Battery trading management system, battery trading management method and program

Abstract

This invention provides a battery trading management system, a battery trading management method, and a program that can set appropriate prices for battery rentals. [Solution] The cloud server 1 of the battery trading management system includes a battery status acquisition unit 111 that acquires battery status information including SOC information for each battery stored at the battery exchange station 2, a usage count calculation unit 112 that calculates the number of times each battery has been used, a battery status determination unit 113 that determines the state of each battery, a battery rank determination unit 114 that determines the rank of each battery based on the number of times the battery has been used and the state of each battery, a rental base price calculation unit 118 that calculates the rental base price of the battery based on the determined battery rank and SOC information, and a price setting unit 120 that sets the rental price of the battery based on the rental base price.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery transaction management system, a battery transaction management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] An exchange price setting device for setting an exchange price of a battery at a station where a battery replacement operation of an electric vehicle is performed has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This exchange price setting device calculates, for each customer, a feature amount indicating the degree of early deterioration use, which is the degree to which an electric vehicle has been used in a usage mode that causes the progress of battery deterioration, based on threshold exceedance information in which the usage status of the returned battery for each customer is shown as the number of times a physical quantity that changes with the use of the electric vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold, as the total value of the number of times the threshold is exceeded, and sets a relatively high exchange price for a customer with a relatively high degree of early deterioration use indicated by the feature amount.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in setting the battery exchange price as described in Patent Document 1, it is required to increase the lending efficiency of the battery at the station by including batteries that are not fully charged as objects to be provided. In this case, there is a demand for a mechanism to set an appropriate exchange price for both the operator who lends the battery and the user of the electric vehicle by setting the exchange price in consideration of not only the usage status of the battery but also the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery at the time of lending.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned reasons, and aims to provide a battery transaction management system, a battery transaction management method, and a program that can set the rental price of batteries at an appropriate price. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the battery trading management system according to the present invention is: A battery transaction management system that manages transactions for lending at least one battery, which is detachable from a mobile device, according to the user's needs, A battery exchange station for storing at least one of the aforementioned batteries, A battery status acquisition unit that acquires battery status information including SOC information indicating the SOC of each of the at least one of the batteries stored at the battery exchange station, A battery state determination unit that determines the state of at least one of the batteries based on the charging characteristics of at least one of the batteries during charging, A battery rank determination unit that determines the rank of at least one of the batteries based on the state of each of the batteries, A rental base price calculation unit calculates the rental base price of the battery based on the determined rank and the SOC information included in the battery status information. The system includes a pricing unit that sets the rental price of the battery based on the aforementioned basic rental price. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a battery rank determination unit determines the rank of each battery based on the state of each battery, and a rental base price calculation unit calculates the rental base price of the battery based on the determined battery rank and SOC information indicating the battery's state of charge (SOC). Then, a pricing unit sets the rental price of the battery based on the rental base price. This makes it possible to set the rental price of the battery considering the battery's SOC at the time of rental, so that the rental price of a battery that is not fully charged can be set at an appropriate price for both the battery rental company and the electric vehicle user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a battery trading management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a battery trading management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a battery trading management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] (A) is a diagram showing an example of information stored by the battery state storage unit according to the embodiment, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of information stored by the battery rank storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the battery trading management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the battery trading management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the flow of sensor management processing performed by the cloud server according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a battery trading management system in a modified form. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, a battery trading management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. The battery trading management system according to this embodiment manages transactions for lending at least one battery that is detachably attached to a mobile device according to the user's demand. This battery trading management system comprises a battery exchange station that stores at least one battery, a battery status acquisition unit that acquires battery status information including SOC information indicating the SOC of each of the at least one battery stored at the battery exchange station, a battery status determination unit that determines the state of each of the at least one battery based on the charging characteristics when the at least one battery is charged, a battery rank determination unit that determines the rank of each of the at least one battery based on the state of each battery, a rental base price calculation unit that calculates the rental base price of the battery based on the determined rank and the SOC information included in the battery status information, and a price setting unit that sets the rental price of the battery based on the rental base price.

[0010] The battery trading management system according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, is a system for managing the trading of batteries B1 used in a mobile vehicle VE1, which is an electric vehicle equipped with a drive unit that drives the drive wheels by receiving power from battery B2. This battery management system comprises a cloud server 1, a battery exchange station 2, and a terminal device 3 owned by the administrator who manages the battery exchange station 2, which can communicate with the cloud server 1 via a network NW1 such as the internet. Users who utilize the services provided by this battery trading management system exchange the used battery B2 with a low remaining charge installed in their mobile vehicle VE1 at the battery exchange station 2 for a battery B1 stored at the battery exchange station 2. The used battery B2 is then charged at the battery exchange station 2 and stocked as a battery B1 for replacement in the mobile vehicle VE1 of other users who will later use the battery exchange station 2. In this way, the battery B1 is not used exclusively by a single user, but is shared among multiple users. Furthermore, the cloud server 1 can communicate via the network NW1 with a traffic condition management server 4 that manages traffic conditions in the area where the battery exchange station 2 is installed.

[0011] Battery B1 is a rechargeable secondary battery that can be attached to and detached from the mobile unit VE1 by the user. When Battery B1 is housed in the charging slot 24 (described later) provided in the battery exchange station 2, and a battery information request is received from the control unit 21 (described later) requesting the transfer of battery information, which includes battery identification information to identify Battery B1 and information indicating the specifications of Battery B1, Battery B1 has the function of transferring the aforementioned battery information to the control unit 21 in response. This battery information includes temperature history information showing the temperature history of Battery B1 during the operation of the mobile unit VE1 and discharge current history information showing the discharge current history.

[0012] When the traffic condition management server 4 receives traffic condition request information from the cloud server 1, which requests the traffic condition management server 4 to send traffic condition information indicating the traffic conditions in the entire area where the battery exchange station 2 is installed, the server 4 generates traffic condition information indicating the traffic conditions in that area and sends it to the cloud server 1. Here, the traffic condition request information includes installation area information indicating the area where the battery exchange station 2 is installed. The traffic condition management server 4 then selects the traffic conditions to send to the cloud server 1 from the traffic condition information managed by its device, based on the installation area information included in the acquired traffic condition request information.

[0013] The battery exchange station 2 has a function to charge battery B1 and has multiple charging slots 24 for detachably housing and charging each housed battery B1. A user borrowing battery B1 first removes the used battery B1 from the mobile unit VWE1 that they are using. Next, when the user performs a purchase operation, which includes inputting a slot identification number to identify each charging slot 24 to the input unit 205 of the battery exchange station 2 (described later), the battery exchange station 2 finishes charging the battery B1 housed in the charging slot 24 specified in the purchase operation and unlocks the charging slot 24, making it possible to remove the battery B1 from the charging slot 24. Subsequently, as indicated by the dashed arrow, the user removes the battery B1 from the unlocked charging slot 24 of the battery exchange station 2 and installs it in the mobile unit VE1 that the user is using. Then, as indicated by the dashed arrow, the user places the used battery B1 removed from the mobile unit VE1 into the charging slot 24. Subsequently, the battery exchange station 2 locks the charging slot 24 containing the used battery B1, preventing its removal from the charging slot 24, and then begins charging the battery B1 located in the charging slot 24.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, this battery replacement station 2 includes a charging circuit 23 that receives power supply from the system power supply AC and charges the battery B1 housed in the charging slot 24, a driving unit 22 that drives the charging circuit 23, a measurement circuit 25 that measures the output voltage of the battery B1 housed in the charging slot 24, and a control unit 21. The charging circuit 23 includes, for example, a rectifying and smoothing circuit (not shown) and a DC-DC converter (not shown) connected to the subsequent stage of the rectifying and smoothing circuit. The driving unit 22 generates a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal that drives the switching elements included in the DC-DC converter based on the control signal input from the control unit 21 and outputs it to each switching element to drive the DC-DC converter. The measurement circuit 25 measures the output voltage of the battery B1 housed in the charging slot 24 by measuring the voltage at the output terminal on the charging slot 24 side of the DC-DC converter, and outputs a measurement signal reflecting the measured output voltage to the control unit 21.

[0015] The control unit 21 is, for example, a dedicated computer provided in the battery replacement station 2, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a main memory unit 202, an auxiliary storage unit 203, a display unit 204, an input unit 205, a communication unit 206, and a bus 209 that connects these to each other. The main memory unit 202 has a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and is used as the working area of the CPU 201. The auxiliary storage unit 203 is a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor flash memory and stores programs for the CPU 201 to execute various processes. The display unit 204 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The input unit 205 is an input device such as a transparent touch pad arranged over the display unit 204, for example. The communication unit 206 is connected to the network NW1, transmits information transferred from the CPU 201 to the cloud server 1 via the network NW1, or transfers information acquired from the cloud server 1 via the network NW1 to the CPU 201.

[0016] The CPU 201 reads out the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203 to the main storage unit 202 and executes it. As shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 201 functions as a connection detection unit 211, a battery information acquisition unit 212, a voltage acquisition unit 213, a SOC calculation unit 214, a battery state notification unit 215, a lending price acquisition unit 216, a display control unit 217, a price request unit 218, and a charging control unit 219. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the auxiliary storage unit 203 shown in FIG. 2 includes a battery information storage unit 231, a SOC storage unit 232, and a lending price storage unit 233. The battery information storage unit 231 stores the battery information of each battery B1 accommodated in the charging slot 24 in association with the slot identification information for identifying the charging slot 24.

[0017] The SOC storage unit 232 stores the SOC information indicating the SOC of each battery B1 accommodated in the charging slot 24 in association with the slot identification information for identifying the charging slot 24. The lending price storage unit 233 stores the lending price information indicating the lending price of each battery B1 accommodated in the charging slot 24 in association with the battery identification information for identifying the battery B1 accommodated in the charging slot 24.

[0018] For each charging slot 24, when the connection detection unit 211 detects that the accommodated battery B1 is electrically connected to the charging circuit 23 when the battery B1 is accommodated in each charging slot 24, the connection detection unit 211 notifies the charging control unit 219, the battery information acquisition unit 212, the voltage acquisition unit 213, and the price request unit 218 of connection detection information including the slot identification information for identifying the charging slot 24 in which the connection of the battery B1 is detected. Further, when the connection detection unit 211 detects that the battery B1 accommodated in the charging slot 24 is taken out and the accommodated battery B1 is electrically disconnected from the charging circuit 23, the connection detection unit 211 notifies the charging control unit 219, the battery information acquisition unit 212, and the voltage acquisition unit 213 of removal detection information including the slot identification information for identifying the charging slot 24 from which the battery B1 is taken out.

[0019] When the connection detection unit 211 notifies the battery information acquisition unit 212 of the aforementioned connection detection information, the unit transfers the aforementioned battery information request information to the battery B1 via the charging slot 24, thereby acquiring the battery information transferred from the charging slot 24 in which the battery B1 is housed. The unit then associates the acquired battery information with the slot identification information included in the notified connection detection information and stores it in the battery information storage unit 231. On the other hand, when the connection detection unit 211 notifies the battery information acquisition unit 212 of the aforementioned removal detection information, the unit deletes the slot identification information included in the notified removal detection information and the battery information associated with it from the battery information storage unit 231, which is stored in the battery information and slot connection information.

[0020] When the charging control unit 219 receives connection detection information from the connection detection unit 211, it generates control information to start charging the battery B1 housed in the charging slot 24 identified by the slot identification information included in the notified connection detection information, and transfers it to the drive unit 22. As a result, the drive unit 22 drives the charging circuit 23 to start charging the battery B1 housed in the charging slot 24. On the other hand, when the charging control unit 219 receives removal detection information from the connection detection unit 211, it generates control information to end charging the battery B1 housed in the charging slot 24 identified by the slot identification information included in the notified removal detection information, and transfers it to the drive unit 22. As a result, the drive unit 22 stops the charging circuit 23 and ends charging the battery B1 housed in the charging slot 24.

[0021] When the voltage acquisition unit 213 receives the aforementioned connection detection information from the connection detection unit 211, it identifies the output voltage of battery B1 based on the measurement signal output from the measurement circuit 25, and notifies the SOC calculation unit 214 of the output voltage information indicating the identified output voltage and the slot identification information included in the notified connection detection information. Furthermore, when the voltage acquisition unit 213 receives the aforementioned removal detection information from the connection detection unit 211, it deletes the slot identification information included in the notified removal detection information and the corresponding SOC information from the SOC storage unit 232, which is stored in the SOC information and slot connection information of the SOC storage unit 232.

[0022] The SOC calculation unit 214 calculates the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery B1 housed in the charging slot 24 identified by the notified slot identification information, based on the output voltage information notified by the voltage acquisition unit 213. The SOC calculation unit 214 then stores the calculated SOC information in the SOC storage unit 232, associating it with the notified slot identification information.

[0023] The battery status notification unit 215 generates battery status notification information that includes battery information stored in the battery information storage unit 231 and SOC information associated with slot identification information corresponding to the battery information, which is stored in the SOC storage unit 232, and sends it to the cloud server 1. Here, if new battery information is stored in the battery information storage unit 231, the battery status notification unit 215 sends a charging start notification information that includes the new battery information and notifies the cloud server 1 that charging of battery B1 has started, along with the battery status notification information. Also, if battery information is deleted from the battery information storage unit 231, the battery status notification unit 215 sends a charging end notification information that includes the new battery information and notifies the cloud server 1 that charging of battery B1 has ended, along with the battery status notification information.

[0024] When a user performs a battery replacement preparation operation to the input unit 205 to replace the battery B1, the display control unit 217 forms a battery connection prompt notification image prompting the user to place the battery B1 in the charging slot 24 and connect it to the charging circuit 23, and displays it on the display unit 204. Also, when new rental price information for the battery B1 is stored in the rental price storage unit 233, the display control unit 217 forms a price notification image based on the stored rental price information to inform the user of the rental price of the battery B1, and displays it on the display unit 204.

[0025] The price request unit 218 generates price request information and sends it to the cloud server 1, requesting the cloud server 1 to send rental price notification information indicating the rental price of the battery B1 housed in the charging slot 24. This price request information includes the battery identification information of the battery B1 removed from the battery exchange station 2, the battery identification information of the battery B1 used by the user and newly housed in the charging slot 24 of the battery exchange station 2, and the battery exchange station identification information that identifies the battery exchange station 2. Here, when the user performs a battery exchange preparation operation to the input unit 205 to exchange the battery B1, and a battery connection prompt notification image prompting the user to house the battery B1 in the charging slot 24 and connect it to the charging circuit 23 is displayed on the display unit 204, the price request unit 218 generates the aforementioned price request information when the battery B1 is housed in the charging slot 24.

[0026] After the aforementioned price request information is sent to the cloud server 1, the rental price acquisition unit 216 acquires the rental price notification information sent from the cloud server 1. It then extracts the rental price information and battery identification information contained in the acquired rental price notification information, associates this information with each other, and stores it in the rental price storage unit 233.

[0027] Returning to Figure 1, terminal device 3 is, for example, a desktop personal computer and is equipped with an input unit (not shown). When the terminal device receives a price master update operation performed by the user to update the price master information, it generates price master notification information including the updated price master information and sends it to cloud server 1. Here, the price master information is information that shows a combination of information indicating the rental price per unit SOC of battery B1, the base price to be included in the rental price of battery B1, the price per unit SOC of battery B1 when calculating the refund price, and rank information indicating the rank of battery B1. The rank of battery B1 is determined based on the number of times battery B1 has been used, its condition rank, and its specifications, etc.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the cloud server 1 comprises a CPU 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, a communication unit 106, a timing unit 108, and a bus 109 connecting these units. The CPU 101 is, for example, a multi-core processor. The main memory unit 102 consists of volatile memory and is used as a workspace for the CPU 101. The auxiliary memory unit 103 consists of large-capacity non-volatile memory and stores programs for realizing various functions of the cloud server 1. The communication unit 106 is connected to a wide-area network NW1. The timing unit 108 has, for example, a real-time clock and measures the time when battery status information is acquired.

[0029] The CPU 101 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit 102 and executes it, so as shown in Figure 3, it functions as a battery status acquisition unit 111, a usage count calculation unit 112, a battery status determination unit 113, a battery rank determination unit 114, a traffic situation acquisition unit 115, a demand indicator calculation unit 116, a demand coefficient setting unit 117, a rental base price calculation unit 118, a refund price calculation unit 119, a price setting unit 120, and a price notification unit 121. Furthermore, the auxiliary storage unit 103 shown in Figure 2 has a battery status storage unit 131, a battery rank storage unit 132, a traffic situation storage unit 133, a demand indicator storage unit 134, a price storage unit 135, a price master storage unit 136, and a battery information storage unit 137. The battery state storage unit 131 stores, for example as shown in Figure 4(A), SOC information indicating the state of charge (SOC) of battery B1, and charging status flag information indicating the charging status of battery B1, in association with date and time information indicating the date and time when the SOC of battery B1 was calculated, and battery identification information that identifies battery B1. In the example shown in Figure 4(A), it is shown that battery B1, identified by battery identification information IDB[0], was placed in the charging slot 24 of the battery exchange station 2 and charging started at "2024 / 1 / 1 13:00", and was lent out at "2024 / 1 / 1 13:10" with an SOC of 72%.

[0030] The battery rank storage unit 132 stores battery rank information, which indicates the rank of battery B1 determined based on the number of times battery B1 has been used and the state of battery B1, i.e., the State of Health (SOH), as shown in Figure 4(B), and associates this information with battery identification information. Here, the state of battery B1 includes the maximum capacity (SOE: State of Energy) of battery B1, charge / discharge current density, heat resistance, etc. Heat resistance is determined based on the temperature history and discharge history of battery B1 during the operation of the mobile unit VWE1, and the temperature of battery B1 during charging, etc. Here, the rank of battery B1 is determined such that the rank increases as the state of battery B1 is better, and also as the number of times battery B1 has been used since the start of use decreases. In the example shown in Figure 4(B), rank A is the highest rank, followed by rank B and then rank C in descending order of rank.

[0031] Returning to Figure 3, the traffic condition storage unit 133 stores traffic condition information indicating the traffic conditions in the entire installation area, including the location where the battery exchange station 2 is installed, in association with battery exchange station identification information that identifies the battery exchange station 2. The demand indicator storage unit 134 stores demand indicator information indicating a demand indicator that reflects the magnitude of demand in the entire area, including the location where the battery exchange station 2 is installed, in association with the battery exchange station identification information. Here, the demand indicator is, for example, the density of mobile VE1 in the installation area of ​​the battery exchange station 2.

[0032] The price storage unit 135 stores rental base price information for each battery B1, corresponding to the battery identification information of the battery B1, which is calculated by the rental base price calculation unit 118. The price storage unit 135 also stores refund price information, corresponding to the refund price calculated by the refund price calculation unit 119, which is associated with the battery identification information of the battery B1 after use by the user.

[0033] The price master storage unit 136 stores price master information that combines the following: the rank-specific price of battery B1 which varies depending on the rank of battery B1, the fixed price of battery B which is constant regardless of the rank of battery B1, and the SOC proportional price coefficient used to calculate the SOC proportional price which is proportional to the SOC; and rank information indicating the rank of battery B1. Here, the variable price is set to, for example, "40 yen / kWh" for rank A, "30 yen / kWh" for rank B, and "20 yen / kWh" for rank C. The fixed price is set to, for example, "20 yen / kWh". Furthermore, the SOC proportional price coefficient is determined as appropriate according to, for example, the demand situation for battery B1 at that time, and is set to "20 yen / kWh" during peak demand, "16 yen / kWh" during normal times, and "12 yen / kWh" during special sales.

[0034] The battery information storage unit 137 stores information indicating the specifications of battery B1, etc., in association with battery identification information.

[0035] When the battery status acquisition unit 111 acquires battery status notification information transmitted from the battery exchange station 2, it extracts the SOC information and battery identification information contained in the acquired battery status notification information, and stores these extracted pieces of information in the battery status storage unit 131, associating them with the date and time information indicating the date and time the battery status notification information was acquired. Here, when the battery status acquisition unit 111 acquires the aforementioned charging start notification information along with the battery status notification information, it stores charging status flag information indicating the start of charging in the battery status storage unit 131, associating it with the date and time information corresponding to the SOC information contained in the acquired battery status notification information. Furthermore, when the battery status acquisition unit 111 acquires the aforementioned charging end notification information along with the battery status notification information, it stores charging status flag information indicating the end of charging, i.e., that battery B1 has been removed, in the battery status storage unit 131, associating it with the date and time information corresponding to the SOC information contained in the acquired battery status notification information.

[0036] The usage count calculation unit 112 calculates the number of times battery B1 has been used based on the charge status flag information stored in the battery state storage unit 131. Specifically, the usage count calculation unit 112 calculates the number of charge status flag information stored in the battery state storage unit 131 that indicates the end of charging for battery B1, i.e., that battery B1 has been removed, as the number of times battery B1 has been used. The usage count calculation unit 112 then notifies the battery rank determination unit 114 of the calculated usage count information and battery identification information.

[0037] The battery state determination unit 113 determines a state rank indicating the state of each battery B1 based on the charging characteristics during charging of the battery B1. Specifically, the battery state determination unit 113 classifies the degree of degradation of the battery B1 into a number of preset ranks based on the rate of increase of the state of charge (SOC) of the battery B1 during the initial stages of charging the battery B1. Here, the battery state determination unit 113 determines the state of the battery, i.e., the state of health (SOH), based on the maximum capacity (SOE), charge / discharge current density, and heat resistance of the battery. The battery state determination unit 113 also determines the heat resistance based on the temperature history information and discharge history information of the battery B1 during the operation of the mobile vehicle VWE1, which are stored in the battery information storage unit 137. The battery state determination unit 113 then notifies the battery rank determination unit 114 of the determined state rank information indicating the degree of degradation of the battery B1 and the battery identification information.

[0038] The battery rank determination unit 114 determines the rank of battery B1 based on the usage count information notified by the usage count calculation unit 112, the status rank information notified by the battery status determination unit 113, and the information indicating the specifications of battery B1 stored in the battery information storage unit 137. The battery rank information indicating the determined rank of battery B1 is then stored in the battery rank storage unit 132 in association with the battery identification information. Here, the battery rank determination unit 114 determines the rank of battery B1 such that the rank increases as the degree of degradation of battery B1 decreases and as the number of uses decreases.

[0039] The traffic information acquisition unit 115 acquires traffic information transmitted from the traffic information management server 4 by transmitting the aforementioned traffic information request information, including the installation area information of the battery exchange station 2, to the traffic information management server 4 at a predetermined interval. The traffic information acquisition unit 115 then stores the acquired traffic information in the traffic information storage unit 133, associating it with the battery exchange station identification information. The demand index calculation unit 116 calculates a demand index indicating the level of demand for battery B1 in the installation area of ​​the battery exchange station 2, based on the traffic information stored in the traffic information storage unit 133. The demand index calculation unit 116 then stores the demand index information indicating the calculated demand index in the demand index storage unit 134, associating it with the battery exchange station identification information.

[0040] When the price request acquisition unit 122 acquires the aforementioned price request information transmitted from the battery exchange station 2, it notifies the rental base price calculation unit 118 of the battery identification information of the battery B1 removed from the battery exchange station 2, which is included in the acquired price request information. The price request acquisition unit 122 also notifies the refund price calculation unit 119 of the battery identification information of the battery B1 used by a user and newly placed in the charging slot 24 of the battery exchange station 2, which is included in the acquired price request information. Furthermore, the price request acquisition unit 122 notifies the demand coefficient setting unit 117 of the battery exchange station identification information included in the acquired price request information.

[0041] When the demand coefficient setting unit 117 receives battery exchange station identification information from the price request acquisition unit 122, it sets a demand coefficient to be multiplied by the price calculated from the battery B1 rank and SOC information when calculating the basic rental price, based on the demand index information stored in the demand index storage unit 134. Here, the demand coefficient setting unit 117 sets the demand coefficient based on the demand index information corresponding to the notified battery exchange station identification information stored in the demand index storage unit 134, such that the demand coefficient increases as the demand index indicated by the demand index information increases.

[0042] When the rental base price calculation unit 118 receives battery identification information from the price request acquisition unit 122, it calculates the rental base price of battery B1 based on the rank of battery B1 indicated by the battery rank information corresponding to the notified battery identification information, which is stored in the battery rank storage unit 132, and the SOC information corresponding to the notified battery identification information, which is stored in the battery state storage unit 131. Specifically, the rental base price calculation unit 118 refers to the price master information stored in the price master storage unit 136 to identify the price per unit SOC corresponding to the rank of battery B1 indicated by the battery rank information corresponding to the notified battery identification information, which is stored in the battery rank storage unit 132. Then, the rental base price calculation unit 118 calculates the rental base price from the SOC indicated by the SOC information corresponding to the notified battery identification information, which is stored in the battery state storage unit 131, and the price per unit SOC that was identified. The rental base price calculation unit 118 stores the rental base price information, which indicates the calculated rental base price, in the price storage unit 135 in association with the notified battery identification information.

[0043] Let's assume that the price master storage unit 136 stores the price master information shown in the example above. In this case, the rental base price calculation unit 118 calculates the rental base price by multiplying the capacity (SOE) [kWh] of battery B1 by the value of battery B1, for example, when renting out battery B1 which is "Rank A" and has an SOC of "1.0" during peak demand for battery B1. This calculation is performed by multiplying "40 yen / kWh (Rank A price) + 20 yen / kWh (fixed price) + (peak SOC proportional price coefficient) 20 yen / kWh × 1.0 = 80 yen / kWh". Furthermore, the rental base price calculation unit 118 calculates the rental base price by multiplying the SOE [kWh] of battery B1 by the SOE [kWh] of battery B1, for example, when renting battery B1, which is "Rank B" and has an SOC of "1.0", during a special sale period for battery B1. This calculation is based on "30 yen / kWh (Rank B price) + 20 yen / kWh (fixed price) + (SOC proportional price coefficient during special sale) 12 yen / kWh × 1.0 = 62 yen / kWh". In addition, the rental base price calculation unit 118 calculates the rental base price by multiplying the SOE [kWh] of battery B1 by the SOE [kWh] of battery B1, for example, when renting battery B1, which is "Rank C" and has an SOC of "0.6", during a normal sale period for battery B1. This calculation is based on "20 yen / kWh (Rank C price) + 20 yen / kWh (fixed price) + (SOC proportional price coefficient during normal sale) 16 yen / kWh × 0.6 = 49.6 yen / kWh". Furthermore, the rental base price calculation unit 118 calculates the rental base price by multiplying the SOE [kWh] of battery B1 by the SOE [kWh] of battery B1, for example, when renting out battery B1 which is "Rank C" and has an SOC of "0.7" during peak demand for battery B1. This calculation is performed by multiplying "20 yen / kWh (Rank C price) + 20 yen / kWh (fixed price) + (peak SOC proportional price coefficient) 20 yen / kWh × 0.7 = 54 yen / kWh".

[0044] When the refund price calculation unit 119 receives battery identification information from the price request acquisition unit 122, it identifies the SOC information stored in the battery state storage unit 131 that indicates the state of charge (SOC) of the used battery B1 returned by the user to the battery exchange station 2. Here, the time of return to the battery exchange station 2 corresponds, for example, to when the user places the battery B1 into the charging slot 24. The refund price calculation unit 119 then calculates the refund price for the used battery B1 to the user based on the SOC indicated by the identified SOC information. Specifically, the refund price calculation unit 119 identifies the SOC information corresponding to the notified battery identification information stored in the battery state storage unit 131. The refund price calculation unit 119 also refers to the price master information stored in the price master storage unit 136 to identify the aforementioned SOC proportional price coefficient. The refund price calculation unit 119 then calculates the refund price for the used battery B1 from the SOC indicated by the identified SOC information and the identified SOC proportional price coefficient. The refund price calculation unit 119 stores the refund price information, which indicates the calculated refund price, in the price storage unit 135 in association with the notified battery identification information.

[0045] Let's assume that the price master storage unit 136 stores the price master information shown in the example above. In this case, if the used state of charge (SOC) of battery B1 is "0.5" and the SOC proportional price coefficient is "20 yen / kWh", the refund price calculation unit 119 calculates the refund price by multiplying 20 yen / kWh (SOC proportional price coefficient) × 0.5 (SOC) = 10 yen / kWh by the SOE [kWh] of battery B1. Also, if the used state of charge (SOC) of battery B1 is "0.2" and the SOC proportional price coefficient is "12 yen / kWh", the refund price calculation unit 119 calculates the refund price by multiplying 12 yen / kWh (SOC proportional price coefficient) × 0.2 (SOC) = 2.4 yen / kWh by the SOE [kWh] of battery B1. Furthermore, the refund price calculation unit 119 calculates the refund price by multiplying the SOE [kWh] of battery B1 by the SOC of battery B1, assuming that the SOC of battery B1 after use is "0.2" and the SOC proportional price coefficient is "16 yen / kWh".

[0046] The pricing unit 120 sets the rental price of battery B1 based on the base rental price and the refund price. Specifically, the pricing unit 120 sets the rental price by subtracting the refund price for used battery B1 from the base rental price of a different battery from used battery B1 that is lent to the user. The price notification unit 121 generates rental price notification information, which includes rental price information indicating the set rental price, and transmits it to the battery exchange station 2.

[0047] Next, the operation of the battery trading management system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Here, the cloud server 1 transmits the aforementioned traffic condition request information to the traffic condition management server 4 at a predetermined interval, thereby acquiring traffic condition information transmitted from the traffic condition management server 4, and stores the acquired traffic condition information in the traffic condition storage unit 133 in association with the battery exchange station identification information as needed. Furthermore, each time the traffic condition storage unit 133 stores new traffic condition information, the cloud server 1 calculates a demand index indicating the level of demand for battery B1 in the area where the battery exchange station 2 is installed, based on the newly stored traffic condition information, and stores the demand index information showing the calculated demand index in the demand index storage unit 134 in association with the battery exchange station identification information as needed. In addition, the administrator of the battery exchange station 2 generates price master notification information including price master information by performing the aforementioned price master update operation on the input unit of the terminal device 3 in advance, and transmits it to the cloud server 1, and the cloud server 1 stores the updated price master information in the price master storage unit 136.

[0048] First, as shown in Figure 5, assume that battery B1 is placed in the charging slot 24 of battery exchange station 2 and battery B1 is connected to battery exchange station 2. In this case, battery exchange station 2 transfers the aforementioned battery information request information to the connected battery B1, obtains the aforementioned battery information transferred from battery B1, and stores the acquired battery information and the slot identification information of the charging slot 24 in which battery B1 is placed in the battery information storage unit 231 in association with each other (step S1). Next, battery exchange station 2 identifies the output voltage of battery B1 based on the measurement signal output from the measurement circuit 25 (step S2), and calculates the SOC of battery B1 connected to charging slot 24 based on the output voltage information indicating the identified output voltage. Then, battery exchange station 2 stores the SOC information indicating the calculated SOC in the SOC storage unit 232 in association with the slot identification information of the charging slot 24 to which battery B1 is connected (step S3). Next, the battery exchange station 2 generates battery status notification information, which includes battery identification information stored in the battery information storage unit 231 and SOC information associated with the slot identification information corresponding to the battery information, stored in the SOC storage unit 232 (step S4). Then, the generated battery status information and the aforementioned charging start notification information are sent from the battery exchange station 2 to the cloud server 1 (step S5). After that, the battery exchange station 2 locks the battery B1 housed in the charging slot 24 (step S6) and then starts charging the battery B1 (step S7).

[0049] Meanwhile, when the cloud server 1 acquires battery status notification information, it extracts the SOC information and battery identification information contained in the acquired battery status notification information, and stores these extracted pieces of information in the battery status storage unit 131, associating them with the date and time information indicating the date and time the battery status notification information was acquired (step S8). Here, in response to acquiring the charging start notification information, the cloud server 1 stores charging status flag information indicating the start of charging in the battery status storage unit 131, associating it with the SOC information contained in the acquired battery status notification information and the corresponding date and time information. Next, the cloud server 1 calculates the number of times battery B1 has been used based on the charging status flag information stored in the battery status storage unit 131 (step S9). Subsequently, the cloud server 1 determines the status rank indicating the state of each battery B1 based on the charging characteristics during charging of battery B1 (step S10). Subsequently, the cloud server 1 determines the rank of battery B1 based on the usage count information indicating the number of times battery B1 has been used and the state rank information indicating the state rank of battery B1, and stores the determined battery rank information indicating the rank of battery B1 in the battery rank storage unit 132 in association with the battery identification information (step S11).

[0050] Then, when the pre-set battery status notification time arrives, the battery exchange station 2 acquires the aforementioned battery information transferred from battery B1 and stores it in the battery information storage unit 231, similar to steps S1 to S4 described above (step S12). Next, the battery exchange station 2 identifies the output voltage of battery B1 based on the measurement signal output from the measurement circuit 25 (step S13), calculates the SOC of battery B1 connected to the charging slot 24 based on the output voltage information indicating the identified output voltage, and stores the calculated SOC information in the SOC storage unit 232 (step S14). Subsequently, the battery exchange station 2 generates battery status notification information including the battery identification information stored in the battery information storage unit 231 and the SOC information corresponding to the battery information stored in the SOC storage unit 232 (step S15). Then, the generated battery status information and the aforementioned charging start notification information are transmitted from the battery exchange station 2 to the cloud server 1 (step S16). Meanwhile, when the cloud server 1 acquires battery status notification information, it extracts the SOC information and battery identification information contained in the acquired battery status notification information and stores them in the battery status storage unit 131 in association with the aforementioned date and time information (step S17).

[0051] Suppose the user then performs the aforementioned battery replacement preparation operation on the input unit 205 of the battery replacement station 2. In this case, the battery replacement station 2 forms the aforementioned battery connection prompt notification image and displays it on the display unit 204 (step S18). Next, suppose the user connects the used battery B1 to the battery replacement station 2 by placing the used battery B1 into the charging slot 24. In this case, the battery replacement station 2 obtains the aforementioned battery information transferred from the battery B1 by transferring the aforementioned battery information request information to the connected used battery B1, and stores the acquired battery information and the slot identification information of the charging slot 24 in which the battery B1 is placed in the battery information storage unit 231 in correspondence with each other (step S19). Next, the battery replacement station 2 identifies the output voltage of the battery B1 based on the measurement signal output from the measurement circuit 25 (step S20), and calculates the SOC of the used battery B1 connected to the charging slot 24 based on the output voltage information indicating the identified output voltage. The battery exchange station 2 then stores the calculated SOC information in the SOC storage unit 232, associating it with the slot identification information of the charging slot 24 to which the battery B1 is connected (step S21). Next, the battery exchange station 2 generates battery status notification information, which includes the battery identification information stored in the battery information storage unit 231 and the SOC information stored in the SOC storage unit 232, associating it with the slot identification information corresponding to the battery information (step S22). Then, as shown in Figure 6, the generated battery status information and the aforementioned charging start notification information are sent from the battery exchange station 2 to the cloud server 1 (step S23). After that, the battery exchange station 2 locks the used battery B1 housed in the charging slot 24 (step S24), and then starts charging the battery B1 (step S25).

[0052] Meanwhile, when the cloud server 1 acquires battery status notification information, it extracts the SOC information and battery identification information contained in the acquired battery status notification information, and stores these extracted pieces of information in the battery status storage unit 131, associating them with the date and time information indicating the date and time the battery status notification information was acquired (step S26). Next, the cloud server 1 calculates the number of times the battery B1 has been used after use based on the charge status flag information stored in the battery status storage unit 131 (step S27). Subsequently, the cloud server 1 determines the status rank indicating the state of each battery B1 after use (step S28). After that, the cloud server 1 determines the rank of the battery B1 after use based on the calculated number of uses information indicating the number of times the battery B1 has been used and the status rank information indicating the state rank of the battery B1 after use, and stores the battery rank information indicating the determined rank of the battery B1 in the battery rank storage unit 132, associating it with the battery identification information (step S29).

[0053] Furthermore, the battery exchange station 2 generates the aforementioned price request information (step S30), and the generated price request information is transmitted from the battery exchange station 2 to the cloud server 1 (step S31). Meanwhile, when the cloud server 1 receives the price request information, it sets the aforementioned demand coefficient based on the demand index information corresponding to the battery exchange station identification information included in the acquired price request information, which is stored in the demand index storage unit 134 (step S32). Next, the cloud server 1 calculates the basic rental price of battery B1 based on the rank of battery B1 indicated by the battery rank information corresponding to the battery identification information of battery B1 taken out by the user from the battery exchange station 2, which is stored in the battery rank storage unit 132, and the SOC information corresponding to the notified battery identification information, which is stored in the battery state storage unit 131. Then, the cloud server 1 stores the calculated basic rental price information in the price storage unit 135, associating it with the notified battery identification information (step S33). Next, the cloud server 1 refers to the SOC information corresponding to the battery identification information of the used battery B1 included in the acquired price request information, which is stored in the battery state storage unit 131, and identifies the SOC when the used battery B1 was lent out and the SOC when it was placed in the charging slot 24 of the battery exchange station 2, when the user placed the used battery B1 in the charging slot 24. Then, the cloud server 1 calculates the refund price for the used battery B1 based on the identified SOC. The cloud server 1 then stores the refund price information showing the calculated refund price in the price storage unit 135, associating it with the battery identification information (step S34). Subsequently, the cloud server 1 sets the rental price of battery B1 to the price obtained by subtracting the refund price stored in the price storage unit 135 from the rental base price information shown in the rental base price information stored in the price storage unit 135. Then, the cloud server 1 generates rental price notification information including rental price information showing the set rental price (step S35). Then, the generated rental price notification information is sent from the cloud server 1 to the battery exchange station 2 (step S36).

[0054] Meanwhile, when the battery exchange station 2 obtains rental price notification information, it extracts the rental price information and battery identification information contained in the obtained rental price notification information, associates this information with each other, and stores it in the rental price storage unit 233 (step S37). Next, when new rental price information for battery B1 is stored in the rental price storage unit 233, the battery exchange station 2 forms a price notification image to notify the user of the rental price of battery B1 based on the stored rental price information and displays it on the display unit 204 (step S38).

[0055] Suppose the user performs a purchase operation to borrow a new battery B1. In this case, the battery exchange station 2 finishes charging the battery B1 to be lent to the user (step S39) and unlocks the charging slot 24 in which the lent battery B1 is housed (step S40). Next, the battery exchange station 2 generates battery status notification information, which includes the battery identification information stored in the battery information storage unit 231 and the SOC information stored in the SOC storage unit 232 that is associated with the slot identification information corresponding to the battery information (step S41). At this time, the battery exchange station 2 deletes the battery identification information and SOC information contained in the generated battery notification information from the battery information storage unit 231 and the SOC storage unit 232, respectively. After that, the generated battery status information and the aforementioned charging completion notification information are sent from the battery exchange station 2 to the cloud server 1 (step S42).

[0056] Meanwhile, when the cloud server 1 acquires battery status notification information, it extracts the SOC information and battery identification information contained in the acquired battery status notification information, and stores these extracted pieces of information in the battery status storage unit 131, associating them with the date and time information indicating the date and time the battery status notification information was acquired (step S43). Here, in response to acquiring the charge completion notification information, the cloud server 1 stores charge status flag information indicating the end of charging, i.e., the removal of battery B1, in the battery status storage unit 131, associating the SOC information contained in the acquired battery status notification information with the corresponding date and time information.

[0057] Next, the battery transaction management process executed by the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 7. This battery transaction process is started, for example, when a program for executing the battery transaction management process is started on the cloud server 1. First, the battery status acquisition unit 111 determines whether or not it has acquired the battery status notification information transmitted from the battery exchange station 2 (step S101). If the battery status acquisition unit 111 determines that it has not acquired the battery status notification information (step S101: No), the process in step S107, which will be described later, is executed. At this time, if the battery status acquisition unit 111 acquires the aforementioned charging completion notification information along with the battery status notification information, it stores charging status flag information indicating that battery B1 has been removed in the battery status storage unit 131, associating it with the date and time information corresponding to the SOC information included in the acquired battery status notification information.

[0058] On the other hand, when the battery status acquisition unit 111 determines that it has acquired battery status notification information (step S101: Yes), it extracts the SOC information and battery identification information contained in the acquired battery status notification information, and stores these extracted pieces of information in the battery status storage unit 131, associating them with the date and time information indicating the date and time the battery status notification information was acquired (step S102). Next, the battery status acquisition unit 111 determines whether or not it has acquired the aforementioned charging start notification information along with the battery status notification information (step S103). If the battery status acquisition unit 111 determines that it has not acquired the charging start notification information (step S103: No), the process in step S107, described later, is executed.

[0059] Meanwhile, when the battery status acquisition unit 111 determines that it has acquired charging start notification information (step S103: Yes), it stores charging status flag information indicating the start of charging in the battery status storage unit 131, associating it with the SOC information included in the acquired battery status notification information and the corresponding date and time information. Then, the usage count calculation unit 112 calculates the number of times battery B1 has been used based on the charging status flag information stored in the battery status storage unit 131 (step S104). At this time, the usage count calculation unit 112 notifies the battery rank determination unit 114 of the calculated usage count information and battery identification information.

[0060] Next, the battery state determination unit 113 determines a state rank indicating the state of each battery B1 based on the charging characteristics of each battery B1 during charging (step S105). At this time, the battery state determination unit 113 notifies the battery rank determination unit 114 of the state rank information indicating the determined state rank of the battery B1 and the battery identification information.

[0061] Subsequently, the battery rank determination unit 114 determines the rank of battery B1 based on the usage count information notified by the usage count calculation unit 112 and the state rank information notified by the battery state determination unit 113, and stores the determined battery rank information indicating the rank of battery B1 in the battery rank storage unit 132 in association with the battery identification information (step S106).

[0062] Next, the price request acquisition unit 122 determines whether or not it has acquired the aforementioned price request information transmitted from the battery exchange station 2 (step S107). If the price request acquisition unit 122 determines that it has not acquired the price request information (step S107: No), the process in step S101 is executed again. On the other hand, if the price request acquisition unit 122 determines that it has acquired the price request information (step S107: Yes), it notifies the rental base price calculation unit 118 of the battery identification information of the battery B1 removed from the battery exchange station 2, which is included in the acquired price request information. The price request acquisition unit 122 also notifies the refund price calculation unit 119 of the battery identification information of the battery B1 used by the user that has been newly placed in the charging slot 24 of the battery exchange station 2, which is included in the acquired price request information. Furthermore, the price request acquisition unit 122 notifies the demand coefficient setting unit 117 of the battery exchange station identification information included in the acquired price request information.

[0063] Then, when the demand coefficient setting unit 117 receives battery exchange station identification information from the price request acquisition unit 122, it sets the demand coefficient based on the demand indicator indicated by the demand indicator information, which is stored in the demand indicator storage unit 134 and corresponds to the notified battery exchange station identification information (step S108).

[0064] Next, the rental base price calculation unit 118 calculates the rental base price of battery B1 based on the rank of battery B1 indicated by the battery rank information corresponding to the notified battery identification information, which is stored in the battery rank storage unit 132, and the SOC information corresponding to the notified battery identification information, which is stored in the battery state storage unit 131. Then, the rental base price calculation unit 118 stores the rental base price information indicating the calculated rental base price in the price storage unit 135, associating it with the notified battery identification information (step S109).

[0065] Subsequently, the refund price calculation unit 119 identifies the SOC information corresponding to the notified battery identification information stored in the battery state storage unit 131. The refund price calculation unit 119 also refers to the price master information stored in the price master storage unit 136 and identifies the SOC proportional price coefficient indicated by the SOC proportional price coefficient information corresponding to the notified battery identification information stored in the battery rank storage unit 132. Then, the refund price calculation unit 119 calculates the refund price for the used battery B1 from the SOC indicated by the identified SOC information and the identified SOC proportional price coefficient. The refund price calculation unit 119 also stores the refund price information showing the calculated refund price in the price storage unit 135, associating it with the notified battery identification information (step S110).

[0066] Next, the pricing unit 120 sets the rental price by subtracting the refund price for the used battery B1 from the base rental price of a battery other than the used battery B1 that is to be lent to the user. Then, the price notification unit 121 generates rental price notification information, which includes rental price information indicating the set rental price, and transmits it to the battery exchange station 2 (step S111).

[0067] As described above, in the battery trading management system according to this embodiment, the battery rank determination unit 114 of the cloud server 1 determines the rank of each battery B1 based on the number of times the battery B1 has been used and the state of the battery B1. The rental base price calculation unit 118 calculates the rental base price of the battery B1 based on the determined rank of the battery B1 and the SOC information indicating the state of charge of the battery B1. The price setting unit 120 then sets the rental price of the battery B1 based on the rental base price of the battery B1. This makes it possible to set the rental price of the battery B1 considering the SOC of the battery B1 at the time of rental, so that the rental price of a battery B1 that is not fully charged can be set at an appropriate price for both the administrator of the battery exchange station 2 that rents out the battery B1 and the user of the electric vehicle.

[0068] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the terminal device 2003 owned by the manager of the battery exchange station 2 may include a traffic condition acquisition unit 2311, a demand indicator distribution calculation unit 2312, a placement determination unit 2313, a display control unit 2314, and an installation area information notification unit 2315. In Figure 8, components similar to those in the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 3. Furthermore, the hardware configuration of the terminal device 2003 and the cloud server 2001 is the same as the configuration described in the embodiments. The terminal device 2003 further includes a traffic condition storage unit 2331 that stores traffic condition information indicating the traffic conditions within the target area where multiple battery exchange stations 2 are to be installed, a demand indicator distribution storage unit 2332 that stores demand indicator distribution information indicating the distribution of the demand indicator as the density distribution of mobile VE1 within the target area, and a placement storage unit 2333 that stores placement information indicating the placement of each of the determined multiple battery exchange stations 2.

[0069] The traffic condition acquisition unit 2311 acquires traffic condition information transmitted from the traffic condition management server 4 by sending traffic condition request information to the traffic condition management server 4 at a predetermined interval, requesting the server to transmit traffic condition information indicating the traffic conditions within the aforementioned target area. The traffic condition acquisition unit 2311 then stores the acquired traffic condition information in the traffic condition storage unit 2331.

[0070] Assume that the demand indicator distribution calculation unit 2312 has received a request from the input unit 305 of the administrator who manages multiple battery exchange stations 2 to display a placement notification image on the display unit 304 that represents the recommended placement of multiple battery exchange stations 2. In this case, the demand indicator distribution calculation unit 2312 calculates the distribution of the demand indicator for batteries B1 within the target area based on the traffic condition information within the target area stored in the traffic condition storage unit 2331. Here, the demand indicator distribution calculation unit 2312 calculates the density distribution of mobile objects VE1 within the target area as the distribution of the demand indicator. Then, the demand indicator distribution calculation unit 2312 stores the demand indicator distribution information showing the calculated distribution of the demand indicator in the demand indicator distribution storage unit 2332.

[0071] When the placement determination unit 2313 receives the aforementioned placement display operation from the administrator's input unit 305, it determines the placement of battery exchange stations 2 within the target area based on the distribution of demand indicators within the target area indicated by the demand indicator distribution information stored in the demand indicator distribution storage unit 2332, such that the density of multiple battery exchange stations 2 increases in locations where the demand indicator is large within the target area. Furthermore, the placement determination unit 2313 determines the placement of battery exchange stations 2 based on the distribution of demand indicators within the target area so as to minimize the number of multiple batteries used within the target area. Specifically, the placement determination unit 2313 maintains correlation table information showing the correlation between the magnitude of the demand indicator within the target area and the minimum density of battery exchange stations 2 appropriate for the magnitude of that demand indicator, and determines the placement of each of the multiple battery exchange stations 2 based on this correlation table information. The placement determination unit 2313 then stores placement information indicating the installation area of ​​each determined battery exchange station 2 in the placement storage unit 2333.

[0072] When the placement storage unit 2333 stores new placement information, the display control unit 2314 forms a placement notification image on the display unit 304 that shows the installation locations of multiple battery exchange stations 2 recommended to the administrator based on the placement information. When the administrator receives an installation location information transmission operation from the input unit 305 to send the installation location information of the battery exchange stations 2 selected by the administrator to the cloud server 2001, the installation location information notification unit 2315 selects the installation location information selected in the installation location information transmission operation from the placement information stored in the placement storage unit 2333. Then, the installation location information notification unit 2315 transmits the selected installation location information to the cloud server 2001.

[0073] The cloud server 2001 includes an installation area information acquisition unit 2111 that, upon acquiring installation area information transmitted from the terminal device 2003, notifies the traffic condition acquisition unit 115 of the acquired installation area information. The traffic condition acquisition unit 115 then transmits traffic condition request information, including the installation area information notified by the installation area information acquisition unit 2111, to the traffic condition management server 4, thereby acquiring traffic condition information transmitted from the traffic condition management server 4, and stores the acquired traffic condition information in the traffic condition storage unit 133 in association with battery exchange station identification information.

[0074] With this configuration, multiple battery exchange stations 2 can be positioned based on the demand forecast for battery B1, thereby enabling efficient supply of battery B1 to consumers.

[0075] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the price notification unit 121 of the cloud server 1 transmits rental price notification information to the battery exchange station 2. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the price notification unit 121 may also transmit the information to a terminal device (not shown) owned by the user using battery B1.

[0076] In this embodiment, the battery exchange station 2 may be a so-called mobile type that is not fixed in one place but can be freely moved to a different location.

[0077] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the battery exchange station 2 has a function to charge battery B2. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the battery exchange station does not have a function to charge battery B2 as described in this embodiment. For example, the battery exchange station may simply be a place that holds an inventory of multiple batteries. In this case, the battery transaction management system may consist of the aforementioned cloud server and a terminal device owned by the battery trading company that manages the battery exchange station. In this case, when the battery trading company performs a battery exchange, it should send information about the lent-out battery and information about the battery collected from the user to the cloud server 1 via the terminal device as needed. If a code such as a two-dimensional code representing the battery identification information is attached to each battery, the battery trading company may carry a portable code reader and manage information about the batteries by reading the code attached to the battery with the code reader and transferring it to the terminal device. Furthermore, the battery trading company does not necessarily charge used batteries at the exchange location. For example, if a battery trading company has a battery collection point that collects batteries located in a different location from where they were originally exchanged, the batteries collected may be charged collectively at that collection point.

[0078] In this embodiment, the cloud server may have a function to accept battery rental reservations requested by users. In this case, the cloud server may, for example, calculate the rental price from the base rental price and refund price at the time of reservation acceptance, and send invoice information requesting the rental fee for the calculated rental price to the terminal device held by the user who made the battery rental reservation. Furthermore, if there is a financial management server that works in conjunction with the cloud server 1 to manage the user's bank account, the cloud server 1 may send the invoice information to the financial management server. When the financial management server obtains the invoice information, it may execute a process to automatically debit the amount indicated in the invoice information from the bank account of the user that has been registered in advance.

[0079] In the embodiment described, an example was given in which the battery rank determination unit 114 determines the rank of battery B1 based on usage count information and state rank information. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, the battery rank determination unit 114 may determine the rank of battery B1 based on state rank information without using usage count information.

[0080] Furthermore, the various functions of the control unit 21 of the cloud server 1 and battery exchange station 2 according to the present invention may be realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. In this case, the software or firmware may be written as a program, and the program may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or MO (Magneto-Optical Disc) and distributed, and a computer may be configured to realize the aforementioned functions by loading and installing the program on a computer. When each function is realized by a division of labor between the OS (Operating System) and an application, or by cooperation between the OS and an application, only the parts other than the OS may be stored on the recording medium.

[0081] Furthermore, it is possible to superimpose each program onto the carrier wave and distribute it via a communication network. For example, the program could be posted on a bulletin board system (BBS) on the communication network and distributed via the network. These programs could then be launched and executed under the control of the OS, just like other application programs, thereby enabling the aforementioned processing to be performed. [Industrial applicability]

[0082] This invention is suitable as a system for managing the trading of batteries that can be attached to and detached from so-called electric vehicles (EVs). [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 12001: Cloud server, 2: Battery exchange station, 32003: Terminal device, 4: Traffic condition management server, 21: Control unit, 22: Drive unit, 23: Charging circuit, 24: Charging slot, 25: Measurement circuit, 101,201: CPU, 102,202: Main memory unit, 103,203: Auxiliary memory unit, 106,206: Communication unit, 108,208: Timing unit, 109,209: Bus, 111: Battery status acquisition unit, 112: Usage count calculation unit, 113: Battery status determination unit, 114: Battery rank determination unit, 115,2311: Traffic condition acquisition unit, 116: Demand indicator calculation unit, 117: Demand coefficient setting unit, 118: Rental base price calculation unit, 119: Refund price calculation unit, 120: Price setting unit, 121: Price notification unit, 122: Price 131: Battery Rank Storage Unit, 132: Battery Rank Storage Unit, 133, 2331: Traffic Condition Storage Unit, 134: Demand Indicator Storage Unit, 135: Price Storage Unit, 136: Price Master Storage Unit, 204, 304: Display Unit, 205, 305: Input Unit, 207: Interface, 211: Connection Detection Unit, 212: Battery Information Acquisition Unit, 213: Voltage Acquisition Unit, 214: SOC Calculation Unit, 215: Battery Status Notification Unit, 216: Rental Price Acquisition Unit, 217, 2314: Display Control Unit, 218: Price Request Unit, 219: Charging Control Unit, 2111: Installation Area Information Acquisition Unit, 2312: Demand Indicator Distribution Calculation Unit, 2312: Placement Determination Unit, 2315: Installation Area Information Notification Unit, AC: System Power Supply, B1: Battery, NW1: Network, VE1: Mobile Unit

Claims

1. A battery transaction management system that manages transactions for lending at least one battery, which is detachable from a mobile device, according to the user's needs, A battery exchange station for storing at least one of the aforementioned batteries, A battery status acquisition unit that acquires battery status information including SOC information indicating the SOC of each of the at least one of the batteries stored at the battery exchange station, A battery state determination unit that determines the state of at least one of the batteries based on the charging characteristics of at least one of the batteries during charging, A battery rank determination unit that determines the rank of at least one of the batteries based on the state of each of the batteries, A rental base price calculation unit calculates the rental base price of the battery based on the determined rank and the SOC information included in the battery status information. A pricing unit that sets the rental price of the battery based on the aforementioned basic rental price, A demand indicator distribution calculation unit calculates the distribution of demand indicators that show the level of demand for the battery within a target area where multiple battery exchange stations are to be installed. The system includes a placement determination unit that determines the arrangement of battery exchange stations within the target area based on the distribution of the demand indicator within the target area, such that the density of battery exchange stations increases in locations where the demand indicator is high within the target area. Battery trading management system.

2. A battery transaction management system for managing transactions of lending at least one battery that is detachably attached to a mobile device according to the user's needs, A battery exchange station for storing at least one of the aforementioned batteries, A battery status acquisition unit that acquires battery status information including SOC information indicating the SOC of each of the at least one of the batteries stored at the battery exchange station, A battery state determination unit that determines the state of at least one of the batteries based on the charging characteristics of at least one of the batteries during charging, A battery rank determination unit that determines the rank of at least one of the batteries such that the rank increases as the battery condition improves, A rental base price calculation unit calculates the rental base price of the battery such that the higher the determined rank and the larger the SOC indicated by the SOC information included in the battery status information, the higher the rental base price of the battery. The system includes a pricing unit that sets the rental price of the battery based on the aforementioned basic rental price, Battery trading management system.

3. The system further includes a usage count calculation unit that calculates the number of times each of the at least one of the batteries stored in the battery exchange station has been used. The battery trading management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the battery used by the user is returned to the battery exchange station, the system further includes a refund price calculation unit that calculates a refund price for the used battery based on the State of Cost (SOC) at the time the used battery was lent out and the rank of the used battery. The pricing unit sets the rental price to the price obtained by subtracting the refund price for the used battery from the basic rental price of a different battery from the used battery that is lent to the user. The battery trading management system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The rental base price calculation unit calculates the rental base price based on the rank and the SOC information, as well as the level of demand for the battery in the installation area where the battery exchange station is installed. The battery trading management system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aforementioned demand indicator indicates the density of the mobile body in the installation area. The battery trading management system according to claim 5.

7. The battery rank determination unit determines the rank such that the rank increases as the battery condition improves. The battery trading management system according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned loan base price calculation unit calculates the loan base price by multiplying the price calculated based on the rank and the SOC information by the demand coefficient calculated based on the demand indicator. The demand coefficient is set to increase as the demand indicator increases. The battery trading management system according to claim 5.

9. The placement determination unit determines the placement of the battery exchange stations based on the distribution of the demand indicator within the target area, such that the number of batteries used within the target area is minimized. The battery trading management system according to claim 1.

10. The aforementioned battery exchange station is mobile and its installation location can be changed. The battery trading management system according to claim 1.

11. A battery transaction management method for managing transactions in which at least one battery is leased to a user according to the user's demand, using a battery exchange station that stores at least one battery that is detachable from a mobile device, The battery trading management system acquires battery status information, which includes SOC information indicating the SOC of each of the at least one of the batteries stored at the battery exchange station. The battery transaction management system includes the step of determining the state of at least one of the batteries based on the charging characteristics of at least one of the batteries during charging, The battery trading management system includes the step of determining the rank of at least one of the batteries based on the status of each battery, The battery trading management system includes the steps of calculating the basic rental price of the battery based on the determined rank and the SOC information included in the battery status information, The battery trading management system includes the steps of setting the rental price of the battery based on the rental base price, The battery trading management system includes the steps of calculating the distribution of demand indicators that show the level of demand for the battery within a target area where multiple battery exchange stations are to be installed, The battery trading management system includes the step of determining the arrangement of battery exchange stations within the target area based on the distribution of the demand indicator within the target area, such that the density of battery exchange stations increases in locations where the demand indicator is large within the target area. Battery transaction management method.

12. Computers, A battery status acquisition unit that acquires battery status information including SOC information indicating the SOC of each of the at least one battery stored in a battery exchange station that stores at least one battery that is detachable from a mobile body, A battery state determination unit that determines the state of at least one of the batteries based on the charging characteristics of at least one of the batteries during charging, A battery rank determination unit that determines the rank of at least one of the batteries based on the state of each of the batteries. A rental base price calculation unit calculates the rental base price of the battery based on the determined rank and the SOC information included in the battery status information. A pricing unit that sets the rental price of the battery based on the aforementioned basic rental price. A demand indicator distribution calculation unit calculates the distribution of demand indicators that show the level of demand for the battery within a target area where multiple battery exchange stations are to be installed. A placement determination unit determines the arrangement of battery exchange stations within the target area based on the distribution of the demand indicator within the target area, such that the density of battery exchange stations increases in locations where the demand indicator is large within the target area. A program designed to function as such.

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