Information processing method, information processing device, and information processing program

Abstract

To promote repurposed use in applications requiring energy storage units that are generally in good working order. [Solution] An information processing method that estimates or acquires the current full charge capacity (health status) of energy storage elements 25 included in a stationary energy storage system 2, and presents the value of the energy storage elements 25 for repurpose use based on the current full charge capacity. This can promote repurpose use in applications that require energy storage elements 25 with roughly the same current full charge capacity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the demand for stationary power storage systems has been expanding. Stationary power storage systems are installed in houses, factories, hospitals, etc., and are used for purposes such as energy management including power supply, reduction of electricity bills by peak shifting, and backup power during power outages. Generally, stationary power storage systems include many power storage units.

[0003] Conventionally, in order to suppress costs and effectively utilize scarce resources, the reuse (re-pass use) of used power storage units for other purposes has been studied (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, Patent Document 1 describes reusing used lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) from vehicles such as electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) as stationary batteries.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Among the uses of re-pass using power storage units, there are also uses that require power storage units with generally uniform health states. One aspect of the present invention aims to promote re-pass use in applications that require power storage units with generally uniform health states.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing method disclosed herein estimates or obtains the health status of energy storage units included in a stationary energy storage system and presents the value of the energy storage units for repurposed use based on the health status. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The above configuration facilitates repurposed use in applications requiring energy storage units that are generally in good working order. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing an information processing device, telecommunications line, seller's terminal, buyer's terminal, and price information server according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a stationary energy storage system. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the energy storage module. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram of the bank screen. [Figure 6] Schematic diagram of the energy storage module screen. [Figure 7] Schematic diagram of the energy storage element screen. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram of the conditions setting screen. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram of the group selection screen. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram of the sales price display screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Summary of the Embodiment] An overview of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described below.

[0010] (1) The information processing method according to the embodiment estimates or acquires the health status of a storage unit included in a stationary energy storage system and presents the value of the storage unit for repurpose use based on the health status.

[0011] The above-mentioned energy storage unit refers to a group of energy storage elements consisting of one or more energy storage elements. In other words, an energy storage unit may refer to a single energy storage element or multiple energy storage elements. Energy storage elements are sometimes also called energy storage cells.

[0012] The inventors of this application have found that energy storage units from used vehicles are not suitable for repurposed use in applications requiring energy storage units that are generally in similar condition. Specifically, in such applications, the capacity and voltage of an energy storage unit installed in a single vehicle are insufficient, requiring the collection of energy storage units from multiple vehicles. However, since energy storage units collected from multiple vehicles have different usage histories (driving history, ambient temperature history, etc.), their health varies according to the usage history of each vehicle.

[0013] The energy storage units installed in vehicles often have busbars welded to them using laser welding or similar methods to electrically connect multiple units at high speed and prevent them from becoming detached due to vibration. To use the units for repurposed purposes, the busbars must be removed and the units disassembled, but removing welded busbars is a time-consuming process. This increases the cost of repurposed use.

[0014] In contrast, stationary energy storage systems contain many energy storage units, and since the usage history of multiple energy storage units in a single stationary energy storage system is generally the same, their health condition is generally consistent. Furthermore, because stationary energy storage systems do not vibrate, the busbars attached to the energy storage unit are often bolted rather than welded. This makes them easy to disassemble and allows for repurposed use at a lower cost compared to energy storage units installed in vehicles. Generally, since the temperature of the energy storage unit included in the stationary energy storage system is maintained constant by air conditioning control, the degradation of the state of health due to temperature changes is less than that of the energy storage unit mounted on a vehicle. Therefore, the energy storage unit included in the stationary energy storage system often has a better state of health than the energy storage unit mounted on a vehicle. For the above reasons, the energy storage unit included in the stationary energy storage system is suitable for reuse in applications that require energy storage units with generally consistent states of health.

[0015] However, even for the energy storage unit included in the stationary energy storage system, it is not always easy for the seller or the buyer to appropriately determine its value when trading the energy storage unit for reuse. There is concern that if it is not easy to appropriately determine the value, the trading may not proceed smoothly.

[0016] According to the information processing method described in (1) above, since the state of health of the energy storage unit included in the stationary energy storage system is estimated or obtained and the value for reuse of the energy storage unit based on the state of health is presented, the seller and the buyer can appropriately determine the value. Therefore, the trading is likely to proceed smoothly. Therefore, according to the information processing method described in (1) above, the reuse in applications that require energy storage units with generally consistent states of health can be promoted.

[0017] (2) In the information processing method described in (1) above, the state of health is the current full charge capacity of the energy storage unit, and the information processing method may present the value based on the difference between the current full charge capacity of the energy storage unit and a predetermined full charge capacity at which the energy storage unit is determined to have reached the end of its life.

[0018] As a battery storage unit is used, its full charge capacity decreases, and when it falls to a predetermined full charge capacity, it is considered to have reached the end of its lifespan. If the difference between the current full charge capacity of the battery storage unit and the predetermined full charge capacity at which the battery storage unit is deemed to have reached the end of its lifespan is large, the usable time until the end of its lifespan is longer compared to when this difference is small, so it can be said to have high value for repurposed use. According to the information processing method described in (2) above, the value for repurposed use can be presented based on the difference between the current full charge capacity of the energy storage unit and a predetermined full charge capacity at which the energy storage unit is judged to have reached the end of its lifespan.

[0019] (3) In the information processing method described in (2) above, the health status may include the current internal resistance value of the energy storage unit.

[0020] As a power storage unit deteriorates, its internal resistance increases. Even if the usable time until the end of its lifespan is long, high internal resistance reduces the maximum power output, making it less valuable for repurpose use. Therefore, it is preferable to consider the internal resistance when determining the value for repurpose use. According to the information processing method described in (3) above, a more appropriate value can be presented by presenting the value for repurpose use based on the internal resistance value in addition to the full charge capacity.

[0021] (4) The information processing method described in (3) above, which may present a value based on the difference between the current internal resistance value of the energy storage unit and a predetermined internal resistance value at which the energy storage unit is judged to have reached the end of its lifespan, or it may present a value based on the difference between the current internal resistance value and an internal resistance value determined from the power required at the repurposed usage site.

[0022] According to the information processing method described in (4) above, the value for repurposed use can be presented based on the difference between the current internal resistance value of the energy storage unit and a predetermined internal resistance value at which the energy storage unit is judged to have reached the end of its lifespan, or based on the difference between the current internal resistance value and an internal resistance value determined from the power required at the repurposed use site.

[0023] (5) In the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (4) above, the value is the purchase price to be offered to the seller of the energy storage unit, and the information processing method may assess the selling price of the energy storage unit based on the health condition and offer as the purchase price an amount obtained by subtracting the expenses required for selling the energy storage unit from the assessed selling price.

[0024] According to the information processing method described in (5) above, by presenting the seller with a purchase price that is the sales price of the energy storage unit minus expenses, the buying and selling process becomes smoother.

[0025] (6) In the information processing method described in (5) above, the expenses may include the transportation costs for at least a portion of the transportation route used to transport the energy storage unit from the seller to the buyer.

[0026] At least a portion of the above-mentioned section may be the entire transportation route from the seller to the buyer of the energy storage unit. Alternatively, if the seller brings the energy storage unit to the dismantling site, it may be the transportation section from the dismantling site to the buyer. At least a portion of the above-mentioned section may be determined as appropriate, but is not limited to these. According to the information processing method described in (6) above, a purchase price that takes into account the transportation costs of the energy storage unit can be presented to the seller.

[0027] (7) In the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the value is the selling price to be presented to the buyer of the energy storage unit, and the information processing method may assess the selling price of the energy storage unit based on the health condition and present the assessed selling price.

[0028] According to the information processing method described in (7) above, presenting the selling price to the buyer facilitates smoother transactions.

[0029] (8) In the information processing method described in any one of (5) to (7) above, the sales price may be assessed by transmitting the assessment information based on the health status to an external server that predicts the sales price of the energy storage unit, and receiving the sales price predicted by the server.

[0030] According to the information processing method described in (8) above, the assessment of sales prices becomes easier by obtaining sales prices from an external server.

[0031] (9) In the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (8) above, the user may select one or more of the energy storage units from among a plurality of energy storage units and present the value of the selected energy storage unit.

[0032] According to the information processing method described in (9) above, sellers or buyers of energy storage units will be able to more easily grasp the value of individual energy storage units.

[0033] (10) In the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (9) above, the user may specify conditions for narrowing down the energy storage units that will offer value from among a plurality of energy storage units, and the user may offer value to the energy storage units that satisfy the specified conditions.

[0034] The above conditions may include, for example, the intended use for repurposed purposes, the current full charge capacity of the energy storage unit, the difference between the current full charge capacity and a predetermined full charge capacity at which the energy storage unit is judged to have reached the end of its lifespan, the estimated remaining usable time based on that difference, or the purchase price or selling price. The above conditions are not limited to these and can be determined as appropriate. According to the information processing method described in (10) above, for example, buyers will be able to more easily find energy storage units that suit their needs and budget.

[0035] (10) An information processing device according to an embodiment comprises an information processing unit and a communication unit, wherein the information processing unit estimates or acquires the health status of a power storage unit included in a stationary power storage system, and, via the communication unit, presents the value of the power storage unit for repurpose use based on the health status.

[0036] According to the information processing device described in (10) above, repurposed use can be promoted in applications that require energy storage units that are generally in good condition.

[0037] (11) The information processing program according to the embodiment causes a computer to perform the following: a process of estimating or acquiring the health status of the energy storage unit included in the stationary energy storage system, and a process of presenting the value of the energy storage unit for repurpose use based on the health status.

[0038] According to the information processing program described in (11) above, repurposed use can be promoted in applications requiring energy storage units that are generally in good condition.

[0039] [Details of the embodiment] Details of embodiments of this disclosure are described below. This disclosure is not limited to these examples and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims, as indicated by the claims. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms, such as apparatus, methods, computer programs for realizing the functions of such apparatus or methods, and recording media on which such computer programs are stored.

[0040] <Embodiment 1> Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. In the following description, reference numerals in the drawings may be omitted for identical components, with some exceptions.

[0041] (1) Information Processing Device Referring to Figure 1, the information processing device 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. The information processing device 1 is a device that presents the value of the energy storage element 25 (see Figure 4), which is included in the stationary energy storage system 2, to the seller and buyer of the energy storage element 25 for repurpose use when the energy storage element 25 is bought and sold for repurpose use. The information processing device 1 is an example of a computer. The energy storage element 25 is an example of an energy storage unit.

[0042] The information processing device 1 is connected to one or more seller terminals 4, one or more buyer terminals 5, and a price information server 6 via a telecommunications line 3 such as the Internet. In Embodiment 1, the stationary energy storage system 2 is also connected to the telecommunications line 3. The stationary energy storage system 2 does not necessarily have to be connected to the telecommunications line 3.

[0043] (1-1) Information Processing Device Referring to Figure 2, the electrical configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described. The information processing device 1 is a so-called personal computer or server computer and comprises an information processing unit 10, a display unit 11, an operation unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a storage unit 14. The information processing unit 10 has a CPU 10A and RAM 10B. The display unit 11 consists of a display device such as a liquid crystal display, a drive circuit for driving the display device, etc. The operation unit 12 is an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. The communication unit 13 is a communication circuit for connecting the information processing device 1 to the telecommunication line 3. The storage unit 14 is an auxiliary storage device having a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk.

[0044] The memory unit 14 stores various programs and data executed by the information processing unit 10. These programs include a web server program that enables the information processing unit 1 to function as a web server, an information processing program, and a storage element database. The information processing program is a program that causes the information processing unit 1 to execute a process that presents the value of the storage element 25 for repurposed use based on its health status. The information processing program according to Embodiment 1 is implemented as a so-called web server program that runs on a web server. The storage element database is a database in which information about storage elements 25 that are in demand for sale is registered.

[0045] (1-2) Stationary energy storage systems Referring to Figure 3, the stationary energy storage system 2 will be described. The stationary energy storage system 2 comprises multiple banks 20 electrically connected in parallel, an integrated monitoring unit 21, and communication equipment 22. Bank 20 comprises multiple energy storage modules 23 electrically connected in series, and individual monitoring units 24.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the energy storage module 23 comprises a plurality of energy storage elements 25 electrically connected in series, and a monitoring board 26. The energy storage elements 25 are rechargeable secondary batteries, specifically lithium-ion secondary batteries. The monitoring board 26 is connected to the individual monitoring unit 24 (see Figure 3) via a communication line 27. The monitoring board 26 acquires status data (current value, voltage value, temperature, etc.) for each energy storage element 25 and transmits it to the individual monitoring unit 24.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the individual monitoring unit 24 is connected to the integrated monitoring unit 21 via a communication line 28. The individual monitoring unit 24 estimates the charge state (SOC), health state (SOH), internal resistance value, etc., of each energy storage element 25 from the state data received from each monitoring board 26, and transmits the state data received from the monitoring board 26, along with the estimated values ​​such as charge state and health state, to the integrated monitoring unit 21. In this way, information on each energy storage element 25 is aggregated in the integrated monitoring unit 21. Alternatively, instead of the individual monitoring unit 24 estimating the charge state and health state, the monitoring board 26 may estimate these states and transmit them to the individual monitoring unit 24.

[0048] The communication device 22 is a device for connecting the integrated monitoring unit 21 to the telecommunications line 3. The integrated monitoring unit 21 communicates with a remote monitoring server (not shown) of the stationary energy storage system 2 via the communication device 22 and transmits information about each energy storage element 25 to the remote monitoring server. The integrated monitoring unit 21 can also communicate with the information processing device 1 and the seller's terminal 4 via the communication device 22.

[0049] (1-3) Seller's terminal and buyer's terminal Referring to Figure 1, the seller's terminal 4 and the buyer's terminal 5 will be described. The seller's terminal 4 is a so-called personal computer. The seller's terminal 4 functions as a client terminal of the information processing device 1 by running a web browser. The buyer's terminal 5 functions similarly. The seller's terminal 4 and the buyer's terminal 5 may also be tablet computers or smartphones.

[0050] (1-4) Price information server The price information server 6 shown in Figure 1 is a database server that stores information about energy storage elements 25 that have been bought and sold in the market. The information stored in the price information server 6 includes the selling price of the energy storage element 25 and the remaining usable capacity [Ah] of the energy storage element 25 at the time of sale.

[0051] The remaining usable capacity refers to the difference between the current full charge capacity [Ah] of the energy storage element 25 and a predetermined full charge capacity [Ah] at which the energy storage element 25 is judged to have reached the end of its lifespan. The current full charge capacity is one example of the state of health (SOH) of the energy storage element 25. As the energy storage element 25 is used, its full charge capacity gradually decreases, and when it falls to the predetermined full charge capacity, it is judged to have reached the end of its lifespan. For this reason, the current full charge capacity can be used as one indicator of the state of health of the energy storage element 25. The remaining usable capacity is an example of assessment information based on the device's health. A larger remaining usable capacity means a longer remaining usable time until the end of its lifespan, thus increasing its value for repurposed use. Instead of having a price information server 6, the information processing device 1 may also function as the price information server 6.

[0052] (2) Presentation of the value of repurposed energy storage elements As described above, the information processing device 1 presents the value of the energy storage element 25 for repurpose use to the seller and the buyer of the energy storage element 25. The value of the energy storage element 25 for repurpose use includes a purchase price presented to the seller and a selling price presented to the buyer. The information processing device 1 according to Embodiment 1 calculates the purchase price from the following formula 1.

[0053] Purchase price = Selling price - Expenses (dismantling costs, transportation costs, service fees, etc.) ... Formula 1 As will be explained in more detail later, the selling price is determined based on the remaining usable capacity of the energy storage element 25. As mentioned above, the remaining usable capacity refers to the difference between the current full charge capacity (health status) of the energy storage element 25 and a predetermined full charge capacity at which the energy storage element 25 is judged to have reached the end of its lifespan. In other words, the selling price is determined based on the health status of the energy storage element 25. As will be described in more detail later, when the information processing device 1 according to Embodiment 1 assesses the selling price of the energy storage element 25, it receives (acquires) from the seller's terminal 4 the current full charge capacity of the energy storage element 25 and a predetermined full charge capacity at which the energy storage element 25 is determined to have reached the end of its lifespan.

[0054] The information processing device 1 may not receive the current full charge capacity from the seller's terminal 4, but rather receive information from the seller's terminal 4 to estimate the current full charge capacity and estimate the current full charge capacity from the received information. Specifically, the information for estimating the current full charge capacity may include, for example, current history data of the energy storage element 25, voltage history data, and a profile representing the correspondence between voltage and state of charge (SOC). An example of a method for estimating the current full charge capacity is shown below.

[0055] The current full charge capacity can be estimated from the amount of electricity accumulated by integrating the current values ​​measured at predetermined time intervals from the start of charging until full charge. For example, suppose the voltage when charging starts is Vs[V] and the SOC corresponding to Vs is 40%. In this case, the accumulated amount of electricity is the amount of electricity charged from 40% to 100% SOC, which corresponds to 60% (=100%-40%) of the full charge capacity. Therefore, the current full charge capacity can be estimated by multiplying the accumulated amount of electricity by 100 / 60. The method for estimating the current full charge capacity is not limited to this, and other methods may also be used.

[0056] In determining the selling price, the information processing device 1 refers to the selling prices of energy storage elements 25 that have been bought and sold in the past. Specifically, the information processing device 1 obtains from the price information server 6 the selling prices of energy storage elements 25 with similar remaining usable capacity to the energy storage element 25 being assessed, from among the energy storage elements 25 that have been bought and sold in the past. More specifically, the information processing device 1 obtains the selling prices of energy storage elements 25 that have similar remaining usable capacity and have been sold within the most recent predetermined period, or the selling prices of a predetermined number of energy storage elements 25 that have been sold recently. The reason for obtaining the selling prices of energy storage elements 25 that have been sold within the most recent predetermined period or a predetermined number of energy storage elements 25 that have been sold recently is to refer to the latest selling price of the energy storage element 25. Then, the information processing device 1 determines the selling price of the energy storage element 25 being assessed by, for example, the highest, median, or average of the one or more selling prices obtained.

[0057] The health status may include the current internal resistance value in addition to the current full charge capacity. As the energy storage element 25 deteriorates, its internal resistance increases. Even if there is a large remaining usable capacity, a high internal resistance reduces the maximum power output, making it less valuable for repurposed use. Therefore, the selling price may be assessed taking the internal resistance into consideration.

[0058] For example, the assessed selling price may be multiplied by a coefficient corresponding to the internal resistance value to determine a selling price that takes the internal resistance value into account. Alternatively, the selling price assessed based on the remaining usable capacity as described above may be corrected based on the difference between the current internal resistance value of the energy storage element 25 and a predetermined internal resistance value at which the energy storage element 25 is judged to have reached the end of its lifespan. For example, if there are two energy storage elements 25 with the same remaining usable capacity but different differences in internal resistance, the selling price of the energy storage element 25 with the smaller difference may be lower than the selling price of the energy storage element 25 with the larger difference. This is because a smaller difference indicates that the element is nearing the end of its lifespan.

[0059] The energy storage element 25 may also be used repurposed as an on-board energy storage element installed in a vehicle. On-board energy storage elements may perform high-rate discharge when the vehicle starts or accelerates, and high-rate charging during rapid charging. If the internal resistance is high, the voltage may drop below the drive voltage during high-rate discharge, making it impossible to ensure sufficient acceleration performance, or the maximum charging voltage may be reached too quickly during rapid charging, reducing the charging current and potentially preventing sufficient rapid charging performance. Therefore, internal resistance is an important factor in ensuring the performance of the device.

[0060] The aforementioned expenses are the costs associated with the sale of the energy storage element 25. These expenses include the cost of dismantling the stationary energy storage system 2, the cost of transporting the energy storage element 25, service fees, and other costs necessary to deliver the energy storage element 25 to the buyer. The transportation cost is the transportation cost for at least a portion of the route along which the energy storage element 25 is transported from the seller to the buyer. This "at least a portion" could be the entire transportation route from the seller to the buyer, or, if the seller brings the energy storage element 25 to the dismantling site, it could be the transportation portion from the dismantling site to the buyer. The "at least a portion" is not limited to these and can be determined as appropriate.

[0061] However, at the stage of presenting a purchase price to the seller, a buyer may not yet be determined. In that case, since the transportation route is undecided, the transportation cost may be the average of the transportation costs of energy storage elements 25 that have been sold in the past. Alternatively, when presenting the selling price to the buyer, the selling price may be presented without including transportation costs, and the buyer may be notified that transportation costs will be charged separately.

[0062] The service fee is a charge collected to maintain the operation of the information processing device 1. The service fee does not have to be used in calculating the purchase price. In that case, the buyer may be notified that a service fee is required separately from the sales price and the service fee may be collected from the buyer. The service fee may also be free. The seller may present the buyer with the selling price and expenses separately and notify the buyer that expenses will be charged separately.

[0063] (2-1) Offer of purchase price When the seller enters a predetermined URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the information processing device 1 into the web browser running on the seller's terminal 4, an input screen (not shown) is displayed for entering information (such as an IP address and domain name) for communicating with the stationary energy storage system 2 containing the energy storage element 25 to be sold. Once the seller enters this information on the input screen, the bank screen 30 shown in Figure 5 is displayed.

[0064] Referring to Figure 5, the bank screen 30 will be explained. When the seller terminal 4 displays the bank screen 30, it communicates with the stationary energy storage system 2 using the information described above (such as IP address and domain name) to obtain the number of banks 20 and the identification information of each bank 20. The seller terminal 4 then schematically displays the obtained number of banks 20 on the bank screen 30, along with the identification information of each bank 20. When the seller selects any bank 20 on the bank screen 30, the energy storage module screen 31 shown in Figure 6 is displayed.

[0065] Referring to Figure 6, the energy storage module screen 31 will be explained. When the seller's terminal 4 displays the energy storage module screen 31, it communicates with the stationary energy storage system 2 and obtains the number of energy storage modules 23 included in the selected bank 20 and the identification information of each energy storage module 23. The seller's terminal 4 then schematically displays the obtained number of energy storage modules 23 on the energy storage module screen 31, along with the identification information of each energy storage module 23. When the seller selects any of the energy storage modules 23 on the energy storage module screen 31, the energy storage element screen 32 shown in Figure 7 is displayed.

[0066] Referring to Figure 7, the energy storage element screen 32 will be explained. When the seller terminal 4 displays the energy storage element screen 32, it communicates with the stationary energy storage system 2 and obtains the number of energy storage elements 25 included in the selected energy storage module 23 and the identification information of each energy storage element 25. The seller terminal 4 then schematically displays the obtained number of energy storage elements 25 on the energy storage element screen 32, along with the identification information of each energy storage element 25. The energy storage element screen 32 displays a buy price display button 32A and a buy price display field 32B. The seller selects the energy storage element 25 for which they want to display the buy price and presses the buy price display button 32A. Figure 7 shows the case where "energy storage element C002" is selected.

[0067] When the seller terminal 4 presses the purchase price display button 32A, it transmits the identification information of the selected energy storage element 25 to the stationary energy storage system 2. The stationary energy storage system 2 then retrieves the current full charge capacity of the energy storage element 25 indicated by that identification information, as well as a predetermined full charge capacity at which it is determined to have reached the end of its lifespan. The seller terminal 4 then transmits this retrieved information to the information processing device 1.

[0068] In addition to that information, the seller terminal 4 may also acquire the current internal resistance value of the energy storage element 25 and a predetermined internal resistance value at which the energy storage element 25 is judged to have reached the end of its lifespan, and transmit these to the information processing device 1. Instead of receiving the current full charge capacity from the stationary energy storage system 2, the seller terminal 4 may receive the aforementioned information for estimating the current full charge capacity (current history data, voltage history data, profile, etc.) and transmit it to the information processing device 1.

[0069] The information processing device 1 assesses the selling price based on information such as the current full charge capacity received from the seller's terminal 4. Then, the information processing device 1 substitutes the assessed selling price into formula 1 to calculate the purchase price and transmits the calculated purchase price to the seller's terminal 4. The seller's terminal 4 displays the received purchase price in the purchase price display field 32B. This presents the seller with the purchase price. The screen layout of the energy storage element screen 32 can be determined as appropriate. For example, the energy storage element screen 32 may display a list of the identification information of the energy storage elements 25 included in the selected energy storage module 23 and the purchase price of those energy storage elements 25.

[0070] A "Sell Request" button 32C may be displayed on the energy storage element screen 32. If the seller agrees to the offered purchase price and wishes to sell the energy storage element 25, they may press the "Sell Request" button 32C. When the "Sell Request" button 32C is pressed, various information about the energy storage element 25 is registered in the energy storage element database of the information processing device 1. This information includes the identification information of the energy storage element 25, its current full charge capacity, remaining usable capacity, and selling price.

[0071] Here, we have illustrated a case where the seller's terminal 4 communicates with the stationary energy storage system 2 each time to obtain information such as the number of banks 20. However, the seller's terminal 4 may also communicate with the stationary energy storage system 2 in advance and download this information all at once. Alternatively, if the stationary energy storage system 2 is not connected to the telecommunications line 3, the seller may connect a portable storage medium to the stationary energy storage system 2 in advance, download this information all at once to the storage medium, and then connect that storage medium to the seller's terminal 4. The seller's terminal 4 may then read this information from the storage medium.

[0072] Instead of the seller's terminal 4 communicating with the stationary energy storage system 2, the information processing device 1 may communicate with the stationary energy storage system 2. For example, the seller's terminal 4 may send the information entered on the aforementioned input screen (such as an IP address or domain name) to the information processing device 1, and the information processing device 1 may use that information to communicate with the stationary energy storage system 2 and obtain information such as the number of banks 20. Then, the information processing device 1 may create a bank screen 30 or an energy storage module screen 31 based on the obtained information and send it to the seller's terminal 4.

[0073] The seller's terminal 4 or information processing device 1 may communicate with the stationary energy storage system 2's remote monitoring server to obtain information such as the number of banks 20, rather than communicating with the stationary energy storage system 2.

[0074] (2-2) Presentation of the selling price When the buyer enters a predetermined URL for the information processing device 1 into the web browser running on the buyer's terminal 5, the condition setting screen 33 shown in Figure 8 is displayed. The condition setting screen 33 is a screen that accepts the specification of conditions (hereinafter referred to as "filtering conditions") for narrowing down the number of energy storage elements 25 that will offer a sales price from among the energy storage elements 25 registered in the energy storage element database of the information processing device 1 (i.e., energy storage elements 25 that are desired for sale).

[0075] The filtering criteria may include, for example, the intended use (repurposing), the current full charge capacity of the energy storage element 25, the remaining usable capacity, the estimated remaining usable time based on the remaining usable capacity, or the selling price. The filtering criteria are not limited to these and can be determined as appropriate. Buyers may also specify multiple filtering criteria.

[0076] The repurposed use may also be in stationary energy storage systems. This application involves repurposed use of energy storage elements 25 that were used in one stationary energy storage system 2 in another stationary energy storage system. This is an example of an application that requires energy storage elements 25 that are generally in good condition.

[0077] If repurpose use is specified as a filtering condition, the selection is narrowed down to energy storage elements 25 suitable for that use. If the use is a stationary energy storage system 2, the multiple energy storage elements 25 registered in the energy storage element database are divided into groups of energy storage elements 25 whose full charge capacities are roughly the same. Then, the selection is narrowed down to groups in which the number of energy storage elements 25 belonging to the group is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (in other words, a sufficiently large number or more). The reason why groups in which the number of energy storage elements 25 belonging to the group is less than the predetermined number is that the number of energy storage elements 25 belonging to such groups is insufficient and therefore unsuitable for repurpose use in another stationary energy storage system.

[0078] If the current full charge capacity is specified as a filtering condition, the system will narrow down the search to energy storage elements 25 with a full charge capacity close to the specified full charge capacity. The same applies to other filtering conditions.

[0079] If the buyer specifies stationary energy storage system 2 as the intended use for repurposed energy storage and presses the search button, the group selection screen 34 shown in Figure 9 will be displayed. The group selection screen 34 schematically displays groups that have a predetermined number or more of energy storage elements 25. When a buyer selects a group on the group selection screen 34, the sales price display screen 35 shown in Figure 10 is displayed. The sales price display screen 35 displays a list of the identification information and sales prices of the energy storage elements 25 belonging to the group selected by the buyer. The buyer can also express their interest in purchasing by selecting an energy storage element 25 on the sales price display screen 35 and pressing the purchase request button 36.

[0080] When a transaction for a storage element 25 is completed via the information processing device 1, the information processing device 1 registers information such as the selling price of the storage element 25 and the remaining usable capacity at the time of the transaction with the price information server 6. As a result, information such as the selling price of storage elements 25 that have been bought and sold in the past and the remaining usable capacity at the time of the transaction with the storage element 25 is accumulated in the price information server 6.

[0081] (3) Effects of the embodiment According to the information processing method of Embodiment 1, the current full charge capacity (health status) of the energy storage elements 25 included in the stationary energy storage system 2 is estimated or acquired, and the value of the energy storage elements 25 for repurpose use based on the current full charge capacity is presented, so that sellers and buyers can appropriately judge the value. This makes it easier for buying and selling to proceed smoothly. Therefore, according to the above information processing method, it is possible to promote the repurpose use of energy storage elements 25 that have roughly the same current full charge capacity in applications that require them. Furthermore, the information processing method according to Embodiment 1 allows for an appropriate determination of the value of the energy storage element 25, which has the advantage of enabling operators of stationary energy storage systems 2 to smoothly review their operations. For example, when replacing a currently operating stationary energy storage system 2 with a new system, being able to appropriately grasp the value of the currently operating stationary energy storage system 2 makes it easier to estimate the costs of replacing it with a new system. Alternatively, a business operator newly developing a stationary energy storage system can reduce investment costs compared to using new energy storage elements 25 by repurposing energy storage elements 25 included in other stationary energy storage systems 2. This makes investment easier. Furthermore, the information processing method according to Embodiment 1 improves the convenience for businesses by enabling smooth business reviews and easier investment, as described above, thus increasing the added value of the stationary energy storage system 2.

[0082] According to the above information processing method, the value for repurposed use can be presented based on the difference between the current full charge capacity of the energy storage element 25 and a predetermined full charge capacity at which the energy storage element 25 is judged to have reached the end of its lifespan.

[0083] According to the information processing method described above, by presenting the value for repurposed use based on both the full charge capacity and the internal resistance value, a more appropriate value can be presented.

[0084] According to the above information processing method, the value for repurposed use can be presented based on the difference between the current internal resistance value of the energy storage element 25 and a predetermined internal resistance value at which the energy storage element 25 is judged to have reached the end of its lifespan.

[0085] According to the above information processing method, by presenting the seller with a purchase price that is the sales price of the energy storage element 25 minus expenses, the buying and selling process becomes smoother.

[0086] According to the above information processing method, a purchase price that takes into account the transportation costs of the energy storage element 25 can be presented to the seller.

[0087] According to the information processing method described above, presenting the selling price to the buyer facilitates smoother transactions.

[0088] According to the above information processing method, the system accepts the selection of one energy storage element 25 from among several energy storage elements 25 and presents the value of the selected energy storage element 25, making it easier for sellers or buyers of energy storage elements 25 to understand the value of each individual energy storage element 25.

[0089] According to the above information processing method, the system accepts the specification of conditions for narrowing down the energy storage elements 25, and presents the value of the energy storage elements 25 that meet the specified conditions, making it easier for buyers to find energy storage elements 25 that suit their application and budget.

[0090] According to the information processing device 1 of Embodiment 1, it is possible to promote repurposed use in applications that require energy storage elements 25 with roughly the same current full charge capacity.

[0091] According to the information processing program of Embodiment 1, it is possible to promote repurposed use in applications that require energy storage elements 25 with roughly the same current full charge capacity.

[0092] <Other Embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and in the drawings, and the following embodiments, for example, are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0093] (1) In the above embodiment 1, an example was given in which the information processing device 1 refers to the price information server 6 to assess the sales price, but the assessment method is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 1 may assess the sales price by transmitting the remaining usable capacity (an example of assessment information based on health status) to an external server that predicts the sales price of the energy storage element 25 based on the remaining usable capacity, and receiving the sales price predicted by the server. More specifically, the information processing device 1 may transmit the remaining usable capacity to the server of a buyer that purchases used (second-hand) energy storage elements 25, inquire with the buyer about the purchase price (the price at which the buyer purchases from the seller), and then determine the selling price by selecting the highest, median, or average of the purchase prices offered by the buyer. This makes it easier to determine the selling price.

[0094] (2) The purchase prices offered by the aforementioned buyers may vary from country to country or region to region. If, even after taking into account expenses such as transportation costs, adopting the purchase price from a different country or region as the selling price results in a higher purchase price offered to the seller, then the seller may adopt the purchase price from a different country or region as the selling price.

[0095] (3) In Embodiment 1 described above, a storage element 25 was used as an example of a storage unit. That is, the example given was that a storage unit is a single storage element 25. In contrast, a storage unit may be a group of multiple storage elements 25. Specifically, for example, the aforementioned storage module 23 may be considered as a single storage unit, and the purchase price or sales price may be presented on a unit basis of the storage module 23. In this case, the purchase price or sales price of the storage module 23 would be the sum of the purchase prices or sales prices of the storage elements 25 included in that storage module 23.

[0096] If a power storage unit consists of multiple energy storage elements 25, presenting a value for each individual energy storage element 25 may actually make it more difficult to grasp the value of the power storage unit as a whole. Presenting a value for the power storage unit (i.e., the power storage module 23) as a whole makes it easier for sellers and buyers to grasp the value of the power storage unit compared to presenting a value for each individual energy storage element 25.

[0097] (4) In Embodiment 1 above, an example was given in which a purchase price is offered for one selected energy storage element 25. However, the selection of one or more energy storage elements 25 may be accepted, and the purchase price of the selected one or more energy storage elements 25 may be offered. In this way, it becomes easier for sellers or buyers of energy storage elements 25 to understand the value of each individual energy storage element 25.

[0098] (5) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the information processing device 1 presents both the purchase price and the selling price of the energy storage unit, but the information processing device 1 may present only one of them.

[0099] (6) In the above embodiment, examples were given of determining the selling price based on the remaining usable capacity, or correcting the selling price determined based on the remaining usable capacity based on the difference between the current internal resistance value of the energy storage element 25 and a predetermined internal resistance value at which the energy storage element 25 is judged to have reached the end of its lifespan. In contrast, the selling price may be determined not based on the remaining usable capacity, but based on the difference between the current internal resistance value of the energy storage element 25 and a predetermined internal resistance value at which the energy storage element 25 is judged to have reached the end of its lifespan.

[0100] (7) In the above embodiment, an example was given of presenting a value based on the remaining usable capacity of the energy storage element 25. However, a value based on the difference between the current internal resistance of the energy storage element 25 and the internal resistance determined from the power required at the repurposed use site may also be presented. For example, if the current internal resistance is greater than the internal resistance determined from the power required at the repurposed use site, it may not be possible to supply sufficient power to the repurposed use site. For this reason, the selling price may be lower compared to the case where the current internal resistance is less than the internal resistance determined from the power required at the repurposed use site. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 1: Information processing equipment (an example of a computer) 2: Stationary energy storage systems 10: Information Processing Department 13: Communications Department 23: Energy storage module (an example of an energy storage unit) 25: Energy storage element (an example of an energy storage unit)

Claims

1. Information processing method, To estimate or obtain the health status of energy storage units included in a stationary energy storage system, This presents the value of the energy storage unit for repurpose use based on the aforementioned health condition. Information processing methods.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, The aforementioned health status is the current full charge capacity of the energy storage unit. The information processing method presents the value based on the difference between the current full charge capacity of the energy storage unit and a predetermined full charge capacity at which the energy storage unit is determined to have reached the end of its lifespan.

3. The information processing method according to claim 2, A method for processing information, wherein the health status includes the current internal resistance value of the energy storage unit.

4. The information processing method according to claim 3, An information processing method that presents a value based on the difference between the current internal resistance value of the energy storage unit and a predetermined internal resistance value at which the energy storage unit is judged to have reached the end of its lifespan, or presents a value based on the difference between the current internal resistance value and an internal resistance value determined from the power required at the repurposed usage site.

5. An information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aforementioned value is the purchase price offered to the seller of the energy storage unit. The information processing method involves assessing the selling price of the energy storage unit based on the health status, and presenting the amount obtained by subtracting the expenses required for selling the energy storage unit from the assessed selling price as the purchase price.

6. The information processing method according to claim 5, Information processing method wherein the expenses include transportation costs for at least a portion of the transportation route used to transport the energy storage unit from the seller to the buyer.

7. An information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aforementioned value is the selling price offered to the buyer of the energy storage unit. The information processing method involves assessing the sales price of the energy storage unit based on the health status and presenting the assessed sales price.

8. The information processing method according to claim 5, An information processing method that determines the selling price by transmitting the assessment information based on the health status to an external server that predicts the selling price of the energy storage unit based on the assessment information, and receiving the selling price predicted by the server.

9. An information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An information processing method that accepts the selection of one or more of the energy storage units from a plurality of such units and presents the value of the selected energy storage units.

10. An information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An information processing method that accepts the specification of conditions for narrowing down the energy storage units that offer value from among a plurality of energy storage units, and presents the value for the energy storage units that meet the specified conditions.

11. An information processing device, Information processing unit, Communications Department and, Equipped with, The aforementioned information processing unit, To estimate or obtain the health status of energy storage units included in a stationary energy storage system, The communication unit presents the value of the energy storage unit for repurpose use based on its health status. Information processing device.

12. It is an information processing program, A process for estimating or acquiring the health status of energy storage units included in a stationary energy storage system, A process for presenting the value of the energy storage unit for repurpose use based on the aforementioned health status, An information processing program that causes a computer to execute an action.

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