, the upper limit power determination unit may determine an upper limit of the magnitude of input power of the power device based on a respective maximum power reception value of one or more first power storage devices and a power reception coefficient that is a positive number not greater than 1 and that is determined for each of the one or more first power storage devices.

[0007] In any of the above control devices, the power supply coefficient of each of the one or more first power storage devices is determined based on, for example, at least one of (i) equivalent series resistance, (ii) slope of the SOC-OCV curve, and (iii) SOH of each of the one or more first power storage devices. In any of the above control devices, the power receiving coefficient of each of the one or more first power storage devices is determined based on, for example, at least one of (i) equivalent series resistance, (ii) slope of the SOC-OCV curve, and (iii) SOH of each of the one or more first power storage devices.

[0008] In any of the above control devices, the maximum power supply value of each of the one or more first power storage devices is determined based on the smaller of (a) the rated output power of the power storage unit of each of the one or more first power storage devices, and (b) the rated output power of a switching unit that switches the electrical connection between each of the power storage units of each of the one or more first power storage devices and a power terminal of the power device. In any of the above control devices, the maximum power reception value of each of the one or more first power storage devices is determined based on the smaller of (a) the rated input power of the power storage unit of each of the one or more first power storage devices, and (b) the rated input power of a switching unit that switches the electrical connection between each of the power storage units of each of the one or more first power storage devices and a power terminal of the power device.

[0009] Any of the above control devices may include a decrease detection unit that detects in advance that the number of one or more first power storage devices will decrease while the power device is outputting power. Any of the above control devices may include a current reduction unit that, when the decrease detection unit detects in advance that the number will decrease, determines to reduce the output current of the power device so that the output current of the power device decreases before the number of the one or more first power storage devices decreases.

[0010] Any of the above control devices may include an increase detection unit that detects an increase in the number of one or more first power storage devices. Any of the above control devices may include an allowable current acquisition unit that acquires an allowable current value indicating an allowable value of a current flowing between each of the one or more first power storage devices and a power terminal of the power device. Any of the above control devices may include an upper limit current determination unit that determines an upper limit of the magnitude of at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device based on the allowable current value acquired by the allowable current acquisition unit. Any of the above control devices may include a current increase unit that, when the increase detection unit detects an increase in the number, determines to increase at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device so that a fluctuation in at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device satisfies a predetermined first condition.

[0011] In any of the above control devices, the allowable current value of each of the one or more first power storage devices is determined based on, for example, at least one of the maximum power supply value and the maximum power receiving value of each of the one or more first power storage devices. In any of the above control devices, the upper limit current determination unit may acquire a current value of a current flowing between each of the one or more first power storage devices and a power terminal of the power device when at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device is increased in accordance with the determination by the current increasing unit. In any of the above control devices, the upper limit current determination unit may determine, as an upper limit of the magnitude of at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device, the magnitude of at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device when the absolute value of the difference between (i) the current value of the current flowing between at least one of the one or more first power storage devices and the power terminal of the power device and (ii) the allowable current value of the at least one first power storage device is smaller than a predetermined value.

[0012] A second aspect of the present invention provides a control device. The control device is, for example, a control device for controlling at least one of an output current and an input current of a power device configured to allow detachable power storage devices to be connected in parallel. The control device includes, for example, an increase detection unit that detects an increase in the number of one or more first power storage devices, which are power storage devices electrically connected to power terminals of the power device. The control device includes, for example, an allowable current acquisition unit that acquires an allowable current value indicating an allowable value of a current flowing between each of the one or more first power storage devices and the power terminals of the power device. The control device includes, for example, an upper limit current determination unit that determines an upper limit of the magnitude of at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device based on the allowable current value acquired by the allowable current acquisition unit. The control device includes, for example, a current increase unit that, when the increase detection unit detects an increase in the number, determines to increase at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device so that a fluctuation in at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device satisfies a predetermined first condition. In the control device, the upper limit current determination unit acquires the current value of the current flowing between each of the one or more first power storage devices and the power terminal of the power device when, for example, at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device increases in accordance with the determination by the current increasing unit. In the control device, the upper limit current determination unit determines, for example, the magnitude of at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device when the absolute value of the difference between (i) the current value of the current flowing between at least one of the one or more first power storage devices and the power terminal of the power device and (ii) the allowable current value of the at least one first power storage device is smaller than a predetermined value, as the upper limit of the magnitude of at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device.

[0013] In any of the above control devices, the current increasing unit may adjust timing for starting a process to increase at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device so that at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device increases after a predetermined delay time has elapsed since the increase detection unit detected an increase in the number. The delay time may have a predetermined length or a length determined based on a predetermined algorithm. In any of the above control devices, the allowable current obtaining unit may include an allowable current determining unit that determines an allowable current value for each of the one or more first power storage devices based on at least one of (i) a maximum power supply value that is a maximum amount of power that each of the one or more first power storage devices can supply to the power device, and (i) a maximum power reception value that is a maximum amount of power that each of the one or more first power storage devices can receive from the power device.

[0014] Any of the above control devices may include a decrease detection unit that detects in advance that the number of one or more first power storage devices will decrease while the power device is outputting power. Any of the above control devices may include a current reduction unit that, when the decrease detection unit detects in advance that the number will decrease, determines to reduce the output current of the power device so that the output current of the power device decreases before the number of the one or more first power storage devices decreases.

[0015] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power adjustment device. The power adjustment device includes, for example, any one of the control devices according to the second or third aspect. The power adjustment device includes, for example, a power adjustment unit that adjusts at least one of the input power and the output power of the power supply device based on an instruction from the control device.

[0016] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power device. The power device includes, for example, the power adjustment device according to the third aspect. The power device includes, for example, a holding unit configured to be able to hold a detachable power storage device. The power device includes, for example, a power terminal configured to be able to input and output power to and from an external electrical device. In the power device, the power adjustment device adjusts, for example, the input and output of power between the power storage device and the external electrical device.

[0017] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a control system. The control system includes, for example, any of the control devices according to the second or third aspect. The control device includes, for example, the decrease detection unit and current decrease unit described above. The control system includes, for example, a transmitter that transmits a warning signal to the control device to warn that the number of one or more first power storage devices will decrease when a voltage difference between a power storage unit of a second power storage device included in one or more first power storage devices and a power terminal of the power device satisfies a predetermined second condition during a period when the power device is outputting power. The control system includes, for example, a disconnection unit that determines to electrically disconnect the power terminal of the power device from the second power storage device when a predetermined third condition is met after the transmitter outputs the warning signal.

[0018] In any of the above control systems, the second condition may include a condition that the voltage difference is smaller than a predetermined value, or a condition that the absolute value of the voltage difference is smaller than a predetermined value. In any of the above control systems, the third condition may include a condition that a predetermined time has elapsed after the transmitter unit outputs the warning signal, or a condition that the disconnection unit receives from the control device a signal indicating that a process for reducing the output current of the power device has started or that the process has been completed after the transmitter unit outputs the warning signal.

[0019] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a management device. The management device, for example, manages the state of a power storage device that is detachably attached to a power device that is configured to input and output power to and from an external electrical device. The management device includes, for example, a transmitter that transmits a warning signal to a control device that controls the power device when a voltage difference between a power storage unit of the power storage device and a power terminal of the power device satisfies a predetermined second condition while the power device to which the power storage device is attached is outputting power. The management device also includes, for example, a disconnection unit that determines to electrically disconnect the power terminal of the power device from the power storage device when a predetermined third condition is met after the transmitter outputs the warning signal. In the management device, the second condition includes, for example, a condition that the voltage difference is smaller than a predetermined value or a condition that the absolute value of the voltage difference is smaller than a predetermined value. In the above-mentioned management device, the third condition includes, for example, a condition that a predetermined time has elapsed after the transmitting unit outputs a warning signal, or a condition that, after the transmitting unit outputs a warning signal, the disconnecting unit receives a signal from the control device indicating that processing to reduce the output current of the power device has begun or that the processing has been completed.

[0020] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, a program is provided. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the program may be provided. The program may be a program for causing a computer to function as any of the control devices according to the first or second aspect. The program may be a program for causing a computer to execute an information processing method in any of the control devices according to the first or second aspect. The program may be a program for causing a computer to execute an information processing method in any of the management devices according to the sixth aspect.

[0021] The above summary of the invention does not list all of the necessary features of the present invention, and subcombinations of these features may also constitute inventions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 shows an example of a system configuration of a power supply system 100. [Figure 2] 2 shows an example of a system configuration of a power storage module 20. [Figure 3] 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the system configuration of the power storage module 20. [Figure 4] 2 shows an example of a system configuration of a module control unit 240. [Figure 5] 2 shows an example of a circuit configuration of the power storage module 20. [Figure 6] 1 shows an example of a system configuration of an input / output control unit 180. [Figure 7] A specific example of a control method for the power supply system 100 will be described briefly. [Figure 8] 3 shows an example of a system configuration of a computer 3000. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention according to the claims. Not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, and in the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals may be used to designate the same or similar parts, and redundant description may be omitted.

[0024] (Outline of power supply system 100) 1 schematically illustrates an example of a system configuration of a power supply system 100. In this embodiment, the power supply system 100 includes, for example, a solar power generation device 110, one or more (sometimes referred to as one or more) slots 120, and a power conditioner 130.

[0025] In this embodiment, each of the one or more slots 120 is configured to allow, for example, one or more power storage modules 20 to be attached and detached (sometimes referred to as being detachable). In this embodiment, the power storage module 20 includes, for example, a power connector 22 and a communication connector 24. In this embodiment, the power conditioner 130 includes, for example, a power connector 142, a power connector 144, a communication connector 148, a power connector 152, a power connector 154, a DC / DC converter 160, an inverter 170, a switch 172, and a switch 174.

[0026] In this embodiment, the details of the power supply system 100 will be described by taking as an example a case where the power supply system 100 receives a supply of power from the power grid 10. In this embodiment, the details of the power supply system 100 will be described by taking as an example a case where the power supply system 100 charges a power storage module 20 held in at least one of a plurality of slots 120 using power supplied from the power grid 10 (sometimes referred to as power from the power grid 10). In this embodiment, the details of the power supply system 100 will be described by taking as an example a case where the power supply system 100 charges a power storage module 20 held in at least one of a plurality of slots 120 using power generated by a solar power generation device 110.

[0027] In this embodiment, the details of the power supply system 100 will be described by taking as an example a case where the power supply system 100 supplies at least one of (i) power from the power grid 10, (ii) power stored in the power storage module 20 held in at least one of the multiple slots 120, and (iii) power generated by the solar power generation device 110, via the distribution board 12 to a load device 30 electrically connected to the distribution board 12. In this embodiment, the details of the power supply system 100 will be described by taking as an example a case where the power supply system 100 supplies at least one of (i) power from the power grid 10, (ii) power stored in the power storage module 20 held in at least one of the multiple slots 120, and (iii) power generated by the solar power generation device 110, to a load device 30 electrically connected to a power connector 154 of a power conditioner 130.

[0028] (Outline of each part related to the power supply system 100) In this embodiment, the distribution board 12 branches the power supplied from the power grid 10 and the power conditioner 130. This allows the distribution board 12 to supply power to the load devices 30 electrically connected to the distribution board 12.

[0029] In this embodiment, the power storage module 20 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the slot 120. The power storage module 20 is configured, for example, so that a user of the power storage module 20 can freely attach and detach the power storage module 20 to and from the slot 120 by himself or herself. The power storage module 20 may be configured so that a user of the power storage module 20 can freely attach and detach the power storage module 20 to and from the slot 120 without using special tools. The power storage module 20 is configured, for example, so that it can be accommodated in the slot 120. In this way, the power storage module 20 can be held in the slot 120.

[0030] In this embodiment, the power storage module 20 is configured to be able to switch the electrical connection state between the power storage unit disposed in the power storage module 20 and the power connector 122 while the power connector 22 and the power connector 122 are electrically connected. Details of the power storage module 20 will be described later.

[0031] In this embodiment, the power connector 22 is configured to be able to input and output power. The power connector 22 may include a set of power terminals. For example, when the power storage module 20 is accommodated in the slot 120, the power connector 22 is electrically connected to the power connector 122 arranged in the slot 120. The connection method between the power connector 22 and the power connector 122 may be a wired connection method or a wireless connection method.

[0032] In this embodiment, the communication connector 24 is configured to be able to send and receive signals. For example, when the power storage module 20 is accommodated in the slot 120, the communication connector 24 is communicatively connected to the communication connector 124 arranged in the slot 120. The connection method between the communication connector 24 and the communication connector 124 may be a wired connection method or a wireless connection method.

[0033] In this embodiment, the load device 30 operates using electric power. The details of the load device 30 are not particularly limited.

[0034] In this embodiment, the power supply system 100 supplies power to one or more load devices 30. The power supply system 100 may supply power to a power grid 10. The power supply system 100 may generate and store power.

[0035] In this embodiment, the solar power generation device 110 generates power by utilizing sunlight. An output terminal (not shown) of the solar power generation device 110 is electrically connected to a power connector 142 of the power conditioner 130. This allows the solar power generation device 110 to supply the power generated by the solar power generation device 110 to the power conditioner 130. A communication terminal (not shown) of the power supply system 100 is communicably connected to a communication connector 148 of the power conditioner 130. This allows the solar power generation device 110 to transmit and receive information to and from the power conditioner 130.

[0036] In this embodiment, the slot 120 holds the power storage module 20. A single slot 120 may hold a single power storage module 20, or a single slot 120 may hold a plurality of power storage modules 20. As described above, the slot 120 is configured to allow the power storage module 20 to be attached and detached. Furthermore, the slot 120 is configured to allow the power storage module 20 to be housed therein.

[0037] In this embodiment, the slot 120 is electrically connected to the power storage module 20 accommodated in the slot 120. In this embodiment, the slot 120 is communicably connected to the power storage module 20 accommodated in the slot 120.

[0038] In one embodiment, the slot 120 receives power output by the power conditioner 130 and supplies the power to one or more storage modules 20 (sometimes referred to as connection modules) electrically connected to the slot 120. This charges the connection modules. In another embodiment, the slot 120 receives power output by one or more connection modules and supplies the power to the power conditioner 130. This discharges the connection modules.

[0039] In this embodiment, the power connector 122 is configured to be able to input and output power. The power connector 122 may include a set of power terminals. For example, when the power storage module 20 is accommodated in the slot 120, the power connector 122 is electrically connected to the power connector 22 arranged on the power storage module 20. The power connector 122 may be configured to allow the power connector 22 to be attached and detached.

[0040] The power connector 122 is electrically connected to the power connector 144. According to the present embodiment, the power connectors 122 of the multiple slots 120 are electrically connected to the power connectors 144 so that the multiple power storage modules 20 electrically connected to the power connectors 122 of the multiple slots 120 are connected in parallel.

[0041] In this embodiment, the communication connector 124 is configured to be able to send and receive signals. For example, when the power storage module 20 is accommodated in the slot 120, the communication connector 124 is communicatively connected to the communication connector 24 arranged in the power storage module 20. The communication connector 124 may be configured to allow the communication connector 24 to be detachably attached. In addition, the communication connector 124 is electrically connected to the communication connector 148.

[0042] In this embodiment, the power conditioner 130 adjusts at least one of the input power and the output power of the power supply system 100. The power conditioner 130 adjusts, for example, the input and output of power between (a) at least one of the one or more power storage modules 20 held in the slot 120 and (b) at least one of the power system 10, the load device 30, and the solar power generation device 110.

[0043] The power conditioner 130 may adjust the magnitude of the input power by adjusting the magnitude of at least one of the input current and the input voltage. The power conditioner 130 may adjust the magnitude of the output power by adjusting the magnitude of at least one of the output current and the output voltage.

[0044] In one embodiment, the inverter 130 converts the voltage of the DC power. In another embodiment, the inverter 130 converts the voltage and / or frequency of the AC power. In yet another embodiment, the inverter 130 converts DC power to AC power. In yet another embodiment, the inverter 130 converts AC power to DC power.

[0045] In this embodiment, the power connector 142 is configured to be able to input and output power. The power connector 142 is configured to be able to input and output power to and from, for example, the solar power generation apparatus 110. The power connector 142 may include a pair of power terminals.

[0046] In this embodiment, the power connector 144 is configured to be able to input and output power. For example, the power connector 144 is configured to be able to input and output power to and from each of the one or more slots 120. The power connector 144 may include a set of power terminals.

[0047] In this embodiment, the communication connector 148 is configured to be able to send and receive signals. This allows the power conditioner 130 to send and receive information via the communication connector 148, for example, to send and receive information to and from at least one of (a) the solar power generation device 110, (b) each of the one or more slots 120, and (c) each of the one or more power storage modules 20 held in the one or more slots 120.

[0048] In this embodiment, the power connector 152 is configured to be able to input and output power. The power connector 152 is configured to be able to input and output power to and from, for example, the power system 10. The power connector 152 is configured to be able to supply power to the distribution board 12. The power connector 152 may include a set of power terminals.

[0049] In this embodiment, the power connector 154 is configured to be able to input and output power. The power connector 154 is configured to be able to supply power to, for example, the load device 30 electrically connected to the power connector 154. The power connector 154 may include a set of power terminals.

[0050] In this embodiment, the DC / DC converter 160 receives the power output by the solar power generation device 110 via the power connector 142. The DC / DC converter 160 adjusts the power input from the solar power generation device 110 to the power conditioner 130. The DC / DC converter 160 may adjust the power input from the solar power generation device 110 based on an instruction from the input / output control unit 180. The DC / DC converter 160 converts the voltage of the DC power input from the solar power generation device 110, for example. The DC / DC converter 160 may output the converted power to the inverter 170.

[0051] In this embodiment, the inverter 170 receives power output from at least one of the one or more slots 120 via the power connector 144. This causes the energy storage module 20 electrically connected to the at least one slot 120 to discharge. The inverter 170 may adjust the power input from the slot 120 based on an instruction from the input / output control unit 180. The inverter 170 converts the voltage of the DC power input from the slot 120, for example.

[0052] In this embodiment, the inverter 170 receives power input to the power conditioner 130 from the power grid 10 and / or the solar power generation device 110. The inverter 170 supplies power to at least one of the one or more slots 120 via the power connector 144. This supplies power to the power storage module 20 electrically connected to the at least one slot 120. As a result, the power storage module 20 is charged. The inverter 170 may adjust the power supplied to the slot 120 based on an instruction from the input / output control unit 180.

[0053] In one embodiment, the inverter 170 converts AC power input from the power grid 10 into DC power. The inverter 170 may output the converted DC power to the power connector 144. In another embodiment, the inverter 170 converts DC power received from the DC / DC converter 160 and / or the power connector 144 into AC power. The inverter 170 may adjust the voltage and frequency of the AC power. The inverter 170 may output the converted AC power to the power grid 10 and / or the distribution board 12 via the switch 172. The inverter 170 may output the converted AC power to the load device 30 via the switch 174. The switch 172 and the switch 174 may operate based on instructions from the input / output control unit 180. In yet another embodiment, the inverter 170 may output the DC power received from the DC / DC converter 160 to the power connector 144 without converting it to AC power.

[0054] In this embodiment, the input / output control unit 180 controls, for example, at least one of the output power and input power of the power supply system 100 or the power conditioner 130. The input / output control unit 180 may control the output power and / or input power by controlling the operation of the power conditioner 130. The input / output control unit 180 controls, for example, at least one of the output current and input current of the power supply system 100 or the power conditioner 130. The input / output control unit 180 may control the output current and / or input current by controlling the operation of the power conditioner 130. Details of the input / output control unit 180 will be described later.

[0055] (Specific configuration of each part of the power supply system 100) Each component of the power supply system 100 may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. At least a portion of each component of the power supply system 100 may be implemented by a single server or multiple servers. At least a portion of each component of the power supply system 100 may be implemented on a virtual machine or a cloud system. At least a portion of each component of the power supply system 100 may be implemented by a personal computer or a mobile terminal. Examples of mobile terminals include mobile phones, smartphones, PDAs, tablets, notebook or laptop computers, and wearable computers. Each component of the power supply system 100 may store information using a distributed ledger technology or a distributed network, such as a blockchain.

[0056] When at least some of the components constituting the power supply system 100 are implemented by software, the components implemented by the software may be implemented by running a program that defines the operations of the components in an information processing device with a general configuration. The information processing device may include, for example, (i) a data processing device having a processor such as a CPU or GPU, a ROM, a RAM, a communication interface, etc.; (ii) input devices such as a keyboard, a touch panel, a camera, a microphone, various sensors, and a GPS receiver; (iii) output devices such as a display device, a speaker, and a vibration device; and (iv) a storage device (including an external storage device) such as a memory or a HDD. In the information processing device, the data processing device or the storage device may store a program. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. When the program is executed by a processor, the information processing device performs the operations defined by the program.

[0057] The program may be stored on a computer-readable medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a memory, or a hard disk, or may be stored on a storage device connected to a network. The program may be installed on a computer constituting at least a part of the power supply system 100 from the computer-readable medium or a storage device connected to a network. Execution of the program may cause the computer to function as at least a part of each component of the power supply system 100. A program that causes a computer to function as at least a part of each component of the power supply system 100 may include modules that define the operation of each component of the power supply system 100. These programs or modules interact with data processing devices, input devices, output devices, storage devices, etc. to cause the computer to function as each component of the power supply system 100 or to execute an information processing method for each component of the power supply system 100. When the program is loaded into a computer, the information processing described in the program functions as a specific means in which software associated with the program and various hardware resources of the power supply system 100 work together. The specific means described above realizes the calculation or processing of information according to the intended use of the computer in this embodiment, thereby constructing the power supply system 100 according to the intended use.

[0058] The information processing method may be, for example, a control method for controlling a power device. The power device is configured, for example, to be able to connect detachable power storage devices in parallel. The control method may be a method for controlling at least one of the output power and input power of the power device. The control method may, for example, include an upper limit power determination step of determining an upper limit of at least one of the output power and input power of the power device. In the control method, the upper limit power determination step includes, for example, a step of determining an upper limit of the output power of the power device based on a maximum power supply value that is the maximum amount of power that each of one or more first power storage devices that are power storage devices electrically connected to a power terminal of the power device can supply to the power device, and / or a step of determining an upper limit of the input power of the power device based on a maximum power reception value that is the maximum amount of power that each of the one or more first power storage devices can receive from the power device.

[0059] The power system 10 may be an example of an external electrical device. The distribution board 12 may be an example of an external electrical device. The power storage module 20 may be an example of a power storage device, a first power storage device, or a second power storage device. The power storage module 20 may be an example of a management device. The load device 30 may be an example of an external electrical device.

[0060] The power supply system 100 may be an example of a power device. The solar power generation device 110 may be an example of an external electrical device. The slot 120 may be an example of a holder. The power conditioner 130 may be an example of a power device, a power adjustment device, or a power adjustment unit. The power connector 142 may be an example of a power terminal of a power device. The power connector 144 may be an example of a power terminal of a power device. The power connector 152 may be an example of a power terminal of a power device. The power connector 154 may be an example of a power terminal of a power device.

[0061] The DC / DC converter 160 may be an example of a power adjustment unit. The inverter 170 may be an example of a power adjustment unit. The switch 172 may be an example of a power adjustment unit. The switch 174 may be an example of a power adjustment unit. The input / output control unit 180 may be an example of a control device.

[0062] The connection module may be an example of a first power storage device. The power supplied from the power conditioner 130 to the power storage module 20 may be an example of output power of a power supply device. The power input to the power conditioner 130 from the power grid 10 and / or the solar power generation device 110 may be an example of input power of a power supply device.

[0063] (An example of another embodiment) In the present embodiment, the details of the power supply system 100 have been described using an example in which the power supply system 100 is a stationary power supply system. However, the power supply system 100 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the power supply system 100 is mounted on electrical equipment, transportation equipment, etc. In this case, the power supply system 100 includes, for example, one or more slots 120 and a power conditioner 130 or a part of a power conditioner 130.

[0064] The electric device may be any device that operates using electric power, and the details thereof are not particularly limited. The transport device transports people and / or goods. The transport device may transport people and / or goods using electric power.

[0065] Examples of transportation devices include mobile objects and work machines. Examples of mobile objects include vehicles, ships, and aircraft. Examples of ships include ships, hovercrafts, jet skis, submarines, submersibles, and underwater scooters. Examples of aircraft include airplanes, airships or balloons, hot air balloons, helicopters, and drones. Examples of work machines include forklifts, cranes, elevators, escalators, and conveyors.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the details of the power supply system 100 have been described by taking as an example a case in which the input / output control unit 180 collects at least one of information regarding the battery characteristics of the power storage units included in the power storage module 20 and information regarding the battery characteristics of the power storage units included in the power storage module 20, and transmits the collected information to an external device. However, the power supply system 100 is not limited to the present embodiment. In other embodiments, the power storage module 20 may collect information regarding the battery characteristics of the power storage units included in the power storage module 20, and transmit the collected information to an external device.

[0067] In this embodiment, the details of the power supply system 100 have been described using as an example a case where power generated by the solar power generation device 110 is supplied to the power conditioner 130. However, the power supply system 100 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the power supply system 100 may include any type of power generation device, or may not include a power generation device. Examples of the power generation device include a power generation device that uses renewable energy or natural energy, a fuel cell, and the like.

[0068] 2 schematically illustrates an example of the system configuration of the power storage module 20. In this embodiment, the power storage module 20 includes a positive terminal 202 and a negative terminal 204. The power storage module 20 also includes a power storage unit 210 having a positive terminal 212 and a negative terminal 214, and a switching unit 230. In this embodiment, the power storage unit 210 includes a power storage cell 222 and a power storage cell 224. In this embodiment, the power storage module 20 further includes a module control unit 240, a protection unit 250, and a balance correction unit 260.

[0069] The impedance of the power storage unit 210 may be 1 Ω or less, or may be 100 mΩ or less. The impedance of the power storage unit 210 may be 10 mΩ or less, 1 mΩ or less, 0.8 mΩ or less, or 0.5 mΩ or less. The impedance of the power storage unit 210 may be 0.1 mΩ or more. The impedance of the power storage unit 210 may be 0.1 mΩ or more and 1 Ω or less, 0.1 mΩ or more and 100 mΩ or less, 0.1 mΩ or more and 10 mΩ or less, or 0.1 mΩ or more and 1 mΩ or less.

[0070] According to this embodiment, the switching unit 230 is disposed between the power storage unit 210 and the power connector 122. Furthermore, as will be described later, when the voltage across the terminals of the switching unit 230 satisfies a predetermined condition, the switching unit 230 electrically connects the power storage unit 210 and the power connector 122. On the other hand, when the voltage across the terminals of the switching unit 230 does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the switching unit 230 electrically disconnects the power storage unit 210 and the power connector 122.

[0071] This makes it possible to omit processing for accurately matching the voltage of the power storage module 20 newly added to the power supply system 100 with the voltages of the other power storage modules 20 attached to the power supply system 100 when, for example, one of the multiple power storage modules 20 connected in parallel is replaced. As a result, for example, even if the impedance of the power storage unit 210 is small, the user of the power supply system 100 can easily and quickly replace the power storage module 20.

[0072] In this embodiment, the power storage cell 222 and the power storage cell 224 are connected in series. The power storage cell 222 and the power storage cell 224 may be secondary batteries or capacitors. At least one of the power storage cell 222 and the power storage cell 224 may further include a plurality of power storage cells electrically connected in series, in parallel, or in a matrix form therein.

[0073] Any type of battery may be used as the storage cell 222 and the storage cell 224. In one embodiment, each of the storage cell 222 and the storage cell 224 is a secondary battery that supports trickle charging. In another embodiment, each of the storage cell 222 and the storage cell 224 is a secondary battery that does not support trickle charging. At least one of the storage cell 222 and the storage cell 224 may be a lithium-ion battery.

[0074] Generally, if the battery system of a secondary battery is expressed by a reaction formula that, in principle, does not cause irreversible changes in the battery system even if the battery system is sustained in an overcharged state, the secondary battery is capable of trickle charging. On the other hand, if the battery system of a secondary battery is expressed by a reaction formula that, in principle, causes irreversible changes in the battery system if the battery system is sustained in an overcharged state, the secondary battery is incapable of trickle charging. Examples of secondary batteries that can be used for trickle charging include lead batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries (including NiMH batteries), and nickel-cadmium batteries. Examples of secondary batteries that cannot be used for trickle charging include lithium batteries and lithium-ion batteries (including lithium-ion polymer batteries and all-solid-state batteries).

[0075] In this embodiment, the positive terminal 212 of the power storage unit 210 is electrically connected to the power connector 122 via the positive terminal 202 of the power storage module 20 and the switching unit 230. On the other hand, the negative terminal 214 of the power storage unit 210 is electrically connected to the power connector 122 via the negative terminal 204 of the power storage module 20.

[0076] The power storage module 20 is not limited to this embodiment. According to another embodiment, the negative terminal 214 of the power storage unit 210 is electrically connected to the power connector 122 via the negative terminal 204 of the power storage module 20 and the switching unit 230. On the other hand, the positive terminal 212 of the power storage unit 210 is electrically connected to the power connector 122 via the positive terminal 202 of the power storage module 20.

[0077] In this embodiment, the switching unit 230 is disposed between the power connector 122 and the power storage unit 210. In this embodiment, the switching unit 230 switches the electrical connection between the power connector 122 and the power storage unit 210 based on a voltage difference between the power connector 122 and the power storage unit 210. For example, the switching unit 230 switches the connection state between the power connector 122 and the power storage unit 210 based on a signal generated by the module control unit 240. This makes it possible to electrically connect the power storage unit 210 to the power connector 122 or electrically disconnect the power storage unit 210 from the power connector 122.

[0078] When the power storage module 20 is attached to the slot 120, the power storage module 20 may be attached to the slot 120 in a state in which the switching unit 230 electrically disconnects the power storage unit 210 from the power connector 122. This can prevent damage or deterioration of the power storage module 20.

[0079] The switching unit 230 may be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The switching unit 230 may be realized by an analog circuit, a digital circuit, or a combination of an analog circuit and a digital circuit.

[0080] The switching unit 230 may have one or more elements. The switching unit 230 may have one or more switching elements. Each of the one or more switching elements may be arranged between the positive terminal 202 and the positive terminal 212, or between the negative terminal 204 and the negative terminal 214. Examples of the switching element include a relay, a thyristor, and a transistor. The thyristor may be a bidirectional thyristor (sometimes referred to as a triac). The transistor may be a semiconductor transistor. The semiconductor transistor may be a bipolar transistor or a field effect transistor. The field effect transistor may be a MOSFET.

[0081] The switching unit 230 may include one or more DC-DC converters instead of or in addition to the switching elements. The DC-DC converters may be isolated DC-DC converters. The DC-DC converters may be unidirectional DC-DC converters or bidirectional DC-DC converters. The switching unit 230 may include a transformer instead of or in addition to the switching elements.

[0082] In this embodiment, the module control unit 240 manages the state of the power storage module 20. The module control unit 240 also controls the operation of the power storage module 20.

[0083] For example, the module control unit 240 controls the current flowing between the power storage unit 210 of the power storage module 20 and the power connector 122. In this embodiment, the module control unit 240 controls the switching unit 230 so that the switching unit 230 electrically connects the power storage unit 210 and the power connector 122 when the inter-terminal voltage of the switching unit 230 (in this embodiment, the voltage between the positive terminal 202 and the positive terminal 212) satisfies a predetermined condition. The switching unit 230 may electrically connect the power storage unit 210 and the power connector 122 by electrically connecting the power storage unit 210 and the positive terminal 202.

[0084] On the other hand, when the voltage between the terminals of the switching unit 230 does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the switching unit 230 controls the switching unit 230 so as to electrically disconnect the power storage unit 210 from the power connector 122 or the positive terminal 202. The switching unit 230 may electrically disconnect the power storage unit 210 from the power connector 122 by electrically disconnecting the power storage unit 210 from the positive terminal 202.

[0085] The predetermined condition may be that the absolute value of the voltage across the terminals of the switching unit 230 is within a predetermined range. The predetermined range may be 3 V or less, 1 V or less, 0.1 V or less, 10 mV or less, or 1 mV or less. The predetermined range may also be 0.5 mV or more, or 1 mV or more. The predetermined range may be 0.5 mV or more and 3 V or less. The predetermined range may be 1 mV or more and 3 V or less, 1 mV or more and 1 V or less, 1 mV or more and 0.1 V or less, 1 mV or more and 10 mV or more and 10 mV or more and 1 V or less, 10 mV or more and 0.1 V or more and 0.1 V or more and 1 V or less. The voltage across the terminals of the switching unit 230 may be the voltage between the positive terminal 202 and the positive terminal 212, or the voltage between the power connector 122 and the power storage unit 210.

[0086] The predetermined range may be set based on the impedance of the power storage unit 210. The predetermined range may be set based on the rated current or allowable current of the power storage unit 210. The predetermined range may be set based on the impedance of the power storage unit 210 and the rated current or allowable current of the power storage unit 210. The predetermined range may be set based on the rated current or allowable current of an element having the smallest rated current or allowable current among the elements constituting the power storage module 20. The predetermined range may be set based on the impedance of the power storage module 20 and the rated current or allowable current of an element having the smallest rated current or allowable current among the elements constituting the power storage module 20.

[0087] As a result, when a power storage module 20 attached to the power supply system 100 is replaced, the power storage unit 210 of the newly attached power storage module 20 is electrically disconnected from the power connector 122 of the slot 120 in which the power storage module 20 is attached until the voltage difference between the newly attached power storage module 20 and the other power storage modules 20 already attached to the power supply system 100 falls within a predetermined range. Thereafter, when the voltage difference falls within the predetermined range, the power storage unit 210 of the newly attached power storage module 20 is electrically connected to the power connector 122. According to the present embodiment, the power storage module 20 and the slot 120 are automatically electrically connected, allowing the user of the power supply system 100 to easily and quickly replace the power storage module 20.

[0088] In this embodiment, the module control unit 240 may receive a signal from the input / output control unit 180 indicating that the terminal voltage of the power storage module 20 in which the module control unit 240 is incorporated is lower than the terminal voltages of the other power storage modules 20. When the module control unit 240 receives the above signal when the power supply system 100 transitions to the charging state, the module control unit 240 controls the switching unit 230 so that the switching unit 230 electrically connects the power storage unit 210 and the power connector 122. This allows efficient charging of multiple power storage modules 20 connected in parallel.

[0089] In this embodiment, the module control unit 240 may receive from the input / output control unit 180 a signal indicating that the terminal voltage of the power storage module 20 in which the module control unit 240 is incorporated is greater than the terminal voltages of the other power storage modules 20. When the module control unit 240 receives the above signal when the power supply system 100 transitions to a discharging state, the module control unit 240 controls the switching unit 230 so that the switching unit 230 electrically connects the power storage unit 210 and the power connector 122. This allows the multiple power storage modules 20 connected in parallel to be efficiently discharged.

[0090] In this embodiment, the module control unit 240 receives a signal from the protection unit 250 indicating that the voltage between the terminals of the power storage cell 222 or the power storage cell 224 is not within a predetermined range. Upon receiving the signal, the module control unit 240 controls the switching unit 230 so that the switching unit 230 electrically disconnects the power storage unit 210 from the power connector 122. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration or damage to the power storage unit 210 due to overcharging or overdischarging.

[0091] In this embodiment, the module control unit 240 accepts a user operation and receives an instruction from the user to turn on or off the switching unit 230. Upon receiving the user's instruction, the module control unit 240 controls the switching unit 230 in accordance with the instruction.

[0092] In this embodiment, the module control unit 240 may acquire information about the battery characteristics of the power storage unit 210. The module control unit 240 may output the information about the battery characteristics of the power storage unit 210 to an external device. This allows the external device to use the information about the battery characteristics of the power storage unit 210. Examples of the external device include the load device 30 and the power conditioner 130. The external device may also be an output device that outputs information to a user.

[0093] The module control unit 240 may be realized by hardware or software. It may also be realized by a combination of hardware and software. In one embodiment, the module control unit 240 may be realized by an analog circuit, a digital circuit, or a combination of an analog circuit and a digital circuit. In another embodiment, the module control unit 240 may be realized by executing a program for controlling the module control unit 240 in a general information processing device including a data processing device having a CPU, ROM, RAM, a communication interface, etc.

[0094] A program that is installed on a computer and causes the computer to function as part of the module control unit 240 according to this embodiment may include modules that define the operation of each unit of the module control unit 240. These programs or modules act on a CPU or the like to cause the computer to function as each unit of the module control unit 240.

[0095] When the information processing described in these programs is loaded into a computer, it functions as specific means in which the software and the various hardware resources described above work together. These specific means realize the calculation or processing of information according to the intended use of the computer in this embodiment, thereby making it possible to construct a specific device according to the intended use. The programs may be stored on a computer-readable medium or on a storage device connected to a network. The computer-readable medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0096] The protection unit 250 protects the power storage unit 210. In this embodiment, the protection unit 250 protects the power storage unit 210 from overcharging and over-discharging. When the protection unit 250 detects that the terminal voltage of the power storage cell 222 or the power storage cell 224 is not within a predetermined range, the protection unit 250 transmits a signal indicating this to the module control unit 240. The protection unit 250 may transmit information regarding the terminal voltage of the power storage unit 210 to the input / output control unit 180. The protection unit 250 may be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The protection unit 250 may be realized by an analog circuit, a digital circuit, or a combination of an analog circuit and a digital circuit.

[0097] The balance correction unit 260 equalizes the voltages of the multiple storage cells. The operating principle of the balance correction unit 260 is not particularly limited, and any balance correction device can be used. When the power storage unit 210 has three or more storage cells, the power storage module 20 may have multiple balance correction units 260. In one embodiment, when the power storage unit 210 has n storage cells (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2), the power storage module 20 has n-1 balance correction units 260. For example, when the balance correction unit 260 is an active balance correction device or a converter balance correction device, the power storage module 20 has n-1 balance correction units 260. In another embodiment, when the power storage unit 210 has n storage cells (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2), the power storage module 20 has n balance correction units 260. For example, when the balance correction unit 260 is a passive balance correction device, the power storage module 20 has n balance correction units 260.

[0098] The balance correction unit 260 may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The balance correction unit 260 may be implemented by an analog circuit, a digital circuit, or a combination of an analog circuit and a digital circuit. In one embodiment, the balance correction unit 260 is an active balance correction device. The active balance correction unit may be a balance correction unit that transfers charge between two storage cells via an inductor, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-067742, or a balance correction unit that transfers charge using a capacitor, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-210109. In another embodiment, the balance correction unit 260 may be a passive balance correction device. A passive balance correction device may, for example, use an external resistor to release excess charge.

[0099] The module control unit 240 may be an example of a management device. The power storage module 20, in which the power storage unit 210 and the power connector 122 are electrically disconnected by the switching unit 230, may be an example of a second power storage device.

[0100] (An example of another embodiment) In the present embodiment, the case where the power storage unit 210 has two power storage cells connected in series has been described. However, the power storage unit 210 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the power storage unit 210 may have three or more power storage cells connected in series. Furthermore, the power storage unit 210 may have a plurality of power storage cells connected in parallel, or may have a plurality of cells connected in a matrix.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the details of the power supply system 100 have been described using as an example a case where the switching unit 230 is disposed inside the power storage module 20. However, the power supply system 100 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the switching unit 230 may be disposed in the slot 120. The switching unit 230 may be disposed between the power connector 122 and the power connector 144.

[0102] 3 schematically illustrates an example of the system configuration of the power storage module 20. In this embodiment, the power storage module 20 differs from the power storage module 20 described with reference to FIG. 2 in that each of the multiple power storage cells constituting the power storage unit 210 is configured with a type of secondary battery that is compatible with trickle charging, and in that the power storage module 20 includes a trickle charge unit 320. In this embodiment, components other than the above differences may have similar features to the corresponding components of the power storage module 20 described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0103] In this embodiment, the trickle charging unit 320 includes a direction restricting unit 322 and a flow rate restricting unit 324. The trickle charging unit 320 is connected in parallel with the switching unit 230 between the power connector 122 of the slot 120 and the power storage unit 210 of the power storage module 20. The trickle charging unit 320 may have a resistance greater than that of the switching unit 230 in an on-state. In this case, the resistance value when a current flows between the power connector 122 and the power storage unit 210 via the trickle charging unit 320 is smaller than the resistance value of the switching unit 230 when a current leaks through the switching unit 230 in an off-state.

[0104] In this embodiment, trickle charging unit 320 allows current to pass in the direction from power connector 122 toward power storage unit 210. On the other hand, trickle charging unit 320 prevents current from passing in the direction from power storage unit 210 toward power connector 122. For example, trickle charging unit 320 does not allow current to pass in the direction from power storage unit 210 toward power connector 122.

[0105] In this embodiment, the flow rate limiting unit 324 limits the amount of current flowing through the trickle charge unit 320. The flow rate limiting unit 324 may have a resistance greater than that of the switching unit 230. The flow rate limiting unit 324 may include at least one of a fixed resistor, a variable resistor, a constant current circuit, and a constant power circuit. The flow rate limiting unit 324 may include a PTC thermistor. When a current flows through the flow rate limiting unit 324 while trickle charging of the power storage unit 210 is being performed, the flow rate limiting unit 324 may generate heat. Even in this case, according to this embodiment, the flow rate limiting unit 324 includes a PTC thermistor. Therefore, when the temperature of the flow rate limiting unit 324 increases, the amount of current flowing through the flow rate limiting unit 324 decreases. As a result, the temperature of the flow rate limiting unit 324 can be maintained within a predetermined range while trickle charging of the power storage unit 210 is being performed.

[0106] In this embodiment, the direction restrictor 322 is connected in series with the flow rate restrictor 324. The direction restrictor 322 allows current to pass in the direction from the power connector 122 to the power storage unit 210. On the other hand, the direction restrictor 322 does not allow current to pass in the direction from the power storage unit 210 to the power connector 122. The direction restrictor 322 may include a diode. The diode may be arranged such that the direction from the power connector 122 to the power storage unit 210 is the forward direction.

[0107] 4 schematically illustrates an example of the system configuration of the module control unit 240. In this embodiment, the module control unit 240 includes a determination unit 410, a receiving unit 420, and a signal generation unit 430. The module control unit 240 may also include a module information acquisition unit 440, a module information storage unit 450, and a communication unit 460.

[0108] In this embodiment, the determination unit 410 determines whether the voltage between the terminals of the switching unit 230 is within a predetermined range. The determination unit 410 transmits a signal indicating the determination result to the signal generating unit 430. The determination unit 410 may be any comparator or comparison circuit. The determination unit 410 may also be a window comparator.

[0109] In this embodiment, the receiving unit 420 receives at least one of a signal from the input / output control unit 180, a signal from the protection unit 250, and an instruction from a user. The receiving unit 420 transmits a signal corresponding to the received information to the signal generating unit 430.

[0110] (Control signal of the switching unit 230) In this embodiment, the signal generating unit 430 receives a signal from at least one of the determining unit 410 and the receiving unit 420. The signal generating unit 430 generates a signal for controlling the switching unit 230 (sometimes referred to as a control signal of the switching unit 230) based on the received information. This allows the signal generating unit 430 to determine to electrically disconnect the power storage module 20 from the power connector 122 of the slot 120. Similarly, the signal generating unit 430 can determine to electrically connect the power storage module 20 to the power connector 122 of the slot 120. The signal generating unit 430 may transmit the generated control signal to the switching unit 230.

[0111] In one embodiment, if the determination unit 410 determines that the voltage between the terminals of the switching unit 230 is within a predetermined range, the signal generation unit 430 generates a signal for turning on the switching element of the switching unit 230. In another embodiment, if the determination unit 410 determines that the voltage between the terminals of the switching unit 230 is not within the predetermined range, the signal generation unit 430 generates a signal for turning off the switching element of the switching unit 230.

[0112] The signal generating unit 430 may generate or transmit the signal after a predetermined time has elapsed since the determining unit 410 determined whether the voltage between the terminals of the switching unit 230 is within a predetermined range. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions due to noise, etc. Also, it is possible to prevent the power storage unit 210 and the power connector 122 from being electrically connected immediately after the power storage module 20 is inserted into the slot 120.

[0113] In this embodiment, the signal generating unit 430 generates a signal for controlling the switching element of the switching unit 230 based on the signal received by the receiving unit 420. In one embodiment, when the receiving unit 420 receives a signal for turning on the switching element of the switching unit 230 from the input / output control unit 180, the signal generating unit 430 generates a signal for turning on the switching element of the switching unit 230.

[0114] In another embodiment, when the receiving unit 420 receives a signal for turning off the switching element of the switching unit 230 from the protection unit 250, the signal generating unit 430 generates a signal for turning off the switching element of the switching unit 230. In yet another embodiment, when the receiving unit 420 receives an instruction from a user, the signal generating unit 430 generates a signal for operating the switching element of the switching unit 230 in accordance with the instruction from the user.

[0115] (warning signal) According to this embodiment, when the determination unit 410 determines that the voltage between the terminals of the switching unit 230 is within a predetermined range, the signal generation unit 430 generates a signal (sometimes referred to as a warning signal) to notify that the power storage unit 210 of the power storage module 20 and the power connector 122 of the slot 120 will be electrically disconnected. The warning signal may be a signal to notify that the number of power storage modules 20 electrically connected to one or more power connectors 122 arranged in the power supply system 100 will be reduced. The signal generation unit 430 may transmit the warning signal to the input / output control unit 180 via the communication unit 460.

[0116] When a predetermined third condition is met after the communication unit 460 transmits the warning signal, the signal generation unit 430 may determine to electrically disconnect the power connector 122 of the slot 120 from the power storage module 20. Examples of the third condition include (i) a condition that a predetermined time has elapsed after the communication unit 460 outputs the warning signal, or (ii) a condition that, after the communication unit 460 outputs the warning signal, the module control unit 240 receives, from the input / output control unit 180, a signal indicating that processing for reducing the output current of the power supply system 100 has started or that the processing has been completed.

[0117] After the signal generating unit 430 determines to electrically disconnect the power connector 122 of the slot 120 from the power storage module 20, the signal generating unit 430 generates a signal for turning off the switching element of the switching unit 230. The signal generating unit 430 transmits the signal to the switching unit 230. As a result, the switching unit 230 electrically disconnects the power connector 122 of the slot 120 from the power storage module 20.

[0118] In this embodiment, the module information acquiring unit 440 acquires information relating to the battery characteristics of the power storage unit 210. The module information acquiring unit 440 may acquire information relating to the battery characteristics of the power storage unit 210 by measuring the battery characteristics of the power storage unit 210. The module information acquiring unit 440 may acquire information relating to the battery characteristics of the power storage unit 210 that is input by a manufacturer, a seller, or the like at the time of shipping, inspection, or sale.

[0119] The module information acquisition unit 440 may store information relating to the battery characteristics of the power storage unit 210 in the module information storage unit 450. The specific configuration of the module information acquisition unit 440 is not particularly limited, but the module information acquisition unit 440 may be a controller that controls reading and writing of data in the module information storage unit 450. In this embodiment, the module information storage unit 450 stores the information relating to the battery characteristics of the power storage unit 210 acquired by the module information acquisition unit 440.

[0120] In this embodiment, the communication unit 460 transmits and receives various types of information to and from the input / output control unit 180. For example, the communication unit 460 transmits a notice signal generated by the signal generation unit 430 to the input / output control unit 180. The communication unit 460 may receive from the input / output control unit 180 a signal indicating that processing for reducing the output current of the power supply system 100 has started based on the notice signal, or a signal indicating that the processing has been completed.

[0121] For example, the communication unit 460 transmits information on the battery characteristics of the power storage unit 210, acquired by the module information acquisition unit 440, to the input / output control unit 180. The communication unit 460 may transmit the information on the battery characteristics of the power storage unit 210, acquired by the module information acquisition unit 440, to an external device. The communication unit 460 may transmit the information on the battery characteristics of the power storage unit 210 in response to a request from the external device, or may transmit the information on the battery characteristics of the power storage unit 210 at a predetermined timing. The communication unit 460 may refer to the module information storage unit 450 and transmit the information on the battery characteristics of the power storage unit 210 to the input / output control unit 180 or the external device.

[0122] The signal generating unit 430 may be an example of a management device, a transmitting unit, or a disconnecting unit. The communication unit 460 may be an example of a transmitting unit.

[0123] (An example of another embodiment) In the present embodiment, the details of the power supply system 100 have been described using as an example a case where, when the determination unit 410 determines that the voltage between the terminals of the switching unit 230 is within a predetermined range, the signal generation unit 430 generates a warning signal and the communication unit 460 transmits the warning signal to the input / output control unit 180. However, the power supply system 100 is not limited to the present embodiment.

[0124] In another embodiment, the signal generating unit 430 generates the warning signal when a voltage difference between the power storage unit 210 of the power storage module 20 and the power connector 122 of the slot 120 meets a predetermined second condition while the power supply system 100 to which the power storage module 20 is attached is outputting power. In addition, the communication unit 460 transmits the warning signal to the input / output control unit 180. Examples of the second condition include a condition that the voltage difference is smaller than a predetermined value, or a condition that the absolute value of the voltage difference is smaller than a predetermined value.

[0125] Fig. 5 shows an example of a circuit configuration of the power storage module 20. For the purpose of simplifying the explanation, the protection unit 250 and wiring related to the protection unit 250 are not shown in Fig. 5.

[0126] In this embodiment, the switching unit 230 includes a transistor 510, a resistor 512, a resistor 514, a diode 516, a transistor 520, a resistor 522, a resistor 524, and a diode 526. The transistors 510 and 520 may be examples of switching elements. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the transistors 510 and 520 are used as the switching elements of the switching unit 230. However, the switching elements of the switching unit 230 are not limited to those in this embodiment. In other embodiments, a single switching element may be used as the switching element of the switching unit 230.

[0127] In this embodiment, the module control unit 240 includes a determination unit 410, a signal generation unit 430, a switch 592, and a switch 594. In this embodiment, the determination unit 410 includes a transistor 530, a resistor 532, a transistor 540, a resistor 542, a resistor 552, and a resistor 554. The signal generation unit 430 includes a transistor 560, a capacitor 570, a resistor 572, and a transistor 580. The switch 592 and the switch 594 may be an example of the receiving unit 420.

[0128] Next, details of each part of the switching unit 230 and the module control unit 240 will be described. In the switching unit 230 of this embodiment, the transistor 510 is a MOSFET, and even when the transistor 510 is off, a current can flow from the positive terminal 212 to the positive terminal 202 due to a parasitic diode (not shown) formed equivalently between the source and drain of the transistor 510. Similarly, the transistor 520 is a MOSFET, and even when the transistor 520 is off, a current can flow from the positive terminal 202 to the positive terminal 212 due to a parasitic diode (not shown) formed equivalently between the source and drain of the transistor 520.

[0129] In this embodiment, the transistors 510 and 520 are initially set to off. When the transistor 580 is turned on during charging of the power supply system 100, a current flows from the positive terminal 202 to the negative terminal 204 via the resistors 512 and 514 and the transistor 580. As a result, a voltage is applied to the gate of the transistor 510, and the transistor 510 is turned on. This allows a current to flow from the positive terminal 202 to the positive terminal 212 via a parasitic diode formed equivalently between the source and drain of the transistor 520.

[0130] On the other hand, when the power supply system 100 is discharged and the transistor 580 is turned on, a current flows from the positive terminal 212 to the negative terminal 214 via the resistors 522, 524, and the transistor 580. As a result, a voltage is applied to the gate of the transistor 520, and the transistor 520 is turned on. This allows a current to flow from the positive terminal 212 to the positive terminal 202 via a parasitic diode formed equivalently between the source and drain of the transistor 510.

[0131] The voltage applied to the gate of transistor 510 or transistor 520 as transistor 580 is turned on may be an example of a signal for turning on the switching element of switching unit 230. Similarly, the voltage applied to the gate of transistor 510 or transistor 520 as transistor 580 is turned off may be an example of a signal for turning off the switching element of switching unit 230.

[0132] In this embodiment, the values ​​of resistors 512 and 514 are set so that transistor 510 can be reliably turned on / off with low power consumption. Also, the values ​​of resistors 522 and 524 are set so that transistor 520 can be reliably turned on / off with low power consumption.

[0133] In this embodiment, a diode 516 is disposed between the resistor 514 and the resistor 524. The diode 516 allows current to pass in the direction from the resistor 514 to the resistor 524, but does not allow current to pass in the direction from the resistor 524 to the resistor 514. By providing the diode 516, it is possible to prevent current from leaking from the positive terminal 212 to the positive terminal 202 through the route of the resistors 522, 524, 514, and 512 when the switching unit 230 electrically disconnects the positive terminal 202 from the positive terminal 212.

[0134] In this embodiment, a diode 526 is disposed between resistor 514 and resistor 524. Diode 526 allows current to pass in the direction from resistor 524 to resistor 514, but does not allow current to pass in the direction from resistor 514 to resistor 524. By providing diode 526, it is possible to prevent current from leaking from positive terminal 202 to positive terminal 212 through the route of resistor 512, resistor 514, resistor 524, and resistor 522 when switching unit 230 electrically disconnects positive terminal 202 from positive terminal 212.

[0135] In the module control unit 240 of this embodiment, the transistors 530 and 540 of the determination unit 410 are initially set to off, and the transistors 560 and 580 of the signal generation unit 430 are initially set to off.

[0136] According to this embodiment, the value of the resistor 532 is set so that the transistor 530 is turned on when the voltage across the terminals of the switching unit 230 is smaller than a predetermined first value, with the positive terminal 202 side being positive. The value of the resistor 532 is preferably set so that the leakage current is minimized when the switching unit 230 is off. Furthermore, the value of the resistor 542 is set so that the transistor 540 is turned on when the voltage across the terminals of the switching unit 230 is greater than a predetermined second value. The value of the resistor 542 is preferably set so that the leakage current is minimized when the switching unit 230 is off. Note that, according to this embodiment, the voltage across the terminals of the switching unit 230 is equal to the voltage difference between the positive terminal 202 and the positive terminal 212.

[0137] When the voltage across the terminals of switching unit 230 is smaller than a predetermined first value, transistor 530 is turned on, and a voltage is applied to the base of transistor 560 from power storage unit 210 via positive terminal 212, transistor 530, and resistor 552, turning on transistor 560. Although voltage from positive terminal 202 is applied to the base of transistor 580, the on-state of transistor 580 is prevented while transistor 560 is turned on. As a result, transistor 580 is turned off.

[0138] On the other hand, when the voltage between the terminals of the switching unit 230 is greater than a predetermined second value, the transistor 540 is turned on, and a voltage is applied from the positive terminal 202 to the base of the transistor 560 via the transistor 540 and the resistor 554, turning on the transistor 560. As a result, the transistor 580 is turned off.

[0139] In this embodiment, the value of resistor 552 is set to reduce power consumption to the extent that transistor 560 can be turned on when transistor 530 is on. The value of resistor 554 is set to reduce power consumption to the extent that transistor 560 can be turned on when transistor 540 is on.

[0140] The capacitance of capacitor 570 is set so that transistor 560 turns on before transistor 580 turns on when voltage from positive terminal 202 is applied to the base of transistor 580. This allows signal generating unit 430 to generate a signal after a predetermined time has elapsed since determining unit 410 determined whether the voltage between the terminals of the switching element is within a predetermined range.

[0141] On the other hand, when the voltage between the terminals of the switching unit 230 is within the range determined by the first value and the second value, the transistors 530 and 540 remain off, and the transistor 560 also remains off. Therefore, a voltage is applied from the positive terminal 202 to the base of the transistor 580 via the resistor 572, and the transistor 580 turns on.

[0142] The switches 592 and 594 may be manual switches, or may be switching elements such as relays, thyristors, or transistors. A signal 52 indicating that the switching unit 230 is to be turned on may be input to the switch 592. A signal 54 indicating that the switching unit 230 is to be turned off may be input to the switch 594.

[0143] When switch 592 is turned on, switching unit 230 can be turned on regardless of whether transistor 580 is on or off. When switch 594 is turned on, transistor 580 can be turned off regardless of whether transistor 560 is on or off. As a result, switching unit 230 can be turned off.

[0144] 6 schematically shows an example of the system configuration of the input / output control unit 180. In this embodiment, the input / output control unit 180 includes a rating information acquisition unit 612, a maximum power determination unit 614, a coefficient determination unit 622, an upper limit power determination unit 624, an allowable current determination unit 632, an upper limit current determination unit 634, and an operation control unit 640. In this embodiment, the operation control unit 640 includes a decrease detection unit 642, a current decrease unit 644, an increase detection unit 646, and a current increase unit 648.

[0145] In this embodiment, the rating information acquisition unit 612 acquires information (sometimes referred to as rating information) indicating various rating values ​​for each of the one or more connected modules described above. The rating information acquisition unit 612 acquires the rating information stored in the module information storage unit 450, for example, from the module control unit 240. Examples of the rating values ​​include at least one of the rated output power, rated output current, rated output voltage, rated input power, rated input current, and rated input voltage of the power storage unit 210. Other examples of the rating values ​​include at least one of the rated output power, rated output current, rated output voltage, rated input power, rated input current, and rated input voltage of the switching unit 230.

[0146] In this embodiment, the maximum power determination unit 614 determines the maximum value of power (sometimes referred to as the maximum power supply value) that each of the one or more connection modules described above can supply to the power supply system 100. The maximum power determination unit 614 determines the maximum power supply value based on, for example, the smaller of (a) the rated output power of the power storage unit 210 of each of the one or more connection modules, and (b) the rated output power of the switching unit 230 of each of the one or more connection modules. The maximum power determination unit 614 may determine the smaller value as the maximum power supply value.

[0147] The maximum power determination unit 614 may determine the maximum power supply value based on the smaller of (a) the rated output current of each power storage unit 210 of one or more connected modules and (b) the rated output current of each switching unit 230 corresponding to one or more connected modules. For example, the maximum power determination unit 614 determines the maximum power supply value based on the voltage at a specific time and the value of the rated output current.

[0148] As described above, the maximum value of power that can be supplied to the power supply system 100 is determined by the maximum value of current that can be supplied to the power supply system 100. Therefore, in another embodiment, the maximum power determination unit 614 may derive the maximum value of current that can be supplied to the power supply system 100 as the maximum power supply value. In this case, the maximum power determination unit 614 may determine the smaller value as the maximum power supply value.

[0149] In this embodiment, the maximum power determination unit 614 determines the maximum value of power (sometimes referred to as the maximum power reception value) that each of the one or more connection modules described above can receive from the power supply system 100. The maximum power determination unit 614 determines the maximum power reception value based on, for example, the smaller of (a) the rated input power of the power storage unit 210 of each of the one or more connection modules, and (b) the rated input power of the switching unit 230 corresponding to each of the one or more connection modules. The maximum power determination unit 614 may determine the smaller value as the maximum power reception value.

[0150] The maximum power determination unit 614 may determine the maximum power receiving value based on, for example, the smaller of (a) the rated input current of each power storage unit 210 of one or more connected modules and (b) the rated input current of each switching unit 230 corresponding to one or more connected modules. The maximum power determination unit 614 may determine the smaller value as the maximum power receiving value.

[0151] In this embodiment, the coefficient determination unit 622 determines various coefficients used to determine the upper limit of the magnitude of the output power and / or input power of the power supply system 100. For example, the coefficient determination unit 622 determines the above coefficients for each of the one or more connection modules described above. In one embodiment, the coefficient determination unit 622 determines a coefficient (which may be referred to as a power supply coefficient) used to determine the upper limit of the magnitude of the output power of the power supply system 100. In another embodiment, the coefficient determination unit 622 determines a coefficient (which may be referred to as a power receiving coefficient) used to determine the upper limit of the magnitude of the input power of the power supply system 100.

[0152] The coefficient determination unit 622 may determine the coefficient to be applied to each connection module based on at least one of (i) the equivalent series resistance, (ii) the slope of the SOC-OCV curve, and (iii) the SOH of each connection module. The coefficient may be a positive number equal to or less than 1.

[0153] The coefficient determination unit 622 may determine the coefficient so that the larger the equivalent series resistance of the power storage module 20, the smaller the coefficient applied to the power storage module 20. The coefficient may be the reciprocal of the equivalent series resistance of the power storage module 20, or may be the product of the reciprocal and a predetermined reference value for the equivalent series resistance.

[0154] The coefficient determination unit 622 may determine the coefficient so that the coefficient applied to the power storage module 20 decreases as the slope of the SOC-OCV curve of the power storage module 20 at a point on the curve that corresponds to the current value of the voltage (specifically, the OCV) of the power storage module 20 increases. The coefficient may be the reciprocal of the slope, or may be the product of the reciprocal and a predetermined reference value for the slope.

[0155] The coefficient determination unit 622 may determine the coefficient so that the smaller the SOH of the power storage module 20, the smaller the coefficient applied to the power storage module 20. The coefficient may be the SOH of the power storage module 20, or may be the product of the SOH and a predetermined reference value for the SOH.

[0156] In one embodiment, the coefficient determination unit 622 determines the power supply coefficient of each connection module based on at least one of (i) equivalent series resistance, (ii) slope of the SOC-OCV curve, and (iii) SOH of each connection module. In another embodiment, the coefficient determination unit 622 determines the power receiving coefficient of each connection module based on at least one of (i) equivalent series resistance, (ii) slope of the SOC-OCV curve, and (iii) SOH of each connection module.

[0157] In this embodiment, the upper limit power determination unit 624 determines the upper limit of at least one of the magnitude of the output power and the input power of the power supply system 100. In one embodiment, the upper limit value of the magnitude of the output power and the upper limit value of the magnitude of the input power may be the same. In another embodiment, the upper limit value of the magnitude of the output power and the upper limit value of the magnitude of the input power may be different. For example, when peak power shaving is implemented, the upper limit value of the magnitude of the output power and the upper limit value of the magnitude of the input power may be different.

[0158] In one embodiment, the upper limit power determiner 624 determines the upper limit of the magnitude of the output power of the power supply system 100, for example, based on the maximum power supply values ​​of each of the one or more connection modules described above. For example, the upper limit power determiner 624 determines the sum of the maximum power supply values ​​of each of the one or more connection modules as the upper limit of the magnitude of the output power of the power supply system 100.

[0159] For example, the upper limit power determination unit 624 determines the upper limit of the magnitude of the output power of the power supply system 100 based on the maximum power supply value of each of the one or more connection modules and a power supply coefficient determined for each of the one or more connection modules. The upper limit power determination unit 624 may determine the upper limit of the magnitude of the output power of the power supply system 100 as a weighted linear sum of the maximum power supply values ​​of each of the one or more connection modules, using the power supply coefficient of each connection module as a weight.

[0160] In these embodiments, the power supply factor may be greater than or equal to 0.2 and less than or equal to 1. For example, if the battery systems of the power storage units 210 of one or more connection modules are different or dissimilar, the power supply factor may be greater than or equal to 0.2 and less than or equal to 1. In these embodiments, the power supply factor may be greater than or equal to 0.8 and less than or equal to 1. For example, if the battery systems of the power storage units 210 of one or more connection modules are the same or similar, the power supply factor may be greater than or equal to 0.8 and less than or equal to 1.

[0161] In another embodiment, the upper limit power determiner 624 determines the upper limit of the magnitude of the input power to the power supply system 100, for example, based on the maximum power receiving values ​​of each of the one or more connection modules described above. For example, the upper limit power determiner 624 determines the sum of the maximum power receiving values ​​of each of the one or more connection modules as the upper limit of the magnitude of the input power to the power supply system 100.

[0162] For example, the upper limit power determination unit 624 determines the upper limit of the magnitude of the input power to the power supply system 100 based on the maximum power receiving value of each of the one or more connection modules and a power receiving coefficient determined for each of the one or more connection modules. The upper limit power determination unit 624 may determine the upper limit of the magnitude of the input power to the power supply system 100 as a weighted linear sum of the maximum power receiving values ​​of each of the one or more connection modules, using the power receiving coefficient of each connection module as a weight.

[0163] In these embodiments, the power receiving coefficient may be 0.2 or greater and 1 or less. For example, if the battery systems of the power storage units 210 of one or more connection modules are different or dissimilar, the power receiving coefficient may be 0.2 or greater and 1 or less. In these embodiments, the power receiving coefficient may be 0.8 or greater and 1 or less. For example, if the battery systems of the power storage units 210 of one or more connection modules are the same or similar, the power receiving coefficient may be 0.8 or greater and 1 or less.

[0164] In this embodiment, the allowable current determination unit 632 obtains the allowable value (sometimes referred to as the allowable current value) of the current flowing between each of the one or more connection modules and the power connector 122 of the slot 120 that holds each connection module. The allowable current determination unit 632 determines the allowable current value of each connection module based on, for example, at least one of the maximum power supply value and the maximum power reception value of each of the one or more connection modules. In this way, the allowable current determination unit 632 can obtain the allowable current value of each connection module.

[0165] In one embodiment, when the maximum power determination unit 614 derives the maximum value of power that a connection module can supply to the power supply system 100 as the maximum power supply value, the allowable current determination unit 632 determines the allowable current value of each connection module based on, for example, the maximum power supply value of each of the one or more connection modules and the voltage of each connection module at that time. The allowable current determination unit 632 determines the allowable current value of each connection module based on, for example, the maximum power receiving value of each of the one or more connection modules and the voltage of each connection module.

[0166] In another embodiment, when the maximum power determination unit 614 derives the maximum value of the current that the connection module can supply to the power supply system 100 as the maximum power supply value, the allowable current determination unit 632 may determine the maximum power supply value output by the maximum power determination unit 614 as the allowable current value of the connection module.

[0167] In this embodiment, the upper limit current determination unit 634 determines an upper limit of the magnitude of at least one of the output current and the input current of the power supply system 100. For example, the upper limit current determination unit 634 determines an upper limit of the magnitude of at least one of the output current and the input current of the power supply system 100 based on the allowable current value determined or acquired by the allowable current determination unit 632.

[0168] For example, when the number of connected modules increases, the upper limit current determination unit 634 determines an appropriate upper limit while gradually increasing at least one of the output current and the input current of the power supply system 100. Specifically, first, when the increase detection unit 646 detects that the number of connected modules has increased, the upper limit current determination unit 634 controls the current increase unit 648 to gradually increase at least one of the output current and the input current of the power supply system 100.

[0169] Next, when at least one of the output current and the input current of the power supply system 100 is increased in response to an instruction or decision by the current increasing unit 648, the upper limit current determining unit 634 monitors the current value of the current flowing between each of the one or more connection modules and the power connector 122 of the slot 120 that holds each connection module. The upper limit current determining unit 634, for example, periodically obtains information indicating the current value.

[0170] The upper limit current determination unit 634 monitors the current value for each connection module and compares the current value for each connection module with the allowable current value of each connection module. If the comparison determines that the absolute value of the difference between (i) the current value of the current flowing between at least one of the one or more connection modules and the power connector 122 of the slot 120 holding the at least one connection module and (ii) the allowable current value of the at least one connection module is smaller than a predetermined value, the upper limit current determination unit 634 determines the magnitude of at least one of the output current and input current of the power supply system 100 at that time as the upper limit of at least one of the output current and input current of the power supply system 100. This allows an appropriate upper limit value to be determined.

[0171] In this embodiment, the operation control unit 640 controls the operation of each unit of the power conditioner 130. The operation control unit 640 controls the operation of at least one of the DC / DC converter 160, the inverter 170, the switch 172, and the switch 174, for example.

[0172] In this embodiment, the decrease detection unit 642 monitors fluctuations in the number of one or more power storage modules 20 (referred to as connected modules as described above) electrically connected to the power supply system 100 while the power supply system 100 is outputting power. The decrease detection unit 642 may detect that the number of connected modules will decrease in the near future.

[0173] The decrease detection unit 642 detects, for example, that the number of connected modules will decrease in the near future before the number of connected modules actually decreases. More specifically, the decrease detection unit 642 detects in advance that the number of connected modules will decrease by receiving a warning signal transmitted by the communication unit 460 of a specific power storage module 20. The decrease detection unit 642 outputs information indicating that the number of connected modules will decrease to the current decrease unit 644.

[0174] In this embodiment, when the reduction detection unit 642 detects a reduction in the number of connected modules in advance, the current reduction unit 644 determines to reduce the output current of the power supply system 100. The current reduction unit 644 may generate a signal for operating the power conditioner 130 according to the determination result. The current reduction unit 644 may transmit the signal to related elements of the power conditioner 130. Examples of the elements include at least one of the DC / DC converter 160, the inverter 170, the switch 172, and the switch 174.

[0175] The output current may be a current output via power connector 152 and power connector 154. The output current may be a current output from power connector 144 to DC / DC converter 160. The output current may be a current output from DC / DC converter 160 to inverter 170.

[0176] The current may be a current output from the power conditioner 130 to the plurality of slots 120. The current may be a current output via the power connector 144.

[0177] When the reduction detection unit 642 detects a reduction in the number of connected modules in advance, the current reduction unit 644 may reduce the output current from the connected modules before the number of connected modules actually decreases. As described above, after the communication unit 460 of the power storage module 20 transmits the warning signal, the switching unit 230 of the power storage module 20 electrically disconnects the power storage unit 210 of the power storage module 20 from the power connector 122 of the slot 120 that holds the power storage module 20. This reduces the number of connected modules.

[0178] According to this embodiment, after the output current of the power supply system 100 is reduced, the power storage unit 210 of the power storage module 20 is electrically disconnected from the power connector 122 of the slot 120 that holds the power storage module 20. This controls the magnitude of the output current of each of the remaining connection modules to be equal to or less than the upper limit of the magnitude of the output current of each connection module.

[0179] In this embodiment, the increase detection unit 646 monitors fluctuations in the number of connected modules. The increase detection unit 646 may monitor fluctuations in the number of connected modules while the power supply system 100 is outputting power. The increase detection unit 646 detects, for example, an increase in the number of connected modules. The increase detection unit 646 outputs information indicating an increase in the number of connected modules to the current reduction unit 644.

[0180] In this embodiment, when the increase detection unit 646 detects an increase in the number of connected modules, the current increase unit 648 determines to increase at least one of the output current and the input current of the power supply system 100. When the increase detection unit 646 detects an increase in the number of connected modules, the current increase unit 648 determines to increase at least one of the output current and the input current of the power supply system 100, for example, so that fluctuations in at least one of the output current and the input current of the power supply system 100 satisfy a predetermined first condition. Examples of the first condition include a condition that the rate of increase of at least one of the output current and the input current is equal to or less than a predetermined value, or a condition that the rate of increase is within a predetermined numerical range.

[0181] In this embodiment, the current increasing unit 648 adjusts the timing of starting the process for increasing at least one of the output current and the input current of the power supply system 100 so that at least one of the output current and the input current of the power supply system 100 increases after a predetermined delay time has elapsed since the increase detection unit 646 detected an increase in the number of connected modules. The delay time may have a predetermined length or a length determined based on a predetermined algorithm. This further stabilizes the operation of the power supply system 100.

[0182] The current increasing unit 648 may generate a signal for operating the power conditioner 130 according to the determination result. The current increasing unit 648 may transmit the signal to relevant elements of the power conditioner 130. Examples of the elements include at least one of the DC / DC converter 160, the inverter 170, the switch 172, and the switch 174.

[0183] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the input / output control unit 180 receives a signal requesting an increase in the charge / discharge current, the input / output control unit 180 acquires information indicating the magnitude of the current in each of the one or more power storage modules 20 from a current sensor that detects the magnitude of the current in each of the power storage modules 20. While monitoring the magnitude of the current in each power storage module, the input / output control unit 180 controls the output of the power conditioner 130 so that the current value of each power storage module does not exceed the current limit value of each power storage module.

[0184] For example, when the electrical characteristics of each energy storage module are different, it is difficult to predict the magnitude of the current distributed to each energy storage module. When batteries of different types and / or specifications are mixed, it is particularly difficult to predict the magnitude of the current distributed to each energy storage module. Even in such cases, according to this embodiment, the magnitude of the current distributed to each energy storage module can be appropriately adjusted.

[0185] Furthermore, for example, current may flow backward, resulting in a decrease in charging efficiency or discharging efficiency, depending on the ON / OFF timing of the switching unit 230. As described above, by providing a delay time, the decrease in charging efficiency or discharging efficiency can be suppressed.

[0186] The allowable current determination unit 632 may be an example of an allowable current acquisition unit. The power storage module 20 that transmitted the notice signal may be an example of a second power storage device.

[0187] Next, an example of a procedure for determining the upper limit of the magnitude of the output power of the power supply system 100 will be described with reference to Figure 7. In this embodiment, for the purpose of facilitating the explanation, the above procedure will be described in detail using an example in which the power supply system 100 includes slots X, Y, and Z, and power storage module A is installed in slot X, power storage module B is installed in slot Y, and power storage module C is installed in slot Z. Those skilled in the art who have read the above explanation will understand that the upper limit of the magnitude of the input power of the power supply system 100 can be determined using a similar procedure.

[0188] According to this embodiment, for example, the maximum power determination unit 614 determines the maximum value of power that each power storage module can supply to the power supply system 100 based on the smaller value of the rated output current of the power storage unit 210 and the rated output current of the switching unit 230. For example, the maximum power determination unit 614 first determines the maximum value of current that each power storage module can supply to the power supply system 100. Next, the maximum power determination unit 614 determines the maximum value of power that each power storage module can supply to the power supply system 100 based on the maximum value of current for each power storage module and the voltage of each power storage module at that time.

[0189] More specifically, first, the allowable current determination unit 632 determines the allowable current of each power storage module. For example, the allowable current determination unit 632 acquires the value of the rated output current of the power storage unit 210 of each power storage module from the rating information acquisition unit 612. Similarly, the allowable current determination unit 632 acquires the value of the rated output current of the switching unit 230 of each power storage module from the rating information acquisition unit 612. As shown in FIG. 7 , in this embodiment, the rated output currents of the power storage units 210 of power storage module A, power storage module B, and power storage module C are 80, 120, and 150 [A], respectively. Similarly, the rated output currents of the switching units 230 of power storage module A, power storage module B, and power storage module C are 100, 100, and 200 [A], respectively.

[0190] Next, the allowable current determination unit 632 compares, for each power storage module, the rated output current of the power storage unit 210 with the rated output current of the switching unit 230. For each power storage module, the allowable current determination unit 632 determines the smaller value of the rated output current of the power storage unit 210 and the rated output current of the switching unit 230 as the allowable current of each power storage module.

[0191] Next, the coefficient determination unit 622 acquires the value of the equivalent series resistance of each power storage module. As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the equivalent series resistances of power storage module A, power storage module B, and power storage module C are 4, 3, and 2 mΩ, respectively. The coefficient determination unit 622 determines the first coefficient k1 based on the reciprocal of the equivalent series resistance of each power storage module. In this embodiment, the coefficient determination unit 622 determines the first coefficient k1 based on the reference value 2 and the reciprocal of the equivalent series resistance of each power storage module. Specifically, the coefficient determination unit 622 calculates the first coefficient k1 of each power storage module by dividing the reference value 2 by the reciprocal of the equivalent series resistance of each power storage module.

[0192] Next, the coefficient determination unit 622 compares (i) a value (sometimes referred to as a first multiplication value) obtained by multiplying the largest value of the allowable currents of the three power storage modules by the first coefficient k1 of each power storage module with (ii) the allowable current value of each power storage module. If the first multiplication value is greater than the allowable current value for at least one power storage module, the coefficient determination unit 622 derives a second coefficient k2 for adjusting the first coefficient k1. For example, the coefficient determination unit 622 calculates the second coefficient k2 by dividing the allowable current value of a power storage module whose first multiplication value is greater than the allowable current value by the first multiplication value. If there are multiple power storage modules whose first multiplication value is greater than the allowable current value, the coefficient determination unit 622 determines to use the smallest value obtained by dividing the allowable current values ​​of the multiple power storage modules by the first multiplication value as the second coefficient k2. The second coefficient may be a coefficient common to all power storage modules.

[0193] Next, the coefficient determination unit 622 obtains the value of the slope of the SOC-OCV curve of each power storage module, and determines the slope of the SOC-OCV curve of each power storage module at a point on the curve that corresponds to the current voltage as a third coefficient k3.

[0194] Next, the allowable current determination unit 632 obtains the values ​​of the first coefficient k1, the second coefficient k2, and the third coefficient k3 of each power storage module from the coefficient determination unit 622. The allowable current determination unit 632 determines the maximum value of the current that each power storage module can supply to the power supply system 100 by multiplying the allowable current of each power storage module by the first coefficient k1, the second coefficient k3, and the third coefficient k3. According to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7 , the maximum values ​​of the current that power storage module A, power storage module B, and power storage module C can supply to the power supply system 100 are 71, 100, and 28 [A], respectively. The maximum value of the current that the power supply system 100 can supply to the outside is the sum of these, 199 [A].

[0195] The maximum power determination unit 614 can determine the maximum value of power that each power storage module can supply to the power supply system 100 by multiplying the maximum value of the output current of each power storage module determined by the allowable current determination unit 632 by the voltage of each power storage module at that time. Similarly, the maximum power determination unit 614 can determine the maximum value of power that the power supply system 100 can supply to the outside, based on the maximum value of the output current of each power storage module determined by the allowable current determination unit 632 and the voltage of each power storage module at that time. The maximum power determination unit 614 outputs information indicating the maximum value of power that the power supply system 100 can supply to the outside to the operation control unit 640. The operation control unit 640 controls the operation of the power conditioner 130 based on the information acquired from the maximum power determination unit 614.

[0196] 8 schematically illustrates an example of the system configuration of the computer 3000. For example, at least a part of the power supply system 100 is implemented by the computer 3000. For example, at least a part of the input / output control unit 180 is implemented by the computer 3000. For example, at least a part of the module control unit 240 is implemented by the computer 3000.

[0197] A program installed on the computer 3000 can cause the computer 3000 to function as or perform operations associated with an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention or one or more "parts" of the apparatus, and / or to perform a process or steps of the process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Such a program can be executed by the CPU 3012 to cause the computer 3000 to perform specific operations associated with some or all of the blocks of the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

[0198] A computer 3000 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 3012, a RAM 3014, a graphics controller 3016, and a display device 3018, which are interconnected by a host controller 3010. The computer 3000 also includes input / output units such as a communication interface 3022, a hard disk drive 3024, a DVD-ROM drive 3026, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller 3010 via an input / output controller 3020. The computer also includes legacy input / output units such as a ROM 3030 and a keyboard 3042, which are connected to the input / output controller 3020 via an input / output chip 3040.

[0199] The CPU 3012 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 3030 and RAM 3014, thereby controlling each unit. The graphics controller 3016 acquires image data generated by the CPU 3012 into a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAM 3014 or into the graphics controller 3016 itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on the display device 3018.

[0200] The communication interface 3022 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive 3024 stores programs and data used by the CPU 3012 in the computer 3000. The DVD-ROM drive 3026 reads programs or data from the DVD-ROM 3001 and provides the programs or data to the hard disk drive 3024 via the RAM 3014. The IC card drive reads programs and data from an IC card and / or writes programs and data to an IC card.

[0201] The ROM 3030 stores therein a boot program or the like that is executed by the computer 3000 upon activation, and / or programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 3000. The input / output chip 3040 may also connect various input / output units to the input / output controller 3020 via a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, etc.

[0202] The programs are provided by a computer-readable storage medium such as a DVD-ROM 3001 or an IC card. The programs are read from the computer-readable storage medium, installed in the hard disk drive 3024, RAM 3014, or ROM 3030, which are also examples of computer-readable storage media, and executed by the CPU 3012. The information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 3000, and brings about cooperation between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. An apparatus or method may be configured by implementing operations or processing of information in accordance with the use of the computer 3000.

[0203] For example, when communication is performed between computer 3000 and an external device, CPU 3012 may execute a communication program loaded into RAM 3014 and instruct communication interface 3022 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of CPU 3012, communication interface 3022 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer area provided in RAM 3014, hard disk drive 3024, DVD-ROM 3001, or a recording medium such as an IC card, and transmits the read transmission data to the network, or writes received data received from the network to a reception buffer area or the like provided on the recording medium.

[0204] Furthermore, CPU 3012 may cause all or a necessary portion of a file or database stored on an external recording medium such as hard disk drive 3024, DVD-ROM drive 3026 (DVD-ROM 3001), IC card, etc. to be read into RAM 3014, and may perform various types of processing on the data on RAM 3014. CPU 3012 may then write back the processed data to the external recording medium.

[0205] Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored on the recording medium and subjected to information processing. The CPU 3012 may perform various types of processing on data read from the RAM 3014, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information search / replacement, etc., as described throughout this disclosure and specified by the instruction sequences of the programs, and write the results back to the RAM 3014. The CPU 3012 may also search for information in a file, database, etc. on the recording medium. For example, if multiple entries, each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute, are stored on the recording medium, the CPU 3012 may search for an entry whose attribute value of the first attribute matches a specified condition from among the multiple entries, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and thereby obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0206] The above-described programs or software modules may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium on or near the computer 3000. A recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can also be used as a computer-readable storage medium, thereby providing the above-described programs to the computer 3000 via the network.

[0207] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. Furthermore, to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent, the details described for a particular embodiment can be applied to other embodiments. It is apparent from the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0208] It should be noted that the execution order of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and that the processes can be performed in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a subsequent process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is described using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, this does not mean that the processes must be performed in this order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0209] 10 power system, 12 distribution board, 20 energy storage module, 22 power connector, 24 communication connector, 30 load device, 52 signal, 54 signal, 100 power supply system, 110 photovoltaic power generation device, 120 slot, 122 power connector, 124 communication connector, 130 power conditioner, 142 power connector, 144 power connector, 148 communication connector, 152 power connector, 154 power connector, 160 DC / DC converter, 170 inverter, 172 switch, 174 switch, 180 input / output control unit, 202 positive terminal, 204 negative terminal, 210 energy storage unit, 212 positive terminal, 214 negative terminal, 222 energy storage cell, 224 energy storage cell, 230 switching unit, 240 module control unit, 250 protection unit, 260 Balance correction unit, 320 trickle charge unit, 322 direction restriction unit, 324 flow rate restriction unit, 410 determination unit, 420 receiving unit, 430 signal generation unit, 440 module information acquisition unit, 450 module information storage unit, 460 communication unit, 510 transistor, 512 resistor, 514 resistor, 516 diode, 520 transistor, 522 resistor, 524 resistor, 526 diode, 530 transistor, 532 resistor, 540 transistor, 542 resistor, 552 resistor, 554 resistor, 560 transistor, 570 capacitor, 572 resistor, 580 transistor, 592 switch, 594 switch, 612 rating information acquisition unit, 614 maximum power determination unit, 622 coefficient determination unit, 624 upper limit power determination unit, 632 allowable current determination unit, 634 Upper limit current determining unit, 640 operation control unit, 642 decrease detection unit, 644 current decrease unit, 646 increase detection unit, 648 current increase unit, 3000 computer, 3001 DVD-ROM, 3010 host controller, 3012 CPU, 3014 RAM, 3016 graphic controller, 3018 display device, 3020 input / output controller, 3022 communication interface, 3024 hard disk drive, 3026 DVD-ROM drive, 3030 ROM, 3040 input / output chip, 3042 keyboard

Claims

1. A control device for controlling at least one of an output power and an input power of a power device configured to be able to connect a detachable power storage device in parallel, an upper limit power determination unit that determines an upper limit of the magnitude of at least one of the output power and the input power of the power device; Equipped with The upper limit power determination unit determining the upper limit of the magnitude of the output power of the power device based on a maximum power supply value that is a maximum value of power that can be supplied to the power device by each of one or more first power storage devices that are the power storage devices electrically connected to the power terminals of the power device; and / or determining the upper limit of the magnitude of the input power of the power device based on a maximum power reception value that is a maximum value of power that each of the one or more first power storage devices can receive from the power device; Control device.

2. The upper limit power determination unit determining the sum of the maximum power supply values ​​of the one or more first power storage devices as the upper limit of the magnitude of the output power of the power device; and / or determining a sum of the respective maximum power reception values ​​of the one or more first power storage devices as the upper limit of the magnitude of the input power of the power device; The control device according to claim 1 .

3. The upper limit power determination unit determining the upper limit of the magnitude of the output power of the power device based on the maximum power supply value of each of the one or more first power storage devices and a power supply coefficient that is a positive number equal to or less than 1 and that is determined for each of the one or more first power storage devices; and / or determining the upper limit of the magnitude of the input power of the power device based on the maximum power reception value of each of the one or more first power storage devices and a power reception coefficient that is a positive number equal to or less than 1 and that is determined for each of the one or more first power storage devices; The control device according to claim 1 .

4. the power supply coefficient of each of the one or more first power storage devices is determined based on at least one of (i) an equivalent series resistance, (ii) a slope of an SOC-OCV curve, and (iii) an SOH of each of the one or more first power storage devices; The control device according to claim 3 .

5. the power receiving coefficient of each of the one or more first power storage devices is determined based on at least one of (i) an equivalent series resistance, (ii) a slope of an SOC-OCV curve, and (iii) an SOH of each of the one or more first power storage devices; The control device according to claim 3 .

6. the maximum power supply value of each of the one or more first power storage devices is determined based on the smaller value of (a) a rated output power of a power storage unit of each of the one or more first power storage devices, and (b) a rated output power of a switching unit that switches an electrical connection relationship between the power storage unit of each of the one or more first power storage devices and the power terminal of the power device. The control device according to claim 1 .

7. the maximum power reception value of each of the one or more first power storage devices is determined based on the smaller value of (a) a rated input power of a power storage unit of each of the one or more first power storage devices, and (b) a rated input power of a switching unit that switches an electrical connection relationship between the power storage unit of each of the one or more first power storage devices and the power terminal of the power device. The control device according to claim 1 .

8. a decrease detection unit that detects in advance that the number of the one or more first power storage devices will decrease while the power device is outputting power; a current reduction unit that, when the reduction detection unit detects the reduction in the number in advance, determines to reduce the output current of the power device so that the output current of the power device is reduced before the number of the one or more first power storage devices is reduced; Further provided with The control device according to claim 1 .

9. an increase detection unit that detects an increase in the number of the one or more first power storage devices; an allowable current acquisition unit that acquires an allowable current value indicating an allowable value of a current flowing between each of the one or more first power storage devices and the power terminal of the power device; an upper limit current determination unit that determines an upper limit of at least one of the magnitude of an output current and an input current of the power device based on the allowable current value acquired by the allowable current acquisition unit; a current increasing unit that, when the increase detecting unit detects the increase in the number, determines to increase at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device so that a fluctuation in at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device satisfies a predetermined first condition; Equipped with the allowable current value of each of the one or more first power storage devices is determined based on at least one of the maximum power supply value and the maximum power reception value of each of the one or more first power storage devices, The upper limit current determination unit When at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device is increased in accordance with the determination by the current increasing unit, a current value of a current flowing between each of the one or more first power storage devices and the power terminal of the power device is acquired; (i) a current value of a current flowing between at least one of the one or more first power storage devices and the power terminal of the power device, and (ii) a magnitude of at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device when an absolute value of a difference between the allowable current values ​​of the at least one first power storage device is smaller than a predetermined value, are determined as the upper limit of the magnitude of at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device. The control device according to claim 1 .

10. A control device for controlling at least one of an output current and an input current of a power device configured to be able to connect a detachable power storage device in parallel, an increase detection unit that detects an increase in the number of one or more first power storage devices that are the power storage devices electrically connected to the power terminals of the power device; an allowable current acquisition unit that acquires an allowable current value indicating an allowable value of a current flowing between each of the one or more first power storage devices and the power terminal of the power device; an upper limit current determination unit that determines an upper limit of at least one of the magnitude of an output current and an input current of the power device based on the allowable current value acquired by the allowable current acquisition unit; a current increasing unit that determines, when the increase detecting unit detects the increase in the number, to increase at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device so that a fluctuation in at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device satisfies a predetermined first condition; Equipped with The upper limit current determination unit when at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device is increased in accordance with the determination by the current increasing unit, acquiring a current value of a current flowing between each of the one or more first power storage devices and the power terminal of the power device; (i) a current value of a current flowing between at least one of the one or more first power storage devices and the power terminal of the power device, and (ii) a magnitude of at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device when an absolute value of a difference between the allowable current values ​​of the at least one first power storage device is smaller than a predetermined value, are determined as the upper limit of the magnitude of at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device. Control device.

11. the current increasing unit adjusts a timing to start a process for increasing at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device so that the at least one of the output current and the input current of the power device increases after a predetermined delay time has elapsed since the increase detection unit detected the increase in the number; The delay time has a predetermined length or a length determined based on a predetermined algorithm. The control device according to claim 10.

12. The allowable current acquisition unit (i) an allowable current determination unit that determines the allowable current value for each of the one or more first power storage devices based on at least one of a maximum power supply value that is the maximum value of power that each of the one or more first power storage devices can supply to the power device, and (i) a maximum power reception value that is the maximum value of power that each of the one or more first power storage devices can receive from the power device; having The control device according to claim 10.

13. a decrease detection unit that detects in advance that the number of the one or more first power storage devices will decrease while the power device is outputting power; a current reduction unit that, when the reduction detection unit detects the reduction in the number in advance, determines to reduce the output current of the power device so that the output current of the power device is reduced before the number of the one or more first power storage devices is reduced; Further provided with The control device according to claim 10.

14. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13; a power adjustment unit that adjusts at least one of the input power and the output power of the power supply device based on an instruction from the control device; A power adjustment device comprising:

15. The power conditioning device according to claim 14; a holding section configured to be able to hold the detachable power storage device; a power terminal configured to be able to input and output power to and from an external electrical device; Equipped with the power adjustment device adjusts input and output of power between the power storage device and the external electrical device. Power equipment.

16. The control device according to claim 8 or claim 13; a transmitter that transmits a warning signal to the control device to warn that the number of the one or more first power storage devices will be reduced when a voltage difference between a power storage unit of a second power storage device included in the one or more first power storage devices and the power terminal of the power device satisfies a predetermined second condition during a period when the power device is outputting power; a disconnection unit that determines to electrically disconnect the power terminal of the power device and the second power storage device when a predetermined third condition is satisfied after the transmission unit outputs the warning signal; A control system comprising:

17. The second condition is: the voltage difference is less than a predetermined value; or the absolute value of the voltage difference is smaller than a predetermined value; Including, The third condition is: A condition that a predetermined time has elapsed after the transmission unit outputs the warning signal, or a condition in which, after the transmission unit outputs the warning signal, the disconnection unit receives a signal from the control device indicating that a process for reducing the output current of the power device has started or that the process has been completed; Including, 17. The control system of claim 16.

18. A management device that manages a state of a power storage device that is detachably attached to a power device that is configured to be able to input and output power to and from an external electrical device, a transmitter that transmits a warning signal to a control device that controls the power device, when a voltage difference between a power storage unit of the power storage device and a power terminal of the power device satisfies a predetermined second condition while the power device to which the power storage device is attached is outputting power, to warn that the power storage unit and the power terminal will be electrically disconnected; a disconnection unit that determines to electrically disconnect the power terminal of the power device and the power storage device when a predetermined third condition is satisfied after the transmission unit outputs the warning signal; Equipped with The second condition is: the voltage difference is less than a predetermined value; or the absolute value of the voltage difference is smaller than a predetermined value; Including, The third condition is: A condition that a predetermined time has elapsed after the transmission unit outputs the warning signal, or a condition in which, after the transmission unit outputs the warning signal, the disconnection unit receives a signal from the control device indicating that a process for reducing the output current of the power device has started or that the process has been completed; Including, Management device.

19. A program for causing a computer to function as the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

20. A program for causing a computer to function as the management device according to claim 18.

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